Friday, April 18, 2014

1967 Profile: Dooley Womack

"The way Dooley Womack sprouted in the Yankee bullpen last year was like finding a rose bush in a field of crabgrass. By the end of the 1966 season, he rated as No. 1 reliever on the basis of his 7-3 record and 2.64 ERA. Dooley did it with his good assortment of sinker, slider and curve ball, plus tight control; he keeps his stuff low.
He probably also owes his shot with the Yankees to a letter he wrote them after the 1964 season. He'd been through their farm system for seven years without getting a tumble. So, after notching a 10-7 record for Columbus, he dropped them a note. The Yanks moved him up to Toledo in '65, and when he put together a 10-4 mark, they figured he knew what he was writing about."

-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1967

"Probably the biggest surprise in the disappointing 1966 Yankee season was right-hander Dooley Womack. After bidding for a chance on the Yankee roster during eight minor league campaigns, the likable 27-year-old hurler won his opportunity in 1966 spring training. He then proceeded to win seven of 10 decisions and post a commendable 2.76 ERA, lowest among the Yankee relief hurlers last season.
Progress for Dooley was slow until he finally hit AAA ball at Toledo in 1965. There, he posted a 10-4 record with an International League-leading 2.17 earned run average. That season earned the South Carolinian his opportunity with the Yankees.
Dooley was particularly impressive during the last half of 1966. In late August, he did not allow an earned run in 11 appearances covering 21 1/3 innings of work.
After so long a wait, Dooley Womack intends to continue his high level of productivity in 1967."

-The New York Yankees Official 1967 Yearbook

Signed by Yankee organization, June 23, 1958.
Led International League in ERA (2.17), 1965
Had lowest ERA among Yankee relief pitchers (2.76), 1966.

-1967 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

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