"When the Yankees traded for the 36-year-old Felipe Alou during the opening week of last season, they thought they had their rightfield problems solved. They were disappointed, however, when the eldest of the three baseball-playing Alou brothers struggled through the first half of the season. But things turned around after the All-Star break and Felipe looked like the man who had batted .316 for San Francisco in 1962 and .317 for Atlanta in 1968. And when the season was over he showed a commendable .286 average and 69 runs batted in, his highest RBI total since 1966.
'One of the reasons for my slow start could have been the unexpected trade from Oakland,' said Felipe. 'This year I'll be here from the beginning and that'll help my hitting.' Alou, who has a .290 lifetime batting mark, proved a valuable addition as he played all three outfield positions and first base."
-Brenda Zanger, Major League Baseball 1972
"Nobody had to urge Felipe Alou to go all-out when he joined the Yankees in April 1971. That's the only way Felipe knows how to play the game.
The Yankees' elder statesman at 36, Felipe still has the physique, the ability, and the desire of a young man. This was clear last season when he was called upon to play four positions for the Yankees, all exceptionally well, and had the tenth best batting average in the league to boot. Late in the season, with teammates injured, Felipe played every day with the excellence fans have become accustomed to since he came to the major leagues in 1958. Along with his brothers Matty and Jesus, Felipe showed American fans the kind of talent developing in the Dominican Republic, and was among the first players from the Caribbean whose star quality has enhanced major league baseball.
Felipe, a religious man, has the ideal attitude. Always good natured, always taking his profession seriously, always willing to give of himself to help the team. They may be considered old fashioned virtues, but they are true and sound values in any age.
When Felipe joined the Yankees, he requested that his picture be taken by the centerfield monuments for his personal collection. It's with mutual pride that Felipe Alou enjoys the Yankees, and the Yankees appreciate Felipe Alou."
-The New York Yankees Official 1972 Yearbook
"The 'old pro' among the youthful Yanks made quite an impression on New York fans last year with his all-around versatile play and solid hitting. He got off a little slow and was hitting only .236 halfway through the season, which Felipe himself admitted 'embarrassed him.' He vowed to do better and came through, hitting a resounding .347 in the last half of the season to wind up at .288.
His lifetime batting average of .289 is among the top ten in the American League. An All-Star three times in the National League, Felipe was also named the National League All-Star first baseman by the Sporting News in 1966. He should reach the 2,000 hit mark this year, needing just 65 safeties.
He has two brothers currently playing in the majors, Matty and Jesus. They all came up through the Giant organization, and one of Felipe's biggest baseball thrills was when they all played in the outfield at the same time for the Giants at the old Polo Grounds in September 1963 in a game against the Mets."
-1972 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
ALOU NEARS MILESTONE
"Popular Felipe Alou is nearing a milestone. At the start of the 1972 season, the veteran outfielder-first baseman needed only 65 base hits to reach the magic 2,000 hit total. Although Alou only joined the Yankees last April 9, he immediately won a place in the hearts of Yankee fans with his hustle, versatility, timely hitting and all-around fine play. In addition to nearing the 2,000 hit total, Felipe started the current season just five homers short of 200, and 77 runs short of 1,000.
The native of the Dominican Republic will be 37 years old on May 12, but his fine condition, youthful physique and excellent attitude assure a continuing brilliant for career Felipe Alou."
-1972 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
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