1970 Profile: Pete Ward

"If Pete Ward, obtained from the Chicago White Sox, is utilized only as a pinch-hitter this year, that contribution alone may add the 'little more' offensive punch that may make a big difference for the 1970 Yankees. In 1969 the Yankees were last in pinch-hitting in the American League with an almost embarrassing .138 average. The whole Yankee team had 25 pinch hits in 181 at-bats. Pete Ward hit .370 as a part-time pinch-hitter to lead the American League with 17 pinch-hits. He had six walks and a .442 on-base average.
As a utility man, the 30-year-old left-handed hitter has a great deal to offer. He can play third base, first base or the outfield. This long ball hitting infielder-outfielder is one of the main reasons why the Yankees will have the depth and strength they lacked in recent years.
When Pete joined the Yankees last winter, he was relieved to know that he would no longer have to face Steve Hamilton.
'It gives me a chance to prove myself again,' he said."

The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook

"Acquired in the Yankees' third major trade last winter, Pete Ward came from the White Sox in exchange for pitcher Mickey Scott and cash.
An established major leaguer, Pete first reached the big leagues with the Orioles at the tail end of the 1962 season after a brilliant year at Rochester. He was traded to the White Sox that winter with pitcher Hoyt Wilhelm, shortstop Ron Hansen and outfielder Dave Nicholson in exchange for shortstop Luis Aparicio and outfielder Al Smith, and proceeded to be named the American League's Rookie of the Year by the Sporting News in 1963. He had an even more productive year in 1964. Early in 1965, however, he suffered a whiplash injury in an automobile accident, and his performance suffered slightly.
The Yankees believe Pete will give them added depth and bench strength. He was the American League's leading pinch hitter last year with 17 hits in 46 at-bats with 11 RBIs for an average of .370. In addition, he picked up six pinch walks to give him an on-base percentage of .442 as a pinch swinger. He hit 97 homers in seven seasons with Chicago, the third-highest lifetime total in the history of the club."

-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide