1973 Profile: Ron Swoboda

"Ron Swoboda rises to the occasion.
If it takes a long, accurate throw to nip a runner ... or a diving, tumbling catch into the seats to thwart a rival home run ... or a walk with the bases loaded ... or a game-winning hit to the opposite field, Rocky has a penchant for making the big play. This has been the pattern of his baseball life.
He reached the Mets at age 20 after a single season of minor league baseball; he immediately led the club in home runs with 19. But it was in the miracle year of 1969 that Swoboda became legend. Coming down the stretch on through to the World Championship, Rocky was a key figure offensively and defensively. His catch of Brooks Robinson's line drive to save the fourth game is probably the most spectacular defensive play in World Series history; certainly it ranks with those of Al Gionfriddo, Sandy Amoros and Willie Mays.
After a brief digression to Montreal, Ronnie returned to the city that loves him to open a new Swoboda era. Whether he's in right field or in center, pinch-hitting or a designated hitter, or going in to protect a lead, Ron Swoboda will respond in exciting style. And to his fans' delight."

-The New York Yankees Official 1973 Yearbook

"Rocky served well as the reserve Yankee outfielder for the second straight season last year. He's become a hard-nosed veteran who's always ready when called upon and extends himself to any length to win a ballgame. Some define this quality as a 'pro.'
He appeared in 20 games during the month of August and hit .295, during which time the Yanks moved from 6 1/2 games out to within 1 1/2 games of the division leader.
He reached the major leagues at the tender age of 20 years old with the New York Mets and attracted attention immediately as he led the club in homers with 19 in 1965, only his second year of pro ball. He had a great stretch in the Mets' 1969 pennant drive when he knocked in 26 runs in 34 games, including a pair of homers off Steve Carlton to beat the Cardinals 2-0 the night the star lefthander whiffed 19. Ron made even bigger headlines during the '69 World Series when he made an outstanding catch in the outfield. He made a similarly outstanding play in Yankee Stadium on Labor Day, 1971 against the Red Sox as he raced back to the right-field stands, leaped and grabbed a potential home run off the bat of Reggie Smith while falling headfirst into the stands, saving the game.
Swoboda has become an accomplished after-dinner speaker who has also filled in on various radio sports programs. He also operates a restaurant on Long Island called 'The Dugout' along with his ex-teammate, Ed Kranepool."

-1973 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide