YOGI BERRA (Manager)
"Yogi Berra is the new leader of the pinstriped smoothies at Yankee Stadium, replacing Ralph Houk who has moved into the general manager's chair. Yogi brings 18 years of playing experience to the post and a season of coaching first base. One of the major leagues' all-time catchers, he was the league's most valuable player three times, had a .284 lifetime figure, hit more homers than any catcher, and has more World Series hits (71) and runs batted in (39) than any other player.
Born in St. Louis, he grew up with ex-catcher and present sportscaster Joe Garagiola. If he is to succeed, friendly Yogi must survive the test of separating himself from his pals of long standing on the club."
-Don Schiffer, Major League Baseball Handbook 1964
"The manager, Larry (Yogi) Berra, makes his debut as Yankee pilot this season after a glorious playing career. As a player-coach last season he batted a solid .293 with eight homers - to increase his major league record for career homers by a catcher to 313. Counting his homers as an occasional outfielder, he had 358.
He holds numerous World Series records, including the one for RBI, 39. Three-time winner of the American League's MVP award (1951-54-55), he'll be bidding for Manager of the Year honors in 1964 after spending his entire playing career in the Yankee organization."
-Dave Anderson, 1964 Major League Handbook
"It was almost 18 years ago that a correspondent of the New York Times predicted big things for a youthful catcher with this understatement of the age: ' ... (made) a fine impression ... Berra, a likely-looking catcher ... caught Spud Chandler ... and slammed a two-run homer and a single ...'
Three hundred and fifty-seven home runs and nearly 18 distinguished years later, Lawrence Peter 'Yogi' Berra is manager of the American League champion New York Yankees.
The comic book rookie of 1946 and '47 has come a long way ... as a ball player, as a manager, as a man.
His career as an active Yankee ended (unless a real emergency should develop), Berra played 2116 games in the Bomber pinstripes, second only to Lou Gehrig's 2164. In his active years, the future Hall of Fame catcher hit more home runs than any receiver in the game's history (313 plus 45 as an outfielder). Three times he was the league's Most Valuable Player. Among a host of records, Yogi recorded the most putouts by a catcher (8,672), accepted most chances by a catcher (9,472), caught the most consecutive errorless games (148), played in the most World Series (14), participated in the most Series games (75), most Series at bats (259), most Series runs (41), most Series hits and RBIs (71 and 39, respectively), most total bases (117), was the first man to hit a Series homer ... and on and on they go.
Yogi played in 15 All-Star games in his great career. Yet, when he told them he was a professional ball player on entering the Navy in World War II, they made him don boxing gloves. But the idea that Yogi was a ball player wasn't a laughing matter very long. He became one of the very best.
Now he undertakes a completely new assignment. And the skeptics of the mid-1940s are the Berra rooters of the mid-60s. Berra has learned something from each of the men who managed him with the Yankees ... Bucky Harris, Casey Stengel and Ralph Houk. He will use some of the methods of each, but essentially he'll establish the Berra method.
In other words, Yogi intends to manage the club as he sees best.
'This is a team club,' Yogi said this spring.'It has been as long as I've been with the club ... I'm just going to be myself. I can't be anybody else,' Yogi said.
Where but in this great land could a Yogi Berra rise from obscurity on the 'Hill' in St. Louis to become a great star and now the manager of the New York Yankees?"
-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook
"When the Yankees named Casey Stengel as manager not too many years ago, a lot of people laughed at the choice of the Bomber brass. But the chuckling quickly turned to admiration as Ole' Case won pennant after pennant. It may just well be that Yogi Berra will turn out the same way as Stengel.
Regarded as somewhat of a character and buffoon throughout his Yankee career by some due to his many 'Berraisms,' Yogi is actually extremely shrewd, possesses a fine, intuitive baseball mind and is one of the most popular individuals to ever have worn a New York uniform.
When Berra signed to pilot the club last October, he became perhaps the first star player to take a cut in salary upon being named a manager.
Yogi is reported to have reached a pay peak of $55,000 during his playing days when he ranked as one of the greatest catchers and clutch hitters ever seen. Serving as a player-coach in 1963, Berra earned $45,000. His pay as a manager will be $35,000, which according to club president Dan Topping, 'is the same salary given to Stengel and Houk in their first year as manager.'
Yogi insisted on a one-year pact because 'if I feel I can't do the job I don't want to stay as manager. If I can't do it I'll quit. If I can, then we can talk about a new contract.'
During his 17 years with the Bombers, Berra accomplished numerous feats of daring do. He belted a total of 358 homers; was named the American League's Most Valuable Player three times, in 1951-54-55; appeared in 2,116 Yankee games, a mark topped only by Lou Gehrig's 2,164; holds two fielding records and led AL receivers six times in double plays. His World Series marks are too numerous to mention.
Lawrence Peter Berra was born in St. Louis on May 12, 1925. Signed by the Yankee organization in 1942, he joined the Bombers late in the 1946 season after a Navy hitch. Yogi, married since 1949 has three sons. In his own opinion, the 1950 campaign ('when I didn't get the MVP') was his best. That year saw him bat .322, his highest average, clout 28 homers and collect 124 RBI."
-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, November 11, 1942.
First player to hit pinch homer in World Series, accomplishing feat vs. Brooklyn, October 2, 1947.
Led American League catchers in double plays, 1949.
Led American League catchers in double plays, 1950.
Led American League catchers in double plays, 1951.
Named American League's Most Valuable Player, 1951.
Led American League catchers in double plays, 1952.
Tied with Gus Triandos, most home runs in one season by American League catcher (30), 1952 and 1956.
Led American League catchers in double plays, 1954.
Named American League's Most Valuable Player, 1954.
Named American League's Most Valuable Player, 1955.
Led American League catchers in double plays, 1956, tying major league record for most years leading his league in double plays.
Signed dual contract as player-coach, January 17, 1963.
Has hit more home runs than any major league catcher in history (313) while hitting 45 as an outfielder.
Has second highest total of games played as a Yankee, 2,116. Lou Gehrig played in 2,164.
Has played in most World Series games, lifetime (75).
Has most hits in World Series, lifetime (71).
Has most RBIs in World Series, lifetime (39).
Signed as Yankee manager, October 24, 1963.
-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
FRANKIE CROSETTI (Coach)
"For continuous service with one club, how about the 33-year record as a Yankee compiled by Frank Crosetti, the third base coach who was so magnificent as a shortstop. Born in San Francisco, he's been in 22 World Series as a player and coach, a record that may never be bettered.
The Crow is the first to rise and the first to go to bed, and none works harder in pregame drills. He is a walking encyclopedia on the respective strengths of outfielders' throwing skills, information that makes him so valuable as a traffic guardian at third base."
-Don Schiffer, Major League Baseball Handbook 1964
"This is Cro's thirty-third consecutive year of service with the Yankees, the longest continuous service with one club of any major leaguer. Still enthusiastic, Frank has worked for such outstanding managers as Joe McCarthy, Bucky Harris, Casey Stengel and Ralph Houk, before the incumbent Yogi Berra. He's been a member of 22 Yankee American League championship clubs and has participated in 115 Series games as a player and coach, a record. Crosetti was a top-grade shortstop for 17 years before becoming a coach."
-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook
"Third base coach Frank Crosetti, nicknamed 'The Crow,' has worn a Yankee uniform since 1932, joining the club after prepping four years with the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League.
The 5-10, 165-pound 'Frisco native became a favorite of the Stadium fans with his flashy fielding. While never a high average hitter, Crosetti was a tough man in the clutch, capable of hitting one out of the park when least expected.
Frankie, whose best year batting-wise was 1936 when he hit .288 with 182 hits, 15 roundtrippers and 78 RBI, remained an active player through the 1948 campaign, though having been named to the Bomber coaching staff in '47.
Crosetti holds the record for most years as a coach in World Series play, 14, as well as the mark for most Series as both a player and coach, 22. Through the years 'The Crow' has picked up a total of $149,823 in Series' shares, the all-time high."
-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook
Has appeared on 22 of the 28 Yankee pennant-winning clubs.
Played or coached in record 115 World Series games.
Coach, New York Yankees, 1947 through 1963.
-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
JIM HEGAN (Coach)
"Following a great career as a catcher for 18 seasons, most of them with the Cleveland Indians, Jim came to the Yankees as bullpen and catching coach and has done a fine job. His son, Mike, is now prepping in the Yankee farm system and is an outstanding first base prospect. Jim played in two World Series and represented the Indians twice in All-Star play ... in four seasons with the Yanks, Jim has been with a pennant winner each year."
-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook
"When bossman Yogi Berra wants a relief pitcher to get ready, the gent who answers the telephone ready to carry out his manager's orders is Jim Hegan, the bullpen coach.
Big Jim, a member of the Bomber board of strategy since July 1960, was one of the finest defensive catchers in the majors during his playing days with the Indians, Tigers, Phillies, Giants and Cubs.
It was with Cleveland, for whom he caught for 14 seasons, that Jim made his reputation. Among his achievements were leading American League catchers in double plays in 1948, and pulling an unassisted double play in a contest on July 21, 1949.
Perhaps Hegan's most noted feat was being behind the bat during three Tribal no-hit games. The first was Don Black's classic against the A's on July 10, 1947. Then came Bob Lemon's zeroing of the Tigers on June 30, 1948. Last, but very far from least, was Bob Feller's third no-hit gem, hurled against Detroit on July 1, 1951."
-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook
Coach, New York Yankees, 1960 through 1963.
-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
WHITEY FORD (Coach)
"There were quite a few raised eyebrows when Yogi Berra appointed his teammate, Ed 'Whitey' Ford as pitching coach last winter. But it seemed a logical choice to those close to the Yankees. For Whitey has been just about the best hurler in the game with a remarkable won-lost percentage and a low lifetime ERA. He feels sure he can continue helping his pitching teammates while holding up his important role as ace of the staff."
-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook
Played sandlot ball in New York with Police Athletic League.
Attended Manhattan Aviation High School.
Signed by Yankee organization, October 4, 1946.
Pitched two consecutive 1-hitters, September 2 and September 7, 1955.
Named No. 1 American League Pitcher by The Sporting News, 1955.
Tied American League record, most consecutive strikeouts (6) vs. Kansas City, July 20, 1956.
Struck out 15 men in 14 innings in 1-0 win over Washington, April 22, 1959.
Tied Yankee record for most consecutive wins (14), 1961, also held by Jack Chesbro, 1904.
Winner of Cy Young Award, 1961.
Named World Series Most Valuable Player [Babe Ruth Award] by Sport Magazine, 1961.
Holds World Series record, most consecutive scoreless innings (33.2), 1960-1961-1962, including three shutouts: 10-0 and 12-0 against Pirates in 1960 and 2-0 against Reds in 1961.
Named No. 1 American League Pitcher by The Sporting News, 1961.
Led American League in wins (24), 1963.
Led American League in winning percentage (.774), 1963.
Led American League in innings pitched (269), 1963.
Tied Ralph Terry for American League lead in games started (37), 1963.
Named No. 1 American League Pitcher by The Sporting News, 1963.
Has winning percentage of .718 (199-78), lifetime, highest among all pitchers with 100 or more wins since 1900.
Has most shutouts (42) by any Yankee pitcher, lifetime, and most by any active American League pitcher, lifetime.
Has most strikeouts (1,730) by any Yankee pitcher, lifetime.
Has most World Series wins (10) in major league history.
Has most World Series games started (21) in major league history.
Has most World Series strikeouts (90) in World Series history.
Signed dual contract as player-coach, November 15, 1963.
-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
"Whitey Ford has been a trailblazer since he broke in with a sensational 9-1 record in the last half of the 1950 season. Since then, and up to this campaign, the great little lefty has compiled one of the most remarkable records in pitching annals. His first 1964 victory was his 200th. Coming into this season, Whitey had won 199 games, lost only 78, highest won-lost percentage among all pitchers with 100 or more wins since 1900. His career earned run average of 2.78 is one of the lowest ever.
And his records don't stop there. The native New Yorker posted a 25-4 record in 1961 to take the coveted Cy Young Award as the major league 'Pitcher of the Year.' He tied Jack Chesbro's old Yankee record of winning 14 straight games (1961) and holds the World Series record of 33.2 consecutive scoreless innings over the 1960, '61 and '62 Series, breaking Babe Ruth's pitching record. Whitey has won the most Series games (10) and fanned a record 90 men in Series play.
All of these, and many more records, certainly qualify Ford to be a pitching coach. But even more importantly, Whitey long has been a sincere student of the game. Knowledgeable, with an outgoing personality, Whitey Ford should prove the ideal pitching coach. But at 35, the popular southpaw is sure he can contribute to additional Yankee pennants both with his trusty left arm and with his counsel to other pitchers."
-1964 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
JIM GLEESON (Coach)
"When Yogi Berra was a young catcher in the Navy, his coach was Jimmy Gleeson. Yogi never forgot Gleeson's encouragement and patience and rewarded him with the Yankee first base coaching job this year.
Jimmy, who had been scouting for the A's, was a major league outfielder for five years (Indians, Cubs, Reds) and hit .263. Born in Kansas City, he spent most of his minor league career with Yankee farm clubs."
-Don Schiffer, Major League Baseball Handbook 1964
"The newest member of the Yankee coaching staff (along with Whitey Ford), Jim Gleeson spent five years as a major league outfielder. In recent seasons, he has served as a minor league manager and scout. But Yogi Berra remembered Jim as his Navy superior at the New London Navy Base during World War II. But Gleeson is not a newcomer to the Yankee organization, having served several successful seasons as a minor league manager for the Bombers. Now he's Berra's first base coach."
-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook
"Newly appointed for 1964 to the post of first base traffic director is Jimmy Gleeson, who did scouting for the Kansas City Athletics for the past two years.
Gleeson, 52, has been in baseball since 1933 when he joined the Cleveland Indians' minor league organization following his graduation from Rockhurst College.
An outfielder, Gleeson, dubbed 'Gee Gee,' appeared in 41 games with the Tribe during the 1936 campaign, batting .259.
After two seasons with the Newark Bears, Gleeson bobbed up with the Cubs in 1939, for whom he hit only .233 in 111 games. But in '40, Gee Gee improved greatly as he zoomed to .313 in 129 games. He was traded that December, however, to Cincinnati, along with infielder Bobby Mattick and cash, for shortstop Billy Myers.
In 1942, Gleeson entered the Navy, meeting Seaman Yogi Berra at the New London submarine base in 1943. Gleeson, who attained the rank of Lt.(JG), played minor league ball after the war until 1950, when he turned to managing. Jimmy served in the Yankee organization as pilot of Amarillo in 1960 and Binghamton in '61 before joining the A's as a scout."
-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook
SPUD MURRAY (Batting Practice Pitcher)
"The rubber arm of the Yankees ... the man who pitches every day ... that's Spud Murray, Yankee batting practice pitcher. You'll see his lanky figure toiling away during batting practice before every Yankee game. He wears uniform No. 55. While he doesn't make news, Spud is popular with the hitters to whom he serves controlled, 'fat' pitches daily."
-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook
JOE DIMAGGIO (spring training instructor)
HIT IN 72 OUT OF 73 GAMES
"Practically every baseball fan knows that Joe DiMaggio hit safely in 56 consecutive baseball games in 1941, but comparatively few recall that the great Yankees' outfielder, after being stopped on July 17 by Al Smith and Jim Bagby of the Indians, immediately started a new streak which lasted through 16 contests and was not halted until August 3. Thus Jolting Joe garnered bingles [sic] in 72 out of 73 games."
Baseball Digest, August 1964
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