1975 Profile: Jim Mason

"The Yankees saw something in Jim Mason they liked a year ago. Although his credentials with the Washington Senators and Texas Rangers were far from impressive, there was something about his young Alabama-born shortstop that spelled success.
And so Jim was purchased from the Rangers and on the strength of a .206 lifetime batting average, was handed the shortstop job. And how he responded!
By the end of his first full season as a regular, Jim had established himself as one of the coming young infield stars of the league. He dazzled on the field, and surprised onlookers at bat, showing an aggressive swing, hard-hitting power, and a very strong .250 batting average.
With the passing of time, the Yankees expect Jim to get even better. Having a quality shortstop is a vital element to team achievement, and the Yankees have covered themselves there.
Mason is the youngest regular in the Yankee lineup at 24. He and his wife Cathy had their first baby over the winter, giving Jim another reason for continued improvement on the field."

-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook

"Jim surprised a lot of people last year with his bat. His previous showings in the major leagues had left little room to believe he could contribute much more than a good glove. The glove was there all right, and so was a .250 average with more power than was expected. Jim showed a lot of range in the field and became even better when Sandy Alomar joined the club.
The youngest regular on the team, and still learning, Mason impressed the Yankees in 1973 during a stretch as the regular shortstop for the Rangers when Toby Harrah was injured. A high price tag didn't deter the Yanks from making the purchase when he was available.
One of seven children in the Mason family, Jim grew up playing Little League and Babe Ruth League ball in Mobile. He pitched a perfect game in the Alabama State Babe Ruth Tournament.
Military service slowed his progress in pro ball, but he reached the big leagues in time for the final weeks of the Washington Senators. His first three major league hits were against the Yankees.
Jim can play second, but every one of his 152 games last season was spent at short."

-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide