"When Otto Velez rings that heavy bat against the ball - the ball knows it's been hit. Few have the devastating attack against a baseball that Otto has.
A first quality star in two All-Star seasons at Syracuse, Velez joined the Yankees last summer for his first extended stay in the majors.
He made his first impression on the big club in spring training of 1973, when he won the James P. Dawson Award as the top rookie in camp. Since then, the Yanks have watched his development carefully, and consider him a fine prospect who can play first, third or the outfield."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"Otto is a line-drive hitter who really hits the ball hard. He had a year and a half of great play at Syracuse, prompting the Yankees to bring him up last June 28. A few days later, he went on a tear that saw him reach base ten consecutive times, not including a sacrifice fly. But as Chambliss got hot, Otto's playing time was limited down the stretch.
The Anthony Quinn-looking Velez was the winner of the 1973 James P. Dawson Award as the top rookie in spring training. He was then optioned to Syracuse and finished second in the league in both homers and RBIs while leading in walks. He made the International League All-Star team in both 1973 and 1974. His major league debut in September 1973 produced a three for four performance against Mickey Lolich. He hit two home runs in one game against Cleveland later that month.
Otto can play first, third or the outfield. He played winter ball at Caguas, Puerto Rico this past off-season to resharpen his batting eye. He's hoping to cut down on his strikeouts in the future."
-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
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