"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
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