"It's taken a long time, but the New York Yankees are back in business this year as legitimate American League pennant contenders. The AL Eastern Division race is likely to involve four teams, and picking the one that will win is not an easy task. So who says the Yankees can't win it all.
This is a team that has been developed slowly by General Manager Lee MacPhail and his ever-optimistic manager, Ralph Houk, and which is now ready to play for the whole ball of wax. The acquisitions of dependable singles hitter Matty Alou and long-ball hitter Graig Nettles have given the Yankees what they have lacked since the days of Mantle and Maris. It's called muscle.
The Yankees were surprise contenders last season, staying in the race for the Eastern title until the last few days of the campaign and finishing only 5 1/2 games behind the Detroit Tigers. They have been improving rapidly during the last four seasons and they seem to be moving up while other teams in their division are on the downgrade.
The Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers will offer formidable opposition, but the thinking here is that the Yankees will rise to the top in the AL East. Sorry about that, all you folks out there who remember those tyrannical Yankee years, but MacPhail and Houk have the ingredients to win this time.
All four potential contenders in the AL Eastern Division have weaknesses. The Tigers are an old team and don't figure to outscramble their opponents in 1973 as they did in 1972. The Boston Red Sox can't expect Luis Tiant to give them a full-season performance like his six-week effort that enabled them to become contenders in 1972. And the Baltimore Orioles, despite their acquisition of Earl Williams from the Atlanta Braves, aren't going to have the game-winning punch they had when a man named Frank Robinson batted No. 4 for them.
The Yankees, therefore, go into the 1973 season looking like the most solid team of the four likely contenders. They have beefed up their attack with the addition of Matty Alou and Nettles, they have solid pitching, they are likely to be improved on defense and they are riding the tide of improvement which produces division winners, if not pennant winners, in expansion baseball.
'We traded next year for this year,' said MacPhail when he announced the deal for Nettles, acquired from the Indians. 'We think we now have as strong an offensive club as there is in the American League. We think we are going to win it this year. We want to do it for our fans because this is the 50th year of our existence. We're going to win.'
Strong words, indeed, but they pack a wallop - just like the Yankee lineup will this year, for a change.
Nettles, who turned in a .253-17-70 offensive performance in 1972, isn't a Ruth, DiMaggio, Mantle or Maris, but he is exactly what the Yankees need - a left-handed power hitter. If he only matches his 1972 performance with the Indians, he will be a big asset to the Yankees - and he is likely to be much more. If he does, he will help two other hitters - Bobby Murcer and Ron Blomberg - because the Yankees will then have three lefthanded power hitters pulling toward their short porch in right field. That's the formula that has meant pennants and World Series for the Yankees in the past.
'We've got it now,' says Houk. 'We can now apply the offensive pressure we've lacked in the past. With Thurman Munson catching, an infield of Blomberg, Horace Clarke, Gene Michael and Nettles, and an outfield of Murcer flanked by Matty Alou and Roy White with Ron Swoboda in reserve, we have reached the position where we think we can win.'
The Yankees can't win the division without good pitching, of course, but they seem likely to have a better staff in 1973 than they had in 1972 because Mel Stottlemyre, the nominal staff leader, is unlikely to repeat his so-so 14-18 and 3.22 performance. Stottlemyre is a potential 23-25 game winner with the run-making ability of the 1973 Yankees. Assuming Stottlemyre's emergence as a big winner, the staff, which includes starters Steve Kline (16-9 and 2.40), Fritz Peterson (17-15 and 3.24) and Mike Kekich (10-13 and 3.65), shapes up as capable of carrying the Yankees to the division title.
And then, of course, there is Sparky Lyle, the relief pitcher who earned 35 saves in 1972. Lyle doesn't have to repeat that superlative performance to give the Yankees the short relief pitching any contender needs.
MacPhail and Houk are an odd couple by current baseball standards. They are quiet builders in an era when other general managers and field managers with far less experience talk about motivation and dedication. They've had the experience of being on the top and on the bottom. They must be the most optimistic management people in the history of the game, and this year they seem to have something more - the players.
PITCHING: The Yankees have pitching depth, and it's probably a good bet that they'll have an outstanding season from Stottlemyre. Mel has been a 20-game winner three times but never got going in 1972. He's the type likely to bounce back with another 20-victory season. Peterson, Kline and Kekich should rotate smoothly behind Stottlemyre, giving the Yankees good pitching on a steady basis.
Lyle is unlikely to have another 35-save season but is the strong man in the bullpen. McDaniel probably has another good year in him and Magnuson looks like the best bet for help from a newcomer. Cox, acquired from Texas near the end of last season, has pitched well in spots and may help as a short reliever. Manager Houk has been accused in the past of keeping his starting pitchers in the game too long. Whether that was true or not, Houk went quickly to Lyle last season with outstanding results and will continue to do so this year.
Houk's personality had a lot to do with Yankee success last season. Despite his tough-guy reputation, having been an Army Ranger during World War II, he is an easy manager to get along with. He runs his pitching staff with the same serene optimism that characterizes his personality.
Performance Quotient: 1 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
CATCHING: Munson has been a fair-haired boy with the Yankees since his 1970 rookie season. He has batted .302, .251 and .280. He should level off at the 1972 figure, in which case he'll give the Yankees a strong bat to go with his solid mechanical performance. Moses is a question mark. Don't be surprised if the Yankees make a deal for a veteran catcher during the season; for utility purposes, of course.
Performance Quotient: 2
INFIELD: Infield has been a Yankee problem for the last few seasons and it isn't the best in the league this year, either. It shouldn't be as big a problem as in the past, however, because Michael has come along well at short. Felipe Alou is okay for part-time duty at first and Clarke is just adequate at second. Nettles, acquired in the big deal with Cleveland, is regarded as primarily a bat. He ranked sixth in fielding among third basemen who played 100 games - in other words, he's no Brooks Robinson but not a liability, either. Blomberg is the big offensive hope, but he could be platooned with Alou. Lanier, Allen and Baker are capable utility men but not likely to be effective for the long haul.
Performance Quotient: 3
OUTFIELD: Murcer is an outstanding centerfielder and Matty Alou or Callison will handle right field well. White has had trouble with the Yankee 'Death Valley' in left field but is solid enough.
Don't chuckle at the mention of Swoboda. Awkward and never likely to live up to the potential of the old days with the Mets, he's contributed important hits and defensive plays to the Yankee cause. Also, he's an aggressive base runner.
Performance Quotient: 2"
-Fred Down, Major League Baseball 1973
1973 Yankees Depth Chart
C Thurman Munson/Jerry Moses
1B Ron Blomberg/Felipe Alou
2B Horace Clarke/Bernie Allen
3B Graig Nettles/Celerino Sanchez
SS Gene Michael/Frank Baker
LF Roy White
CF Bobby Murcer/Ron Swoboda
RF Matty Alou/Johnny Callison
PITCHERS:
Mel Stottlemyre
Fritz Peterson
Steve Kline
Mike Kekich
Sparky Lyle
Casey Cox
Jim Magnuson
Lindy McDaniel
Fred Beene
Alan Closter
-Fred Down, Major League Baseball 1973
HITTING
"The anticipation in New York is positively breathtaking. Remember the Bronx Bombers? Well, they're on the way back.
'We're going for the whole thing this year,' manager Ralph Houk says.
Oh, make no mistake, this is not another of those rose-colored statements by the last of the cockeyed optimists. Houk's words carry some sting this time, the sting of Graig Nettles and Matty Alou swinging in Yankee pinstripes. They may well be the last two pieces of the puzzle.
At last, the Yankees have a batting order worthy of the name. They have speed at the top, real punch in the middle and no soft touches.
'Offensively,' Houk says, 'I believe we've got as good a lineup as any in the league.' And he may even be right.
The arrival of Nettles, who hit 45 home runs the last two years and should have a ball aiming at Yankee Stadium's short right field fence, gives New York a fine complement to Bobby Murcer, whose 33 homers and 96 RBI last year stamped him a genuine star. It also frees Roy White (.270), the undersized cleanup hitter, to bat second where his speed and fine bat control can best be utilized.
Matty Alou can be expected to hit .300 no matter where the Yankees bat him and Thurman Munson (.280) is among the best hitting catchers in the game. Ron Blomberg (14 homers in 107 games) may emerge as a star any year now but in case he still has trouble handling all those left-handers the Yankees can expect to face, Felipe Alou (.278) will fill in nicely at first base."
-Joe Gergen, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1973 Edition
PITCHING
"Play it again, Sparky.
It is almost impossible to measure the impact Sparky Lyle had on the Yankees last season. Without the relief pitcher - and they were without him until March 22 - it's conceivable the Yankees couldn't have finished the season at all. He was there at the end whenever the game counted most.
Lyle had 35 saves, a league record, and nine wins and even the optimistic Houk won't say he expects a repeat performance. Too many factors involved. But Lyle does lend an added dimension to the Yankee staff.
For starters, the Yankees have Mel Stottlemyre (14-18), Fritz Peterson (17-15) and Steve Kline (16-9). The big concern here is Stottlemyre, who was brilliant at times (seven shutouts) and something less on other occasions. And consistency always was one of Stottlemyre's biggest assets.
Mike Kekich (10-13) was the fourth starter much of last season but fell into disfavor in the stretch drive. He may be crowded by right-handers Larry Gowell and George Medich, who enjoyed brilliant 14-6 and 11-3 seasons, respectively, in the Eastern League.
Lindy McDaniel finished strong and may be able to give reliever Lyle some relief in the bullpen."
-Joe Gergen, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1973 Edition
FIELDING
"Nettles gives the Yankees their first legitimate third baseman since Clete Boyer. He is outstanding defensively. The double play combination of Michael and Clarke led the league in 1972 and Munson is an excellent catcher. Neither White nor Matty Alou has a good arm, and Blomberg occasionally uses two left feet to step on first. Still, the defense is better than it has been in some time."
-Joe Gergen, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1973 Edition
OUTLOOK
"There is reason to fear the Yankees once again. A return to 20-game form by Stottlemyre could provide Yankee Stadium with a fitting 50th birthday present, its first pennant in nine years."
-Joe Gergen, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1973 Edition
"Getting Graig Nettles from the Indians was a winning type of move by the Yankees, who should field their strongest offensive team since the glory years of Mantle and Maris. The Yankees are only fair around second base and shortstop but they are solid everywhere else and have one of the top stars in the league in center fielder Bobby Murcer. New York pitching is also sound with Sparky Lyle among the three best relief pitchers in the game."
-Cord Sportsfacts Baseball News 1973
YANKS TO BEAT BUCS IN SERIES
"Before making the deal that sent Charlie Spikes, Rusty Torres, John Ellis and Jerry Kenney to the Indians in exchange for third baseman Graig Nettles and second-string catcher Jerry Moses, Yankee general manager Lee MacPhail summed it all up: 'Now we feel we have as good a club as anybody in baseball. Our fans have been waiting long enough. We traded tomorrow for today.'
A gleeful manager Ralph Houk, who has absorbed the flak along with Yankee president Mike Burke and MacPhail, couldn't wait for Opening Day. 'I'm not worrying about youth ... it's time to go out and win it,' said Houk. 'Our offensive lineup now should be the best since our winning teams of 10 years ago.'
The acquisitions of outfielder Matty Alou from the A's for pitcher Rob Gardner and third-sacker Rich McKinney, of course, gives the Yankees added hitting along with the long-balling Nettles and Murcer.
The outfield should be first-rate with Murcer flanked by Roy White and Alou. Nettles' slick glove will calm things down at third base, but shortstop and first base are questionable. Gene Michael is the man to beat at short but Houk has indicated a desire to platoon Boomer Blomberg and Felipe Alou at first.
Oddly enough, the one solid spot in the defense is Horace Clarke at second base. The much-maligned Hoss really matured on the double play a year ago, and would you believe he has tied Hall of Famer Charlie Gehringer by leading the second-sackers in assists for six years in a row?
Thurman Munson is still one of the top-flight catchers in the league, and the Yankees have the righty-lefty balance in pitching with Steve Kline and Mel Stottlemyre and Fritz Peterson and Mike Kekich. Sparky Lyle anchors the bullpen but Lindy McDaniel will have to pick up the slack along with some of the youngsters ... kids like Mike Pazik, Rich Earle, George Medich, Dave Cheadle and Larry Gowell, all of whom have flame-throwing reputations.
Nevertheless, if the Yankees falter, they will be hounded by the Orioles and Tigers. The Red Sox, Indians and Brewers figure among the also-rans in the American League East."
-Joe O'Day, Sports Quarterly Presents Baseball, Spring 1973
1973 Yankees Spring Training Depth Chart
C Thurman Munson
1B Ron Blomberg
2B Horace Clarke
3B Graig Nettles
SS Gene Michael
LF Roy White
CF Bobby Murcer
RF Matty Alou
DH Felipe Alou (1B-CF)
UTILITY:
C Jerry Moses
2B Bernie Allen
3B Celerino Sanchez
SS Hal Lanier
RF Johnny Callison
RF Ron Swoboda (LF)
PITCHERS:
Mel Stottlemyre
Fritz Peterson
Steve Kline
Mike Kekich
Doc Medich
Jim Magnuson
RELIEF PITCHERS:
Sparky Lyle
Lindy McDaniel
Fred Beene
Casey Cox
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Saturday, June 28, 2014
1973 New York Yankees Spring Training Roster
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Manager - Ralph Houk 35
No. Coaches
44 Jim Hegan
32 Elston Howard
34 Dick Howser
31 Jim Turner
No. Pitchers
47 Fred Beene (S-R)
43 Steve Blateric (R-R)
49 Dave Cheadle (L-L)
50 Alan Closter (L-L)
29 Casey Cox (R-R)
51 Rick Earle (R-R)
45 Larry Gowell (R-R)
18 Mike Kekich (R-L)
38 Steve Kline (R-R)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
39 Jim Magnuson (R-L)
40 Lindy McDaniel (R-R)
42 Doc Medich (R-R)
52 Dave Pagan (R-R)
19 Fritz Peterson (S-L)
30 Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
No. Catchers
23 Jerry Moses (R-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
No. Infielders
11 Bernie Allen (L-R)
24 Felipe Alou (R-R)
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R)
26 Frank Baker (L-R)
20 Horace Clarke (S-R)
21 Fred Frazier (R-R)
22 Hal Lanier (R-R)
17 Gene Michael (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
10 Celerino Sanchez (R-R)
53 Otto Velez (R-R)
27 George Zeber (S-R)
No. Outfielders
2 Matty Alou (L-L)
48 Ken Bennett (L-L)
25 Johnny Callison (L-R)
1 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Ron Swoboda (R-R)
6 Roy White (S-R)
Trainer - Gene Monahan
Manager - Ralph Houk 35
No. Coaches
44 Jim Hegan
32 Elston Howard
34 Dick Howser
31 Jim Turner
No. Pitchers
47 Fred Beene (S-R)
43 Steve Blateric (R-R)
49 Dave Cheadle (L-L)
50 Alan Closter (L-L)
29 Casey Cox (R-R)
51 Rick Earle (R-R)
45 Larry Gowell (R-R)
18 Mike Kekich (R-L)
38 Steve Kline (R-R)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
39 Jim Magnuson (R-L)
40 Lindy McDaniel (R-R)
42 Doc Medich (R-R)
52 Dave Pagan (R-R)
19 Fritz Peterson (S-L)
30 Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
No. Catchers
23 Jerry Moses (R-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
No. Infielders
11 Bernie Allen (L-R)
24 Felipe Alou (R-R)
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R)
26 Frank Baker (L-R)
20 Horace Clarke (S-R)
21 Fred Frazier (R-R)
22 Hal Lanier (R-R)
17 Gene Michael (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
10 Celerino Sanchez (R-R)
53 Otto Velez (R-R)
27 George Zeber (S-R)
No. Outfielders
2 Matty Alou (L-L)
48 Ken Bennett (L-L)
25 Johnny Callison (L-R)
1 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Ron Swoboda (R-R)
6 Roy White (S-R)
Trainer - Gene Monahan
Friday, June 27, 2014
1972 New York Yankees September Roster
Manager - Ralph Houk
No. Coaches
44 Jim Hegan
32 Elston Howard
34 Dick Howser
31 Jim Turner
No. Pitchers
47 Fred Beene (S-R)
29 Wade Blasingame (L-L)
54 Steve Blateric (R-R)
39 Casey Cox (R-R)
43 Rob Gardner (R-L)
45 Larry Gowell (R-R)
18 Mike Kekich (R-L)
22 Ron Klimkowski (R-R)
38 Steve Kline (R-R)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
40 Lindy McDaniel (R-R)
19 Fritz Peterson (S-L)
30 Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
No. Catchers
23 John Ellis (R-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
No. Infielders
11 Bernie Allen (L-R)
24 Felipe Alou (R-R)
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R)
20 Horace Clarke (S-R)
2 Jerry Kenney (L-R)
36 Hal Lanier (R-R)
27 Rich McKinney (R-R)
17 Gene Michael (S-R)
10 Celerino Sanchez (R-R)
41 Frank Tepedino (L-L)
No. Outfielders
25 Johnny Callison (L-R)
1 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
42 Charlie Spikes (R-R)
14 Ron Swoboda (R-R)
21 Rusty Torres (S-R)
6 Roy White (S-R)
Trainer - Joe Soares
1972 YANKEES TEAM PHOTO
Bernie Allen
Felipe Alou
Fred Beene
Wade Blasingame
Ron Blomberg
Johnny Callison
Horace Clarke
John Ellis
Rob Franklin (traveling secretary)
Rob Gardner
Jim Hegan (coach)
Ralph Houk (manager)
Elston Howard (coach)
Dick Howser (coach)
Mike Kekich
Jerry Kenney
Ron Klimkowski
Steve Kline
Hal Lanier
Sparky Lyle
Lindy McDaniel
Kevin Melchior (batboy)
Gene Michael
Thurman Munson
Bobby Murcer
Gerry Murphy (batboy)
Fritz Peterson
Celerino Sanchez
Pete Sheehy (equipment manager)
Joe Soares (trainer)
Charlie Spikes
Mel Stottlemyre
Ron Swoboda
Jim Turner (coach)
Roy White
No. Coaches
44 Jim Hegan
32 Elston Howard
34 Dick Howser
31 Jim Turner
No. Pitchers
47 Fred Beene (S-R)
29 Wade Blasingame (L-L)
54 Steve Blateric (R-R)
39 Casey Cox (R-R)
43 Rob Gardner (R-L)
45 Larry Gowell (R-R)
18 Mike Kekich (R-L)
22 Ron Klimkowski (R-R)
38 Steve Kline (R-R)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
40 Lindy McDaniel (R-R)
19 Fritz Peterson (S-L)
30 Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
No. Catchers
23 John Ellis (R-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
No. Infielders
11 Bernie Allen (L-R)
24 Felipe Alou (R-R)
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R)
20 Horace Clarke (S-R)
2 Jerry Kenney (L-R)
36 Hal Lanier (R-R)
27 Rich McKinney (R-R)
17 Gene Michael (S-R)
10 Celerino Sanchez (R-R)
41 Frank Tepedino (L-L)
No. Outfielders
25 Johnny Callison (L-R)
1 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
42 Charlie Spikes (R-R)
14 Ron Swoboda (R-R)
21 Rusty Torres (S-R)
6 Roy White (S-R)
Trainer - Joe Soares
1972 YANKEES TEAM PHOTO
Bernie Allen
Felipe Alou
Fred Beene
Wade Blasingame
Ron Blomberg
Johnny Callison
Horace Clarke
John Ellis
Rob Franklin (traveling secretary)
Rob Gardner
Jim Hegan (coach)
Ralph Houk (manager)
Elston Howard (coach)
Dick Howser (coach)
Mike Kekich
Jerry Kenney
Ron Klimkowski
Steve Kline
Hal Lanier
Sparky Lyle
Lindy McDaniel
Kevin Melchior (batboy)
Gene Michael
Thurman Munson
Bobby Murcer
Gerry Murphy (batboy)
Fritz Peterson
Celerino Sanchez
Pete Sheehy (equipment manager)
Joe Soares (trainer)
Charlie Spikes
Mel Stottlemyre
Ron Swoboda
Jim Turner (coach)
Roy White
1972 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
47 Fred Beene (S-R)
29 Wade Blasingame (L-L)
43 Rob Gardner (R-L)
18 Mike Kekich (R-L)
38 Steve Kline (R-R)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
40 Lindy McDaniel (R-R)
19 Fritz Peterson (S-L)
54 Jim Roland (R-R)
30 Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
No. Catchers
23 John Ellis (R-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
No. Infielders
11 Bernie Allen (L-R)
24 Felipe Alou (R-R)
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R)
20 Horace Clarke (S-R)
2 Jerry Kenney (L-R)
36 Hal Lanier (R-R)
17 Gene Michael (S-R)
10 Celerino Sanchez (R-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Johnny Callison (L-R)
1 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Ron Swoboda (R-R)
21 Rusty Torres (S-R)
6 Roy White (S-R)
Trainer - Joe Soares
No. Coaches
44 Jim Hegan
32 Elston Howard
34 Dick Howser
31 Jim Turner
No. Pitchers
47 Fred Beene (S-R)
29 Wade Blasingame (L-L)
43 Rob Gardner (R-L)
18 Mike Kekich (R-L)
38 Steve Kline (R-R)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
40 Lindy McDaniel (R-R)
19 Fritz Peterson (S-L)
54 Jim Roland (R-R)
30 Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
No. Catchers
23 John Ellis (R-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
No. Infielders
11 Bernie Allen (L-R)
24 Felipe Alou (R-R)
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R)
20 Horace Clarke (S-R)
2 Jerry Kenney (L-R)
36 Hal Lanier (R-R)
17 Gene Michael (S-R)
10 Celerino Sanchez (R-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Johnny Callison (L-R)
1 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Ron Swoboda (R-R)
21 Rusty Torres (S-R)
6 Roy White (S-R)
Trainer - Joe Soares
1972 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
47 Fred Beene (R-R)
50 Alan Closter (L-L)
45 Rich Hinton (L-L)
18 Mike Kekich (R-L)
38 Steve Kline (R-R)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
40 Lindy McDaniel (R-R)
19 Fritz Peterson (S-L)
54 Jim Roland (R-R)
30 Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
No. Catchers
23 John Ellis (R-R)
41 George Pena (R-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
No. Infielders
11 Bernie Allen (L-R)
24 Felipe Alou (R-R)
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R)
20 Horace Clarke (S-R)
2 Jerry Kenney (L-R)
36 Hal Lanier (R-R)
17 Gene Michael (S-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Johnny Callison (L-R)
1 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Ron Swoboda (R-R)
21 Rusty Torres (S-R)
6 Roy White (S-R)
Trainer - Joe Soares
No. Coaches
44 Jim Hegan
32 Elston Howard
34 Dick Howser
31 Jim Turner
No. Pitchers
47 Fred Beene (R-R)
50 Alan Closter (L-L)
45 Rich Hinton (L-L)
18 Mike Kekich (R-L)
38 Steve Kline (R-R)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
40 Lindy McDaniel (R-R)
19 Fritz Peterson (S-L)
54 Jim Roland (R-R)
30 Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
No. Catchers
23 John Ellis (R-R)
41 George Pena (R-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
No. Infielders
11 Bernie Allen (L-R)
24 Felipe Alou (R-R)
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R)
20 Horace Clarke (S-R)
2 Jerry Kenney (L-R)
36 Hal Lanier (R-R)
17 Gene Michael (S-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Johnny Callison (L-R)
1 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Ron Swoboda (R-R)
21 Rusty Torres (S-R)
6 Roy White (S-R)
Trainer - Joe Soares
Thursday, June 26, 2014
1972 Syracuse Chiefs Official Program Notes
New York Yankees' AAA Farm Club (International League)
SYRACUSE CHIEFS BASEBALL CLUB OFFICIAL FAMILY
Office Staff:
General Manager - Anthony "Tex" Simone
Director, Public Relations & Promotions - Bruce Baker
Comptroller - Edward Mapstone
Secretary - Patty Annesi
Stadium Manager - John Russo
Ticket Manager - John Rutkowski
Board of Directors:
President - Donald R. Waful
Vice-President - Clayton D. Andrews
Vice-President - Frank E. Swanson
Secretary - John C. Vanderwege
Treasurer - Anton F. Kreuzer
Assistant Treasurer - Richard D. Ryan
Dr. Arthur Colasanti
Thomas W. Higgins
Charles A. Lee
John E. McAuliffe
Harry Marley
Royal L. O'Day
Peter Regitano
Albert Wertheimer
Phillip Allen, Sr.
Philip F. Hudson
Peter J. Winkelman
George J. Schunck
Hyman Miller
John Farnham
William Bolton
Glenn Dawley
Kenneth Sewall
DON'T MISS THESE SPECIAL PROMOTIONS
Sunday, June 11 - Bat Day
Monday, June 12 - Youth League Nite
Monday, June 19 - New York Yankees
Saturday, June 24 - Fireworks Nite
Sunday, July 9 - Helmet Day
Tuesday, August 1 - Sky Diving Exhibition
Saturday, August 9 - Fireworks Nite
Sunday, August 13 - Ball Day
Plus exciting promotions to be announced!
"Bat Day: Sunday, June 11, Charleston, 6:00 PM: One adult accompanying one child, each paying the regular admission price will receive one free bat.
Youth League Nite: Monday, June 12, Tidewater, 7:30 PM: All boys belonging to any Youth League (Little, Pony, Colt, Babe Ruth Leagues) and wearing their uniforms will be admitted free."
-1972 Syracuse Chiefs official program
INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE TEAM AFFILIATIONS
Charleston Charlies (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Louisville Colonels (Boston Red Sox)
Peninsula Whips (Montreal Expos)
Richmond Braves (Atlanta Braves)
Rochester Red Wings (Baltimore Orioles)
Syracuse Chiefs (New York Yankees)
Tidewater Tides (New York Mets)
Toledo Mud Hens (Detroit Tigers)
WHERE THE CHIEFS STAY ON THE ROAD
Charleston - Daniel Boone Hotel
Louisville - Seelbach Hotel
Peninsula - Hampton Manor Hotel
Richmond - Raleigh Hotel
Rochester - Downtowner Motor Inn
Tidewater - Admiralty Hotel
Toledo - Commodore Perry
ADVERTISEMENTS
-Allegheny Air System: We have a lot more going for you.
-Avco
-Big 15: More Music
-Bill Rapp Pontiac: Leads The League In Sales And Service
-Budget Rent-A-Car
-Circle Auto Supply Co.
-Danzer's Restaurant
-Degirolamo & Easterly Agency
-Dick David's Arco: All Your Car's Needs
-Dutch Dotterer's Salina Liquors: The Largest Small Store In Syracuse
-Fay's Drugs
-First Federal Savings: Insured Savings, Home Mortgages
-Fotomat
-French's Mustard: Spread a little sunshine.
-Gordon Electronics: Everything In Hi-Fi And Photographic
-Gordon's Suzuki: Sales-Service-Parts
-Grand Union: People Pleasers
-Heid's Stand: Stop At Heid's
-Heritage Lincoln Mercury: Leading The Way With Sharp Pencil Deals
-Kaufman DeDell Printing, Inc.: You've gotta figure all the angles.
-Kentucky Fried Chicken: America loves what the Colonel cooks.
-Leo A. Kline Aluminum
-Little Gem Diner: Complete Menu, Reasonably Priced, Air-Conditioned
-Liverpool Sport Center
-Liverpool Tire Co.
-Louisville Slugger: Bat Of The Champions
-Metropolitan Bank
-Motel 7
-Nettleton Shoes
-Old Spice
-Parkay Motors Inc.
-Pastime Athletic Club
-Pento's Big M Midstate Super Markets
-Pepsi
-Pilgrim Franks: Good To The Last Bite
-Reliable Sports & Loan Co.: Central New York's ONLY Pawn Shop
-Reymore Sales, Inc.: Over 50 Years Of Friendly Service
-Reynolds Ford: Your Little Profit Dealer
-R.G. Kopp, Inc.: Office Supplies
-S&M Electric Company
-Seneca Sport Parachute Club
-Syracuse Lumber Co.: Everything With Which To Build
-Ter-El's Trophies
-The Pub Restaurant
-Thru-way Auto Glass
-Tijuana Smalls
-Tino's Restaurant: For Pizza And Italian Food
-Tiparillo
-Tom's Clam Cove
-Toomey-Abbott Groceteria: The Original East Side Beverage King
-Tri-Rx Drugs: Supplier Of All Syracuse Chiefs Medical Supplies
-Twin Trees Restaurants
-U.A.W. Local 964
-U.S. Army
-Utica Club
-Val's Motors Inc.: The Oldest Dodge Dealer In The Syracuse Area
-Wayne's Bike Shop
-Weber's: Stop by after the game.
-White Owl
-Wilsons: Leading Jewelers
-Wise Potato Chips: Watch 'em disappear like a home run ball!
SYRACUSE CHIEFS BASEBALL CLUB OFFICIAL FAMILY
Office Staff:
General Manager - Anthony "Tex" Simone
Director, Public Relations & Promotions - Bruce Baker
Comptroller - Edward Mapstone
Secretary - Patty Annesi
Stadium Manager - John Russo
Ticket Manager - John Rutkowski
Board of Directors:
President - Donald R. Waful
Vice-President - Clayton D. Andrews
Vice-President - Frank E. Swanson
Secretary - John C. Vanderwege
Treasurer - Anton F. Kreuzer
Assistant Treasurer - Richard D. Ryan
Dr. Arthur Colasanti
Thomas W. Higgins
Charles A. Lee
John E. McAuliffe
Harry Marley
Royal L. O'Day
Peter Regitano
Albert Wertheimer
Phillip Allen, Sr.
Philip F. Hudson
Peter J. Winkelman
George J. Schunck
Hyman Miller
John Farnham
William Bolton
Glenn Dawley
Kenneth Sewall
DON'T MISS THESE SPECIAL PROMOTIONS
Sunday, June 11 - Bat Day
Monday, June 12 - Youth League Nite
Monday, June 19 - New York Yankees
Saturday, June 24 - Fireworks Nite
Sunday, July 9 - Helmet Day
Tuesday, August 1 - Sky Diving Exhibition
Saturday, August 9 - Fireworks Nite
Sunday, August 13 - Ball Day
Plus exciting promotions to be announced!
"Bat Day: Sunday, June 11, Charleston, 6:00 PM: One adult accompanying one child, each paying the regular admission price will receive one free bat.
Youth League Nite: Monday, June 12, Tidewater, 7:30 PM: All boys belonging to any Youth League (Little, Pony, Colt, Babe Ruth Leagues) and wearing their uniforms will be admitted free."
-1972 Syracuse Chiefs official program
INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE TEAM AFFILIATIONS
Charleston Charlies (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Louisville Colonels (Boston Red Sox)
Peninsula Whips (Montreal Expos)
Richmond Braves (Atlanta Braves)
Rochester Red Wings (Baltimore Orioles)
Syracuse Chiefs (New York Yankees)
Tidewater Tides (New York Mets)
Toledo Mud Hens (Detroit Tigers)
WHERE THE CHIEFS STAY ON THE ROAD
Charleston - Daniel Boone Hotel
Louisville - Seelbach Hotel
Peninsula - Hampton Manor Hotel
Richmond - Raleigh Hotel
Rochester - Downtowner Motor Inn
Tidewater - Admiralty Hotel
Toledo - Commodore Perry
ADVERTISEMENTS
-Allegheny Air System: We have a lot more going for you.
-Avco
-Big 15: More Music
-Bill Rapp Pontiac: Leads The League In Sales And Service
-Budget Rent-A-Car
-Circle Auto Supply Co.
-Danzer's Restaurant
-Degirolamo & Easterly Agency
-Dick David's Arco: All Your Car's Needs
-Dutch Dotterer's Salina Liquors: The Largest Small Store In Syracuse
-Fay's Drugs
-First Federal Savings: Insured Savings, Home Mortgages
-Fotomat
-French's Mustard: Spread a little sunshine.
-Gordon Electronics: Everything In Hi-Fi And Photographic
-Gordon's Suzuki: Sales-Service-Parts
-Grand Union: People Pleasers
-Heid's Stand: Stop At Heid's
-Heritage Lincoln Mercury: Leading The Way With Sharp Pencil Deals
-Kaufman DeDell Printing, Inc.: You've gotta figure all the angles.
-Kentucky Fried Chicken: America loves what the Colonel cooks.
-Leo A. Kline Aluminum
-Little Gem Diner: Complete Menu, Reasonably Priced, Air-Conditioned
-Liverpool Sport Center
-Liverpool Tire Co.
-Louisville Slugger: Bat Of The Champions
-Metropolitan Bank
-Motel 7
-Nettleton Shoes
-Old Spice
-Parkay Motors Inc.
-Pastime Athletic Club
-Pento's Big M Midstate Super Markets
-Pepsi
-Pilgrim Franks: Good To The Last Bite
-Reliable Sports & Loan Co.: Central New York's ONLY Pawn Shop
-Reymore Sales, Inc.: Over 50 Years Of Friendly Service
-Reynolds Ford: Your Little Profit Dealer
-R.G. Kopp, Inc.: Office Supplies
-S&M Electric Company
-Seneca Sport Parachute Club
-Syracuse Lumber Co.: Everything With Which To Build
-Ter-El's Trophies
-The Pub Restaurant
-Thru-way Auto Glass
-Tijuana Smalls
-Tino's Restaurant: For Pizza And Italian Food
-Tiparillo
-Tom's Clam Cove
-Toomey-Abbott Groceteria: The Original East Side Beverage King
-Tri-Rx Drugs: Supplier Of All Syracuse Chiefs Medical Supplies
-Twin Trees Restaurants
-U.A.W. Local 964
-U.S. Army
-Utica Club
-Val's Motors Inc.: The Oldest Dodge Dealer In The Syracuse Area
-Wayne's Bike Shop
-Weber's: Stop by after the game.
-White Owl
-Wilsons: Leading Jewelers
-Wise Potato Chips: Watch 'em disappear like a home run ball!
1972 Syracuse Chiefs Roster
New York Yankees' AAA Farm Club (International League)
Manager - Frank Verdi 26
No. Pitchers
29 Alan Closter (L-L)
21 Ken Crosby (R-R)
22 Tom Frondorf (R-R)
25 Rob Gardner (R-L)
19 Roger Hambright (R-R)
20 Ron Klimkowski (R-R)
27 Jim Magnuson (R-L)
16 Mike Pazik (L-L)
24 Gerry Pirtle (R-R)
30 Hal Reniff (R-R)
No. Catchers
3 Frank Fernandez (R-R)
2 Jorge Maduro (R-R)
14 George Pena (R-R)
No. Infielders
6 Frank Baker (L-R)
9 Fred Frazier (R-R)
18 Mario Guerrero (R-R)
17 Rich McKinney (R-R)
4 Celerino Sanchez (R-R)
31 Tony Solaita (L-L)
15 Frank Tepedino (L-L) (OF)
No. Outfielders
10 Rick Bladt (R-R)
12 Ed Pacheco (R-R)
11 Joe Pactwa (L-L)
5 Scott Reid (L-R)
8 Danny Walton (R-R)
Trainer - Gene Monahan
Manager - Frank Verdi 26
No. Pitchers
29 Alan Closter (L-L)
21 Ken Crosby (R-R)
22 Tom Frondorf (R-R)
25 Rob Gardner (R-L)
19 Roger Hambright (R-R)
20 Ron Klimkowski (R-R)
27 Jim Magnuson (R-L)
16 Mike Pazik (L-L)
24 Gerry Pirtle (R-R)
30 Hal Reniff (R-R)
No. Catchers
3 Frank Fernandez (R-R)
2 Jorge Maduro (R-R)
14 George Pena (R-R)
No. Infielders
6 Frank Baker (L-R)
9 Fred Frazier (R-R)
18 Mario Guerrero (R-R)
17 Rich McKinney (R-R)
4 Celerino Sanchez (R-R)
31 Tony Solaita (L-L)
15 Frank Tepedino (L-L) (OF)
No. Outfielders
10 Rick Bladt (R-R)
12 Ed Pacheco (R-R)
11 Joe Pactwa (L-L)
5 Scott Reid (L-R)
8 Danny Walton (R-R)
Trainer - Gene Monahan
1972 New York Yankees Program and Scorecard Notes
1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Program Notes
YOUTH + EXPERIENCE + DEPTH = YANKEES ... 1972
"There have been some changes made since last season. The young Yankees are still young, but important depth has been added in the form of experienced infielders and outfielders who give the Yankees maturity in what should be a great American League East pennant race.
The Yankees of 1972 have maneuverability, better pinch-hitting, a vastly improved bench, more pitching depth and a strongly reinforced bullpen. The Baltimore Orioles, defending league champions, are back with another strong array, but without Frank Robinson. The Yankees, as well as the Tigers and Red Sox, think the Orioles 'can be had.'
The Yankees were scheduled for an immediate showdown with eight early games with the Orioles and a pair at Detroit. But the Baseball Players' strike curtailed this early season test. Now that the season is belatedly underway, the Yankees can look to the last half of May as a significant test against their top Eastern Division rivals ... the Red Sox, Indians and Tigers here at Yankee Stadium.
In this 50th year of Yankee Stadium, the new Yanks of 1972 hope to emulate the great teams that have performed here in the last half century. We hope you will enjoy the best in baseball at the country's most renowned Stadium as you visit Yankee Stadium frequently during the new year.
WELCOME!"
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
WELCOME TO YANKEE STADIUM
"The Yankees hope your visit is a happy one. The goal for 1972 was the American League East championship. It still is, despite an unsatisfactory start. First the players' strike, then an early season slump left the Yankees hovering around fourth or fifth place in a closely bunched American League East race.
Defending champion Baltimore, fortunately for the Yankees, also got off slowly. After an early spurt by the surprising Cleveland Indians, the hard-hitting Detroit Tigers moved to the front. And the last time the Yanks faced the tough Tigers here at the Stadium, it was a Memorial Day sweep for the young Bombers with Steve Kline and Fritz Peterson besting the Tigers, with saves in both games by Sparky Lyle.
The Yankees have added depth and experience to their youthful team and still figure to make a run at the division title. It's going to take a lot of winning to bring a championship back to Yankee Stadium. And these young Yankees think they can win.
So we hope to see a winner today, but win or lose, have an enjoyable visit to this historic Stadium where 29 Yankee teams have won the American League pennant and 20 have captured the World Championship. Next year, 1973, will mark the 50th anniversary of this Stadium, an occasion that will be marked by season-long celebrations before the vast remodeling and modernizing of Yankee Stadium begins in 1974."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
YANKEE OUTFIELDERS
"There's good hitting, good power, graceful outfielding and strong arms in the quintet of players who comprise the Yankee outfield of 1972: left fielder Roy White, center fielder Bobby Murcer and right fielders Rusty Torres, John Callison and Ron Swoboda."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
YANKS WIN GOLD COAST CUP
"For the first time since the competition was started three years ago, the New York Yankees won the Gold Coast Cup competition, emblematic of the championship in the extended spring training series between the Yankees and Baltimore Orioles. Both the Yankee A and B teams won their spring series building toward the originally scheduled early games between the rivals."
-1972 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- 7:30 P.M.
Twi-Night Doubleheaders- 5:00 P.M.
"GOOD KIDS" HONORED AT YANKEE STADIUM GAMES
"The popular Yankee 'Good Kids' awards will be resumed this season at the Stadium. Started late in the 1970 season, the program won instant success with the fans.
Most every day of the home season, Yankee management personnel will select young fans at random who, because of their excellent behavior, ball park manners and general deportment at Yankee Stadium, will be selected as that day's 'Good Kids.'
The following day, the 'Good Kids' will be honored with their names on the Stadium message board in center field and with a mention on the radio broadcast. Each young fan so honored will receive a pair of box seat tickets for a game on the next homestand and all of the honorees at that game will have their photos taken collectively on or near the field with some of the Yankee players. Each youngster then will receive a print of the photograph, in the mail."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
SENIOR CITIZEN DAYS
"Early season Senior Citizen Days have been scheduled at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, April 29 with the Minnesota Twins; on Wednesday afternoon, May 3 with the California Angels; on Thursday afternoon May 25 with the Cleveland Indians and on Wednesday afternoon, June 21 with the Kansas City Royals.
Senior citizens will be admitted to grandstand general admission seats on payment of the nominal 50 cent tax and service charge."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
YANKEES SCHEDULE EXCITING GIFT DAYS
"The most exciting youth days in all of baseball - Yankee Gift Days - are back on the schedule again this year. Close to a million fans have received the fine quality Yankee gifts in the last few years since the popular Bat Days led off the Yankee youth gift program.
Cap Day was held on April 30, Ball Day on May 27 and still ahead are Bat Day and T-Shirt Day at Yankee Stadium.
Highlight Gift Day, of course, will be the Yankees' ever popular Bat Day on Sunday afternoon, June 18, which will also be Father's Day. With the Texas Rangers playing at Yankee Stadium, each fan, 14 and under, will receive a fine quality Little League bat made by Hillerich & Bradsby Company of Louisville, Kentucky, makers of the Louisville Slugger. There will be bats for all qualifying youngsters as the Yanks have placed the largest bat order in the nation for this exciting event. Each bat will have the name of a popular Yankee on it, most of them in the reproduced autograph of the Yankee star.
The last scheduled Gift Day will be T-Shirt Day and for the first time, it will be held on a summer mid-week afternoon. T-Shirt Day will be Wednesday afternoon, July 19 with the hard-hitting Twins the Yankees' opponents. The attractive Tee Shirts feature the famed red, white and blue Yankee emblem on the chest and will be available in small, medium and large children's sizes.
Tickets for Gift Days are on sale now at the Advance Ticket offices here at the Stadium and at all Yankee ticket outlets. Regular season ticket prices prevail for these special days: box seats are $4.00, reserved seats $3.00, taxes included. These are the only priced tickets that may be purchased in advance.
The same rules apply for all Gift Days: boys and girls, 14 and under and accompanied by an adult, will receive the appropriate day's gift. Gifts are given on paid admissions only, and one adult may accompany an entire Little League team and each qualifying youngster will receive the gift of the day."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
26TH YANKEE OLD TIMERS' DAY HONORS FIVE DECADES OF CHAMPIONS
"Five decades of champions will be honored at Yankee Stadium on Saturday afternoon, July 22 when the Yankees stage the grand-daddy of all Old Timers' Days. This 26th annual tribute to the greats of yesteryear will honor the Yankees and opponents on the 1922, 1932, 1942, 1952 and 1962 teams. The Yankees have won pennants in every year ending in a '2' for the last five decades.
In addition, the newest members of the Hall of Fame will be invited to be guests of honor just two weeks before their induction into the Cooperstown shrine. Former Yankee immortals Yogi Berra and Lefty Gomez, along with Dodger great Sandy Koufax and Negro League great Buck Leonard are scheduled to be honored at Yankee Stadium.
Three of the five honored championship Yankee teams also won World Championships, including the 1932, '52 and '62 teams. The 1962 Yankees were the last of the 20 Yank teams to win the World Series.
Stars of all five Yankee championship clubs to be honored will be invited back to the Stadium, including the workhorse and ERA champion of the '22 Yankees, Bob Shawkey. Gomez was the pitching star of Joe McCarthy's first Yankee title holders of 1932, while Earle Combs led the team in runs scored with 143. Slugging stars Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, of course, will be represented by their lovely widows.
Joe DiMaggio was the offensive star of the 1942 Yankees, leading the club in hits, runs scored, triples and runs batted in. Spud Chandler was the pitching star that year.
The 1952 Yanks found Mickey Mantle's star rising as he led in hits, doubles and batting average while Yogi topped the Bombers in runs, homers and RBIs. The '62 Yankees were led by Bobby Richardson with a league-leading 209 hits, 99 runs scored and 38 doubles. Roger Maris led the team in homers and RBIs and Mantle in batting average.
All will be invited back for the annual tribute to nostalgia. While plans for this great 26th Old Timers' Day are being developed, choice box and reserved seats are on sale now at all Yankee ticket outlets, and at regular-season prices. The California Angels will play the Yanks of 1972 in the regular American League game that follows the Old Timers' ceremonies and game."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
PITCH, HIT AND THROW
"Baseball's national program called Pitch, Hit and Throw launches its third season this spring. Regional competition will lead to the finals in Atlanta at the All-Star Game. Registrations are now being accepted through June 4, after which the regional competitions start."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
FIVE YANKEES NOMINATED FOR 1972 ALL-STAR TEAM
"Led by outfielders Bobby Murcer and Roy White, five Yankees have been nominated for the 1972 All-Star Game to be played in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 25.
The names of Thurman Munson, Gene Michael and Horace Clarke, along with White and Murcer, are on the computerized ballots that will be distributed regularly at Yankee Stadium and in stores throughout the country, commencing Memorial Day weekend. Voting for the respective American and National League starting All-Star squads will continue well into July in the third annual popular poll of the fans conducted by Major League Baseball with the fine cooperation of the Gillette Company of Boston.
Ballots will be distributed here at Yankee Stadium every day the team is at home commencing with the big Memorial Day weekend series with the Detroit Tigers. Ballots will also be available wherever Gillette products are sold. Computerized results will be announced weekly by the Commissioner's office. Pitchers and the remainder of the squad other than other starters will be picked by the respective All-Star managers, Earl Weaver for the American League and Danny Murtaugh for the National League.
Once again, there will be ample opportunity to write in selections of players who may be performing in all-star style, but whose names do not appear on the ballot. Ron Blomberg, playing a new position this year, along with veteran star Felipe Alou, may be among those who will receive heavy write-in support.
Last year, both Murcer and Munson were named to the All-Stars and Bobby got the first hit of the game and went on to hit .331 as runner-up in the American League batting race."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
MAYOR'S TROPHY GAME
"The Yankees host the Mets in the annual Mayor's Trophy Game at Yankee Stadium on Thursday night, August 24 at 7:30 P.M. In nine games played to date in this great charity series, some 389,411 tickets have been sold, yielding a total of $992,663.09 for the development of sandlot baseball in the greater Metropolitan New York area, through the respective foundations of the Yankees and Mets. Tickets for this year's Mayor Trophy's classic are on sale here today and at all Met and Yankee ticket outlets."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
CONVENIENT RESERVATION OFFICES
"Convenient reservation offices can be found at North Jersey outlets of the New Jersey Automobile Club in Oradell, Paterson and Jersey City.
Computerized tickets are available throughout the Metropolitan area at Ticketron (TRS) outlets at Gimbels, Sears, B. Altman, Abraham & Straus, Bambergers and Gertz stores, at the Ridgewood, New Jersey News, Paramus, New Jersey Bowling Lanes and other ticket outlets.
Ticket reservations are also available at AVCO Financial Services, Inc. offices throughout the Metropolitan area."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
YANKEE TICKETS AVAILABLE TO TRIPLE-S BLUE STAMP SAVERS
"Again in 1972, fans who collect Triple-S Blue Stamps may redeem their books for box, reserved and general admission tickets to Yankee home games. This is the seventh consecutive season that the Yankees and Triple-S have cooperated in this venture.
Fans may redeem their SSS Blue Stamps at any redemption center for tickets or, of course, the hundreds of other gift items in the SSS catalogue.
In addition, as has been the case in previous seasons, each time a Yankee hits a home run at Yankee Stadium, 10,000 Triple-S Blue Stamps will be sent to a worthy charity in the New York area. The charity is announced prior to the game and the stamps are redeemable for any gift in the catalogue."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
AMERICAN LEAGUE UMPIRES
1 Stevens
2 Honochick
3 Soar
4 Knapp
5 Flaherty
6 Chylak
7 Umont
8 Rice
9 Stewart
10 Haller
11 DiMuro
12 Odom
13 Neudecker
14 Springstead
15 Goetz
16 Kunkel
17 Barnett
18 Denkinger
19 Frantz
20 Luciano
21 Anthony
23 Maloney
24 McCoy
25 Phillips
26 Deegan
27 Evans
28 Morganweck
WMCA
"When in doubt about the game being played, just tune in WMCA at 570 KC, the official basic station for the New York Yankees. WMCA will keep fans up to date as to whether the game is being played."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
ADVERTISEMENTS
-100 Pipers: It's made proudly. Drink it that way.
-Beefeater: First Name For The Martini
-Budweiser: When you say Budweiser you've said it all.
-Camel: Leads the League in Taste!
-CNA Insurance
-Coming Attraction: CHICAGO WHITE SOX, with Dick Allen, Bill Melton and [former Yankee] Stan Bahnsen; Tuesday, June 13, Wednesday, June 14, Thursday, June 15 (G.O. Card Night)
-Coming Attraction: TEXAS RANGERS (first Yankee Stadium appearance) [with Frank Howard, Don Mincher and manager Ted Williams], Friday, June 16, Saturday, June 17, Sunday, June 18 (Bay Day)
-Cutty Sark: The Only One Of Its Kind
-Datsun: Ever notice how winners ride with winners?
-Getty: Since we've been behind the Yankees, you notice they've been running better.
-Grenadiers: Now. Get behind an A&C Grenadier.
-Gulden's: The hot dog you're eating right now tastes better - because it's served with Gulden's Mustard.
-Kent
-Manufacturers Hanover
-Marlboro: Come to where the flavor is.
-Newport
-OTB: The Superfecta
-Salem: Leads the League in Taste!
-Schaefer: When You're Having More Than One
-Schrafft's: Nobody cares as much about you as Schrafft's.
-Seagram's 7 Crown: It's America's Whiskey.
-True
-Winston: Leads the League in Taste!
YOUTH + EXPERIENCE + DEPTH = YANKEES ... 1972
"There have been some changes made since last season. The young Yankees are still young, but important depth has been added in the form of experienced infielders and outfielders who give the Yankees maturity in what should be a great American League East pennant race.
The Yankees of 1972 have maneuverability, better pinch-hitting, a vastly improved bench, more pitching depth and a strongly reinforced bullpen. The Baltimore Orioles, defending league champions, are back with another strong array, but without Frank Robinson. The Yankees, as well as the Tigers and Red Sox, think the Orioles 'can be had.'
The Yankees were scheduled for an immediate showdown with eight early games with the Orioles and a pair at Detroit. But the Baseball Players' strike curtailed this early season test. Now that the season is belatedly underway, the Yankees can look to the last half of May as a significant test against their top Eastern Division rivals ... the Red Sox, Indians and Tigers here at Yankee Stadium.
In this 50th year of Yankee Stadium, the new Yanks of 1972 hope to emulate the great teams that have performed here in the last half century. We hope you will enjoy the best in baseball at the country's most renowned Stadium as you visit Yankee Stadium frequently during the new year.
WELCOME!"
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
WELCOME TO YANKEE STADIUM
"The Yankees hope your visit is a happy one. The goal for 1972 was the American League East championship. It still is, despite an unsatisfactory start. First the players' strike, then an early season slump left the Yankees hovering around fourth or fifth place in a closely bunched American League East race.
Defending champion Baltimore, fortunately for the Yankees, also got off slowly. After an early spurt by the surprising Cleveland Indians, the hard-hitting Detroit Tigers moved to the front. And the last time the Yanks faced the tough Tigers here at the Stadium, it was a Memorial Day sweep for the young Bombers with Steve Kline and Fritz Peterson besting the Tigers, with saves in both games by Sparky Lyle.
The Yankees have added depth and experience to their youthful team and still figure to make a run at the division title. It's going to take a lot of winning to bring a championship back to Yankee Stadium. And these young Yankees think they can win.
So we hope to see a winner today, but win or lose, have an enjoyable visit to this historic Stadium where 29 Yankee teams have won the American League pennant and 20 have captured the World Championship. Next year, 1973, will mark the 50th anniversary of this Stadium, an occasion that will be marked by season-long celebrations before the vast remodeling and modernizing of Yankee Stadium begins in 1974."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
YANKEE OUTFIELDERS
"There's good hitting, good power, graceful outfielding and strong arms in the quintet of players who comprise the Yankee outfield of 1972: left fielder Roy White, center fielder Bobby Murcer and right fielders Rusty Torres, John Callison and Ron Swoboda."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
YANKS WIN GOLD COAST CUP
"For the first time since the competition was started three years ago, the New York Yankees won the Gold Coast Cup competition, emblematic of the championship in the extended spring training series between the Yankees and Baltimore Orioles. Both the Yankee A and B teams won their spring series building toward the originally scheduled early games between the rivals."
-1972 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- 7:30 P.M.
Twi-Night Doubleheaders- 5:00 P.M.
"GOOD KIDS" HONORED AT YANKEE STADIUM GAMES
"The popular Yankee 'Good Kids' awards will be resumed this season at the Stadium. Started late in the 1970 season, the program won instant success with the fans.
Most every day of the home season, Yankee management personnel will select young fans at random who, because of their excellent behavior, ball park manners and general deportment at Yankee Stadium, will be selected as that day's 'Good Kids.'
The following day, the 'Good Kids' will be honored with their names on the Stadium message board in center field and with a mention on the radio broadcast. Each young fan so honored will receive a pair of box seat tickets for a game on the next homestand and all of the honorees at that game will have their photos taken collectively on or near the field with some of the Yankee players. Each youngster then will receive a print of the photograph, in the mail."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
SENIOR CITIZEN DAYS
"Early season Senior Citizen Days have been scheduled at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, April 29 with the Minnesota Twins; on Wednesday afternoon, May 3 with the California Angels; on Thursday afternoon May 25 with the Cleveland Indians and on Wednesday afternoon, June 21 with the Kansas City Royals.
Senior citizens will be admitted to grandstand general admission seats on payment of the nominal 50 cent tax and service charge."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
YANKEES SCHEDULE EXCITING GIFT DAYS
"The most exciting youth days in all of baseball - Yankee Gift Days - are back on the schedule again this year. Close to a million fans have received the fine quality Yankee gifts in the last few years since the popular Bat Days led off the Yankee youth gift program.
Cap Day was held on April 30, Ball Day on May 27 and still ahead are Bat Day and T-Shirt Day at Yankee Stadium.
Highlight Gift Day, of course, will be the Yankees' ever popular Bat Day on Sunday afternoon, June 18, which will also be Father's Day. With the Texas Rangers playing at Yankee Stadium, each fan, 14 and under, will receive a fine quality Little League bat made by Hillerich & Bradsby Company of Louisville, Kentucky, makers of the Louisville Slugger. There will be bats for all qualifying youngsters as the Yanks have placed the largest bat order in the nation for this exciting event. Each bat will have the name of a popular Yankee on it, most of them in the reproduced autograph of the Yankee star.
The last scheduled Gift Day will be T-Shirt Day and for the first time, it will be held on a summer mid-week afternoon. T-Shirt Day will be Wednesday afternoon, July 19 with the hard-hitting Twins the Yankees' opponents. The attractive Tee Shirts feature the famed red, white and blue Yankee emblem on the chest and will be available in small, medium and large children's sizes.
Tickets for Gift Days are on sale now at the Advance Ticket offices here at the Stadium and at all Yankee ticket outlets. Regular season ticket prices prevail for these special days: box seats are $4.00, reserved seats $3.00, taxes included. These are the only priced tickets that may be purchased in advance.
The same rules apply for all Gift Days: boys and girls, 14 and under and accompanied by an adult, will receive the appropriate day's gift. Gifts are given on paid admissions only, and one adult may accompany an entire Little League team and each qualifying youngster will receive the gift of the day."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
26TH YANKEE OLD TIMERS' DAY HONORS FIVE DECADES OF CHAMPIONS
"Five decades of champions will be honored at Yankee Stadium on Saturday afternoon, July 22 when the Yankees stage the grand-daddy of all Old Timers' Days. This 26th annual tribute to the greats of yesteryear will honor the Yankees and opponents on the 1922, 1932, 1942, 1952 and 1962 teams. The Yankees have won pennants in every year ending in a '2' for the last five decades.
In addition, the newest members of the Hall of Fame will be invited to be guests of honor just two weeks before their induction into the Cooperstown shrine. Former Yankee immortals Yogi Berra and Lefty Gomez, along with Dodger great Sandy Koufax and Negro League great Buck Leonard are scheduled to be honored at Yankee Stadium.
Three of the five honored championship Yankee teams also won World Championships, including the 1932, '52 and '62 teams. The 1962 Yankees were the last of the 20 Yank teams to win the World Series.
Stars of all five Yankee championship clubs to be honored will be invited back to the Stadium, including the workhorse and ERA champion of the '22 Yankees, Bob Shawkey. Gomez was the pitching star of Joe McCarthy's first Yankee title holders of 1932, while Earle Combs led the team in runs scored with 143. Slugging stars Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, of course, will be represented by their lovely widows.
Joe DiMaggio was the offensive star of the 1942 Yankees, leading the club in hits, runs scored, triples and runs batted in. Spud Chandler was the pitching star that year.
The 1952 Yanks found Mickey Mantle's star rising as he led in hits, doubles and batting average while Yogi topped the Bombers in runs, homers and RBIs. The '62 Yankees were led by Bobby Richardson with a league-leading 209 hits, 99 runs scored and 38 doubles. Roger Maris led the team in homers and RBIs and Mantle in batting average.
All will be invited back for the annual tribute to nostalgia. While plans for this great 26th Old Timers' Day are being developed, choice box and reserved seats are on sale now at all Yankee ticket outlets, and at regular-season prices. The California Angels will play the Yanks of 1972 in the regular American League game that follows the Old Timers' ceremonies and game."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
PITCH, HIT AND THROW
"Baseball's national program called Pitch, Hit and Throw launches its third season this spring. Regional competition will lead to the finals in Atlanta at the All-Star Game. Registrations are now being accepted through June 4, after which the regional competitions start."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
FIVE YANKEES NOMINATED FOR 1972 ALL-STAR TEAM
"Led by outfielders Bobby Murcer and Roy White, five Yankees have been nominated for the 1972 All-Star Game to be played in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 25.
The names of Thurman Munson, Gene Michael and Horace Clarke, along with White and Murcer, are on the computerized ballots that will be distributed regularly at Yankee Stadium and in stores throughout the country, commencing Memorial Day weekend. Voting for the respective American and National League starting All-Star squads will continue well into July in the third annual popular poll of the fans conducted by Major League Baseball with the fine cooperation of the Gillette Company of Boston.
Ballots will be distributed here at Yankee Stadium every day the team is at home commencing with the big Memorial Day weekend series with the Detroit Tigers. Ballots will also be available wherever Gillette products are sold. Computerized results will be announced weekly by the Commissioner's office. Pitchers and the remainder of the squad other than other starters will be picked by the respective All-Star managers, Earl Weaver for the American League and Danny Murtaugh for the National League.
Once again, there will be ample opportunity to write in selections of players who may be performing in all-star style, but whose names do not appear on the ballot. Ron Blomberg, playing a new position this year, along with veteran star Felipe Alou, may be among those who will receive heavy write-in support.
Last year, both Murcer and Munson were named to the All-Stars and Bobby got the first hit of the game and went on to hit .331 as runner-up in the American League batting race."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
MAYOR'S TROPHY GAME
"The Yankees host the Mets in the annual Mayor's Trophy Game at Yankee Stadium on Thursday night, August 24 at 7:30 P.M. In nine games played to date in this great charity series, some 389,411 tickets have been sold, yielding a total of $992,663.09 for the development of sandlot baseball in the greater Metropolitan New York area, through the respective foundations of the Yankees and Mets. Tickets for this year's Mayor Trophy's classic are on sale here today and at all Met and Yankee ticket outlets."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
CONVENIENT RESERVATION OFFICES
"Convenient reservation offices can be found at North Jersey outlets of the New Jersey Automobile Club in Oradell, Paterson and Jersey City.
Computerized tickets are available throughout the Metropolitan area at Ticketron (TRS) outlets at Gimbels, Sears, B. Altman, Abraham & Straus, Bambergers and Gertz stores, at the Ridgewood, New Jersey News, Paramus, New Jersey Bowling Lanes and other ticket outlets.
Ticket reservations are also available at AVCO Financial Services, Inc. offices throughout the Metropolitan area."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
YANKEE TICKETS AVAILABLE TO TRIPLE-S BLUE STAMP SAVERS
"Again in 1972, fans who collect Triple-S Blue Stamps may redeem their books for box, reserved and general admission tickets to Yankee home games. This is the seventh consecutive season that the Yankees and Triple-S have cooperated in this venture.
Fans may redeem their SSS Blue Stamps at any redemption center for tickets or, of course, the hundreds of other gift items in the SSS catalogue.
In addition, as has been the case in previous seasons, each time a Yankee hits a home run at Yankee Stadium, 10,000 Triple-S Blue Stamps will be sent to a worthy charity in the New York area. The charity is announced prior to the game and the stamps are redeemable for any gift in the catalogue."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
AMERICAN LEAGUE UMPIRES
1 Stevens
2 Honochick
3 Soar
4 Knapp
5 Flaherty
6 Chylak
7 Umont
8 Rice
9 Stewart
10 Haller
11 DiMuro
12 Odom
13 Neudecker
14 Springstead
15 Goetz
16 Kunkel
17 Barnett
18 Denkinger
19 Frantz
20 Luciano
21 Anthony
23 Maloney
24 McCoy
25 Phillips
26 Deegan
27 Evans
28 Morganweck
WMCA
"When in doubt about the game being played, just tune in WMCA at 570 KC, the official basic station for the New York Yankees. WMCA will keep fans up to date as to whether the game is being played."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
ADVERTISEMENTS
-100 Pipers: It's made proudly. Drink it that way.
-Beefeater: First Name For The Martini
-Budweiser: When you say Budweiser you've said it all.
-Camel: Leads the League in Taste!
-CNA Insurance
-Coming Attraction: CHICAGO WHITE SOX, with Dick Allen, Bill Melton and [former Yankee] Stan Bahnsen; Tuesday, June 13, Wednesday, June 14, Thursday, June 15 (G.O. Card Night)
-Coming Attraction: TEXAS RANGERS (first Yankee Stadium appearance) [with Frank Howard, Don Mincher and manager Ted Williams], Friday, June 16, Saturday, June 17, Sunday, June 18 (Bay Day)
-Cutty Sark: The Only One Of Its Kind
-Datsun: Ever notice how winners ride with winners?
-Getty: Since we've been behind the Yankees, you notice they've been running better.
-Grenadiers: Now. Get behind an A&C Grenadier.
-Gulden's: The hot dog you're eating right now tastes better - because it's served with Gulden's Mustard.
-Kent
-Manufacturers Hanover
-Marlboro: Come to where the flavor is.
-Newport
-OTB: The Superfecta
-Salem: Leads the League in Taste!
-Schaefer: When You're Having More Than One
-Schrafft's: Nobody cares as much about you as Schrafft's.
-Seagram's 7 Crown: It's America's Whiskey.
-True
-Winston: Leads the League in Taste!
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
1972 New York Yankees Home Opening Roster
Yankee Stadium, The Bronx, New York (April 18)
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)
47 Fred Beene (R-R)
50 Alan Closter (L-L)
45 Rich Hinton (L-L)
18 Mike Kekich (R-L)
38 Steve Kline (R-R)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
40 Lindy McDaniel (R-R)
19 Fritz Peterson (S-L)
30 Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
No. Catchers
23 John Ellis (R-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
No. Infielders
11 Bernie Allen (L-R)
24 Felipe Alou (R-R)
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R)
20 Horace Clarke (S-R)
2 Jerry Kenney (L-R)
36 Hal Lanier (R-R)
27 Rich McKinney (R-R)
17 Gene Michael (S-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Johnny Callison (L-R)
1 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Ron Swoboda (R-R)
21 Rusty Torres (S-R)
6 Roy White (S-R)
Trainer - Joe Soares
1972 YANKEES YEARBOOK PORTRAIT PHOTOS
Jack Aker (P) 22
Bernie Allen (2B) 11
Felipe Alou (1B) 24
Frank Baker (SS) 26
Ron Blomberg (1B) 12
Johnny Callison (OF) 25
Danny Cater (3B) 10
Horace Clarke (2B) 20
Alan Closter (P) 50
John Ellis (C) 23
Jim Hardin (P) 29
Jim Hegan (CH) 44
Rich Hinton (P) 45
Ralph Houk (MGR) 35
Elston Howard (CH) 32
Dick Howser (CH) 34
Mike Kekich (P) 18
Jerry Kenney (SS) 2
Steve Kline (P) 38
Hal Lanier (SS-3B-2B) 36
Jim Magnuson (P) 39
Lindy McDaniel (P) 40
Rich McKinney (3B) 27
Gene Michael (SS) 17
Thurman Munson (C) 15
Bobby Murcer (CF) 1
Fritz Peterson (P) 19
Mel Stottlemyre (P) 30
Ron Swoboda (OF) 14
Rusty Torres (RF) 21
Jim Turner (CH) 31
Gary Waslewski (P) 54
Roy White (LF) 6
1972 YANKEES YEARBOOK PORTRAIT PHOTOS
Jack Aker (P) 22
Bernie Allen (2B) 11
Felipe Alou (1B) 24
Frank Baker (SS) 26
Ron Blomberg (1B) 12
Johnny Callison (OF) 25
Danny Cater (3B) 10
Horace Clarke (2B) 20
Alan Closter (P) 50
John Ellis (C) 23
Jim Hardin (P) 29
Jim Hegan (CH) 44
Rich Hinton (P) 45
Ralph Houk (MGR) 35
Elston Howard (CH) 32
Dick Howser (CH) 34
Mike Kekich (P) 18
Jerry Kenney (SS) 2
Steve Kline (P) 38
Hal Lanier (SS-3B-2B) 36
Jim Magnuson (P) 39
Lindy McDaniel (P) 40
Rich McKinney (3B) 27
Gene Michael (SS) 17
Thurman Munson (C) 15
Bobby Murcer (CF) 1
Fritz Peterson (P) 19
Mel Stottlemyre (P) 30
Ron Swoboda (OF) 14
Rusty Torres (RF) 21
Jim Turner (CH) 31
Gary Waslewski (P) 54
Roy White (LF) 6
1972 New York Yankees Opening Day Roster
Memorial Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland (April 16)
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)
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)
47 Fred Beene (R-R)
50 Alan Closter (L-L)
45 Rich Hinton (L-L)
18 Mike Kekich (R-L)
38 Steve Kline (R-R)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
50 Alan Closter (L-L)
45 Rich Hinton (L-L)
18 Mike Kekich (R-L)
38 Steve Kline (R-R)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
40 Lindy McDaniel (R-R)
19 Fritz Peterson (S-L)
30 Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
No. Catchers
23 John Ellis (R-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
No. Infielders
11 Bernie Allen (L-R)
24 Felipe Alou (R-R)
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R)
20 Horace Clarke (S-R)
2 Jerry Kenney (L-R)
36 Hal Lanier (R-R)
27 Rich McKinney (R-R)
17 Gene Michael (S-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Johnny Callison (L-R)
1 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Ron Swoboda (R-R)
21 Rusty Torres (S-R)
6 Roy White (S-R)
Trainer - Joe Soares
19 Fritz Peterson (S-L)
30 Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
No. Catchers
23 John Ellis (R-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
No. Infielders
11 Bernie Allen (L-R)
24 Felipe Alou (R-R)
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R)
20 Horace Clarke (S-R)
2 Jerry Kenney (L-R)
36 Hal Lanier (R-R)
27 Rich McKinney (R-R)
17 Gene Michael (S-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Johnny Callison (L-R)
1 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Ron Swoboda (R-R)
21 Rusty Torres (S-R)
6 Roy White (S-R)
Trainer - Joe Soares
1972 Yankees Yearbook Roster, Taxi Squad and Prospects
Manager - Ralph Houk 35
First Base Coach - Elston Howard 32
Third Base Coach - Dick Howser 34
Pitching Coach - Jim Turner 31
Bullpen Coach - Jim Hegan 44
Special Spring Training Instructor - Whitey Ford 16
Special Spring Training Instructor - Mickey Mantle 7
ROSTER
Catcher - Thurman Munson 15, John Ellis 23
First Base - Ron Blomberg 12
Second Base - Horace Clarke 20
Third Base - Bernie Allen 11 (2B), Celerino Sanchez 10, Hal Lanier 36
Shortstop - Gene Michael 17, Jerry Kenney 2
Left Field - Roy White 6
Center Field - Bobby Murcer 1
Right Field - Johnny Callison 25, Ron Swoboda 14 (CF)
Pinch Hitters - Felipe Alou 24 (1B), Rusty Torres 21 (RF)
Starting Pitchers:
Mel Stottlemyre 30
Steve Kline 38
Fritz Peterson 19
Mike Kekich 18
Rob Gardner 43
Casey Cox 39
Relief Pitchers:
Sparky Lyle 28
Lindy McDaniel 40
Fred Beene 47
Jack Aker 22
TAXI SQUAD
Third Base - Danny Cater 9* (1B)
Shortstop - Frank Baker 26
Pinch Hitter - Rich McKinney 27 (2B)
Starting Pitchers:
Wade Blasingame 29
Jim Hardin 48*
Relief Pitchers:
Jim Roland 54
Gary Waslewski 53*
Jim Magnuson 49*
PROSPECTS
Catcher - George Pena, Jorge Maduro, Mike Nunn, Joel Hall
Second Base - Fred Frazier, George Zeber
Shortstop - Mario Guerrero
Outfield - Charlie Spikes
Starting Pitchers:
Rich Hinton
Don Schroeder
Mike Pazik
Rick Earle
Dave Cheadle
Ken Crosby
Gerry Pirtle
Relief Pitchers:
Alan Closter
Roger Hambright
Loyd Colson
Tom Frondorf
* unofficial uniform number
1972 New York Yankees Player Development
Business Manager, Player Development - George Pfister
Field Director, Player Development - Clyde Kluttz
FARM CLUBS
AAA
Syracuse, New York
International League
Manager - Frank Verdi
AA
West Haven, Connecticut
Eastern League
Manager - Bobby Cox
A
Kinston, North Carolina
Carolina League
Manager - Gene Hassell
A
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Florida State League
Manager - Pete Ward
A
Oneonta, New York
New York-Penn. League
Manager - George Case
Rookie
Johnson City, Tennessee
Appalachian League
Manager - Jerry Walker
FRANK VERDI (Syracuse Manager)
"After a long playing career in the Yankee organization that began in 1946, and concluded with 10 seasons in Triple-A ball, Frank Verdi was given his first managerial chance when he replaced Gene Verble in July 1961 as the Chiefs' player-manager. He began the 1962 season as the Chiefs' player-manager, but was replaced by Johnny Vander Meer in mid-season, and finished that season, and his playing career, at Amarillo.
In 1963 he began his career as a full-time manager in the Yankee chain with Greensboro, and for the next five years managed various Yankee farm clubs in the lower minors. On June 17, 1968, he returned to Syracuse, replacing Gary Blaylock as the Chiefs' skipper, and proceeded to lead the Chiefs to some of their greatest successes, while earning deserved popularity and accolades for himself.
Following the Governor's Cup victory in 1969, Verdi's 1970 Chiefs accomplished what few, if any, Syracuse fans had ever witnessed before: Syracuse's first International League pennant since 1897. They also won their second consecutive Governor's Cup and beat Omaha of the American Association in the Junior World Series. For his great leadership, Frank Verdi was voted the International League's 1970 Manager of the Year."
-1972 Syracuse Chiefs official program
SCOUTING
Luis Arroyo (Ponce, Puerto Rico)
Loren Babe (Omaha, Nebraska)
Cloyd Boyer (Webb City, Missouri)
Mark Christman (Glendale, Missouri)
Patrick Colgan (Carbondale, Pennsylvania)
Pete Coscarart (Escondido, California)
Harry Craft (Conroe, Texas)
Al Cuccinello (Elmont, New York)
Atley Donald (Choudrant, Louisiana)
Joe Frisa (Buffalo, New York)
Tom Greenwade (Willard, Missouri)
Randy Gumpert (Berks County, Pennsylvania)
Don Gutteridge (Pittsburg, Kansas)
Roy Hamey (Tucson, Arizona)
Myron Hayworth (High Point, North Carolina)
Willie Hudlin (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Gordon Jones (Pasadena, California)
Don Lee (Martinez, California)
Lou Maguolo (St. Louis, Missouri)
Buster Mills (Ranger, Texas)
Bill Monbouquette (West Medford, Massachusetts)
Frank O'Rourke (Hillside, New Jersey)
James Quigley (New York, New York)
Jose Seda (Hato Rey, Puerto Rico)
George Selkirk (Pompano Beach, Florida)
Steve Souchock (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida)
Sam Suplizio (Grand Junction, Colorado)
Eddie Taylor (Seattle, Washington)
Jack Warner (Inglewood, California)
Gene Woodling (Medina, Ohio)
1972 YANKEE SPRING TRAINING SCOUT SIGNINGS
Arthur Dede: Rusty Torres (1967)
Atley Donald: Ron Blomberg (1967), Charlie Spikes (1969)
Danny Doyle: Alan Closter (1965)
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: George Zeber (1968)
Clyde Kluttz: Dave Cheadle (1970)
Don Lee: Ken Crosby (1969)
Lou Maguolo: Joel Hall (1971), Jerry Kenney (1964), Fritz Peterson (1963)
Bill Monbouquette: Mike Pazik (1971)
Frank O'Rourke: Rick Earle (1970)
Jose Seda: Horace Clarke (1958), Mario Guerrero (1968)
Eddie Taylor: Roger Hambright (1967), Steve Kline (1966), Don Schroeder (1969), Mel Stottlemyre (1961)
Jack Warner: Fred Frazier (1969)
Gene Woodling: Thurman Munson (1968)
SPRING TRAINING INSTRUCTORS
Manager - Ralph Houk
Whitey Ford (special instructor)
Gene Hassell (Kinston manager)
Jim Hegan (coach)
Elston Howard (coach)
Dick Howser (coach)
Mickey Mantle (special instructor)
Jim Turner (coach)
Pete Ward (Ft. Lauderdale manager)
1972 YANKEES YEARBOOK "ON THE WAY UP"
Fred Beene (RHP)
Dave Cheadle (LHP)
Loyd Colson (RHP)
Ken Crosby (RHP)
Rick Earle (RHP)
Fred Frazier (2B)
Tom Frondorf (RHP)
Joe Hall (C)
Jorge Maduro (C)
Mike Nunn (C)
Mike Pazik (LHP)
George Pena (C)
Gerry Pirtle (RHP)
Don Schroeder (RHP)
Celerino Sanchez (3B)
Charlie Spikes (OF)
George Zeber (2B)
Field Director, Player Development - Clyde Kluttz
FARM CLUBS
AAA
Syracuse, New York
International League
Manager - Frank Verdi
AA
West Haven, Connecticut
Eastern League
Manager - Bobby Cox
A
Kinston, North Carolina
Carolina League
Manager - Gene Hassell
A
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Florida State League
Manager - Pete Ward
A
Oneonta, New York
New York-Penn. League
Manager - George Case
Rookie
Johnson City, Tennessee
Appalachian League
Manager - Jerry Walker
FRANK VERDI (Syracuse Manager)
"After a long playing career in the Yankee organization that began in 1946, and concluded with 10 seasons in Triple-A ball, Frank Verdi was given his first managerial chance when he replaced Gene Verble in July 1961 as the Chiefs' player-manager. He began the 1962 season as the Chiefs' player-manager, but was replaced by Johnny Vander Meer in mid-season, and finished that season, and his playing career, at Amarillo.
In 1963 he began his career as a full-time manager in the Yankee chain with Greensboro, and for the next five years managed various Yankee farm clubs in the lower minors. On June 17, 1968, he returned to Syracuse, replacing Gary Blaylock as the Chiefs' skipper, and proceeded to lead the Chiefs to some of their greatest successes, while earning deserved popularity and accolades for himself.
Following the Governor's Cup victory in 1969, Verdi's 1970 Chiefs accomplished what few, if any, Syracuse fans had ever witnessed before: Syracuse's first International League pennant since 1897. They also won their second consecutive Governor's Cup and beat Omaha of the American Association in the Junior World Series. For his great leadership, Frank Verdi was voted the International League's 1970 Manager of the Year."
-1972 Syracuse Chiefs official program
SCOUTING
Luis Arroyo (Ponce, Puerto Rico)
Loren Babe (Omaha, Nebraska)
Cloyd Boyer (Webb City, Missouri)
Mark Christman (Glendale, Missouri)
Patrick Colgan (Carbondale, Pennsylvania)
Pete Coscarart (Escondido, California)
Harry Craft (Conroe, Texas)
Al Cuccinello (Elmont, New York)
Atley Donald (Choudrant, Louisiana)
Joe Frisa (Buffalo, New York)
Tom Greenwade (Willard, Missouri)
Randy Gumpert (Berks County, Pennsylvania)
Don Gutteridge (Pittsburg, Kansas)
Roy Hamey (Tucson, Arizona)
Myron Hayworth (High Point, North Carolina)
Willie Hudlin (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Gordon Jones (Pasadena, California)
Don Lee (Martinez, California)
Lou Maguolo (St. Louis, Missouri)
Buster Mills (Ranger, Texas)
Bill Monbouquette (West Medford, Massachusetts)
Frank O'Rourke (Hillside, New Jersey)
James Quigley (New York, New York)
Jose Seda (Hato Rey, Puerto Rico)
George Selkirk (Pompano Beach, Florida)
Steve Souchock (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida)
Sam Suplizio (Grand Junction, Colorado)
Eddie Taylor (Seattle, Washington)
Jack Warner (Inglewood, California)
Gene Woodling (Medina, Ohio)
1972 YANKEE SPRING TRAINING SCOUT SIGNINGS
Arthur Dede: Rusty Torres (1967)
Atley Donald: Ron Blomberg (1967), Charlie Spikes (1969)
Danny Doyle: Alan Closter (1965)
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: George Zeber (1968)
Clyde Kluttz: Dave Cheadle (1970)
Don Lee: Ken Crosby (1969)
Lou Maguolo: Joel Hall (1971), Jerry Kenney (1964), Fritz Peterson (1963)
Bill Monbouquette: Mike Pazik (1971)
Frank O'Rourke: Rick Earle (1970)
Jose Seda: Horace Clarke (1958), Mario Guerrero (1968)
Eddie Taylor: Roger Hambright (1967), Steve Kline (1966), Don Schroeder (1969), Mel Stottlemyre (1961)
Jack Warner: Fred Frazier (1969)
Gene Woodling: Thurman Munson (1968)
SPRING TRAINING INSTRUCTORS
Manager - Ralph Houk
Whitey Ford (special instructor)
Gene Hassell (Kinston manager)
Jim Hegan (coach)
Elston Howard (coach)
Dick Howser (coach)
Mickey Mantle (special instructor)
Jim Turner (coach)
Pete Ward (Ft. Lauderdale manager)
1972 YANKEES YEARBOOK "ON THE WAY UP"
Fred Beene (RHP)
Dave Cheadle (LHP)
Loyd Colson (RHP)
Ken Crosby (RHP)
Rick Earle (RHP)
Fred Frazier (2B)
Tom Frondorf (RHP)
Joe Hall (C)
Jorge Maduro (C)
Mike Nunn (C)
Mike Pazik (LHP)
George Pena (C)
Gerry Pirtle (RHP)
Don Schroeder (RHP)
Celerino Sanchez (3B)
Charlie Spikes (OF)
George Zeber (2B)
Monday, June 23, 2014
Other 1972 Yankee Profiles
RON SWOBODA
"Where the action is ... that's Ron Swoboda.
His instinctive flair for the dramatic propels Ron to make the dramatic play. And he makes it - a long throw to the plate, a bases-loaded walk, an into-the-seats catch - because Rocky is a solid ball player with an enviable ability to rise to the occasion to make the big play. All of this bodes well for the Yankees.
Ron broke in under Casey Stengel with the Mets in 1965 and before he left, he was their all-time home run and RBI champ. After a brief stop in Montreal, Rocky suddenly resurfaced on the New York sports scene last June and immediately set to work on Volume II of Rocky's Road to Success.
A fresh start, a new uniform, a new lease on baseball life for the bright, personable and virile Swoboda. Ron responded, the fans reacted, and the legend was off and running again."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
"Ron proved to be a valuable addition to the Yankees as a reserve outfielder. Although he played in just 54 games, he hit a respectable .261 and knocked in 20 runs in 138 at-bats. He also proved valuable in the clutch as he knocked in the deciding run four times, all within the last two innings of a game.
Noted for his circus catches during the 1969 World Series while with the Mets, Ron made a similarly outstanding fielding play in Yankee Stadium on Labor Day against the Red Sox as he raced back to the right field stands and simultaneously leaped and grabbed a potential home run off the bat of Reggie Smith while falling headfirst into the seats. Rocky had just come into the game an inning before, in the 8th, as a pinch hitter and singled in the deciding runs with two RBIs in the 5-3 Yankee victory. Smith's drive came in the 9th with a man on and would have tied the game.
Making headlines is nothing new to Swoboda. He attracted fan attention from the moment he reached New York with the Mets at the tender age of 20, leading them in homers with 19. He had a great stretch in the Mets' 1969 pennant drive when he knocked in 26 runs in 34 games, including a pair of two-run homers to beat Steve Carlton on the night the tall left-hander whiffed 19."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
CELERINO SANCHEZ
"If high batting averages form impressive major league credentials, Celerino Sanchez has credentials better than almost every player in the majors today. Cellie has destroyed Mexican League pitching since 1964, including such figures as .448 in 1966 (357 at-bats) and .368 for Mexico City last year.
A fast start at Syracuse this year means that third baseman Sanchez will be learning American League pitchers as well as the English language before long."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
"Sanchez is a third baseman who has averaged .300 or better in seven of his eight years in professional baseball, mostly in Mexico. His last three years with the Mexico City Tigers were increasingly sensational with the bat, hitting .314, 345 and .372 last year, second best in the league.
These credentials tend to indicate that Sanchez is deserving of a big league 'look' at third base in 1972. He hit .448 in 1966 which won him a Silver Bat, symbolic of the top hitter in the minor leagues."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
MEET THE NEWEST YANKEE
"He is Celerino Sanchez, a Mexican-born right-hand hitting third baseman who was called up from Syracuse on June 13 after hitting .330. The third leading hitter in the AAA Mexican League in 1971, Sanchez was purchased during the winter by the Yankees and hit .571 in a brief spring training look. In 1966, Sanchez hit a robust.448 for Campeche in Mexico."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
ROB GARDNER
"Rob Gardner, only 27 years old, is entering his tenth professional season, and although he hasn't 'arrived' as a big league winner yet, his age and experience indicate that bright days might be ahead.
Rob has had outstanding success in the International League, particularly in 1970 when was 19-5 including the playoffs. He's already had big league experience with the Mets, Cubs, Indians, A's, and Yankees, and it is hoped that this southpaw is approaching the point of his career where he will be able to show his skills over the course of a full major league season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
"Rob Gardner is back for another shot with the Yankees this spring. He came close a year ago, being cut on Opening Day. He was sent back to Florida to train with the Yanks' Syracuse club, and on April 9 was traded to Oakland along with pitcher Ron Klimkowski for Felipe Alou. Rob hurled three games for Oakland and was again sent down to AAA but instead of going to the A's farm team, he went to Syracuse on a loan before being reacquired by the Yankee organization on June 1.
Despite all the shifting around, Rob had another good season for the Chiefs and again will be giving someone a battle for a spot on the Yankee pitching staff for 1972. He's a cool veteran entering his 10th season of professional baseball.
Originally signed by the Twins in 1963, he was drafted by the Mets in 1964 and spent the entire 1966 season with New York, appearing in 41 games. He was traded to the Cubs in 1967, then to Cleveland in 1968 before coming to the Yankee organization for the first time on June 12, 1969 in a minor league trade which sent him from Portland to Syracuse in exchange for catcher John Orsino.
Rob had a banner year with the Chiefs in 1970, leading them to the Governor's Cup with a 16-5 record and in addition, won three games in the International League playoffs. Named Pitcher of the Year, he led the loop in ERA (2.53), wins (16), shutouts (4) and innings pitched (192), and also made the All-Star team."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
HAL LANIER
"Hal Lanier brings to New York the reputation of being a fine gloveman, with a strong arm and the ability to play either second base or shortstop in a highly professional manner.
His addition to the Yankee infield staff means added depth at two positions and the presence on the team of a hitter with over 1,000 major league games of experience behind him.
Hal spent eleven years in the San Francisco Giant organization, including the last eight as a regular in the infield. His father Max was a National League pitching star from 1938-53.
Ralph Houk sees Hal as a valuable addition to the depth of his 1972 Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
"Lanier was the Giants' shortstop for five straight seasons before being replaced by rookie Chris Speier in 1971. He came to the big leagues as a second baseman before switching to shortstop and has major league experience at both positions- a valuable asset.
He was originally signed by the Giants to a bonus contract in 1961 after an All-State athletic career in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hal is the son of former major league pitcher Max Lanier."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
CASEY COX
"A short-relief expert with a tireless arm, Cox also makes occasional starts but his major role is in the bullpen. His best year was 1969 when he won 12 games and had a 2.77 earned run average, sixth best in the American League.
His full name is Joseph Casey Cox. Born in Long Beach, California, he attended Los Angeles State College. Casey originally signed with the Cincinnati organization before being drafted by Cleveland. He went to Washington on waivers in 1963, three years before he made it to the majors. Casey made 151 consecutive relief appearances for the Senators before getting his first start in June of 1969."
-Hal Bock, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1972 Edition
FRED BEENE
"Let Fred Beene be a source of inspiration for all 29-year-old minor leaguers who think they can make it on perseverance and desire. Because Fred Beene did.
Obtained last winter from the Oriole organization, Fred signed his first pro contract in 1964 following graduation from Sam Houston State College in his native Texas. An outstanding spring training this year earned Fred a spot on the Yankee pitching staff, and the Yanks were earning the benefits based on Fred's early-season relief work."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
"Fred has been knocking at the door of the major leagues for the past four years. He has been an Oriole prospect and has had experience as both a starter and reliever and could possibly make the Yankee staff as a middle or short reliever.
Fred, a fishing enthusiast, once hurled a no-hitter for Santurce in the Puerto Rican Winter League in 1969. He pitched while in college, leading Sam Houston State to victory in the 1963 NAIA championship game."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
RICH MCKINNEY
"The major leagues' leading pinch-hitter of 1971 is looking for a different type of recognition as he dons a Yankee uniform in 1972. At 25, Rich McKinney seeks a career as a Yankee regular that will make trading highly valued Stan Bahnsen look like a stroke of managerial genius.
Rich batted .367 against New York last year, his first full major league season, and that certainly attracted attention from the Yankee side of the track. A big RBI man, Rich comes without having settled on one defensive position. Ralph Houk wants him to play third, and Rich is ready.
Born and raised in Ohio, Rich attended Ohio University. He is married and the father of a two-year-old boy. He golfs, fishes and traps, and hopes someday to own a cattle ranch. For the present, Rich is concentrating on a regular position in the Yankee lineup, and becoming a New Yorker. New York is happy to have him aboard."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
"The Yankees openly sought infield help during last year's Winter Meetings and came home with Charles Richard 'Rich' McKinney. Some people said at the time that the club gave up too much for the 25-year-old right-handed hitter; however, only time will tell the true story.
Although not widely publicized, many baseball experts think this young man is one of the best young hitters in baseball. The White Sox readily admitted that McKinney's best position is third base. However, rather than disrupt home run slugger Bill Melton at third, Rich was played at first, second or in right field. Yankee Manager Ralph Houk stated on the day of the trade that he will play Rich at the hot corner.
McKinney's average of .271 in his first full year in the majors was impressive, and even more impressive was his pinch-hitting average of .579 which led the American League. He collected 11 hits in 19 at-bats as a pinch swinger, including eight RBIs and four walks. He also showed well at bat against the Yankees as he hit .367 against them (11-for-30) and played flawlessly in the field, handling 29 chances without an error at second base or in right field. The White Sox had a winning record of 5-3 against the Yanks with McKinney in their lineup, and were winless in games he didn't play, with an 0-4 mark.
Rich played his college ball against his current teammate Thurman Munson while at Ohio U., where he was All-American two years. He has a burning ambition to someday win a batting title in the big leagues and also to own a ranch with plenty of cattle once his playing days are over. The Yankees, however, hope that day will be a long way off."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
DANNY CATER
"Danny got off to a little bit of a slow start last year but hit a strong .322 the last half of the season to finish at .276. His lifetime mark of .279 over seven seasons is the 14th highest average of current American Leaguers. He played mostly first base last year, appearing in 72 games at the initial sack, and also filled in adequately at third base, playing 52 games at the hot corner.
Wherever he plays, Danny can be counted on to come up with a base hit. He is a line drive type of hitter who sprays the ball to all fields with a nice, easy stroke. He generally makes contact and is tough to strike out. He fanned only 25 times in 428 official trips to the plate in '71. His lifetime strikeout ratio is only once every 11.3 times at bat.
Danny's season was curtailed last year when he was hit by a pitch on the middle finger of his right hand, and he suffered a hairline fracture on September 11 at Cleveland. He finished second in the American League batting race while with Oakland in 1968 when Carl Yastrzemski beat him out. He's also shown his wares as a fielder as he led American League first basemen in fielding in '68 with a .995 percentage, committing just five errors.
He was originally signed by the Phillies in 1958 and went 5-for-6 with three homers and eight RBIs in only his second game of pro ball at Johnson City. He was traded to the White Sox for pitcher Ray Herbert in December 1964 and went to the A's for Wayne Causey in May 1966 before coming to the Yankees."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
JIM HARDIN
"Tendinitis in his right shoulder hindered Jim's effectiveness throughout last season. He was finally placed on the disabled list on August 15 and did not return to action for the remainder of the year. Jim had a banner season in his first full campaign in the major leagues while with Baltimore in 1968 as he won 18 and lost 13, starting 35 games and hurling 244 innings. The Yankees are hoping for a return to that form, which would make him a candidate to replace the departed Stan Bahnsen as one of the club's regular starters.
Originally signed by the Mets, he was drafted by Rochester (Orioles' AAA farm) in November 1965 and earned his way to the majors by 1967. He played on two pennant winning Oriole clubs, in 1969 and 1970; he did not, however, appear in either the Championship Series or World Series.
Jim is one the best golfers in baseball."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
JIM ROLAND
"Jim Roland was about the only man on the Oakland pitching staff not named Vida or Catfish or Blue Moon or Mudcat, so maybe his ordinary name made his Oakland days numbered. It didn't matter the reason ... the Yankees were happy to welcome Jim on April 28 following a three-season span in Oakland that produced a 2.58 ERA.
Originally signed by the Twins, Jim has become a relief specialist in the last few years. As a southpaw, he adds good balance to the Yankee pitching staff, and having had the feel of a division title last season, would like to go one step better this year and get into a World Series."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
WADE BLASINGAME
"Lefthander Wade Blasingame came to the Yankees on June 7 from Houston, where he was working on his tenth National League season, despite being only 28 years old.
Wade was a big bonus player with the Milwaukee Braves in 1961, and had both started and relieved since joining Houston in 1967."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
FRANK BAKER
"Go ahead, ask him.
Frank Baker will be the first to admit that 1971 was a nightmare, but he lived to tell about it, the world is still turning, and tomorrow is before him. After all, he has been a superb player throughout his young professional career and was the International League All-Star shortstop in 1970.
Frank had a shot at the regular shortstop job for the Yankees a year ago, but for some inexplicable reason, never got going from the first day of spring training. Frank sat alertly on the edge of the bench, absorbing knowledge for future reference. His concern right now is to forget '71 and recapture the skills that made him the top shortstop in the International League the previous two seasons.
1971 is forgotten except, as Frank says with a smile, 'a bad season is a great character builder.' "
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
"Frank got off to a rough start in spring training last year and never totally recovered. He has all the tools of a top major league shortstop, however ... good speed, good hands, a strong arm and fine range.
He began last season with the parent club and was with them almost the entire year except for two weeks at Syracuse (June 29 through July 16), where he was sent for some playing time. Much of Frank's troubles last year were attributed to a virus attack he suffered during the spring which left him quite weak. He is a tough competitor, however, and hopes to return to his pre-1971 form which made him a two-time International League All-Star.
Frank works in his father's oil company during the off-season and enjoys hunting and golfing during his leisure hours. He has a brother, John, who was a linebacker for Houston and San Diego (1963-67) in the old American Football League."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
JIM MAGNUSON
"Jim Magnuson, like his southpaw pitching partner Rich Hinton, comes to the Yankees from the White Sox - with a good reputation, a strong young arm, and a good shot at a job on the Yankee pitching staff.
Fresh from an outstanding season of winter baseball in Puerto Rico, Jim is determined to contribute to the Yankee cause in 1972. As he states without hesitation, his baseball ambition is 'to be a winner for a winner.' That's the kind of attitude Ralph Houk would like coming out of the bullpen in a close game, and the Yankees are counting on Jim to offer the left-handed talent on the Yankee relief corps."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
"A tall, strapping left-hander, Magnuson could well make the Yankee club this year as a left-handed relief pitcher.
An all-around athlete, he lettered in football and basketball at Marinette High School, in addition to playing baseball, and was a captain in his senior year in all three sports. When asked what his ambition in baseball is, Jim answered, 'to be a winner with a winner.'
Although he hasn't had a winning record in the major leagues as yet, he has pitched creditably, and many felt with a little more luck his record could be 6-2 instead of 2-6. He starred in Latin American baseball this past winter."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
GARY WASLEWSKI
"Long and lean Gary Waslewski was the Yankees' number one middle relief man last season until an injury put him on the disabled list at mid-season. The loss only emphasized Gary's importance to the team because there was no replacement as reliable as Gary. At 6'4", Gary is the tallest Yankee, an advantage when throwing down to the hitters.
He pitched for Boston, St. Louis and Montreal before joining the Yanks. His rookie year, 1967, included a starting assignment in the World Series for the Red Sox against the Cardinals.
Gary is having a new home built for his family in Southington, Connecticut and is determined to carve a place for himself on a Yankee team bent on lifting itself to the top of the American League standings."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
"1971 was cut short for Waz when he tore a cartilage in his left knee while covering first base on July 6 in Detroit. He was placed on the disabled list, eventually underwent surgery to remove the cartilage, and was on the shelf for the remainder of the season. The lanky, sidearming right-hander has at times shown brilliance with as much 'stuff' as anyone. Consistency and control have been his main problems.
Waslewski was named the International League's Pitcher of the Year while with Toronto when he led the league in wins with 18. He gained fame when he started the sixth game of the 1967 World Series while with the Red Sox when they were down three games to two. Although he didn't get credit for the win, Gary pitched well, allowing just four hits and two runs in 5.1 innings. He hurled a 1-hitter while with the Expos on July 6, 1969, facing just 27 batters.
Originally signed by the Pirates after his freshman year at the University of Connecticut, Gary was drafted by the Red Sox in 1964, went to the Cardinals for infielder Dick Schofield in 1968, and then to Montreal for pitcher Mudcat Grant in 1969."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
MARIO GUERRERO
"Mario Guerrero figures to be battling for a Yankees regular job - if not this year, then next. Coming off a .290 season at Syracuse, Mario just completed his third spring training with the Yankees where he has impressed everyone with a good glove and a line-drive bat.
Mario is only 22 and comes from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the home of Felipe Alou. Former Yankee Pedro Gonzalez recommended him to the Yanks and so far, the results have been pleasing."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
"With all the hot stove league chatter about the Yankees needing additional infield help for the 1972 season, Guerrero might well be the sleeper of the Yanks' spring training camp. He's now played four years in the Yankee organization and has never taken a step backward.
Last season was the best of his career as he hit .290 with Syracuse in the AAA International League, putting him in a four-way tie for ninth place among the loop's hitters. He is a line drive type of hitter who sprays the ball to all parts of the field and makes good contact, as he struck out just 41 times in 434 official times at bat.
Although mainly a shortstop, Mario has also seen action at third base. He led Eastern League shortstops in putouts (225) and assists (344) and was second in double plays (72) while with Manchester in 1970. He won all-star honors in the Carolina League in 1969 while playing with Kinston.
Pedro Gonzalez, once a second baseman for the Yankees who also hails from the Dominican Republic, recommended Mario to the Yanks. The club eventually signed him and has never been sorry for it. Mario, whose idol has always been Mickey Mantle, has a brother who once played in the Braves organization."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
GEORGE ZEBER
"In the spring of 1970, Mickey Mantle was most impressed by a 19-year-old second baseman named George Zeber. But George never made it through that spring. The United States Army had other plans. 'Zebe' spent the 1970 and 1971 seasons in military service, including duty in Vietnam.
Now he's back, ready to resume where his promising career left off. Ralph Houk would like nothing better than a battle for second between Zeber and Fred Frazier because competition brings out the best in good players. And there is a lot of good in George Zeber."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
"A definite major league prospect with all the necessary tools, Zeber returns to the Yankees after two years of military service.
He attended high school in Anaheim, California where he was named to the All-State Baseball Team in addition to being named Athlete of the Year his last two years. He joined Johnson City of the Rookie Appalachian League upon his graduation and hit a creditable .254 while showing remarkable abilities around the keystone sack. He was advanced to a high Class A club, Kinston of the Carolina League, and continued to impress.
The Yanks have been anxiously awaiting his return from duty in Vietnam with the Army."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
FRED FRAZIER
"Considered the Yankees' second baseman of the future, Frazier batted .261 at Syracuse last season and may require another year or two in the minors. Outstanding defensively, he's described as a can't-miss prospect.
Born May 11, 1951 in Fresno, California, Fred comes from a baseball family. His father, Roy Frazier, played in the Pirate organization."
-Hal Bock, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1972 Edition
"If you watch Fred Frazier work around second base, you are reminded of a fleet, quick-handed Bobby Richardson. When he runs off the field and you get a closer look, you could swear it's Bobby's young brother. The same height, almost the same face. His sideburns are longer and his personality is more frosty. At 20, Fred Frazier knows he's on the way.
He is well ahead of the normal development schedule. Fred skipped every other classification stop in the Yankee farm system. Last year he moved directly to Syracuse and became the International League All-Star second baseman. This should have surprised no one, least of all Fred, because he can't remember a year in which he wasn't an all-star in his league.
By baseball rote, Fred should serve another year in the minors before he's ready. But Fred isn't impressed by such notions. He's aiming at a major league infield position immediately, with All-Star honors as soon as possible. And no one is discouraging Fred from carrying out his plan."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
"One of the hottest prospects in the Yankee organization, Frazier moved from Class A to AAA last year and hit a very respectable .261 at Syracuse. Fred, a second baseman since he first started playing baseball at the age of eight, made High School All-American (Hoover High) at that position and has been an All-Star every year he's played professional baseball ... at Johnson City in the Rookie Appalachian League in 1969, at Kinston in the Class A Carolina League in 1970 and at Syracuse in the AAA International League last year.
Frazier has quick, smooth actions around the keystone sack, and has what the scouts call 'real fast hands.' One of his favorite players as a youngster was Bobby Richardson, one of the all-time Yankee second basemen. Fred already looks like Bobby, and the Yanks have hopes that he might be able to play like him."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
RICH HINTON
"Hard-throwing Rich Hinton comes to the Yankees from the White Sox in a trade for Jim Lyttle - and he comes under high recommendation. The 24-year-old Tucson, Arizona native is said to have a great deal of ability for a young arm, and Manager Ralph Houk is hoping that Rich will develop into a spot starter and key relief man for the Yankees.
Rich won his first major league game last summer against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium, a feat he rates as his outstanding baseball experience. The University of Arizona product hopes to add to that Yankee Stadium victory total very quickly."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
"Signed by the White Sox after graduating from the University of Arizona in 1969, Hinton reached the major leagues in just two years, as he was called up from Tucson of the Pacific Coast League last July. His first major league appearance was in Yankee Stadium, and his first major league win was also in the Stadium. In fact, two of his three major league wins to date have been against New York. He faced the Yankees a total of four times, all in relief, for a total of two hits in six scoreless innings, winning two and losing none.
The slender left-hander is capable of starting or relieving and will get a good shot at either job in spring training this year. Rich pitched well in Latin America this past winter."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"Southpaw Rich Hinton, acquired from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for outfielder Jim Lyttle, had a brilliant spring with the Yankees and won a spot on the Yankee pitching staff. A native of Tucson, Rich won his first major league game here at Yankee Stadium. Going into this season, both of his big league wins have been against the Yanks."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
ALAN CLOSTER
"Handsome Alan Closter has perseverance! After a couple of look-sees in spring training with the Yanks and trials with the Senators and Indians, Alan found himself back at Syracuse in 1971 for his fourth season there.
Suddenly, Alan's break came when he was purchased by the Yankees last July. Working middle relief with a late-season start, Alan showed he could handle himself in the big leagues. An outstanding winter performance following the 1971 season pointed Alan toward a job in the big leagues.
The Iowa State graduate, apparently forgotten in the International League, has found himself and his confidence. And the Yankees are counting on the continued development of his skills."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
"Al finally reached the Yankees on July 12, 1971 after three and a half years at Syracuse, and was impressive in his first seven games as he picked up a win in relief and posted a 1.84 ERA. His career had been hindered by three knee operations.
He played winter ball this past off-season and should be ready to make a strong battle for a job on the Yanks' staff in 1972."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
ROGER HAMBRIGHT
"When Roger Hambright was called up from Manchester last year to help fill a gap in the Yankee bullpen, he was as surprised as anyone. Jumping from a Double-A club to the majors without ever having been in spring training with the big team is rare, indeed. But Roger's fine relief pitching seemed to indicate he was ready for the majors.
The stocky right-hander quickly discovered the long distance between Manchester and New York, in baseball terms. But he pitched with ability and poise. With added depth in the bullpen this season, it'll be more difficult than usual to make the team, and if Roger does, you'll know he's continued to show the development that could make him a top major league relief pitcher."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
"Roger was brought up to the Yankees from their AA Manchester club in the Eastern League on July 12 and did a very creditable job in relief. He has a good fastball and the competitive spirit to challenge the hitters. This attitude is advantageous to a relief specialist, who usually enters the game in a tight situation with men on base.
Roger, though only 22, has had plenty of experience in tight situations, as virtually all of his career has been spent in the bullpen. He came upon this role somewhat accidentally during his first year of baseball at Johnson City in 1968, when he was scheduled to start a game early in the season but was sidelined due to illness. His first assignment upon returning to active duty was in relief and he did so well he has been there ever since.
He's another product of the Northwest (and scout Eddie Taylor) which has also produced Mel Stottlemyre and Steve Kline."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
GEORGE PENA
"Being named the best catcher in Triple-A ball may be George Pena's ticket to the major leagues. With Jake Gibbs retired and an open spot on the roster, George has a real shot.
Since 1963, George has progressed steadily through the Chicago Cub and Yankee organizations. Last year at Syracuse, he hit .284 with 22 homers and was named the Most Valuable Player of the All-Star Game.
The 27-year-old Californian is a hard worker with a pleasant attitude and the burning ambition to make the majors. Only someone who spent hard years in the minors could fully understand it. He's got Gibbs' uniform number. Now he wants Jake's job as backup catcher to Thurman Munson. Nine years apprenticeship can give a ball player incentive."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
"Named AAA catcher of the year with Syracuse in the International League this past season, George will have a shot at the second string catching job left vacant with the retirement of Jake Gibbs. He's a veteran of nine years in professional ball and enjoyed his best season last year when he hit .284 with the Chiefs, including 22 homers and 78 RBIs. Named to the International League All-Star team, he was MVP when the club faced the Yanks in mid-season.
When not attending classes at East Los Angeles College during the off-season, you can usually find George on the tennis court. He is studying to be a social worker, which is his father's occupation in the Los Angeles area."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
JORGE MADURO
"Jorge Maduro (you may call him George) is the type of player any organization would be proud to have - and the Yankees are glad he's part of theirs.
Without a moment's hesitation or complaint, Jorge will fill in with first-rate catching at any of the top levels of the Yankee organization, be it West Haven, Syracuse or New York. Injuries, the tough schedule, military calls, etc. make a man like Jorge invaluable, and should the Yankees find themselves one catcher short this year, they will be well protected with Maduro.
Jorge is 24 and the son of Bobby Maduro, Coordinator of Inter-American Baseball in the Commissioner's office and former president of the International League's Havana Sugar Kings."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
"A bad back prevented Jorge from attending the Yanks' big league camp at spring training last year. He made a remarkable recovery, however, and put in almost a full season, divided between AA Manchester and AAA Syracuse. Most scouts feel he is an accomplished major league receiver right now and only his hitting can delay his progress to the majors.
A graduate of the University of Miami, his father is Robert Maduro, former owner of the Havana Sugar Kings baseball club of the International League, who currently works for the Baseball's Commissioner's Office representing Baseball in Latin America."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
LOYD COLSON
"A young right-handed relief specialist who has progressed steadily through the Yankee farm system, Loyd shows improvement each year. He's had one brief tour with the Yankees, at the tail end of the 1970 season, and is expected to be back again shortly.
He played his high school baseball at Gould High in Hollis, Oklahoma where he helped lead the club to three straight state championships. He has a rubber arm and the right attitude for a reliever as nothing seems to bother him. His winter occupation for the past two off-seasons has been baseball in Puerto Rico."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
KEN CROSBY
"The Yankee organization thought enough of Ken to place him on the major league roster for 1972. Despite his 3-8 record at Manchester (AA), he had an impressive 2.76 ERA.
A change of style by Ken in the Florida Instructional League in 1970 helped to hasten his advancement. He went to a shorter windup, and shortly thereafter hurled 27 consecutive scoreless innings. Ken, whose best pitch is a sinking fastball, is the possessor of a good, live arm.
He captained the baseball team at BYU and helped to lead them to the College World Series in 1969."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
DON SCHROEDER
"This fireballing right-hander with real good control has made the Yanks' major league roster in only two and half years of pro ball. He led the Carolina League in strikeouts (176) this past season while with Kinston and was second in ERA with a 2.25 mark.
He made quite a reputation for himself at R.A. Long High School in Longview, Washington. He is the only athlete to be named to the state's Hall of Fame in two different sports- baseball and football. His greatest sports thrill to date, however, was being drafted and signed by the New York Yankees. A mature lad with the proper kind of confidence, Don readily admitted that 'no one has really hit me with any consistency,' when asked who is the toughest hitter he has faced. Although he has limited experience, Schroeder will get a good look in the Yanks' 1972 spring training camp.
He spends his off-seasons at school, where he is majoring in physical education."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
CHARLIE SPIKES
"Charlie Spikes, one of the premier prospects in the Yankee organization, was promoted to the Yankees' 40-man roster after only two and half years of professional ball.
A big and powerful, strapping lad, he's led his league in homers the first two full seasons he has played. His 19 round-trippers at Ft. Lauderdale in his first full season not only led loop but set an all-time club record. He again led his league, at Kinston in the Carolina League, last year in addition to raising his average 33 points to .270.
Originally signed as a third baseman, he was switched to the outfield in 1970. He has a good arm, can run well, and displays much hustle and determination. Encouraging to the Yankees is the way Charlie has improved with each succeeding year, never taking a step backward."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
DAVE CHEADLE
"This young left-hander has a major league arm. He looked great his first year of pro ball at Johnson City where he posted a 1.89 ERA and struck out 50 in 57 innings while walking just 26.
He attended the University of North Carolina until June of last year and then when he did report to Ft. Lauderdale, suffered a tough break fracturing his pitching hand."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
RICK EARLE
"This hard-throwing right-hander has the look of a winner, as is shown in his overall won-lost record of 20-9 in his first two years of pro ball. He is an overpowering type of pitcher with good control, striking out twice as many batters as he's walked. Rick reminds many baseball scouts of Bob Gibson at a comparative age."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
TOM FRONDORF
"A veteran of nine years in professional baseball, Tom is a sidearming right-hander who has been one of the top relief pitchers in the AAA International League for the past three seasons. He throws in the style of submarine pitcher Ted Abernathy of the Kansas City Royals and is very tough on right-handed batters."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
JOEL HALL
"Joel played four years of both baseball and football at Northwestern University before signing with the Yanks upon his graduation last June. He's a solidly built young man with a very strong and accurate arm and good power at the plate. His tremendous progress in the Florida Instructional League this past winter persuaded the Yankees to invite him to their big league training camp at Ft. Lauderdale."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
MIKE NUNN
"Mike was the No. 1 selection of the Angels in the June 1967 Free Agent Draft. He is rated as a good defensive receiver; he led the league in fielding in 1968 and 1969 at Davenport in the Midwest League.
His hobby is golf."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
MIKE PAZIK
"Mike had a sensational debut in his first year of pro ball. He signed a Yankee contract in late June after hurling three games in the Cape Cod League. Mike hurled three shutouts, allowing just two scratch singles and striking out 44 in 24 innings pitched, and just missed a perfect game when he hit a batter in the eighth inning. He reported to Ft. Lauderdale shortly thereafter and was very impressive in the Florida State League. Mike was promoted all the way up to AAA at Syracuse later on in the season where he hurled a no-hitter.
He possesses a good, live arm and great poise, and if he continues to pitch and progress the way he did last year, Yankee Stadium can't be too far away. Mike's dad played high school baseball in Lynn, Mass. against Jim Hegan, currently the Yanks' bullpen coach."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
GERRY PIRTLE
"Gerry has progressed steadily through the Yankee organization. He was used strictly as a starter the first four years he played; half his games last year, however, were in relief. He's a good, hard worker who gains by experience and knows how to use the tools he has at hand."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
PETE SHEEHY (Clubhouse Man and Equipment Manager)
"Responsibility for equipment and clubhouse management falls on the senior member of the Yankee organization, Big Pete Sheehy. Pete's been a Yankee since 1927 and is the man who determines what uniform numbers players will wear. He is assisted by Nick Priore, who replaced veteran Little Pete Previte following Pete's retirement last season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
"Pete Sheehy, chief clubhouse man and equipment manager, who is the senior member of the Yankee organization in terms of service, joined the club in 1927- the year of the legendary Murderers Row. Casey Stengel once described him as the man on the Yankees who sees more, hears more, knows more, works more and says less than anyone in the history of the team.
Also a native New Yorker, from the Yorkville section of town, Pete was selected from a group of boys waiting outside the Stadium one day to help out in the clubhouse, and he has been there ever since. He is now ably assisted in the clubhouse by Nick Priore."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
JOE SOARES (Trainer)
"Joe Soares joined the Yankees in 1961 and has ably assisted in the caring of Yankee players ever since. Joe, who played some football at Santa Clara U., entered baseball as a trainer in 1948 at Twin Falls, Idaho, then a Yankee farm club. His entire training career has been spent with clubs run by the Yankees, and he finally joined them as an assistant trainer in 1961, and became head trainer in 1962."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
ROB FRANKLIN (Traveling Secretary)
"The Yankees' youth movement has extended to the traveling secretary, as 23-year-old Rob Franklin takes charge of travel and hotel arrangements this season following the retirement of Bruce Henry. Rob served the Yankees last season as General Manager of the Fort Lauderdale Yankees of the Florida State League. Bruce now resides in Florida and is G.M. of Fort Lauderdale's 'Little Yankees.' "
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
BOB SHEPPARD (Public Address Announcer)
"Yankee Stadium just wouldn't be Yankee Stadium unless Bob Sheppard said, 'Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Yankee Stadium.'
One of the best known public address announcers in the country, Bob has been at the mike since 1951."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
TOBY WRIGHT (Organist)
"Organist Toby Wright keeps Yankee fans entertained between innings all season at Yankee Stadium with a wide selection from Broadway to pop to standards. And what game could be complete without Toby's 'Take Me Out To The Ball Game' during the seventh inning stretch? Toby also plays for the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden in the winter."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
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