"He doesn't have the fancy and certain moves of many shortstops but Tony Kubek has the range to cut off potential base hits as they're rapped into the hole. A long stride, long arms and a snap that somehow gets a ball away instantly, stamp him as a defensive bulwark. Perhaps the most versatile on the club, he's done everything but pitch and catch in his seven-year Yankee career.
Pesty at the plate, he's equally effective against lefties and right-handers and seldom attempts to overpower and pull a pitch. Tony is regarded by teammates as the 'thinking Yankee,' the one who can intelligently discuss subjects other than baseball."
-Don Schiffer, Major League Baseball Handbook 1964
"Somewhat of a disappointment as a hitter last season, shortstop Tony Kubek hopes to sharpen his batting eye in 1964. He slipped to .257, with only seven homers and 44 RBI in his first full season after spending most of the 1962 campaign in Army service.
His best season with the Yankees was 1960 when he hit a solid .273 with 14 homers and 62 RBI, both personal highs. Versatile, he has played every position for the Yankees except pitcher and catcher since joining them in the 1957 season."
-Dave Anderson, 1964 Major League Baseball Handbook
"This is Tony Kubek's eighth season as a Yankee and he won't be 28 years of age until after the current campaign. Though he's played all four infield positions in addition to the three outfield posts, Tony has concentrated on shortstop exclusively since his return in August 1962 from a second tour of military duty. And a fine shortstop he is!
Consistent in the field and at bat, the knowledgeable and personable native of Wisconsin indicated right from the outset that he was going to be a fixture in the Yankee infield. In spring training of 1957, Tony won the Dawson Award (Longines watch) as the top rookie in camp and went right on to capture Rookie of the Year honors. He has a lifetime batting average of .275.
After a brilliant return from service late in 1962, Tony got off slowly last spring and was hitting only .194 on June 24. From June 28th on, Tony hit a .292 clip to bring his season average up to .257. In late August and September, the blond shortstop hit in 15 consecutive games, longest 1963 streak by a Yankee.
On the road, Tony rooms with his second base sidekick, Bobby Richardson. The two have been playing short and second together now since their big year at Denver in 1956. They know each other's habits and moves almost perfectly to form one of the finest keystone combinations in years."
-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook
"He's the quiet man of the Yankees, but he gets the shortstop job done without much fanfare and hosannas. That's Tony Kubek, who's beginning his eighth campaign in Bomber togs.
As seasons go, Tony didn't have too good a one at-bat in 1963. He hit only .257, a big drop from the .314 of '62. But General Manager Ralph Houk gave Tony a raise anyway. He's reportedly up to $38,000, his peak pay.
Kubek, who resides in Wausau, Wisconsin, got off to a very poor start at bat last season. At the end of June he was averaging only .194. But he worked his way out of the slump. Going at a .292 clip for the balance of the season, Tony finished with his none-too-proud .257.
Commented Kubek, 'I usually get off to a good start and usually hit a slump toward the end of the season. But this was just the opposite. Perhaps it was because I was too heavy last spring at 204, about 10 pounds over my normal playing weight. This year I'll be much lighter and maybe that will make the difference.'
Tony, who spends the off-season skiing, skating and hunting, is married and the father of two small sons.
Kubek, signed by the Yankee organization in September 1953, played with Owensboro, Quincy and Denver before becoming a full-fledged Bomber in '57, winning the James P. Dawson Award as the team's outstanding rookie in spring training.
Following a sparkling campaign, Kubek also earned the accolade of American League Rookie of the Year.
Tony, who has performed at every position for the Bombers except pitcher and catcher, was on active military duty with his Army Reserve unit from Nov. 3, 1961 until rejoining the Yanks on Aug. 4, 1962, hitting a homer on his first time at bat."
-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, September 1, 1953.
Winner of James P. Dawson Award as outstanding Yankee rookie in spring training, 1957.
American League Rookie of the Year, 1957.
Shares record for most home runs in a World Series game by a rookie (2), October 5, 1957.
Recalled to active military duty with his Wisconsin Army Reserve unit, November 3, 1961- rejoined Yankees, August 4, 1962, hitting a home run his first time at-bat, against Minnesota, August 7, 1962.
Has played every position except pitcher and catcher for the Yankees.
-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
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