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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