MEL STOTTLEMYRE
"Mel is at the crossroads of his career, and everyone who knows this senior member of the team is pulling for the big sinkerball specialist to come back.
He's the last member of the 1964 pennant winners still with the club. He joined the team on August 12, 1964 after being Minor League Player of the Year at Richmond.
Ten years later, Mel ranks high on most Yankee pitching lifetime charts. Three times a 20-game winner and five times an All-Star, he is the active shutout leader in the American League with 40.
Shoulder problems put Mel on the disabled list for the first time last season. Starting against the Angels at Shea on June 11, he was forced to leave the game. It was his 272nd consecutive start without a relief appearance, an American League record. His only other appearance after that was a two-inning relief stint against Boston on August 4. Ironically, the season started as one of Mel's best, with five victories in April.
Mel has pitched seven Opening Day games for the Yankees. His 164 career victories are fifth on the all-time Yankee list, only four behind Bob Shawkey; this has been accomplished without the benefit of the 'Murderer's Row' power other Yankee pitchers have had in the lineups.
Mel has a bit of power himself. He has hit an inside-the-park grand slam among his seven career homers, and was five-for-five against Washington in 1964."
-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
ALEX JOHNSON
"Alex Johnson has always let his bat speak for him, and it never spoke louder than 1970 when he won the American League batting championship with a .329 average.
Holder of a .291 career average, 'A.J.' joined New York from Texas last September, and on his first night with the team, belted a 12th inning home run at Fenway Park to put the Yankees in first place. Seldom has anyone broken in so dramatically.
Johnson, whose brother Ron has been a key member of the New York Giants' backfield for many years, has speed to burn himself. He stole a career high of 20 bases last season and needs only three for 100 career thefts. Whether as an outfielder or designated hitter, Alex figures to contribute to Yankee hopes this season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"The American League's 1970 batting champion and a four-time .300 hitter, Alex joined the Yankees last September to provide one of the most famous Yankee home runs ever. In his first game in a Yankee uniform (September 10), he belted a 12th inning home run off Diego Segui in Fenway Park to give the Yankees a big 2-1 victory. It ended a sensational Dobson-Tiant pitching duel and put the Yankees in first place. That was the only game in which Alex played the outfield for the Yanks, serving as a DH or a pinch-hitter in his other appearances.
His batting title was a close decision over Carl Yastrzemski and came in his first American League season. He hit .303 as a rookie with the almost-pennant-winning Phillies of 1964. He went to the Cardinals in a deal involving Yankee broadcaster Bill White. After military service and a return to the minors, he went to Cincinnati and earned Comeback Player of the Year honors in 1968. Despite all the movement over the years, Alex is a .291 lifetime hitter with 97 stolen bases, 20 of them last season.
His brother Ron is a running back with the New York Giants."
-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
EDDIE LEON
"For protection at either second base or shortstop, the Yankees can now turn to Eddie Leon, owner of one of the strongest arms in baseball, and a veteran of seven years with the Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox.
Eddie is also a crafty and pesky hitter who once led the American League in sacrifice bunts.
Leon holds a degree in civil engineering and has lived in Arizona throughout his life. Employed by an engineering firm in the winters, he happily puts on his baseball uniform each February to enjoy the part of his life he most enjoys - playing ball. And Eddie's talents make him a welcome member of any team."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"Eddie adds infield protection to the Yankees as both a shortstop and a second baseman, and he can also play third. He's noted for an exceptionally strong throwing arm. The emergence of young players Orta and Dent on the White Sox last year limited his playing time greatly, but he's still rated a top utility man.
Eddie is a graduate of Tucson High and the University of Arizona with a B.S. degree in civil engineering. He works as an engineer in the winter. He led his college team to the Western Athletic Conference and NCAA District titles and into the 1966 College World Series.
Signed by scout Bob Neiman to a Cleveland contract in 1967, Eddie reached the majors late in 1968, getting into six games. He became a regular in 1970 and led the American League with 23 sacrifices, hitting ten homers and driving 56 runs. The following season he hit a career high .261. After the 1972 season, he was traded to Chicago for Walt Williams.
Eddie enjoys paddleball, tennis and golf."
-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
BOB OLIVER
"After Catfish Hunter and Bobby Bonds, the biggest acquisition the Yankees made in the off-season of 1974-75 was infielder Bob Oliver.
Bob is a 6'3" power hitter who still holds the all-time single-season home run record for the Kansas City Royals with 27. He also drove in 99 runs that year, 1970, and proved he hadn't lost his run-producing ability when he batted in 89 runs for the California Angels in 1973.
Oliver plays either first or third and offers good backup protection at either spot. But if circumstances should force him into the lineup every day, he has the experience and ability to respond as a regular.
Born in Shreveport, Louisiana 32 years ago, Bob and his family now live in Anaheim, California. He has worked as a uniformed police officer in off-seasons, dealing primarily with youngsters."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"Bob is a hard-hitting right-hander capable of playing either first or third. He played 61 games at first and 46 at third last season.
His best season was 1970 when he hit 27 homers and drove in 99 runs for the Royals. The 27 HRs are still a single-season record for the Royals. Bob had a record-tying 6-for-6 day on May 4 of that year. He was dealt to the Angels in 1972 and became a big run producer again, sharing the team's 1972 MVP award with Vada Pinson. Bob then drove in 89 runs in 1973.
Originally signed by Pittsburgh out of American River Junior College in 1963, Bob pitched one inning for Kinston in 1964. Traded to the Twins' organization in 1967, Minnesota lost him in the Expansion Draft to Kansas City in 1968.
He has worked as a uniformed patrolman on the Santa Ana, California police force in off-seasons, where his primary responsibilities are with youngsters."
-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
MIKE WALLACE
"Mike Wallace must be a bad loser because it's something he seldom allows to happen. He's appeared in 51 major league games entering the 1975 season and lost only once. He had a 7-0 record last season, six of the victories coming with the Yankees after they obtained him from Philadelphia.
A bachelor, Mike is only 24 years old and hails from Gastonia, North Carolina. He was the top long relief man on the Yankee staff last year, and when making his only start of the season, combined with Dick Tidrow to shut out the Orioles in a big September game at Baltimore.
The hard-throwing left-hander is still learning American League hitters, and figures to become an even more valuable member of the Yankee mound staff in the future."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"Mike served the Yankees as a fine long relief man last season, and when given a start on September 12, turned in seven and two-thirds shutout innings in a crucial game against Baltimore; Tidrow finished up as the Yankees won 3-0. Mike was unscored on in 12 of his 23 appearances, and as late as July 17, his ERA was under 2.00.
Mike made his major league debut in Shea Stadium as a member of the Phillies on June 27, 1973, and hurled a complete game 7-hit victory over the Mets. Last year, before joining the Yankees, he had a win and a save for the Phillies, both coming in a doubleheader in Shea against the Mets on April 14.
A member of his minor league all-star teams in both 1969 and 1970, Mike's only major league defeat was on July 2, 1973 - he's won seven straight since then."
-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
SKIP LOCKWOOD
"Skip was a reported $100,000 bonus infielder with the Kansas City Athletics back in 1964 after a brilliant career in baseball, basketball and track at Catholic Memorial High in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. He didn't hit much, including a 42-game trial with the A's in 1965, and the following year gave pitching a try.
He came along gradually and returned to the majors with the Seattle Pilots, after being selected in the Expansion Draft in October 1968 from the Oakland organization. In the interim, he had spent spring training of 1968 with Houston before returning to the A's.
Skip moved with the Pilots to Milwaukee and became one of the Brewers' top starters, spending four seasons in their rotation. His best year was 1971 when he reached double figures in victories and had a 3.33 ERA. He went to California after the 1973 season, and spent most of the 1974 season in the bullpen."
-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"Outstanding shortstop. Statistics never reflected his ability to hit in the clutch.
'He was one of the finest professionals I've ever been around in my life,' said Tigers' general manager Jim Campbell after trading him to the Cardinals in a deal involving three teams. 'We were lucky to have him as long as we did.'
Brinkman set five major league fielding records for shortstops over the course of the 1972 season, including most consecutive errorless games (72), at the conclusion of which he underwent surgery for a ruptured lumbar disc. He's a dependable everyday player despite his frail appearance. Ed had career highs of 14 homers and 54 RBIs last season.
Born in Cincinnati, Brinkman was a teammate of Pete Rose at Cincinnati's Western Hills High School."
-Bob Smizik, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1975 Edition
"Ed Brinkman is one of the top defensive shortstops in baseball, as evidenced by his five major league records at that position, and by his length of service in the game. The Yankees purchased him from Texas on June 13, following his brief stint in St. Louis. Most of Ed's fame was achieved with the Washington Senators (1961-1970) and Detroit Tigers (1971-1974), for whom he hit 14 home runs last season.
The one-time high school teammate of Pete Rose, Ed is a 33-year-old right-handed hitter and is married with two children. He still lives in his native Cincinnati."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
RICH COGGINS
"Rich Coggins is an outfield speed merchant obtained from Montreal on June 19 when the Yankees found themselves beset with injured outfielders. Still only 24 years old, Rich hit .319 for Baltimore two years ago and was runner-up in the Rookie of the Year voting to teammate Al Bumbry. Illness limited his playing time this year, but he returned to active duty in May (shortly after getting married) and soon found himself back in the American League, ready to don the Yankee pinstripes.
Rich can now help the Yankees unseat his former teammates in Baltimore as Eastern Division champions - which is exactly what he hopes to do."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
TERRY WHITFIELD
"Smooth outfielder. Terry has displayed both speed and power in four minor league seasons following his selection in the first round of the 1971 draft. He had 17 homers, 71 runs batted in and a .259 average at Syracuse last year. In 1973, he was MVP in the Carolina League, where he batted .335 with 18 homers.
Born in Blythe, California, Terry was an outstanding all-around athlete in high school, and lettered in four sports."
-Joe Gergen, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1975 Edition
"Perhaps the brightest prospect in the Yankee organization is Terry Whitfield, the club's number one draft choice in 1971.
Terry has progressed steadily through the Yankee minor league system., leaving his mark wherever he's played. After winning the Carolina League's batting title and most valuable player award in 1973, Terry jumped up to Syracuse last season and led the Chiefs in eight offensive departments. He has power, speed and is a fine defensive outfielder. Yankee fans will be hearing a lot more from this youngster as time moves on."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"A member of the 1974 International League All-Star team, Terry jumped to Triple-A ball without playing any Double-A. He won the Most Valuable Player award in the Carolina League in 1973 when he was the batting champion. His progress was expected as the Yankees drafted him number one in 1971. A slow start at Syracuse kept his season's average under .260, but he was building up steam at the end, and he wound up leading Syracuse in at-bats, runs, hits, total bases, doubles, home runs, runs batted in and batting average. Terry has won two home run crowns in the minor leagues.
He was named an All-American high school player at Blythe High, and also participated in football, basketball and track. In the past he has devoted his time to youth work and umpiring in his hometown.
Terry spent this past winter playing for Lara, Venezuela under his Syracuse manager, Bobby Cox. This is his second spring training with the Yankees. He joined the team late last season and appeared in two games. He played center on the final day of the season at Milwaukee and had a single in four at-bats."
-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
SCOTT MCGREGOR
"May be ready. Scott had a strong 13-10 season at the Triple-A level with Syracuse in his third professional season. He is a smooth, poised left-handed pitcher who is the Yankees' best mound prospect in some time.
Born in El Segundo, California, Scott was a high school teammate of Kansas City third baseman George Brett. The team's top draft choice in 1972, this will be his third spring camp with the Yankees."
-Joe Gergen, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1975 Edition
"Left-hander Scott McGregor is the heir apparent to the long line of fine Yankee pitchers.
He spent his first season in Triple-A last year and promptly made the All-Star team. As the Yankees' number one draft pick in 1972, his progress has been rapid and impressive, and big league scouts agree that it won't be long before the 20-year-old Californian steps into the Yankee starting rotation."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"The most highly regarded pitching prospect in the Yankee organization, Scott led the International League in innings pitched in his first season at the Triple-A level last year, and earned an All-Star selection.
Those who have seen him in two previous spring trainings (as a non-roster invitee) compare him to Whitey Ford as a southpaw craftsman with an excellent move to first. The number one draft choice of 1972 is still only 20 years old and still learning. He's considered quite mature for his age.
Scott played baseball and basketball at El Segundo High School and was a teammate of Kansas City third baseman George Brett. He was 18-1 with a 1.24 ERA in his senior year with 158 strikeouts in 83 innings, and was 58-6 overall with 496 strikeouts in 364 innings.
He allowed only two earned runs in twelve innings last spring and stayed with the parent club until March 30. He's also a fine hitter and was used frequently as a pinch hitter last season by the Chiefs, for whom he hit .220.
Nicknamed 'Scooter,' Scott enjoys photography and watching hockey."
-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
JIM DEIDEL
"Eight years in the Yankee organization have finally brought Jim Deidel up to the number three spot on the Yankee catching ladder - behind Thurman Munson and Rick Dempsey. As the regular receiver at Syracuse last year, Jim was twice called up by the Yanks and twice proved a valuable man to have in an emergency.
The 25-year-old redhead is from Denver, Colorado."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"This is Jim's third spring training with the Yankees and his first as part of the 40-man roster. He has developed consistently in eight years with the Yankee organization and was the regular catcher at the Triple-A level last season. Noted for his rugged defensive work, the big freckle-faced redhead was hurriedly called up by the Yankees last May when Thurman Munson was injured. Jim appeared in two games, returned to Syracuse, and then finished the season with the Yankees.
He is 60 credits short of his degree at Colorado State. Jim was a nine-letter man at Mullen High in Denver, participating in football, basketball and baseball. His younger, Tom, is a pitcher on the Milwaukee roster.
Jim worked as a personnel representative at United Aircraft in Denver during the off-season."
-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
RICK SAWYER
"Having completed his first season at Syracuse, right-hander Rick Sawyer is ready to go after a higher job. Competition this year to make the Yankee pitching staff will be difficult, bur Rick will doubtless be giving it his best shot, and will be staying ready should the call come.
Obtained from the Indians' organization last April, Rick was coming off an 18-victory season in 1973. His 2.79 earned run average last year indicates that he may be ready to handle big league hitters."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"Rick had his second straight fine year in the minors last season, serving as one of the mainstays of the Syracuse pitching staff. He had a 2.79 earned run average and struck out 136 batters. The year before, he led the Texas League in victories and had the fourth-best ERA in the circuit.
The Indians considered him one of their top minor league prospects. He was originally their number five pick in the January 1968 Free Agent Draft.
A center on his high school football team, Rick also played baseball and basketball and was All-Conference at Bakersfield College as a pitcher in both 1967 and 1968.
The Yankees brought Rick up to the majors last April 27 and he made his debut against Texas the next day in the second game of a doubleheader. The obtainment of Dick Woodson from Minnesota a week later sent him back to the minors, where he pitched his fine season with the Chiefs. This is Rick's first spring training with the Yankees."
-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
KEN CLAY
"Ken is a highly regarded right-handed pitcher, drafted number two in 1972, and in his first year on the Yankee roster. He's 6'2", 21 years old and from Lynchburg, Virginia."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"Kenny has progressed steadily through the Yankee farm system. This will be his first major league spring training camp. He was drafted number two by the Yankees the year Scott McGregor was number one. Although 1974 was not up to his previous seasons statistically, he is considered a good enough prospect to merit promotion to the major league roster. Kenny was a member of the Yankees' Florida Instructional League team this past fall.
Clay attended E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, Virginia and received five varsity letters, and was named all-conference in 1972. He also played basketball and works as a basketball official in the off-season.
A Yankee fan as a youngster, with Mickey Mantle his favorite player, he played Little League, Pony League, Babe Ruth League and American Legion ball in Lynchburg."
-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
LARRY MURRAY
"An outfielder from Chicago, the 22-year-old switch-hitter led the Florida State League with 62 stolen bases in 74 attempts last season, and concluded the year as a member of the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"Larry experienced the thrill of jumping from Class A to a major league pennant race last September. The Florida State League season was over and Larry was home in Chicago when he was purchased by the Yankees to give added baserunning depth in the final weeks of the season.
He was a logical choice for the assignment as the top base stealer in the organization, with 150 thefts in the past three seasons. He stole 62 in 74 attempts for Ft. Lauderdale's pennant winning Yankees in 1974.
Although Larry admittedly needs to improve his hitting, he is an outstanding defensive outfielder who puts his speed to good use in covering a lot of ground. Most of his experience has been in center field.
Larry attended Phillips High School in Chicago and earned eight letters, playing baseball, football and track. In baseball, he was named All-State and a High School All-American. He hit a home run in Wrigley Field during the city championships. Billy Williams was his favorite player."
-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
ED RICKS
"Tall and lanky, Ed has shown himself to have a strong arm and good speed. The right-handed pitcher from Bastrop, Louisiana led the Eastern League with five shutouts last season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"Hard-throwing Ed Ricks earned a promotion to the Yankee roster this year on the basis of his overall improvement on the mound. He's been a consistent .500 pitcher with an amazing similarity in his yearly records.
The big, quiet right-hander played baseball and basketball at Union High School in Bastrop, Louisiana. He was the only boy in a family of six children and was a fan of Bob Gibson and Roberto Clemente.
Ed was a non-roster player in spring training last season, facing the Texas Rangers twice before his assignment to West Haven. He led the Eastern League with five shutouts and finished the season pitching for Syracuse.
Ed needs only 30 credits for his degree from Grambling, where he is a student in the off-season."
-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
DENNIS IRWIN
"Built more like an infielder than the catcher he is, 21-year-old Dennis Irwin is a rugged competitor behind the plate. He caught 120 games for Ft. Lauderdale last season and hit .251."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"Dennis returns to the Yankee spring camp this season as a non-roster invitee to help handle the pitching. He was in camp in 1973 as well.
Since he was last observed by the parent club, he has continued to improve behind the plate, and last year caught 120 games for the champion Ft. Lauderdale Yankees, hitting a fine .251. A hard man to strike out, Dennis is a tough, durable receiver, although his physical appearance is deceptive, as he is built more like an infielder."
-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
GENE MCELWAIN
"Passed up in the free agent draft, the Yankees signed Gene after his Fordham University graduation, where he pitched for coach Gil McDougald. He saved 16 games for Ft. Lauderdale last season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"Passed over in the free agent draft, the Yankees signed Gene to a contract after he had played for Coach Gil McDougald, the former Yankee infielder, at Fordham.
His first two pro seasons have both been impressive, and this is his first visit to a major league spring training camp. Gene led the Florida State League with 16 saves last season."
-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
BOB POLINSKY
"Bob has put in two years on the mound in the Yankee system, with a combined 15-14 record and the promise of a good future. He's a 6'5" inch resident of Lansford, Pennsylvania and is 23 years old."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"'Bo' Polinsky is attending his second consecutive Yankee spring training camp as a non-roster invitee. Although his record went from 8-3 in 1973 to 7-11 last year, he is considered to have one of the best arms in the Yankee organization.
A fan of Robin Roberts and the Phillies as a youngster, he starred in basketball and baseball at Panther Valley High in Lansford, Pennsylvania.
Bob is qualified as an accountant."
-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
TERRY QUINN
"This Indiana native played ball at the University of Nevada before the Yankees drafted him in 1972. The 5'11" catcher bats right-handed, and has progressed steadily in the Yankee organization."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"This is Terry's second spring training camp as a non-roster invitee. He was also present in 1973 after his first pro season. He did the bulk of the catching at West Haven last season and finished the year at Syracuse, where he pounded out five hits in twelve at-bats.
Terry was an All-Conference catching star at the University of Nevada."
-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
MIKE RUSK
"This big right-hander from Los Altos, California was 12-8 with a 1.80 ERA at Ft. Lauderdale last season, completing 13 of 22 starts. Mike has fine control and a lot of poise after only two minor league campaigns."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"Mike had an outstanding season for Pete Ward's Ft. Lauderdale champions last year, posting a 12-8 record and a 1.80 ERA. He completed 13 is 22 starts and walked only 54 men in 170 innings. His ERA was fourth-best in the Florida State League last year.
His control and his stinginess in yielding runs have suddenly made him a prospect to watch in the Yankee organization. This is his first spring camp on the major league level."
-1975 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
BOB SHEPPARD (Public Address Announcer)
"There isn't a better known public address announcer in America than Bob Sheppard, whose voice at Shea makes everyone feel like they're back in Yankee Stadium. Bob's been on the scene at Yankee baseball since 1946."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
PETE SHEEHY (Clubhouse Man and Equipment Manager)
"Pete Sheehy is into season number 49 since he wandered into the Yankee clubhouse in 1927. The senior Yankee employee, Pete is equipment manager and chief of the clubhouse, both in New York and in spring training."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"Pete Sheehy, equipment manager and chief of the clubhouse, is the senior Yankee employee, having joined the club in 1927."
-1975 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
GENE MONAHAN (Trainer)
"Gene Monahan worked his way up the Yankee organization, and at 30 is now in his third season as Yankee trainer. He's responsible for keeping the team in shape, and is qualified to administer first aid and treat on-field injuries."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"Gene Monahan, 30, is now in his third season as Yankee trainer, having worked his way up the Yankee minor league system beginning as a batboy with Fort Lauderdale in 1962."
-1975 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
TOBY WRIGHT (Organist)
"Toby Wright is the only man in town who plays for the Yankees, Nets, Islanders and Rangers - plays the organ, that is. 'Pomp and Circumstance' for Sparky Lyle in Lyle's first few years, and 'Band on the Run' during the team's pennant drive of 1974 are just a few of the hits associated with Toby, who's at every home game."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
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