Saturday, May 31, 2014

1971 New York Yankees Spring Training Roster

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Manager - Ralph Houk  35

No. Coaches
44  Jim Hegan
32  Elston Howard
34  Dick Howser
  7  Mickey Mantle
31  Jim Turner

No. Pitchers
22  Jack Aker (R-R)
45  Stan Bahnsen (R-R)
50  Bill Burbach (R-R)
49  Loyd Colson (R-R)
43  Rob Gardner (R-L)
47  Larry Gowell (R-R)
51  Doug Hansen (R-R)
39  Gary Jones (L-L)
18  Mike Kekich (R-L)
24  Ron Klimkowski (R-R)
38  Steve Kline (R-R)
29  Mike McCormick (L-L)
40  Lindy McDaniel (R-R)
52  Bill Olsen (L-L)
19  Fritz Peterson (S-L)
30  Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
54  Gary Waslewski (R-R)

No. Catchers
13  Curt Blefary (L-R)
41  Jake Gibbs (L-R)
15  Thurman Munson (R-R)

No. Infielders
26  Frank Baker (L-R)
10  Danny Cater (R-R)
20  Horace Clarke (S-R)
23  John Ellis (R-R)
48  Mario Guerrero (R-R)
28  Ron Hansen (R-R)
  2  Jerry Kenney (L-R)
17  Gene Michael (S-R)
11  Tony Solaita (L-L)
25  Pete Ward (L-R)

No. Outfielders
53  Rick Bladt (R-R)
12  Ron Blomberg (L-R)
27  Jim Lyttle (L-R)
46  Bobby Mitchell (R-R)
  1  Bobby Murcer (L-R)
42  Joe Pactwa (L-L)
21  Frank Tepedino (L-L)
  6  Roy White (S-R)
  9  Ron Woods (R-R)

Trainer - Joe Soares

National Defense Service List
George Zeber


SPRING TRAINING YANKEE PROGRAM ADVERTISEMENTS
-Charlton Jewels: Outstanding Gold Jewelry
-Coming Attraction: OPENING NIGHT: Fort Lauderdale Yankees vs. Pompano Beach Mets, April 16
-First National Bank in Fort Lauderdale
-Guaranty First National Bank
-J.T. Reese: Taxidermist Inc.
-Lion Country Safari: Drive Through! Over 100 Lions Roaming Wild
-Ocean First National Bank
-Plantation First National Bank
-Schaefer: When You're Having More Than One
-Schrafft's Inn: Spring Training Home of the New York Yankees
-Security First National Bank
-Wechsler Holloway: The Mark Of Coffee

1970 New York Mammoths Postseason Roster

Manager - Dutch Schnell  35

No. Coaches
31  Egg Barnard
44  Joe Jaros
33  Clint Strapp

No. Pitchers
42  Lindon Burke (R-R)
28  Horse Byrd (R-R)
22  Hams Carroll (R-L)
40  Keith Crane (R-L)
17  Herb Macy (R-R)
39  Jack Sterling (R-R)
30  Henry Wiggen (L-L)
43  Gil Willowbrook (R-R)
37  Gordon Wood (R-R)
16  Sam Yale (R-R)

No. Catchers
15  Bruce Pearson (R-R)
32  Red Traphagen (L-R)
23  Goose Williams (R-R)

No. Infielders
12  Sid Goldman (L-L)
27  George Gonzalez (R-R)
26  Mark Jackson (R-R)
19  Ugly Jones (L-R)  *
34  Gene Park (R-R)
11  Coker Roguski (S-R)
20  Perry Simpson (R-R)
  1  Canada Smith (R-R)

No. Outfielders
25  Scotty Burns (R-R)
  2  Pascuale Carucci (L-R)
  6  Vinny Carucci (L-R)
21  Lucky Judkins (R-R)  *
24  Jim Trotter (L-L)
  9  Swanee Wilks (S-R)

* not on active roster

Batting Practice Pitcher - Billy Brooks  50

Trainer - Scooter Corrigan

1970 New York Yankees September Roster

Manager - Ralph Houk  35

No. Coaches
44  Jim Hegan
32  Elston Howard
34  Dick Howser
  7  Mickey Mantle
31  Jim Turner

No. Pitchers
22  Jack Aker (R-R)
45  Stan Bahnsen (R-R)
49  Loyd Colson (R-R)
43  Rob Gardner (R-L)
39  Gary Jones (L-L)
18  Mike Kekich (R-L)
24  Ron Klimkowski (R-R)
38  Steve Kline (R-R)
29  Mike McCormick (L-L)
40  Lindy McDaniel (R-R)
19  Fritz Peterson (S-L)
30  Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
52  Joe Verbanic (R-R)  *
54  Gary Waslewski (R-R)

No. Catchers
41  Jake Gibbs (L-R)
15  Thurman Munson (R-R)

No. Infielders
26  Frank Baker (L-R)
10  Danny Cater (R-R)
20  Horace Clarke (S-R)
23  John Ellis (R-R)
28  Ron Hansen (R-R)
  2  Jerry Kenney (L-R)
17  Gene Michael (S-R)
25  Pete Ward (L-R)

No. Outfielders
13  Curt Blefary (L-R)
27  Jim Lyttle (L-R)
46  Bobby Mitchell (R-R)
  1  Bobby Murcer (L-R)
21  Frank Tepedino (L-L)
  6  Roy White (S-R)
  9  Ron Woods (R-R)

* not on active roster

Trainer - Joe Soares

National Defense Service List
George Zeber


1970 YANKEES TEAM PHOTO
Jack Aker
Stan Bahnsen
Frank Baker
Curt Blefary
Danny Cater
Horace Clarke
John Ellis
Jake Gibbs
Steve Hamilton
Ron Hansen
Bruce Henry (traveling secretary)
Jim Hegan (coach)
Ralph Houk (manager)
Elston Howard (coach)
Dick Howser (coach)
Mike Kekich
Jerry Kenney
Ron Klimkowski
Steve Kline
Franck LaBoy (batboy)
Jim Lyttle
Mickey Mantle (coach)
Mike McCormick
Lindy McDaniel
Gene Michael
Thurman Munson
Bobby Murcer
Fritz Peterson
Mike Slater (batboy)
Joe Soares (trainer)
Mel Stottlemyre
Jim Turner (coach)
Pete Ward
Gary Waslewski
Roy White
Ron Woods

Friday, May 30, 2014

1970 New York Yankees July 1 Roster

Manager - Ralph Houk  35

No. Coaches
44  Jim Hegan
32  Elston Howard
34  Dick Howser
31  Jim Turner

No. Pitchers
22  Jack Aker (R-R)
45  Stan Bahnsen (R-R)
56  John Cumberland (R-L)
39  Steve Hamilton (L-L)
18  Mike Kekich (R-L)
24  Ron Klimkowski (R-R)
40  Lindy McDaniel (R-R)
19  Fritz Peterson (S-L)
30  Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
52  Joe Verbanic (R-R)  *
54  Gary Waslewski (R-R)

No. Catchers
41  Jake Gibbs (L-R)
15  Thurman Munson (R-R)

No. Infielders
10  Danny Cater (R-R)
20  Horace Clarke (S-R)
23  John Ellis (R-R)
28  Ron Hansen (R-R)
  2  Jerry Kenney (L-R)
17  Gene Michael (S-R)
25  Pete Ward (L-R)

No. Outfielders
13  Curt Blefary (L-R)
27  Jim Lyttle (L-R)
  1  Bobby Murcer (L-R)
21  Frank Tepedino (L-L)
  6  Roy White (S-R)
  9  Ron Woods (R-R)

* not on active roster

Trainer - Joe Soares

National Defense Service List
George Zeber

1970 New York Yankees June 1 Roster

Manager - Ralph Houk  35

No. Coaches
44  Jim Hegan
32  Elston Howard
34  Dick Howser
31  Jim Turner

No. Pitchers
22  Jack Aker (R-R)
45  Stan Bahnsen (R-R)
56  John Cumberland (R-L)
39  Steve  Hamilton (L-L)
18  Mike Kekich (R-L)
24  Ron Klimkowski (R-R)
40  Lindy McDaniel (R-R)
19  Fritz Peterson (S-L)
30  Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
52  Joe Verbanic (R-R)  *
54  Gary Waslewski (R-R)

No Catchers
41  Jake Gibbs (L-R)
15  Thurman Munson (R-R)

No. Infielders
10  Danny Cater (R-R)
20  Horace Clarke (S-R)
23  John Ellis (R-R)
28  Ron Hansen (R-R)
  2  Jerry Kenney (L-R)
17  Gene Michael (S-R)
25  Pete Ward (L-R)

No. Outfielders
13  Curt Blefary (L-R)
27  Jim Lyttle (L-R)
  1  Bobby Murcer (L-R)
21  Frank Tepedino (L-L)
  6  Roy White (S-R)
  9  Ron Woods (R-R)

* not on active roster

Trainer - Joe Soares

National Defense Service List
George Zeber

Thursday, May 29, 2014

1970 Syracuse Chiefs Program and Scorecard Notes

New York Yankees' AAA Farm Club (International League)

SYRACUSE CHIEFS BASEBALL CLUB OFFICIAL FAMILY
Board Chairman - Anthony A. Henninger
Operations Manager - Anthony "Tex" Simone
President - Kenneth R. Leach
Vice-President - Donald R. Waful
Secretary - Clayton D. Andrews
Treasurer - Anton F. Kreuzer
Assistant Treasurer - John Vanderwege
Directors:
Dr. Arthur Colasanti
Albert Deisseroth
Rev. George Earnshaw
John Ewaniszyk
Nicholas Ferrante
Thomas Higggins
Thomas A. Lee
Harry Marley
John McAuliffe
John C. Meyers, Jr.
Royal O'Day
Peter Regitano
Richard Ryan
Charles A. Schoeneck
Douglas J. Sullivan
F.E. Swanson
Albert Wertheimer

Office Staff:
Public Relations and Promotions Director - Bruce Baker
Secretary - Patty Annesi
Stadium Manager - John Russo
Ticket Manager - John Rutkowski


INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE TEAM AFFILIATIONS
Buffalo Bisons (Montreal Expos)
Columbus Jets (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Louisville Colonels (Boston Red Sox)
Richmond Braves (Atlanta Braves)
Rochester Red Wings (Baltimore Orioles)
Syracuse Chiefs (New York Yankees)
Tidewater Tides (New York Mets)
Toledo Mud Hens (Detroit Tigers)


ADVERTISEMENTS
-American Airlines
-Bill Rapp Pontiac: At The Pontiac Corner
-Brang Garden Store: We supply the Chiefs stomping grounds.
-Budget Rent-A-Car System
-Carey's Truck Driving School: A Local School With Our Own Modern Equipment
-Dick's Atlantic
-Dotterer's Salina Liquors: The Largest Small Store In Syracuse
-Dutch Masters
-El Producto
-Fay's Drugs
-First Federal Savings : Insured Savings, Home Mortgages
-French's Mustard: Pump For The Best
-Gordon Electronics: Everything Hi-Fi And Photographic
-Grand Union: Easy to park ... easy to shop!
-Guidetti General Contractor
-Heritage: Leading The Way With Sharp Pencil Deals
-Honey Bucket
-Hugh Johnson & Company
-Johnny Dell Auto Sales: Honest John
-Kaufman DeDell Printing, Inc.
-Lakeview Recreation Center: Pleasing You Pleases Us
-Lanpher's Cycle Shop
-LeMoyne Manor
-Leo A. Kline: K-Line Windows, Inc,
-Liberty Restaurant and Billiard Parlor: Home Of The Liberty Inn Softball Team
-Little Gem Diner
-Liverpool Sport Center
-Lousville Slugger Bats: Both teams use them.
-Maley's Mufflers
-Metropolitan Bank: Free Checking Accounts
-Michael's Texaco Service Station
-Muriel Cigars
-Nettleton Shoes
-Pastime Athletic Club
-Pilgrim Franks: Good To The Last Bite
-R.G. Kopp Inc.
-Old Spice
-Paul De Lima Coffee: Roasted In Syracuse, Oven Fresh To Your Grocer
-Pepsi-Cola
-Radio 1390: Syracuse turns us on.
-Ransom-Shelley Co.
-Reynolds Ford: Your Little Profit Dealer
-S & M Electric Company : Electrical Contractors
-Sears Sports Center: Where The New Ideas Are
-Smith Bros. Company: Business Equipment
-Syracuse Lumber Co.
-Tally Ho Restaurant: The Meeting Place Before And After The Game
-Ter-El Trophies
-Tino's Restaurant: For Pizza And Italian Food
-Twin Trees Restaurant: Famous For Pizza
-Utica Club: It's tough to argue over a Utica Club. We put too much love into it.
-Valiant Cleaners: We clean the Chiefs.
-Varsity Sport Shop: Authorized Wilson Distributor
-Wal-Gin Restaurant
-Wise Potato Chips: Watch'em Disappear!
-WNYS TV 9: More Sports With No. 1 Red Parton

1970 Syracuse Chiefs Roster

New York Yankees' AAA Farm Club (International League)

Manager - Frank Verdi  26

No. Pitchers
31  Bill Burbach (R-R)
16  Alan Closter (L-L)
20  Art Dawson (L-L)
17  Rob Gardner (R-L)
25  Doug Hansen (R-R)
21  Gary Jones (L-L)
33  Steve Kline (R-R)
30  Hal Reniff (R-R)
24  Gerry Schoen (R-R)
27  Dale Spier (R-R)
22  Thad Tillotson (R-R)

No. Catchers
  6  Papo Mora (R-R)
14  George Pena (R-R)
  4  Charlie Sands (L-R)

No. Infielders
  5  Len Boehmer (R-R)
  7  Ossie Chavarria (R-R)
15  Bobby Cox (R-R)
  1  Matt Galante (R-R)
23  Tony Solaita (L-L)
28  Frank Tepedino (L-L)

No. Outfielders
  3  Rick Bladt (R-R)
12  Ron Blomberg (L-R)
10  Bobby Mitchell (R-R)
11  Bill Robinson (R-R)
  9  Jose Vidal (R-R)

Trainer - Gene Monahan

1970 New York Yankees Program and Scorecard Notes

A NEW DECADE ... THE LOOK OF A WINNER
"For the last several years, the Yankees have been talking about rebuilding with youth. Now a new decade has arrived and with it high hopes for the Yankees of today. The youngest team in the club's history (average age of the anticipated starting team is just over 24 years) has been bolstered by the acquisition of some solid hitters via winter trades ... by the development of young prospects to major league status ... and the maturing of young stars who have arrived on the Stadium scene in the last year or two.
People are saying the Yankees can win. The feeling expressed this spring by several sportswriters following the club was that 'this club has arrived and could win now.'
The Yankees feel they are contenders now. There's no doubt about the fact that the American League East is the strongest division in all sports. There will be rough competition among the Yankees, Orioles, Red Sox, Tigers, Senators and Indians.
But our new Yankees are ready for the challenge of the seventies. A team with better hitting, far more depth and bench strength, a solid defense and good pitching will provide many happy hours for Yankee fans this season. The Yankees have won 29 American League pennants, 20 World Championships ... and now they hope to become contenders again, in a new decade of Yankee success."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program


THREE NEWCOMERS ... THREE HITTERS
"The Yankees welcome three solid hitters to their 1970 roster: Curt Blefary, Pete Ward and Danny Cater. Acquired through winter trades, this trio of hard-hitting young veterans is expected to bolster the Yankee attack this season. All are multi-position players. Curt expects to be in right field, Danny at first base and Pete at first or third and mostly pinch-hitting."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

YANKEE FIRST ROUND DRAFT CHOICES
"Probably no club in baseball can present such a promising array of future stars selected in Baseball's annual draft as the Yankees. The current draft started in 1965 and there are selection periods in June and January, with the spring draft obviously the big one.
The Yankees' first selections in each of the first four June drafts are Bill Burbach (1965), Jim Lyttle (1966), Ron Blomberg (1967) and Thurman Munson (1968). Each of the four is considered an outstanding prospect for stardom at Yankee Stadium. Burbach and Munson are scheduled for regular service at the Stadium this season. Blomberg and Lyttle both were slated to start this season at Syracuse, but are likely candidates for New York- and soon."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program


YANKEE STADIUM GAME TIMES
Single Day Games- 2:00 P.M.
Doubleheaders- 1:00 P.M.
Night Games- 8:00 P.M.
Twi-Night Doubleheaders- 5:00 P.M.

LADIES DAYS
"Although the schedule does not indicate the specific Ladies Days, the Yankees will schedule the popular feature for the fair sex. The dates will be announced here in the Yankee scorecard, in the daily newspapers and on Yankee television and radio broadcasts. The first three Ladies Days of 1970 at Yankee Stadium will be held on Saturday, April 11 (Cleveland), Saturday, April 25 (Oakland) and Saturday, May 2 (Milwaukee). As usual, women will be admitted to grandstand general admission seats for these Yankee games on payment of a 50 cent tax and service charge."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

"Continuing a policy of offering outstanding Ladies Days attractions, the Yankees here are listing three more mid-season days for female fans. All female fans will be admitted to general admission grandstand seats on payment of the nominal 50 cent tax and service charge on Saturday afternoon, July 18 when the contending Oakland A's are at the Stadium; on Tuesday afternoon, August 11 with the Chicago White Sox and again on Saturday afternoon, August 15 with the Kansas City Royals."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

G.O. CARD NIGHT
"The Yankees will schedule one of their popular G.O. Card Nights on Friday, May 15 when the colorful Detroit Tigers are at the Stadium. Students will be admitted to general admission grandstand seats on payment of a 50 cent tax and service charge after presenting their general organization cards (or parochial school identification card equivalent)."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

SENIOR CITIZENS
"And senior citizens will be remembered, too. The first two special dates for senior citizens will be held on Wednesday afternoon, April 29 when the California Angels are at the Stadium and on Saturday afternoon, June 6 when the Chicago White Sox are in town. Senior citizens will also be admitted to grandstand general admission seats on these dates on payment of the customary 50 cent tax and service charge."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

GIFTS FOR FANS
"There's good news for Yankee fans from Yankeeland! The highly popular CAP, BAT and BALL DAYS at Yankee Stadium have been scheduled again in 1970. Added to this great array of gift days will be a novel TEE SHIRT DAY.
As usual, each of the gifts is of the highest quality possible to obtain for these promotions. These are not toys, but valued baseball gifts that will be used, worn and treasured by young Yankee fans everywhere.
The same generous gift program of recent years will again be in effect this season. Every young fan, boys AND girls, 14 years of age and under, accompanied by an adult will receive the Yankee promotional gift on the specific dates listed below. Naturally, gift items are presented on paid admissions only. Dad can take an entire Little League team to a Yankee game and each qualifying youngster will receive that day's gift.
A word to the wise - order your tickets early to be sure to receive all these wonderful and exclusive Yankee baseball items.
The first big day is CAP DAY on Sunday afternoon, April 26 when the American League West favorites, the Oakland Athletics, are Stadium visitors. This year's cap is designed to fit all youthful head sizes and has the Yanks' official 'NY' insignia embroidered on the front. The caps have regulation sweat bands, air vents and sun visors. They will prove popular for wearing at Yankee Stadium all season long.
T-SHIRT DAY - an innovation - will be presented for the first time on Saturday afternoon, May 16 when the popular Detroit Tigers are at Yankee Stadium. The T-shirts will have the official Yankee insignia printed on each one. The short sleeves and neck will have attractive trim. The T-shirts are being manufactured for the Yankees by Allison Manufacturing Company, Inc. of New York, official licensee for the Major League Baseball Promotions Corp. The MLBP baseball insignia will appear on the outside of the polyester bag in which each shirt is packed. They will come in small, medium and large children's sizes.
BAT DAY, highlight of the gift season at Yankee Stadium and throughout baseball, will be held on Sunday afternoon, June 7 when the Chicago White Sox are playing at Yankee Stadium. Hillerich and Bradsby, makers of the famed Louisville Slugger, are manufacturing a huge bat order for the Yankees so that no young fan will be disappointed. The bats, approved Little League models, will have the Yankee team name on each one plus the signature of a favorite Yankee player.
Wilson Sporting Goods Co. is again manufacturing a special ball for the Yankees' BALL DAY. The ball, with the official 'Little League' designation and the New York Yankee team name on each one, will have a cork and rubber center and 108 stitches. BALL DAY will be on a holiday - the only holiday home date of the season ... Saturday, July 4 when the slugging Washington Senators are at the Stadium.
Tickets for all of these gift days are on sale here at Yankee Stadium today."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

BALL DAY, SECOND BAT DAY
"There's still more good news ahead for Yankee fans.
In addition to the highly successful  CAP DAY, TEE SHIRT DAY, and BAT DAY already held this season, the Yankees have scheduled their annual BALL DAY on Saturday afternoon, July the Fourth. In addition, a second BAT DAY is now scheduled for Sunday afternoon, July 19 when the Western Division contending California Angels play a big afternoon doubleheader at Yankee Stadium.
The first BAT DAY on June 7 produced the largest crowd in the major leagues in five years- 65,880. The Yankee ticket department reported that more than 7,000 fans were turned away with thousands of young fans disappointed.
As a result, a second BAT DAY was added to the Yankees' summer gift schedule and a rush order for bats was sent to Hillerich and Bradsby in Louisville. Bats with autographs of Yankee players and the Yankee team name on them will be available for July 19. The bats vary in length and weight as do professional model bats, but each one will have a Yankee players' name, the team name and the authorized Little League designation.
BALL DAY on Saturday, July 4th marks the first time the Yankees have held a gift day on a holiday. The Washington Senators, with sluggers Frank Howard and Mike Epstein on hand, will be Stadium visitors on BALL DAY, as well as for a night game on July 3 and a doubleheader on July 5.
All fans, boys and girls, 14 years of age and under, accompanied by an adult will again be recipients of balls and bats."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

COLOR PHOTOS OF YANKEE STARS OFFERED AT STADIUM DURING 1970 SEASON
"A set of color picture post cards of Yankee stars is being offered to all young fans attending specified games at Yankee Stadium this season.
The attractive post cards, with new full-color photos of a Yankee star on each card and a biographical sketch on the reverse side, are being prepared for distribution. The first card, a photo of Bobby Murcer, was given out on June 6.  The second card, a photo of Roy White, was to be distributed on June 24.
All young fans, boys and girls, regardless of specific ages, will receive the cards as long as the supply lasts on the specified dates."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE OF YANKEE PLAYER COLOR POST CARDS
Saturday, June 6: Bobby Murcer
Wednesday, June 24: Roy White
Saturday, June 27: Curt Blefary
Friday, July 3: Fritz Peterson
Thursday, July 16: Danny Cater
Saturday, July 18: Horace Clarke
Wednesday, July 22: Gene Michael
Tuesday, August 11: Stan Bahnsen
Saturday, August 15: Thurman Munson
Saturday, August 29: John Ellis
Wednesday, September 2: Jerry Kenney
Saturday, September 5: Mel Stottlemyre

CASEY STENGEL, NEW HALL OF FAMERS TO BE HONORED AT OLD TIMERS' DAY AUGUST 8
"Casey Stengel will be the guest of honor at the Yankees' 24th annual Old-Timers' Day on Saturday afternoon, August 8 when the Bombers host the defending American League Champion Baltimore Orioles. The Hall of Fame former Yankee and Met manager, who will mark his 80th birthday a few days prior to the Yankee celebration, will be making his first official appearance at Yankee Stadium in a decade.
In 12 seasons as Yankee pilot, the club won 10 pennants and seven World Championships. Included were the five straight World Series winners piloted by Casey. He had a lifetime batting average of .284 for 13 big league seasons as an outfielder with the Dodgers, Braves, Pirates, Phillies and Giants.
To honor Stengel, the Yankees are inviting back all of the great Yankee players he managed plus many of the opposing stars from American League and World Series opponents.
In addition, the Yankees have invited the newest members of the Hall of Fame who will be inducted into the Cooperstown shrine a few days earlier. They include former Commissioner Ford Frick, Lou Boudreau, Jesse Haines and former Yankee center field star Earle Combs. Regular season ticket prices will prevail and tickets are available at all Yankee ticket outlets."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program


ALL-STAR VOTING RETURNED TO FANS IN 1970
"Baseball fans across the nation will select the eight starting players on the major leagues' two 1970 All-Star teams. Return of the vote to the fans was announced recently by Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn and the Gillette Company, which will handle the processing, distribution and computerized counting of the ballots which are expected to total in the millions.
For the convenience of fans at Yankee Stadium, ballot boxes will be found all over the Stadium, and computer-style ballots will be distributed to fans at Yankee home games during the May 30-June 28 voting period. The All-Star Game will be played this year in Cincinnati's new Riverfront Stadium.
A novel new 'punch' ballot will be distributed with six nominees printed for each position plus space for write-in candidates. Some 75,000 Gillette retail centers will support the voting in major league parks. Further details will be announced at the Stadium on each day of the balloting. Twice-weekly reports of the voting will be made by Commissioner Kuhn. The pitchers and remaining All-Star squad members will be selected by the respective managers."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

PITCH, HIT AND THROW COMPETITION
"A national youth program open to boys aged nine to 12 will be launched this season by Major League Baseball Promotion Corporation. To be known as the 'Baseball Pitch, Hit and Throw' competition, it is expected to attract some half-million or more entries.
There will be 56 district competitions, 15 divisional qualifiers, and the national finals prior to the All-Star Game in Cincinnati on July 14. Further details on the nationwide promotion will be announced as plans progress this summer."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

YANKEE TELEPHONIC "HALL OF FAME"
"The Yankee telephonic 'Hall of Fame' at Gate 6 (behind the right-field seats) has been drawing big crowds the last three years. Now there is an addition to the voices of Yankee greats. Several current Yankees have made one-minute instructional tapes that should prove popular with young fans. Among those on the new tapes are Mel Stottlemyre, Jerry Kenney, Roy White, Gene Michael and manager Ralph Houk."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program


AMERICAN LEAGUE UMPIRES
1  Stevens
2  Honochick
3  Soar
4  Napp
5  Flaherty
6  Chylak
7  Runge
8  Umont
9  Rice
10 Stewart
11 Drummond
12 Haller
13 DiMuro
14 Odom
15 Ashford
16 Neudecker
17 Springstead
18 Goetz
19 Kunkel
20 O'Donnell
21 Barnett
22 Denkinger
23 Frantz
24 Luciano
25 Anthony
26 Maloney


YANKEE STADIUM TICKET PRICES
Box Seats- $4.00
Reserved Seats- $2.75
* Unreserved Grandstand Seats- $1.50
*Bleacher Seats- $1.00
(including all federal and local taxes)

*sold only at the Stadium on the day or night of a game

YANKEE TICKETS ON SALE ALL AROUND GREATER NEW YORK CITY
"It's easy to order Yankee tickets for 1970 home games. There are ticket outlets all over Yankeeland. And, of course, fans can order for any home game by mail.
While at Yankee Stadium, you may purchase tickets for any future Yankee games at the Advance Ticket Office windows in the concourse area behind home plate (Gate 4). This office is open during and after every Stadium event and at other times on Mondays through Saturdays from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and on Sundays from 10:00 to 5:00.
Tickets are available at the Yankees-Ticketron office located on the Mezzanine of Grand Central Terminal (overlooking the main information booth). This Ticketron office is located on the Vanderbilt Avenue level of the Terminal and is open daily from 8:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 4:00.
And, as for the past several years, the more than 30 Schrafft's Restaurants will process Yankee ticket reservations in New York, Westchester and Newark. Baseball fans in North Jersey again have the convenience of ordering tickets through the facilities of the North Jersey Automobile Club in Oradell, Paterson and Jersey City. Tickets also may be ordered at the Freedom National Bank at 275 West 125th Street.
Computerized Yankee tickets are available at Ticketron outlets at Gimbels and Gertz Department Stores; at the offices of the Ridgewood (New Jersey) News and the Paramus Bowling Center; and at Grand Central and other Ticketron outlets."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

POPULAR TRIPLE-S BLUE STAMP PROGRAM AGAIN OFFERED BY YANKEES
"1970 marks the fifth consecutive year the Yankees have joined with the popular SSS Blue Stamps in a ticket redemption program.
Baseball fans can obtain SSS Blue Stamps all over town ... accumulate them ... and then redeem them for Yankee baseball tickets. Box and reserved seats, as well as general admission tickets, can be obtained for SSS Blue Stamps.
In addition, the SSS Blue Stamp Company will again award 10,000 stamps to worthy organizations each time a home run is hit at Yankee Stadium by a Yankee player. The Bombers will select a charity or other non-profit organization to be the recipient of the home run Blue Stamps for each series at the Stadium. The awards will be made in the name of the Yankee player who hit the homer. The organizations receiving the stamps may redeem them for a choice of hundreds of useful items in the Triple-S catalogue.
And, of course, fans may redeem their own SSS Blue Stamps at any redemption center for Yankee box, reserved or general admission tickets or for hundreds of other valuable items."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program


WEEKEND BUS SERVICE OFFERED ON LONG ISLAND
"Direct bus service to Yankee Stadium will be offered to Yankee fans on Long Island this season. This special service will be available on weekends.
Buses will leave for Yankee Stadium two hours before game time on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Huntington and Rockville Centre and one hour and forty-five minutes from Hicksville, Hempstead and Roosevelt Field. Buses will return one-half hour after the game."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program


YANKEE INFORMATION ON WHN 1050
"If you are ever in doubt about the playing of a Yankee game, just tune to station WHN at 1050 on the AM dial. The Yankees' originating station keeps up-to-date at all times on Yankee activities, postponements, etc."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

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Tuesday, May 27, 2014

1970 New York Mammoths Opening Day Roster

Mammoth Stadium, The Bronx, New York (April 7)

Manager - Dutch Schnell  35

No. Coaches
31  Egg Barnard
44  Joe Jaros
33  Clint Strapp

No. Pitchers
42  Lindon Burke (R-R)
28 Horse Byrd (R-R)
22  Hams Carroll (R-L)
45  Bub Casteter (L-L)
29  Mike Johnson (L-R)
17  Herb Macy (R-R)
39  Jack Sterling (R-R)
30  Henry Wiggen (L-L)
43  Gil Willowbrook (R-R)
16  Sam Yale (R-R)

No. Catchers
15  Bruce Pearson (R-R)
32  Red Traphagen (L-R)
23  Goose Williams (R-R)

No. Infielders
36  Squarehead Flynn (L-R)
12  Sid Goldman (L-L)
27  George Gonzalez (R-R)
26  Mark Jackson (R-R)  *
19  Ugly Jones (L-R)
34  Gene Park (R-R)
11  Coker Roguski (S-R)
20  Perry Simpson (R-R)
  1  Canada Smith (R-R)

No. Outfielders
  2  Pasquale Carucci (L-R)
  6  Vinny Carucci (L-R)
21  Lucky Judkins (R-R)
  9  Swanee Wilks (S-R)

* not on active roster

Batting Practice Pitcher - Billy Brooks  50

Trainer - Scooter Corrigan


1970 New York Yankees Opening Day Roster

Yankee Stadium, The Bronx, New York (April 7)

Manager - Ralph Houk  35

No. Coaches
44  Jim Hegan
32  Elston Howard
34  Dick Howser
31  Jim Turner

No. Pitchers
22  Jack Aker (R-R)
45  Stan Bahnsen (R-R)
50  Bill Burbach  (R-R)
39  Steve Hamilton (L-L)
18  Mike Kekich (R-L)
24  Ron Klimkowski (R-R)
40  Lindy McDaniel  (R-R)
19  Fritz Peterson (S-L)
30  Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
52  Joe Verbanic (R-R)

No. Catchers
41  Jake Gibbs (L-R)
15  Thurman Munson (R-R)

No. Infielders
10  Danny Cater (R-R)
20  Horace Clarke (S-R)
23  John Ellis (R-R)
28  Ron Hansen (R-R)
  2  Jerry Kenney (L-R)
17  Gene Michael (S-R)
25  Pete Ward (L-R)

No. Outfielders
13  Curt Blefary (L-R)
27  Jim Lyttle (L-R)
  1  Bobby Murcer (L-R)
21  Frank Tepedino (L-L)
  6  Roy White (S-R)
  9  Ron Woods (R-R)

Trainer - Joe Soares

National Defense Service List
George Zeber


1970 Yankees Yearbook Roster, Taxi Squad and Prospects
ROSTER
Manager - Ralph Houk 35
First Base Coach - Elston Howard 32
First Base Coach - Mickey Mantle 7
Third Base Coach - Dick Howser 34
Pitching Coach - Jim Turner 31
Bullpen Coach - Jim Hegan 44

Catcher - Thurman Munson 15, Jake Gibbs 41
First Base - Danny Cater 10 (3B), John Ellis 23 (C)
Second Base - Horace Clarke 20
Third Base - Jerry Kenney 2
Shortstop- Gene Michael 17, Frank Baker 26
Left Field- Roy White 6
Center Field - Bobby Murcer 1
Right Field - Ron Woods 9, Jim Lyttle 27 (CF), Curt Blefary 13 (LF)
Pinch Hitters - Pete Ward 25 (1B), Ron Hansen 28 (SS-3B-2B)

Starting Pitchers:
Fritz Peterson 19
Mel Stottlemyre 30
Stan Bahnsen 45
Steve Kline 38
Gary Waslewski 54
Mike Kekich 18

Relief Pitchers:
Lindy McDaniel 40
Jack Aker 22
Ron Klimkowski 24
Steve Hamilton 39


TAXI SQUAD
Catcher - Charlie Sands 42
First Base - Len Boehmer 36* (3B)
Third Base - Bobby Cox 14
Outfield - Frank Tepedino 21 (1B), Bill Robinson 11

Starting Pitchers:
Bill Burbach 50
Mike McCormick 29

Relief Pitchers:
Joe Verbanic 52
Dick Farrell 43*
Rob Gardner 62


PROSPECTS
Catcher - Steve Grotemeyer, Jim Deidel, Jorge Maduro
First Base - Tony Solaita, Dave McDonald, Tim O'Connell (OF)
Second Base - George Zeber
Shortstop - Mario Guerrero
Outfield - Ron Blomberg, Rusty Torres

Starting Pitchers:
John Cumberland
Doug Hansen
Gary Jones
Gerry Pirtle
Larry Gowell
Terry Ley
Bill Olsen

Relief Pitchers:
Loyd Colson
Terry Bongiovanni

* unofficial uniform number

1970 New York Yankees' Opponents

BALTIMORE
"Brooks Robinson set a record by topping the league's third basemen in fielding for the ninth straight season. He played in 12 consecutive All-Star Games in 15 seasons and has a .323 All-Star average.
Frank Robinson is the only player to win the MVP award in both leagues, and has a .302 lifetime batting average. The Triple Crown winner ranks 12th on the all-time home run list.
Boog Powell, a big man with a big bat (121 RBIs, 37 homers in '69), was a big factor in the Orioles' pennant-winning year."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook


BOSTON
"Outfielder Tony Conigliaro made the 'Comeback of the Year' in '69 (20 home runs, 82 RBIs) after a tragic eye injury in '67.
Rico Petrocelli was the league's top fielding shortstop for the second straight year - with only 14 errors. He tied the shortstop home run record with 40.
Carl Yastrzemski, winner of the Triple Crown and the MVP in '67, has taken six Gold Glove awards, and shared the league lead for most games played in '69 with 162."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook


CALIFORNIA
"Jim Fregosi, a Gold Glove winner and five times named to the All-Star team, is one of five American Leaguers to hit for the cycle twice.
Rick Reichardt, former University of Wisconsin end, has led the Angels in home runs and runs batted in."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook


CHICAGO
"Luis Aparicio, in his 15th major league season, still has the fielding ability that has earned him eight Gold Glove awards as the league's outstanding shortstop, and the record of nine years in a row as the premier base stealer.
Walt ('No Neck') Williams is a great outfield hustler with a solid .304 average for the '69 season."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook


CLEVELAND
"Colorful Hawk Harrelson was A.L. Player of the Year in '68 after leading the league with 109 RBIs and posting a perfect 1.000 fielding mark.
Sam McDowell led the league in strikeouts for the second consecutive year and the fourth time in the past five years - with 279."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook


DETROIT
"Al Kaline, with nine Gold Glove awards, will be long remembered for his stellar performance in the '68 World Series when he posted a .379 mark at the plate.
Tom Tresh, Rookie of the Year, 1962, has been twice named to the All-Star team. A former Yankee, he's a powerful switch-hitter."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook


KANSAS CITY
"Eliseo Rodriguez, a graduate of the New York City sandlots and a former Yankee prospect, made the '69 All-Star team in his first year as the Royals' catcher.
Lou Piniella, outfielder, won the American League's 1969 Rookie of the Year award."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook


MILWAUKEE
"Mike Hegan, fleet first baseman and outfielder, is the son of Yankee coach Jim Hegan.
Tommy Harper, infielder-outfielder, was Rookie of the Year in '62, led the National League in runs scored with 126 in 1963, and was acquired from Cleveland in the league expansion."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook


MINNESOTA
"Rod Carew batted .332 to win the 1969 American League batting championship in only his third major league season.
Harmon Killebrew led the league in home runs with 49 and runs batted in (140), the seventh season in which he drove more than 100."
Tony Oliva, tied for runner-up to Carew at .309, led the league (for the fourth time) in base hits with 197, and won the title (for the third time) for most doubles with 39."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook


OAKLAND
"Al Downing, a long-time Yankee, was fifth in lifetime strikeouts for the Yanks.
Reggie Jackson in 1969, only his second full season, had 47 home runs, 118 RBIs, and led the league in runs scored with 123."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook


WASHINGTON
"Mike Epstein, former University of California fullback, hit 30 homers and had 85 RBIs last season.
Frank Howard's 48 home runs last year brought his A.L. total to 167; he hit 123 in the N.L. For the second consecutive year, he had the most total bases - 340."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook

Monday, May 26, 2014

1970 New York Yankees Player Development

Vice-President, Minor League Operations - Johnny Johnson


FARM CLUBS
Secretary Farm System - George Pfister

AAA
Syracuse, New York
International League
Manager - Frank Verdi

AA
Manchester, New Hampshire
Eastern League
Manager - Gene Hassell

A
Kinston, North Carolina
Carolina League
Manager - Alex Cosmidis

A
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Florida State League
Manager - Lamar North

A
Oneonta, New York
New York-Penn League
Manager - George Case

Rookie
Johnson City, Tennessee
Appalachian League
Manager - Jerry Walker


SCOUTING
Luis Arroyo (Ponce, Puerto Rico)
Loren Babe (Omaha, Nebraska)
Cloyd Boyer (Webb City, Missouri)
Mark Christman (Glendale, Missouri)
Pat Colgan (Carbondale, Pennsylvania)
Pete Coscarart (Escondido, California)
Harry Craft (Inverness, Florida)
Al Cuccinello (Elmont, New York)
Art Dede (Keene, New Hampshire)
Atley Donald (Choudrant, Louisiana)
Joe Frisa (Buffalo, New York)
Tom Greenwade (Willard, Missouri)
Randy Gumpert (Berks County, Pennsylvania)
Roy Hamey (Tucson, Arizona)
Harry Hesse (New York, New York)
Willis Hudlin (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Gordon Jones (Pasadena, California)
Clyde Kluttz (Salisbury, North Carolina)
Don Lee (Martinez, California)
Lou Maguolo (St. Louis, Missouri)
Buster Mills (Ranger, Texas)
Bill Monbouquette (West Medford, Massachusetts)
Tom Morgan (San Pedro, California)
Frank O'Rourke (Hillside, New Jersey)
Bobby Richardson (Sumter, South Carolina)
Jose Seda (Hato Rey, Puerto Rico)
Steve Souchock (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida)
Eddie Taylor (Seattle, Washington)
Jack Warner (Inglewood, California)
Gene Woodling (Medina, Ohio)

1970 Yankee Spring Training Scout Signings
Pat Colgan: Larry Gowell (1967)
Arthur Dede: Curt Blefary (1962), Rusty Torres (1967)
Atley Donald: Ron Blomberg (1967), Jim Lyttle (1966)
Tom Greenwade: Loyd Colson (1967), Bobby Murcer (1964), Gerry Pirtle (1967)
Tuffie Hashem: Roy White (1962)
Harry Hesse: John Ellis (1967)
Willis Hudlin: Frank Baker (1967)
Gordon Jones: Gary Jones (1967), George Zeber (1968)
Lou Maguolo: Jerry Kenney (1964), Fritz Peterson (1963)
Joe McDermott: Stan Bahnsen (1965), Bill Burbach (1965)
Lew Morton: Jim Deidel (1967)
Ray Perry: Bill Olsen (1968)
Jose Seda: Horace Clarke (1958), Mario Guerrero (1968), Tony Solaita (1965)
Eddie Taylor: Steve Kline (1966), Mel Stottlemyre (1961)
Jack Warner: Doug Hansen (1968)
Gene Woodling: Thurman Munson (1968)


SPRING TRAINING INSTRUCTORS (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida)
Manager - Ralph Houk
Cloyd Boyer
Harry Craft
Jim Hegan (Coach)
Elston Howard (Coach)
Dick Howser (Coach)
Clyde Kluttz
Mickey Mantle
Lamar North
Jim Turner (Coach)
Frank Verdi
Gene Woodling


1970 YANKEES YEARBOOK "ON THE WAY UP"
Ron Blomberg OF
Terry Bongiovanni RHP
Loyd Colson RHP
John Cumberland LHP
Jim Diedel C
Larry Gowell RHP
Steve Grotemeyer C
Doug Hansen RHP
Gary Jones LHP
Steve Kline RHP
Terry Ley LHP
Jim Lyttle OF
Jorge Maduro C
Bill Olsen LHP
Gerry Pirtle RHP
Charlie Sands C
Tony Solaita 1B
Rusty Torres OF


"It all starts down on the farm. With the expansion of the league, it became even more apparent that the club that should be a contender would have to 'grow its own' talent in its farm system. No ordinary farmer is Johnny Johnson, Vice-President of Minor League Operations. He and his experienced scouting staff have that rare talent - the ability to recognize a potential major leaguer in a youngster who has yet to prove it.
Bringing along new players is an exciting and rewarding job. Some prospects develop slowly but steadily; others suddenly find themselves and spring up overnight.
As Lee MacPhail says:
'You can never tell when one of the boys you drafted far down the list will suddenly emerge as the one you have been waiting for.'
But dark horse or late bloomer, the player in the Yankee organization who's called up is ready because he got the help he needed from great coaches, minor league managers and instructors. The best tribute to the caliber of men running the Yankee farm system is today's young Yankee team, heavy with excellent 'home grown' talent that has been brought along beautifully despite interruptions for military service."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook


Other 1970 Yankee Profiles

JOHN ELLIS
"Answering an emergency call from the Yankees to catch a regular major league game (Jake Gibbs had been injured, Frank Fernandez was on military duty and the catcher at the AAA level was also in service), John Ellis packed his bag at the Kinston, North Carolina farm club - and promptly caught fire. Though a fire in his hotel kept him awake most of his first night in New York, the next day, May 17, was a big one for 220-pound 'Little John.' He hit a home run in his first major league game and the first time he had seen Yankee Stadium. He made other offensive contributions that afternoon and caught Stan Bahnsen's two-hit shutout as the Yankees beat the Angels 6-0.
The rest of the season, Ellis alternated between Syracuse and New York, hitting .290 with the Yankees and .333 with the Chiefs. He was sent to the Yanks' Winter Instructional League club to learn to play first base. And now he can work at either end of the first-base line.
One of the strongest young players at 21 (a fullback who received college offers), Ellis lives in New London, Connecticut, where he is continuing his education at Mitchell College."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook

"1969 proved quite an exciting year for 'Big John' Ellis. In only his second full season of pro ball, he had to answer an emergency call from the Yankees to start in a regular major league game. It was May 17 and Jake Gibbs was injured, Frank Fernandez had military duty, and so did the catcher at Syracuse, Lou Howell. The Yanks reached to their Kinston farm club in the Class A Carolina League and called on John.
Despite getting practically no sleep the night he arrived in New York due to a fire in his hotel, he responded by going 1-for-2 with two RBI and a sacrifice fly and was hit by a pitch, and rapped an inside-the-park home run. It was no fluke, as John wound up hitting .290 with New York in 62 at-bats. In addition, he caught a 2-hit shutout by Stan Bahnsen as the Yanks beat the Angels 6-0.
He stayed with the club until June 17 when the catching department was back at full strength, and for the rest of the season shifted between Syracuse and the Yanks. He hit .333 at Syracuse, and at Kinston was leading the Carolina League in hitting with a .361 average and in RBIs with 28 when he left.
With the emergence of Thurman Munson and the trading of Joe Pepitone, Ellis was sent to the Yankees' Winter Instructional League [team] in Florida after the season in order to learn how to play first base. Again he impressed, this time with his fielding, as he proved to be more than adequate around the 'initial sack.'
Probably one of the strongest young players in baseball, he was more noted for his football ability in his high school days, when he was a fullback and received many college offers. He chose baseball instead.
John attended Mitchell College in New London, Connecticut."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


RON KLIMKOWSKI
"A 26-year-old right-hander from Westbury, Long Island, New York, Klimkowski was obtained from Boston in exchange for Elston Howard during the Red Sox pennant drive of 1967. Last year at Syracuse, he won 15 and lost 7, his 15 victories placing him in a tie for the leadership of the International League, and his 2.18 ERA was the best in that AAA league.
In his first major league start last September, Klimkowski shut out the Red Sox for nine innings at Fenway Park, allowing only three hits. Although he didn't gain a decision - the Red Sox went on to win 1-0 in 14 innings - Ron couldn't have made a more impressive start.
He operates a restaurant known as 'Sours' in the off-season in Uniondale, Long Island."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook

"Ron came up to the Yankees last season on September 13 after having the best year of his career with Syracuse. He led the AAA International League in ERA (2.18) and tied for most wins (15), to help the Chiefs win the playoffs. Ron couldn't have been much more impressive in his first major league start on September 24, as he shut out the Red Sox for nine innings at Fenway Park on just three hits. He did not gain any decision, however, as the Red Sox went on to win 1-0 in 14 innings.
He was originally signed by the Boston organization in 1964. Ron came to the Yankees along with pitcher Pete Magrini in exchange for Elston Howard during the Red Sox pennant drive of 1967. A local boy, he operates a restaurant named 'Sours' in Uniondale, Long Island during the off-season."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


JIM LYTTLE
"Jim came up to the Yankees briefly last summer in mid-season and experienced typical rookie difficulties with the bat. He went back to Syracuse where he had played outstanding ball during the first half of the season. He picked up where he had left off and completed a very successful Triple-A season with the Chiefs, hitting .313.
He is considered a standout prospect. He fields, runs and throws exceptionally well and he has hit in the high minors. When he hits in the majors, he may well have it made."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook

"Jim got off to a great start at Syracuse last season. He was hitting .325 when the Yankees called him up on May 16. He failed to hit, however, and was sent back to the Chiefs on July 1. He wound up hitting .313 in only his third full season of pro ball.
A natural all-around athlete, Jim was the Yankees No. 1 selection in the 1966 Free Agent Draft. If he hits major league pitching, he can't miss. Jim has major-league ability in running, throwing and fielding and could be the dark horse of the Yankees' 1970 spring training camp.
Jim attended Florida State during the off-season and expects to graduate this March."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


FRANK BAKER
"Ready to display his tools - speed, range and a good arm - at shortstop, this top Yankee prospect has developed rapidly. Baker jumped from Class A Kinston to AAA Syracuse last year where he was the regular shortstop. Frank is considered outstanding defensively; it's only a matter of how quickly his hitting improves.
Baker is 23 and received his degree last year from Southern Mississippi. Married, he lives in Meridian, Mississippi."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook

"One of the top prospects in the Yankee organization, Baker has all the tools: good speed, quickness, a good arm, range and good hands. It's just a question of how well he will hit. He jumped from Class A in 1968 to AAA Syracuse last year and maintained an average over .240, which indicated real progress.
Frank received his degree from the University of Southern Mississippi last year. He works in his father's oil company during the off-season."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


MIKE KEKICH
"The owner of 'the best arm on the squad' is the way teammates refer to lefty Mike Kekich. He has the tools ... all that is needed is the full development.
Perhaps the trade of popular, established Andy Kosco for young (now 25) and essentially unknown Mike Kekich was the surprise of the 1968-69 winter. Kosco had a fine first half in 1969 and Kekich was struggling. But toward the end of the season, Mike came - and he came strong.
He won three of his last five starts, showed a hopping fastball and the control needed for the success predicted for him. He allowed only 14 earned in his last 45 innings for a 2.80 ERA. The big left-hander threw a one-hitter at the Mets in 1968, fanning 11 men along the way in hurling a 2-0 win. In 1964 at St. Petersburg, Mike fanned 11 men in a row to tie an Organized Baseball record.
Mike's wife is fast, too. She won a girl's relay race last summer at the Stadium at a party for employees and their families.
A 'mod left-hander' with a flair for the unusual, Kekich owns a great arm. It is a personal project of Ralph Houk's to turn that sensational arm into a great pitcher."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook

"Mike came on strong late in the season, as he was the winning pitcher in three of his last five starts, including his first American League complete game, and allowed just 14 earned runs in his last 45 innings pitched, an ERA clip of 2.80. He shows a lot of promise and has a hopping fastball and a good change of pace. A colorful personality, he was acquired by the Yanks from the Dodgers in exchange for outfielder Andy Kosco in December 1968.
He hurled a 1-hitter against the Mets while with the Dodgers in 1968, shutting them out 2-0 as he struck out 11. He has twice gone into the seventh inning without allowing a hit, both times in 1968, against the Mets and the Phillies. While with St. Petersburg in 1964, he struck out 11 consecutive batters, tying an Organized Baseball record.
Mike has many hobbies, including motorcycle riding."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


GARY WASLEWSKI
"Waslewski was acquired by the Yankees in an exchange of contracts with Montreal on May 15 [of this year]; the Expos received first baseman Dave McDonald. Gary had been with the Expos since July 3, 1969, when he was obtained in a trade with the Cardinals for Mudcat Grant.
He pitched for the Red Sox in 1967-68, compiling a 2-2 record for the pennant-winning team of '67. Gary pitched in two games of the 1967 World Series, starting the sixth game and allowing four hits and two runs in 5 1/3 innings against the Cards. On July 6, 1969, he pitched a 1-hitter, facing 27 batters, in shutting out the Phillies.
Gary originally signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates after his freshman year at the University of Connecticut, then was drafted by the Boston organization in 1964. He was the International League's Pitcher of the Year in 1966 when he was 18-11 at Toronto. The Cardinals picked him up in a trade for Dick Schofield in December 1968.
Gary is an investment counselor and an estate planner in the off-season, and an avid bowler."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


BILL ROBINSON
"Bill has shown that he can hit major league pitching; during the last two months of 1968, he batted .286. He has one of the best arms in baseball and runs well. But injuries have kept him sidelined for long stretches and slowed his adjustment.
Manager Ralph Houk stays with a fine prospect like Bill Robinson, who has all the tools and the desire. But Bill must find himself this year; he knows it. He is being crowded by Murcer in center and Blefary in right. It is the kind of battle that makes great players and stronger ball clubs.
Bill lives in Teaneck, New Jersey, is the father of two children and worked for the Yankees' Promotion Department and for Restaurant Associates during the off-season."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook

"Originally signed by the Braves in 1961, Bill was traded to the Yankees in exchange for Clete Boyer in November 1966.
Bill has always shown the ability to run and throw with the best. He showed he could hit major league pitching during the last two months of the 1968 season when he batted .286. He has one of the strongest arms in baseball despite undergoing surgery for the removal of bone chips in his right elbow in January of 1967. Bill won the James P. Dawson Award (outstanding Yankee rookie in spring training) in 1967.
He has worked in the Yankees' Promotion Department, and also for Restaurant Associates, during the off-season."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


BILL BURBACH
"Bill came up to the majors last year and pitched outstanding ball early in the season, including a shutout against the defending World Champion Detroit Tigers. But he wound up with a 6-8 won-lost record and a 3.64 ERA.
At 22, the big (6 foot 4, 222 pounds) right-hander from Dickeyville, Wisconsin has his future ahead of him - and some good indications of what it can be like were given last winter.
Pitching in Puerto Rico under manager Cot Deal (former Yankee pitching coach), Burbach hurled the first 9-inning no-hit game ever pitched in Hi Bithorn Stadium in San Juan. He followed this with a one-hitter. The winter experience was invaluable as Bill gained confidence and control.
Burbach was the Yankees' first selection in the original free agent draft in 1965 in which the Yankees also took Stan Bahnsen. The Yanks had good pitching last year, but it will be even better in 1970 if Big Bill continues his steady improvement."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook

"Young and strong, 'Big' Bill Burbach continues to improve every year and is considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. He throws a blazing fastball. His only problem is control.
Burbach won a starting berth in the regular rotation during spring training last year and hurled a 5-hit shutout over the Tigers in only his second major league start. He hurled effectively in winter ball in Puerto Rico during the off-season and pitched the first nine-inning no-hitter ever at Hi Bithorn Stadium in San Juan. Bill also hurled a no-hitter for Binghamton in 1967.
He was the Yankees' first selection in the original free agent draft in June 1965."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


FRANK TEPEDINO
"A Brooklyn boy, Tepedino was first signed by the Baltimore Orioles and came to the Yankees via the draft. A product of the Brooklyn sandlots, Frank played American Legion ball. He has made steady progress through the Yankee farm system, climaxed by a .300 season with 16 homers in AAA ball at Syracuse in 1969. He is considered a fine hitting prospect and can play both first base and the outfield."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook

"Frank continued to show his ability last year at Syracuse as he hit .300 with 16 homers and 61 RBIs. He missed qualifying in the International League batting race by 33 plate appearances; otherwise, he would have officially had the third-highest average in the league.
The local boy from Brooklyn came to the Yankees when they drafted him from the Baltimore organization in November 1966. Frank stayed with the parent club for the first half of the 1967 season in order to be protected, collecting two hits in five pinch-hit appearances before being sent to Greensboro on July 5.
Frank is a product of the Brooklyn sandlots where he played American Legion ball and also semi-pro ball with the Cadets, a club that has produced such famous major leaguers as Sandy Koufax, Joe Torre and Bob Aspromonte. He lists his top baseball experience as playing on the same club (1967) as Mickey Mantle."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


JOE VERBANIC
"Joe didn't have a '69 season. The capable long relief man came up with a sore shoulder in spring training and couldn't throw at all. His ailing shoulder failed to respond to rest and treatment. Joe stayed with the club until mid-season when he was sent home with strict orders not to pick up a ball until Fall. But when he was sent to the rookie camp during the winter, Joe threw as well as ever.
Ralph Houk sees a comeback by Verbanic as an important factor in making Yankee pitching the best in the league in 1970. Verbanic clearly established himself as a strong, all-purpose pitcher when he appeared as a short relief man, a long relief man, and as a starter when other members of the staff were on military duty. The Yankees missed him last year; his return will add needed depth."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook

"Joe missed the entire 1969 season due to a sore arm. He pitched winter ball in the Florida Instructional League and in Puerto Rico, however, and threw as strong as ever. He was sorely missed last year.
He proved his worth in 1968 as a strong all-purpose pitcher, appearing as a short relief man, long relief man, and also as a starter when needed. Joe was acquired by the Yankees from the Phillies in exchange for Pedro Ramos during the winter of 1967.
Joe is a tough competitor with good desire. He is of Croatian descent. His hobbies are hunting and fishing."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


LEN BOEHMER
"Len filled in adequately as a utility infielder last year as he saw duty at first base, second base, third base and shortstop.
He began his career as a shortstop and led the Southern League in hitting in 1964 with a .329 average while at Macon. Boehmer spent seven years in the Reds organization. The Yankees purchased him from Cincinnati in September 1967.
Len is a hustling, heady type ballplayer who aspires to remain in baseball when his playing days are over."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


BOBBY COX
"Cox lost his third base job last when Murcer and Kenney arrived on the scene; however, he still proved to be a valuable asset to the Yankees' bench strength.
He was acquired by the Yanks from the Braves in November 1967 in exchange for pitcher Dale Roberts and catcher Bob Tillman. Cox battled for the hot corner spot with Mike Ferraro in 1968 and eventually won it. In fact, he was named to the American League Rookie Team.
Bobby was originally signed to a sizable bonus by the Dodgers in 1960. He was always considered to be a good hitting prospect but had position problems. Due to a sore arm, he was switched to second base, shortstop and the outfield before returning to his normal spot at third in 1967 with Richmond. Bobby responded with a .297 average, 14 homers and 51 RBIs, which helped lead the club to the International League pennant.
Hailed by his teammates as a young old-timer, Bobby talks, eats and sleeps baseball."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


DICK FARRELL
"The veteran right-hander of 13 seasons in the major leagues will be making a strong bid to win a relief pitching job on the Yankee staff this spring. He was picked up by the Yankees during the winter when the Phillies released him in order to make room on their roster for players acquired in trades.
Dick was originally signed by the Phils in 1953 and had a 10-2 record with them in his first full season in the big leagues in 1957. He was traded to the Dodgers along with Joe Koppe in May 1961 in exchange for infielder Charley Smith and outfielder Don Demeter. Dick was picked up by Houston in the 1962 Expansion Draft and returned to Philadelphia when they purchased him from the Astros in May 1967.
At one time one of the hardest throwers in baseball, Dick has since added a variety of pitches to his repertoire, all of which he can get over the plate. A real workhorse, he has appeared in over 50 games six times during his career."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


ROB GARDNER
"Rob was obtained by the Yankees from Portland, a farm club of the Indians in the Pacific Coast League, in exchange for John Orsino in June 1969, and was sent to their AAA club in Syracuse. He had a winning record, mostly in relief.
Originally signed by the Twins, Rob led the Florida State League in shutouts with 12 in his first year of baseball at Orlando and also led in strikeouts with 213. He was drafted by the Mets in December 1963 and reached the major leagues with the Mets in 1965. He was in the Cleveland organization for two years."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


CHARLIE SANDS
"This fine young prospect has been hampered by injuries the last two years. Charlie suffered a broken finger in 1968 and a broken kneecap plus appendicitis last year.
The Yankees drafted him from the Baltimore Organization in November 1966 and thought enough of him to carry him on their 25-man roster for the entire 1967 season in order to protect him. Charlie attended Morehead State during the off-season, and while there undertook the vows of matrimony."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


MIKE MCCORMICK
"Back in 1967, Mike McCormick was named the Cy Young Award winner and the Comeback Player of the Year. Since then, however, he's practically been a missing person. He compiled a 12-14 mark in 1968 when he spent part of the season in the bullpen, and last year he managed only an 11-9 record with a 3.34 ERA.
Bothered somewhat by a sore elbow during the season, Mike got to start only 28 games and pitch 197 innings, while striking out only 76. In September the 31-year-old southpaw began to look strong again as he pitched a couple of impressive games. In one, against Atlanta, he didn't give up a walk, the first time he'd done that in his 14 years in the big leagues.
Mike can really move the ball around when he's in good form. He throws a fastball, a curve and a screwball."

-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1970


FRANK BAKER
"Ready to display his tools - speed, range and a good arm - at shortstop, this top Yankee prospect has developed rapidly. Baker jumped from Class A Kinston to AAA Syracuse last year where he was the regular shortstop. Frank is considered outstanding defensively; it's only a matter of how quickly his hitting improves.
Baker is 23 and received his degree last year from Southern Mississippi. Married, he lives in Meridian, Mississippi."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook

"One of the top prospects in the Yankee organization, Baker has all the tools: good speed, quickness, a good arm, range and good hands. It's just a question of how well he will hit. He jumped from Class A in 1968 to AAA Syracuse last year and maintained an average over .240, which indicated real progress.
Frank received his degree from the University of Southern Mississippi last year. He works in his father's oil company during the off-season."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


RON BLOMBERG
"The Yankees' first draft choice and first selection in the country in 1967, the 21-year-old slugger has developed rapidly. When he came up to the Yankees last fall after a fine season at Manchester, Manager Ralph Houk called Blomberg the most improved player in the organization. A first baseman who was converted to the outfield to utilize his excellent speed, Ronnie needs only experience to develop his defensive ability. Yankee scouts are convinced that when Blomberg (he pronounces it 'Bloom-berg') blooms, he will make it big.
Last year, despite frequent military calls, the former Atlanta, Georgia high school baseball and basketball star hit 19 home runs and had a .284 batting average at AA Manchester, New Hampshire, where he won Eastern League All-Star honors."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook

"The Yankees' and all of baseball's No. 1 selection in the 1967 Free Agent Draft has progressed steadily in his two and a half years in the Yankee organization. Despite much Army Reserve duty last year, he was sixth in the Eastern League in home runs, and also had the sixth-best batting average.
Ron is a big, strong strapping lad with a good arm and plenty of speed. He was signed as a first baseman but was switched to the outfield in order to utilize his running ability.
Yankee players are still talking about the shot he hit over the right-field roof of Tiger Stadium during batting practice late in the 1969 season. He came to bat seven times in the Yankee pinstripes in '69 and did not embarrass himself at all. He received a walk in his first major league appearance and wound up with three hits in six official times at bat. He is considered to be one of the top prospects in the Yankee organization.
Ron attends DeKalb College in the off-season."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


JOHN CUMBERLAND
"John, who's only 22, is disappointed he hasn't made it sooner as a Yankee. Left-handers usually take a little longer, but the southpaw from Westbrook, Maine, who jumped from Class A to triple-A ball in '67, is coming.
He had a 12-8 season in AAA ball at Syracuse last year and was brought up to the Yankees on July 7, when the staff was thinned by military commitments, and stayed until July 23. Cumberland, who led Portland to a State Championship in '66 and pitched a one-hitter with 22 strikeouts in the American Legion title game, was voted Most Valuable Player of the Tournament. He was signed by the Cardinals and drafted by the Yankees in November 1966."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook

"John had his second straight winning season in AAA ball at Syracuse in the International League last season. Originally signed by the Cardinals, he was drafted by the Yankees in November 1966.
He's a product of American Legion ball, where he led Portland, Maine to the state championship in 1966, as he hurled a 1-hitter and struck out 22 in the title game. John was voted MVP of the Legion Tournament.
John was brought up to the Yankees last year on July 7, when the staff was thin due to military commitments, and stayed until July 23."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


TERRY BONGIOVANNI
"Terry was originally signed by the Chicago Cubs to a substantial bonus in 1967. He became a Connecticut Yankee last September in exchange for outfielder Jimmie Hall. Although Terry did not have a winning record last year, he allowed 60 hits in 73 innings and posted a fine 2.22 ERA.
He hurled seven innings of hitless ball at Caldwell in 1967. He was taken out of the game as it was his first start in pro ball.
Nicknamed 'Bongie,' he is superstitious about stepping on the chalk lines of the diamond."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


LOYD COLSON
"Loyd as originally signed by the Yankees in 1967. He came on strong in his third year of Organized Baseball last year at Kinston, where he had a 10-6 won-lost record and posted an ERA of 1.73, mostly in relief.
He pitched in high school in Gould, Oklahoma and helped his club to the state championship in his sophomore and senior years. He made All-State in 1966.
Loyd's hobby is hunting."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


LARRY GOWELL
"Always the possessor of a strong arm, Larry 'came of age' last year and led the Florida State League in wins (16), strikeouts (217) and complete games (17). He averaged almost ten strikeouts per nine innings with a game high of 15 and had the second-lowest ERA in the league with a 1.74 mark. He won Florida State League All-Star honors in 1969. Larry has a blazing fastball with good control
He is a Seventh Day Adventist."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


MARIO GUERRERO
"This young shortstop was recommended by a former Yankee infielder from the Dominican Republic, Pedro Gonzalez. The club eventually signed him, and he proved to be a pleasant surprise last year when he hit .282 at Kinston, 12th best in the Carolina League where he won All-Star honors. Mario also shone in the field as he was second in the league among shortstops in putouts (180), assists (329), double plays (58) and fielding percentage (.919).
A definite major league prospect with a strong arm and good hands, Mario is another player whose idol is Mickey Mantle. He has a brother who played in the Braves organization and is currently a scout with the Houston Astros."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


DOUG HANSEN
"Drafted No. 2 by the Yankees in the January 1968 Free Agent Draft, his two years in the Yankee farm system have both been winning seasons. Doug spent the off-season in the Army and is due to be released sometime during spring training.
Doug led the New York-Penn League in ERA with a 1.67 mark in his first year of pro ball. He jumped up to the Eastern League last year."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


STEVE KLINE
"Steve began last season at Ft. Lauderdale as he was in the Army over the winter and wasn't released until the end of spring training. He later was sent up to Syracuse.
He is a big, hard-throwing right-hander with a major league arm. He was captain of both the baseball and basketball teams at Chelan High School and made All-State in baseball.
Steve attends the University of Miami in the off-season. His hobbies are fishing and hunting."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


DAVE MCDONALD
"McDonald had the best year of his career last season at Syracuse, as he was the fourth leading home run hitter in the International League with 24, and was also fourth in RBIs with 82. He was brought up to the Yanks at the end of the season, after helping the Chiefs win the International League playoffs- he was their top offensive threat all year.
He is a veteran of eight years in the minor leagues. Dave was originally signed by New York in 1962 as a catcher and was converted to a first baseman in 1964 while with Greensboro.
Dave went to high school in Grand Island, Nebraska, where he was a high school All-American in football, and attended the University of Nebraska for two years. His father, Lester, was a pro football player with the Chicago Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles (1939-42)."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


TIM O'CONNELL
"A graduate of Xavier University of Ohio, O'Connell was selected by the Yankees in the June 1968 Free Agent Draft. He played four years of baseball and basketball at Xavier and was captain of both teams in his senior year.
Tim has shown good progress in his one and a half years of professional baseball. He led the Kinston club in hitting last year.
He teaches and coaches during the off-season."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


BILL OLSEN
"The Yankees' No. 1 selection in the January 1968 free agent draft, Bill attends the College of the Redwoods in Eureka, California. He reported to Oneonta last June but was unable to pitch right away due to an injured finger on his pitching hand- he accidentally sliced it with a hedge-cutter. When Bill finally took his regular turn on the mound he was unbeatable, as he posted an 8-0 record, had an ERA of 1.23 and led the league in shutouts with three, even though he started only nine games.
A definite prospect, he has a major league curveball with excellent control. Bill had a 24-1 record at Eureka High School, where he made the All-County Team three straight years. His hobby is hunting."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


TONY SOLAITA
"Don't count him out. The Minor League Player of the Year and the home run king of Organized Baseball in 1968 is still very much in the Yankee picture. A hairline fracture of the ankle hindered him last year.
Tony missed spring training, which resulted in a slow start. When he couldn't break into the starting lineup at Syracuse, the Yanks sent him to Tucson to play regularly. He still couldn't get started, so he was sent to Columbus, Georgia in the Southern League, where he finally caught fire as he hit 15 homers in 59 games. Despite the injury, Tony still wound up with a pretty fair year overall, banging out a total of 23 homers in 110 games.
He blossomed in 1968 at High Point-Thomasville in the Carolina League when he led the loop in runs, homers, RBIs and walks. His 51 homers, 49 during the regular season and two in the playoffs, were the most hit by any player in Organized Baseball that year.
Born in American Samoa, he spent three years in Hawaii as a youngster, where he first began to play baseball in their Little League program. Tony, whose father is a Methodist minister, was originally signed by the Yankees in June 1965. Shortly after he reported to the parent club at the tail end of the 1968 season, he was entered into a home run contest which included Carl Yastrzemski, Ken Harrelson and Reggie Smith of the Red Sox, and Mickey Mantle and Rocky Colavito of the Yankees- all noted power hitters. Tony won the contest."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Tony Solaita, a native of American Samoa, who was named the Minor League Player of the Year in 1968 after belting Carolina League pitching for 49 homers, is having a fine season in the AAA International League at Syracuse, the  Yankees' top farm club. At late reports, he was hitting over .350."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program


RUSTY TORRES
"He jumped from the Florida State League to the Carolina League last year and still raised his average 40 points. In addition, Torres led the loop in triples (11), runs scored (96), and was second in the league in walks (98). This switch-hitting outfielder is fast afoot with a good arm.
Torres is a product of the Brooklyn sandlots and played on the same club as Frank Tepedino, the Brooklyn Cadets, which also produced such major leaguers as Sandy Koufax, Joe Torre and Bob Aspromonte. A graduate of East New York High School in Brooklyn, he lists his outstanding baseball experience as being signed by the New York Yankees. Rusty was the top rookie in the Puerto Rican Winter League.
His hobby is preparing racing cars."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


GEORGE ZEBER
"Zeber is a definite major league prospect who has all the tools. His .242 average didn't really show his hitting potential as he played in a top Class A league [Carolina] last year, a big jump after only a half season of Rookie League play in 1968.
The Yankees' 5th selection in the June 1968 Free Agent Draft, Zeber attended high school in Anaheim, California, 'home of the Angels.' He lettered in baseball, basketball and football and was named Athlete of the Year his last two years.
George worked in his father's machine shop during the off-season."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Mickey Mantle was the center of much attention while serving as a batting instructor during the Yankees' Fort Lauderdale spring training. In a discussion of the many fine young players at the Yankee camp this year, Mickey surprised when he named a virtual unknown as the best looking youngster he had seen in camp.
'I'd have to say young (19) George Zeber is the best young rookie I've seen here,' Mickey said. 'I know he's not ready yet, but he reminds me of Bobby Richardson, but I think he's ahead of Richardson at the same stage of development,' Mantle added.
Zeber, a right-handed hitting, smooth-fielding second baseman, now is serving a two-year tour of military duty."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program


GARY JONES
"Gary was impressive in last year's Yankee spring training camp before being sent to Syracuse. After two very productive years in his first two seasons in the Yankee chain, he fell off last year with the Chiefs with a groin injury, which kept him out for almost the whole year.
He was selected by the Yanks in the June 1967 Free Agent Draft after graduating from Whittier College in California, the alma mater of President Richard Nixon. Gary is the brother of Steve Jones, a major league pitcher who has hurled for the White Sox, Senators and Royals."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


TERRY LEY
"A hard-throwing left-hander who was the Yankees' No. 3 selection in the January 1967 Free Agent Draft, Terry had a fine season at Ft. Lauderdale after spending the previous year in military service. He averaged almost a strikeout per inning pitched."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


GERRY PIRTLE
"Although only the Yankees' 23rd selection in the Free Agent Draft of June 1967, Pirtle has advanced rapidly through the Yankee organization and has shown improvement each year. He has a good fastball and excellent control, and his strikeouts are almost three times his number of walks.
Pirtle attends Tulsa Business College during the off-season."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


JIM DEIDEL
"Jim hit over .320 for the second straight year at Oneonta in 1969. Signed in 1967, he might still be a year or two away from the Yankees. He is, however, definitely considered a major league prospect.
He once hit three homers in one game while at Mullen High School in Denver, which he considers his top baseball experience. Jim should have more to come."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


STEVE GROTEMEYER
Although Grotemeyer, a fine receiver, did not show much on offense in his three years in the Yankee organization, he is a promising young prospect who has potential.
Last year was the first season Steve had a chance to play with any regularity and he had some trouble making contact. When he did, however, he showed good power as he rapped out 14 homers in 96 games at Manchester in the AA Eastern League."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


JORGE MADURO
"Signed out of the University of Miami last June after he graduated, Jorge showed ability as a good receiver in his first half-year of Organized Baseball. He has a major league arm.
His father is Robert Maduro, former owner of the Havana Sugar Kings baseball club, who currently works out of the Commissioner's Office representing Baseball in Latin America."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


EDDIE LAYTON (Stadium Organist)
"Eddie Layton, a renowned organist, plays regularly for fans at Yankee Stadium during the season. Perched in his special 'studio box' on the mezzanine, Eddie has become known as the 'musical voice of the Yankees.'
In the winter he plays at Madison Square Garden events and is heard frequently on CBS television."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook



Sunday, May 25, 2014

1970 Profile: Curt Blefary

"A Yankee bonus player in 1962, Curt Blefary finally got his chance to put on a New York uniform.
'I was hurt when the Yankees let me go in the draft to Baltimore, but when they traded Joe Pepitone for me last December it was like an early Christmas present,' was the way Curt reacted to the trade which brought him from Houston.
He was the American League's Rookie of the Year in 1965 when he clubbed 22 homers and drove in 70 runs. In four years with the Birds, he hit 82 home runs, demonstrating an almost perfect swing for the short right field fence when he visited Yankee Stadium. He went to the Astros for Mike Cuellar but found the huge Astrodome not conducive to hitting the long ball. He would up last season batting .253 with 12 home runs and 64 runs batted in."

-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1970

"Originally signed by the Yankees in 1962, Blefary was considered a promising prospect. But the Yankees lost him to Baltimore on first year waivers in 1963. He led the International League in walks with 102 in 1964 and was named American League Rookie of the Year in 1965. As an Oriole in 1967, he hit three homers in one game. Houston acquired him from Baltimore in 1968 and the Yankees got him in exchange for Joe Pepitone last winter.
Blefary should do well in Yankee Stadium. He hit .299 - with 12 homers - against the Yankees during his four seasons with the Orioles. In games played at Yankee Stadium, he hit .324 with six homers. He got the range in his first appearance at the Stadium, April 30, 1965, and hit a homer off Jim Bouton. A long ball hitter, Curt will not be held down as in the past and will be encouraged to swing freely. He is ticketed for right field but he can also play first base and catch.
Becoming a Yankee has been Curt's lifetime ambition. When he joined the Yankees last winter, he said, 'I think Yankee Stadium is built for both Pete Ward and myself. (Both are pull hitters.) I know it sounds corny, but I always wanted to play for New York. It's my home (he is a native of Brooklyn, lives in Allendale, New Jersey), and wearing the pinstripes and standing in the same batter's box where Babe Ruth stood do something to me.'"

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook

"Curt returns home. He originally signed with the Yankees in 1962, but was claimed on irrevocable first year waivers by the Orioles in April 1963. He went to Houston along with John Mason in exchange for Mike Cuellar, Eliajah Johnson and Enzo Hernandez in December 1968 and was re-acquired by the Yankees in exchange for Joe Pepitone during the 1969 Winter Meetings.
Blefary made known his disappointment about being traded away from New York, as one of his big baseball ambitions was to play regularly in Yankee Stadium. 1970 will provide him with that chance. A left-handed power hitter, he always hit well in the Stadium while with the Orioles. In four years he hit .324 at the 'big ballpark,' including six home runs. Curt should be a big weapon in the Yankees offensive attack in 1970, whether he plays the outfield or first base.
Curt has averaged just under 20 homers per year in his first five years of major league baseball; his season high was in 1966 when he had 23. He was named the American League's Rookie of the Year in 1965 and once had three homers in one game (June 6, 1967). Curt is also noted for having a good 'batting eye' and led the International League in walks with 102 in 1964.
He attended Wagner College during the off-season."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

NUMBER 13
"Curt Blefary, one of the new Yankees, is a native of Brooklyn who now lives in Allendale, New Jersey. He is the first Yankee regular to wear No. 13.
Outfielder Cliff Mapes was the only other Yankee to wear No. 13. He did so for a few weeks at the end of the 1948 season after relinquishing No. 3 when that number was retired in honor of Babe Ruth."

-1970 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

1970 Profile: Bobby Murcer

"He was given his idol's locker, and during the first two weeks of the season, Bobby Murcer looked like another Mickey Mantle. The kid from Oklahoma slugged five home runs, drove in 14 runs and hit .415 for the first nine games. After 40 games he topped the league with 40 RBI's. But an ankle injury at the end of May slowed him down, and then a tendency to try and pull everything into the seats sent his average plummeting. He hit only two homers during June and July, but late in the season regained his hitting stroke and confidence to finish with 26 home runs, 82 RBI's and a .259 batting mark.
'I'm satisfied,' said Murcer, 'especially after being in the service for two years. I think it hurt me switching from the infield to the outfield. This year I'll start in the outfield and that should help my hitting.'"

-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1970

"After two years in the Army, shortstop Bobby Murcer broke into the lineup at third base and his bat boomed like a howitzer. At the end of May he was hitting .321, fifth-best in the league, had 11 homers and led the league in runs driven in. A heel injury slowed him up and when he returned, he alternated between right field and center. In the last two months of the season, he hit 14 homers for a season total of 26, led the club with 82 RBIs, and tied Clarke for the club lead in runs scored. Three times he had two homers in one game.
Bobby, his wife and two children - a baby girl and a baby boy - moved to Fort Lee, New Jersey last winter to become a part of the community he represents as a Yankee. At 24 he is one of the players who make the Yankees the youngest club in the league.
As a center fielder this year, Murcer will be working territory that was trodden by Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle. Bobby, whose idol is Mantle, is by coincidence from the same state, Oklahoma, and was signed by the same scout, Tom Greenwade. In his first season with the Yankees, Mantle hit 23 homers; in his first year, Murcer hit 26. These are only coincidences. And the last person in the world who thinks Bobby Murcer will ever match Mickey Mantle's record is Bobby Murcer. If he can just be close behind in his idol's footsteps, Bobby - and the Yankees - will be very happy."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook

"He's rated as one of the coming stars in the American League. After spending two years in the Army, Bobby broke into the Yankees' starting lineup and tore up the American League in the first month and a half of the season.
He was slowed up somewhat when he injured his left heel on May 30 at Kansas City. At that time he was hitting .321, fifth-best in the league; had 11 homers, fifth-best in the league; and had knocked in 43 runs, which led the league. The injury kept him out of six games, and when he did get back into the lineup he went into a bit of a slump. He didn't hit his next homer until July 8, and his average slipped.
He regained his home run swing the last two months of the season, however, as he hit 14 from July 31 on, winding up with 26 round-trippers, one behind club leader Joe Pepitone. Bobby's 82 RBIs led the club in that important department and he also tied for the club lead in runs scored, as he and Horace Clarke had 82 each. He also had two homers in one game three times.
Bobby opened the season at third base and was later switched to right field. All told he started 31 games at third base, 89 in right field and 28 in center field. Murcer was originally signed as a shortstop by the Yankees in 1964.
He was brought up to the parent club at the tail end of the 1965 season and came north with the big club in 1966; he was sent down to Toledo, however, on May 5. The next two years found him in the Army.
Murcer has all the tools, is a tough hitter with power, has a strong arm and is fast afoot. Finding himself a comfortable position to play should enhance his road to stardom. His baseball idol is Mickey Mantle, which seems natural enough since he comes from the same state as Mickey, Oklahoma, and was signed by the same scout, Tom Greenwade, and now occupies Mickey's old Stadium locker."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

1970 Profile: Horace Clarke

"A grueling 1969 season which saw Horace Clarke come to the plate 641 times in 156 games probably cost the small second baseman a .300 season. As it was, he hit .285 as compared to a dismal .230 in 1968, so the Virgin Islands' native had reason to be pleased with his showing.
In addition to providing the club with adequate fielding at second base, Horace added a new dimension to the Yanks - a top base stealer. He pilfered 33 bases, the most a Yankee has posted since the late Snuffy Stirnweiss led the American League with 33 in 1945. A slap hitter with speed, Horace is an outstanding leadoff man.
He's now in his fifth year with the Yankees, his fourth as a regular."

-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1970

"Last year Horace had the best season of his 11 in professional baseball. In 10 of those years, the hustling second baseman had played continuously (summer in the U.S., winter in Puerto Rico). In the '68 season, fatigue took its toll and Clarke's average slipped to .230 from a club-leading mark of .272 in '67. But after taking the winter off, Clarke was stronger last season, played good defensive ball, and posted a .285 average. Horace led the club in stolen bases with 33, more than any Yankee since George Stirnweiss in 1945.
Clarke was moved from shortstop to second when Bobby Richardson retired in 1967, a year in which Horace led the club in hitting and the American League in fielding with a .990 mark, committing only eight errors in 143 games.
Born in Frederiksted, Virgin Islands, where he starred in basketball, volleyball, track in baseball, Horace now finds it pays to vacation there during the off-season."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook

"Hoss may never play winter ball again. He laid off for the first time in ten years last winter and it resulted in the best year of his career. He set personal highs for himself in hitting (.285), games played (156), at-bats (641), runs (82), hits (183), doubles (26), triples (7), runs batted in (48) and stolen bases (33). The 33 steals were the most by a Yankee since 1945 when George Stirnweiss also stole 33.
His fielding didn't suffer any, either, as he led American League second basemen in total chances (817), putouts (373), assists (429) and double plays (112). Horace led second basemen in fielding percentage in 1968 with a .990 mark.
Horace was originally signed by the Yanks in 1958 and reached the parent club in mid-season of 1965. He played all infield positions, including 63 games at shortstop in 1966, before taking over the keystone sack in 1967 with the retirement of Bobby Richardson. Not known for his power hitting, Horace's first two home runs in the major leagues were grand slams."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide