"This is an important year for Rollie Sheldon. The popular Connecticut Yankee from Storrs made the big jump from Class D baseball to the varsity Bombers in 1961, winning the James P. Dawson Award as the top rookie in the Yankee spring camp. Rollie went on to post an 11-5 record and was a Rookie of the Year candidate.
But his sophomore year was less than mediocre as he posted a 7-8 mark and drifted back to the minors in 1963. But the intelligent, hard-working right-hander was a determined man and he got another chance. After a good start a year ago at Richmond, the 6'4" hurler was called up by the Yanks and helped the pennant cause with a 5-2 record and some strong spot pitching.
A former University of Connecticut basketball star (he played in the NCAA tournament in 1960), Sheldon obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in education this past February and is prepared to teach and coach when his baseball days are ended.
But it's the season of 1965 that Sheldon is concentrating on now. This is the year of opportunity, Rollie feels, and he wants to be ready for a lot more mound work this year as the Yankees strive for a sixth straight pennant."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"After spending the 1961 and 1962 seasons with the Yankees, Roland Sheldon was sent to Richmond of the International League in 1963, remaining there for the entire campaign after failing to impress during the Bombers' spring training chores. Sheldon reported to the New Yorkers' spring camp in 1964 but was sent to Richmond once again. This time, however, after compiling a 4-2 log and 1.85 earned run mark, Rollie was recalled in June by the Bomber brass.
Appearing in 19 games the balance of the campaign, Sheldon started 12 times, turning a 5-2 record in 102 frames, along with an ERA of 3.62.
The 28-year-old right-hander aims to stick around all season this time and come through with the fine performances the club has always felt he has been capable of since inking him to a pact on June 3, 1960.
He enjoyed a sensational season in his Organized Ball debut with Auburn in '60, with a 15-1 mark and 2.88 ERA. Winner of the James P. Dawson Award as the club's outstanding rookie in the '61 spring training campaign, Sheldon went on to stick with the team, finishing with an 11-5 mark and 3.59 earned run average. Rollie was 7-8 in '62 with an ERA of 5.49, which was quite a drop off.
You can be sure that the good-sized hurler from Storrs, Connecticut, who received a $50,000 bonus when he joined the organization, will give it that old college try as he did with the U. of Connecticut."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Played in NCAA Basketball Tournament with University of Connecticut, 1960.
Signed by Yankee organization, June 3, 1960.
Winner of James P. Dawson Award as outstanding Yankee rookie in spring training, 1961.
Recalled by Yankees from Richmond, June 12, 1964.
Attends University of Connecticut in off-season.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
BILL STAFFORD
"The statistics may be impressive, but Bill Stafford was anything but pleased with his 1964 season in Yankee pinstripes. The record says he won five and did not lose a game while posting a 2.66 earned run average. But on the negative side, the 26-year-old right-hander pitched only 61 innings and started only once.
Bill wants the opportunity of working this year and he hopes his right arm will respond to the chance. A native of Athens, New York, Stafford now lives in nearby Yonkers, just a short throw from Yankee Stadium where he wants to continue pitching for several years. But Bill knows that he has not yet realized the high promise he gave when he posted identical 14-9 records in his first two full seasons as a Yankee.
This past winter has been a momentous one for the Staffords and they hope it indicates more good things to come. Bill and his wife, Janice, adopted a boy, named William James Stafford. Then during the winter Bill had a blockage removed from his nose, and he hopes that this will greatly improve his breathing and give him much needed stamina. Also during the winter, Bill started college (yes, at the age of 26).
In any event, Bill Stafford wants to make it now as a full-fledged Yankee star and Manager Johnny Keane would welcome the assist."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"Right-hander Bill Stafford had a most peculiar season in 1964. On the record, he compiled a perfect 5-0 mark with an earned run average of 2.66. But he worked only 61 innings in 30 relief appearances. Stafford was given a starting nod only once.
Bill was bothered on and off during the first half of the campaign by several minor arm ailments. Seemingly not up to snuff in the stamina department, he underwent nose surgery during the winter in order to remove excess bone cartilage which had been interfering with his breathing. It is expected that improved breathing will help Bill to increase his strength and improve his mound work.
When Stafford came up to the Yankees in the latter part of the 1960 campaign, he broke in with a 3-1 mark and a 2.25 ERA to help the Bombers win the American League flag. In both the 1961 and '62 seasons, Bill hung up identical 14-9 marks, then plunged to a disappointing 4-8 log in '63 with his earned run mark ballooning to 6.00.
That dismal season is attributed by Stafford to an arm injury suffered in Kansas City in the second game of the campaign on a cold, damp day. After being sidelined for a month, Bill's control seemingly vanished when he tried to return to duty. He just could not seem to get himself untracked, and to make matters worse, put on some unnecessary poundage during his long periods of idleness.
The big right-hander, who was born in Athens, New York but who now resides in Yonkers, inked a Yankee pact on June 28, 1957. Before being called up by the parent club in '60, Stafford put in service with Richmond, St. Petersburg and Binghamton."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, June 28, 1957.
Second lowest ERA (2.68) in American League his first full year in major leagues, 1961.
Attends Westchester Community College during off-season.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
PEDRO RAMOS
"Although this is Pedro Ramos' eleventh year in the American League, the native Cuban right-hander (now living in Miami) just turned 30 in April. Long a promising pitcher with a record of working more than 200 innings in a season six times, Pete has had only two winning seasons. Four times he has led the league in losses. But he's won 105 major league games going into 1965 and this is quite an accomplishment when it is realized that Pete has pitched most of his career for a tail end club.
His great ambition, openly expressed, is to become a Yankee. He realized this dream last September 5 when he was secured from Cleveland. And he did not arrive a day too soon. Working entirely in relief, Pete got into 13 games in the final four weeks of the season and made a substantial contribution to the Bombers' pennant drive, although he was not eligible for the World Series. He was credited with seven saves and a victory as the Yanks stormed from third place, three games back, to the pennant. In 22 innings of relief, Pete yielded just 13 hits, fanned 21 and walked not a man. CONTROL! That's the important ingredient in bullpen operatives and that has helped Ramos in his switch from starting to the vital role of relief specialist.
A fastball pitcher, Pete had some trouble in late innings a few seasons back and allowed a league record of 46 homers. But since then he's added to his repertoire and he feels confident he can contribute to a Yankee pennant victory from the opening day of the season. A real workhorse, Pete has thrown 2081 innings in his first ten big league seasons. Now that he's with a defending champion, he hopes he can rack up the wins, too."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"Off of what he showed over the final month of the 1964 season as a Yankee, Pedro (Pete) Ramos may well be the fair-haired boy of the New Yorkers' bullpen brigade in '65.
Ramos was obtained by the Bombers from Cleveland last September 5 to help out the club in the relief department, in exchange for $75,000 cash at the time of the purchase, along with pitchers Ralph Terry and Bud Daley, sent to Cleveland after the World Series. Ramos proved to be a bargain, however, even at that expensive price, as he was called upon in 13 games, saving seven and being credited with one victory and nary a defeat. In 22 innings, Pete whiffed 21, did not issue a pass or give up a home run, and emerged with a sparkling 1.25 earned run average. He was not eligible for the World Series, though, since he joined the club after the August 31 deadline. And, as everybody remembers, the Bombers certainly could have used him against the Cards.
Besides receiving a $1,000 raise upon joining the Bombers, Ramos was voted a half-share of the Series dough by his teammates. And, in signing his '65 pact, Pete is reputed to have gotten a further raise which puts him in the 25G pay class. So it's obvious the Bombers think pretty highly of Pete's talents.
Ramos, who is a proud new daddy, has been a major leaguer since 1955 when he came up to Washington. Though saddled with a lowly ball club, Pete quickly won the respect of all with his gritty determination and strong arm. After six years as a Nat, Ramos went along with the Twins when the franchise was shifted from the nation's capital to Minnesota.
After an 11-20 season with the Twins, Ramos was swapped to the Indians on April 2, 1962 for left-hander Dick Stigman and first baseman Vic Power. In his two full seasons in the Ohio metropolis, Ramos was 10-12 and 9-8 respectively, before turning a 7-10 mark for the Tribe in '64 until his sale to the Bombers in September."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Tied American League record for pitchers by hitting two home runs in one game (May 30, 1962, first game). Duplicated feat (July 31, 1963).
Acquired by Yankees from Indians, September 5, 1964.
Credited with eight saves in 13 games for Yankees, 1964.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
STEVE HAMILTON
"A sense of humor helps when you're a major league pitcher. So does a fastball and a slider. Steve Absher Hamilton has all these attributes plus the desire to win with the Yankees.
The elongated southpaw (6'7") is starting his third season in Yankee pinstripes. The gray at his temples belies his 28 years. Primarily a relief pitcher in compiling a 12-4 record the last two seasons, Steve would like a shot at starting. Depending on the development of the staff this season, Manager Johnny Keane may well work Steve into some kind of limited starting rotation. In any event, the hard-throwing lefty will be a valuable man ... as a starter, or in long or short relief.
He started a trio of games last mid-season when the staff was faltering and he did a bang-up job at a critical time. Though he only worked 60 innings, 'Ham' would like to have more opportunities to help the Yankee pennant effort in '65.
Always interested in baseball, Ham's first sport in high school and college was basketball. He pursued the cage sport with distinction for Morehead State College in Morehead, Kentucky. After college, Ham turned pro in baseball and basketball, signing originally with the Indians and with the old Minneapolis Lakers, where he starred for two seasons before devoting his full pro career to baseball. He's never been sorry. He is still close to Morehead State where he serves as a winter-time assistant basketball coach and instructor.
'I'm still learning my pitching trade,' Steve says. 'Nothing like learning and winning at the same time.' "
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"Tall, lanky Steve Hamilton was unquestionably one of the better southpaw relief artists in the majors last season. The former pro basketball player, who once performed for the Minneapolis Lakers, appeared in 30 games in '64, finishing with a 7-2 mark and 3.30 earned run average. In his 60 innings of toil, Hamilton fanned 49 and walked only 15. His delivery, by way of first base, is extremely tough for lefties to hit, much less follow.
Steve, who began his Organized Baseball career with the Cleveland Indians' chain in 1958, came to the Yankees by way of the Washington Senators. The Bombers obtained the stringbean in exchange for right-hander Jim Coates on April 21, 1963. The Nats had obtained Hamilton from the Tribe on May 2, 1962, along with left-hander Don Rudolph, in exchange for outfielder Willie Tasby.
Upon joining the Yanks in '63, Big Steve made his presence known quickly. In three appearances with Washington, he had compiled an unenviable 13.50 ERA, but with the Bombers he was 5-1 for the rest of the campaign with an ERA of 2.60, besides averaging a strikeout per inning.
You can be sure that new pilot Johnny Keane will like what he sees of this big fellow and will use him wisely and effectively in the clutches."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Acquired from Washington Senators in exchange for pitcher Jim Coates, April 21, 1963.
Averaged a strikeout per inning pitched, 1963.
Assistant basketball coach and phys-ed instructor, Morehead State College, Morehead, Kentucky, in off-season.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
HAL RENIFF
"Hal Reniff has been an effective relief man with the Yankees over the last four seasons, but he has yet to realize the promise he continually gives. Trained by the Yankees as a relief specialist, the husky right-hander has an added incentive. On March 23 in Fort Lauderdale, Hal was married.
The 26-year-old pitcher has worked in something like 150 consecutive games in relief. Last season he won six games and was credited with an additional eight saves in 41 times to the mound. In 116 major league relief assignments, Hal has a 12-7 record with a most creditable 2.87 earned run average and is unscored on in four World Series games.
Hal worked in ticket promotions for the Bombers this past winter and hopes to promote himself this summer as the Yankees' ace reliever."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"Stocky Hal Reniff is another one of the Bomber bullpen mainstays. In 116 appearances during his major league career, Reniff has never been called upon in a starting role, being considered one of the more effective rescue artists around. He's been bothered by arm woes, though, which have hampered him from time to time.
A member of the Yankee organization since June 23, 1956, Big Hal worked his way up to the parent club midway of the 1961 campaign after making way stops at Kearney, Modesto, Salem, Amarillo, Binghamton and Richmond. His best minor league season occurred in 1959 when he turned in a 21-7 log and 3.19 ERA at Modesto.
After being 2-0 in 25 games in '61, Hal was in the Army during the first half of '62. Upon returning to the club, Reniff came down with a sore arm. After only two appearances, the Bombers sent him to Richmond in order to work his arm into shape, but he could pitch only six innings for the Virginians.
Hal bounced back strongly in '63, however, hurling in 48 contests, most on the club, and making 18 saves. His record was 4-3 and his ERA was 2.63. Last season saw the strong righty finish with a 6-4 mark and 3.13 ERA."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee Organization, June 23, 1956.
Led Yankee pitchers in games (48) and games saved (18), 1963.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
PETE MIKKELSEN
"Winner of the 1964 James P. Dawson Memorial Award as the outstanding rookie in the Yankee training camp a year ago, big Pete Mikkelsen is going to try to pick up the form that made him the big 'save' man during the first half of 1964.
The bespectacled right-hander from San Gabriel, California is another of those young pitchers who have been trained by the Yankees as a relief pitcher. As a freshman sinker ball specialist, the winner of the coveted Longines Watch went to work 50 times last summer, most pitching appearances by any Yankee. He posted a 7-4 record with a staff-leading nine 'saves.'
Originally signed by the Yankees in late 1957, the 25-year-old has appeared in 150 games in the last three seasons. Pete would like to resume the role of top relief man on the staff this year, a post he assumed during the first half of 1964."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"Brawny, bespectacled Pete Mikkelsen was the only rookie to earn a place on the Yankees' hurling staff last season. During the first half of the campaign, he was just about the best the Bombers had in the bullpen, too. Though he fell off a bit in the second half, Pete nevertheless finished up with a 7-4 mark and a 3.56 ERA in 86 innings, during a total of 50 relief appearances. He did not start a game.
A low-ball pitcher, the 25-year-old right-hander who was born on Staten Island, but now resides in San Gabriel, California, was extremely effective when the situation called for enticing an enemy batter to hit the ball on the ground for a fast double play to get the Yankees out of a jam.
Mikkelsen joined the Bomber organization on September 13, 1957, making his first stops at Modesto, Auburn and Kearney in 1958 with a won-lost total of 0-4. With Modesto and Auburn in 1959, Pete was 10-9. Joining Fargo-Moorehead in '60, Pete was 13-10. Performing for Amarillo and Binghamton in 1961, he was a starting pitcher for the last time, finishing with 5-11. From 1962 on, the big fellow has started exactly once in 146 appearances."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, September 13, 1957.
Winner of James P. Dawson Award as outstanding Yankee rookie in spring training, 1964.
Appeared in most games by a Yankee pitcher (50), 1964.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
JOHNNY BLANCHARD
"Johnny Blanchard is on the Yankee roster as a catcher and that's where Manager John Keane intends to use him most often, but this 32-year-old lefty swinging slugger is a 'jack-of-all-trades.'
He first drew attention at Central High in Minneapolis as a third baseman, was signed as an outfielder and converted by the Yankees to catching. With first Yogi Berra and then Elston Howard as the number one receiver, John served as second-stringer, pinch-hitter, utility outfielder and also as a first baseman. He's done a competent job everywhere and has that happy faculty of coming off the bench and delivering in an emergency. In 1964, Blanchard made 36 pinch-hit appearances for the Bombers, garnered eight hits, five walks and a sacrifice fly.
The high point of his career undoubtedly was the 1961 season when he hit four home runs in consecutive times at bat (to tie a record) and two of these were as a pinch-hitter. That same year, John batted .305 with 21 homers in only 243 times at bat, and also two Series homers. As a World Series performer, Blanchard has a fine .345 average in 15 games.
If the Yankees win their sixth in a row in 1965, John Blanchard once again will have made a substantial contribution."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"Big John Blanchard improved his batting average by 30 points last season and will give it all he has in order to duplicate that feat in 1965.
The catcher-outfielder didn't get to play very much, participating in only 25 contests behind the bat and only 14 in the outfield among his 77 game appearances. He collected seven homers and 28 RBI on his .255 bat mark.
Blanchard, who was inked to a Bomber pact on July 2, 1951, tied a major league mark by walloping four homers in four consecutive times at bat (two as a pinch-hitter) in 1961. The left-handed-hitting long-baller also tied a World Series record for most round-trippers hit by a player in a five-game set - two - in 1961.
After seeing minor league service at Kansas City, Binghamton, Amsterdam, Joplin, Birmingham and Denver, Big Jawn came up to the big top to stay in 1959. He batted a measly .169 that campaign but improved to .242 in '60.
Then in '61, Blanchard hit .305 as he smote 21 homers and drove in 54 runs. The 1962 season saw him fall to .252, with 13 homers and 39 RBI. Though John's bat mark dropped even lower in '63 to .225, he upped his homers to 16 and his RBI to 45.
Blanchard has always desired to be a regular, but with the passing years he has yet to achieve his goal. Now at the age of 32, it does not appear likely he ever will. But the Yankees consider themselves very fortunate to have a man of his calibre ready to come off the bench and do a workmanlike job at a moment's notice."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, July 2, 1951.
Tied major league record by hitting four home runs in four consecutive times at-bat, two as a pinch-hitter, 1961.
Tied World Series record for most home runs hit in a five-game Series (2), 1961.
Hit two home runs in one game in three of the 59 games he started during the season (appeared in a total of 76 games), 1963.
36 pinch-hit appearances, most by a Yankee; 8-for-30 (.267), five walks and a sacrifice fly, 1964.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
PEDRO GONZALEZ
"The Yankee writers who selected Pedro Gonzalez as the James P. Dawson Award winner in the spring of 1963 knew what they were doing. The young infielder eventually went back for another season of AAA ball, but he was clearly the top rookie in camp and deserved the Longines Watch he won in the rookie vote.
He hit .307 that season at Richmond and came up last spring to stay. He saw limited service, playing in a total of 80 games, and hitting a strong .277. He saw service all around the infield, as well as in the outfield and as a pinch-hitter and pinch-runner.
The popular 26-year-old native of the Dominican Republic is versatile in the Yankee tradition. He gives the Yankees the kind of bench strength that has helped so much and so often in recent years. Pete would rather be a regular, naturally, but he has adapted well to his current role with the Yankees and is willing and happy to serve in any capacity assigned him by Manager Johnny Keane.
Last year Pedro was forced to go the outfield on several occasions and he did a fine job in that unfamiliar territory. En route to New York, Gonzalez won a batting title at Binghamton with a .327 average for the Eastern League crown in 1960."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"Dominican-born Pedro Gonzalez was a mighty handy man for the Yankees to have around last season. The speedy, alert newcomer, appearing in his first full season as a major leaguer, proved he knows what it's all about. His daring on the basepaths and sure-handed fielding demonstrated to the other American League clubs that Pedro is sure to become a thorn in their sides for many moons to come.
Gonzalez played in 80 contests, filling in when needed in the infield and being called upon as a pinch-hitter. Pedro, signed by the Yankee organization on September 16, 1957, finished with a .277 mark for 112 times at bat.
Following fine campaigns at St. Petersburg, Modesto, Binghamton and Richmond, Gonzalez became the sensation of the Yankees' spring camp in 1963, being voted the James P. Dawson Award as the club's outstanding rookie in training. He began the season with the Bombers, and after appearing in 14 contests was optioned to Richmond where he hit .307.
A team, especially a championship one, is no stronger than its bench. Therefore, the Yanks, with Gonzalez among others in reserve, have no fears on that score.
The 1960 Eastern League batting champion is married and the proud father of two children."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, September 16, 1957.
Winner of James P. Dawson Award as outstanding Yankee rookie in spring training, 1963.
Played infield, outfield, first base, pinch-hit and pinch-ran, 1964.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
HECTOR LOPEZ
"Six years ago the Yankees made a significant trade with Kansas City that brought Hector Lopez and Ralph Terry to New York for Jerry Lumpe, Johnny Kucks and Tom Sturdivant. Of those five major leaguers, only Lopez remains with the acquiring club.
Hector has played in 93 to 147 games in those years but never has been considered a full-time regular. And that's where his great value to the Yankees is brought to light.
The native Panamanian has been the swing man in the outfield, leading pinch-hitter and senior citizen of the famed Yankee bench. Hector is a tough man in a late-inning clutch situation, especially with his ability to go the opposite field on an outside pitch.
Originally an infielder, the Yankees have used this willing right-hand hitter primarily in the outfield and he has made great strides defensively in left and right field in recent years.
With the A's, Lopez once hit three homers in a game, but probably the high point of his career was the 1961 World Series when his seven RBIs tied the record for most runs batted in during a five-game Series (and Hec played in only four of those games).
The success of recent Yankee teams has depended to a great degree on the bench and Hector Lopez can give Johnny Keane cause to be reassured in 1965, for he again will be ready when needed."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"Panamanian-born Hector Lopez has proved to be one of the most versatile players on the Yankee roster since coming to the Bronx in a five-man trade in 1959. Hector was swapped by the Kansas City Athletics on May 26 of that year, along with hurler Ralph Terry, to the Bombers in exchange for infielder Jerry Lumpe and pitchers Johnny Kucks and Tom Sturdivant.
Lopez originally came up to the majors with the A's soon after the start of the 1955 season and was one of their best players until swapped to New York. His outstanding slugging performance for KC was the three home runs hit in one game against Washington on June 26, 1958.
Hector's best season, average-wise, since he's been in the majors was in 1957 when he batted .294. His best homer output was 22 during the divided '59 campaign with the A's and Yanks, a season which also saw his career-high of 93 RBI.
Hector has shown his mettle during World Series play, too, batting .429 against the Pirates in 1960 and .333 against the Reds in '61. The latter set saw him tie the mark of seven runs batted in for a five-game Series.
The right-hand-hitting utility man resides in West Hempstead, Long Island with his wife and young son."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Hit three home runs in one game with Kansas City against Washington, June 26, 1958.
Acquired by New York Yankees along with pitcher Ralph Terry for pitchers Johnny Kucks and Tom Sturdivant and infielder Jerry Lumpe, May 26, 1959.
Shares World Series record, most RBIs, five-game Series (7), against Cincinnati, 1961.
Has third highest lifetime batting average (.271) among present Yankee players, surpassed only by Mickey Mantle (.306) and Elston Howard (.284).
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
JAKE GIBBS
"Up for his third try with the Bombers is ex-U. of Mississippi football star Jake Gibbs. Jake, who may stick with the club as a third-string catcher, received a reported $100,000 bonus to sign with the Yankees back in May 1961.
Originally a third baseman, Jake was switched to catching a couple of seasons back, but he's had a lot of trouble keeping his fingers from getting in the way of foul tips and pitched balls.
He was hurt quite often playing for Richmond last season, which limited him to 100 International League contests in which he batted only .218. Jake also appeared in three Yankee games at the tail-end of the campaign.
Jake started off his Organized Baseball career with promise as a hitter. He turned in a .270 with Richmond in '61, then improved to .284 in '62 before dropping off to .233 in '63, his first year behind the bat. Gibbs also suffered two broken fingers that season.
He's learning all the time, so don't write off this former All-America quarterback."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
All-American quarterback at Ole Miss, 1960.
Signed by Yankee organization, May 25, 1961- Yankees' highest paid bonus player.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
ROGER REPOZ
"A potential long-ball slugger is 24-year-old Roger Repoz, who's aiming to stay with the big ball club in '65 as a reserve outfielder. It might be recalled that Repoz joined the Yankees at the tail-end of the '64 campaign, participating in 11 contests, but coming to bat only once officially.
Roger, a native of Bellingham, Washington, joined the Bomber organization on June 12, 1960. After batting .240 with Modesto in only 14 games in '60, Rog hit .287 for the California League club in '61. Shifted to Augusta in '62, Repoz' mark sank to .225. He fell to .221 in '63 but showed power with 20 round-trippers and 72 RBI. He also fanned 166 times.
In 1964 with Columbus, young Rog averaged .234, but connected for 23 round-trippers and drove in 76 runs.
He has the makings, now it's up to the Bombers to develop it."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, June 12, 1960.
Second in Sally League in home runs (20), 1963.
Recalled by Yankees, September 12, 1964.
Attends Washington State in off-season.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
ROSS MOSCHITTO
Signed by Yankee organization, June 4, 1964- first year player.
Led Appalachian League in runs scored (72) and home runs (20), 1964.
Attends Fresno City College during off-season.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
STAN WILLIAMS
"When the Yankees obtained big Stan Williams from the Los Angeles Dodgers on November 26, 1962, in exchange for first sacker Bill Skowron, high hopes were held by the Bombers that Williams would prove to be one of the best right-handers on the staff. Thus far, however, Williams has proved to be rather disappointing, compiling only a 10-13 won-lost mark in his two seasons in pinstripes.
Better things are looked for from Stan in '65, however. In '63 he participated in 29 games, starting 21 times, in finishing with a 9-8 mark and a 3.21 ERA. Then in '64, bothered through most of the campaign by arm woes, he was 1-5 with a 3.84 ERA. Williams, who appeared in 21 contests, could complete only one of his 10 starts.
Stan's best game as a Yankee occurred on August 6, 1963 when, in the second game of a doubleheader against Washington, he hurled a 1-0 one-hitter.
The giant 28-year-old fastballer broke into Organized Baseball with the Dodgers' chain in 1954, performing variously with Shawnee, Newport News, Fort Worth and St. Paul before reporting to the parent club early in the 1958 campaign.
Stan's best seasons with the Dodgers were 1960 (14-10), 1961 (15-12) and 1962 (14-12). He fanned 205 batters in 235 innings in '61.
Williams has appeared in Series contests with both the Yanks and Dodgers, as well as making an All-Star Game appearance in 1960 for the National League."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Acquired from Los Angeles in exchange for first baseman Bill Skowron, November 26, 1962.
Hurled 1-hitter at Washington, winning 1-0 (August 6, 1963, second game).
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
PAUL TOTH
Purchased by Toledo (Yankees) from Tulsa (Cardinals), January 1965.
On Toledo roster.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
JAKE GIBBS, BOB SCHMIDT AND WILLIAM MADDEN
"Two rookies and a veteran provide plenty of reserve strength in the catching department. Jake Gibbs, everybody's All-American quarterback at Ole Miss in 1960, was the highest priced bonus player in Yankee history ... Billy Madden, the 22-year-old New Englander with the potent bat is benefiting by another season in the high minors ... Bob Schmidt, a veteran of several seasons with the Giants and Senators, gives the club bullpen assistance along with that all-important ingredient - experience."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
WILLIAM MADDEN
Signed by Yankee organization, May 29, 1961.-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
GIL BLANCO
"A 19-year-old rookie southpaw who stands better than six feet, five inches and is still growing is a Yankee first-year man. Bidding to remain with the parent Yankees after only 23 games in his first season pitching for Fort Lauderdale's Yanks, Phoenix-born Gilbert Henry Blanco made a strong impression on Manager Johnny Keane this spring. In his first competitive assignment for the Yankees this spring, Gil was thrown into a rough situation. He came in to face the Baltimore Orioles with a one-run lead in the last of the ninth. He mowed down the heart of the O's batting order and appeared on his way.
The youngster, a 12-game winner last summer with a 2.31 ERA, probably won't see much action with the Yanks this season, but he intends to be ready when called upon."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, September 1, 1963.
First-year player.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
TOM METCALF
"Returning for another shot at berth on the varsity hurling corps is 24-year-old Tom Metcalf, a right-hander who spent half the 1963 season in a Bomber uniform.
Used principally in relief, Metcalf appeared in eight games, hurling a total of 13 innings. He was 1-0 with a 2.77 earned run mark.
The rangy Metcalf spent the 1964 campaign with Richmond. In 63 innings he was 3-7 and author of a 4.29 ERA. The recently married native of Amherst, Wisconsin was signed by the Yankee organization on March 27, 1961. Performing at St. Petersburg that maiden year, Tom was 9-8 with a 3.26 ERA. Moving up to Augusta in '62, he turned in a 14-6 record, along with a good 2.56 earned run average, which earned him a promotion to Richmond. Impressed by his 9-5 mark and 2.69 ERA in 46 games in '63, the Yankees called him up at the end of July."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, March 27, 1961.
Purchased from Richmond by Yankees, July 30, 1963.
Attends Stevens Point (Wisconsin) State Teachers College in off-season.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
JIM BRENNEMAN
"Up with the parent club for a shot at a regular job for the first time is right-hander Jim Brenneman. His only previous experience with the Yankees occurred in the 1964 Mayor's Trophy Game against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium on August 20. Brenneman started that exhibition affair and hurled six frames, allowing six hits, as the Yankees eventually emerged with a 6-4 triumph.
Performing with the Bombers' Richmond farm club of the International circuit in '64, Jim finished with an 11-13 record and a 3.41 earned run mark in 185 innings. Brenneman, who was born in San Diego, but now lives in Orange, California, is married and the father of one child."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, June 3, 1961.
Starting pitcher in last year's exhibition game with the Mets: no decision, allowed three runs in six innings, Yankees won, 6-4, August 20, 1964.
Led International League in games started (29), 1964.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
CHET TRAIL
"A bonus baby up for a trial with the varsity once again is young Chet Trail, who hails from Toledo, Ohio. Chet was inked to a Yankee pact on July 1, 1962, making his Organized Baseball debut with Fort Lauderdale in '63. He connected with Florida State League hurling for a .260 average while swiping 23 bases.Trail was with the Yankees during last year's spring training season before being shipped to Greensboro, where he spent the entire season. He finished with a .257 average, displaying good power with 15 home runs in 137 games.
The Yankee brass is very high on Chet, who undoubtedly is one of the Bombers' stars of the near future.
The 21-year-old shortstop-third baseman is married."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, July 1, 1962.
[Replaced Jake Gibbs on World Series roster, 1964.]
Attends Bowling Green State University in off-season.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
MIKE HEGAN
"This sturdy youngster is the son of bullpen mentor Jim Hegan. Young Mike was signed to a Yankee pact on August 11, 1961 and began his Organized Baseball career with Fort Lauderdale of the Florida State League. He was that loop's third-leading hitter in '62 with a mark of .306.
Moving to Idaho Falls in '63, Mike promptly became the seventh leading batter in the Pioneer Circuit as he connected for a .323 mark, along with 28 home runs. Mike also paced the league's first sackers in fielding with a percentage of .998.
He disappointed at the plate in '64, however, as he batted only .233 for Columbus with 10 homers. Hegan was called up at the end of the season by the Yankees, appearing in five games. He was made eligible for the World Series when Tony Kubek was unable to make it."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, August 11, 1961.
Third leading hitter in Florida State League (.306) his first year of pro ball, 1962.
Seventh leading hitter (.323) in Pioneer League, 1963.
Led Pioneer League first basemen in fielding (.988), 1963.
Replaced Tony Kubek on World Series roster, 1964.
Attends Calvin Coolidge College, Boston, Mass. in off-season.
Son of Jim Hegan, former major league catcher and presently bullpen coach for the Yankees.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
ELVIO JIMENEZ
"Making his second try for a berth with the Bombers is 25-year-old Elvio Jimenez, brother of Kansas City A's gardener Manny Jimenez. Elvio spent the 1964 campaign at Richmond where he batted .296 in 150 contests. The right-handed hitter smote eight homers and batted in 88 runs.
Jimenez, signed by the Yankee organization on September 29, 1958, was regarded as a future phenom when he first reported to the Bomber spring camp in 1964 but was optioned down in order to get more experience.
Elvio, not a slugger type, is very tough to fan even though he likes to swing at bad balls on occasion.
The stocky outfielder batted .329 with St. Petersburg in 1959, then clouted California League hurling at a .368 pace in 1960, for the second highest average in the loop while playing for Modesto. Jimenez dropped to .299 for Binghamton in '61 but hit .310 for Amarillo in '62.
The 1963 campaign saw Elvio start with Augusta where he had the hottest bat in the league. He was pacing Sally loop hitters with a .331 average when the orders came to report to Richmond in July. With the Virginians the remainder of the campaign, Elvio batted a good .316."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, September 29, 1958.
Had second highest average in California League (.368) with Modesto, 1960.
Led International League outfielders in fielding (1.000), 1964.
Has hit .295 or better each year he has played in organized baseball, 1959-64.
Recalled by Yankees by Richmond, September 12, 1964.
Brother of Manny Jiminez, Kansas City outfielder.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
DUKE CARMEL, ROSS MOSCHITTO AND ART LOPEZ
"Duke Carmel, Ross Moschitto and Art Lopez were strong spring training candidates for the Yankee team, among many others. Carmel, former New York Met, was drafted from Buffalo after hitting 35 homers last season. Manager Johnny Keane is considering Carmel as a utility first baseman, outfielder and pinch hitter. Moschitto and Lopez both are considered outfield candidates. The 20-year-old California-born Moschitto is a first-year man. Despite inexperience, Ross is a brilliant outfielder and a long-ball hitting prospect. Lopez was signed out of a Yankee Stadium tryout camp. A former Bronx bank clerk, the 28-year-old has an effective bat. Art won the coveted James P. Dawson Award, a beautiful Longines presented each spring to the outstanding Yankee rookie in camp."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
DUKE CARMEL
"They laughed when the Yankees drafted Duke Carmel from the Mets' Buffalo farm club. Imagine, the American League champions taking a player from the National League cellar-dwellers! The first thoughts were that the Yankees were beginning to retaliate for the Mets' signing of such ex-Yankees as Casey Stengel, George Weiss and Yogi Berra.
But with the capabilities of the 27-year-old Carmel, his selection by the Bombers isn't a joke. The Duke, whose real first name is Leon, displayed excellent power at Buffalo last season when he belted 35 homers, along with 99 RBI on a .271 batting average.
Carmel originally came up to the big time with the St. Louis Cardinals, but was purchased by the Mets in 1963 and batted only .235. He appeared, though, to be a very promising player.
Carmel, a Bronx native, is married and the father of two sons and a daughter."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Drafted by Yankees from Buffalo roster (New York Mets), November 1964.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
ART LOPEZ
A product of the annual Yankee Stadium tryout camp.
Signed by Yankee organization, June 23, 1961.
On Toledo roster.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
"Johnny Keane presented a beautiful, engraved Longines watch to rookie outfielder Art Lopez. The Puerto Rican born outfielder, who has been a Bronx resident for many years, won the Longines watch in the tenth annual James P. Dawson Memorial Award competition for the outstanding rookie in the Yankee spring training camp, as voted by the New York Metropolitan writers."
-1965 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
ARCHIE MOORE
"Young Archie Moore was signed by the Yankee organization on June 18, 1963 for a reported $30,000 bonus after a fine career at Springfield (Mass.) College where he was named to the All-America Collegiate team for two seasons.
After spending the 1963 campaign at Augusta, where he batted .278, the 23-year-old outfielder came up to the parent club as a first-year player in '64, thus being forced to remain on the Yankee roster for the entire season.
Obviously inexperienced, Moore participated in only 31 games. He was sent to bat only 23 times, hitting .174. In all probability, he'll be optioned out rather than withering on the Stadium bench.
Archie, who can also play first base, saw military service during the winter of 1963-64. If he is sent down, you can be sure this resident of Florham Park, New Jersey will be back in the near future."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
All-American in baseball at Springfield College, Springfield, Mass., 1962 and 1963.
Signed by Yankee organization, June 18, 1963.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
HORACE CLARKE
Signed by Yankee organization, January 14, 1958.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
GIL DOWNS
Hurled no-hitter against Fort Lauderdale, June 20, 1963.
Received George M. Trautman Award with Sarasota of Florida State League, 1963.
Selected by Yankees from Indianapolis (White Sox) in first-year player draft, November 1963.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
TOM DUKES
Signed by Yankee organization, June 1, 1960.
Attends University of Tennessee in off-season.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
JIMMY MARRUJO
Selected by Yankees from Oklahoma City (Houston Astros) in first-year player draft, November 1963.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
BOBBY MURCER
Signed by Yankees organization, June 2, 1964- first-year player.
Attends University of Oklahoma in off-season.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
ELISEO RODRIGUEZ
Drafted by Yankees from Dallas (Kansas City organization), November 1964.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
JAMES SMITH
Signed by Yankee organization, March 18, 1963.
Led Florida State League in shutouts (5), 1964.
Led Florida State League in ERA (1.38), 1964.
On Columbus roster.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
LOU VICKERY
Drafted by Toledo (Yankees) from Tulsa (Cardinals), November 1964.
On Toledo roster.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
BRUCE HENRY (Traveling Secretary)
"The traveling secretary who guides the Yankees around the American League and during spring training is Bruce Henry. A veteran of both major and minor league baseball, Bruce is responsible for travel arrangements, hotel accommodations, feeding, baggage and all the other details essential to the efficient operation and movement of the American League champions."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
PETE SHEEHY AND PETE PREVITE (Clubhouse Men)
"The field operation of a baseball team is mighty important, but it is not complete in itself. Behind the scenes ... in the front office and down on the farms ... every person in the Yankee organization has an important role.
In the clubhouse, the needs of the players are handled most efficiently by the famous 'Petes': veteran 'Big Pete' Sheehy, a Yankee every day of his life since 1927, since the Babe Ruth era. His assistant, Pete Previte, 'Little Pete' as he's known, has been a Yankee since 1942."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
JOE SOARES AND DON SEGER (Trainers)
"The medical team of the Yankees, the trainers who are with the club every game of the season and pre-season: Joe Soares has been with the Yankees for several years now, moving up to his present post from minor league assignments with the Yanks. Don Seger did likewise, serving a minor league apprenticeship before arriving at the Stadium."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
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