Other 1969 Yankee Profiles

THURMAN MUNSON
"Thurman was the Yankees' No. 1 selection in the June 1968 Free Agent Draft. He was signed out of Kent State where he was named to the All-American College Baseball Team of 1968. Thurman is reported to be a fine receiver with a good arm who hits well with some power and runs well for a catcher.
He was sent to Binghamton where he hit .301 in 71 games. A junior at Kent State when he was signed, Thurman continued his education there during the off-season."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


MIKE KEKICH
"Mike Kekich will add color to the Yankees. In Los Angeles, where he was dubbed Mr. Roto-Rooter, Dodger fans were quick to dig the young left-hander - who had set a record of sorts by being thrown out of a game before ever appearing in one. While with the Phils at a game in Houston, Mike was ejected from the bench for heckling the umpires. Actually, it was another player, but the umps showed him the gate. He's had gate appeal ever since.
Kekich was obtained from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a straight trade for popular, highly-regarded Andy Kosco - which says a lot for the caliber of Kekich. While Ralph Houk didn't like losing a fine team man like Andy, he felt he needed his fourth or fifth starter to bolster the 1969 starting rotation. He believes that Kekich may well by the man to do it.
Last year with the Dodgers, Mike yielded 116 hits in 115 innings. The year before with Albuquerque in AA ball, he was 14-4 with 138 strikeouts in 186 innings - this despite torn muscles in the season opener and appendicitis in July. He appeared in 25 games last year. The Dodgers started him in 20.
Mike, who's only 24, won only two games last year. He won his first start against the Phillies and didn't win another until he pitched a one-hitter against the Mets in September. Mike's control has improved and Yankee scouting reports on him are enthusiastic."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook

"The promising left-hander was acquired from the Dodgers in exchange for Andy Kosco in December of 1968. Mike was the fifth starter for Los Angeles last year. A colorful personality, he could develop into a regular starter on the Yankee staff. Control seems to be his only problem.
Although Mike won only two games last year, against the Phillies and the Mets, both times he went into the seventh inning without allowing a hit. He wound up hurling a 1-hitter against the Mets, beating them 2-0 and striking out 11. While with St. Petersburg in 1964, Mike struck out 11 consecutive batters, tying an Organized Baseball record."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


JIMMIE HALL
"Jimmie was acquired from the Indians on April 14. His availability gives Manager Ralph Houk an opportunity to add another left-hand hitter against right-hand pitching and gives the squad pinch-hitting maneuverability. He has already made valuable contributions both at bat and in the field.
In six years in the American League, he has hit a total of 116 home runs. In his first year with the Minnesota Twins, 1963, Jimmie had 33 circuit smashes - a club record for a rookie - and he has had four 20-homer seasons. Twice (1964 and 1965) he was named to the A.L. All-Star team and he played in two of the 1965 World Series games for the Twins.
Jimmie lives in Mount Holly, North Carolina with his wife and four children."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook


JACK AKER
"There is nothing wrong with Jack Aker's pitching that a strong back and a one-way ticket away from Charlie Finley won't cure. The latter was taken care of when the Athletics allowed Jack to go in the expansion draft. The former appears to have straightened itself out, and perhaps Jack will provide the kind of airtight relief he gave the A's in 1966 when he was the major leagues' top fireman with an 8-4 record, a 1.99 ERA and 26 saves.
Last year, Jack slumped to a 4-4 mark and an ERA of 4.08, but he still showed he had the knack by saving seven games. His physical problems began last season when he stooped over to pick up a ball and injured his back. He was laid up for a spell and never really got back into his groove.
Jack, who now throws sidearm and owns a good slider, sinker and curve, has been pitching in the majors since 1964."

-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1969

"Long coveted by Manager Ralph Houk and the Yankees, Jack Aker was obtained from Seattle in exchange for pitcher Fred Talbot on May 20. Only 28 when he came to the Yanks, the relief specialist hopes to return to the form that made him the Sporting News Fireman of the Year in the American League with Kansas City in 1966. That season, the 6'2", 190-pounder won eight, lost four, posted a neat 1.99 earned run average and led the major leagues in saves with 26. Thus the right-hander of Indian ancestry was instrumental if 34 of Kansas City's 74 wins that season."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook


GENE MICHAEL
"Shortstop Gene Michael was acquired from the Dodgers in 1967. Before that, he had eight years in the minors with the Pittsburgh organization with the reputation of being a mediocre hitter but a fantastic fielder. Much of his difficulty at the plate can be traced to a long stretch on the bench with the Dodgers. Gene is still young and has been developing as a switch-hitter.
The Kent State College basketball star, who had offers from the New York Knicks, is tall and slim and nicknamed 'Stick.' He lives in Kent, Ohio, is married and the father of three children. Michael has a Bachelor's degree in education and teaches during the off-season."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook

"Gene was obtained from the Dodgers during the winter meetings of 1967. Nicknamed 'Stick' due to his long, lanky appearance, he spent eight years in the minor leagues with the Pittsburgh organization and was named the International League's All-Star shortstop in 1966. Gene pitched in the minor leagues (1-3 record at Kinston in 1963) and appeared in one game in relief for the Yankees last year, allowing five unearned runs on five hits in three innings while striking out three.
He was a basketball star at Kent State and was pursued by the New York Knicks. A product of American Legion ball, Gene has a B.S. degree in education and is a teacher during the off-season."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


LEN BOEHMER
"Purchased from the Cincinnati Reds organization last year, Boehmer (Bay-mer) has had all-around infield experience. Because of his versatility - he can spell at second or third - he will probably see plenty of action this season as a utility infielder. Len hit .268 last season, with 10 home runs and 75 RBI's in 144 games at Syracuse.
Boehmer led the Southern League in '64 with a .329 batting mark and was tops in doubles with 32. He had 16 homers, drove in 81, and was named to the All-Star team. With Buffalo of the International League in '66, he hit 19 homers, drove in 63 and batted .247.
Len attended St. Louis University where was All-Conference shortstop and led the club in batting. He makes his home in Macon, Georgia, is married and the father of three children."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook

"Len was purchased from Cincinnati in September 1967 and invited to spring training last year. He was assigned to Syracuse, where his clutch hitting, desire and ability to play all positions merited his rise to the Yankees' 40-man roster.
A veteran of eight years in the minor leagues, the last four in AAA, Len began his career as a shortstop and led his league in putouts, assists and double plays in his first two full seasons- 1962 at Tampa and 1963 at Rocky Mount. He was switched to third base the following year at Macon, where he led the Southern League in hitting with a .329 average. Len played third and short at Buffalo in 1967 and mostly second and third at Syracuse last year."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

DICK SIMPSON
"A 25-year-old right-hand hitting outfielder who has played in both major leagues, Simpson was obtained from the Houston Astros in exchange for relief pitcher Dooley Womack. The trade of a relief specialist like Womack is a measure of Simpson's value to the Yankees.
Lee MacPhail, who obtained him, had Simpson at Baltimore. Dick has always been a very promising outfielder with great speed. Whether he is used as a utility outfielder or regular hinges on his performance at the plate. The new strike zone may help Dick; he swings often and has power."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook

"Acquired by the Yankees from Houston in December 1968 in exchange for Dooley Womack, Dick was originally signed by the Angels in 1961. He was traded to the Orioles for Norm Siebern on December 2, 1965; the Orioles, in turn, traded him to Cincinnati along with Milt Pappas and Jack Baldschun for Frank Robinson on December 9 of the same year. Dick then went from the Reds to the Cardinals in January 1968 for Alex Johnson. The Cardinals traded him to Houston in exchange for Ron Davis on June 15, 1968.
Dick, considered a good outfielder, is one of the fastest runners in baseball, especially going from first to third. His one problem has been consistent hitting. Dick has had some fine minor league marks, hitting .301 with Seattle (AAA) in 1965, and .315 with 42 homers and 113 RBIs with San Jose (A) in 1962."

-1969 New York Yankees Information Guide

BILL BURBACH
"Burbach was the first choice in the first free agent draft in which the club also took Stan Bahnsen. Bill was 17 at the time. Last year at Syracuse he was 9-9 with a 3.60 ERA but scouts reported that he was very near to being ready.
Burbach could be the man who wins that extra starting job this year. Regardless, you're going to hear from him in the near future. He's young (21), big (6 foot 4, 212 pounds) and strong. He has a blazing fastball and plenty of poise.
Big Bill hails from Dickeyville, Wisconsin and attends Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa during the off-season."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook

"1968 showed continued improvement in Burbach, as he jumped from AA to AAA and more than held his own. Just 21 years old, he has already played four seasons in the Yankee organization without ever taking a step backward.
Bill was the Yankees No. 1 selection in the first free agent draft of the major leagues in June 1965. He hurled a no-hitter for Binghamton in 1967 and hurled 10 hitless innings (but had no decision) the year before for Greensboro.
Still considered one of the top pitching prospects in the Yankee chain, Bill attends Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa during the off-season."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

NATE OLIVER
"Oliver is a versatile infielder who was acquired from the San Francisco Giants last winter. While he isn't a power hitter, Nate can get the needed hit, runs well, and is an experienced hand at second, third and short. He has also done well at outfield assignments. Nate played in the 1966 World Series as a Dodger and will see action as a utility infielder.
Oliver, 28, is married, lives in San Francisco and has a son Nate. In the off-season, he is active with the Big Brothers of America."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook

"Acquired by the Yankees from the Giants in exchange for Charley Smith in December 1968, Nate spent nine years in the Dodger organization before being traded to the Giants along with Ron Hunt in exchange for Tom Haller. A speedster, he had stolen base totals of 30 and 28 in the minor leagues. Nate has had experience playing second, third, shortstop and the outfield in the major leagues.
He's nicknamed 'Pee Wee' and his hobby is singing."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

JOE VERBANIC
"Joe took it hard in '67 when he didn't make the team at Fort Lauderdale and was sent to Triple-A Syracuse. But he went to work and pitched his way back. He was recalled to Yankee Stadium when Whitey Ford retired and won three of his first four starts - one of them a four-hit shutout over Washington. Although his season was interrupted by military obligations, Joe showed enough to convince the Yankees that they had a real competitor who was an excellent low-ball relief pitcher and a potential starter.
Verbanic was with the Yankees all of 1968. Although not considered a starting pitcher, he did start 11 games last season when other members of the pitching staff were serving military hitches. He filled in and did well; he had two complete games. Joe is still young (25) and coming up fast. His biggest asset is the unflappable confidence he acquired while pitching his way back to the Yankees. Joe is an ideal middle relief pitcher, but his 11 starting assignments attest to his value as a spot starter.
Joe, who is married and lives in Eugene, Oregon, is a product of Little League, Babe Ruth, and American Legion ball."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook

"Joe was the swing man of the Yankee staff last year, appearing as a short relief man, long relief man, and also as a starter when needed. Despite military interruptions, he appeared in 40 games and posted a creditable ERA mark of 3.15. Joe was acquired by the Yankees from the Phillies in exchange for Pedro Ramos during the winter of 1967.
Of Croatian descent, Joe is a tough competitor with good desire. His winter activities consist of hunting and fishing."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


KEN JOHNSON
"The need for a long-relief man in the Yankee bullpen was apparent early in the season. When Ken Johnson, the knuckleball veteran of the Atlanta Braves, was available the Yankees purchased the big right-hander and put him to work.
The affable Floridian posted three consecutive winning seasons for the Braves in 1965, '66 and '67 and faced the Yanks briefly in the '61 Series while with the Reds. He pitched a losing no-hitter against Cincinnati while in Houston in 1964."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook


BILLY COWAN
"A right-handed-hitting outfielder with some major league experience with the New York Mets (1965), the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia, Billy Cowan was drafted from San Diego of the Philadelphia Phillies organization.
At San Diego last year, Billy rebounded from a decline by hitting .280 and stealing 31 bases. He is expected to give the Yankees extra protection in center field whenever Joe Pepitone moves in to first base."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook

"When the Yankees felt they could use an extra right-handed-hitting outfielder, they drafted Cowan from the Phillie organization during the Winter Meetings of 1968. He has had major league experience with the Cubs, Mets, Braves and Phillies.
In Organized Baseball since 1961, Cowan was the Minor League Player of the Year in 1963 with Salt Lake City of the Pacific Coast League when he hit .315, had 25 homers and led the league in RBIs with 120. Fleetfooted, he has stolen 31 bases twice, last year with San Diego and 1963 with Salt Lake City.
A graduate of the University of Utah, Billy played basketball as well as baseball and appeared in the East-West Shrine Game of 1960."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


FRED TALBOT
"Big, rugged, aggressive Fred Talbot, 27, puts his 212 pounds behind a fastball that overpowers batters. Fred began last season as a regular starter on the Yankee staff, but a hard-luck losing streak forced him to the bullpen. But he is a great competitor and his desire in spring training this year could not be denied.
Fred has the build of a great running back or a linebacker. He was both at Fairfax High School in Arlington, Virginia and received many college scholarship offers for football. But baseball is his first love and he accepted a substantial bonus from the White Sox. He reached the majors with the Chicago club after five years in the minors. Traded to the A's in 1965, he came to the Yankees in 1966. Fred has been known to use his power at the plate; he hit a homer in each of the last two seasons.
Fred lives in Falls Church, Virginia and is the father of two children, Fred Jr. (6) and Valarie (2). In the off-season, he's in the home-building business."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook

"Fred began last season as a regular starter on the Yankee staff. Some hard luck resulting in eight straight losses, however, relegated him to the bullpen.
A tough, hard-throwing competitor, Fred was an all-around athlete at Fairfax High School in Arlington, Virginia as he lettered in three sports- baseball, football and basketball. He received many college scholarship [offers] for football, his positions being running back and linebacker. Baseball is his first love, however, and when he received a substantial bonus offer from the White Sox, he accepted.
Fred reached the big leagues with that club after spending five years in the minors. He was traded to the A's in February 1965 and came to the Yankees in June 1966 along with catcher Bill Bryan in exchange for outfielder Roger Repoz and pitchers Bill Stafford and Gil Blanco.
Fred has some power at the plate, hitting a homer in each of the last two seasons."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


DON NOTTEBART
"The Yankees obtained Don as an additional relief specialist, a skill he has acquired in eight years as a major leaguer.
Don Nottebart almost gave up baseball last year when the Cincinnati Reds, from whom he was purchased, sent him back to the minors. But he had a pretty good year with Hawaii - he was 5-2 with a 3.27 ERA - and thought better of it.
Don had a great season with the Reds in '66. He won five of nine decisions, worked 59 games, had a 3.08 ERA and saved six victories. In '67 he was 0-3 but had an ERA of only 1.94.
Don lives in Houston with his wife and four children."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook

"This veteran hard-working right-hander was purchased by the Yankees from Indianapolis (Cincinnati) on October 21, 1968. Assigned to Hawaii from Indianapolis last year, he was one of the top relief pitchers in the Pacific Coast League, appearing in 50 games and posting a 5-2 won-lost record.
Don has had seven years in the major leagues, seeing action both as a starter and as a reliever. His best years were 1963 with Houston when he was 11-8 mostly as a starter and hurled a no-hitter against the Phillies on May 17, and 1966 with Cincinnati, when he was 5-4 as a relief pitcher and had six saves. Originally signed by the Braves in 1954, Don hurled for seven seasons in their minor league system, winning 18 games on four different occasions.
He was traded by the Braves along with Connie Grob and Jim Bolger to Houston in exchange for Norm Larker on November 29, 1962. On the same date three years later, he was drafted by Cincinnati from Houston's AAA farm club, Oklahoma City.
Nicknamed 'Notty,' Don owns and operates an automobile service center in Houston in the off-season."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


CHARLIE SANDS
"As a fine young prospect, Charlie was carried on the Yankees' 25-man roster during the entire 1967 season in order to be protected from the draft. The Yankees drafted him from the Baltimore Organization in November 1966.
Charlie's progress was somewhat hindered last year when he broke a finger on his right hand from a foul tip. He was on the disabled list from April 22 to May 22."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


FRANK TEPEDINO
"A hard-hitting local boy from Brooklyn who was drafted by the Yankees from the Orioles in November 1966, Frank was with the parent club for the first half of the 1967 season in order to be protected, and collected two hits in five pinch-hit appearances. His two hits were on the same day, July 4th, in a day-night doubleheader at Minnesota. He was sent back to Greensboro the next day, however, to make room on the roster for pitcher Cecil Perkins who was called up from Syracuse when the Yankees ran into pitching problems.
Frank is a product of the Brooklyn sandlots where he played American Legion ball and also semi-pro baseball with the Cadets, a club which has produced such stars as Sandy Koufax, Joe Torre, and Bob Aspromonte."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


JOHN ORSINO
"A slight bone chip in his right elbow almost brought John's baseball career to a fast ending. He missed almost two years of playing, 1966 and 1967. He underwent surgery in May 1967 to have the chip removed.
John seemed to recover last year, however, as he hit .282 in 94 games at Savannah. He began the season at Buffalo, but when he didn't break into the lineup for even one game he was sent to Savannah on April 30. The Yankees purchased him from Buffalo on January 8, 1969.
Now 30, this local boy from Fort Lee, New Jersey would still be an asset to any club if he could return to his form of 1963 when he hit 19 homers for the Orioles. In spring training of that year, he five homers in his first five at-bats."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


THAD TILLOTSON
"Acquired from the Dodgers in September 1966 in exchange for Dick Schofield, Thad came to spring training in 1967 and won himself a spot on the staff. He started the season well, winning his first three decisions, but ran into difficult days as he lost his last nine decisions.
Thad began last season at Syracuse, and after posting a 7-2 record with an ERA of 0.98 in 28 games was purchased by the parent club on June 28. He was sent back to the Chiefs on August 12 in order to make room on the roster for Al Downing, who came off the disabled list at that time."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


RON WOODS and JIM LYTTLE
"The Yankee outfield was strengthened prior to the trading deadline by the acquisition of Jim Lyttle, the Yankees No. 1 selection in the June 1966 free agent draft, and Ron Woods, obtained from Detroit for Tommy Tresh on June 14.
Lyttle, just 23, is a left-handed swinger and a brilliant outfielder with a strong arm. Woods, 23, a highly regarded right-hand hitting outfielder, led the Tigers' AAA farm club in Toledo to the International League championship last fall while hitting .292 with 16 homers. His versatility as an offensive and defensive player is expected to prove of value to the Yanks' future."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook

JIM LYTTLE
"Jim is a natural all-around athlete who was the Yankees No. 1 selection in the free agent draft of 1966. He's highly regarded in four categories: running, throwing, fielding and power. The label on him is that if he can hit, he can't miss.
He had trouble in this category the first half of last season when he was sent from an A league (Greensboro) to a much faster AAA league (Syracuse) and was hitting only .210 through July 2. Jim picked up in the last half of the year, however, and ended up at .234.
A student at Florida State during the off-season, he expects to graduate next year."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


TOM SHOPAY
"Tom Shopay (Show-pay) is a little (5 foot 9, 160 pounds) outfielder who has had four years in the minors. Tom carried a heavy load in college and never had spring training until 1967. Called up to the Yankees in the last two weeks of the '67 season while he was on his honeymoon, Tom hit .296 in eight games and connected for two home runs. The manager of the Minnesota Twins, Cal Ermer, will never forget him. One of those circuit clouts was a three-run homer against the Twins on Labor Day that cost them the ball game. The Twins lost the pennant by one game.
This little, well-conditioned athlete is a colorful player who can surprise the defense with the long ball, or cross them up by bunting (three of his eight hits with the Yanks were via bunts) and stealing.
He was sent back to Syracuse last season and the disappointment didn't help; he slipped to .245. But the Yankees haven't given up on him. Knowing that may make all the difference in the world to this fine rookie outfielder from Bristol, Connecticut. Tom played the early part of the 1969 season at the Yankees' Syracuse farm club before being called up as a replacement for Roy White while the latter was in service.
A graduate of the University of Bridgeport, Tom spent the off-season as the Physical Education Director of the Southington, Connecticut YMCA."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook

"Shopay had a brief fling with the Yankees the last two weeks of the 1967 season when he was called up from Syracuse to replace Tom Tresh, who underwent knee surgery. He was on his honeymoon at the time. Shopay made a strong impression in his weeks with the Yankees, hitting .296 in eight games with two homers. One of the homers drove in the winning runs against the Twins; it was a big loss for the Twins as they lost the pennant by only one game that year.
A hustling all-out type of player who takes full advantage of all his abilities, Tom is a very adept bunter- three of his eight hits with the Yanks were via bunts. He's also a good base stealer.
Tom is a graduate of the University of Bridgeport. He spent the off-season as the Physical Education Director of the Southington, Connecticut YMCA."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


BOBBY MITCHELL
"Drafted for the outfield last year - from Louisville of the International League, affiliated with the Boston Red Sox - was lanky, 25-year-old Bob Mitchell who has had four years in organized baseball and has had no major league experience.
With a .234 average, Mitchell stole 42 bases at Louisville last year. The previous year he stole 36. With that kind of speed, experience comes fast."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook

"Drafted by the Yankees from Louisville (Red Sox) last winter, which he lists as his greatest baseball experience to date, Bobby has played four years of professional baseball, showing improvement each season. He has shown exceptional speed, stealing 78 bases over the last two seasons."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


JOHN CUMBERLAND
"Twenty-one-year-old John Cumberland, a left-handed pitcher from Westbrook, Maine, was drafted from the Cardinals in November 1966. In spite of limited experience, he jumped from Class A to Triple-A ball in '67. Cumberland led Portland to a State championship and pitched a one-hitter with 22 strikeouts in the American Legion title game. He was voted Most Valuable Player of the tournament and signed by the Cardinals.
With Syracuse, he had a 4-5 record in '67. Last year it was 10-7. He had a brief trial with the Yanks last fall and a real opportunity in spring training."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook

"John had a very productive year at AAA ball at Syracuse in only his third season of professional baseball when he posted a 10-7 won-lost record. He finished the 1968 season with the Yankees.
Drafted from the Cardinal organization in November 1966, John is a product of American Legion ball. 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."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


MICKEY SCOTT
"A tall, lean, young (21) left-hander who grew up in Newburgh, New York, Scott was born in Weimar, Germany when his father was in service. He came to the U.S. when he was eight months old.
A fine, young prospect at Binghamton in 1966, he went into service and completed [his military obligations in 1967]. His W-L at Binghamton was 15-5, the best record in the league in '66. That year the Yankee farm club played the Auburn club operated by the Mets in an exhibition game at Yankee Stadium. Scott took the mound for Binghamton against Jerry Koosman of Auburn (who won 19 in '68 for the Mets). Scott was the winning pitcher in a dramatic game.
A broken hand slowed Mickey last season, but this fine young prospect, who always posted winning records in the minors, is nearing a career at Yankee Stadium."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook

"Scott has been a winner everywhere he's played. He managed an 8-6 mark with a 2.58 ERA despite breaking a finger on his pitching hand last year at Binghamton (AA). He was on the disabled list from July 8 to August 10.
Nicknamed 'Mickey,' he was a Yankee selection in the June 1965 free agent draft. He led the New York-Penn League in wins (15) and strikeouts (190) while with Binghamton in 1966.
Born in Germany, Scott came to the United States when he was eight months old. His mother was a German war bride.
Scott could be the 'sleeper' of the Yankees' 1969 spring training camp."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


ALAN CLOSTER
"Al Closter has had bad luck with injuries. Off to a great start in '67, he injured his knee and was out for over two months. Yet he managed to put together a good year and finished 4-0. Early last year, he re-injured the knee and had to have cartilage removed. When he recovered, he pitched for Syracuse and was 7-8 with a 3.10 ERA and gave indications of making a fine left-handed relief pitcher and spot starter.
Now 25, Al is a graduate of the University of Iowa, lives in Ames, Iowa and is the father of two boys."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook

"Alan is a left-hander who has an assortment of pitches, including a screwball and fine control. He struck out five times as many as he walked at Syracuse, fanning 110 while walking only 22.
The year started off poorly for him as he underwent surgery to have the external cartilage removed from his right knee. Alan injured it while working out last winter. This prevented his making the 'big club' in spring training last year; instead, he began the season at Ft. Lauderdale, a Class A club, to get into shape. After showing full recovery and an impressive record, he was sent to Syracuse.
Alan was a strong candidate for a berth on the Yankee staff. He was originally signed by the Yankees but was drafted by Cleveland, then by Washington, before finally being returned to the Yankee organization in 1966. A graduate of Iowa State, Alan spent the off-season playing winter ball in Puerto Rico."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


FRANK BAKER
"One of the top prospects in the Yankee organization, Baker is considered by some to be the top fielding prospect in the organization right now. He has all the tools: speed, a good arm, range and good hands. It's just a question of how well he will hit.
Frank was signed off the campus of Southern Mississippi, which he still attends during the off-season."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


RON BLOMBERG
"The No. 1 selection in the 1967 major league free agent draft, Blomberg is deemed a power hitter who can also run and throw. He was switched from first base to the outfield in order to gain the full benefit of his speed.
Ron had an impressive first year in Baseball, hitting .297 and belting 10 homers in 66 games at Johnson City. He was somewhat hindered last year by military reserve meetings.
A four-letter star in high school, Ron is considered one of the top prospects in the Yankee Organization. He spent the past off-season in the Army."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


JOHN ELLIS
"John began last season at Ft. Lauderdale and jumped from that A league all the way to Syracuse, an AAA club, on August 27 when their catcher Lou Howell injured his leg. John had quite a debut, going 6-for-8 in his first game for the Chiefs. He went on to hit .348 in 13 games, including a home run that beat Buffalo in the ninth inning.
He was signed by the Yankees as a free agent in August 1966. More noted for his football ability in high school, where he was a fullback and received many college offers, John chose a career with the Yankees instead. He's definitely a major league prospect.
John attended Mitchell College in New London, Connecticut in the off-season."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


JIM FINK
"Jim will return to a baseball uniform after two years in the Army. Tabbed a top future pitching prospect, his 2.21 ERA was sixth in the Carolina League in 1966 and his 14 complete games were fourth. Still only 21 years old, Jim already has two years of minor league experience and has fulfilled his military obligations."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


STEVE KLINE
"A big, hard-throwing right-hander who made a strong impression in spring training last year, Steve began the season at Ft. Lauderdale in order to complete the college semester at the University of Miami, which he attends during the off-season. He originally went to Washington State but switched in order to combine his studies with baseball. Steve was sent to Binghamton on May 30. He was in military service this past winter.
Steve was captain of both the baseball and basketball teams at Chelan High School in Washington and made All-State in baseball. He is a product of American Legion ball.
Steve needs only experience to reach the major leagues."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


JOE PACTWA
"Joe's progress was hindered last year when he tore a cartilage in his right knee running into a fence. He was on the disabled list from June 30 to July 21 and underwent off-season surgery on November 30.
Big and powerful, he hit 17 homers in his first year of professional baseball. Joe has a really good desire and is usually the first one at the ballpark.
His hobby is playing the guitar."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


TONY SOLAITA
"Voted Minor League Player of the Year last year, this young fellow was a very pleasant surprise to the Yankees. Shifted from the Yankees' farm club at Kinston of the Carolina League to High Point-Thomasville of the same league due to roster problems, Tony proceeded to lead all Organized Baseball in home runs with 51 ... 49 during the regular season and two in the playoffs. Besides leading the league in homers, he also led in runs (106), RBIs (122) and walks (113). Tony was instrumental in the Hi-Toms winning five straight in the Carolina League playoffs, as he hit .333 (6-for-18) including two three-run homers, two doubles and seven RBIs.
Born in American Samoa, he spent three years as a youngster in Hawaii, where he first began to play baseball in their Little League program. Tony, whose father is a Methodist minister, was signed by the Yankees in June 1965.
Tony reported to the parent club last year on September 10. On September 21 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- another home run title for Tony as he won the contest."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


GARY WASHINGTON
"Selected by the Yankees in the free agent draft of June 1967, Washington has shown good promise in his one and a half years of professional baseball. He is a graduate of Mississippi State where he lettered in both baseball and basketball.
Gary spends the off-season as a basketball coach at Niangua High School in Niangua, Missouri."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


GEORGE BECHTOLD
"Signed by the Yankees in 1961, he is currently on the Binghamton (AA) roster. A veteran of eight years in Professional Baseball, he enjoyed his finest season in 1968. George was invited to the Yankees' Ft. Lauderdale spring training camp last year, but didn't report due to an eye infection."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


LOU HOWELL
"The son of former major league catcher Dixie Howell, Lou had a rough year with injuries, as he was on the disabled list twice- from July 19 to August 6 due to a sinus infection, and from August 20 to the end of the season when he injured his left knee sliding into home plate. He had the knee operated on in November.
Lou was selected by the Yankees in the free agent draft of 1965."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


GARY JONES
"Selected by the Yanks in the June 1967 Free Agent Draft, Gary is a graduate of Whittier College. He has shown promise in his first two years of professional baseball.
Gary is the brother of Steve Jones, a major leaguer who has pitched for the White Sox and Senators."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide