FRITZ PETERSON
"1973 was not his year. It began in Florida when he and Mike Kekich announced their wife swap. Peterson came out better than Kekich, but did have a poor year, finishing 8-15.
Fritz did radio color work for hockey's New York Raiders - and they ended up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Oh well, he was a steady pitcher before, winning 20 in 1970. He was helped by Yankee Stadium.
Born in Chicago, Fritz is a graduate of Northern Illinois and also got his master's there. He's an old friend of Jim Bouton.
Frtiz once was a semi-pro hockey player who idolized Bobby Hull, so perhaps if he fails as a pitcher or as a marriage counselor, he can play for the Cherry Hill Knights against Hull."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
"It isn't easy to come back after a losing season, and fortunately for Fritz Peterson, losing seasons don't occur very often. Last year was only his second in his eight with the Yankees, a proud career which includes selection to an All-Star team, a 20-victory campaign, and membership in several Top 20 pitching categories among Yankee pitchers.
Fritz is a bright, stocky left-hander who holds a master's degree in education and has taught at Northern Illinois University in off-seasons. On the mound he is best noted for his razor-sharp control, enabling him to walk fewer than two men per nine innings for his career and to have a strikeout-walk ratio of nearly 3-1.
Last season was the first in six years in which Fritz failed to pitch 200 innings, and he has always thrived on work. But that was last year and this is 1974 - Fritz looks for a return to form, knowing that his return will help the Yankees recapture that magic from 1973 and extend it all the way to the end of the season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"1973 is a year Fritz Peterson would like to forget. The crafty left-hander suffered his first losing season in six years and only his second in eight major league seasons. If form holds up, however, Fritz should return to his winning ways in 1974.
He's listed among the top twenty All-Time Yankee pitchers in the following categories: games - 11th with 285; innings pitched - ninth with 1884; wins - 12th with 109; strikeouts - 10th with 888; shutouts - 12th with 18; complete games - 12th with 82; and ERA - ninth with a 3.04 mark.
Fritz is one of the best control pitchers in the game today, as he has allowed just 1.6 walks per game during his eight-year major league career. He's also a good fielding pitcher who has one of the best pick-off moves in the big leagues - he's caught 14 runners off base during his career."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"Mike Hegan's return to the Yankees last season not only took him off the Oakland bench and into everyday play, but returned him to the team he originally signed with - and the results were glowing.
In 37 games for the Yankees, Mike hit six home runs, batted .273 and showed his usual brand of outstanding glovework - the type which gave him the major league record for consecutive errorless games at first base.
Mike first joined the Yankees in 1964 and participated in the '64 World Series. He moved on to Seattle in 1969 and was a member of the American League All-Star team. He batted .329 for the World Champion A's of 1972 but was happy to return to everyday service with the Yankees last year.
Mike's dad Jim, a longtime catching star at Cleveland, was a Yankee coach from 1960-73 and is now with Detroit. Father and son are both proud of their baseball accomplishments, and Mike would like to return to another World Series in Yankee pinstripes to add a further laurel to the family chain."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Mike Hegan displayed some fine, all-around baseball ability upon coming to the Yankees and playing as a regular. Always noted for his fine defensive ability as a first baseman, he became a threat with the bat also, hitting .275 for New York in 37 games, with six homers; stretch those figures over 162 games and Mike would have had 24 homers.
Originally signed by the Yankees to a bonus contract in 1962, Mike attended Holy Cross, where he starred in both baseball and football. He is the son of former All-Star catcher and current Tiger bullpen coach Jim Hegan.
Always an all-around 'heads up' athlete who could run, throw and field, Mike has shown major league ability with his bat in recent years. He looks for a chance to play regularly in order to play up to the potential that was always predicted for him.
He holds the major league record for consecutive errorless games at first base - 178, from September 22, 1970 to June 3, 1973."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
CELERINO SANCHEZ
"There's nobody more liked among the Yankee players then Celerino Sanchez - a fine accomplishment considering Celerino's very limited abilities with the English language.
His baseball abilities, however, are underrated by no one. While his playing time was brief last season, his good bat (Cellie once hit .448 in the Mexican Southeast League) and rugged defensive play are well appreciated.
Rugged is an appropriate word for Cellie's work at third base. He takes the bad hops and hard grounders off his chest, recovers and rifles the ball across to first. Celerino bears the bruises of many a Harmon Killebrew smash as souvenirs of his Yankee days.
Whether he's called on to hit or play the field, Celerino is always ready and able, and prepared to offer more than the usual bench strength."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Celerino Sanchez is a ten-year veteran of professional baseball who has shown flashes of great hitting and also the ability to field the tough third base position. A flashy type of player, he has gained the favor of Yankee fans since his arrival in mid-1972. He filled a void at third base that year, and last season was the club's backup hot corner man after the Yankees acquired Graig Nettles.
Cellie had an outstanding minor league record as a batter, hitting over .300 in eight of his nine seasons. He had a season high of .448 at Campeche of the Mexican Southeast League in 1966, which won him the Silver Bat Award, emblematic of the top batting average in the minor leagues."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
WAYNE GRANGER
"Like his teammate Pat Dobson, pennants seem to follow Wayne Granger around. Dobson has been with pennant winners in Detroit and Baltimore, and Granger has pitched in World Series for St. Louis and Cincinnati. In other words, this a winning ballplayer.
A relief pitcher who has never started a game, Wayne is in company there with Sparky Lyle - a very select pair of outstanding hurlers. Wayne twice led the National League in games pitched, including a record 90 appearances in 1969 (a record broken last year by Mike Marshall). When he joined the Yankees last season in a trade with the Cardinals, it marked his second appearance in the American League, having pitched for the Twins in 1972.
And Wayne was mighty impressive in his brief Yankee stint last season, showing a 1.76 earned run average for seven relief outings. That's the kind of work Wayne would love to spread over a full season. Such as this one."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Wayne Granger, one of baseball's leading relief specialists of all time (364 appearances without ever making a start), joined the Yankees last August and had a 1.76 ERA for seven appearances. It marked a return to the American League as he had pitched in 63 games for Minnesota in 1972 before returning to St. Louis, the team which originally signed him. Wayne has pitched for two pennant winners, the 1968 Cardinals and the 1970 Reds.
He held the major league record of 90 games pitched in one season (1969) until Montreal's Mike Marshall bettered him by two last year. The year he worked 90 games, Wayne was the Fireman of the Year with nine wins and 27 saves. He repeated the honor in 1970 with six wins and a record 35 saves, a record since broken. This was based on the old system of recording saves, revised this year.
Wayne's hobbies are golf, pool and carpentry."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
SAM MCDOWELL
"Strikeouts are the name of the game for Sudden Sam McDowell, and if that's his game, he plays it well. Early in 1974, Sam will tie Sandy Koufax for tenth place on the all-time strikeout list, a record of distinction.
The Yankees brought Sam back to the American League last June, purchasing him from the Giants. He thus returned to the league of his great triumphs, for it was with Cleveland that he was a six-time All-Star, a 20-game winner, an ERA champ and a five-time strikeout champ, twice passing 300 strikeouts in a single season. He was named Pitcher of the Year by the Sporting News in 1970.
Sam still throws as hard as ever and presents an awesome challenge to opposing hitters. If the flame is still there - and Sam says it is - then he will be a regular in the Yankee rotation, and a mighty important one at that."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Strikeouts have always been the name of the game for hard-working, hard-throwing Sudden Sam McDowell. His 2,391 lifetime strikeouts place him just five behind Sandy Koufax for tenth place on the all-time list, and certainly within reach of Christy Mathewson's 2,505 for eighth place. Sam's strikeouts have averaged almost one an inning. Five times he led the American League during his 10 seasons with Cleveland, surpassing the 300 total twice. He holds records for strikeouts in two consecutive games (30) and three consecutive games (40), both set in 1968, and also the A.L. record for 10-strikeout games, 74. He's also led in walks five times, but that's Sam's kind of game - a lot of pitches, a lot of work, and generally he comes out ahead.
A 20-game winner in 1970, the league's ERA champ in 1965 (his first full season), Sam has been selected to six All-Star teams in his career. He tied Whitey Ford's record by pitching two consecutive one-hitters in 1966. The Sporting News Pitcher of the Year in 1970, he went to San Francisco after 1971 in a celebrated trade for Gaylord Perry and Frank Duffy.
A boyhood star at Pittsburgh's Catholic High School in baseball, basketball, football, swimming, tennis and track, Sam signed a big bonus contract with the Indians at age 17 and a year later made his big league debut, firing a six-inning shutout before breaking two ribs from throwing too hard."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
BILLY PARKER
"One looks at Billy Parker and wonders where all the power comes from - like 108 home runs in five minor league seasons, including 25 last year. And batting averages around .300 in each of the last three seasons. All of this from a 5'7" frame.
The Yankees took a look at Billy's minor league credentials and drafted him from the Angels' organization last December. He can play second, short, third or the outfield, and will be given every chance to put some of that power on a major league level."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Billy has been nothing short of sensational during the previous three seasons at Salt Lake City, with three-year totals of 70 homers and 269 runs batted in, plus batting averages of .306, .298 and .298 again. Such power from one so small has always caught the eyes of big league scouts, and the Yankees were happy to land Billy last winter. He has seen action briefly with the Angels in each of the past three seasons, and is hoping to stick for a full year with the Yankees.
He can play second, short, third or the outfield
His first hit in the big leagues was a 12th inning two-out, game-winning homer to beat Milwaukee in 1971.
Billy is one of 13 children, nine of them brothers. A Willie Mays fan as a youngster in Alabama, he was signed by scout Ken Meyers for the Angels in 1969."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
DUKE SIMS
"Duke Sims holds a unique distinction which will one day be lost in the pages of baseball history. Duke hit the last home run in Yankee Stadium prior its closing for remodeling last September.
Duke joined the Yankees in the very last week of the season, after two very exciting seasons with Detroit, where he captured the imagination of the fans almost at once. He was greeted with chants of 'Duke! Duke!' much as Bill Skowron was once greeted with chants of 'Moose! Moose!' in Yankee Stadium.
Sims is a power hitter who belted 23 homers for Cleveland in 1970, and who has also seen action for the Dodgers. A 15-year veteran of pro baseball, the Yankees look to Duke for experience at three positions (catcher and first base as well as designated hitter) with that added batting punch he can contribute."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Duke Sims is a powerfully built man with home run ability who joined the Yankees in the final week of the 1973 season. He then earned the distinction of hitting the last home run in Yankee Stadium before the reconstruction.
Duke has been around, having played with the Indians, Dodgers and Tigers prior to his Yankee arrival, and three times (all with Cleveland) he caught over 100 games in a season. He can also play first base.
When he joined Detroit in 1972 he immediately caught fire and contributed to the Eastern Division title with a .316 average down the stretch, earning him great and immediate popularity with the Detroit fans. Duke's best power year was his final one at Cleveland when he hit 23 home runs in only 345 times at bat.
Duke was first signed in 1959, by an old-time Yankee, Carl Mays. As a schoolboy in the 1950s, Duke had the rare distinction of being All-State in three sports - baseball, football and basketball; that was in Idaho, where not too many baseball players come from."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
KEN WRIGHT
"Newest member of the Yankee bullpen crew is Ken Wright, obtained with Lou Piniella last December in a trade for Lindy McDaniel. The Yankees viewed the addition of Wright to the trade as a real plus for their pitching staff in 1974.
Ken was originally signed by the Boston Red Sox, but Kansas City drafted him in 1969 and he pitched four seasons for the Royals. His record last year was 6-5.
Ken recalls that his major league debut was against the Angels in 1970 and his mound opponent was Clyde Wright, an improbable occurrence which he sees as noteworthy.
Certainly of equal note, if not greater, will be the contribution Ken can make to the Yankee cause this season. The big right-hander with ten years of professional experience behind him is looking forward to his new home."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"This big right-hander came to the Yankees form K.C. along with Lou Piniella in a trade for veteran reliever Lindy McDaniel. Ken divided last season between starting and relieving for the Royals.
He throws hard but has experienced some control problems in the past. He has 179 strikeouts in 229.2 major league innings pitched and credits former Yankee Billy Gardner with instilling confidence in his stuff, enabling him to get a major league shot in 1970.
In his first major league game, Ken faced an unlikely opponent - another Wright - Clyde, then of the Angels.
Surprisingly Ken names Fenway Park, usually a pitcher's nightmare, as his favorite ballpark."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
FRED STANLEY
"No question about Fred Stanley having a major league glove - he's considered one of the finest fielding shortstops in the Yankee organization, and his play last September, when called up from Syracuse, proved it to one and all.
A veteran of service with Seattle, Milwaukee, Cleveland and San Diego, Fred is at the point where he'd like to settle down to a regular job and prove that his bat is big league, too. A grand slam homer against the Brewers last year helped move him in that direction, and the Yankees are anxious to see more of Fred Stanley's act."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Fred is a fine fielding shortstop who attended his first spring training camp with the Yankees last year and impressed everyone with his range. He was optioned to Syracuse and served as their regular shortstop, hitting .248 and being called up to the Yankees late in the year. He fielded well and climaxed his Yankee stint with a grand slam home run on September 8 - this made him the last Yankee to hit a grand slam homer in Yankee Stadium before the reconstruction.
Fred has previously seen major league action with Seattle-Milwaukee, Cleveland and San Diego. He's a big leaguer with the glove and feels he's ready to prove it with the bat. He will get a full shot at winning a regular job in spring training."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
JIM RAY HART
"Jim Ray Hart will always be remembered as the first regular designated hitter the Yankees employed in the first year of the historic ruling - and Jim's contributions will make it a pleasant memory, as he hit 13 homers and drove in 52 runs following his purchase from the Giants.
In San Francisco, Jim teamed with Willie Mays and Willie McCovey for many years to provide one of the most potent lineups in the National League. He was a member of an All-Star team, a 30-homer-a-year man, and a high average hitter before knee surgery slowed him down.
But although the surgery keeps him from playing the field, the DH was made to order for Jim, who's bat is still ringing with line drives. As a right-hand hitter, Shea Stadium should prove even better for Jim's career than Yankee Stadium, and the Yankees are anxious to see the results of the move in Jim's case."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Jim Ray Hart completed an outstanding National League career early last season, coming to a new league and the Yankees on April 16. He immediately caught fire as the Yankees' designated hitter, and served in that role in 106 games, never appearing in the field (he also pinch-hit eight times). Jim's 13 homers and 52 RBIs added real scoring punch to the middle of the lineup last season. It was his biggest season in the majors since 1968, when he completed a string of five great years for the Giants, during which time he hit 139 homers, joining Mays and McCovey in the power brigade. He was a member of the 1966 All-Star team, a year in which he hit 33 homers.
Shoulder and knee operations have limited Jim's running and throwing abilities in recent years, and the designated hitter rule was ideal for him. He still swings a potent bat as the Yankees recognized from his .323 season at Phoenix in 1972.
Jim is still sixth on the all-time Giant home run list, and his 31 homers in 1964 is a Giant rookie record, including their days in New York. Jim broke into the majors the hard way - in his second game, Bob Gibson hit him with a pitch, breaking a shoulder blade ... returning a month later, the Cardinals' Curt Simmons hit him in the head and he was out another month.
Jim is well liked for both his personality and his batting ability."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
DICK WOODSON
"Assorted ailments limited him to 23 starts last year, but he has become the No. 2 starter behind Blyleven. Woodson spent seven years in the bushes trying to make it.
He had problems with manager Bill Rigney, once refusing to hand him the ball when being taken out, but when Frank Quilici replaced Rig midway through the 1972 season, Woodson went into the rotation and when physically possible has stayed there ever since. He was 14-14 with a 2.71 ERA in '72.
Born in Oelwein, Iowa, Dick attended California Western and San Diego State. He has a no-windup motion."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
"In the Yankees' dramatic early season trading spree in which the club hopefully increased the team's offense and defense, Dick Woodson was a key figure. The big right-hander was purchased from the Minnesota Twins on May 4 and was expected to fit in well on the revamped Yankee pitching staff.
Woodson was the Twins' No. 2 starter, having won 24 games for Minnesota over the last two years. Dick missed the last six weeks of the 1973 season because of arm trouble, but he reported to Minnesota fully recovered this spring and was throwing hard again when obtained by the Yankees. At the time of his acquisition, Woodson had yielded only 458 hits in 534 innings pitched and he had maintained a good strikeout ratio.
The 6'5" Californian hopes to contribute his share to a big Yankee season and if he's successful, there will be no complaining by the Yanks."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
FERNANDO GONZALEZ
"This 23-year-old native of Arecibo, Puerto Rico is no stranger to Manager Bill Virdon. Gonzalez came up through the Pirate organization and played briefly for Bill at Pittsburgh before he was included in a trade with Nelson Briles to Kansas City last winter. The Yanks bought Fernando in May and inserted him in the lineup at second base. In his first trip to the plate against the Rangers, Gonzalez singled to right, driving in a key run in a Yankee victory.
That first hit as a Yankee plus two fine minor league seasons in AA and AAA give the Yankees and Manager Virdon high hopes for young Gonzalez. At Sherbrooke in 1972 he hit a league-leading .333 and also topped the Eastern League that season in total hits and doubles.
At Mayaguez College, Fernando studied management and business administration."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
JERRY MOSES
"Jerry proved to be a welcome addition to the Yankee catching corps last season, serving as a backup receiver, producing more than adequately whenever he was called upon. He was the starting catcher in five of the 16 shutouts hurled by Yankee pitchers last season and hit a creditable .254 in 21 appearances.
Always a fine athlete, he spurned a football career after one year at Ole Miss to sign a reported $75,000 contract with the Boston Red Sox in 1964. He had been a high school All-American on the gridiron, serving as a quarterback. He played sandlot baseball with Archie Manning, All-American quarterback at Ole Miss and currently quarterbacking the New Orleans Saints.
He was an all-star catcher in his first year of professional baseball at Wellsville in the New York-Penn League. He jumped to the Red Sox at the start of the '65 season and hit a pinch-hit homer in only his second at-bat in the major leagues. He drifted back to the minor leagues for needed experience and again was an all-star at Pittsfield of the Eastern League. He returned to the major leagues to stay in 1969.
Jerry made the All-Star team in 1970 while with the Red Sox with a brilliant first half of the season, only to have a split finger plague him for the second half of the campaign.
Jerry saw action in just 21 games last season and hence volunteered to play winter ball. He went to Venezuela and hit 10 homers in 39 games, with 33 RBIs."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
LOWELL PALMER
"Although obtained by the Yankees last June, Lowell remained on the Oklahoma City roster for the entire season and had more work than he'd had since 1968, proving that his arm was sound and that he still throws hard. He led the American Association with 203 strikeouts last year, with a nearly 2-1 strikeout-walk ratio.
Lowell has had shots in the big leagues with the Phillies, Cardinals and Indians and is anxious to return to the majors and prove he can get his ERA down.
At Norte Del Rio High School in Sacramento, Lowell lettered in baseball, track, basketball and golf.
He will be bidding for a spot on the Yankee pitching staff this spring, and the Yankees will certainly give him a good look."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
JERRY KENNEY
"Jerry returns to the Yankees this spring, having trained with the Indians a year ago following his trade to Cleveland in November of 1972 with Charlie Spikes, John Ellis and Rusty Torres for Graig Nettles and Jerry Moses. Shortly after being released by the Indians, Jerry was signed by the Yankees to a Syracuse contract and he returned with a bang, hitting .343 in 34 games for the Chiefs.
He's still a quality infielder who can play short or third, and who has shown steaks of big league ability with the bat. His fine performance at Syracuse wasn't surprising, as Jerry never hit below .291 in his minor league career.
Jerry lost 1968 to military service when he was on the verge of the majors and never seemed to recapture the .290 form at bat. He was co-winner of the 1969 James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding rookie in spring training. He opened that season in center field, but moved to third base when Bobby Murcer was converted to an outfielder."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
ALEX JOHNSON
"After two years of problems, Johnson came to the Rangers in a spring training deal and had a good year. He hit .287 and never was there any mention about his attitude.
'I never bothered him,' said Whitey Herzog, 'and he never bothered anyone else.' Until his problems in California in 1971, Alex was one of the best hitters in baseball. He hit .312 and .315 for Cincinnati in 1968 and 1969, then won the AL batting crown with .329 in 1970.
Born in Helena, Arkansas, his brother Ron is a great running back for the New York Giants. Alex attended the Detroit Institute of Technology."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
OTTO VELEZ
"The Yankees hope he can step in as their right fielder. Otto had a great first half at Syracuse, hitting over .330, but ended up at .269, which has them worried he might be another Rusty Torres. He had good power with 29 homers, and he hit .310 at Kinston in 1971.
Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Otto started as a third baseman."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
"The talk of the International League last season was Otto Velez, a converted third baseman who was stealing the show at Syracuse with his power and his arm. And when a prospect is so widely acclaimed in the minors, it's a short period of time until the major leagues beckon.
Otto was a third baseman until last year's spring training camp when he was moved to right field. He showed a tremendous arm in camp, adjusted to his new position, won the James P. Dawson Award (as the Yankees' outstanding rookie), and then went out and hit 29 home runs with 98 runs batted in at Syracuse.
Called up to the Yankees in September, his best days were his three-for-four debut against Mickey Lolich, and his first two big league homers coming in the same game at Cleveland.
Otto's return to the Yankees in June was a big factor in taking away the left-handed pitching advantages of other clubs. He proceeded to find his hitting stroke and in one stretch was on base nearly 70 percent of the time.
The Yankees are confident that Otto will find a place for himself on the '74 Yankees and continue the improvement he has shown each year he's been in the organization."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Otto Velez is one of the prime prospects in the Yankee organization. He impressed everyone in the Yankee spring training camp last year when he won the James P. Dawson Award (top rookie in camp), hitting .333.
He began the season with the Yanks' AAA Syracuse club and finished second in the International League in homers (29) and RBIs (98), in addition to leading the loop in walks with 130. Otto showed a quick and aggressive bat - he loves to hit.
Otto was brought up to the Yanks near the end of the season and made quite a splash in his first major league game, going 3-for-4 against Mickey Lolich, one of the top left-handers in the game. He should give current Yankee outfielders strong competition for a regular post."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
SCOTT MCGREGOR
"The top draft pick of '72 who has risen fast, Scott was 7-2 at Ft. Lauderdale in '72, then jumped all the way to West Haven of the Eastern League and was 12-13. Born in El Segundo, California, he won the Legion championship for El Segundo.
He's not an overpowering fireballer, but a smooth, complete pitcher with excellent control."
-Peter Gammons, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1974 Edition
"The Yankees feel they have a real coming star in Scott McGregor, their top draft pick in 1972. After a fine debut season at Ft. Lauderdale that year, he jumped a few notches to the Eastern League last year and led the league in several departments, most importantly innings pitched, considering his age was just 19.
Invited to spring training with the parent club last year, Scott impressed Whitey Ford with his arm, his poise and his pickoff move. Many felt Scott reminded them of a young Ford, and Whitey is anxious to continue working with Scott this spring.
A baseball and basketball star in El Segundo High School in California, Scott was a teammate of Kansas City third base prospect George Brett."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
RICK BLADT
"Rick Bladt has progressed with his career to the point where he now feels ready to claim a job on the Yankees in 1974.
Rick has been a regular in the Syracuse outfield for four years, after being obtained from the Cubs. He has become a solid defensive player who hits around .265 and shows good speed and some power. All of these combine to make him a valuable man to have around, and that's just what the Yankees will be thinking as they look to Rick's future."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"A good looking athlete with speed and a live arm, Rick comes to the Yankee camp with a chance of making the club as a fifth outfielder. He has also played some infield.
A veteran of eight seasons in Organized Baseball, Rick's best year was with Tacoma of the Pacific Coast League (AAA) when he hit .312. He played both basketball and football at Fremont High School in California.
His hobbies are fishing and hunting."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
TOM BUSKEY
"Big Tom Buskey made the jump to the major leagues last season - the climax of an inspirational career which began with his 1969 signing after being passed over in the free agent draft.
Tom was a high school All-American in baseball and football and then graduated from the University of North Carolina. The six-foot three-inch Pennsylvanian throws right-handed and won six of ten decisions in relief for Syracuse last season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"One of the few who have made the major leagues in recent years after being passed over in the free agent draft, he reported to the Yankees on August 5 last year from Syracuse. He replaced Steve Kline who went on the disabled list. Tom made an impressive major league debut the day after he reported, hurling 3.1 innings of shutout ball in Detroit. Last year was his first as a relief pitcher, and he made the change well after four years as a starter in the Yankee system.
The strapping right-hander received a BA degree in education from the University of North Carolina, where he won an athletic scholarship for football, playing the defensive end position. He was an All-American gridder in high school, and also All-State in baseball.
Tom was signed to a Yankee contract and sent to their Rookie League club in Johnson City. He was impressive and continued to impress all the way up the minor league ladder, eventually winding up with the parent club last season.
He lists 'putting on a Yankee uniform' as one of his biggest moments in sports."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
DAVE PAGAN
"Dave Pagan comes from a farm in Saskatchewan so small that his telephone number was 'eight.' Somehow, Yankee scout Eddie Taylor, who uncovered Mel Stottlemyre and Steve Kline before him, came upon Dave and made him a Yankee.
He has put outstanding seasons back to back, first in the Carolina League, and last year split between the Eastern League and the International League, with a brief stop in the majors for a look. Dave's earned run average for four Yankee appearances was 2.84.
This year, the Yankees will watch Dave's progress carefully. He's a man who figures in their future."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Dave was signed as a free agent in 1970 out of Bellevue Community College in Washington and is one of the few players from Western Canada to reach the big leagues. Dave was raised on a farm in Snowden, Saskatchewan, a town so small his telephone number was 8.
He progressed steadily in the Yankee organization and caught fire in 1972 at Kinston, posting a 14-9 record and leading the Carolina League in strikeouts and earned run average. Dave opened last season at West Haven and while on his way to another spectacular year, was called up by the Yankees and given a start. While his start was a rocky one, his three subsequent relief roles were satisfactory, as was his performance at Syracuse, making Dave a top prospect in the organization."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
MIKE PAZIK
"Mike Pazik was the Yankees' number one draft choice in June of 1971 and has looked good in each of the spring camps he's been invited to. The Holy Cross alumnus pitched a no-hitter in his first pro season at Syracuse, where he's worked the last two-and-a-half years. Mike feels he's now ready for an authentic shot at the big club and is determined to make this his year.
That's the kind of determination the Yankees like to see ... and put it together with Mike's strong left arm and you've got a winning combination that will be making its presence felt for a long time."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Considered to have one of the livest arms in the Yankee organization, this fireballing left-hander has advanced rapidly in just two and a half years in professional baseball, and this spring will be knocking on the door of a major league job.
Mike has pitched for Syracuse for parts of the last three years and hurled a no-hitter for the Chiefs in his first year of pro ball. He had a fine spring training with the Yankees two years ago, allowing just one run in 13 innings, with an ERA of 0.69."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
KEN BENNETT
"He has moved steadily up the ladder, with a .265 season at Syracuse last season his best."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Ken advanced to AAA last season with the Syracuse Chiefs and showed creditable improvement. He has never taken a step backward in his four seasons of pro ball and has shown potential in all phases of the game: hitting, fielding and throwing.
Ken was a prominent football player in high school at West High in Wichita, Kansas, where he was an honorable mention All-American and All-State. Baseball, however, has always been his favorite sport, with Mickey Mantle his favorite player."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
JUAN BERNHARDT
"Juan made an exciting comeback last season which prompted the Yankees to protect him on their 40-man roster and bring him to spring training.
He suffered a double dislocation and fracture of his right ankle last spring training and missed three quarters of the 1973 season. He returned late in the year to bat .337 for Ft. Lauderdale in 37 games, and he considers the comeback to be his top baseball experience. Nicknamed 'Mancho,' Juan had a fine full season in 1972 at Ft. Lauderdale when he batted .292. The ankle fracture temporarily took away some of his great speed which he still expects to recapture.
Juan plays first or third equally well. He's of Indian ancestry, and from the Dominican Republic. He enjoys music and fishing."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
LARRY GOWELL
"He has won 70 games in the minors for the Yankees, going back to 1967, and started one game for the Yanks in 1972."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Larry has won 70 minor league games for the Yankees, making him one of the organization's biggest winning prospects ever. His strong arm has kept him among the organization leaders in innings pitched almost every year since he signed.
Last year he showed great improvement with his control and may be on the verge of becoming a big leaguer. Larry started the final game of the 1972 season for the Yanks and allowed just one unearned run in five innings, hitting a double his first time up; that was the last time a Yankee pitcher had a hit, as the designated hitter rule came into effect last year.
One of the few baseball players to come from Maine, Larry is a Seventh Day Adventist, which prevents him from working sundown Friday to sundown Saturday."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
ROGER HAMBRIGHT
"The top relief man in the Eastern League last year with 6-4 and 22 saves, he pitched with the Yanks in 1971 with a 3-1 record."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"1973 was a comeback year for Roger Hambright, who was on the Yankees briefly in 1971 in a surprise callup from Double-A in mid-season.
Roger impressed onlookers with his poise, and despite his 4.33 earned run average, was thought to have done well considering the jump from Manchester. But he then developed arm trouble in winter ball following the '71 season and slipped off the Yankee roster, working in relief for Syracuse. Last year he was dropped to West Haven.
Roger worked his arm trouble out and became the best relief man in the Eastern League, posting 22 saves and a 2.25 earned run average. He has been a relief pitcher since signing in 1967, rare for a young player, and it has made him a total relief specialist in poise and ability.
An off-season carpenter, Roger is looking to make an even bigger comeback in the near future - a return to the major leagues."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
SCOTT MCGREGOR
"The number one pick in the June '72 free agent draft, he led the Eastern League in complete games and innings pitched last season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
LOWELL PALMER
"A former Phillie, Cardinal and Indian, he led the American Association with 203 strikeouts in 1973."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
TERRY WHITFIELD
"The number one pick in the June '71 free agent draft, he was MVP in the Carolina League last year with .335, 18 homers."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Terry really came into his own last season, winning the Most Valuable Player Award in the Carolina League, leading the league in batting and tying for the lead in home runs. This was his second home run crown, having won it at Johnson City in 1971 after being made the Yankees' first draft pick that June.
An All-American high school baseball player in Blythe, California, Terry had a host of honors and awards in a brilliant high school career in which he participated in baseball, football, basketball and track.
This is first year on the Yankee roster and his first big league camp. Considered a top prospect, the Yankees are anxious to get their first look at him in a big league setting.
He spends his winters working with youngsters and umpiring in his old school district."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
GEORGE ZEBER
"Coming back from injuries at Syracuse last year, he's a Vietnam veteran from Orange, California."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"George had been advancing steadily through the Yankee organization until last year when he suffered a setback due to a knee injury and a beaning.
George is an all-around athlete who played baseball (all-state), basketball and football in high school.
He could be heard from in the future. This figures to be an important comeback year in George's career."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
SHELDON GILL
"He's an 18-year-old Californian who batted .280 at Johnson City last season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
\"Sheldon is just 18 years old and attending his first professional training camp, a big league camp to boot.
A star at Jordan High School in Long Beach, California, he caught 41 games at Johnson City last season and hit an impressive .280.
He's rated a good handler of pitchers for one so young and is also noted for his hustle and desire. Sheldon's not very big but he's aggressive and strong behind the plate."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
MIKE HEATH
"A 19-year-old infielder from Tampa, he was the Yanks' number two pick in the June '73 draft."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Mike is just 19 years old with 48 professional games behind him as a fine fielding shortstop, and this will be his first taste of a big league training camp.
Selected second in last year's draft, Mike played baseball and football at Hillsborough High School in Tampa and was all-state in the latter. As the Reds train in Tampa, Mike became a fan of Pete Rose and would certainly like to follow Pete's success.
Mike lists his hobby as hunting."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
TIPPY MARTINEZ
"He's a 5'10" Colorado State pitcher who was 13-8 in relief at Kinston in 1973."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"For a player passed over in the free agent draft, Tippy has surprised a lot of people, and many feel he will develop into an outstanding big league relief pitcher. He tied for the Carolina League lead in saves last season with 15 while winning 13 games and posting a 2.66 earned run average.
Just three credits away from a degree from Colorado State, Tippy received a host of honors in football, basketball and baseball both in high school and college. Of Spanish-Mexican descent, he's a man who was a Yankee fan as a boy, and whose favorite player was Whitey Ford, now his big league pitching coach."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
JOE PACTWA
"A converted outfielder who was 12-6 at West Haven last year, he also hit .378 with 13 homers."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Joe was in spring training with the Yankees in 1968, 1969 and 1971, but this will be his first visit as a pitcher, having converted from the outfield a year ago. Always noted for his strong arm, the move turned out to be a successful one, with Joe winning 12 of 18 decisions, posting a 3.18 ERA, and still showing the highest batting average in the league (although he failed to bat enough times to qualify for the title).
He hits with power, but it's on the mound that Joe is now seeking to reach the majors, and the Yankees are anxious to get a look at what a year of pitching has taught him."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
BOB POLINSKY
"A 6'5" righty from Lansford, Pennsylvania and Delaware Valley College, he had an 8-3 record at Oneonta in 1973."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Bob is a good prospect still considered a few years away, but the Yankees are anxious to have him work in the big league camp this year. He made his pro debut last year with an 8-3 record at Oneonta, and played in the Instructional League this past winter.
A baseball and basketball star at Panther Valley High School in Lansford, Pennsylvania, Bob is a big, hard-throwing right-hander who rooted for the Phillies and Robin Roberts as a youngster.
Bob enjoys golf and music, and also is qualified as an accountant."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
ED RICKS
"He's a 6'4" product of Grambling College. 23 years old, he had several low-hit games at Ft. Lauderdale in '73."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Ed is a big, hard-throwing right-hander who showed great improvement in 1973, lowering his earned run average by nearly two and half runs per game.
Very near his degree from Grambling, Ed played baseball and basketball at Union High School in Bastrop, Louisiana, and at Grambling. As a youth, the only boy in a family of six children, Ed's favorite players were Bob Gibson and Roberto Clemente, and he'd certainly like to approach the career of Gibson.
Ed has a very good arm, and the Yankee big league coaching staff is anxious for a first look at him in spring training this season."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
BILL STEARNS
"A hard-working catcher with three years of pro experience, he caught 124 games at West Haven last year."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"Bill has been a hard-working catcher in the Yankee organization since his 1971 signing and has caught over 100 games in each of the last two seasons, moving steadily up the Yankee ladder. A great team man with hustle and desire, Bill is an excellent handler of pitchers and a good defensive ballplayer who has hit around .250.
A graduate of Wyoming, Bill was a schoolboy star in football (all-conference) and baseball (all-state) and led his team to the 1967 American Legion World Series in Memphis. His brother John was the first round pick of the Phillies in 1973 and played in Reading last season. Bill also has a brother who plays linebacker for the University of Colorado."
-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
TOBY WRIGHT (Organist)
"Toby Wright is the Yankee organist, entertaining fans between innings and adding his own blend of musical fandom to the course of a game. Toby also plays for the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
"You're being entertained during today's game by Yankee organist Toby Wright while enjoying the improved sound system offered by Shea Stadium. Toby, who also plays for the New York Rangers, is in his fourth consecutive year at the keyboard for the Yankees."
-1974 New York Yankees Scorebook & Official Program
BOB SHEPPARD (Public Address Announcer)
"Bob Sheppard brings his talents to Shea Stadium this season, having served as the public address announcer at Yankee Stadium since 1946. Bob is probably the most recognized ballpark voice in the country."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
GENE MONAHAN (Trainer)
"Gene Monahan, only 29 years old, in his 15th season in the Yankee organization, having begun as a bat boy with the Ft. Lauderdale Yankees in 1962. He advanced through the system to become the trainer of the Yankees last season."
-1974 New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
BILL KANE (Traveling Secretary)
"Veteran Yankee statistician and radio producer Bill Kane takes over the added duties of traveling secretary this season, with responsibility for all Yankee travel and hotel arrangements. Bill's been with the Yankees since 1961, never having missed a game at home or on the road."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
PETE SHEEHY (Clubhouse Man and Equipment Manager)
"Pete Sheehy is the senior man in the Yankee organization, dating back to 1927. He serves the Yankees as both equipment manager and clubhouse chief in Ft. Lauderdale and New York."
-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook
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