"Stick has borne the brunt of the jokes about the Yankees' second base-shortstop combination with Horace Clarke for years, but really has been a pretty good, steady defensive who occasionally gets a big hit.
Born in Kent, Ohio, Gene was once an outstanding basketball player at Kent State and was offered a no-cut contract by the Detroit Pistons. He pitched three innings in 1968.
Gene is an excitable player who has been in a few fights."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
"This is Gene Michael's seventh year with the Yankees, quite an accomplishment for a career that began with seven and a half years in the minors, then a fast shuttle from the Pirates to the Dodgers to the Yankees.
But since he became a regular shortstop in 1969, Gene has won over all his old critics by getting 100% out of his ability and becoming a quality major league infielder, with good range and a strong arm. He kids himself about his hitting, but Gene is a clutch hitter who reached a career high in runs batted in last season. He was especially effective in the first half when the Yankees were winning.
Then of course, there is that hidden ball trick, with which Gene has embarrassed five men leading off second in recent years.
The kind of man Gene is was best exemplified when his friends from Norwood, New Jersey had a Gene Michael Night at Yankee Stadium, and Gene saw to it that all proceeds went to the established of a Gene Michael Scholarship Fund.
A credit to baseball is Gene, as well as a key figure in the Yankee story today."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"The Stick is entering his seventh season as a Yankee, the last five as the club's regular shortstop. There always seems to be a replacement for Gene in spring training, but when the bell rings on Opening Day, Gene usually is found at his familiar post.
A very aware, heads-up type of ballplayer, he's the modern master of the old Hidden Ball Trick, having pulled the stunt five times with the Yankees: he caught Tom Matchik off base in 1968, Zolio Versalles in 1969, Joe Keough and Jarvis Tatum in 1970 and Vic Harris in 1973.
Gene has seen action at both second and third base with the Yankees, and also as a pitcher when in 1968, he allowed five unearned runs on five hits in three innings and struck out three against the Detroit Tigers. He had some pitching experience in the minor leagues, being 1-3 at Kinston in 1963.
Gene was a basketball star at Kent State and later was pursued by the New York Knicks. He became a permanent resident of New Jersey five years ago and has since gained acclaim as a very popular after-dinner speaker around the metropolitan area. He established a college scholarship fund for needy youngsters on Gene Michael Night last August."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
1974 Profile: Walt Williams
"When the Yankees obtained Walt Williams during spring training, they not only acquired an established veteran hitter, but also one of the league's most popular performers. Walt is one of baseball's most recognizable players, and his easy-going personality, combined with a pride and determination to do well, makes him a fan favorite.
The right-hand hitting Williams, 30, batted .304 in 1969 and has always been the owner of a quick bat. Originally signed by Houston, he spent most of his big league career with the White Sox before spending last season with Cleveland. As an outfielder or as an offensive player, Walt's number 13 will be seen a great deal this season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
The right-hand hitting Williams, 30, batted .304 in 1969 and has always been the owner of a quick bat. Originally signed by Houston, he spent most of his big league career with the White Sox before spending last season with Cleveland. As an outfielder or as an offensive player, Walt's number 13 will be seen a great deal this season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
1974 Profile: Elliott Maddox
"Elliott Maddox, a product of East Orange, New Jersey, came to the Yankees in March from the Texas Rangers, and brought with him one of the best credentials for defensive play in the American League. His outstanding glovework was immediately made a vital part of game strategy by manager Bill Virdon.
Elliott came up through the Detroit Tiger system while working towards a pre-law degree from the University of Michigan. He went to Washington in the Denny McLain trade of 1970 and outlasted all those involved on the Washington-Texas side.
The 25-year-old Jerseyite is back home, filling a key role in the fortunes of the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
Elliott came up through the Detroit Tiger system while working towards a pre-law degree from the University of Michigan. He went to Washington in the Denny McLain trade of 1970 and outlasted all those involved on the Washington-Texas side.
The 25-year-old Jerseyite is back home, filling a key role in the fortunes of the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
1974 Profile: Horace Clarke
"There's a modern expression used to describe one who does his job, has great pride, and continues onward. It's 'keep on truckin',' and Horace Clarke is the 'keep on truckin' ' man of the Yankees.
Here's a quiet, private gentleman from the Virgin Islands who has played a steady brand of baseball for the Yankees as a nine-year veteran. While best known as an offensive ballplayer always on base, always a threat to steal, and always around the .265 mark, Horace has also set a proud fielding mark, leading the league's second basemen in assists for six consecutive seasons. Only Hall of Famer Charlie Gehringer, with seven (but not consecutive), ever did it more. Horace has also twice led the league in double plays, has twice led the league in at-bats, and is rapidly moving towards the all-time top five in the Yankee stolen base listings.
Horace's first two home runs in the big leagues were both grand slams, something he still rates as his biggest thrill in the game. But Horace isn't one bent towards thrills or excitement. He just goes out and does his job - keeps on truckin' towards the betterment of the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Hoss has been the Yankees' regular second baseman for the past seven seasons. In six of those years (1967-1972), he led the league in assists. Only Charlie Gehringer, Detroit's Hall of Fame second baseman, has led the league more times (seven). Originally signed as a shortstop, Clarke has played three infield positions with the Yankees, including 63 games at shortstop in 1966, before replacing Bobby Richardson.
One of the best baserunners in the game, Horace has 150 lifetime stolen bases, which is sixth on the all-time Yankee list.
Although not known for his power hitting, his first two homers in the major leagues were grand slams. A pesky hitter, he broke up three no-hitters in the ninth inning within one month during the 1970 season, as he spoiled no-hit bids by Joe Niekro, Sonny Siebert and Jim Rooker."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
Here's a quiet, private gentleman from the Virgin Islands who has played a steady brand of baseball for the Yankees as a nine-year veteran. While best known as an offensive ballplayer always on base, always a threat to steal, and always around the .265 mark, Horace has also set a proud fielding mark, leading the league's second basemen in assists for six consecutive seasons. Only Hall of Famer Charlie Gehringer, with seven (but not consecutive), ever did it more. Horace has also twice led the league in double plays, has twice led the league in at-bats, and is rapidly moving towards the all-time top five in the Yankee stolen base listings.
Horace's first two home runs in the big leagues were both grand slams, something he still rates as his biggest thrill in the game. But Horace isn't one bent towards thrills or excitement. He just goes out and does his job - keeps on truckin' towards the betterment of the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Hoss has been the Yankees' regular second baseman for the past seven seasons. In six of those years (1967-1972), he led the league in assists. Only Charlie Gehringer, Detroit's Hall of Fame second baseman, has led the league more times (seven). Originally signed as a shortstop, Clarke has played three infield positions with the Yankees, including 63 games at shortstop in 1966, before replacing Bobby Richardson.
One of the best baserunners in the game, Horace has 150 lifetime stolen bases, which is sixth on the all-time Yankee list.
Although not known for his power hitting, his first two homers in the major leagues were grand slams. A pesky hitter, he broke up three no-hitters in the ninth inning within one month during the 1970 season, as he spoiled no-hit bids by Joe Niekro, Sonny Siebert and Jim Rooker."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
1974 Profile: Thurman Munson
1974 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Although Johnny Bench got more publicity, Munson was probably the better catcher in 1973. He hit .301, doubled his previous home run high with 20 and had 74 RBIs. He also won a Gold Glove.
Not a classic receiver because he drops many balls, but he's a hustler with an exceptionally quick throwing release.
Thurman was Rookie of the Year in 1970 when he hit .302. He has a strong rivalry with Boston's Carlton Fisk.
Born in Akron, Ohio, Thurman was an All-American at Kent State and was the top draft choice of the Yankees in 1968."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
"It didn't take Thurman Munson long to become a star. He played 99 games in the minor leagues following his All-American career at Kent State, and by Opening Day of 1970, Thurman was the Yankees' top catcher at the age of 22.
All he did was hit .302 and win the Rookie of the Year award. An All-Star selection the following year, a Gold Glove and a return to .300 last season, and after just four seasons Thurman is considered to be the finest catcher today in the American League, if not in all of baseball.
Which comes as no surprise to Thurman, who never doubted his abilities, never thinks in terms of slumps, and takes every game of the season personally - as though winning or losing was entirely up to him. He plays every game to the fullest, and his durability is a big factor in the Yankees being in every game.
Confidence is Thurman Munson's game! And his leadership from behind the plate makes that confidence contagious among the Yankee players, a very healthy kind of contagion."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Thurman Munson has reached the status of being dubbed by some baseball experts as the best all-around catcher in baseball. More than that, Thurman, 26, is at the age when his most productive years should still be ahead of him.
He was sixth in the American League in hitting last year with a .301 average. He showed much-improved power with 20 homers, twice his former high of 10, and also had 29 doubles and 74 RBIs. Thurman was selected to the All-Star team last year for the second time in his four-year career.
He led all major league catchers in fielding in 1971 with a .998 mark, committing just one error in 615 chances; the one error occurred when he was knocked partially unconscious in a collision at the plate which forced him to drop the ball. The .998 fielding mark tied a Yankee record, set by Elston Howard in 1964, for the highest fielding average by a Yankee catcher in one season.
Named Rookie of the Year in 1970, Thurman attended college at Kent State where he was named to the All-American Baseball Team. His roommate, Gene Michael, also attended Kent State.
Thurman's outside interests include gold (he shoots in the low 70s), handball and real estate."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"Catcher. New York Yankees. Aggressive, take-charge type player ... excellent speed ... gets rid of ball quickly and is very accurate ... above average major league hitter with above average major league power ... makes good contact and will go to opposite field."
-1974 All-Star Game official program
"Although Johnny Bench got more publicity, Munson was probably the better catcher in 1973. He hit .301, doubled his previous home run high with 20 and had 74 RBIs. He also won a Gold Glove.
Not a classic receiver because he drops many balls, but he's a hustler with an exceptionally quick throwing release.
Thurman was Rookie of the Year in 1970 when he hit .302. He has a strong rivalry with Boston's Carlton Fisk.
Born in Akron, Ohio, Thurman was an All-American at Kent State and was the top draft choice of the Yankees in 1968."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
"It didn't take Thurman Munson long to become a star. He played 99 games in the minor leagues following his All-American career at Kent State, and by Opening Day of 1970, Thurman was the Yankees' top catcher at the age of 22.
All he did was hit .302 and win the Rookie of the Year award. An All-Star selection the following year, a Gold Glove and a return to .300 last season, and after just four seasons Thurman is considered to be the finest catcher today in the American League, if not in all of baseball.
Which comes as no surprise to Thurman, who never doubted his abilities, never thinks in terms of slumps, and takes every game of the season personally - as though winning or losing was entirely up to him. He plays every game to the fullest, and his durability is a big factor in the Yankees being in every game.
Confidence is Thurman Munson's game! And his leadership from behind the plate makes that confidence contagious among the Yankee players, a very healthy kind of contagion."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Thurman Munson has reached the status of being dubbed by some baseball experts as the best all-around catcher in baseball. More than that, Thurman, 26, is at the age when his most productive years should still be ahead of him.
He was sixth in the American League in hitting last year with a .301 average. He showed much-improved power with 20 homers, twice his former high of 10, and also had 29 doubles and 74 RBIs. Thurman was selected to the All-Star team last year for the second time in his four-year career.
He led all major league catchers in fielding in 1971 with a .998 mark, committing just one error in 615 chances; the one error occurred when he was knocked partially unconscious in a collision at the plate which forced him to drop the ball. The .998 fielding mark tied a Yankee record, set by Elston Howard in 1964, for the highest fielding average by a Yankee catcher in one season.
Named Rookie of the Year in 1970, Thurman attended college at Kent State where he was named to the All-American Baseball Team. His roommate, Gene Michael, also attended Kent State.
Thurman's outside interests include gold (he shoots in the low 70s), handball and real estate."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"Catcher. New York Yankees. Aggressive, take-charge type player ... excellent speed ... gets rid of ball quickly and is very accurate ... above average major league hitter with above average major league power ... makes good contact and will go to opposite field."
-1974 All-Star Game official program
Monday, July 28, 2014
1974 Profile: Sparky Lyle
"The Count ... so named by his adoring fans in Yankee Stadium who stood and cheered his every appearance (accompanied by Pomp and Circumstance). Lyle has long, flowing hair that sticks out, and a fat chaw of tobacco.
The Yanks got him before the '72 season from Boston in a deal for Mario Guerrero and Danny Cater and struck gold. Sparky was third for MVP that year with nine wins and 35 saves. He was off to a great start last year, but had two terrible months in the midst of an overall team skid and even got booed.
A comedian, Sparky once reported for spring training 20 pounds overweight.
'I was in great shape when I left home,' he said, 'but I stopped for tacos in South Carolina.' He's also called Fat Albert, for that is his real name."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
"Sparky Lyle has figured in nearly half of the Yankees' victories in the past two seasons, either by virtue of a win or a save. That's the kind of performance that makes him stand out in his field as one of the great relief pitchers of modern baseball.
The drama of a Lyle appearance, so much a part of the New York sports scene, features this master of confidence and ability challenging hitters and defying them with his crafts. In a key situation - and that's the only time you see Sparky - he's at his best, for he thrives on the game-in-the-balance moments that earn saves.
A happy, fun-loving man off the field, Sparky enjoys photography away from the Yankees. But in the camaraderie of the clubhouse is where he's happiest - and where the Yankees are delighted to find him each day, knowing he's ready for those big moments late in the game when Sparky gets the call."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Sparky has been the Yankees' top relief man for the past two years. He added flair and flamboyance to the Yankee scene the minute he walked into spring camp back in 1972. His entrance in a Yankee game accompanied by the organ's strains of Pomp and Circumstance never fails to excite the crowd.
Sparky was the Fireman of the Year in '72, appearing in 59 games and saving 35, a new American League record (broken last year by John Hiller). Last year he appeared in 51 games and saved 27; hence, Sparky has been involved in almost half of the club's victories the past two years. He won or saved 44 of 79 wins in '72, and 32 of 80 wins in '73.
Lyle has been one of baseball's most reliable relief pitchers since he reached the major leagues in 1967. He has compiled 125 saves in six and a half seasons, while averaging more than 50 appearances. He's also had an ERA under 3.00 every year except 1970.
Sparky is a rather rare breed of major leaguer in that he never played high school ball. He was discovered and signed by the Baltimore Orioles when he struck out 31 men in a 17-inning sandlot game. The Red Sox drafted him from the Oriole Organization after his first year as a professional."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
The Yanks got him before the '72 season from Boston in a deal for Mario Guerrero and Danny Cater and struck gold. Sparky was third for MVP that year with nine wins and 35 saves. He was off to a great start last year, but had two terrible months in the midst of an overall team skid and even got booed.
A comedian, Sparky once reported for spring training 20 pounds overweight.
'I was in great shape when I left home,' he said, 'but I stopped for tacos in South Carolina.' He's also called Fat Albert, for that is his real name."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
"Sparky Lyle has figured in nearly half of the Yankees' victories in the past two seasons, either by virtue of a win or a save. That's the kind of performance that makes him stand out in his field as one of the great relief pitchers of modern baseball.
The drama of a Lyle appearance, so much a part of the New York sports scene, features this master of confidence and ability challenging hitters and defying them with his crafts. In a key situation - and that's the only time you see Sparky - he's at his best, for he thrives on the game-in-the-balance moments that earn saves.
A happy, fun-loving man off the field, Sparky enjoys photography away from the Yankees. But in the camaraderie of the clubhouse is where he's happiest - and where the Yankees are delighted to find him each day, knowing he's ready for those big moments late in the game when Sparky gets the call."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Sparky has been the Yankees' top relief man for the past two years. He added flair and flamboyance to the Yankee scene the minute he walked into spring camp back in 1972. His entrance in a Yankee game accompanied by the organ's strains of Pomp and Circumstance never fails to excite the crowd.
Sparky was the Fireman of the Year in '72, appearing in 59 games and saving 35, a new American League record (broken last year by John Hiller). Last year he appeared in 51 games and saved 27; hence, Sparky has been involved in almost half of the club's victories the past two years. He won or saved 44 of 79 wins in '72, and 32 of 80 wins in '73.
Lyle has been one of baseball's most reliable relief pitchers since he reached the major leagues in 1967. He has compiled 125 saves in six and a half seasons, while averaging more than 50 appearances. He's also had an ERA under 3.00 every year except 1970.
Sparky is a rather rare breed of major leaguer in that he never played high school ball. He was discovered and signed by the Baltimore Orioles when he struck out 31 men in a 17-inning sandlot game. The Red Sox drafted him from the Oriole Organization after his first year as a professional."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
1974 Profile: Jim Mason
"Jim Mason, the youngest player on the Yankee roster at 23, went out and won the shortstop job in spring training with wide-ranging ability, a strong arm and the ability to deliver timely hits.
Jim was a highly rated prospect on the Texas Rangers, and the Yankees went high to obtain him last winter. He's a native of Mobile, Alabama, stands 6'2" and began playing sandlot ball as a pitcher, hurling a perfect game in the Alabama State Babe Ruth League tournament. He signed with the Washington Senators in 1968 and played his first major league game just three seasons later.
Stepping in as a regular in the Yankee lineup was a formidable challenge for Jim, but he set his mind to it and let his talent do the talking."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"This athletic looking youngster has the picture build for a major league shortstop.
Jim advanced steadily in his professional baseball career despite interruptions due to military service and finally reached the big leagues to stay with the Rangers last year. He served as their regular shortstop for much of the season when Toby Harrah was injured, and also played some second base. He impressed the Yankee staff enough to be purchased for a substantial sum of money.
A product of the Little League and Babe Ruth League of Mobile, Jim once pitched a perfect game in an Alabama State Babe Ruth tourney. He's one of seven children - he has two brothers and four sisters.
Just 23, his best years seem to be ahead of him."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
Jim was a highly rated prospect on the Texas Rangers, and the Yankees went high to obtain him last winter. He's a native of Mobile, Alabama, stands 6'2" and began playing sandlot ball as a pitcher, hurling a perfect game in the Alabama State Babe Ruth League tournament. He signed with the Washington Senators in 1968 and played his first major league game just three seasons later.
Stepping in as a regular in the Yankee lineup was a formidable challenge for Jim, but he set his mind to it and let his talent do the talking."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"This athletic looking youngster has the picture build for a major league shortstop.
Jim advanced steadily in his professional baseball career despite interruptions due to military service and finally reached the big leagues to stay with the Rangers last year. He served as their regular shortstop for much of the season when Toby Harrah was injured, and also played some second base. He impressed the Yankee staff enough to be purchased for a substantial sum of money.
A product of the Little League and Babe Ruth League of Mobile, Jim once pitched a perfect game in an Alabama State Babe Ruth tourney. He's one of seven children - he has two brothers and four sisters.
Just 23, his best years seem to be ahead of him."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
1974 Profile: Bill Sudakis
"It would be hard to find a man as versatile as Bill Sudakis in baseball today.
Bill can switch-hit, play the infield, the outfield, or catch. He can be a designated hitter or a defensive replacement. Having Bill on the club means the roster is eased by having a man who can be a number three catcher and serve as a third baseman, outfielder or however the cards fall for Bill this year. It seems certain he will see a lot of action.
Originally a Dodger, Bill played for the Mets in 1972 before being traded to Texas last spring. Playing in the difficult home park in Arlington, Bill still had a season of 15 home runs in only 82 games - a greater homer per at-bat frequency than the league's homer champ, Reggie Jackson.
The Yankees are happy to have a man of Bill's abilities serving their needs, and Bill's return to New York makes him a happy man as well."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"When the Yankees obtained Bill Sudakis last winter, they got one of the most versatile players around. Bill can catch, play the infield or play the outfield. He can bat either right-handed or left-handed, serve as a designated hitter or as a defensive fill-in. It would be hard to name another player who can do so much.
Last year was a particularly satisfying one for Bill. Waived by the Mets to Texas in spring training, Bill hit .255 for the Rangers with 15 homers in only 235 at-bats, or one every 15.7 at-bats. Reggie Jackson, the league's home run king with 32, hit one every 16.9 at-bats. Adding to the impressiveness of Bill's feat was his home ballpark, Arlington Stadium, being a tough home run park.
Bill broke in as one of the 'Mod Squad' of young Los Angeles Dodgers who appeared on the scene in 1968. A regular in 1969 and a much-used utility man in '70, Bill's career was beset by injuries in 1971 when he damaged knee cartilage sliding home. He was operated on after that season and did not return to full-time duty until this past season. A fractured finger in 1970 robbed him of a regular catching job on the Dodgers, which he had won from Tom Haller in spring training.
A journalism major in college, Bill holds professional status in another sport besides baseball - he's a member of the Professional Bowlers Association, and has even toured with them in the winter."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"One of the American League's most versatile players is Bill Sudakis, a valuable new addition to the Yankees. Bill, who hit a homer every 15.7 times at bat for Texas last season, is a former Dodger and Met who switch-hits, plays first, third, the outfield, or catches. The Yankees will see a lot of him this season."
-1974 New York Yankees Scorebook & Official Program
Bill can switch-hit, play the infield, the outfield, or catch. He can be a designated hitter or a defensive replacement. Having Bill on the club means the roster is eased by having a man who can be a number three catcher and serve as a third baseman, outfielder or however the cards fall for Bill this year. It seems certain he will see a lot of action.
Originally a Dodger, Bill played for the Mets in 1972 before being traded to Texas last spring. Playing in the difficult home park in Arlington, Bill still had a season of 15 home runs in only 82 games - a greater homer per at-bat frequency than the league's homer champ, Reggie Jackson.
The Yankees are happy to have a man of Bill's abilities serving their needs, and Bill's return to New York makes him a happy man as well."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"When the Yankees obtained Bill Sudakis last winter, they got one of the most versatile players around. Bill can catch, play the infield or play the outfield. He can bat either right-handed or left-handed, serve as a designated hitter or as a defensive fill-in. It would be hard to name another player who can do so much.
Last year was a particularly satisfying one for Bill. Waived by the Mets to Texas in spring training, Bill hit .255 for the Rangers with 15 homers in only 235 at-bats, or one every 15.7 at-bats. Reggie Jackson, the league's home run king with 32, hit one every 16.9 at-bats. Adding to the impressiveness of Bill's feat was his home ballpark, Arlington Stadium, being a tough home run park.
Bill broke in as one of the 'Mod Squad' of young Los Angeles Dodgers who appeared on the scene in 1968. A regular in 1969 and a much-used utility man in '70, Bill's career was beset by injuries in 1971 when he damaged knee cartilage sliding home. He was operated on after that season and did not return to full-time duty until this past season. A fractured finger in 1970 robbed him of a regular catching job on the Dodgers, which he had won from Tom Haller in spring training.
A journalism major in college, Bill holds professional status in another sport besides baseball - he's a member of the Professional Bowlers Association, and has even toured with them in the winter."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"One of the American League's most versatile players is Bill Sudakis, a valuable new addition to the Yankees. Bill, who hit a homer every 15.7 times at bat for Texas last season, is a former Dodger and Met who switch-hits, plays first, third, the outfield, or catches. The Yankees will see a lot of him this season."
-1974 New York Yankees Scorebook & Official Program
Sunday, July 27, 2014
1974 Profile: Steve Kline
"He was the single biggest disaster in the Yankees' disappointing season. Counted on as a 20-game winner, Kline came up with elbow trouble and was only 4-7. He tried to come back in early August, but got racked in the first inning in Fenway Park and was through for the season. He rested his elbow from August to spring training, hoping to come back.
The year before Steve was 16-9, 2.40, and was coming into his own as a first-rate pitcher. Like Mel Stottlemyre, he has a superb hard sinker.
Born in Wenatchee, Washington, Steve attended Washington State, the University of Miami and Cal Tech."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
"Just how much Steve Kline means to the Yankees was convincingly demonstrated last season when arm problems sidelined the big right-hander for most of the season, cutting his victory total from 16 in 1972 to four. And that, according to followers of the Yankees, was the major factor in the Yankees' late-season woes in 1973 - Steve Kline's absence.
But this year Steve is back ... a newlywed ... his arm rested without having thrown a ball all winter, and ready to go in 1974.
'It's like starting all over again,' says Steve, 'like a rookie. But I went through it once, and I can do it again. At least I don't have to learn the hitters all over.'
Steve is a product of the state of Washington and at age 26, just reaching his peak years. His 2.40 earned run average in 1972 was the eighth best in the league and no one is more anxious than Steve himself to pick up his career right at that point and forget 1973.
No one is more anxious, that is, unless it's the Yankees themselves."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Steve had an unfortunate season in 1973. He came off a banner year in '72 and seemed on the brink of stardom going into the '73 campaign.
Injuries, however, beset him for virtually the entire season: he suffered a strained muscle in his shoulder in his fourth start of the year on April 22. Steve returned to the regular rotation on May 1 and seemed to be pitching well until he came up with some stiffness in his elbow which forced him to leave the game of May 16. He pitched sporadically after that and was finally placed on the disabled list on June 25. Steve was reinstated on July 28 and pitched 5.1 scoreless innings of relief in Milwaukee. In his next start on August 2 in Boston, he was forced to leave the game in the first inning when his elbow acted up again. He was again placed on the disabled list, and didn't return to the active roster for the remainder of the season. The diagnosis over the winter was that complete rest would cure Steve's arm problems; he did not throw at all over the winter.
The club's most eligible bachelor since coming to the Yankees in 1970, the handsome right-hander finally tied the knot this past off-season, marrying a hometown sweetheart. One of many players to take full advantage of Baseball's Scholarship Program, Steve has been pursuing a math degree for the past eight off-seasons."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
The year before Steve was 16-9, 2.40, and was coming into his own as a first-rate pitcher. Like Mel Stottlemyre, he has a superb hard sinker.
Born in Wenatchee, Washington, Steve attended Washington State, the University of Miami and Cal Tech."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
"Just how much Steve Kline means to the Yankees was convincingly demonstrated last season when arm problems sidelined the big right-hander for most of the season, cutting his victory total from 16 in 1972 to four. And that, according to followers of the Yankees, was the major factor in the Yankees' late-season woes in 1973 - Steve Kline's absence.
But this year Steve is back ... a newlywed ... his arm rested without having thrown a ball all winter, and ready to go in 1974.
'It's like starting all over again,' says Steve, 'like a rookie. But I went through it once, and I can do it again. At least I don't have to learn the hitters all over.'
Steve is a product of the state of Washington and at age 26, just reaching his peak years. His 2.40 earned run average in 1972 was the eighth best in the league and no one is more anxious than Steve himself to pick up his career right at that point and forget 1973.
No one is more anxious, that is, unless it's the Yankees themselves."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Steve had an unfortunate season in 1973. He came off a banner year in '72 and seemed on the brink of stardom going into the '73 campaign.
Injuries, however, beset him for virtually the entire season: he suffered a strained muscle in his shoulder in his fourth start of the year on April 22. Steve returned to the regular rotation on May 1 and seemed to be pitching well until he came up with some stiffness in his elbow which forced him to leave the game of May 16. He pitched sporadically after that and was finally placed on the disabled list on June 25. Steve was reinstated on July 28 and pitched 5.1 scoreless innings of relief in Milwaukee. In his next start on August 2 in Boston, he was forced to leave the game in the first inning when his elbow acted up again. He was again placed on the disabled list, and didn't return to the active roster for the remainder of the season. The diagnosis over the winter was that complete rest would cure Steve's arm problems; he did not throw at all over the winter.
The club's most eligible bachelor since coming to the Yankees in 1970, the handsome right-hander finally tied the knot this past off-season, marrying a hometown sweetheart. One of many players to take full advantage of Baseball's Scholarship Program, Steve has been pursuing a math degree for the past eight off-seasons."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
1974 Profile: Bobby Murcer
1974 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"One of the established stars of the league, Murcer has hit .331, .292 and .304 the last three seasons with 80 homers. He probably will not be too greatly affected by the move to Shea Stadium, although he did run into a power slump in the second half of the season which badly hurt the team in its total collapse.
Born in Oklahoma City, Bobby's idol was Mickey Mantle and he was signed by the same scout who signed Mantle."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
"There's a Most Valuable Player Award in Bobby Murcer's future. We can't predict when, but this is a man with all the credentials ... all the tools to qualify when the time comes.
When the Yankees were making a run at the pennant last season, Bobby was leading the charge. With his potent bat, daring baserunning and defensive prowess, his presence was always felt. A player who seems to do everything right by instinct, Bobby is the very heart of the Yankee lineup.
After joining the club on a regular basis in 1969, Bobby learned the league, adjusting to a two-year layoff due to military service, and by 1971 was ready to show the baseball world what he was made of. So the Oklahoma City wonder, who packs a lot of power into a comparatively small frame, exploded with three consecutive super seasons, orbiting him into the starting lineup at the annual All-Star Game, and making his the first name in mind when fans around the league await the Yankees' arrival.
Bobby won't be 28 until May 20 - just reaching his peak years as a ballplayer. And there should be a lot of happiness for Bobby, the Yankees, and their fans during that peak period."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Bobby lived up to his All-Star status last season, leading the Yankees in virtually every offensive category: batting average (.304), hits (187), doubles (29), homers (22) and RBIs (95). He had the fourth highest average in the league and was seventh in runs batted in. He also led the club in game-winning hits with 13. He has been the Yankee leader for the past three years in hits, doubles, homers, batting average and RBIs.
Originally signed as a shortstop, Bobby made the All-Star team for the third consecutive year as an outfielder. He won the Gold Glove award in 1972.
He is just 27 years old; players don't reach their full potential until 28 or 29 years of age. In Bobby's case the Yankees can look forward to exciting performances in years ahead. He's a hard nosed player who is recognized as one of the most competitive players in the major leagues.
Bobby had three homers in one game last season for the second time in his career. He has had two or more homers in one game ten times. He had four homers in four official times at bat against Cleveland in doubleheader on June 24, 1970: he rapped three in the first game and one in the second game, tying a major league record. His 130 lifetime home runs rank 18th on the all-time Yankee list.
Bobby's baseball idol has always been Mickey Mantle."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"Outfielder. New York Yankees. Above average major league hitter ... mostly pull hitter, but can hit to all fields ... above major league power to right and right center ... difficult to defense ... above average major league speed ... legs out a lot of infield hits ... will drag bunt."
-1974 All-Star Game official program
"One of the established stars of the league, Murcer has hit .331, .292 and .304 the last three seasons with 80 homers. He probably will not be too greatly affected by the move to Shea Stadium, although he did run into a power slump in the second half of the season which badly hurt the team in its total collapse.
Born in Oklahoma City, Bobby's idol was Mickey Mantle and he was signed by the same scout who signed Mantle."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
"There's a Most Valuable Player Award in Bobby Murcer's future. We can't predict when, but this is a man with all the credentials ... all the tools to qualify when the time comes.
When the Yankees were making a run at the pennant last season, Bobby was leading the charge. With his potent bat, daring baserunning and defensive prowess, his presence was always felt. A player who seems to do everything right by instinct, Bobby is the very heart of the Yankee lineup.
After joining the club on a regular basis in 1969, Bobby learned the league, adjusting to a two-year layoff due to military service, and by 1971 was ready to show the baseball world what he was made of. So the Oklahoma City wonder, who packs a lot of power into a comparatively small frame, exploded with three consecutive super seasons, orbiting him into the starting lineup at the annual All-Star Game, and making his the first name in mind when fans around the league await the Yankees' arrival.
Bobby won't be 28 until May 20 - just reaching his peak years as a ballplayer. And there should be a lot of happiness for Bobby, the Yankees, and their fans during that peak period."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Bobby lived up to his All-Star status last season, leading the Yankees in virtually every offensive category: batting average (.304), hits (187), doubles (29), homers (22) and RBIs (95). He had the fourth highest average in the league and was seventh in runs batted in. He also led the club in game-winning hits with 13. He has been the Yankee leader for the past three years in hits, doubles, homers, batting average and RBIs.
Originally signed as a shortstop, Bobby made the All-Star team for the third consecutive year as an outfielder. He won the Gold Glove award in 1972.
He is just 27 years old; players don't reach their full potential until 28 or 29 years of age. In Bobby's case the Yankees can look forward to exciting performances in years ahead. He's a hard nosed player who is recognized as one of the most competitive players in the major leagues.
Bobby had three homers in one game last season for the second time in his career. He has had two or more homers in one game ten times. He had four homers in four official times at bat against Cleveland in doubleheader on June 24, 1970: he rapped three in the first game and one in the second game, tying a major league record. His 130 lifetime home runs rank 18th on the all-time Yankee list.
Bobby's baseball idol has always been Mickey Mantle."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"Outfielder. New York Yankees. Above average major league hitter ... mostly pull hitter, but can hit to all fields ... above major league power to right and right center ... difficult to defense ... above average major league speed ... legs out a lot of infield hits ... will drag bunt."
-1974 All-Star Game official program
1974 Profile: Mel Stottlemyre
"The only Yankee left from the last pennant-winning team in 1964 under Yogi Berra, Stottlemyre came up to be 9-3, 2.06 that year and has been a stalwart ever since. He has won 158 games in a decade and was 16-16 last year on a poor defensive team. He's a very workmanlike pitcher who depends on a sinker.
'Some nights,' says reserve catcher Jerry Moses, 'he makes nothing but perfect pitches.' Tops in the league with 40 career shutouts, Mel has won 20 three times.
'His fastball,' says Thurman Munson,' weighs about 100 pounds.'"
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
"Still the recognized leader of the Yankee pitching staff, Mel Stottlemyre completes his tenth year with the Yankees in August. The youthful veteran (he's only 32) is the senior man on the Yankee team, the only remaining active player from the Yanks' last championship club (1964).
In that season, the personable right-hander with the outstanding sinker ball won nine of twelve decisions after being called up from Richmond ... a performance that meant a fifth straight pennant - and the 29th overall - for the Yankees. Nothing would make Mel happier than to celebrate his anniversary with another team championship for the Yankees.
During the intervening years, Mel has established himself as one of the all-time Yankee pitchers, ranking high in most Yankee pitching statistics. Going into the 1974 campaign, his 40 lifetime shutouts were second only to Hall of Famer Whitey Ford's 45 ... and were tops in the American League for pitchers still active. His 158 wins put him in sixth place, just four behind Herb Pennock, another Hall of Fame member. Mel is third on the all-time Yankee list for innings pitched; eighth in games; fourth in strikeouts; and seventh in career ERA with 2.94.
An outstanding fielder, Stottlemyre has 'good stuff' plus the moxie to lead the staff. A fine competitor, Mel has the winning attitude which hopefully will lead the Yankees to future glory."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"The 'dean' of the Yankees, Mel will celebrate his 10th anniversary as a Yankee on August 12, the day he came up from Richmond as Minor League Player of the Year to begin one of the most successful Yankee pitching stories ever. Famed for his sinker, he was the first major find of scout Eddie Taylor, signing in 1961.
Despite all but that first season without a pennant winner behind him, Mel is high on the charts in most Yankee pitching categories. His 40 career shutouts are tops among active American League pitchers (except for Boston's Juan Marichal, whose 52 were all in the N.L.). Whitey Ford leads the all-time Yankee list with 45. Mel has been a 20-game winner three times, and five times an All-Star. He holds the American League record of 257 consecutive starts without a relief appearance, a record he is still building on.
Since Ford's retirement in 1967, Mel has been the ace of the Yankee staff and the opening day pitcher six times. He was the victim of a shutout six times last year, making his 16-16 record deceiving. A great all-around athlete, Mel is one of the better fielding pitchers in the majors, and as a hitter had seven homers and a 5-for-5 day at Washington in 1964.
Only 32, Mel continues to be the Yankee mound leader, and a big year from him will certainly mean the same for the entire ball club."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
'Some nights,' says reserve catcher Jerry Moses, 'he makes nothing but perfect pitches.' Tops in the league with 40 career shutouts, Mel has won 20 three times.
'His fastball,' says Thurman Munson,' weighs about 100 pounds.'"
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
"Still the recognized leader of the Yankee pitching staff, Mel Stottlemyre completes his tenth year with the Yankees in August. The youthful veteran (he's only 32) is the senior man on the Yankee team, the only remaining active player from the Yanks' last championship club (1964).
In that season, the personable right-hander with the outstanding sinker ball won nine of twelve decisions after being called up from Richmond ... a performance that meant a fifth straight pennant - and the 29th overall - for the Yankees. Nothing would make Mel happier than to celebrate his anniversary with another team championship for the Yankees.
During the intervening years, Mel has established himself as one of the all-time Yankee pitchers, ranking high in most Yankee pitching statistics. Going into the 1974 campaign, his 40 lifetime shutouts were second only to Hall of Famer Whitey Ford's 45 ... and were tops in the American League for pitchers still active. His 158 wins put him in sixth place, just four behind Herb Pennock, another Hall of Fame member. Mel is third on the all-time Yankee list for innings pitched; eighth in games; fourth in strikeouts; and seventh in career ERA with 2.94.
An outstanding fielder, Stottlemyre has 'good stuff' plus the moxie to lead the staff. A fine competitor, Mel has the winning attitude which hopefully will lead the Yankees to future glory."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"The 'dean' of the Yankees, Mel will celebrate his 10th anniversary as a Yankee on August 12, the day he came up from Richmond as Minor League Player of the Year to begin one of the most successful Yankee pitching stories ever. Famed for his sinker, he was the first major find of scout Eddie Taylor, signing in 1961.
Despite all but that first season without a pennant winner behind him, Mel is high on the charts in most Yankee pitching categories. His 40 career shutouts are tops among active American League pitchers (except for Boston's Juan Marichal, whose 52 were all in the N.L.). Whitey Ford leads the all-time Yankee list with 45. Mel has been a 20-game winner three times, and five times an All-Star. He holds the American League record of 257 consecutive starts without a relief appearance, a record he is still building on.
Since Ford's retirement in 1967, Mel has been the ace of the Yankee staff and the opening day pitcher six times. He was the victim of a shutout six times last year, making his 16-16 record deceiving. A great all-around athlete, Mel is one of the better fielding pitchers in the majors, and as a hitter had seven homers and a 5-for-5 day at Washington in 1964.
Only 32, Mel continues to be the Yankee mound leader, and a big year from him will certainly mean the same for the entire ball club."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
Saturday, July 26, 2014
1974 New York Yankees Manager and Coaches Profiles
BILL VIRDON (Manager)
"Virdon was named Yankee pilot in January after American League President Joe Cronin disallowed the signing of Dick Williams.
'I'm the manager of the Yankees now,' he says, 'and I don't care if I was the first choice, second choice or fifteenth choice.' Bill signed a one-year pact, leaving the Williams possibility open for the Yanks in '75. He was fired by the Pirates during the team's stretch run in the National League East last year in his second season as Pittsburgh manager.
'I think if I didn't get fired, we would have won it,' he says. Bill had run-ins in Pittsburgh with Rich Hebner and Dock Ellis. He won the division in his first year as Pirate mentor. He learned managing under Danny Murtaugh.
'The biggest thing I learned sitting next to Danny was patience.'
An outfielder, he was National League Rookie of the Year in 1955 with St. Louis and was traded to Pittsburgh the following year. He compiled a .267 average in 12 seasons. Bill was a minor league manager and a Pirate coach.
He began his career in the Yankee chain."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
"When the Yankees went after a manager who was a winner - Bill Virdon was the man they turned to.
As Pittsburgh manager, Bill led the Pirates to the 1972 Eastern Division Championship, and last season had the club two games out of first when Danny Murtaugh returned to manage the club. The availability of Bill came at the right time for Yankee fortunes.
A star outfielder with Pittsburgh from 1956-65, Bill played in the famous 1960 World Series against the Yankees. But his tie to New York is deeper than that - Bill signed his first professional contract with the Yankees in 1950 - his scout was Mickey Mantle's scout Tom Greenwade - and remained in the Yankee Organization until 1954 when he and current coach Mel Wright were traded to St. Louis for Enos Slaughter.
And now Bill Virdon is back - with a career of successes behind him, and looking forward to future triumphs with the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Originally signed for the Yankee organization by one of their most famous scouts, Tom Greenwade, in 1950, Virdon was traded to St. Louis with pitcher Mel Wright (now a Yankee coach) and outfielder Emil Tellinger for Enos Slaughter in 1954. The Cardinals sent him to their AAA club at Rochester where he led the International League in batting with a .333 average, and had 22 homers and 98 RBIs. Bill joined the Cardinals in 1955, earning selection as the Sporting News N.L. Rookie of the Year, batting .281 with 17 homers.
Virdon was traded to the Pirates on May 17, 1956 and had his only .300 season in the major leagues - .319 with 10 homers in a league-leading 157 games; only Hank Aaron topped him in the NL that year with a .328 average. Bill remained as a regular for the Pirates through 1965, establishing himself as one of the best center fielders in the big leagues. He was an instrumental part of the 1960 club which copped the NL flag and went on to defeat the Yankees in the World Series, and hit the famous bad-hop grounder to Tony Kubek which helped decide the 7th game in that Series.
Upon completion of his playing career in 1965, Bill went on to manage in the Mets' farm system at Williamsport in 1966 and Jacksonville in 1967, helping to develop such players as Nolan Ryan, Tug McGraw, Jerry Koosman, Ken Boswell and Ken Singleton. He re-joined the Pirates as a coach in 1968 and by 1971 had become the right-hand man and heir apparent to Danny Murtaugh, who retired following the Pirates' 1971 World Championship. Bill succeeded Murtaugh in '72 and guided the Pirates to their third consecutive Eastern Division championship, losing to the Reds in the five-game postseason playoffs.
Last year Virdon had the Pirates in the thick of the race for their fourth straight title when he was replaced by Murtaugh in hopes of sparking the team on to the pennant; the move failed, however, as the Mets captured the division.
Bill has also managed in Winter Ball, leading San Juan to the Puerto Rican League championship in the winter of 1971. Most recently, he was hired to manage Denver (PCL) for the '74 season, but the Yankee offer, with permission from the parent Astros, brought Bill back to the major leagues."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"No one worked any harder in spring training than the new Yankee manager, Bill Virdon, who hit fungoes, put on a fielding mitt, pitched batting practice and supervised the most extensive drilling the Yankees have been through in many years.
Virdon was a star center fielder for the Cardinals and Pirates from 1955 to 1965."
-1974 New York Yankees Scorebook & Official Program
ELSTON HOWARD (Coach)
"Elston Howard, the American League's Most Valuable Player in 1963, is in his sixth year as the Yankees first base coach, following a great career which covered ten World Series. A year-round resident of the New York area, Ellie is one of the most popular men ever to ever wear the Yankee uniform."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Elston, on the exclusive list of great Yankee players, is one of the most recognized and popular Yankees among baseball fans everywhere. Now in his sixth season as a coach, he was a Yankee player for 13 seasons.
Howard was named the American League's MVP in 1963 and won the Babe Ruth Award in 1958 (top World Series player). Originally an outfielder when the Yanks acquired him from the famous Kansas City Monarchs, Ellie was converted to a catcher and led that position in fielding in 1962, 1963 and 1964. An All-Star nine times, he played in ten World Series, nine with the Yankees and one with the Red Sox, who acquired him in August, 1967.
He was the first player with the Yankees and also the first black coach in the American League. Ellie has established many business interests, including an art gallery, in New Jersey. He has served on the Bergen County Board of Vocational and Technical Education.
This is Ellie's 20th season in a big league uniform."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
WHITEY FORD (Coach)
"Whitey returns to full time duty on the Yankee coaching staff this year - his year of election to the Hall of Fame. The winningest pitcher in Yankee history and in World Series history, Whitey was player-coach in 1964 and first base coach in 1968, serving in recent years as a spring training instructor. He not only knows pitching as well as anyone, but he knows the Yankee staff and the Yankee tradition of greatness."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"The winningest pitcher in Yankee history was voted into Baseball's Hall of Fame with his long-time friend and teammate Mickey Mantle on January 16. Together they become the 20th and 21st Yankees to enter the game's pantheon.
His 236 victories against only 106 defeats gives him the highest won-lost percentage (.690) in the game's history among pitchers with 200 or more wins and only former Yankee Spud Chandler's .717 tops Whitey among 100-game winners. He has a club record 1,956 strikeouts.
Whitey holds World Series marks for total Series, games pitched, innings, victories, strikeouts and, of course, consecutive shutout innings (33.2 - the record breaking the earlier mark of Babe Ruth's). He won the Cy Young Award in 1961 and was American League Pitcher of the Year in 1955, 1961 and 1963. He hurled consecutive one-hitters in 1955. Circulation problems in his left arm brought his distinguished career to a premature end.
Whitey has served annually as a spring training coach and also as a pitching coach, first base signalman and color broadcaster. His son Eddie plays shortstop for Bobby Richardson's University of South Carolina nine."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
MEL WRIGHT (Coach)
"Mel Wright joins the Yankee coaching staff this year as bullpen coach. He is reunited with his longtime buddy, Bill Virdon, for whom he served as pitching coach in Pittsburgh. Originally a Yankee prospect, Mel was traded along with Virdon for Enos Slaughter in 1954 - and now returns with his skipper to help guide Yankee fortunes."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Twenty-five years after signing with the Yankee organization as a right-handed pitching prospect, Mel Wright joins the Yanks as Manager Bill Virdon's bullpen coach. Pirate pitching coach last season, Wright had signed with the Chicago Cubs for 1974, but the Cubs made him available to the Yankees when Virdon was named manager.
Originally signed late in 1949 by Yankee scout Atley Donald (still a Yankee scout), Wright reported to a Yankee minor league camp in 1950 with Virdon, Mickey Mantle and other prospects. He once set the Eastern League record with a 1.93 ERA. Mel won 16 games in a row after recuperating from a broken hand in 1953, 13 in the regular season, two in the playoffs and one in the Little World Series for Kansas City of the American Association. He was traded to the Cardinals in the spring of 1954 with Virdon and Emil Tellinger for Enos Slaughter.
Mel scouted five years for the Cubs and coached three years in the rotating coaches (managers)."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
DICK HOWSER (Coach)
"Dick Howser, a brilliant shortstop during his playing career of 1961-68, was the Sporting News Rookie of the Year in 1961, and finished his active playing days with the Yankees. When Frankie Crosetti left the Yankees after 22 years as third base coach, Dick was a natural successor, and he's now in his sixth year at the post. Dick also manages the Yankees' Instructional League team each fall in Florida."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"1974 will be Dick's sixth straight season as the Yanks' third base coach. He has also served as manager of the Yankees' Florida Instructional League club during the past two off-seasons. Dick joined the Yankee staff in 1969 after spending two seasons with the club as a utility infielder and pinch hitter.
Howser reached the major leagues with Kansas City in 1961 and was named Rookie of the Year by the Sporting News as well as being selected to the All-Star team. He was a heady and flashy player who stole 37 bases that rookie season."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
MICKEY MANTLE (Special Instructor)
"Mantle is only the seventh player in baseball history to be elected to the Hall of Fame the first time he was eligible. With sidekick and teammate Whitey Ford, together they become the 20th and 21st Yankees in the Hall of Fame.
Mickey has appeared annually since his retirement after the 1968 season as a Special Instructor in spring training and serves the Yankees as a good will ambassador throughout the year.
His 18-year career was one of the most dramatic in Yankee history. With injuries to both legs taking a heavy toll from his magnificent performances, Mickey played in more games with the Yankees (2,401) and had more at bats (8,102) than any other player. He was the most powerful switch-hitter in the game's history. Ten times he hit a home run from both sides of the plate in one game, a major league record. His 18 home runs in World Series play easily topped Babe Ruth's previous World Series high of 15. Mickey was American League MVP in 1956, 1957 and 1962. He won the Triple Crown in '56, and also the Hickok Belt as the top professional athlete of the year in 1956.
Mickey ranks high in most offensive all-time Yankee categories: third in runs scored (1,677), third in hits (2,415), fourth in doubles (344), second in homers (536) and fourth in RBIs (1,509). His 1,734 walks are third on the all-time list and his 1,710 strikeouts are first.
Mickey is one of the most popular athletes in modern sports history."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"The greatest switch-hitter of all time appeared in 16 summer classics. Mickey Mantle hit a total of 536 home runs, many of them of the tape-measure variety; and on two occasions he came closer than any other player to hitting a fair ball out of Yankee Stadium. Mickey played 18 seasons on decimated knees, setting an example in courage for athletes in all sports; and he is the most recent inductee [along with former Yankee teammate Whitey Ford] into Baseball's Hall of Fame."
-1974 All-Star Game official program
"Virdon was named Yankee pilot in January after American League President Joe Cronin disallowed the signing of Dick Williams.
'I'm the manager of the Yankees now,' he says, 'and I don't care if I was the first choice, second choice or fifteenth choice.' Bill signed a one-year pact, leaving the Williams possibility open for the Yanks in '75. He was fired by the Pirates during the team's stretch run in the National League East last year in his second season as Pittsburgh manager.
'I think if I didn't get fired, we would have won it,' he says. Bill had run-ins in Pittsburgh with Rich Hebner and Dock Ellis. He won the division in his first year as Pirate mentor. He learned managing under Danny Murtaugh.
'The biggest thing I learned sitting next to Danny was patience.'
An outfielder, he was National League Rookie of the Year in 1955 with St. Louis and was traded to Pittsburgh the following year. He compiled a .267 average in 12 seasons. Bill was a minor league manager and a Pirate coach.
He began his career in the Yankee chain."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
"When the Yankees went after a manager who was a winner - Bill Virdon was the man they turned to.
As Pittsburgh manager, Bill led the Pirates to the 1972 Eastern Division Championship, and last season had the club two games out of first when Danny Murtaugh returned to manage the club. The availability of Bill came at the right time for Yankee fortunes.
A star outfielder with Pittsburgh from 1956-65, Bill played in the famous 1960 World Series against the Yankees. But his tie to New York is deeper than that - Bill signed his first professional contract with the Yankees in 1950 - his scout was Mickey Mantle's scout Tom Greenwade - and remained in the Yankee Organization until 1954 when he and current coach Mel Wright were traded to St. Louis for Enos Slaughter.
And now Bill Virdon is back - with a career of successes behind him, and looking forward to future triumphs with the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Originally signed for the Yankee organization by one of their most famous scouts, Tom Greenwade, in 1950, Virdon was traded to St. Louis with pitcher Mel Wright (now a Yankee coach) and outfielder Emil Tellinger for Enos Slaughter in 1954. The Cardinals sent him to their AAA club at Rochester where he led the International League in batting with a .333 average, and had 22 homers and 98 RBIs. Bill joined the Cardinals in 1955, earning selection as the Sporting News N.L. Rookie of the Year, batting .281 with 17 homers.
Virdon was traded to the Pirates on May 17, 1956 and had his only .300 season in the major leagues - .319 with 10 homers in a league-leading 157 games; only Hank Aaron topped him in the NL that year with a .328 average. Bill remained as a regular for the Pirates through 1965, establishing himself as one of the best center fielders in the big leagues. He was an instrumental part of the 1960 club which copped the NL flag and went on to defeat the Yankees in the World Series, and hit the famous bad-hop grounder to Tony Kubek which helped decide the 7th game in that Series.
Upon completion of his playing career in 1965, Bill went on to manage in the Mets' farm system at Williamsport in 1966 and Jacksonville in 1967, helping to develop such players as Nolan Ryan, Tug McGraw, Jerry Koosman, Ken Boswell and Ken Singleton. He re-joined the Pirates as a coach in 1968 and by 1971 had become the right-hand man and heir apparent to Danny Murtaugh, who retired following the Pirates' 1971 World Championship. Bill succeeded Murtaugh in '72 and guided the Pirates to their third consecutive Eastern Division championship, losing to the Reds in the five-game postseason playoffs.
Last year Virdon had the Pirates in the thick of the race for their fourth straight title when he was replaced by Murtaugh in hopes of sparking the team on to the pennant; the move failed, however, as the Mets captured the division.
Bill has also managed in Winter Ball, leading San Juan to the Puerto Rican League championship in the winter of 1971. Most recently, he was hired to manage Denver (PCL) for the '74 season, but the Yankee offer, with permission from the parent Astros, brought Bill back to the major leagues."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"No one worked any harder in spring training than the new Yankee manager, Bill Virdon, who hit fungoes, put on a fielding mitt, pitched batting practice and supervised the most extensive drilling the Yankees have been through in many years.
Virdon was a star center fielder for the Cardinals and Pirates from 1955 to 1965."
-1974 New York Yankees Scorebook & Official Program
ELSTON HOWARD (Coach)
"Elston Howard, the American League's Most Valuable Player in 1963, is in his sixth year as the Yankees first base coach, following a great career which covered ten World Series. A year-round resident of the New York area, Ellie is one of the most popular men ever to ever wear the Yankee uniform."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Elston, on the exclusive list of great Yankee players, is one of the most recognized and popular Yankees among baseball fans everywhere. Now in his sixth season as a coach, he was a Yankee player for 13 seasons.
Howard was named the American League's MVP in 1963 and won the Babe Ruth Award in 1958 (top World Series player). Originally an outfielder when the Yanks acquired him from the famous Kansas City Monarchs, Ellie was converted to a catcher and led that position in fielding in 1962, 1963 and 1964. An All-Star nine times, he played in ten World Series, nine with the Yankees and one with the Red Sox, who acquired him in August, 1967.
He was the first player with the Yankees and also the first black coach in the American League. Ellie has established many business interests, including an art gallery, in New Jersey. He has served on the Bergen County Board of Vocational and Technical Education.
This is Ellie's 20th season in a big league uniform."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
WHITEY FORD (Coach)
"Whitey returns to full time duty on the Yankee coaching staff this year - his year of election to the Hall of Fame. The winningest pitcher in Yankee history and in World Series history, Whitey was player-coach in 1964 and first base coach in 1968, serving in recent years as a spring training instructor. He not only knows pitching as well as anyone, but he knows the Yankee staff and the Yankee tradition of greatness."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"The winningest pitcher in Yankee history was voted into Baseball's Hall of Fame with his long-time friend and teammate Mickey Mantle on January 16. Together they become the 20th and 21st Yankees to enter the game's pantheon.
His 236 victories against only 106 defeats gives him the highest won-lost percentage (.690) in the game's history among pitchers with 200 or more wins and only former Yankee Spud Chandler's .717 tops Whitey among 100-game winners. He has a club record 1,956 strikeouts.
Whitey holds World Series marks for total Series, games pitched, innings, victories, strikeouts and, of course, consecutive shutout innings (33.2 - the record breaking the earlier mark of Babe Ruth's). He won the Cy Young Award in 1961 and was American League Pitcher of the Year in 1955, 1961 and 1963. He hurled consecutive one-hitters in 1955. Circulation problems in his left arm brought his distinguished career to a premature end.
Whitey has served annually as a spring training coach and also as a pitching coach, first base signalman and color broadcaster. His son Eddie plays shortstop for Bobby Richardson's University of South Carolina nine."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
MEL WRIGHT (Coach)
"Mel Wright joins the Yankee coaching staff this year as bullpen coach. He is reunited with his longtime buddy, Bill Virdon, for whom he served as pitching coach in Pittsburgh. Originally a Yankee prospect, Mel was traded along with Virdon for Enos Slaughter in 1954 - and now returns with his skipper to help guide Yankee fortunes."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Twenty-five years after signing with the Yankee organization as a right-handed pitching prospect, Mel Wright joins the Yanks as Manager Bill Virdon's bullpen coach. Pirate pitching coach last season, Wright had signed with the Chicago Cubs for 1974, but the Cubs made him available to the Yankees when Virdon was named manager.
Originally signed late in 1949 by Yankee scout Atley Donald (still a Yankee scout), Wright reported to a Yankee minor league camp in 1950 with Virdon, Mickey Mantle and other prospects. He once set the Eastern League record with a 1.93 ERA. Mel won 16 games in a row after recuperating from a broken hand in 1953, 13 in the regular season, two in the playoffs and one in the Little World Series for Kansas City of the American Association. He was traded to the Cardinals in the spring of 1954 with Virdon and Emil Tellinger for Enos Slaughter.
Mel scouted five years for the Cubs and coached three years in the rotating coaches (managers)."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
DICK HOWSER (Coach)
"Dick Howser, a brilliant shortstop during his playing career of 1961-68, was the Sporting News Rookie of the Year in 1961, and finished his active playing days with the Yankees. When Frankie Crosetti left the Yankees after 22 years as third base coach, Dick was a natural successor, and he's now in his sixth year at the post. Dick also manages the Yankees' Instructional League team each fall in Florida."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"1974 will be Dick's sixth straight season as the Yanks' third base coach. He has also served as manager of the Yankees' Florida Instructional League club during the past two off-seasons. Dick joined the Yankee staff in 1969 after spending two seasons with the club as a utility infielder and pinch hitter.
Howser reached the major leagues with Kansas City in 1961 and was named Rookie of the Year by the Sporting News as well as being selected to the All-Star team. He was a heady and flashy player who stole 37 bases that rookie season."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
MICKEY MANTLE (Special Instructor)
"Mantle is only the seventh player in baseball history to be elected to the Hall of Fame the first time he was eligible. With sidekick and teammate Whitey Ford, together they become the 20th and 21st Yankees in the Hall of Fame.
Mickey has appeared annually since his retirement after the 1968 season as a Special Instructor in spring training and serves the Yankees as a good will ambassador throughout the year.
His 18-year career was one of the most dramatic in Yankee history. With injuries to both legs taking a heavy toll from his magnificent performances, Mickey played in more games with the Yankees (2,401) and had more at bats (8,102) than any other player. He was the most powerful switch-hitter in the game's history. Ten times he hit a home run from both sides of the plate in one game, a major league record. His 18 home runs in World Series play easily topped Babe Ruth's previous World Series high of 15. Mickey was American League MVP in 1956, 1957 and 1962. He won the Triple Crown in '56, and also the Hickok Belt as the top professional athlete of the year in 1956.
Mickey ranks high in most offensive all-time Yankee categories: third in runs scored (1,677), third in hits (2,415), fourth in doubles (344), second in homers (536) and fourth in RBIs (1,509). His 1,734 walks are third on the all-time list and his 1,710 strikeouts are first.
Mickey is one of the most popular athletes in modern sports history."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"The greatest switch-hitter of all time appeared in 16 summer classics. Mickey Mantle hit a total of 536 home runs, many of them of the tape-measure variety; and on two occasions he came closer than any other player to hitting a fair ball out of Yankee Stadium. Mickey played 18 seasons on decimated knees, setting an example in courage for athletes in all sports; and he is the most recent inductee [along with former Yankee teammate Whitey Ford] into Baseball's Hall of Fame."
-1974 All-Star Game official program
Thursday, July 24, 2014
1974 New York Yankees Management Profiles
GEORGE STEINBRENNER (General Partner)
"George Steinbrenner came to town last year, and New Yorkers immediately identified with his style. He quickly demonstrated his desire to do whatever was necessary to build a winner - no holds barred. New York, with the most knowledgeable sports fans around, recognized the straightforward and dynamic new personality on the scene, and welcomed George Steinbrenner as General Partner of the Yankees.
George is a sportsman of diversified interests, whose principal business is the American Shipbuilding Company of Cleveland. But his chief interest has become the New York Yankees - he likes baseball, he likes the challenge, and he's found New York a city to his style. And whatever it takes to bring home a championship, New Yorkers know George Steinbrenner will be looking out for their interests as well."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
GABE PAUL (President)
"As a top-level baseball executive, Gabe Paul is without peer. He's had experience in the minor leagues and with four major league clubs, involved in every phase of a baseball operation from concessions, publicity, traveling secretary and general manager to his current post as Yankee President.
A native of Rochester, where he began his professional baseball career, Gabe also served at high-level posts for Cincinnati, Houston and Cleveland before investing in the Yankees last year. A man who works twelve-hour days as the rule rather than the exception, Gabe was tabbed by George Steinbrenner as the man best suited to handle this challenging period for the Yankees - the building of a championship club, the modernization of Yankee Stadium, and the two-year stay in Shea Stadium."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
TAL SMITH (Executive Vice-President)
"Tal Smith joined the Yankee organization last November as Executive Vice-President. A veteran of 16 years in the major leagues, Tal originally joined the Cincinnati Reds in 1957, then moved to Houston in 1960 where he remained in a variety of capacities until coming to New York. At the time of his move, he had been Vice-President and Director of Operations for the Astrodome, and his earlier experience in the construction and design of the famed domed structure makes him well qualified to advise the Yankees on the modernization of Yankee Stadium, in addition to bringing his wealth of experience in the area of player development and scouting.
The Duke University graduate was born in Framingham, Massachusetts."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
BOB FISHEL (Vice-President)
"Bob Fishel is celebrating his 20th anniversary with the Yankees in 1974, having joined the club as Public Relations Director in August 1954. He earned a reputation as one of the best baseball executives in the game and was made Vice-President last fall, with his responsibilities becoming more inclusive.
Bob began in baseball in 1946 under Bill Veeck in Cleveland and later became public relations director of the St. Louis Browns. He was honored in 1972 with the William J. Slocum Award for long and meritorious service to baseball by the New York chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"George Steinbrenner came to town last year, and New Yorkers immediately identified with his style. He quickly demonstrated his desire to do whatever was necessary to build a winner - no holds barred. New York, with the most knowledgeable sports fans around, recognized the straightforward and dynamic new personality on the scene, and welcomed George Steinbrenner as General Partner of the Yankees.
George is a sportsman of diversified interests, whose principal business is the American Shipbuilding Company of Cleveland. But his chief interest has become the New York Yankees - he likes baseball, he likes the challenge, and he's found New York a city to his style. And whatever it takes to bring home a championship, New Yorkers know George Steinbrenner will be looking out for their interests as well."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
GABE PAUL (President)
"As a top-level baseball executive, Gabe Paul is without peer. He's had experience in the minor leagues and with four major league clubs, involved in every phase of a baseball operation from concessions, publicity, traveling secretary and general manager to his current post as Yankee President.
A native of Rochester, where he began his professional baseball career, Gabe also served at high-level posts for Cincinnati, Houston and Cleveland before investing in the Yankees last year. A man who works twelve-hour days as the rule rather than the exception, Gabe was tabbed by George Steinbrenner as the man best suited to handle this challenging period for the Yankees - the building of a championship club, the modernization of Yankee Stadium, and the two-year stay in Shea Stadium."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
TAL SMITH (Executive Vice-President)
"Tal Smith joined the Yankee organization last November as Executive Vice-President. A veteran of 16 years in the major leagues, Tal originally joined the Cincinnati Reds in 1957, then moved to Houston in 1960 where he remained in a variety of capacities until coming to New York. At the time of his move, he had been Vice-President and Director of Operations for the Astrodome, and his earlier experience in the construction and design of the famed domed structure makes him well qualified to advise the Yankees on the modernization of Yankee Stadium, in addition to bringing his wealth of experience in the area of player development and scouting.
The Duke University graduate was born in Framingham, Massachusetts."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
BOB FISHEL (Vice-President)
"Bob Fishel is celebrating his 20th anniversary with the Yankees in 1974, having joined the club as Public Relations Director in August 1954. He earned a reputation as one of the best baseball executives in the game and was made Vice-President last fall, with his responsibilities becoming more inclusive.
Bob began in baseball in 1946 under Bill Veeck in Cleveland and later became public relations director of the St. Louis Browns. He was honored in 1972 with the William J. Slocum Award for long and meritorious service to baseball by the New York chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
1974 New York Yankees Outlook
"No team in sports was more disappointed with its showing in 1973 than the New York Yankees. The New Yorkers thought they had a chance to win the AL East at the start of the season. By mid-July, they were sure they were going to win. Then came a total collapse and a fourth-place finish.
Now patient Lee MacPhail and ever-optimistic Ralph Houk are gone and the Yankees prepare to do battle again with essentially the same team that faded so badly in 1973. It seems like a contradiction, and yet the Yankees may well move up a notch in 1974 by standing still.
The Yankees and Tigers are in pretty much the same spot - veteran teams that were disappointed by the events of 1973. Neither has changed much and neither looks strong enough to challenge the Baltimore Orioles or beat out the Boston Red Sox. Having been brought up as a true believer in 'Yankee luck,' this fearless forecaster predicts a third-place finish for the Yankees and a fourth-place windup for the Tigers.
The Yankees are an odd sort of team for a patient builder like Lee MacPhail to have put together. They have two outstanding players in center fielder Bobby Murcer and catcher Thurman Munson, but they relied too heavily on these stars last season. They have glaring defensive weaknesses, especially in the infield. They have a steady pitching staff without a superstar in the starting foursome (Mel Stottlemyre hasn't been a 20-game winner since 1969) backed by one of the best relief pitchers in the game in Sparky Lyle. They have an offense that should have been better than it was in Yankee Stadium and will probably be more of a home run threat playing its 1974 home games at Shea Stadium.
Any consideration of the Yankees must start with Murcer and Munson. Murcer is an authentic superstar, clearly one of the four or five best players in the league. His .304-22-95 offensive contribution in '73 has become typical of his performance. He is a splendid outfielder and did his level best to carry the club when it started to fade in August. Munson became a take-charge guy in '73 and delivered .301-20-74 statistics.
Lyle belongs right up there with Murcer and Munson, although, of course, he can't be in the lineup every day. Sparky supplies Yankee fans with some of their most exciting moments as he strides to the mound in relief of pitchers in trouble. He, too, faltered in August and September, but his 32 saves and five victories ranked second as a fireman only to John Hiller of the Detroit Tigers.
The Yankees' starting rotation is expected to Stottlemyre (16-16 with a 3.07 ERA in '73), George Medich (14-9, 2.91), Fritz Peterson (8-15 and 3.95) and either Steve Kline (4-7, 4.01) or Pat Dobson (9-8, 4.24 with the Yankees). Sam McDowell (5-8, 3.95 with New York) is a long shot as a starter and little Fred Beene (6-0, 1.68) has limitations. Lyle is king of the bullpen, and he can expect help from Ken Wright and Wayne Granger.
Munson gives the Yankees class behind the plate and he is backed by Duke Sims, a capable receiver and a dangerous long ball hitter, and Jerry Moses.
The Yankee infield presents a problem. Second baseman Horace Clarke and third baseman Graig Nettles had poor seasons defensively in 1973 and Ron Blomberg is no gazelle at first base. Mike Hegan could be substituted for Blomberg but that would relegate the Boomer to the role of designated hitter, and he is already complaining that he doesn't play enough. Also, it would push Jim Ray Hart out of the picture as the Yankees' DH. This leaves only shortstop Gene Michael as 'set,' and it must be noted that his offensive contribution was only .225-3-47 in '73.
Roy White has his critics and isn't too proud of his .246-18-60 performance but he went into 1973 with a .274 lifetime batting average in the big leagues and deserves another chance. Lou Piniella, obtained from the Royals, made a .250-9-69 contribution in '73 and probably will wind up as the Yankees' regular right fielder.
You have to feel sorry for the Yankee management - past and present. The Yankees, built slowly and diligently after the Great Disaster of 1965, and were the most exciting team in New York for four and half months of the '73 season and had good reason to think they were going to win the Eastern title; then came the collapse. But worse was to follow: the Mets came on like gangbusters, won the Eastern title in the National League, topped the Cincinnati Reds in the playoffs and carried the Oakland A's to a seven-game World Series.
Now the Yankees have to put the pieces back together during two years in enemy territory while Yankee Stadium is being remodeled.
Good guys don't deserve that kind of grief.
PITCHING: How do you explain a class pitcher like Mel Stottlemyre having successive 15-13, 16-12, 14-18 and 16-16 records? He seemed at times last season to be pushing the ball; at other times he had the old zing. This staff needs a leader. Medich is a possibility but he really doesn't have the kind of speed usually associated with staff leaders. Peterson gets a lot out of his equipment and should improve on his 1973 performance now that his personal problems aren't so much in the spotlight.
Beene is one of the toughest little critters anybody ever saw and did yeoman service for the Yankees last season until he hurt his arm. Relief pitchers don't come any better than Lyle - even admitting that he folded during the last six weeks of the '73 season along with most of his teammates. It will be worth keeping an eye on Wright, who can overpower most hitters. Granger has pretty much toured the majors in the last few years; his experience can help if he's not too shopworn.
Kline has rather ordinary stuff but is a fighter. McDowell has disappointed too many managers too many times to expect too much from him. Dobson had a 20-8 record for the Orioles as recently as 1972; despite his '73 disappointment with Atlanta and his mediocre showing with the Yankees, he could snap back to his old form.
This is a professional staff but it seems somewhat leaderless. Who stops the losing streaks? Who pitches the big game when it's needed?
Performance Quotient: 3 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
CATCHING: Munson and Boston's Carlton Fisk are the two best in the league. Munson is a winning-type player and has driving ambition. Sims swings a rugged bat and is quick with a quip, too. He's the guy who correctly analyzed that the Indians were 'overmanaged and underfinanced' in 1970. He can also play the outfield and first base. Moses is a handy backup.
Performance Quotient: 1
INFIELD: This unit is the big question mark on this team. It looks like a matter of trial and error before the right combination is found. Clarke has been severely criticized, especially on defense, but who would be his replacement? It seems a shame that former manager Houk didn't play Blomberg against left-handers as well as right-handers. He could give the Yankees a lot of that old-time crash. Nettles was frustrating to the Yankees in 1973. He didn't hit or field as well as they thought he would. Hegan is an outstanding defensive first baseman but not much of a hitter. Michael does the job at short, but he's getting old. Hart is a hitter only. Sanchez is a handy sub.
Performance Quotient: 4
OUTFIELD: Murcer is a first-class outfielder and guy, who only wishes people would stop comparing him with Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle. He wore himself out trying to carry the club in its time of troubles last August. Piniella had a .312-11-72 performance with Kansas City in 1972 and is the type of guy who could rise to the occasion in New York. White has shortcomings in the field but he's a better hitter than last season's numbers indicate.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Fred Down, Major League Baseball 1974
1974 Yankees Depth Chart
C Thurman Munson/Duke Sims/Jerry Moses
1B Ron Blomberg/Mike Hegan
2B Horace Clarke/Celerino Sanchez
3B Graig Nettles/Celerino Sanchez
SS Gene Michael/Celerino Sanchez
LF Roy White
CF Bobby Murcer
RF Lou Piniella
PITCHERS:
Mel Stottlemyre
George Medich
Fritz Peterson
Steve Kline
Pat Dobson
Sparky Lyle
Ken Wright
Sam McDowell
Fred Beene
Wayne Granger
-Fred Down, Major League Baseball 1974
HITTING
"No more Yankee Stadium for two years, no more lineups with eight left-handed hitters. But while the transition may be difficult for a little while, in the long run it may help this club, which badly overstocked itself with similar types.
There is a solid core of players who can hit - Bobby Murcer and Thurman Munson. But that is about it. If Horace Clarke should really play again, he can lead off pretty well, but Roy White is aging, Graig Nettles was a big disappointment and otherwise there are retread veterans (Lou Piniella, Duke Sims, Jim Ray Hart) or unproven kids (Ron Blomberg, Otto Velez). The fact that they are out of Yankee Stadium and will see fewer lefties will help Blomberg. This club scored the third fewest runs in the league last year - and it may get worse."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
PITCHING
"At one time last year, they thought they had the best staff in the league. It fell apart but there is still a fairly good group of pitchers available. The key is right-hander Steve Kline, who must bounce back from elbow problems. Mel Stottlemyre is getting older, but he's still effective. George Medich, with many teams, would be expecting to win 20.
Fritz Peterson is all right occasionally. Pat Dobson, Sam McDowell and Fred Beene can help in spots. Certainly, Sparky Lyle is better than he showed the second half of the season, and he may get help from Ken Wright, who can throw very hard but has never learned exactly where. They had the third-best earned run average in the league last year and had to do so with the nine stooges playing behind them."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
FIELDING
"For nine years they've seen Horace Clarke turn sure double play one-hoppers into single outs. And he is still there. Oh, dear. Munson gives them solid defense behind the plate, either Gene Michael or Jim Mason is adequate at short and so is Nettles at third, but otherwise this is a poor defensive club. Murcer is no center fielder, White throws the way Orlando Cepeda runs. And Horace? Maybe Fred Stanley, now on his fourth club, will replace him."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
OUTLOOK
"On the afternoon of July 3, 1973, everyone in New York was comparing them to the '27 Yankees. The team finished 80-82, and it is questionable that new manager Bill Virdon can accomplish any more than Ralph Houk did last season. The club might even sink below Milwaukee and Cleveland."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
"Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?
For that matter, you could ask the same of Ralph Houk, Lee MacPhail and Mike Burke. Ah, the Yankees have changed. Why, they don't even play at Yankee Stadium. (And a Pirate, Bill Virdon, is manager).
Yes, due to remodeling, the House that Ruth Built has been closed for two years. The Yankees will play home games until 1976 in Shea Stadium, home of the rival Mets.
Last year, in an attempt to win the American League pennant during the 50th anniversary of Yankee Stadium, New York stocked its roster with left-handed hitters. It was only 296 feet down the right-field line at the Stadium, you'll recall.
However, it's 341 feet in Shea, a park that's symmetrical and doesn't favor right of left-handed hitters. In short, the Yankees are going to have to change their game plan.
With that in mind, the Yankees obtained Lou Piniella (.250, 9 homers, 69 RBIs) from Kansas City. If he isn't the designated hitter, he'll be in left field, with Roy White (.246, 18 homers, 60 RBIs and a team-leading 15 stolen bases) moving to right. Bobby Murcer (22 homers and 95 RBIs), one of the club's two stars, will return to center. It's likely Otto Velez (.269, 29 homers, 98 RBIs at Syracuse) will stick as a reserve or as the right fielder.
The New York infield remains unchanged. Ron Blomberg, who hit .329 with 12 homers and 57 RBIs in 100 games against right-handed pitchers, returns to first base with a vow that he'll hit southpaws, too. Horace Clarke (.262) is at second and Gene Michael (.225) at shortstop. Graig Nettles (.234, 22 homers, 81 RBIs) returns at third.
The Yanks' second infield has Mike Hegan (.243) at first, Billy Parker (.225 in 38 games at California) at second, Jim Mason (.206 at Texas) at shortstop and Celerino Sanchez (.219) at third. Jim Ray Hart (.254, 13 homers, 52 RBIs) is the DH.
In Thurman Munson (.301, 22 homers, 74 RBIs), New York has one of the best catchers in the league and the team's other acknowledged star. Jerry Moses (.254) is a capable replacement on defense and Duke Sims (.245) can pinch-hit.
For the Yankees to recapture some of that past glory in their new home, their pitching staff will have to improve. Where have you gone, Whitey Ford? Well, welcome back, coach. Maybe you've got the magic.
Mel Stottlemyre (16-16, 3.07, 19 complete games) continues to be the staff's ace. Rookie right-hander George Medich (14-9, 2.95 and 11 complete games) was excellent during his year of interning- he's studying to become a doctor. But Steve Kline slipped to 4-7 with a 4.01 ERA due to a sore arm and shoulder. Fritz Peterson was 8-15 with a 3.95 ERA and Sam McDowell (5-9) and Pat Dobson (9-8) didn't offer that much help after being obtained in trades.
Sparky Lyle had a 5-9 record with 27 saves and a 2.51 ERA in 51 games and you have to wonder if he can perform that often again, or if he'll need a season to rest his left arm. Otherwise, in the bullpen there is Fred Beene who was 6-0 with a 1.68 ERA in 19 games; Dave Pagan, 0-2 in four games; Wayne Granger, 0-1 in seven games with a 1.76 ERA; and Ken Wright, 6-5 at Kansas City.
It could be an embarrassing season for the Yankees. Unless they recover to challenge for another pennant, the Mets will lure many more fans into Shea."
-Bob Fowler, Popular Sports 1974 Baseball
"Last July 2, the Yankees were four games ahead of the Orioles and 12 games over .500 at 45-33. The Red Sox, however, started the Yankees moving in the opposite direction by taking four-of-five and [the Yankees finishing] 17 games in arrears of the Orioles.
A leaky infield weakened the Yankees, who were in the market for help either at second or shortstop. They came away from the meetings with a .200-hitting infielder in Jim Mason, purchased from the Texas Rangers, but the Yankees made a solid deal in trading Lindy McDaniel to the Royals for outfielder Lou Piniella and pitcher Ken Wright.
Piniella will battle for a spot in right field or as a berth as the designated hitter with Jim Ray Hart. The addition of Wright could help the pitching staff that includes such vets as Mel Stottlemyre and Fritz Peterson and youngsters Steve Kline and George (Doc) Medich and bullpenner Sparky Lyle.
Bobby Murcer and Ron Blomberg are still young enough to afford a foundation to build on but the farm system, once the fountainhead of those gone-by dynasties, just hasn't produced. The free agent draft broke up the Yankees. It's doubtful whether Bill Virdon can pick up the pieces as the new skipper."
-Joe O'Day, Sports Quarterly Presents Baseball, Spring 1974
HAVE YANKS LEFT THEIR BRONX STADIUM FOR GOOD?
"There will be a new breed of beast riding New York's Queens-bound subways this summer or crawling bumper-to-bumper in the clogged traffic snarl for which New York City's Long Island Expressway is famous. The new breed is characterized by people who cheer themselves hoarse over names like Murcer, and Munson, and Blomberg.
They are, of course, Yankee fans. And this year and next, at least, Yankee fans will be sitting in unfamiliar surroundings watching their favorite ball team at work. While Yankee Stadium is undergoing a major overhaul for two years, the erstwhile Bronx Bombers will be tenants of the New York Mets at Shea Stadium.
Yankee partisans will be treated to some familiar sights while watching their favorites at Shea. Behind deepest centerfield at Yankee Stadium rises the Bronx's 161st Street and River Avenue elevated subway platform. Behind Shea's centerfield, the sign on the elevated platform reads Willets Point Station.
But, unlike Yankee Stadium, there's no short right-field porch for left-handed pull hitters to take aim at. Nor are there monuments in the remote regions of centerfield with names like Ruth and Gehrig emblazoned across them.
Worst of all, to Yankee fans, there is the memory of a miserable 1973 campaign, coupled with the sight of the 1973 National League championship flag flying high above Shea. For much of last season the Yankees were the club all of New York was turned on to, but in the end there was only despair in the Bronx and jubilation in Queens as the Mets went all the way to the seventh game of the World Series before losing to the Oakland A's.
The World Series, up until a decade ago, used to be almost the exclusive property of the Yankees. In their proud history, the Yankees have captured more league championships, 29, and more world titles, 20, than any other club in baseball. Twenty-seven of those American League pennants and all 20 World Series triumphs came since the Yankees first became inhabitants of their own ballpark, 'The House That Ruth Built,' on April 18, 1923. The Yanks won the pennant in 1921 and 1922, the first two pennants in their record, but they lost to the New York Giants, their most hated rival- and Polo Grounds landlord- both of those years. Their first year in their own Stadium, 1923, the Yankees avenged themselves by beating the Giants in a six-game World Series.
Along with most of 50-year-old Yankee Stadium, the championship flags are in temporary limbo. The flags will fly again, but with the wreckers and demolition experts having completed their work, two questions linger about the future of Yankee Stadium. The questions are:
-Will the Yankees really return to the Stadium for the 1976 season as scheduled?
-Why?
The Yankee era of dominance over the rest of the baseball world is long gone. The team hasn't made it to the World Series since 1964 and won their last World Series in 1962. Even Yankee-haters never expected the drought to continue so long.
The inescapable fact remains, however, that things change, teams as well as stadiums. Perhaps it is time for the Yankees and Yankee Stadium to go their separate historical ways- one to a new home, the other under the wreckers' ball.
History dies hard. A Yankee official explained to this writer last fall the methods being proposed to reconstruct the aging stadium.
'The place will be ripped apart until only a shell remains. The result will be the ultimate in modern stadia. Spectator views will be unobstructed. Parking will be improved, and the entire neighborhood, which has been deteriorating badly, should be uplifted.'
It is obviously not easy for millions of people to accept the fact that Yankee Stadium may have no future, and may not deserve one. This is from someone who has lived in the Bronx almost of his life, and although never a true Yankee fan at any time, always appreciated the proximity of the ballpark and the ease in reaching it.
But the Yankee Stadium matter, as if anyone needed any more reminding, has illustrated how closely politicians and politics affect us in our every-day wandering and travels through life.
The cost to New York City for overhauling Yankee Stadium has become one of those issues pundits like to call 'a political football.' In this case, it might better be labeled a double-play grounder- flubbed with the bases loaded in the ninth inning.
When former New York Mayor John Lindsay announced last summer that his findings showed the cost of renovating the Yankee home would be in the neighborhood of $21,000,000, many people in the know suggested that the Mayor was in the wrong neighborhood.
Then Abe Beame was elected to succeed Lindsay as the boss of the City, and in late November the City Council approved budget appropriations that would hike the city's investment toward Stadium renovations near the $50,000 mark, with several speculators hinting that the eventual cost might soar still higher.
Matthew Troy, a Queens councilman and his county's Democratic leader, was chairman of the city's Finance Committee and fiercely opposed the added monies awarded by the city to the Stadium plan. But the members of Troy's committee rebuffed him and the City Council awarded the extra money by a vote of 27-9.
But the issue didn't drop there. Though he didn't proclaim it publicly, Troy allegedly told close friends that he felt the $21,000,000 figure originally announced by Lindsay for renovating Yankee Stadium had been understated purposefully. A long-time fervent critic of Lindsay, Troy reportedly felt the retiring mayor left to his successor the problem of the real amount to be spent in the Yankee Stadium refurbishing.
There is another point to be considered here, too. That is a purposed construction of a 75,000-seat football stadium and racetrack in the East Rutheford, New Jersey Meadowlands, 10 miles outside New York City. The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority experienced several delays last summer and fall in trying to float a multi-million bond issue to finance the stadium-racetrack complex. But shortly after being elected New Jersey's new governor last November, Democrat Brendan Byrne announced his support for a moral pledge of state credit for the interest in the sale of bonds.
The announcement came on the heels of a settlement involving the New York Football Giants and the Sports and Exposition Authority regarding modifications in the proposed contract between the two. The most significant change was the elimination of a clause that had given the Giants a veto over other proposed tenants and that would have restricted the authority's planned booking of major college and other sports attractions.
The settlement between the Giants and the complex ostensibly was made to free the authority to rent to other professional football teams for pre-season exhibitions and the New York-New Jersey franchise in the new World Football League.
No mention was made about the Yankees as possible tenants, but the possibility wasn't ruled out, either. So by 1976, with two full years to dicker and resolve all kinds of problems, the Yanks may well be taking their act to the New Jersey Meadowlands.
While most of Yankee Stadium was being torn up, representatives of the two companies charged with the assignment admitted they had some doubts about the rationale in tearing the structure apart. 'Sometimes when I come here,' said one worker for Invirex Demolition, Inc, 'I wonder why we don't just go all the way and knock the whole thing down.' L.L. (Jay) Schwall, president of Invirex, said he was 'sentimental' about participating in the destruction about what has become a national landmark. 'But,' he added, 'this is what our business is all about, getting rid of the old to make room for the new. It's progress.'
One representative from the Cuyahoga Wrecking Corporation perhaps summed it up best when he said, 'We can't let ourselves worry whether it's Yankee Stadium or whatever it is that's coming down. We have a job to do here, and that's to knock down the frame of the place.'
For several weeks, passers-by, people driving the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx, and straphangers in the subway cars coming in and out the 161st Street Station could spot Invirex and Cuyahoga doing their wrecking and demolishing with professional smoothness. Many articles were on general sale to the public- things like Stadium seats; signs that once hung over lockers, press rooms, restaurants and even restrooms, and signs that adorned the outfield fences. When Bob Fishel, Yankee public relations director and vice-president, was told this writer had purchased a recently-painted blue reserved third-base box seat, the publicity man said, 'Make sure you never sit in it. It's sacred.'
Like the Stadium itself, Fishel and other members of the Yankee staff underwent renovating during the off-season. Fishel, one of the most popular men in sports, received eye surgery but recovered satisfactorily to move into the temporary Yankee offices a few blocks from Shea Stadium in a building that was part of the 1964 World's Fair.
While the Charlie Finley-Dick Williams-Ralph Houk managerial snafu lingered on long beyond reason, the Yankees also lost their general manager, Lee MacPhail, to the American League presidency. Gabe Paul, who used to run the Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros and Cleveland Indians, is now the full-time front office boss of the New Yorkers. Bill Virdon wound up as the Yankee manager when the Finley sideshow ended and Williams was still unavailable.
The Yankees will be virtual strangers to a lot of New Yorkers this year, in their temporary home in Shea Stadium, and with a host of newcomers on hand to try to uplift the fortunes of the once-proud champions. They have fallen far since they laughed at the new club known as the Mets that came to town in 1962.
Until they leave Shea Stadium in 1976, either to return to Yankee Stadium or head for a permanent new residence, they will have to play second fiddle to the once-bumbling Mets, who won a championship they weren't' supposed to win in 1973, a year when the Yankees were rated as prime contenders in the American League pennant derby.
Maybe Mets' fans will turn out on nights the Yankees are hosting a junior-circuit rival at Shea to wave a few banners and yell a few words of encouragement."
-Larry Bortstein, Sports Quarterly Presents Baseball, Spring 1974
1974 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 Lou Piniella
DH Jim Ray Hart
UTILITY:
C Jerry Moses
C Duke Sims
1B Mike Hegan (OF)
2B Billy Parker (3B)
SS Jim Mason
OF Otto Velez
PITCHERS:
Mel Stottlemyre
Doc Medich
Fritz Peterson
Steve Kline
Pat Dobson
Sam McDowell
RELIEF PITCHERS:
Sparky Lyle
Wayne Granger
Fred Beene
Ken Wright
Now patient Lee MacPhail and ever-optimistic Ralph Houk are gone and the Yankees prepare to do battle again with essentially the same team that faded so badly in 1973. It seems like a contradiction, and yet the Yankees may well move up a notch in 1974 by standing still.
The Yankees and Tigers are in pretty much the same spot - veteran teams that were disappointed by the events of 1973. Neither has changed much and neither looks strong enough to challenge the Baltimore Orioles or beat out the Boston Red Sox. Having been brought up as a true believer in 'Yankee luck,' this fearless forecaster predicts a third-place finish for the Yankees and a fourth-place windup for the Tigers.
The Yankees are an odd sort of team for a patient builder like Lee MacPhail to have put together. They have two outstanding players in center fielder Bobby Murcer and catcher Thurman Munson, but they relied too heavily on these stars last season. They have glaring defensive weaknesses, especially in the infield. They have a steady pitching staff without a superstar in the starting foursome (Mel Stottlemyre hasn't been a 20-game winner since 1969) backed by one of the best relief pitchers in the game in Sparky Lyle. They have an offense that should have been better than it was in Yankee Stadium and will probably be more of a home run threat playing its 1974 home games at Shea Stadium.
Any consideration of the Yankees must start with Murcer and Munson. Murcer is an authentic superstar, clearly one of the four or five best players in the league. His .304-22-95 offensive contribution in '73 has become typical of his performance. He is a splendid outfielder and did his level best to carry the club when it started to fade in August. Munson became a take-charge guy in '73 and delivered .301-20-74 statistics.
Lyle belongs right up there with Murcer and Munson, although, of course, he can't be in the lineup every day. Sparky supplies Yankee fans with some of their most exciting moments as he strides to the mound in relief of pitchers in trouble. He, too, faltered in August and September, but his 32 saves and five victories ranked second as a fireman only to John Hiller of the Detroit Tigers.
The Yankees' starting rotation is expected to Stottlemyre (16-16 with a 3.07 ERA in '73), George Medich (14-9, 2.91), Fritz Peterson (8-15 and 3.95) and either Steve Kline (4-7, 4.01) or Pat Dobson (9-8, 4.24 with the Yankees). Sam McDowell (5-8, 3.95 with New York) is a long shot as a starter and little Fred Beene (6-0, 1.68) has limitations. Lyle is king of the bullpen, and he can expect help from Ken Wright and Wayne Granger.
Munson gives the Yankees class behind the plate and he is backed by Duke Sims, a capable receiver and a dangerous long ball hitter, and Jerry Moses.
The Yankee infield presents a problem. Second baseman Horace Clarke and third baseman Graig Nettles had poor seasons defensively in 1973 and Ron Blomberg is no gazelle at first base. Mike Hegan could be substituted for Blomberg but that would relegate the Boomer to the role of designated hitter, and he is already complaining that he doesn't play enough. Also, it would push Jim Ray Hart out of the picture as the Yankees' DH. This leaves only shortstop Gene Michael as 'set,' and it must be noted that his offensive contribution was only .225-3-47 in '73.
Roy White has his critics and isn't too proud of his .246-18-60 performance but he went into 1973 with a .274 lifetime batting average in the big leagues and deserves another chance. Lou Piniella, obtained from the Royals, made a .250-9-69 contribution in '73 and probably will wind up as the Yankees' regular right fielder.
You have to feel sorry for the Yankee management - past and present. The Yankees, built slowly and diligently after the Great Disaster of 1965, and were the most exciting team in New York for four and half months of the '73 season and had good reason to think they were going to win the Eastern title; then came the collapse. But worse was to follow: the Mets came on like gangbusters, won the Eastern title in the National League, topped the Cincinnati Reds in the playoffs and carried the Oakland A's to a seven-game World Series.
Now the Yankees have to put the pieces back together during two years in enemy territory while Yankee Stadium is being remodeled.
Good guys don't deserve that kind of grief.
PITCHING: How do you explain a class pitcher like Mel Stottlemyre having successive 15-13, 16-12, 14-18 and 16-16 records? He seemed at times last season to be pushing the ball; at other times he had the old zing. This staff needs a leader. Medich is a possibility but he really doesn't have the kind of speed usually associated with staff leaders. Peterson gets a lot out of his equipment and should improve on his 1973 performance now that his personal problems aren't so much in the spotlight.
Beene is one of the toughest little critters anybody ever saw and did yeoman service for the Yankees last season until he hurt his arm. Relief pitchers don't come any better than Lyle - even admitting that he folded during the last six weeks of the '73 season along with most of his teammates. It will be worth keeping an eye on Wright, who can overpower most hitters. Granger has pretty much toured the majors in the last few years; his experience can help if he's not too shopworn.
Kline has rather ordinary stuff but is a fighter. McDowell has disappointed too many managers too many times to expect too much from him. Dobson had a 20-8 record for the Orioles as recently as 1972; despite his '73 disappointment with Atlanta and his mediocre showing with the Yankees, he could snap back to his old form.
This is a professional staff but it seems somewhat leaderless. Who stops the losing streaks? Who pitches the big game when it's needed?
Performance Quotient: 3 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
CATCHING: Munson and Boston's Carlton Fisk are the two best in the league. Munson is a winning-type player and has driving ambition. Sims swings a rugged bat and is quick with a quip, too. He's the guy who correctly analyzed that the Indians were 'overmanaged and underfinanced' in 1970. He can also play the outfield and first base. Moses is a handy backup.
Performance Quotient: 1
INFIELD: This unit is the big question mark on this team. It looks like a matter of trial and error before the right combination is found. Clarke has been severely criticized, especially on defense, but who would be his replacement? It seems a shame that former manager Houk didn't play Blomberg against left-handers as well as right-handers. He could give the Yankees a lot of that old-time crash. Nettles was frustrating to the Yankees in 1973. He didn't hit or field as well as they thought he would. Hegan is an outstanding defensive first baseman but not much of a hitter. Michael does the job at short, but he's getting old. Hart is a hitter only. Sanchez is a handy sub.
Performance Quotient: 4
OUTFIELD: Murcer is a first-class outfielder and guy, who only wishes people would stop comparing him with Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle. He wore himself out trying to carry the club in its time of troubles last August. Piniella had a .312-11-72 performance with Kansas City in 1972 and is the type of guy who could rise to the occasion in New York. White has shortcomings in the field but he's a better hitter than last season's numbers indicate.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Fred Down, Major League Baseball 1974
1974 Yankees Depth Chart
C Thurman Munson/Duke Sims/Jerry Moses
1B Ron Blomberg/Mike Hegan
2B Horace Clarke/Celerino Sanchez
3B Graig Nettles/Celerino Sanchez
SS Gene Michael/Celerino Sanchez
LF Roy White
CF Bobby Murcer
RF Lou Piniella
PITCHERS:
Mel Stottlemyre
George Medich
Fritz Peterson
Steve Kline
Pat Dobson
Sparky Lyle
Ken Wright
Sam McDowell
Fred Beene
Wayne Granger
-Fred Down, Major League Baseball 1974
HITTING
"No more Yankee Stadium for two years, no more lineups with eight left-handed hitters. But while the transition may be difficult for a little while, in the long run it may help this club, which badly overstocked itself with similar types.
There is a solid core of players who can hit - Bobby Murcer and Thurman Munson. But that is about it. If Horace Clarke should really play again, he can lead off pretty well, but Roy White is aging, Graig Nettles was a big disappointment and otherwise there are retread veterans (Lou Piniella, Duke Sims, Jim Ray Hart) or unproven kids (Ron Blomberg, Otto Velez). The fact that they are out of Yankee Stadium and will see fewer lefties will help Blomberg. This club scored the third fewest runs in the league last year - and it may get worse."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
PITCHING
"At one time last year, they thought they had the best staff in the league. It fell apart but there is still a fairly good group of pitchers available. The key is right-hander Steve Kline, who must bounce back from elbow problems. Mel Stottlemyre is getting older, but he's still effective. George Medich, with many teams, would be expecting to win 20.
Fritz Peterson is all right occasionally. Pat Dobson, Sam McDowell and Fred Beene can help in spots. Certainly, Sparky Lyle is better than he showed the second half of the season, and he may get help from Ken Wright, who can throw very hard but has never learned exactly where. They had the third-best earned run average in the league last year and had to do so with the nine stooges playing behind them."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
FIELDING
"For nine years they've seen Horace Clarke turn sure double play one-hoppers into single outs. And he is still there. Oh, dear. Munson gives them solid defense behind the plate, either Gene Michael or Jim Mason is adequate at short and so is Nettles at third, but otherwise this is a poor defensive club. Murcer is no center fielder, White throws the way Orlando Cepeda runs. And Horace? Maybe Fred Stanley, now on his fourth club, will replace him."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
OUTLOOK
"On the afternoon of July 3, 1973, everyone in New York was comparing them to the '27 Yankees. The team finished 80-82, and it is questionable that new manager Bill Virdon can accomplish any more than Ralph Houk did last season. The club might even sink below Milwaukee and Cleveland."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
"Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?
For that matter, you could ask the same of Ralph Houk, Lee MacPhail and Mike Burke. Ah, the Yankees have changed. Why, they don't even play at Yankee Stadium. (And a Pirate, Bill Virdon, is manager).
Yes, due to remodeling, the House that Ruth Built has been closed for two years. The Yankees will play home games until 1976 in Shea Stadium, home of the rival Mets.
Last year, in an attempt to win the American League pennant during the 50th anniversary of Yankee Stadium, New York stocked its roster with left-handed hitters. It was only 296 feet down the right-field line at the Stadium, you'll recall.
However, it's 341 feet in Shea, a park that's symmetrical and doesn't favor right of left-handed hitters. In short, the Yankees are going to have to change their game plan.
With that in mind, the Yankees obtained Lou Piniella (.250, 9 homers, 69 RBIs) from Kansas City. If he isn't the designated hitter, he'll be in left field, with Roy White (.246, 18 homers, 60 RBIs and a team-leading 15 stolen bases) moving to right. Bobby Murcer (22 homers and 95 RBIs), one of the club's two stars, will return to center. It's likely Otto Velez (.269, 29 homers, 98 RBIs at Syracuse) will stick as a reserve or as the right fielder.
The New York infield remains unchanged. Ron Blomberg, who hit .329 with 12 homers and 57 RBIs in 100 games against right-handed pitchers, returns to first base with a vow that he'll hit southpaws, too. Horace Clarke (.262) is at second and Gene Michael (.225) at shortstop. Graig Nettles (.234, 22 homers, 81 RBIs) returns at third.
The Yanks' second infield has Mike Hegan (.243) at first, Billy Parker (.225 in 38 games at California) at second, Jim Mason (.206 at Texas) at shortstop and Celerino Sanchez (.219) at third. Jim Ray Hart (.254, 13 homers, 52 RBIs) is the DH.
In Thurman Munson (.301, 22 homers, 74 RBIs), New York has one of the best catchers in the league and the team's other acknowledged star. Jerry Moses (.254) is a capable replacement on defense and Duke Sims (.245) can pinch-hit.
For the Yankees to recapture some of that past glory in their new home, their pitching staff will have to improve. Where have you gone, Whitey Ford? Well, welcome back, coach. Maybe you've got the magic.
Mel Stottlemyre (16-16, 3.07, 19 complete games) continues to be the staff's ace. Rookie right-hander George Medich (14-9, 2.95 and 11 complete games) was excellent during his year of interning- he's studying to become a doctor. But Steve Kline slipped to 4-7 with a 4.01 ERA due to a sore arm and shoulder. Fritz Peterson was 8-15 with a 3.95 ERA and Sam McDowell (5-9) and Pat Dobson (9-8) didn't offer that much help after being obtained in trades.
Sparky Lyle had a 5-9 record with 27 saves and a 2.51 ERA in 51 games and you have to wonder if he can perform that often again, or if he'll need a season to rest his left arm. Otherwise, in the bullpen there is Fred Beene who was 6-0 with a 1.68 ERA in 19 games; Dave Pagan, 0-2 in four games; Wayne Granger, 0-1 in seven games with a 1.76 ERA; and Ken Wright, 6-5 at Kansas City.
It could be an embarrassing season for the Yankees. Unless they recover to challenge for another pennant, the Mets will lure many more fans into Shea."
-Bob Fowler, Popular Sports 1974 Baseball
"Last July 2, the Yankees were four games ahead of the Orioles and 12 games over .500 at 45-33. The Red Sox, however, started the Yankees moving in the opposite direction by taking four-of-five and [the Yankees finishing] 17 games in arrears of the Orioles.
A leaky infield weakened the Yankees, who were in the market for help either at second or shortstop. They came away from the meetings with a .200-hitting infielder in Jim Mason, purchased from the Texas Rangers, but the Yankees made a solid deal in trading Lindy McDaniel to the Royals for outfielder Lou Piniella and pitcher Ken Wright.
Piniella will battle for a spot in right field or as a berth as the designated hitter with Jim Ray Hart. The addition of Wright could help the pitching staff that includes such vets as Mel Stottlemyre and Fritz Peterson and youngsters Steve Kline and George (Doc) Medich and bullpenner Sparky Lyle.
Bobby Murcer and Ron Blomberg are still young enough to afford a foundation to build on but the farm system, once the fountainhead of those gone-by dynasties, just hasn't produced. The free agent draft broke up the Yankees. It's doubtful whether Bill Virdon can pick up the pieces as the new skipper."
-Joe O'Day, Sports Quarterly Presents Baseball, Spring 1974
HAVE YANKS LEFT THEIR BRONX STADIUM FOR GOOD?
"There will be a new breed of beast riding New York's Queens-bound subways this summer or crawling bumper-to-bumper in the clogged traffic snarl for which New York City's Long Island Expressway is famous. The new breed is characterized by people who cheer themselves hoarse over names like Murcer, and Munson, and Blomberg.
They are, of course, Yankee fans. And this year and next, at least, Yankee fans will be sitting in unfamiliar surroundings watching their favorite ball team at work. While Yankee Stadium is undergoing a major overhaul for two years, the erstwhile Bronx Bombers will be tenants of the New York Mets at Shea Stadium.
Yankee partisans will be treated to some familiar sights while watching their favorites at Shea. Behind deepest centerfield at Yankee Stadium rises the Bronx's 161st Street and River Avenue elevated subway platform. Behind Shea's centerfield, the sign on the elevated platform reads Willets Point Station.
But, unlike Yankee Stadium, there's no short right-field porch for left-handed pull hitters to take aim at. Nor are there monuments in the remote regions of centerfield with names like Ruth and Gehrig emblazoned across them.
Worst of all, to Yankee fans, there is the memory of a miserable 1973 campaign, coupled with the sight of the 1973 National League championship flag flying high above Shea. For much of last season the Yankees were the club all of New York was turned on to, but in the end there was only despair in the Bronx and jubilation in Queens as the Mets went all the way to the seventh game of the World Series before losing to the Oakland A's.
The World Series, up until a decade ago, used to be almost the exclusive property of the Yankees. In their proud history, the Yankees have captured more league championships, 29, and more world titles, 20, than any other club in baseball. Twenty-seven of those American League pennants and all 20 World Series triumphs came since the Yankees first became inhabitants of their own ballpark, 'The House That Ruth Built,' on April 18, 1923. The Yanks won the pennant in 1921 and 1922, the first two pennants in their record, but they lost to the New York Giants, their most hated rival- and Polo Grounds landlord- both of those years. Their first year in their own Stadium, 1923, the Yankees avenged themselves by beating the Giants in a six-game World Series.
Along with most of 50-year-old Yankee Stadium, the championship flags are in temporary limbo. The flags will fly again, but with the wreckers and demolition experts having completed their work, two questions linger about the future of Yankee Stadium. The questions are:
-Will the Yankees really return to the Stadium for the 1976 season as scheduled?
-Why?
The Yankee era of dominance over the rest of the baseball world is long gone. The team hasn't made it to the World Series since 1964 and won their last World Series in 1962. Even Yankee-haters never expected the drought to continue so long.
The inescapable fact remains, however, that things change, teams as well as stadiums. Perhaps it is time for the Yankees and Yankee Stadium to go their separate historical ways- one to a new home, the other under the wreckers' ball.
History dies hard. A Yankee official explained to this writer last fall the methods being proposed to reconstruct the aging stadium.
'The place will be ripped apart until only a shell remains. The result will be the ultimate in modern stadia. Spectator views will be unobstructed. Parking will be improved, and the entire neighborhood, which has been deteriorating badly, should be uplifted.'
It is obviously not easy for millions of people to accept the fact that Yankee Stadium may have no future, and may not deserve one. This is from someone who has lived in the Bronx almost of his life, and although never a true Yankee fan at any time, always appreciated the proximity of the ballpark and the ease in reaching it.
But the Yankee Stadium matter, as if anyone needed any more reminding, has illustrated how closely politicians and politics affect us in our every-day wandering and travels through life.
The cost to New York City for overhauling Yankee Stadium has become one of those issues pundits like to call 'a political football.' In this case, it might better be labeled a double-play grounder- flubbed with the bases loaded in the ninth inning.
When former New York Mayor John Lindsay announced last summer that his findings showed the cost of renovating the Yankee home would be in the neighborhood of $21,000,000, many people in the know suggested that the Mayor was in the wrong neighborhood.
Then Abe Beame was elected to succeed Lindsay as the boss of the City, and in late November the City Council approved budget appropriations that would hike the city's investment toward Stadium renovations near the $50,000 mark, with several speculators hinting that the eventual cost might soar still higher.
Matthew Troy, a Queens councilman and his county's Democratic leader, was chairman of the city's Finance Committee and fiercely opposed the added monies awarded by the city to the Stadium plan. But the members of Troy's committee rebuffed him and the City Council awarded the extra money by a vote of 27-9.
But the issue didn't drop there. Though he didn't proclaim it publicly, Troy allegedly told close friends that he felt the $21,000,000 figure originally announced by Lindsay for renovating Yankee Stadium had been understated purposefully. A long-time fervent critic of Lindsay, Troy reportedly felt the retiring mayor left to his successor the problem of the real amount to be spent in the Yankee Stadium refurbishing.
There is another point to be considered here, too. That is a purposed construction of a 75,000-seat football stadium and racetrack in the East Rutheford, New Jersey Meadowlands, 10 miles outside New York City. The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority experienced several delays last summer and fall in trying to float a multi-million bond issue to finance the stadium-racetrack complex. But shortly after being elected New Jersey's new governor last November, Democrat Brendan Byrne announced his support for a moral pledge of state credit for the interest in the sale of bonds.
The announcement came on the heels of a settlement involving the New York Football Giants and the Sports and Exposition Authority regarding modifications in the proposed contract between the two. The most significant change was the elimination of a clause that had given the Giants a veto over other proposed tenants and that would have restricted the authority's planned booking of major college and other sports attractions.
The settlement between the Giants and the complex ostensibly was made to free the authority to rent to other professional football teams for pre-season exhibitions and the New York-New Jersey franchise in the new World Football League.
No mention was made about the Yankees as possible tenants, but the possibility wasn't ruled out, either. So by 1976, with two full years to dicker and resolve all kinds of problems, the Yanks may well be taking their act to the New Jersey Meadowlands.
While most of Yankee Stadium was being torn up, representatives of the two companies charged with the assignment admitted they had some doubts about the rationale in tearing the structure apart. 'Sometimes when I come here,' said one worker for Invirex Demolition, Inc, 'I wonder why we don't just go all the way and knock the whole thing down.' L.L. (Jay) Schwall, president of Invirex, said he was 'sentimental' about participating in the destruction about what has become a national landmark. 'But,' he added, 'this is what our business is all about, getting rid of the old to make room for the new. It's progress.'
One representative from the Cuyahoga Wrecking Corporation perhaps summed it up best when he said, 'We can't let ourselves worry whether it's Yankee Stadium or whatever it is that's coming down. We have a job to do here, and that's to knock down the frame of the place.'
For several weeks, passers-by, people driving the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx, and straphangers in the subway cars coming in and out the 161st Street Station could spot Invirex and Cuyahoga doing their wrecking and demolishing with professional smoothness. Many articles were on general sale to the public- things like Stadium seats; signs that once hung over lockers, press rooms, restaurants and even restrooms, and signs that adorned the outfield fences. When Bob Fishel, Yankee public relations director and vice-president, was told this writer had purchased a recently-painted blue reserved third-base box seat, the publicity man said, 'Make sure you never sit in it. It's sacred.'
Like the Stadium itself, Fishel and other members of the Yankee staff underwent renovating during the off-season. Fishel, one of the most popular men in sports, received eye surgery but recovered satisfactorily to move into the temporary Yankee offices a few blocks from Shea Stadium in a building that was part of the 1964 World's Fair.
While the Charlie Finley-Dick Williams-Ralph Houk managerial snafu lingered on long beyond reason, the Yankees also lost their general manager, Lee MacPhail, to the American League presidency. Gabe Paul, who used to run the Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros and Cleveland Indians, is now the full-time front office boss of the New Yorkers. Bill Virdon wound up as the Yankee manager when the Finley sideshow ended and Williams was still unavailable.
The Yankees will be virtual strangers to a lot of New Yorkers this year, in their temporary home in Shea Stadium, and with a host of newcomers on hand to try to uplift the fortunes of the once-proud champions. They have fallen far since they laughed at the new club known as the Mets that came to town in 1962.
Until they leave Shea Stadium in 1976, either to return to Yankee Stadium or head for a permanent new residence, they will have to play second fiddle to the once-bumbling Mets, who won a championship they weren't' supposed to win in 1973, a year when the Yankees were rated as prime contenders in the American League pennant derby.
Maybe Mets' fans will turn out on nights the Yankees are hosting a junior-circuit rival at Shea to wave a few banners and yell a few words of encouragement."
-Larry Bortstein, Sports Quarterly Presents Baseball, Spring 1974
1974 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 Lou Piniella
DH Jim Ray Hart
UTILITY:
C Jerry Moses
C Duke Sims
1B Mike Hegan (OF)
2B Billy Parker (3B)
SS Jim Mason
OF Otto Velez
PITCHERS:
Mel Stottlemyre
Doc Medich
Fritz Peterson
Steve Kline
Pat Dobson
Sam McDowell
RELIEF PITCHERS:
Sparky Lyle
Wayne Granger
Fred Beene
Ken Wright
Monday, July 21, 2014
1974 New York Yankees Spring Training Roster
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Manager - Bill Virdon 21
No. Coaches
16 Whitey Ford
32 Elston Howard
34 Dick Howser
31 Mel Wright
No. Pitchers
47 Fred Beene (S-R)
29 Tom Buskey (R-R)
36 Pat Dobson (R-R)
45 Larry Gowell (R-R)
39 Wayne Granger (R-R)
49 Roger Hambright (R-R)
38 Steve Kline (R-R)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
48 Sam McDowell (L-L)
33 Doc Medich (R-R)
53 Dave Pagan (R-R)
40 Lowell Palmer (R-R)
54 Mike Pazik (L-L)
19 Fritz Peterson (S-L)
30 Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
42 Ken Wright (R-R)
No. Catchers
46 Rick Dempsey (R-R)
23 Jerry Moses (R-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
41 Duke Sims (L-R)
No. Infielders
26 Juan Bernhardt (R-R)
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R)
20 Horace Clarke (S-R)
43 Jim Ray Hart (R-R)
18 Mike Hegan (L-L)
22 Jim Mason (L-R)
17 Gene Michael (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
2 Billy Parker (R-R)
10 Celerino Sanchez (R-R)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R)
44 Bill Sudakis (S-R)
52 George Zeber (S-R)
No. Outfielders
55 Ken Bennett (L-L)
27 Rick Bladt (R-R)
1 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
24 Otto Velez (R-R)
6 Roy White (S-R)
51 Terry Whitfield (L-R)
Trainer - Gene Monahan
1974 YANKEES SPRING TRAINING TEAM PHOTO
Fred Beene
Ken Bennett
Juan Bernhardt
Rick Bladt
Ron Blomberg
Tom Buskey
Bobby Cox (minor league manager)
Rick Dempsey
Pat Dobson
Doc Edwards (minor league manager)
Whitey Ford (coach)
Sheldon Gill (non-roster player)
Larry Gowell
Wayne Granger
Roger Hambright
Jim Ray Hart
Gene Hassell (minor league manager)
Mike Heath (non-roster player)
Mike Hegan
Ray Herbst (batboy)
Elston Howard (coach)
Dick Howser (coach)
Jerry Kenney (non-roster player)
Steve Kline
Mickey Mantle (special instructor)
Tippy Martinez (non-roster player)
Jim Mason
Scott McGregor (non-roster player)
George Medich
Gene Michael
Gene Monahan (trainer)
Jerry Moses
Thurman Munson
Bobby Murcer
Graig Nettles
Joe Pactwa (non-roster player)
Dave Pagan
Lowell Palmer
Billy Parker
Mike Pazik
Fritz Peterson
Lou Piniella
Bob Polinsky (non-roster player)
Ed Ricks (non-roster player)
Herman Schneider (trainer)
Duke Sims
Fred Stanley
Bill Stearns (non-roster player)
Mel Stottlemyre
Bill Sudakis
Otto Velez
Bill Virdon (manager)
Pete Ward (minor league manager)
Roy White
Terry Whitfield
Ken Wright
Mel Wright (coach)
George Zeber
absent: Horace Clarke, Sparky Lyle, Sam McDowell, Celerino Sanchez
Manager - Bill Virdon 21
No. Coaches
16 Whitey Ford
32 Elston Howard
34 Dick Howser
31 Mel Wright
No. Pitchers
47 Fred Beene (S-R)
29 Tom Buskey (R-R)
36 Pat Dobson (R-R)
45 Larry Gowell (R-R)
39 Wayne Granger (R-R)
49 Roger Hambright (R-R)
38 Steve Kline (R-R)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
48 Sam McDowell (L-L)
33 Doc Medich (R-R)
53 Dave Pagan (R-R)
40 Lowell Palmer (R-R)
54 Mike Pazik (L-L)
19 Fritz Peterson (S-L)
30 Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
42 Ken Wright (R-R)
No. Catchers
46 Rick Dempsey (R-R)
23 Jerry Moses (R-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
41 Duke Sims (L-R)
No. Infielders
26 Juan Bernhardt (R-R)
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R)
20 Horace Clarke (S-R)
43 Jim Ray Hart (R-R)
18 Mike Hegan (L-L)
22 Jim Mason (L-R)
17 Gene Michael (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
2 Billy Parker (R-R)
10 Celerino Sanchez (R-R)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R)
44 Bill Sudakis (S-R)
52 George Zeber (S-R)
No. Outfielders
55 Ken Bennett (L-L)
27 Rick Bladt (R-R)
1 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
24 Otto Velez (R-R)
6 Roy White (S-R)
51 Terry Whitfield (L-R)
Trainer - Gene Monahan
1974 YANKEES SPRING TRAINING TEAM PHOTO
Fred Beene
Ken Bennett
Juan Bernhardt
Rick Bladt
Ron Blomberg
Tom Buskey
Bobby Cox (minor league manager)
Rick Dempsey
Pat Dobson
Doc Edwards (minor league manager)
Whitey Ford (coach)
Sheldon Gill (non-roster player)
Larry Gowell
Wayne Granger
Roger Hambright
Jim Ray Hart
Gene Hassell (minor league manager)
Mike Heath (non-roster player)
Mike Hegan
Ray Herbst (batboy)
Elston Howard (coach)
Dick Howser (coach)
Jerry Kenney (non-roster player)
Steve Kline
Mickey Mantle (special instructor)
Tippy Martinez (non-roster player)
Jim Mason
Scott McGregor (non-roster player)
George Medich
Gene Michael
Gene Monahan (trainer)
Jerry Moses
Thurman Munson
Bobby Murcer
Graig Nettles
Joe Pactwa (non-roster player)
Dave Pagan
Lowell Palmer
Billy Parker
Mike Pazik
Fritz Peterson
Lou Piniella
Bob Polinsky (non-roster player)
Ed Ricks (non-roster player)
Herman Schneider (trainer)
Duke Sims
Fred Stanley
Bill Stearns (non-roster player)
Mel Stottlemyre
Bill Sudakis
Otto Velez
Bill Virdon (manager)
Pete Ward (minor league manager)
Roy White
Terry Whitfield
Ken Wright
Mel Wright (coach)
George Zeber
absent: Horace Clarke, Sparky Lyle, Sam McDowell, Celerino Sanchez
Sunday, July 20, 2014
1973 New York Mammoths Postseason Roster
Manager - Dutch Schnell 35
No. Coaches
31 Egg Barnard
44 Joe Jaros
36 Mike Mulrooney
33 Clint Strapp
32 Red Traphagen
No. Pitchers
38 Porter Biggs (R-R)
42 Lindon Burke (R-R)
28 Horse Byrd (R-R)
29 Frankie Caselli (S-R)
40 Keith Crane (R-L)
17 Herb Macy (R-R)
39 Jack Sterling (R-R)
18 Jim Van Gundy (L-L)
30 Henry Wiggen (L-L)
43 Gil Willowbrook (R-R)
No. Catchers
41 Jonah Brooks (L-R)
15 Bruce Pearson (R-R) *
23 Goose Williams (R-R)
13 Piney Woods (R-R)
No. Infielders
12 Sid Goldman (L-L)
27 George Gonzalez (R-R)
19 Ugly Jones (L-R)
11 Coker Roguski (S-R)
20 Perry Simpson (R-R)
10 Willis Tyler (R-R)
22 Wash Washburn (S-R)
No. Outfielders
2 Pasquale Carucci (L-R)
6 Vinny Carucci (L-R)
14 Frank Longabucco (R-R)
9 Reed McGonigle (L-R)
1 Canada Smith (R-R)
* not on active roster
Batting Practice Pitcher - Billy Brooks 50
Trainer - Scooter Corrigan
No. Coaches
31 Egg Barnard
44 Joe Jaros
36 Mike Mulrooney
33 Clint Strapp
32 Red Traphagen
No. Pitchers
38 Porter Biggs (R-R)
42 Lindon Burke (R-R)
28 Horse Byrd (R-R)
29 Frankie Caselli (S-R)
40 Keith Crane (R-L)
17 Herb Macy (R-R)
39 Jack Sterling (R-R)
18 Jim Van Gundy (L-L)
30 Henry Wiggen (L-L)
43 Gil Willowbrook (R-R)
No. Catchers
41 Jonah Brooks (L-R)
15 Bruce Pearson (R-R) *
23 Goose Williams (R-R)
13 Piney Woods (R-R)
No. Infielders
12 Sid Goldman (L-L)
27 George Gonzalez (R-R)
19 Ugly Jones (L-R)
11 Coker Roguski (S-R)
20 Perry Simpson (R-R)
10 Willis Tyler (R-R)
22 Wash Washburn (S-R)
No. Outfielders
2 Pasquale Carucci (L-R)
6 Vinny Carucci (L-R)
14 Frank Longabucco (R-R)
9 Reed McGonigle (L-R)
1 Canada Smith (R-R)
* not on active roster
Batting Practice Pitcher - Billy Brooks 50
Trainer - Scooter Corrigan
1973 New York Yankees September 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 Tom Buskey (R-R)
36 Pat Dobson (R-R)
39 Wayne Granger (R-R)
38 Steve Kline (R-R) *
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
40 Lindy McDaniel (R-R)
48 Sam McDowell (L-L)
42 Doc Medich (R-R)
19 Fritz Peterson (S-L)
30 Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
No. Catchers
46 Rick Dempsey (R-R)
23 Jerry Moses (R-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
50 Duke Sims (L-R)
No. Infielders
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R)
20 Horace Clarke (S-R)
43 Jim Ray Hart (R-R)
18 Mike Hegan (L-L)
22 Hal Lanier (R-R)
17 Gene Michael (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R)
No. Outfielders
1 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
10 Celerino Sanchez (R-R)
14 Ron Swoboda (R-R)
24 Otto Velez (R-R)
6 Roy White (S-R)
* not on active roster
Trainer - Gene Monahan
1973 YANKEES TEAM PHOTO
Felipe Alou
Matty Alou
Fred Beene
Ron Blomberg
Tom Buskey
Horace Clarke
Pat Dobson
Rob Franklin (traveling secretary)
Wayne Granger
Jim Ray Hart
Jim Hegan (coach)
Mike Hegan
Ralph Houk (manager)
Elston Howard (coach)
Dick Howser (coach)
Steve Kline
Hal Lanier
Sparky Lyle
Lindy McDaniel
Sam McDowell
George Medich
Kevin Melchior (batboy)
Gene Michael
Gene Monahan (trainer)
Jerry Moses
Thurman Munson
Bobby Murcer
Gerry Murphy (batboy)
Graig Nettles
Fritz Peterson
Celerino Sanchez
Pete Sheehy (equipment manager)
Fred Stanley
Mel Stottlemyre
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 Tom Buskey (R-R)
36 Pat Dobson (R-R)
39 Wayne Granger (R-R)
38 Steve Kline (R-R) *
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
40 Lindy McDaniel (R-R)
48 Sam McDowell (L-L)
42 Doc Medich (R-R)
19 Fritz Peterson (S-L)
30 Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
No. Catchers
46 Rick Dempsey (R-R)
23 Jerry Moses (R-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
50 Duke Sims (L-R)
No. Infielders
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R)
20 Horace Clarke (S-R)
43 Jim Ray Hart (R-R)
18 Mike Hegan (L-L)
22 Hal Lanier (R-R)
17 Gene Michael (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R)
No. Outfielders
1 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
10 Celerino Sanchez (R-R)
14 Ron Swoboda (R-R)
24 Otto Velez (R-R)
6 Roy White (S-R)
* not on active roster
Trainer - Gene Monahan
1973 YANKEES TEAM PHOTO
Felipe Alou
Matty Alou
Fred Beene
Ron Blomberg
Tom Buskey
Horace Clarke
Pat Dobson
Rob Franklin (traveling secretary)
Wayne Granger
Jim Ray Hart
Jim Hegan (coach)
Mike Hegan
Ralph Houk (manager)
Elston Howard (coach)
Dick Howser (coach)
Steve Kline
Hal Lanier
Sparky Lyle
Lindy McDaniel
Sam McDowell
George Medich
Kevin Melchior (batboy)
Gene Michael
Gene Monahan (trainer)
Jerry Moses
Thurman Munson
Bobby Murcer
Gerry Murphy (batboy)
Graig Nettles
Fritz Peterson
Celerino Sanchez
Pete Sheehy (equipment manager)
Fred Stanley
Mel Stottlemyre
Jim Turner (coach)
Roy White
1973 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)
36 Pat Dobson (R-R)
38 Steve Kline (R-R) *
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
40 Lindy McDaniel (R-R)
29 Sam McDowell (L-L)
42 Doc Medich (R-R)
50 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)
20 Horace Clarke (S-R)
43 Jim Ray Hart (R-R)
22 Hal Lanier (R-R)
17 Gene Michael (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
10 Celerino Sanchez (R-R)
No. Outfielders
2 Matty Alou (L-L)
25 Johnny Callison (L-R)
1 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Ron Swoboda (R-R)
6 Roy White (S-R)
* not on active roster
Trainer - Gene Monahan
No. Coaches
44 Jim Hegan
32 Elston Howard
34 Dick Howser
31 Jim Turner
No. Pitchers
47 Fred Beene (S-R)
36 Pat Dobson (R-R)
38 Steve Kline (R-R) *
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
40 Lindy McDaniel (R-R)
29 Sam McDowell (L-L)
42 Doc Medich (R-R)
50 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)
20 Horace Clarke (S-R)
43 Jim Ray Hart (R-R)
22 Hal Lanier (R-R)
17 Gene Michael (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
10 Celerino Sanchez (R-R)
No. Outfielders
2 Matty Alou (L-L)
25 Johnny Callison (L-R)
1 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Ron Swoboda (R-R)
6 Roy White (S-R)
* not on active roster
Trainer - Gene Monahan
1973 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 (S-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)
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)
20 Horace Clarke (S-R)
43 Jim Ray Hart (R-R)
22 Hal Lanier (R-R)
17 Gene Michael (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
10 Celerino Sanchez (R-R)
No. Outfielders
2 Matty Alou (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
No. Coaches
44 Jim Hegan
32 Elston Howard
34 Dick Howser
31 Jim Turner
No. Pitchers
47 Fred Beene (S-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)
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)
20 Horace Clarke (S-R)
43 Jim Ray Hart (R-R)
22 Hal Lanier (R-R)
17 Gene Michael (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
10 Celerino Sanchez (R-R)
No. Outfielders
2 Matty Alou (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
Saturday, July 19, 2014
1973 Syracuse Chiefs Program and Scorecard 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 and Promotions - Bruce Baker
Comptroller - Edward Mapstone
Secretary - Patty Annesi
Stadium Manager - John Russo
Ticket Manager - John Rutkowski
Board of Directors:
Chairman - Royal L. O'Day
President - Donald R. Waful
Vice-President - Frank E. Swanson
Vice-President - Clayton D. Andrews
Secretary - John C. Vanderwege
Treasurer - Anton F. Kreuzer
Assistant Treasurer - Richard D. Ryan
Philip Allen, Sr.
William Bolton
Dr. Arthur Colasanti
Glenn Dawley
Judge John Farnham
Thomas W. Higgins
Philip F. Hudson
Walter Iles, Jr.
Charles A. Lee
Harry Marley
John E. McAuliffe
Richard Planer
Peter Regitano
Stephen Rogers
George J. Schunck
Albert Wertheimer
Peter J. Winkelman
INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE TEAM AFFILIATIONS
Charleston Charlies (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Pawtucket Red Sox (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)
ADVERTISEMENTS
-Advance Cyclery
-Allegheny Air System: We have a lot more going for you.
-ARASERV: The People Pleasers
-Bill Rapp Pontiac and Imports: Our Great Lineup For '73: Pontiac, "America's #1 Road Car"; Jaguar, "Profile Of Performance"; Subaru, "Front Wheel Drive Tiger"; Marina, "Sired By Jaguar ... For Real!"; Land Rover, "Go Anywhere Anytime Car"; MG, "Incomparable Sports Machine"
-Bob Moore's Light Trucking: Dependable Service
-Ceo & Rutz Shoe Store
-Come Back Inn: A Toast To Another Great Season
-Duggan Construction Co. Inc.
-Dutch Dotterer's Salina Liquors: The Largest Small Store In Syracuse
-Edward Hommel & Sons Opticians
-Fay's Drugs
-Fotomat
-French's Mustard: Spread a little sunshine.
-Genuine Parts Company
-Gordon Electronics: Everything In Hi-Fi And Photographic
-Gordon's Suzuki: Sales, Service, Parts
-Heid's Stand: For Your Favorites
-Heritage Lincoln Mercury: Leading The Way With Sharp Pencil Deals
-Jacobs Office Equipment Co. Inc.: Champions
-Kentucky Fried Chicken: America loves what the Colonel cooks.
-Le Moyne Manor Wedding Receptions: We'd love to have you.
-Leo A. Kline Aluminum
-Liquor Square: The Giant Discounter
-Little Gem Diner
-Liverpool Sport Center
-Louisville Slugger: Bat Of The Champions
-McDonald's: Be Our Guest
-Metropolitan Bank: Free Checking Accounts
-Motel 7
-Nettleton Shoes: Set The Pace For '73
-Perry Office Supplies: The Biggest Clip Joint In Town
-Pepsi
-Pilgrim Franks: Good To The Last Bite
-Reynolds Ford: Your Little Profit Dealer
-S&M Electric Company
-Sears Tire and Auto Center: For Complete Car Care
-Sweet Adv. Corp.
-Syracuse Lumber Co.: Everything With Which To Build
-Ter-El Trophies
-The Copper Kettle
-Tino's Restaurant: For Pizza And Italian Food
-Tom's Clam Cove
-Toomey Abbott Groceteria: Good Luck Chiefs!
-Travelers Motel
-Treadway Mohawk Inn
-Tri-Rx Drugs: Suppler Of All Syracuse Chiefs Medical Supplies
-Twins Trees Restaurants: Why not stop by after the game?
-U.S. Army: Today's Army wants to join you.
-Utica Club: What could be more natural.
-Weber's: Stop by after the game.
-WFBL Radio 1390: For The Chiefs
-WOLF: More Music, 24 Hours
-WPAW Radio 1540
-Wise Potato Chips: Like a home run ball, watch 'em disappear!
SYRACUSE CHIEFS BASEBALL CLUB OFFICIAL FAMILY
Office Staff:
General Manager - Anthony "Tex" Simone
Director, Public Relations and Promotions - Bruce Baker
Comptroller - Edward Mapstone
Secretary - Patty Annesi
Stadium Manager - John Russo
Ticket Manager - John Rutkowski
Board of Directors:
Chairman - Royal L. O'Day
President - Donald R. Waful
Vice-President - Frank E. Swanson
Vice-President - Clayton D. Andrews
Secretary - John C. Vanderwege
Treasurer - Anton F. Kreuzer
Assistant Treasurer - Richard D. Ryan
Philip Allen, Sr.
William Bolton
Dr. Arthur Colasanti
Glenn Dawley
Judge John Farnham
Thomas W. Higgins
Philip F. Hudson
Walter Iles, Jr.
Charles A. Lee
Harry Marley
John E. McAuliffe
Richard Planer
Peter Regitano
Stephen Rogers
George J. Schunck
Albert Wertheimer
Peter J. Winkelman
INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE TEAM AFFILIATIONS
Charleston Charlies (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Pawtucket Red Sox (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)
ADVERTISEMENTS
-Advance Cyclery
-Allegheny Air System: We have a lot more going for you.
-ARASERV: The People Pleasers
-Bill Rapp Pontiac and Imports: Our Great Lineup For '73: Pontiac, "America's #1 Road Car"; Jaguar, "Profile Of Performance"; Subaru, "Front Wheel Drive Tiger"; Marina, "Sired By Jaguar ... For Real!"; Land Rover, "Go Anywhere Anytime Car"; MG, "Incomparable Sports Machine"
-Bob Moore's Light Trucking: Dependable Service
-Ceo & Rutz Shoe Store
-Come Back Inn: A Toast To Another Great Season
-Duggan Construction Co. Inc.
-Dutch Dotterer's Salina Liquors: The Largest Small Store In Syracuse
-Edward Hommel & Sons Opticians
-Fay's Drugs
-Fotomat
-French's Mustard: Spread a little sunshine.
-Genuine Parts Company
-Gordon Electronics: Everything In Hi-Fi And Photographic
-Gordon's Suzuki: Sales, Service, Parts
-Heid's Stand: For Your Favorites
-Heritage Lincoln Mercury: Leading The Way With Sharp Pencil Deals
-Jacobs Office Equipment Co. Inc.: Champions
-Kentucky Fried Chicken: America loves what the Colonel cooks.
-Le Moyne Manor Wedding Receptions: We'd love to have you.
-Leo A. Kline Aluminum
-Liquor Square: The Giant Discounter
-Little Gem Diner
-Liverpool Sport Center
-Louisville Slugger: Bat Of The Champions
-McDonald's: Be Our Guest
-Metropolitan Bank: Free Checking Accounts
-Motel 7
-Nettleton Shoes: Set The Pace For '73
-Perry Office Supplies: The Biggest Clip Joint In Town
-Pepsi
-Pilgrim Franks: Good To The Last Bite
-Reynolds Ford: Your Little Profit Dealer
-S&M Electric Company
-Sears Tire and Auto Center: For Complete Car Care
-Sweet Adv. Corp.
-Syracuse Lumber Co.: Everything With Which To Build
-Ter-El Trophies
-The Copper Kettle
-Tino's Restaurant: For Pizza And Italian Food
-Tom's Clam Cove
-Toomey Abbott Groceteria: Good Luck Chiefs!
-Travelers Motel
-Treadway Mohawk Inn
-Tri-Rx Drugs: Suppler Of All Syracuse Chiefs Medical Supplies
-Twins Trees Restaurants: Why not stop by after the game?
-U.S. Army: Today's Army wants to join you.
-Utica Club: What could be more natural.
-Weber's: Stop by after the game.
-WFBL Radio 1390: For The Chiefs
-WOLF: More Music, 24 Hours
-WPAW Radio 1540
-Wise Potato Chips: Like a home run ball, watch 'em disappear!
1973 Syracuse Chiefs Roster
New York Yankees' AAA Farm Club (International League)
Manager - Bobby Cox 14
No. Pitchers
26 Tom Buskey (R-R)
30 Dave Cheadle (L-L)
29 Alan Closter (L-L)
23 Ken Crosby (R-R)
27 Rick Earle (R-R)
28 Larry Gowell (R-R)
19 Joe Grzenda (R-L)
22 Ron Klimkowski (R-R)
21 Jim Magnuson (R-L)
32 Mike Pazik (L-L)
24 Gerry Pirtle (R-R)
No. Catchers
31 Jim Deidel (R-R)
17 Rick Dempsey (R-R)
No. Infielders
12 Mike Ferraro (R-R)
4 Jim Kennedy (L-R)
18 Jerry Kenney (L-R)
11 George Kopacz (L-L)
9 Tom Matchick (L-R)
3 Fred Stanley (R-R)
6 George Zeber (S-R)
No. Outfielders
2 Ken Bennett (L-L)
10 Rick Bladt (R-R)
20 Wayne Nordhagen (R-R)
15 Frank Tepedino (L-L)
8 Otto Velez (R-R)
Trainer - Kenyon Roll
Manager - Bobby Cox 14
No. Pitchers
26 Tom Buskey (R-R)
30 Dave Cheadle (L-L)
29 Alan Closter (L-L)
23 Ken Crosby (R-R)
27 Rick Earle (R-R)
28 Larry Gowell (R-R)
19 Joe Grzenda (R-L)
22 Ron Klimkowski (R-R)
21 Jim Magnuson (R-L)
32 Mike Pazik (L-L)
24 Gerry Pirtle (R-R)
No. Catchers
31 Jim Deidel (R-R)
17 Rick Dempsey (R-R)
No. Infielders
12 Mike Ferraro (R-R)
4 Jim Kennedy (L-R)
18 Jerry Kenney (L-R)
11 George Kopacz (L-L)
9 Tom Matchick (L-R)
3 Fred Stanley (R-R)
6 George Zeber (S-R)
No. Outfielders
2 Ken Bennett (L-L)
10 Rick Bladt (R-R)
20 Wayne Nordhagen (R-R)
15 Frank Tepedino (L-L)
8 Otto Velez (R-R)
Trainer - Kenyon Roll
1973 Syracuse Chiefs Team Photo
Ken Bennett
Rick Bladt
Tom Buskey
Mike Carapella (batboy)
Dave Cheadle
Alan Closter
Red Coughlin (assistant trainer)
Bobby Cox (manager)
Ken Crosby
Jim Deidel
Rick Dempsey
Mike Ferraro
Mike Fiore
Jim Kennedy
Ron Klimkowski
George Kopacz
Jim Magnuson
Tom Matchick
Mike Pazik
Gerry Pirtle
Kenyon Rolle (trainer)
Tom Sexton (batboy)
Tex Simone (general manager)
Fred Stanley
Otto Velez
George Zeber
Friday, July 18, 2014
1973 New York Yankees Program and Scorecard Notes
WELCOME TO YANKEE STADIUM'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON
"Welcome to Yankee Stadium in this its 50th Anniversary season. This is the last year of the most historic of all American Sports arenas. At the close of the season, a huge renovation job will be undertaken by the City which will turn this beautiful old Stadium into the most modern, up-to-date sports structure in America. While the renovation of the Stadium, parking and environment is underway during the remainder of 1973 and in '74 and '75, the Yankees will play the next two years at Shea Stadium, returning to the modern 'new' Yankee Stadium in the spring of 1976.
Yankee Stadium opened on April 18, 1923 with a Babe Ruth home run resulting in a Yankee win over Boston ... and everything about this Stadium since then has resulted in excitement, drama and fun. While the Yankees and fans are celebrating this 50th Anniversary season of the Stadium, the Yankees have been established as favorites to win the American League East championship.
Baseball has been setting attendance records almost every year. In this 1973 season, the American League is introducing the designated rule which is expected to provide greater run production and more offensive excitement in the game.
And the 1973 season introduces two major additions to the Yankee lineup - third baseman Graig Nettles and right fielder Matty Alou plus some promising young pitchers and developing stars - Bobby Murcer, Thurman Munson, Roy White, Ron Blomberg and Steve Kline plus seasoned veterans Mel Stottlemyre, Fritz Peterson, Sparky Lyle, Felipe Alou, Lindy McDaniel, Gene Michael, Horace Clarke and the remainder of Ralph Houk's strong Yankee team.
Twenty-seven American League pennant winners have played in this Stadium and 20 World Championship clubs - a glorious past. A bright future in a beautiful new Yankee Stadium home, and a hopeful, optimistic present means happy days for Yankee fans. We hope you enjoy this day at Yankee Stadium and many more happy, fun-filled winning days here."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
DIMAGGIO TO BE HONORED
"While the Yankees are hosting the Orioles here on Friday night, May 11, all-time Yankee great Joe DiMaggio will be honored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at their second Dinner of Champions in the Grand Ballroom of the New York Hilton Hotel. A dais of more than 100 distinguished citizens will join a star-studded audience in honoring the all-time Yankee star. Frank Gifford will serve as Toastmaster."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
SIX YANKEES NOMINATED FOR ALL-STAR TEAM
"Both new Yankees, acquired in trades last winter, have been nominated for the 1973 American League All-Star team. Graig Nettles at third base and Matty Alou in right field are the newcomer nominees.
In fact the entire Yankee regular starting outfield of Roy White, Bobby Murcer and Alou are on the 1973 ballots. So, deservedly, are catcher Thurman Munson and second baseman Horace Clarke.
Voting at Yankee Stadium will start on Saturday, May 26 and will continue through the Boston series closing on July 5. For the fourth consecutive year, the Gillette Company will underwrite the costs associated with the national computerized election. Last year's voting attracted a record 3,171,556 ballots. The winners in the fan voting will supply the starting lineups for both the American and National Leagues for the game to be played in Kansas City's new ballpark in the Harry S. Truman Memorial Sports Complex on the night of July 24. Dick Williams of the Oakland A's and Sparky Anderson of the Cincinnati Reds, 1972 World Series opponents, will be the game managers.
Yankee fans will want to give their support to the Yankee candidates, plus possibly writing in votes for shortstop Gene Michael and first basemen Felipe Alou and Ron Blomberg.
Bobby Murcer made the team last year and Murcer and Munson were members of the All-Star squad in 1971.
In addition to those distributed around the Stadium, ballots will also be available at Gillette retail outlets in the Metropolitan area."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
ALOU BROTHERS
"The Alou brothers, Felipe and Matty, were vital factors in the Yankee move to the top early in the season. As recognized 'hot weather hitters,' the two are expected to contribute even more in the second half of the campaign. The two stars from the Dominican Republic entered this season with a combined total of 3,636 hits in 3,452 games."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & 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.
YANKEE PROGRAM
"This official Yankee scorebook is updated every series with the latest averages, up-to-date pitching rosters of both leagues and features on Yankee players and events."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
AUTOGRAPH DAYS
"Did you get any autographs?
How many times have you returned from a major league baseball game to be greeted by that question? Fans and players have long appreciated the value of an autograph, and long tried to overcome the problem of obtaining them without mobbing players or interfering with batting practice.
The Yankees several years ago accomplished this by holding 'Autograph Days,' an event now highly popular with Yankee fans. Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, the Yankees will have three or four players available next to the lower left field stands to sign autographs for 15-20 minutes. To coordinate the program with the players' game assignments, the sessions are held two hours before game time- as soon as the gates open.
Announcements as to what players will be autographing will be made over television and radio and at the Stadium a day or two before the weekend. Generally, players are selected in alphabetical order and each player appears two or three times a season."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
OUTSTANDING GIFT DAYS FOR YOUNG FANS
"While the 50th Anniversary celebration of Yankee Stadium will be the prevailing theme of the 1973 schedule, the Yankees will again feature the increasingly popular Bat Day, Ball Day, Cap Day and T-Shirt Day programs, begun in 1965. In their own way, in the hearts of young Yankee fans, these events have taken on an added significance of their own, punctuated last year by the major league's largest crowd when 57,000 fans turned out for Bat Day.
Cap Day is first in line this season, scheduled for a Sunday afternoon doubleheader (the first of the season) on April 29 with the Minnesota Twins. Each fan, 14 and under and accompanied by an adult, will receive a Yankee cap with the NY embroidered to add to the authenticity. No patch is used. Game time is 1 P.M.
Bat Day, the big event of the year for the youngsters, comes around on Sunday afternoon, June 3 for a 2 P.M. game with the Frank Robinson-led California Angels. The Yankees have placed their usual bat order with Hillerich & Bradsby - makers of the Louisville Slugger - and again the Yankee order is the largest in baseball. Each fan, 14 and under and with an adult, will receive an Official Little League bat with a Yankee player's autograph on it - a replica of the bat the Yankees actually use themselves.
Ball Day is on Sunday afternoon, June 24 with contending Detroit at 2 P.M., featuring a free Wilson baseball to each young fan. And T-Shirt Day is slated for Saturday, September 1 when the Baltimore Orioles visit for a big series. Young fans receive a small, medium or large Yankee T-Shirt when they enter the park. The same rules apply for all dates - fans must be 14 and under and accompanied by an adult, but one adult can bring an entire group - say, a Little League team, and each qualified youngster will receive the gift of the day.
Regular Yankee ticket prices remain - box seats are $4.00, reserved seats $3.00, taxes included. They are available in advance at all Yankee ticket outlets. Fans are urged to plan ahead for these major promotion dates. For the best choice of seats for these big gift days, we suggest purchasing your tickets today before you leave the Stadium."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
MAYOR'S TROPHY GAME
"The 11th Mayor's Trophy Game between the Yankees and Mets will be played at Shea Stadium on Thursday night, May 10 at 8:05 P.M.
The Yankees have won the last three charity encounters between the two New York rivals to pull even in the series to date.
Last year more than 53,000 fans attended the game at Yankee Stadium, bringing the total ticket sales for the ten games thus far to 439,998. Receipts have totaled $1,138,805.20 and all of these funds have been divided between the New York Yankee and New York Met Foundations. The two foundations expend the funds each year for the development of sandlot baseball in the Greater New York area.
Tickets for this year's Mets-Yankees Mayor's Trophy Game are on sale at all Yankee and Met ticket outlets."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
SENIOR CITIZENS DAYS
"In this big season at Yankee Stadium, the senior citizens will not be forgotten. Senior Citizens Days have been scheduled at Yankee Stadium each home Saturday through June 30."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
HOLIDAY HOME GAMES
"The Yankees will play two holiday dates at home this season. The first is Memorial Day (Monday, May 28) at 2:00 P.M. with the Texas Rangers. On July Fourth (a Wednesday), the Yankees will host the exciting Boston Red Sox in a 1:00 P.M. doubleheader."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
LATIN AMERICAN DAY
"The third Latin American Day at Yankee Stadium will be held on Saturday afternoon, July 21 when the Chicago White Sox are Stadium visitors. At 11 in the morning, a game between a top Puerto Rican team and a ball club of former Cuban stars will be played, followed by an impressive field ceremony honoring the memory of Roberto Clemente, the late Pittsburgh Hall of Fame star. Mrs. Clemente will be invited to come here from her home in Puerto Rico for the occasion."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
50TH ANNIVERSARY OLD TIMERS' DAY
"The 27th annual New York Yankees Old Timers' Day is scheduled for Saturday, August 11 and from early reports, this will be another gala occasion. The original of all Old Timers' events, this year's Yankee classic will naturally tie in with the club's Golden Anniversary celebration of Yankee Stadium.
The greatest Yankee players of all time will be brought back to be honored by appreciative Yankee fans. Leading the list (and who can forget the fantastic ovations they received last year?), of course, are the greatest living Yankees, Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle. Players representing all 50 years of Stadium history are being invited back for this very special Old Timers event. And Baseball's Hall of Fame will be well represented.
In addition to the colorful ceremonies which are expected to get underway at about 1:15 P.M., the Yankees will host the World Champion Oakland A's in the regular American League game that afternoon. See the two pre-season divisional pennant favorites after this year's Old Timers game ... Saturday afternoon, August 11."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
OLD TIMERS' DAY PROGRAM
"This is the 27th annual Yankee Old Timers' Day in this, the Golden Anniversary of Yankee Stadium. The Old Timers' Day Theme was started on July 4, 1939 when former teammates of Lou Gehrig were assembled here to pay tribute to the ailing first baseman. Then, after World War II, Old Timers' Days were an annual occasion at Yankee Stadium.
Today some 65 former and present Yankee stars have been brought together to salute the glorious history of the New York Yankees on the occasion of the Stadium's 50th anniversary, with at least one player representing each of the 50 years from 1923 (when the Stadium opened) through 1972. In addition, the Yankees are honored to have as special guests new Hall of Famers Monte Irvin and George Kelly."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
1:15 P.M. - Introduction of Guests by Frank Messer, Master of Ceremonies
2:00 P.M. (approx.) - National Anthem by Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians
2:05 P.M. (approx.)- Old Timers' Game - 2 Innings
2:35 P.M. (approx.) - Yankees vs. Oakland A's
New York Yankee Hosts: George M. Steinbrenner III, General Partner; Gabe Paul, Administrative Partner; Lee MacPhail, General Manager
President of the American League: Joe Cronin
Special Guests of Honor: Mrs. Babe Ruth, Mrs. Lou Gehrig, Mrs. George M. Weiss
Special MC for Old Timers' Game: Mel Allen
CONVENIENT RESERVATION OFFICES
"Tickets are on sale 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, Bamberger's and Gertz stores; at the Ridgewood, New Jersey News; at the Paramus, New Jersey Bowling Lanes and other ticket outlets.
Ticket reservations are also available at AVCO Financial Services, Inc. offices throughout the Metropolitan area.
At Yankee Stadium, the Advance Ticket Office is located in the main lobby behind home plate and is open now and after this game. The Mid-Town Yankee Ticketron office at Grand Central Terminal on 42nd St. and Vanderbilt Ave. is located in the North Mezzanine, Vanderbilt Ave. level."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
TRIPLE-S BLUE STAMPS
"The Yankees and Triple-S Blue Stamps continue their affiliation for 1973 on two fronts - ticket purchases and charitable donations.
Yankee fans may again obtain tickets by collecting Triple-S Blue Stamps and redeeming them at SSS Redemption Centers. Any other gift item in the catalogue is also available.
And for the eighth consecutive season, 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. Over the past seven years of the program, 388 home runs have been hit by the Yankees in Yankee Stadium, resulting in the gift of 3,880,000 Blue Stamps."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
KOOL-AID OFFERS YANKEE TICKETS
"The Kool-Aid sections of participating grocery stores in the Metropolitan area are offering baseball fans a novel and unusual tie-in this season. Fans sending 15 package tops of Kool-Aid Soft Drink Mix to the Kool-Aid Baseball promotion in Kankakee, Illinois will receive a certificate to a Yankee game that can be exchanged at the box office for a general admission ticket free from the sponsors when buying another general admission ticket.
For further information on the ticket promotion sponsored by General Foods, fans are urged to check their grocery chain."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
AVCO GLOVES FOR KIDS
"This season AVCO Financial Services is repeating its Gloves for Kids program inaugurated last year. Recognized New York area youth groups may register and become eligible for a drawing held every time a Yankee hits a home run in the Stadium. Nine Wilson baseball gloves are then sent to the winning youth group as a gift from AVCO for the Yankee homer hit at home."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
DESIGNATED HITTER RULE
"The verdict is still out on the controversial designated hitter rule in force for 1973, but it certainly has baseball fans excited over the possibilities it represents.
Unlike many clubs in the league which seem to have an aging veteran well suited to the role, Manager Ralph Houk plans to rotate his choice depending on the opposing pitcher, the ball park, who needs a rest, etc. It will not be surprising for the Yankees to have a Murcer, a White or a Munson in the DH role on occasion, offering them a day of rest from defensive duty but still having their potent bats in the lineup.
When the designated hitter rule was used in the International League in 1969, the DH hit a combined .261 for the league as compared with .160 by all pitchers combined in 1968. Home runs increased from 24 to 108 and runs scored increased from 225 to 511. Such figures support the theory that greater offense will certainly result.
The Yankee scoreboard will name the pitchers on its alphagram section at the start of the game; the DH will be listed in the batting order on the left side of the board.
If at any time the designated hitter goes into the field for defense, the pitcher must then enter the lineup. The man in the designated hitter slot can change during the game, but he cannot change his position in the batting order.
The Yankees will be interested in hearing fans' reactions to the rule as the season progresses."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
AMERICAN LEAGUE UMPIRES
1 Honochick
2 Soar
3 Napp
4 Flaherty
5 Chylak
6 Umont
7 Rice
8 Stewart
9 Haller
10 DiMuro
11 Haller
12 Neudecker
13 Springstead
14 Goetz
15 Kunkel
16 Barnett
17 Denkinger
18 Frantz
19 Luciano
20 Anthony
21 Maloney
23 McCoy
24 Phillips
25 Deegan
26 Evans
27 Morganweck
28 Brinkman
NOTICE TO DOCTORS
"Doctors anticipating phone calls while attending Yankee Stadium events are requested to leave their seat locations with the switchboard operator at the executive office (East 157th St.)."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
WMCA
"When in doubt about the playing of a Yankee game, tune in WMCA at 570 on the AM radio dial for the latest information. WMCA, the basic station of the New York Yankees, will keep fans current as to the playing of the game."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
ON TV AND RADIO IN 1973 WITH THE NEW YORK YANKEES
"The Yankees again this season will televise and broadcast regularly throughout the season in New York City and over a selected group of TV and radio stations in the club's drawing area. The following list of stations is not complete as additional outlets will be added during the season."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
TELEVISION
New York
New York City (WPIX)
Albany (WTEN)
Binghamton (WBJA)
Elmira (WSYE)
Syracuse (WSYR)
Utica (WUTR)
Watertown (WWNY)
Connecticut
Hartford (WHCT)
Waterbury (WATR)
Pennsylvania
Scranton (WDAU)
RADIO
New York
New York City (WMCA-570)
Albany (WQBK-1300)
Albany (WQBK-103.9 FM)
Beacon (WBNR-1260)
Binghamton (WKOP-1360)
Cortland (WKRT-920)
Cortland (WKRT-99.9 FM)
Gloversville (WENT-1340)
Kingston (WKNY-1490)
Massena (WMSA-1340)
Patchogue (WALK-1370)
Patchogue (WALK-97.5 FM)
Poughkeepsie (WSPK-104.7 FM)
Riverhead (WRIV-1390)
Rome (WRNY-1350)
Syracuse (WSYR-570)
Utica (WIBX-950)
Watertown (WWNY-790)
Connecticut
Bristol (WBIS-1440)
Manchester (WINF-1230)
Waterbury (WATR-1320)
Massachusetts
Westfield (WDEW-1570)
Pennsylvania
Stroudsburg (WVPO-840)
Stroudsburg (WVPO-93.5 FM)
ADVERTISEMENTS
-American Express: For Men Who Hunger After Victory
-Avco: Remember who brings you Yankee baseball on WPIX and WMCA. Our product makes their product your product.
-Beefeater: First Name For The Martini
-Budweiser: When you say Budweiser, you've said it all.
-Camel
-Coming Attraction: BOSTON RED SOX [with Carl Yastrzemski, Rico Petrocelli and Carlton Fisk], Saturday, April 14, 2:00 P.M.; Sunday, April 15, 2:00 P.M.; Sunday is Yankee Stadium's Golden Anniversary Day. Each fan attending will receive a complete 22-page reproduction of the 1923 Opening Day scorecard and program. Birthday cake, too!
Saturday is the first Senior Citizens Day of the year.
-Coming Attraction: CHICAGO WHITE SOX, featuring MVP Dick Allen, Tuesday, April 24, 2:00 P.M.; Wednesday, April 25, 2:00 P.M.
-Coming Attraction: MINNESOTA TWINS [featuring Rod Carew, Tony Oliva and Harmon Killebrew], Friday, April 27, 7:30 P.M.; Saturday, April 28, 2:00 P.M. (Senior Citizens Day); Sunday, April 29, 1:00 P.M. (Cap Day Doubleheader)
-Coming Attraction: BALTIMORE ORIOLES, featuring Brooks Robinson, Tuesday, June 19, 7:30 P.M.; Wednesday, June 20, 7:30 P.M.
-Coming Attraction: DETROIT TIGERS, featuring Al Kaline, Thursday, June 21, 7:30 P.M.; Friday, June 22, 7:30 P.M.; Saturday, June 23, 2:00 P.M. (Senior Citizens Day); Sunday, June 24, 1:00 P.M. (Ball Day Doubleheader)
-Coming Attraction: BALTIMORE ORIOLES [featuring Jim Palmer, Dave McNally and Tommy Davis], Saturday, September 1, 2:00 P.M. (T-Shirt Day)
-Cutty Sark: If our Yanks are a bunch of runs behind in the ninth ... Don't give up the ship!
-Datsun: The Official Yankee Car
-Getty: More Miles For Your Money
-Iceberg 10
-International Ladies Garment Workers Union
-Kent
-Kent Menthol
-Lucky Ten
-Manufacturer's Hanover: It's AnyCar Loan season.
-Marlboro
-Newport
-Old Grand-Dad: One good thing leads to another.
-Pall Mall
-Planters: Hey Sport! Go with the winner!
-Salem
-Schaefer: When You're Having More Than One
-Seagram's 7 Crown: It's America's Whiskey.
-Seagram's 100 Pipers Scotch: It's made proudly. Drink it that way.
-Silva Thins
-Sun Dew: Warm Weather Winner!
-Tareyton 100s
-True
-Winston
"Welcome to Yankee Stadium in this its 50th Anniversary season. This is the last year of the most historic of all American Sports arenas. At the close of the season, a huge renovation job will be undertaken by the City which will turn this beautiful old Stadium into the most modern, up-to-date sports structure in America. While the renovation of the Stadium, parking and environment is underway during the remainder of 1973 and in '74 and '75, the Yankees will play the next two years at Shea Stadium, returning to the modern 'new' Yankee Stadium in the spring of 1976.
Yankee Stadium opened on April 18, 1923 with a Babe Ruth home run resulting in a Yankee win over Boston ... and everything about this Stadium since then has resulted in excitement, drama and fun. While the Yankees and fans are celebrating this 50th Anniversary season of the Stadium, the Yankees have been established as favorites to win the American League East championship.
Baseball has been setting attendance records almost every year. In this 1973 season, the American League is introducing the designated rule which is expected to provide greater run production and more offensive excitement in the game.
And the 1973 season introduces two major additions to the Yankee lineup - third baseman Graig Nettles and right fielder Matty Alou plus some promising young pitchers and developing stars - Bobby Murcer, Thurman Munson, Roy White, Ron Blomberg and Steve Kline plus seasoned veterans Mel Stottlemyre, Fritz Peterson, Sparky Lyle, Felipe Alou, Lindy McDaniel, Gene Michael, Horace Clarke and the remainder of Ralph Houk's strong Yankee team.
Twenty-seven American League pennant winners have played in this Stadium and 20 World Championship clubs - a glorious past. A bright future in a beautiful new Yankee Stadium home, and a hopeful, optimistic present means happy days for Yankee fans. We hope you enjoy this day at Yankee Stadium and many more happy, fun-filled winning days here."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
DIMAGGIO TO BE HONORED
"While the Yankees are hosting the Orioles here on Friday night, May 11, all-time Yankee great Joe DiMaggio will be honored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at their second Dinner of Champions in the Grand Ballroom of the New York Hilton Hotel. A dais of more than 100 distinguished citizens will join a star-studded audience in honoring the all-time Yankee star. Frank Gifford will serve as Toastmaster."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
SIX YANKEES NOMINATED FOR ALL-STAR TEAM
"Both new Yankees, acquired in trades last winter, have been nominated for the 1973 American League All-Star team. Graig Nettles at third base and Matty Alou in right field are the newcomer nominees.
In fact the entire Yankee regular starting outfield of Roy White, Bobby Murcer and Alou are on the 1973 ballots. So, deservedly, are catcher Thurman Munson and second baseman Horace Clarke.
Voting at Yankee Stadium will start on Saturday, May 26 and will continue through the Boston series closing on July 5. For the fourth consecutive year, the Gillette Company will underwrite the costs associated with the national computerized election. Last year's voting attracted a record 3,171,556 ballots. The winners in the fan voting will supply the starting lineups for both the American and National Leagues for the game to be played in Kansas City's new ballpark in the Harry S. Truman Memorial Sports Complex on the night of July 24. Dick Williams of the Oakland A's and Sparky Anderson of the Cincinnati Reds, 1972 World Series opponents, will be the game managers.
Yankee fans will want to give their support to the Yankee candidates, plus possibly writing in votes for shortstop Gene Michael and first basemen Felipe Alou and Ron Blomberg.
Bobby Murcer made the team last year and Murcer and Munson were members of the All-Star squad in 1971.
In addition to those distributed around the Stadium, ballots will also be available at Gillette retail outlets in the Metropolitan area."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
ALOU BROTHERS
"The Alou brothers, Felipe and Matty, were vital factors in the Yankee move to the top early in the season. As recognized 'hot weather hitters,' the two are expected to contribute even more in the second half of the campaign. The two stars from the Dominican Republic entered this season with a combined total of 3,636 hits in 3,452 games."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & 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.
YANKEE PROGRAM
"This official Yankee scorebook is updated every series with the latest averages, up-to-date pitching rosters of both leagues and features on Yankee players and events."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
AUTOGRAPH DAYS
"Did you get any autographs?
How many times have you returned from a major league baseball game to be greeted by that question? Fans and players have long appreciated the value of an autograph, and long tried to overcome the problem of obtaining them without mobbing players or interfering with batting practice.
The Yankees several years ago accomplished this by holding 'Autograph Days,' an event now highly popular with Yankee fans. Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, the Yankees will have three or four players available next to the lower left field stands to sign autographs for 15-20 minutes. To coordinate the program with the players' game assignments, the sessions are held two hours before game time- as soon as the gates open.
Announcements as to what players will be autographing will be made over television and radio and at the Stadium a day or two before the weekend. Generally, players are selected in alphabetical order and each player appears two or three times a season."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
OUTSTANDING GIFT DAYS FOR YOUNG FANS
"While the 50th Anniversary celebration of Yankee Stadium will be the prevailing theme of the 1973 schedule, the Yankees will again feature the increasingly popular Bat Day, Ball Day, Cap Day and T-Shirt Day programs, begun in 1965. In their own way, in the hearts of young Yankee fans, these events have taken on an added significance of their own, punctuated last year by the major league's largest crowd when 57,000 fans turned out for Bat Day.
Cap Day is first in line this season, scheduled for a Sunday afternoon doubleheader (the first of the season) on April 29 with the Minnesota Twins. Each fan, 14 and under and accompanied by an adult, will receive a Yankee cap with the NY embroidered to add to the authenticity. No patch is used. Game time is 1 P.M.
Bat Day, the big event of the year for the youngsters, comes around on Sunday afternoon, June 3 for a 2 P.M. game with the Frank Robinson-led California Angels. The Yankees have placed their usual bat order with Hillerich & Bradsby - makers of the Louisville Slugger - and again the Yankee order is the largest in baseball. Each fan, 14 and under and with an adult, will receive an Official Little League bat with a Yankee player's autograph on it - a replica of the bat the Yankees actually use themselves.
Ball Day is on Sunday afternoon, June 24 with contending Detroit at 2 P.M., featuring a free Wilson baseball to each young fan. And T-Shirt Day is slated for Saturday, September 1 when the Baltimore Orioles visit for a big series. Young fans receive a small, medium or large Yankee T-Shirt when they enter the park. The same rules apply for all dates - fans must be 14 and under and accompanied by an adult, but one adult can bring an entire group - say, a Little League team, and each qualified youngster will receive the gift of the day.
Regular Yankee ticket prices remain - box seats are $4.00, reserved seats $3.00, taxes included. They are available in advance at all Yankee ticket outlets. Fans are urged to plan ahead for these major promotion dates. For the best choice of seats for these big gift days, we suggest purchasing your tickets today before you leave the Stadium."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
MAYOR'S TROPHY GAME
"The 11th Mayor's Trophy Game between the Yankees and Mets will be played at Shea Stadium on Thursday night, May 10 at 8:05 P.M.
The Yankees have won the last three charity encounters between the two New York rivals to pull even in the series to date.
Last year more than 53,000 fans attended the game at Yankee Stadium, bringing the total ticket sales for the ten games thus far to 439,998. Receipts have totaled $1,138,805.20 and all of these funds have been divided between the New York Yankee and New York Met Foundations. The two foundations expend the funds each year for the development of sandlot baseball in the Greater New York area.
Tickets for this year's Mets-Yankees Mayor's Trophy Game are on sale at all Yankee and Met ticket outlets."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
SENIOR CITIZENS DAYS
"In this big season at Yankee Stadium, the senior citizens will not be forgotten. Senior Citizens Days have been scheduled at Yankee Stadium each home Saturday through June 30."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
HOLIDAY HOME GAMES
"The Yankees will play two holiday dates at home this season. The first is Memorial Day (Monday, May 28) at 2:00 P.M. with the Texas Rangers. On July Fourth (a Wednesday), the Yankees will host the exciting Boston Red Sox in a 1:00 P.M. doubleheader."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
LATIN AMERICAN DAY
"The third Latin American Day at Yankee Stadium will be held on Saturday afternoon, July 21 when the Chicago White Sox are Stadium visitors. At 11 in the morning, a game between a top Puerto Rican team and a ball club of former Cuban stars will be played, followed by an impressive field ceremony honoring the memory of Roberto Clemente, the late Pittsburgh Hall of Fame star. Mrs. Clemente will be invited to come here from her home in Puerto Rico for the occasion."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
50TH ANNIVERSARY OLD TIMERS' DAY
"The 27th annual New York Yankees Old Timers' Day is scheduled for Saturday, August 11 and from early reports, this will be another gala occasion. The original of all Old Timers' events, this year's Yankee classic will naturally tie in with the club's Golden Anniversary celebration of Yankee Stadium.
The greatest Yankee players of all time will be brought back to be honored by appreciative Yankee fans. Leading the list (and who can forget the fantastic ovations they received last year?), of course, are the greatest living Yankees, Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle. Players representing all 50 years of Stadium history are being invited back for this very special Old Timers event. And Baseball's Hall of Fame will be well represented.
In addition to the colorful ceremonies which are expected to get underway at about 1:15 P.M., the Yankees will host the World Champion Oakland A's in the regular American League game that afternoon. See the two pre-season divisional pennant favorites after this year's Old Timers game ... Saturday afternoon, August 11."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
OLD TIMERS' DAY PROGRAM
"This is the 27th annual Yankee Old Timers' Day in this, the Golden Anniversary of Yankee Stadium. The Old Timers' Day Theme was started on July 4, 1939 when former teammates of Lou Gehrig were assembled here to pay tribute to the ailing first baseman. Then, after World War II, Old Timers' Days were an annual occasion at Yankee Stadium.
Today some 65 former and present Yankee stars have been brought together to salute the glorious history of the New York Yankees on the occasion of the Stadium's 50th anniversary, with at least one player representing each of the 50 years from 1923 (when the Stadium opened) through 1972. In addition, the Yankees are honored to have as special guests new Hall of Famers Monte Irvin and George Kelly."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
1:15 P.M. - Introduction of Guests by Frank Messer, Master of Ceremonies
2:00 P.M. (approx.) - National Anthem by Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians
2:05 P.M. (approx.)- Old Timers' Game - 2 Innings
2:35 P.M. (approx.) - Yankees vs. Oakland A's
New York Yankee Hosts: George M. Steinbrenner III, General Partner; Gabe Paul, Administrative Partner; Lee MacPhail, General Manager
President of the American League: Joe Cronin
Special Guests of Honor: Mrs. Babe Ruth, Mrs. Lou Gehrig, Mrs. George M. Weiss
Special MC for Old Timers' Game: Mel Allen
CONVENIENT RESERVATION OFFICES
"Tickets are on sale 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, Bamberger's and Gertz stores; at the Ridgewood, New Jersey News; at the Paramus, New Jersey Bowling Lanes and other ticket outlets.
Ticket reservations are also available at AVCO Financial Services, Inc. offices throughout the Metropolitan area.
At Yankee Stadium, the Advance Ticket Office is located in the main lobby behind home plate and is open now and after this game. The Mid-Town Yankee Ticketron office at Grand Central Terminal on 42nd St. and Vanderbilt Ave. is located in the North Mezzanine, Vanderbilt Ave. level."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
TRIPLE-S BLUE STAMPS
"The Yankees and Triple-S Blue Stamps continue their affiliation for 1973 on two fronts - ticket purchases and charitable donations.
Yankee fans may again obtain tickets by collecting Triple-S Blue Stamps and redeeming them at SSS Redemption Centers. Any other gift item in the catalogue is also available.
And for the eighth consecutive season, 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. Over the past seven years of the program, 388 home runs have been hit by the Yankees in Yankee Stadium, resulting in the gift of 3,880,000 Blue Stamps."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
KOOL-AID OFFERS YANKEE TICKETS
"The Kool-Aid sections of participating grocery stores in the Metropolitan area are offering baseball fans a novel and unusual tie-in this season. Fans sending 15 package tops of Kool-Aid Soft Drink Mix to the Kool-Aid Baseball promotion in Kankakee, Illinois will receive a certificate to a Yankee game that can be exchanged at the box office for a general admission ticket free from the sponsors when buying another general admission ticket.
For further information on the ticket promotion sponsored by General Foods, fans are urged to check their grocery chain."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
AVCO GLOVES FOR KIDS
"This season AVCO Financial Services is repeating its Gloves for Kids program inaugurated last year. Recognized New York area youth groups may register and become eligible for a drawing held every time a Yankee hits a home run in the Stadium. Nine Wilson baseball gloves are then sent to the winning youth group as a gift from AVCO for the Yankee homer hit at home."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
DESIGNATED HITTER RULE
"The verdict is still out on the controversial designated hitter rule in force for 1973, but it certainly has baseball fans excited over the possibilities it represents.
Unlike many clubs in the league which seem to have an aging veteran well suited to the role, Manager Ralph Houk plans to rotate his choice depending on the opposing pitcher, the ball park, who needs a rest, etc. It will not be surprising for the Yankees to have a Murcer, a White or a Munson in the DH role on occasion, offering them a day of rest from defensive duty but still having their potent bats in the lineup.
When the designated hitter rule was used in the International League in 1969, the DH hit a combined .261 for the league as compared with .160 by all pitchers combined in 1968. Home runs increased from 24 to 108 and runs scored increased from 225 to 511. Such figures support the theory that greater offense will certainly result.
The Yankee scoreboard will name the pitchers on its alphagram section at the start of the game; the DH will be listed in the batting order on the left side of the board.
If at any time the designated hitter goes into the field for defense, the pitcher must then enter the lineup. The man in the designated hitter slot can change during the game, but he cannot change his position in the batting order.
The Yankees will be interested in hearing fans' reactions to the rule as the season progresses."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
AMERICAN LEAGUE UMPIRES
1 Honochick
2 Soar
3 Napp
4 Flaherty
5 Chylak
6 Umont
7 Rice
8 Stewart
9 Haller
10 DiMuro
11 Haller
12 Neudecker
13 Springstead
14 Goetz
15 Kunkel
16 Barnett
17 Denkinger
18 Frantz
19 Luciano
20 Anthony
21 Maloney
23 McCoy
24 Phillips
25 Deegan
26 Evans
27 Morganweck
28 Brinkman
NOTICE TO DOCTORS
"Doctors anticipating phone calls while attending Yankee Stadium events are requested to leave their seat locations with the switchboard operator at the executive office (East 157th St.)."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
WMCA
"When in doubt about the playing of a Yankee game, tune in WMCA at 570 on the AM radio dial for the latest information. WMCA, the basic station of the New York Yankees, will keep fans current as to the playing of the game."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
ON TV AND RADIO IN 1973 WITH THE NEW YORK YANKEES
"The Yankees again this season will televise and broadcast regularly throughout the season in New York City and over a selected group of TV and radio stations in the club's drawing area. The following list of stations is not complete as additional outlets will be added during the season."
-1973 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Program
TELEVISION
New York
New York City (WPIX)
Albany (WTEN)
Binghamton (WBJA)
Elmira (WSYE)
Syracuse (WSYR)
Utica (WUTR)
Watertown (WWNY)
Connecticut
Hartford (WHCT)
Waterbury (WATR)
Pennsylvania
Scranton (WDAU)
RADIO
New York
New York City (WMCA-570)
Albany (WQBK-1300)
Albany (WQBK-103.9 FM)
Beacon (WBNR-1260)
Binghamton (WKOP-1360)
Cortland (WKRT-920)
Cortland (WKRT-99.9 FM)
Gloversville (WENT-1340)
Kingston (WKNY-1490)
Massena (WMSA-1340)
Patchogue (WALK-1370)
Patchogue (WALK-97.5 FM)
Poughkeepsie (WSPK-104.7 FM)
Riverhead (WRIV-1390)
Rome (WRNY-1350)
Syracuse (WSYR-570)
Utica (WIBX-950)
Watertown (WWNY-790)
Connecticut
Bristol (WBIS-1440)
Manchester (WINF-1230)
Waterbury (WATR-1320)
Massachusetts
Westfield (WDEW-1570)
Pennsylvania
Stroudsburg (WVPO-840)
Stroudsburg (WVPO-93.5 FM)
ADVERTISEMENTS
-American Express: For Men Who Hunger After Victory
-Avco: Remember who brings you Yankee baseball on WPIX and WMCA. Our product makes their product your product.
-Beefeater: First Name For The Martini
-Budweiser: When you say Budweiser, you've said it all.
-Camel
-Coming Attraction: BOSTON RED SOX [with Carl Yastrzemski, Rico Petrocelli and Carlton Fisk], Saturday, April 14, 2:00 P.M.; Sunday, April 15, 2:00 P.M.; Sunday is Yankee Stadium's Golden Anniversary Day. Each fan attending will receive a complete 22-page reproduction of the 1923 Opening Day scorecard and program. Birthday cake, too!
Saturday is the first Senior Citizens Day of the year.
-Coming Attraction: CHICAGO WHITE SOX, featuring MVP Dick Allen, Tuesday, April 24, 2:00 P.M.; Wednesday, April 25, 2:00 P.M.
-Coming Attraction: MINNESOTA TWINS [featuring Rod Carew, Tony Oliva and Harmon Killebrew], Friday, April 27, 7:30 P.M.; Saturday, April 28, 2:00 P.M. (Senior Citizens Day); Sunday, April 29, 1:00 P.M. (Cap Day Doubleheader)
-Coming Attraction: BALTIMORE ORIOLES, featuring Brooks Robinson, Tuesday, June 19, 7:30 P.M.; Wednesday, June 20, 7:30 P.M.
-Coming Attraction: DETROIT TIGERS, featuring Al Kaline, Thursday, June 21, 7:30 P.M.; Friday, June 22, 7:30 P.M.; Saturday, June 23, 2:00 P.M. (Senior Citizens Day); Sunday, June 24, 1:00 P.M. (Ball Day Doubleheader)
-Coming Attraction: BALTIMORE ORIOLES [featuring Jim Palmer, Dave McNally and Tommy Davis], Saturday, September 1, 2:00 P.M. (T-Shirt Day)
-Cutty Sark: If our Yanks are a bunch of runs behind in the ninth ... Don't give up the ship!
-Datsun: The Official Yankee Car
-Getty: More Miles For Your Money
-Iceberg 10
-International Ladies Garment Workers Union
-Kent
-Kent Menthol
-Lucky Ten
-Manufacturer's Hanover: It's AnyCar Loan season.
-Marlboro
-Newport
-Old Grand-Dad: One good thing leads to another.
-Pall Mall
-Planters: Hey Sport! Go with the winner!
-Salem
-Schaefer: When You're Having More Than One
-Seagram's 7 Crown: It's America's Whiskey.
-Seagram's 100 Pipers Scotch: It's made proudly. Drink it that way.
-Silva Thins
-Sun Dew: Warm Weather Winner!
-Tareyton 100s
-True
-Winston
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