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