1970 Profile: Jack Aker

"In 1966 Jack Aker was the top reliever in the American League, with an 8-4 record, an ERA of 1.99 and 26 saves. But poor 1967 and 1968 seasons plus an argument with boss Charlie Finley put him into the expansion draft and he wound up in Seattle.
'They tried to make a short and long man out of me and it didn't work,' was the way he explained the 0-2 record and 7.87 ERA he brought to the Yanks last year. New York gave up Fred Talbot for him and it paid off handsomely as Aker finished with an 8-6 mark and 3.14 ERA. He also wound up with 14 saves. In his first 20 appearances with the Yankees, the low-baller had an unbelievable 0.27 ERA.
It seems that the Yankees let him do his thing - short relief - and Aker repaid them."

-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1970

"The big right-handed hurler, who was acquired from the Seattle Pilots in May 1969 in exchange for Fred Talbot, became the Yankees' top relief man of the '69 season. When he came to the club, he was 0-2 with a 7.87 ERA. But with the Yankees, Jack had an 8-4 record and a 2.06 average. He gave up 51 hits in 66 innings, struck out 40, and walked only 22. He saved 11 games to lead the staff, even though he wasn't with the team the entire season. The Yankee staff registered 20 saves in '69 and Jack had 11 of them.
The A.L. Fireman of the Year in 1966 led the majors in saves with 26, won eight, lost four and had an ERA of 1.99.
Jack, who's 29 and of American Indian ancestry, is one of the most highly regarded players on the club. He lives in Baltimore and is the father of five children."

-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook

"Aker was acquired by the Yankees from the Seattle Pilots in May 1969 in exchange for Fred Talbot and proceeded to become the Yankees' top relief pitcher of the 1969 season. He led the club in saves with 11, had the lowest ERA [2.06], and won eight and lost four.
He was originally signed by the Athletics as an outfielder in 1959 and led the Nebraska State League in stolen bases (21) while playing for Grand Island. Jack was converted to a pitcher in 1960 and hurled a 1-hit shutout in only his second pro start with Visalia.
Aker reached the major leagues to stay in 1965, and the next year, 1966, was named the AL's Fireman of the Year as he led the majors in saves with 26, won eight, lost four and had an ERA of 1.99. Jack went to Seattle in Baseball's expansion draft of 1969.
Of Indian ancestry, his nickname is 'Chief.' Jack worked in public relations for RET Electronic Schools in Baltimore this past off-season."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide