"The quiet man. This steady, reliable performer had his finest all-around season in his 13th year as a Yankee. Roy led the league in runs scored and had a career high of 31 stolen bases.
Born in Los Angeles, he lives in the New York area. Roy moved up on the all-time Yankee lists to 10th in games played, 11th in at-bats, 13th in runs, 12th in hits, 13th in doubles, 19th in homers, 16th in RBI and number two in steals."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"Roy White finally made the World Series. The senior member of the Yankees (this is his 13th season) has been noted for his consistency. Consistent hitting, base stealing, fielding and durability have marked his career, as well as never having played for a pennant winner.
But 1976 changed all that and no one was happier or more excited than White when the Yankees captured the American League flag. He maintained his steady play all year and led the league in runs scored while moving into second place in all-time Yankee stolen bases.
There is, however, much more to Roy White than his baseball prowess. He is held in high esteem by the fans, the media (New York Baseball Writers and Press Photographers each voted him their 1976 Good Guy Award), teammates and opponents alike. Roy makes his home in the metropolitan area and is a favorite on the after-dinner circuit as a speaker.
Only one goal remains for one of baseball's most highly respected players - to be part of the team that places the 21st World Championship flag in Yankee Stadium."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Roy White, the most senior member of the Yankees, is one of baseball's most highly respected players. He's a model of consistency, year after year, who finally played for a pennant winner in his 12th major league season.
One of the best left fielders in Yankee history, he's known for his fence climbing heroics and great range. He's the only Yankee outfielder to field 1.000 for a season, accomplishing the feat in 1971.
The number two man, all-time, on the Yankee stolen base list, Roy joined some immortal names last year when he moved into the top ten among Yankees in games played. He played in 388 consecutive games from August 31, 1971 to May 21, 1974.
In 1974, he was primarily a DH, but left field has been his spot since he reached the majors. Roy was originally signed as a second baseman, but Bobby Richardson's presence brought about the change.
He came alive with the bat while on option to Spokane in 1967, hitting .343. He spent several seasons as the Yankee cleanup hitter. Roy has had five hits in a game twice in his career, but has never gone 5-for-5, and has had four hits in a game 10 times.
Roy has switch-hit home runs in a game four times; ironically, he's had only five multi-homer games in his career. He also switch-hit triples in a game once and has stolen home five times. Roy set an American League sacrifice fly record with 17 in 1971 and led the league in runs scored last year. Twice an All-Star, he's never hit .300 but has been at .290 or better four times.
Roy was raised in Compton, California with such future big leaguers as Reggie Smith, Dock Ellis, Dave Nelson, Don Wilson and Bobby Tolan. Now a year round resident of New Jersey and an accomplished speaker, he had a bit part in the motion picture 'The Premonition' in 1974.
He seldom shows emotion on the field, but made an exception last August 22 when his home run capped an eight-run ninth inning as the Yankees tied the score with California."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
ROY WHITE CLIMBS ALL-TIME YANKEE LISTS
"Roy White, who moved into the top 10 on the all-time Yankee list for games played last year, has a chance to crack the top 10 in at-bats, hits and doubles this season. Roy needs 269 at-bats to pass Earle Combs for tenth place, 51 hits will move Roy past Wally Pipp into 10th place on the hit list and 14 doubles will push Roy over Tommy Henrich into tenth on the double list."
-1977 New York Yankees Scorebook & Official Magazine
ROY WHITE CLIMBS YANKEE LISTS IN '77
"The Yankees' elder statesman, ageless Roy White, spent the summer moving into some pretty good company. Roy moved into the Yankee top ten in many offensive categories during the season. He now stands in the top ten in games, at-bats, hits, stolen bases and doubles.
Quite a list of accomplishments for this fine gentleman, who finally played for a pennant winner in his 12th Yankee season last year."
-1977 World Series Official Program
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
1977 Profile: Ron Guidry
"Almost ready to happen, Guidry can make it as a starter or a reliever. He's the hardest thrower on the Yankee staff.
Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, Ron made only seven appearances for the Yankees after being called up from Syracuse, where he was 5-1 with a glittering 0.68 ERA, along with 50 strikeouts in 40 innings used exclusively as a bullpen stopper."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"On a team laden with big-name pitchers, young Ron Guidry is out to carve a place for himself in the Yankee bullpen.
The slender left-hander was nothing less than brilliant at Syracuse in 1976, with a 5-1 record and a 0.68 ERA. He spent time with the Yankees as well, but his appearances were brief, as he spent time observing American League hitters and making notes to himself for the future.
Originally signed as a starter, the 26-year-old native of Louisiana switched to the bullpen in 1974 with glowing results. One of the best all-around athletes on the team, Ron is probably one of the three fastest runners on the Yankees, and was called upon as a pinch runner during the Championship Series last October."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Ron Guidry did not see much action for the Yankees last season, but he did find himself a member of the American League champions, quite an honor for the outstanding 26-year-old prospect. He appeared in one of the Championship Series games as a pinch-runner, a wise choice as he is one of the fastest runners on the team.
Ron was recalled from Syracuse on May 19, optioned back on July 6 and recalled again on August 6. Despite the interruptions, his Syracuse record of 5-1 with a 0.68 ERA was sensational, and he also added nine saves.
He throws very hard, and Ron's career turned around when he became a relief pitcher in 1974. The following year at Syracuse, he struck out 76 in 63 innings.
There was no baseball team at his high school, so his development was strictly through amateur play. A Yankee fan as a youngster, Ron hurled a no-hitter at the University of Southern Louisiana.
Ron is an avid chess player. He's of French ancestry."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, Ron made only seven appearances for the Yankees after being called up from Syracuse, where he was 5-1 with a glittering 0.68 ERA, along with 50 strikeouts in 40 innings used exclusively as a bullpen stopper."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"On a team laden with big-name pitchers, young Ron Guidry is out to carve a place for himself in the Yankee bullpen.
The slender left-hander was nothing less than brilliant at Syracuse in 1976, with a 5-1 record and a 0.68 ERA. He spent time with the Yankees as well, but his appearances were brief, as he spent time observing American League hitters and making notes to himself for the future.
Originally signed as a starter, the 26-year-old native of Louisiana switched to the bullpen in 1974 with glowing results. One of the best all-around athletes on the team, Ron is probably one of the three fastest runners on the Yankees, and was called upon as a pinch runner during the Championship Series last October."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Ron Guidry did not see much action for the Yankees last season, but he did find himself a member of the American League champions, quite an honor for the outstanding 26-year-old prospect. He appeared in one of the Championship Series games as a pinch-runner, a wise choice as he is one of the fastest runners on the team.
Ron was recalled from Syracuse on May 19, optioned back on July 6 and recalled again on August 6. Despite the interruptions, his Syracuse record of 5-1 with a 0.68 ERA was sensational, and he also added nine saves.
He throws very hard, and Ron's career turned around when he became a relief pitcher in 1974. The following year at Syracuse, he struck out 76 in 63 innings.
There was no baseball team at his high school, so his development was strictly through amateur play. A Yankee fan as a youngster, Ron hurled a no-hitter at the University of Southern Louisiana.
Ron is an avid chess player. He's of French ancestry."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
1977 Profile: Paul Blair
"Paul Blair comes to the Yankees as a result of an off-season trade for Elliott Maddox. The veteran of 13 major league seasons has spent his entire career as a Baltimore Oriole after being originally signed by the Mets.
Although Paul's hitting has declined the last two seasons, he is being counted on as a defensive specialist on a team with plenty of firepower. The recipient of eight Gold Glove awards in the last ten years, Blair has always been known as one of the finest defensive center fielders in the game.
A warm welcome to the newest Yankee."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Long recognized as one of baseball's best defensive outfielders, Paul Blair joins the Yankees after 13 seasons with the Orioles, during which time he was a member of two All-Star teams, five division winners, four pennant winners and two World Championship clubs. Paul was the winner of eight Gold Glove awards (1967,1969-1975) for brilliance in center field.
Originally signed by the Mets out of Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, the Orioles drafted him on November 26, 1962, one of the best drafts ever made at the winter meetings. By 1964 he had made his big league debut, and by 1966 was a big man in the Orioles' first World Series, as the Birds swept the Dodgers. Paul won game three of that Series 1-0 with a home run, and the next day made a great catch in the eighth inning to preserve another 1-0 win for the Series sweep. He led the Orioles in hitting in the 1970 World Series and tied the record for most hits in a five-game Series.
Blair won the first ALCS game ever with a 12th inning bunt as the Orioles bested the Twins in 1969. He had a record-setting five hits in the final game of that Series with five RBIs. He also made two great catchers in the 1970 ALCS against Minnesota.
Paul was a fine hitter until a serious beaning in May 1970 when he was struck by a pitch from California's Ken Tatum, causing serious eye and facial injuries. He tried to bat left-handed in 1971 but abandoned the idea, and in 1973 had a therapeutic hypnotic session in Baltimore. He had good years at bat in 1973 and 1974 (he shared the Most Valuable Oriole award with Mike Cuellar in '74), but has been sub-par at bat in the last two seasons.
An accomplished public speaker, and a good basketball player as well, Paul has good speed and has hit as many as 26 home runs in a single season. He hit three home runs in one game in 1970."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
Although Paul's hitting has declined the last two seasons, he is being counted on as a defensive specialist on a team with plenty of firepower. The recipient of eight Gold Glove awards in the last ten years, Blair has always been known as one of the finest defensive center fielders in the game.
A warm welcome to the newest Yankee."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Long recognized as one of baseball's best defensive outfielders, Paul Blair joins the Yankees after 13 seasons with the Orioles, during which time he was a member of two All-Star teams, five division winners, four pennant winners and two World Championship clubs. Paul was the winner of eight Gold Glove awards (1967,1969-1975) for brilliance in center field.
Originally signed by the Mets out of Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, the Orioles drafted him on November 26, 1962, one of the best drafts ever made at the winter meetings. By 1964 he had made his big league debut, and by 1966 was a big man in the Orioles' first World Series, as the Birds swept the Dodgers. Paul won game three of that Series 1-0 with a home run, and the next day made a great catch in the eighth inning to preserve another 1-0 win for the Series sweep. He led the Orioles in hitting in the 1970 World Series and tied the record for most hits in a five-game Series.
Blair won the first ALCS game ever with a 12th inning bunt as the Orioles bested the Twins in 1969. He had a record-setting five hits in the final game of that Series with five RBIs. He also made two great catchers in the 1970 ALCS against Minnesota.
Paul was a fine hitter until a serious beaning in May 1970 when he was struck by a pitch from California's Ken Tatum, causing serious eye and facial injuries. He tried to bat left-handed in 1971 but abandoned the idea, and in 1973 had a therapeutic hypnotic session in Baltimore. He had good years at bat in 1973 and 1974 (he shared the Most Valuable Oriole award with Mike Cuellar in '74), but has been sub-par at bat in the last two seasons.
An accomplished public speaker, and a good basketball player as well, Paul has good speed and has hit as many as 26 home runs in a single season. He hit three home runs in one game in 1970."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
1977 Profile: Cliff Johnson
"Johnson labored through a disastrous season after leading the club with 20 homers a year earlier. He was handed the catching job in spring training but booted it away in a sea of passed balls and stolen bases. His bat also suffered and he wound up benched.
'I know I had a bad season,' he said afterward. 'But I know I can hit and I know I'm not going to have two years in succession like this one. Born in San Antonio, Texas, Cliff had a string of six home runs in as many games in 1975 but the last one was rained out, costing him a major league record."
-Hal Bock and Bruce Lowitt, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"The Yankees beat the June 15 midnight trading deadline by acquiring slugger Cliff Johnson from the Houston Astros. Cliff gives the Yanks some added right-handed punch in their lineup."
-1977 New York Yankees Scorebook & Official Magazine
Monday, September 29, 2014
1977 Profile: Fran Healy
"Fran Healy joined the Yankees in May of 1976 and served as Thurman Munson's principal backup catcher. A welcome addition to the club, Fran swung a good bat for the Yanks, and during one stretch when Munson was hurt (late June and early July), he caught regularly and hit .333.
The personable New Englander (Fran is a native of Holyoke, Massachusetts) was a regular in Kansas City in 1973 and '74 and caught both of Steve Busby's no-hitters while there. Healy is an intelligent ballplayer and is known as an excellent handler of pitchers with a strong arm. He also has shown good speed, as his 16 steals in 1974 were the most by a catcher since Frank Pytlak stole the same number for Cleveland in 1937.
His versatility behind the plate, as a hitter, and as a baserunner makes him a valuable man on the Yankee roster."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Fran was Thurman Munson's personal backup catcher last season and saw action behind the plate in 27 games. He swung a good bat for the Yankees, and during one stretch, when Munson was hurt (late June and early July), Fran caught regularly and batted .333.
He was a regular with the Royals in 1973 and 1974, and his 16 stolen bases in 1974 were the most by a catcher since 1937 when Frank Pytlak had 16 for Cleveland.
Fran starred in baseball and basketball at Holyoke High and was signed to a Cleveland contract in 1965. His father (Bernard) and an uncle (Frank) also played pro ball, Frank seeing action as a catcher for the Giants and Cardinals (1930-1934). Fran holds a B.S. in history.
The Royals took him in the 1968 expansion draft. Two years later he went to the Giants and was on the division champion Giant club of 1971. The Royals got him back in 1973, and Fran caught both of Steve Busby's no-hitters while in Kansas City."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
The personable New Englander (Fran is a native of Holyoke, Massachusetts) was a regular in Kansas City in 1973 and '74 and caught both of Steve Busby's no-hitters while there. Healy is an intelligent ballplayer and is known as an excellent handler of pitchers with a strong arm. He also has shown good speed, as his 16 steals in 1974 were the most by a catcher since Frank Pytlak stole the same number for Cleveland in 1937.
His versatility behind the plate, as a hitter, and as a baserunner makes him a valuable man on the Yankee roster."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Fran was Thurman Munson's personal backup catcher last season and saw action behind the plate in 27 games. He swung a good bat for the Yankees, and during one stretch, when Munson was hurt (late June and early July), Fran caught regularly and batted .333.
He was a regular with the Royals in 1973 and 1974, and his 16 stolen bases in 1974 were the most by a catcher since 1937 when Frank Pytlak had 16 for Cleveland.
Fran starred in baseball and basketball at Holyoke High and was signed to a Cleveland contract in 1965. His father (Bernard) and an uncle (Frank) also played pro ball, Frank seeing action as a catcher for the Giants and Cardinals (1930-1934). Fran holds a B.S. in history.
The Royals took him in the 1968 expansion draft. Two years later he went to the Giants and was on the division champion Giant club of 1971. The Royals got him back in 1973, and Fran caught both of Steve Busby's no-hitters while in Kansas City."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
1977 Profile: Sparky Lyle
1977 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Super flake. Sparky is one of the outstanding relief pitchers in the history of the game. He has 175 career saves, including 134 in five seasons with the Yankees, and led the American League with 23 last year. He has 549 major league relief appearances, all in relief.
'Also, I'm the first pitcher in major league history to appear in 500 games and never throw a fastball for a strike,' he jokes. Sparky is renowned as a practical joker.
Born in Dubois, Pennsylvania, Sparky was signed by the Orioles, drafted by the Red Sox, then traded to the Yankees in 1972 and has been the top bull in the Yankee pen ever since. Sparky possesses a wicked slider, his money pitch."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"Sparky Lyle ranks among the top relief pitchers of all time. He's been the leader of the Yankee bullpen crew for five years, beginning in 1972 when he captured the hearts of New Yorkers with his daily heroics. Year after year, he's been a hard working, statistically impressive, artistically successful craftsman whose stock in trade is a devastating slider and the ability to intimidate hitters.
Sparky, 32, broke in with the Red Sox in the pennant winning year of 1967, and they still love him in Boston, too. He's got the personality to win and retain friends wherever he goes, and his fans stay with him through good times and bad. Seldom has a player captured the hearts of his faithful so well.
Lyle has a lifetime earned run average of 2.49, one of the best in baseball. And it's been compiled strictly in relief; not one of his 549 major league games has been in a starting assignment, a tribute to the age of specialization, where one man has found his niche and performs it better than anyone else."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Sparky Lyle is one of baseball's premier relief pitchers of all time. His 549 games pitched without ever making a start makes him second on the list of 'pure relief specialists,' Bob Locker having made 576 appearances. Six more games and Sparky enters the top ten on the all-time Yankee list of games pitched. He holds the Yankee records of 66 appearances in 1974 and of 59 games finished that year.
His first season with the Yankees, 1972, was his most magnificent, as he was the Fireman of the Year, setting a (then) American League record of 35 saves. He'd regally enter a game to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance and dazzle the crowd all year. He was given the bullpen car at the end of the season and finished third in the MVP voting.
Since then, Sparky has had his good years and his off years but remains a top relief pitcher. He led the American League with 23 saves last season, giving him a lifetime total of 175, although rule changes over the years make it difficult to properly evaluate someone's total against another man's. The Baseball Encyclopedia lists Lyle number one in career saves. His career ERA of 2.49 is one of baseball's best. He has 141 saves or wins in five Yankee seasons.
Sparky still throws that hard slider and will always challenge a hitter.
Named Most Cooperative by New York Press Photographers in 1973, Sparky is a free spirit with a love of life, well liked by all who know him."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"Lyle has pitched in more games as a 'pure' relief pitcher than any other hurler in history- he's now nearing 600 without a start. His lifetime ERA (including the first 11 weeks of '77) is 2.44 for 10 major league seasons.
This is Sparky's third All-Star selection."
-1977 All-Star Game Official Program
"Yankee pitching was one of the keys to the pennant drive, and reliever Sparky Lyle was the mainstay of the staff. Sparky became baseball's all-time top relief pitcher during the season, with more lifetime appearances without a start than any other pitcher in history. Sparky is also the all-time save leader.
He set personal marks in 1977, with more wins and innings pitched than at any other time during his illustrious career."
-1977 World Series Official Program
"Super flake. Sparky is one of the outstanding relief pitchers in the history of the game. He has 175 career saves, including 134 in five seasons with the Yankees, and led the American League with 23 last year. He has 549 major league relief appearances, all in relief.
'Also, I'm the first pitcher in major league history to appear in 500 games and never throw a fastball for a strike,' he jokes. Sparky is renowned as a practical joker.
Born in Dubois, Pennsylvania, Sparky was signed by the Orioles, drafted by the Red Sox, then traded to the Yankees in 1972 and has been the top bull in the Yankee pen ever since. Sparky possesses a wicked slider, his money pitch."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"Sparky Lyle ranks among the top relief pitchers of all time. He's been the leader of the Yankee bullpen crew for five years, beginning in 1972 when he captured the hearts of New Yorkers with his daily heroics. Year after year, he's been a hard working, statistically impressive, artistically successful craftsman whose stock in trade is a devastating slider and the ability to intimidate hitters.
Sparky, 32, broke in with the Red Sox in the pennant winning year of 1967, and they still love him in Boston, too. He's got the personality to win and retain friends wherever he goes, and his fans stay with him through good times and bad. Seldom has a player captured the hearts of his faithful so well.
Lyle has a lifetime earned run average of 2.49, one of the best in baseball. And it's been compiled strictly in relief; not one of his 549 major league games has been in a starting assignment, a tribute to the age of specialization, where one man has found his niche and performs it better than anyone else."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Sparky Lyle is one of baseball's premier relief pitchers of all time. His 549 games pitched without ever making a start makes him second on the list of 'pure relief specialists,' Bob Locker having made 576 appearances. Six more games and Sparky enters the top ten on the all-time Yankee list of games pitched. He holds the Yankee records of 66 appearances in 1974 and of 59 games finished that year.
His first season with the Yankees, 1972, was his most magnificent, as he was the Fireman of the Year, setting a (then) American League record of 35 saves. He'd regally enter a game to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance and dazzle the crowd all year. He was given the bullpen car at the end of the season and finished third in the MVP voting.
Since then, Sparky has had his good years and his off years but remains a top relief pitcher. He led the American League with 23 saves last season, giving him a lifetime total of 175, although rule changes over the years make it difficult to properly evaluate someone's total against another man's. The Baseball Encyclopedia lists Lyle number one in career saves. His career ERA of 2.49 is one of baseball's best. He has 141 saves or wins in five Yankee seasons.
Sparky still throws that hard slider and will always challenge a hitter.
Named Most Cooperative by New York Press Photographers in 1973, Sparky is a free spirit with a love of life, well liked by all who know him."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"Lyle has pitched in more games as a 'pure' relief pitcher than any other hurler in history- he's now nearing 600 without a start. His lifetime ERA (including the first 11 weeks of '77) is 2.44 for 10 major league seasons.
This is Sparky's third All-Star selection."
-1977 All-Star Game Official Program
"Yankee pitching was one of the keys to the pennant drive, and reliever Sparky Lyle was the mainstay of the staff. Sparky became baseball's all-time top relief pitcher during the season, with more lifetime appearances without a start than any other pitcher in history. Sparky is also the all-time save leader.
He set personal marks in 1977, with more wins and innings pitched than at any other time during his illustrious career."
-1977 World Series Official Program
1977 Profile: Graig Nettles
1977 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Puff. On June 10, after 51 games he was batting .198 and had four homers. Billy Martin stayed with him.
'The thing about Graig is that even he isn't hitting, he still does his job in the field. He played some of the best third base this year that I've ever seen.' Martin's confidence paid off as Nettles won the American League home run crown with 32, the first Yankee home run champ since Roger Maris in 1961.
Born in San Diego, Graig is another former Indian obtained in a trade. He's a quiet, steady performer who maintains an even temperament.
'Baseball is mostly mental. It's a long season, a long career. No sense getting excited about one day.'"
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"For 15 years the Bronx Bombers failed to live up to their name. Not since Roger Maris' record 61 home runs in 1961 had a Yankee led the American League in that category. Enter Graig Nettles.
The left-hand slugging third sacker put together his best major league season in 1976, including a league-high 32 round-trippers. He did it with a tremendous second half, belting 20 homers and driving in 57 runs after the All-Star break. Nettles shares the major league record for home runs in the month of April with Willie Stargell as he hit 11 in 1974.
Although known as a power hitter, Graig also shines in the field. He holds the major league records for both assists and double plays by a third baseman and has led the American League in assists in five of the last six years. Nettles has outstanding range and a strong arm and was particularly spectacular during the pennant stretch drive.
Consistent and durable (he's missed only 13 games in four seasons as a Yankee), Graig is proving himself to be one of the very best in baseball at his position."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"The American League home run champion for 1976, Graig Nettles was the first Yankee to win the honor since Roger Maris hit 61 in 1961. Nettles did it with a sensational second half, belting 20 home runs and driving in 57 runs after the All-Star break. On June 1, he was hitting .188 with four homers. For the second year in a row, Graig came close to the all-time RBI record by a Yankee third baseman, 95, set by Billy Johnson; he is already the holder of the home run record. An outstanding defensive player, Graig also stole a career high of 11 bases last year after stealing only two in his first three seasons with the Yankees.
He's missed only 13 games in four years as a New Yorker, and has played in 150 or more games for seven consecutive seasons, going back to his days in Cleveland when he set records for assists by a third baseman in one season (412) and for double plays in a season (54 in 1971). He had 410 assists in 1973.
Cleveland's Man of the Year in 1971, Graig has led the Yankees in home runs three times. He was named to the starting lineup in the 1975 All-Star Game and to the Sporting News All-Stars at year's end.
A baseball and basketball star at San Diego State before signing with the Twins in 1966, Graig was a member of the 1969 Western Division champions, managed by Billy Martin. An accomplished golfer who has won the American Airlines Golf Classic, he shares the major league home run record for the month of April with Willie Stargell, as he hit 11 in 1974, and drove in 23 runs for the month. Graig also had a streak of 10 straight RBI games, one short of the record shared by Babe Ruth and Mel Ott."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"Nettles was the American League home run champ in 1976 with 32. He hit 20 of those homers in the second half of the season and is among the home run leaders again this year.
An outstanding defensive player, durable as well, Graig has appeared in 150 or more games for the past seven years. He was Cleveland's Man of the Year in 1971. Graig shares the major league home run for the month of April with Willie Stargell, hitting 11 in 1974.
This is Graig's second All-Star Game."
-1977 All-Star Game Official Program
PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARD FOR NETTLES
"Graig Nettles was voted the American League's Player of the Month for August in the middle of his best season. Graig set personal marks in home runs and RBIs, extending his Yankee record for most home runs by a third baseman in one season, and breaking Billy Johnson's record of 96 RBIs by a Yankee third baseman in one season. Graig also reached the 1200 mark in career hits.
In addition to his productive hitting, most observers agree that Graig is the finest fielding third baseman in the A.L., if not in all of baseball."
-1977 World Series Official Program
"Puff. On June 10, after 51 games he was batting .198 and had four homers. Billy Martin stayed with him.
'The thing about Graig is that even he isn't hitting, he still does his job in the field. He played some of the best third base this year that I've ever seen.' Martin's confidence paid off as Nettles won the American League home run crown with 32, the first Yankee home run champ since Roger Maris in 1961.
Born in San Diego, Graig is another former Indian obtained in a trade. He's a quiet, steady performer who maintains an even temperament.
'Baseball is mostly mental. It's a long season, a long career. No sense getting excited about one day.'"
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"For 15 years the Bronx Bombers failed to live up to their name. Not since Roger Maris' record 61 home runs in 1961 had a Yankee led the American League in that category. Enter Graig Nettles.
The left-hand slugging third sacker put together his best major league season in 1976, including a league-high 32 round-trippers. He did it with a tremendous second half, belting 20 homers and driving in 57 runs after the All-Star break. Nettles shares the major league record for home runs in the month of April with Willie Stargell as he hit 11 in 1974.
Although known as a power hitter, Graig also shines in the field. He holds the major league records for both assists and double plays by a third baseman and has led the American League in assists in five of the last six years. Nettles has outstanding range and a strong arm and was particularly spectacular during the pennant stretch drive.
Consistent and durable (he's missed only 13 games in four seasons as a Yankee), Graig is proving himself to be one of the very best in baseball at his position."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"The American League home run champion for 1976, Graig Nettles was the first Yankee to win the honor since Roger Maris hit 61 in 1961. Nettles did it with a sensational second half, belting 20 home runs and driving in 57 runs after the All-Star break. On June 1, he was hitting .188 with four homers. For the second year in a row, Graig came close to the all-time RBI record by a Yankee third baseman, 95, set by Billy Johnson; he is already the holder of the home run record. An outstanding defensive player, Graig also stole a career high of 11 bases last year after stealing only two in his first three seasons with the Yankees.
He's missed only 13 games in four years as a New Yorker, and has played in 150 or more games for seven consecutive seasons, going back to his days in Cleveland when he set records for assists by a third baseman in one season (412) and for double plays in a season (54 in 1971). He had 410 assists in 1973.
Cleveland's Man of the Year in 1971, Graig has led the Yankees in home runs three times. He was named to the starting lineup in the 1975 All-Star Game and to the Sporting News All-Stars at year's end.
A baseball and basketball star at San Diego State before signing with the Twins in 1966, Graig was a member of the 1969 Western Division champions, managed by Billy Martin. An accomplished golfer who has won the American Airlines Golf Classic, he shares the major league home run record for the month of April with Willie Stargell, as he hit 11 in 1974, and drove in 23 runs for the month. Graig also had a streak of 10 straight RBI games, one short of the record shared by Babe Ruth and Mel Ott."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"Nettles was the American League home run champ in 1976 with 32. He hit 20 of those homers in the second half of the season and is among the home run leaders again this year.
An outstanding defensive player, durable as well, Graig has appeared in 150 or more games for the past seven years. He was Cleveland's Man of the Year in 1971. Graig shares the major league home run for the month of April with Willie Stargell, hitting 11 in 1974.
This is Graig's second All-Star Game."
-1977 All-Star Game Official Program
PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARD FOR NETTLES
"Graig Nettles was voted the American League's Player of the Month for August in the middle of his best season. Graig set personal marks in home runs and RBIs, extending his Yankee record for most home runs by a third baseman in one season, and breaking Billy Johnson's record of 96 RBIs by a Yankee third baseman in one season. Graig also reached the 1200 mark in career hits.
In addition to his productive hitting, most observers agree that Graig is the finest fielding third baseman in the A.L., if not in all of baseball."
-1977 World Series Official Program
1977 Profile: Lou Piniella
"What a difference a year makes! 1975 was the low point in Lou Piniella's career. He was shelved for part of the season by surgery for an inner ear problem and never could get untracked after that.
But 1976 saw Sweet Lou regain the batting form that made him the American League's Rookie of the Year in 1969, and with it a starting position either in right field or as the designated hitter. Piniella returned so completely that he was runner-up to teammate Dock Ellis for Comeback Player of the Year.
One of the really good people in sports, Lou enjoys being a Yankee and has always been a darling of the Stadium crowd. The love affair continues."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Lou Piniella returned to regular duty last year in a big way. He was the runner-up to teammate Dock Ellis in the balloting for Comeback Player of the Year. An inner ear problem, requiring mid-season surgery, effectively wiped out Lou's 1975 season, for even upon his return, he was unable to get his season going. Lou was embarrassed by the drop of over 100 points in his average and determined to return to form in '76, which he did. He hit .390 for April, proving he was back, and remained consistent all year.
An exciting ballplayer, who gets mad at himself on the field but can turn it off at moment's notice once the game ends, fans welcome each at-bat with chants of 'Lou! Lou!'
Three times Sweet Lou has bettered .300. He was the league's Rookie of the Year in 1969 after Kansas City obtained him from the Seattle Pilots prior to the start of the season for ex-Yankee Steve Whitaker. Lou was the all-time Royals leader in games, at-bats, hits, doubles, triples, RBIs and total bases before his trade to the Yankees.
Originally signed by Cleveland scout Spud Chandler in 1962, he was drafted by Washington later that year, dealt to Baltimore in 1964, and back to Cleveland in 1966. He was a member of the 1972 All-Star team.
Lou switched between right field and designated hitter for much of the 1976 season."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
But 1976 saw Sweet Lou regain the batting form that made him the American League's Rookie of the Year in 1969, and with it a starting position either in right field or as the designated hitter. Piniella returned so completely that he was runner-up to teammate Dock Ellis for Comeback Player of the Year.
One of the really good people in sports, Lou enjoys being a Yankee and has always been a darling of the Stadium crowd. The love affair continues."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Lou Piniella returned to regular duty last year in a big way. He was the runner-up to teammate Dock Ellis in the balloting for Comeback Player of the Year. An inner ear problem, requiring mid-season surgery, effectively wiped out Lou's 1975 season, for even upon his return, he was unable to get his season going. Lou was embarrassed by the drop of over 100 points in his average and determined to return to form in '76, which he did. He hit .390 for April, proving he was back, and remained consistent all year.
An exciting ballplayer, who gets mad at himself on the field but can turn it off at moment's notice once the game ends, fans welcome each at-bat with chants of 'Lou! Lou!'
Three times Sweet Lou has bettered .300. He was the league's Rookie of the Year in 1969 after Kansas City obtained him from the Seattle Pilots prior to the start of the season for ex-Yankee Steve Whitaker. Lou was the all-time Royals leader in games, at-bats, hits, doubles, triples, RBIs and total bases before his trade to the Yankees.
Originally signed by Cleveland scout Spud Chandler in 1962, he was drafted by Washington later that year, dealt to Baltimore in 1964, and back to Cleveland in 1966. He was a member of the 1972 All-Star team.
Lou switched between right field and designated hitter for much of the 1976 season."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
Sunday, September 28, 2014
1977 Profile: George Zeber
"George Who? That was one of the big questions around the Yankee training camp this year. But George Zeber put an end to all that by responding with the kind of spring any ballplayer would like.
Destined for the minor leagues, Zeber got the call just before camp began to report to Ft. Lauderdale. He responded with an excellent spring and emerged with a share of the James P. Dawson Award, given annually to the top Yankee rookie in spring training. He did it with a .314 average, four extra base hits, five RBIs, and steady defensive play at both second base and third base base.
Zeber has been in the Yankee organization since 1968 and played every year in the minors except for 1970 and 1971 when he was in the military. He has waited a long time, but George Zeber believes in the old adage 'better late than never.'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"George was a late non-roster addition to the Yankee spring training camp this year. He went on to hit .314 with three doubles, a home run and five RBIs, in addition to his steady defensive play at both second base and third base. His spring earned him a spot on the Yankee roster.
Zeber had been advancing steadily in the Yankee organization until 1973, when he suffered a setback due to a knee injury and a beaning at Syracuse. George spent the 1970 and 1971 seasons in the military, and then returned to have a good year in 1972 for West Haven's championship club. He was named the Eastern League's All-Star second baseman that year.
An all-around athlete who played baseball (all-state), basketball and football in high school, George started spring training wearing number 71, the highest number on the club. He was co-winner of the James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding rookie in training camp this spring."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
Destined for the minor leagues, Zeber got the call just before camp began to report to Ft. Lauderdale. He responded with an excellent spring and emerged with a share of the James P. Dawson Award, given annually to the top Yankee rookie in spring training. He did it with a .314 average, four extra base hits, five RBIs, and steady defensive play at both second base and third base base.
Zeber has been in the Yankee organization since 1968 and played every year in the minors except for 1970 and 1971 when he was in the military. He has waited a long time, but George Zeber believes in the old adage 'better late than never.'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"George was a late non-roster addition to the Yankee spring training camp this year. He went on to hit .314 with three doubles, a home run and five RBIs, in addition to his steady defensive play at both second base and third base. His spring earned him a spot on the Yankee roster.
Zeber had been advancing steadily in the Yankee organization until 1973, when he suffered a setback due to a knee injury and a beaning at Syracuse. George spent the 1970 and 1971 seasons in the military, and then returned to have a good year in 1972 for West Haven's championship club. He was named the Eastern League's All-Star second baseman that year.
An all-around athlete who played baseball (all-state), basketball and football in high school, George started spring training wearing number 71, the highest number on the club. He was co-winner of the James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding rookie in training camp this spring."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
1977 Profile: Ken Clay
"Ken Clay is one of the Yankees' top pitching prospects. The hard-throwing right-hander had his first full season in Triple-A last year, got off to a bad start, and then had a great second half, redeeming the Yankees' faith in him. He has played winter ball in Venezuela in each of the last two years.
A graduate of the Little League, Babe Ruth League and American Legion programs of Virginia, Ken was a five-letter man at Glass High in Lynchburg, Virginia. He's a good basketball player who has worked as a court official in the off-season."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
1977 Profile: Oscar Gamble
"1976 found Oscar Gamble setting up shop in his fourth major league ballpark. He obviously found a home at Yankee Stadium, where he thrilled the local fans with 15 home runs and 41 runs batted in. Oscar provided important power hitting for the American League champions all year long.
People find it hard to believe that a 165-pound man can possess so much power, but Gamble has done it consistently in the American League for the last four years. It obviously does not come from his once-famous afro which was trimmed last spring to the tune of $30. Wherever the strength does come from, the Yanks are glad it is being unleashed at Yankee Stadium."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Oscar Gamble was a terror in Yankee Stadium last season, hitting 15 homers and driving 41 runs before the hometown fans. The park is perfectly suited to his power. He's hit 71 home runs in four American League seasons, and with his slim build, people wonder where the strength comes from; obviously not from his hair, for his famous afro was trimmed last spring training (the $30 haircut). He had a .426 slugging percentage last year and had a five-RBI game on September 10.
Oscar was drafted by the Cubs in 1968 and reached the majors at the age of 20. He went to Philadelphia in 1970 and had the last hit ever recorded in Connie Mack Stadium on October 1 of that year. The Indians obtained him in December of 1972.
Oscar attended George Washington Carver High in Montgomery, Alabama, a school without a baseball team; he played basketball there. His wife Juanita has performed the National Anthem at Yankee games, including the American League Championship Series last fall."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
People find it hard to believe that a 165-pound man can possess so much power, but Gamble has done it consistently in the American League for the last four years. It obviously does not come from his once-famous afro which was trimmed last spring to the tune of $30. Wherever the strength does come from, the Yanks are glad it is being unleashed at Yankee Stadium."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Oscar Gamble was a terror in Yankee Stadium last season, hitting 15 homers and driving 41 runs before the hometown fans. The park is perfectly suited to his power. He's hit 71 home runs in four American League seasons, and with his slim build, people wonder where the strength comes from; obviously not from his hair, for his famous afro was trimmed last spring training (the $30 haircut). He had a .426 slugging percentage last year and had a five-RBI game on September 10.
Oscar was drafted by the Cubs in 1968 and reached the majors at the age of 20. He went to Philadelphia in 1970 and had the last hit ever recorded in Connie Mack Stadium on October 1 of that year. The Indians obtained him in December of 1972.
Oscar attended George Washington Carver High in Montgomery, Alabama, a school without a baseball team; he played basketball there. His wife Juanita has performed the National Anthem at Yankee games, including the American League Championship Series last fall."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
1977 Profile: Chris Chambliss
"His sudden-death homer in the ninth inning of the fifth playoff game won the first AL pennant for the Yankees in 12 years.
'I'm still in a daze,' he said hours later. 'I really don't know what happened, but I'm happy.' Destined to become one of the great stars of the game, says Yankee owner George Steinbrenner.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, the son of a Navy Chaplain, Chris was traded by the Indians to the Yankees in 1974 in a controversial deal but quickly established himself as a quiet leader. He had his best year in '76 with a .293 average, 17 homers and 96 RBI, and almost carried the club in the first half of the season. Settled and secure now in New York, he should continue to improve."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"'Holy Cow! It's outta here - the Yankees win the pennant!' Chris Chambliss triggered those words with his dramatic home run in the last of the ninth in the final game of the American League Championship Series. It was one of the most historic home runs in baseball lore and a fitting climax to a series in which Chris set records for most hits and RBIs.
But Chambliss is more than a postseason player. He has put together back-to-back outstanding seasons for the Yankees, both at first base and at the plate. He reached career highs in nearly every offensive department in 1976 and tied for fourth in the league in RBIs.
It's hard to believe now, but when Chris was obtained from Cleveland in 1974, there was much skepticism surrounding the trade. But the soft-spoken former Rookie of the Year (1971) has become one of the fans' favorites and there is no reason to suspect any change."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Chris Chambliss had his second consecutive outstanding season in 1976, climaxed by his pennant winning home run in the last of the ninth in the final game of the American League Championship Series. It will be remembered as one of the most historic home runs in baseball history, and it wrapped up a series in which he set records for most hits and most RBIs. His regular-season performance was also a thing of beauty, and he finished fifth in the MVP voting to prove it. He reached career highs in nearly every department and tied for fourth in the league in RBIs. His highlight moment of the regular season was a last of the ninth home run to beat Boston in Yankee Stadium on July 25, resulting in a unique curtain call from the Yankee dugout, the first time that had happened since Roger Maris' 61st home run in 1961. It's hard to believe now that when Chris was obtained in 1974, great skepticism surrounded the deal.
He was the American League Rookie of the Year in 1971, after just one full season in the minors, where his .342 average at Wichita made him the first rookie to ever win a Triple-A batting title. This followed just one season at UCLA, where he set school records with 15 homers and 45 RBIs. He had a two-run single to beat the White Sox 2-1 in his first major league game.
Hitting streaks have been a part of Chris's career. Starting in 1971, he's had yearly streaks of 15, 15, 19, 18, 13 and 19 last year. He concluded the regular season by hitting in nine straight and then batted safely in every postseason game to run the streak to 18. At no time during the 1976 season did Chris go more than two games without a hit, hitting safely in 123 games.
Chris generally hits into the power alleys, and his 38 doubles in 1975 were the most by a Yankee in 13 years.
Soft-spoken Chris is the son of a Navy Chaplain, who traveled for much of his youth. Arlene Henry, now Mrs. Elston Howard, was a babysitter for the Chambliss family in St. Louis. Chris played football, basketball and baseball at Oceanside High in California."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
'I'm still in a daze,' he said hours later. 'I really don't know what happened, but I'm happy.' Destined to become one of the great stars of the game, says Yankee owner George Steinbrenner.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, the son of a Navy Chaplain, Chris was traded by the Indians to the Yankees in 1974 in a controversial deal but quickly established himself as a quiet leader. He had his best year in '76 with a .293 average, 17 homers and 96 RBI, and almost carried the club in the first half of the season. Settled and secure now in New York, he should continue to improve."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"'Holy Cow! It's outta here - the Yankees win the pennant!' Chris Chambliss triggered those words with his dramatic home run in the last of the ninth in the final game of the American League Championship Series. It was one of the most historic home runs in baseball lore and a fitting climax to a series in which Chris set records for most hits and RBIs.
But Chambliss is more than a postseason player. He has put together back-to-back outstanding seasons for the Yankees, both at first base and at the plate. He reached career highs in nearly every offensive department in 1976 and tied for fourth in the league in RBIs.
It's hard to believe now, but when Chris was obtained from Cleveland in 1974, there was much skepticism surrounding the trade. But the soft-spoken former Rookie of the Year (1971) has become one of the fans' favorites and there is no reason to suspect any change."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Chris Chambliss had his second consecutive outstanding season in 1976, climaxed by his pennant winning home run in the last of the ninth in the final game of the American League Championship Series. It will be remembered as one of the most historic home runs in baseball history, and it wrapped up a series in which he set records for most hits and most RBIs. His regular-season performance was also a thing of beauty, and he finished fifth in the MVP voting to prove it. He reached career highs in nearly every department and tied for fourth in the league in RBIs. His highlight moment of the regular season was a last of the ninth home run to beat Boston in Yankee Stadium on July 25, resulting in a unique curtain call from the Yankee dugout, the first time that had happened since Roger Maris' 61st home run in 1961. It's hard to believe now that when Chris was obtained in 1974, great skepticism surrounded the deal.
He was the American League Rookie of the Year in 1971, after just one full season in the minors, where his .342 average at Wichita made him the first rookie to ever win a Triple-A batting title. This followed just one season at UCLA, where he set school records with 15 homers and 45 RBIs. He had a two-run single to beat the White Sox 2-1 in his first major league game.
Hitting streaks have been a part of Chris's career. Starting in 1971, he's had yearly streaks of 15, 15, 19, 18, 13 and 19 last year. He concluded the regular season by hitting in nine straight and then batted safely in every postseason game to run the streak to 18. At no time during the 1976 season did Chris go more than two games without a hit, hitting safely in 123 games.
Chris generally hits into the power alleys, and his 38 doubles in 1975 were the most by a Yankee in 13 years.
Soft-spoken Chris is the son of a Navy Chaplain, who traveled for much of his youth. Arlene Henry, now Mrs. Elston Howard, was a babysitter for the Chambliss family in St. Louis. Chris played football, basketball and baseball at Oceanside High in California."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
Friday, September 26, 2014
1977 Profile: Dock Ellis
"Back on top. Obtained as a throw-in in the Willie Randolph trade, he's the comeback kid.
'Dock will win between 15 and 17 games for us,' predicted George Steinbrenner. He won 17, more than double his 1975 total with the Pirates.
'I had something to prove, to myself and to others,' he says. Born in Los Angeles, Dock became the Yankees' player rep and was an outstanding one. He amuses his teammates with his imitation of Muhammad Ali. He has matured to become a distinguished elder statesman, and authored an autobiography 'Dock Ellis in the Country of Baseball.' "
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"The Comeback Player of the Year in 1976 was Dock Phillip Ellis, the Yankees' own 17-game winner, noted author, player representative, and general man about town. What a delightful first season in New York for the tall right-hander!
Dock, of course, spent most of his career with the Pirates, where he pitched for five division winners, started the 1971 All-Star Game and hurled a no-hitter. When he became available after the 1975 season, the Yankees were happy to land him, and the results bore them out.
Dock put together a seven-game winning streak in 1976, and he was there as the Yankees pulled away. He tied Catfish Hunter in victories and had the best winning percentage on the club. He won a big game in the Championship Series and kept the club amused all year with his quick wit. All in all, it was a happy season for all concerned.
The 32-year-old Ellis, now in his 13th year of professional baseball, retains a keen awareness of the people and events outside his profession. He worked voluntarily in New York City playgrounds last summer and remains active in the fight against Sickle Cell Anemia. This is a man concerned with his profession and those it touches. A welcome addition to the Yankees in 1976; a proud member of the league's best pitching staff in 1977."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Dock Ellis' first American League season was a great success. He was voted the Comeback Player of the Year, as his 17-8 record represented the best winning percentage on the club, and he tied Catfish Hunter for the runner-up spot on the team in victories behind Ed Figueroa's 19. During the season, Dock put together a seven-game winning streak, covering seven consecutive starts (June 15-July 17). It equalled the longest winning streak by a Yankee pitcher since Whitey Ford won 12 straight in 1963. Dock also scored a big victory over the Royals in Game Three of the ALCS. He was elected Player Representative of the Yankees and capped off a happy year with the publication of his life story 'Dock Ellis in the Country of Baseball,' written with Donald Hall, a frank study of a contemporary baseball player.
Being with the Yankees made it six division titles in the last seven years for Dock, who starred for the Pirates from 1968-1975, winning 19 games in 1971, the year in which he was the starting pitcher for the National League in the All-Star Game. He won 13 straight that year, equalling the Pittsburgh record. He hurled a no-hitter against San Diego on June 12, 1970.
Dock is a graduate of Gardenia (California) High School, lettering in baseball, track and basketball. He signed with the Pirates as a free agent on January 14, 1964.
Dock is active in the fight against Sickle Cell Anemia. He also volunteered to work in New York City playgrounds for a full week last summer."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
'Dock will win between 15 and 17 games for us,' predicted George Steinbrenner. He won 17, more than double his 1975 total with the Pirates.
'I had something to prove, to myself and to others,' he says. Born in Los Angeles, Dock became the Yankees' player rep and was an outstanding one. He amuses his teammates with his imitation of Muhammad Ali. He has matured to become a distinguished elder statesman, and authored an autobiography 'Dock Ellis in the Country of Baseball.' "
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"The Comeback Player of the Year in 1976 was Dock Phillip Ellis, the Yankees' own 17-game winner, noted author, player representative, and general man about town. What a delightful first season in New York for the tall right-hander!
Dock, of course, spent most of his career with the Pirates, where he pitched for five division winners, started the 1971 All-Star Game and hurled a no-hitter. When he became available after the 1975 season, the Yankees were happy to land him, and the results bore them out.
Dock put together a seven-game winning streak in 1976, and he was there as the Yankees pulled away. He tied Catfish Hunter in victories and had the best winning percentage on the club. He won a big game in the Championship Series and kept the club amused all year with his quick wit. All in all, it was a happy season for all concerned.
The 32-year-old Ellis, now in his 13th year of professional baseball, retains a keen awareness of the people and events outside his profession. He worked voluntarily in New York City playgrounds last summer and remains active in the fight against Sickle Cell Anemia. This is a man concerned with his profession and those it touches. A welcome addition to the Yankees in 1976; a proud member of the league's best pitching staff in 1977."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Dock Ellis' first American League season was a great success. He was voted the Comeback Player of the Year, as his 17-8 record represented the best winning percentage on the club, and he tied Catfish Hunter for the runner-up spot on the team in victories behind Ed Figueroa's 19. During the season, Dock put together a seven-game winning streak, covering seven consecutive starts (June 15-July 17). It equalled the longest winning streak by a Yankee pitcher since Whitey Ford won 12 straight in 1963. Dock also scored a big victory over the Royals in Game Three of the ALCS. He was elected Player Representative of the Yankees and capped off a happy year with the publication of his life story 'Dock Ellis in the Country of Baseball,' written with Donald Hall, a frank study of a contemporary baseball player.
Being with the Yankees made it six division titles in the last seven years for Dock, who starred for the Pirates from 1968-1975, winning 19 games in 1971, the year in which he was the starting pitcher for the National League in the All-Star Game. He won 13 straight that year, equalling the Pittsburgh record. He hurled a no-hitter against San Diego on June 12, 1970.
Dock is a graduate of Gardenia (California) High School, lettering in baseball, track and basketball. He signed with the Pirates as a free agent on January 14, 1964.
Dock is active in the fight against Sickle Cell Anemia. He also volunteered to work in New York City playgrounds for a full week last summer."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
1977 Profile: Dick Tidrow
"Just hand Dick Tidrow the ball and watch him do a job for you. Want a short relief man? Dick tied Sparky Lyle for relief points in 1975, his first year as a relief pitcher. Want a long relief man? How about his 10 2/3 innings of shutout relief against the Twins last August. Want a starter? Dick was the Sporting News Rookie Pitcher of the Year in 1972 and was brilliant in his two starts for the Yankees last summer.
Playfully known as 'Dirt' by his teammates, the gruff-looking right-hander is all business on the mound. The Yankees obtained him from Cleveland in April of 1974, and he's been an important cog in the pitching staff ever since.
Dick is 6'4", weighs 230 pounds, and is a native of San Francisco, currently residing in Kansas City. He had the distinction of being the winning pitcher in the first game played in the 'new' Yankee Stadium last year - a sign of the good things to come for both Dick and the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Dick Tidrow was a key man in the Yankee pennant drive of 1976. He remained a dependable reliever, but also had success in his two starts. He beat Milwaukee on June 27, hurling seven innings, allowing two runs, eight hits and one walk, with seven strikeouts; he had a no-decision against Kansas City on July 6, allowing two runs, seven hits and one walk, with five strikeouts in 7.2 innings. His season highlight, however, was a relief stint against Minnesota on August 25, which wound up being a 10.2 inning outing, in which he allowed no runs, four hits with no walks, and four strikeouts. His standing ovation as he departed saw his ERA drop from 2.81 to 2.41 that evening. Dick was also the winning pitcher (in relief) in the first game at the 'new' Yankee Stadium.
The Indians drafted him in January of 1967, but military duty limited his progress for two years. He was the Sporting News Rookie Pitcher of the Year in 1972 while with Cleveland. Dick won 28 games for the Indians in his first two years. The Yankees obtained him in a big trade with the Indians in April of 1974, a trade considered very controversial at the time and quite one-sided today.
He was a starter until 1975, when Catfish Hunter joined the Yankees and Dick found himself in the bullpen. He tied Sparky Lyle for the club lead in relief points in 1975.
Dick's teammates playfully call him 'Dirt' for his rather gruff appearance."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
Playfully known as 'Dirt' by his teammates, the gruff-looking right-hander is all business on the mound. The Yankees obtained him from Cleveland in April of 1974, and he's been an important cog in the pitching staff ever since.
Dick is 6'4", weighs 230 pounds, and is a native of San Francisco, currently residing in Kansas City. He had the distinction of being the winning pitcher in the first game played in the 'new' Yankee Stadium last year - a sign of the good things to come for both Dick and the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Dick Tidrow was a key man in the Yankee pennant drive of 1976. He remained a dependable reliever, but also had success in his two starts. He beat Milwaukee on June 27, hurling seven innings, allowing two runs, eight hits and one walk, with seven strikeouts; he had a no-decision against Kansas City on July 6, allowing two runs, seven hits and one walk, with five strikeouts in 7.2 innings. His season highlight, however, was a relief stint against Minnesota on August 25, which wound up being a 10.2 inning outing, in which he allowed no runs, four hits with no walks, and four strikeouts. His standing ovation as he departed saw his ERA drop from 2.81 to 2.41 that evening. Dick was also the winning pitcher (in relief) in the first game at the 'new' Yankee Stadium.
The Indians drafted him in January of 1967, but military duty limited his progress for two years. He was the Sporting News Rookie Pitcher of the Year in 1972 while with Cleveland. Dick won 28 games for the Indians in his first two years. The Yankees obtained him in a big trade with the Indians in April of 1974, a trade considered very controversial at the time and quite one-sided today.
He was a starter until 1975, when Catfish Hunter joined the Yankees and Dick found himself in the bullpen. He tied Sparky Lyle for the club lead in relief points in 1975.
Dick's teammates playfully call him 'Dirt' for his rather gruff appearance."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
1977 Profile: Fred Stanley
"For two years now, Fred Stanley has been the Yankees' number one shortstop. The results have been excellent and the steadily improving Stanley has established himself as one of the leaders of the Yankee infield. His experience was invaluable in aiding double-play partner Willie Randolph to a banner rookie season in 1976.
Always a fine fielder, with good range and an accurate arm, Stanley provided timely hits all season long and recorded his best major league batting average. Look for continued improvement as the now veteran shortstop anchors the Yankee infield this season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Fred Stanley has been the Yankees' number one shortstop in each of the past three seasons, and one of the few current Yankees who was with the team in the 'old' Stadium.
Defense is his forte, and he plays a fine brand of gutsy shortstop, with good range and a good arm. He's especially strong at going back for the ball.
Fred enjoyed his best season with the bat in 1976, his average reaching as high as .277 on August 17. Between July 23 and August 17, he batted .380.
Known to his teammates as 'Chicken' for the manner in which he runs, Fred had been with the Pilots, Brewers, Indians and Padres before joining the Yankees. He was originally signed by the Houston organization in 1966.
He hit the last grand slam in the 'old' Yankee Stadium, connecting on September 8, 1973 against Milwaukee. Fred hit his second Yankee homer last year. He had three doubles in ALCS and World Series play after hitting only two all season.
Personable and bright, Fred was raised in Whittier, California, where he played Little League, Colt League and American Legion ball. A business major in college, and later a sergeant in the Army, he switch-hit briefly but is now strictly a right-hander."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
Always a fine fielder, with good range and an accurate arm, Stanley provided timely hits all season long and recorded his best major league batting average. Look for continued improvement as the now veteran shortstop anchors the Yankee infield this season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Fred Stanley has been the Yankees' number one shortstop in each of the past three seasons, and one of the few current Yankees who was with the team in the 'old' Stadium.
Defense is his forte, and he plays a fine brand of gutsy shortstop, with good range and a good arm. He's especially strong at going back for the ball.
Fred enjoyed his best season with the bat in 1976, his average reaching as high as .277 on August 17. Between July 23 and August 17, he batted .380.
Known to his teammates as 'Chicken' for the manner in which he runs, Fred had been with the Pilots, Brewers, Indians and Padres before joining the Yankees. He was originally signed by the Houston organization in 1966.
He hit the last grand slam in the 'old' Yankee Stadium, connecting on September 8, 1973 against Milwaukee. Fred hit his second Yankee homer last year. He had three doubles in ALCS and World Series play after hitting only two all season.
Personable and bright, Fred was raised in Whittier, California, where he played Little League, Colt League and American Legion ball. A business major in college, and later a sergeant in the Army, he switch-hit briefly but is now strictly a right-hander."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
1977 Profile: Ken Holtzman
"Ken Holtzman has won 91 games in five American League seasons, an average of 18 per year. Mighty impressive credentials for a man who really needs no introduction.
Ken's been a big league star since he broke in with the Cubs in 1965. He pitched two no-hitters during his National League days before being dealt to Oakland in 1972. Now, in five seasons in the American League, Ken's been with a division winner every year, and in a World Series four times.
The Yankees obtained him last June after he had spent ten weeks with the Orioles. His best Yankee outing was a 2-hit shutout in Texas in July, as the Yankees were breaking away from the rest of the league. It was no coincidence that a man of Holtzman's skills would find himself with another flag winner.
Ken, who resides in Lincolnshire, Illinois, is 6'2", 190 pounds. He's still only 31 years old, with a lot of good seasons to look forward to."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Ken joined the Yankees at the trading deadline last year and won nine games in half a season. He's looking forward to his first full season in New York.
Holtzman has been a star in both leagues. He hurled two no-hitters while with the Cubs - August 19, 1969 against Atlanta, and on June 3, 1971 at Cincinnati. He also had a perfect 9-0 record in 1967, in a season interrupted by military service. Switching to the American League in 1972, after Oakland traded Rick Monday for him, Ken has been on five division champions, four pennant winners and three World Champions in five seasons. In those five years, he has had a 91-66 record. He almost had a third no-hitter in 1975, going 8.2 innings against Detroit.
Ken's best Yankee performance was a 2-hit shutout at Texas on July 16. He won four straight for the Yankees and didn't suffer a loss between August 9 and September 13, but the season was somewhat of a statistical disappointment to Ken. He hadn't won fewer than 18 in his four seasons with Oakland, including a 21-victory season in 1973, when he was the Sporting News All-Star left-handed pitcher in the American League.
Along with a 4-1 won-lost record and 2.55 ERA in the World Series, the two-time All-Star has also put together a .833 slugging average as a hitter in the Fall Classic.
Holtzman and Reggie Jackson were traded to Baltimore on April 2, 1976. Ten weeks later, he signed a five-year contract with the Yankees, beginning with 1976."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
Ken's been a big league star since he broke in with the Cubs in 1965. He pitched two no-hitters during his National League days before being dealt to Oakland in 1972. Now, in five seasons in the American League, Ken's been with a division winner every year, and in a World Series four times.
The Yankees obtained him last June after he had spent ten weeks with the Orioles. His best Yankee outing was a 2-hit shutout in Texas in July, as the Yankees were breaking away from the rest of the league. It was no coincidence that a man of Holtzman's skills would find himself with another flag winner.
Ken, who resides in Lincolnshire, Illinois, is 6'2", 190 pounds. He's still only 31 years old, with a lot of good seasons to look forward to."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Ken joined the Yankees at the trading deadline last year and won nine games in half a season. He's looking forward to his first full season in New York.
Holtzman has been a star in both leagues. He hurled two no-hitters while with the Cubs - August 19, 1969 against Atlanta, and on June 3, 1971 at Cincinnati. He also had a perfect 9-0 record in 1967, in a season interrupted by military service. Switching to the American League in 1972, after Oakland traded Rick Monday for him, Ken has been on five division champions, four pennant winners and three World Champions in five seasons. In those five years, he has had a 91-66 record. He almost had a third no-hitter in 1975, going 8.2 innings against Detroit.
Ken's best Yankee performance was a 2-hit shutout at Texas on July 16. He won four straight for the Yankees and didn't suffer a loss between August 9 and September 13, but the season was somewhat of a statistical disappointment to Ken. He hadn't won fewer than 18 in his four seasons with Oakland, including a 21-victory season in 1973, when he was the Sporting News All-Star left-handed pitcher in the American League.
Along with a 4-1 won-lost record and 2.55 ERA in the World Series, the two-time All-Star has also put together a .833 slugging average as a hitter in the Fall Classic.
Holtzman and Reggie Jackson were traded to Baltimore on April 2, 1976. Ten weeks later, he signed a five-year contract with the Yankees, beginning with 1976."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
Thursday, September 25, 2014
1977 Profile: Reggie Jackson
1977 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"A superstar in thought, word and deed. He's outspoken, controversial and charismatic - and he can hit, too.
Reggie was traded to the Orioles after years of stardom in Oakland, unable to come to terms with Charlie Finley. He played out his option and became a free agent, setting off a huge bidding war.
'I'm a $2 million ballplayer,' he said. Reggie campaigned to play in the city of his choice. Cleveland? 'No way,' he said. So he settled for $2.9 million with the Yankees in the Big Apple.
Reggie missed six weeks of last season, yet still finished with 27 homers and 91 RBI.
'When he's on a hitting streak, he's devastating,' says Earl Weaver."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"Reggie Jackson. The mere name strikes fear into the hearts of opponents. One of the most exciting, talented and colorful players in baseball, Reggie joins the Yankees in his tenth major league season.
Jackson achieved his fame in Oakland where he helped the A's to five Western Division titles and three World Championships. He is an excellent hitter, ranking third in lifetime homers among active American Leaguers. Last year, he missed a month of the season and still challenged for the home run and RBI championships.
A 'player's player,' Reggie has appeared in six All-Star Games and is best remembered for his tape-measure home run in 1971 off Dock Ellis, now his teammate. His best year was 1973 when won the American League and World Series MVP awards and was named Player of the Year by the Sporting News.
In addition to his hitting, Jackson is a fine outfielder with a powerful arm and possesses great speed, as his 181 lifetime stolen bases attest. In short, the Yankees roll out the welcome mat for one of the most complete players in the game."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Reggie Jackson is one of baseball's most talented and exciting players. The Yankees signed him to a five-year contract after he had played out his option with Baltimore. Reggie was an Oriole for only one season, achieving his fame and following as a member of the Athletics from 1967-1975. He helped the A's to five Western Division titles and three World Championships.
At the age of 30, he is already approaching 300 home runs, a feat achieved by only 37 players in history. Only Boog Powell and Carl Yastrzemski have more lifetime homers among active American Leaguers. Reggie led the league in home runs in 1973 and tied for the lead in 1975. Three times he has led the league in slugging percentage, including last season. In 1969, he challenged the Maris home run record and wound up with a career high of 47 homers. In 1975, he became the only player to homer in all 12 American League parks in one season.
Reggie did not report to the Orioles last season until April 30, but still wound up tied for second in the league in home runs (27), behind Graig Nettles. Reggie also finished in the top ten in RBIs (91) in 1976, and had a career high in stolen bases (28).
Reggie has made six All-Star teams, and is remembered for his tape-measure home run in Detroit in the 1971 game, a shot that bounced off the transformer on the right field roof in Tiger Stadium. He was the top vote-getter in the 1974 balloting among fans.
The holder of 10 ALCS records including most games and times at bat, Reggie missed the 1972 World Series after a pulled hamstring injury in a play at the plate in the final game of the ALCS against Billy Martin's Tigers.
In 1973, Reggie was MVP in the American League and MVP in the World Series. He was also the Sporting News Major League Player of the Year.
He holds the A.L. record of striking out over 100 times for nine straight years. Reggie has a high strikeout rate but has cut that down over the years.
He's a fine outfielder with a powerful arm. In short, one of the most complete players in the game.
The A's Player Representative for four years, off and on, Oakland traded him, along with Ken Holtzman, to Baltimore. Reggie served as a commentator for ABC on the network telecast of the ALCS last fall and received great praise for his work.
Reggie was one of six children born to Martinez and Clara Jackson, just outside of Philadelphia; his father was a tailor. A three-sport star at Cheltenham High School near Philly, where he ran the 100 in 9.7, was a halfback on the football team and pitched three no-hitters, Reggie batted .550 in his senior year and got a scholarship to Arizona State, where he played baseball and football.
He was drafted number one by the A's in 1966 and left after his sophomore year for a reported $95,000 bonus. In 1967, he was Player of the Year in the Southern League and reached the majors by the end of the season.
Reggie played golf with President Ford."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"One of the most exciting players in the game, Jackson is rapidly approaching 300 career home runs with 294 as of July 5. He was MVP in 1973 and in that year's World Series as well. He hit .302 in two World Series with Oakland (he was replaced due to an injury in the 1972 Classic).
Reggie hit a tremendous two-run homer in the American League's 6-4 All-Star victory at Detroit in 1971. He led the AL in home runs in 1973 (32) and 1975 (36) and had 47 round-trippers in 1969 to finish third.
This is Reggie's seventh All-Star appearance."
-1977 All-Star Game Official Program
"A superstar in thought, word and deed. He's outspoken, controversial and charismatic - and he can hit, too.
Reggie was traded to the Orioles after years of stardom in Oakland, unable to come to terms with Charlie Finley. He played out his option and became a free agent, setting off a huge bidding war.
'I'm a $2 million ballplayer,' he said. Reggie campaigned to play in the city of his choice. Cleveland? 'No way,' he said. So he settled for $2.9 million with the Yankees in the Big Apple.
Reggie missed six weeks of last season, yet still finished with 27 homers and 91 RBI.
'When he's on a hitting streak, he's devastating,' says Earl Weaver."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"Reggie Jackson. The mere name strikes fear into the hearts of opponents. One of the most exciting, talented and colorful players in baseball, Reggie joins the Yankees in his tenth major league season.
Jackson achieved his fame in Oakland where he helped the A's to five Western Division titles and three World Championships. He is an excellent hitter, ranking third in lifetime homers among active American Leaguers. Last year, he missed a month of the season and still challenged for the home run and RBI championships.
A 'player's player,' Reggie has appeared in six All-Star Games and is best remembered for his tape-measure home run in 1971 off Dock Ellis, now his teammate. His best year was 1973 when won the American League and World Series MVP awards and was named Player of the Year by the Sporting News.
In addition to his hitting, Jackson is a fine outfielder with a powerful arm and possesses great speed, as his 181 lifetime stolen bases attest. In short, the Yankees roll out the welcome mat for one of the most complete players in the game."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Reggie Jackson is one of baseball's most talented and exciting players. The Yankees signed him to a five-year contract after he had played out his option with Baltimore. Reggie was an Oriole for only one season, achieving his fame and following as a member of the Athletics from 1967-1975. He helped the A's to five Western Division titles and three World Championships.
At the age of 30, he is already approaching 300 home runs, a feat achieved by only 37 players in history. Only Boog Powell and Carl Yastrzemski have more lifetime homers among active American Leaguers. Reggie led the league in home runs in 1973 and tied for the lead in 1975. Three times he has led the league in slugging percentage, including last season. In 1969, he challenged the Maris home run record and wound up with a career high of 47 homers. In 1975, he became the only player to homer in all 12 American League parks in one season.
Reggie did not report to the Orioles last season until April 30, but still wound up tied for second in the league in home runs (27), behind Graig Nettles. Reggie also finished in the top ten in RBIs (91) in 1976, and had a career high in stolen bases (28).
Reggie has made six All-Star teams, and is remembered for his tape-measure home run in Detroit in the 1971 game, a shot that bounced off the transformer on the right field roof in Tiger Stadium. He was the top vote-getter in the 1974 balloting among fans.
The holder of 10 ALCS records including most games and times at bat, Reggie missed the 1972 World Series after a pulled hamstring injury in a play at the plate in the final game of the ALCS against Billy Martin's Tigers.
In 1973, Reggie was MVP in the American League and MVP in the World Series. He was also the Sporting News Major League Player of the Year.
He holds the A.L. record of striking out over 100 times for nine straight years. Reggie has a high strikeout rate but has cut that down over the years.
He's a fine outfielder with a powerful arm. In short, one of the most complete players in the game.
The A's Player Representative for four years, off and on, Oakland traded him, along with Ken Holtzman, to Baltimore. Reggie served as a commentator for ABC on the network telecast of the ALCS last fall and received great praise for his work.
Reggie was one of six children born to Martinez and Clara Jackson, just outside of Philadelphia; his father was a tailor. A three-sport star at Cheltenham High School near Philly, where he ran the 100 in 9.7, was a halfback on the football team and pitched three no-hitters, Reggie batted .550 in his senior year and got a scholarship to Arizona State, where he played baseball and football.
He was drafted number one by the A's in 1966 and left after his sophomore year for a reported $95,000 bonus. In 1967, he was Player of the Year in the Southern League and reached the majors by the end of the season.
Reggie played golf with President Ford."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"One of the most exciting players in the game, Jackson is rapidly approaching 300 career home runs with 294 as of July 5. He was MVP in 1973 and in that year's World Series as well. He hit .302 in two World Series with Oakland (he was replaced due to an injury in the 1972 Classic).
Reggie hit a tremendous two-run homer in the American League's 6-4 All-Star victory at Detroit in 1971. He led the AL in home runs in 1973 (32) and 1975 (36) and had 47 round-trippers in 1969 to finish third.
This is Reggie's seventh All-Star appearance."
-1977 All-Star Game Official Program
1977 Profile: Jim Hunter
"Catfish. The three million dollar man. Jim was born in Hertford, North Carolina and still lives there on his farm. He enjoys fishing, hunting, farming and just walking with his dogs.
'I'm just a country boy,' says Cat, who hasn't let fame and fortune spoil him.
Tendinitis in his right shoulder caused him to have a disappointing year. His 17 wins were his fewest since 1969. Jim still became the fifth active pitcher with 200 career victories, joining Jim Kaat, Gaylord Perry, Mickey Lolich and Ferguson Jenkins, and he's only the fourth pitcher in history to win 200 before his 31st birthday; the others are Cy Young, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"Among baseball circles, the accomplishments of Catfish are legendary. When he threw a perfect game in 1968, he was still somewhat of an unknown. Now, as one looks back, it was altogether fitting and proper that he should have achieved such a distinction. For he is close to being the 'perfect' pitcher.
Winner of 40 games in two years as a Yankee, the celebrated Mr. H is in the company of Cy Young, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson as 20th century hurlers with 200 victories prior to age 31. And he stands with Johnson and Lefty Grove as the only American Leaguers to record five consecutive 20-victory seasons. He has been selected for eight All-Star teams, is a Cy Young Award winner, and has pitched in five Championship Series and four World Series. In short, this is one of the premier pitchers in the history of baseball.
Catfish, who never pitched in the minor leagues, is the man who put Hertford, North Carolina on the map."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Catfish Hunter is one of the premier pitchers in American League history. Last season he became only the fourth pitcher in this century to record his 200th victory prior to his 31st birthday, joining Cy Young, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson. The year before, he joined Johnson and Lefty Grove as the only American Leaguers to win 20 games in five straight seasons.
The eight-time All-Star had an 'off' season for Catfish in 1976, but at season's end it was revealed that he was bothered by some arm trouble, not unusual for all the innings he's pitched in recent years.
Jim is now in his 13th season and has been a regular starting pitcher since he was 19 years old. He won the 1974 Cy Young Award and was runner-up in '75. Jim pitched 10 straight complete games in 1975; that year, his first as a Yankee, he pitched more complete games than any American Leaguer since Bob Feller in 1946, and pitched more innings than any Yankee since Carl Mays in 1921. His 40 career shutouts lead all active pitchers in the league.
Catfish signed as a free agent in the celebrated talent chase of 1974 and became a household word in America. These events and the change to the big city left him no less of a fine gentleman than he has always been. Jim has a 110-acre farm, which his brother runs during the baseball season.
Jim was one of eight children, and a great athlete at Perquimans High School, making All-State in baseball and football, and as a member of the 440 relay team. He also played Little League and Babe Ruth League ball in his native Hertford, American Legion ball in nearby Ahoskie, and semi-pro ball in Wanchese. He rooted for the Indians as a youngster, with Jimmy Piersall his favorite player. His brothers helped his development as a player, but one of them accidentally shot him in the foot while hunting in 1964, causing some clubs to lose interest in him. He lost the small toe on his right foot. Kansas City scout Clyde Kluttz stayed with him, however, although he was unable to play in '64; hence, he's never pitched in the minor leagues. A's owner Charlie Finley, feeling the need for a colorful nickname, invented 'Catfish.'
Jim first broke into fame in the 1967 All-Star Game, hurling five innings of sterling relief before Tony Perez beat him with a home run. On May 8, 1968, in only the 12th home game ever played by the Oakland A's, Jim hurled a 4-0 perfect game against Minnesota, the only regular season perfect game in the American League in the last 55 years.
He helped Oakland to four division championships and three World Championships, and has been relatively injury-free, save for a broken thumb in suffered in the 1973 All-Star Game when hit by a line drive off the bat of Billy Williams; he still won 21 games that year. An arbitration panel declared him a free agent after the 1974 World Series over a breach of contract.
Jim is an outstanding fielder and an accomplished hitter, 149-658 (.227) lifetime with six homers and 51 RBIs. In addition to his perfect game, he has a 1-hitter and five 2-hitters, the 1-hitter coming as a Yankee in 1975. His career high in strikeouts is 12 (twice), and his longest outing, 13 innings, was accomplished last August 27 at California (no runs, 11 hits).
Jim signed a five-year starting with the 1975 season."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
'I'm just a country boy,' says Cat, who hasn't let fame and fortune spoil him.
Tendinitis in his right shoulder caused him to have a disappointing year. His 17 wins were his fewest since 1969. Jim still became the fifth active pitcher with 200 career victories, joining Jim Kaat, Gaylord Perry, Mickey Lolich and Ferguson Jenkins, and he's only the fourth pitcher in history to win 200 before his 31st birthday; the others are Cy Young, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"Among baseball circles, the accomplishments of Catfish are legendary. When he threw a perfect game in 1968, he was still somewhat of an unknown. Now, as one looks back, it was altogether fitting and proper that he should have achieved such a distinction. For he is close to being the 'perfect' pitcher.
Winner of 40 games in two years as a Yankee, the celebrated Mr. H is in the company of Cy Young, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson as 20th century hurlers with 200 victories prior to age 31. And he stands with Johnson and Lefty Grove as the only American Leaguers to record five consecutive 20-victory seasons. He has been selected for eight All-Star teams, is a Cy Young Award winner, and has pitched in five Championship Series and four World Series. In short, this is one of the premier pitchers in the history of baseball.
Catfish, who never pitched in the minor leagues, is the man who put Hertford, North Carolina on the map."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Catfish Hunter is one of the premier pitchers in American League history. Last season he became only the fourth pitcher in this century to record his 200th victory prior to his 31st birthday, joining Cy Young, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson. The year before, he joined Johnson and Lefty Grove as the only American Leaguers to win 20 games in five straight seasons.
The eight-time All-Star had an 'off' season for Catfish in 1976, but at season's end it was revealed that he was bothered by some arm trouble, not unusual for all the innings he's pitched in recent years.
Jim is now in his 13th season and has been a regular starting pitcher since he was 19 years old. He won the 1974 Cy Young Award and was runner-up in '75. Jim pitched 10 straight complete games in 1975; that year, his first as a Yankee, he pitched more complete games than any American Leaguer since Bob Feller in 1946, and pitched more innings than any Yankee since Carl Mays in 1921. His 40 career shutouts lead all active pitchers in the league.
Catfish signed as a free agent in the celebrated talent chase of 1974 and became a household word in America. These events and the change to the big city left him no less of a fine gentleman than he has always been. Jim has a 110-acre farm, which his brother runs during the baseball season.
Jim was one of eight children, and a great athlete at Perquimans High School, making All-State in baseball and football, and as a member of the 440 relay team. He also played Little League and Babe Ruth League ball in his native Hertford, American Legion ball in nearby Ahoskie, and semi-pro ball in Wanchese. He rooted for the Indians as a youngster, with Jimmy Piersall his favorite player. His brothers helped his development as a player, but one of them accidentally shot him in the foot while hunting in 1964, causing some clubs to lose interest in him. He lost the small toe on his right foot. Kansas City scout Clyde Kluttz stayed with him, however, although he was unable to play in '64; hence, he's never pitched in the minor leagues. A's owner Charlie Finley, feeling the need for a colorful nickname, invented 'Catfish.'
Jim first broke into fame in the 1967 All-Star Game, hurling five innings of sterling relief before Tony Perez beat him with a home run. On May 8, 1968, in only the 12th home game ever played by the Oakland A's, Jim hurled a 4-0 perfect game against Minnesota, the only regular season perfect game in the American League in the last 55 years.
He helped Oakland to four division championships and three World Championships, and has been relatively injury-free, save for a broken thumb in suffered in the 1973 All-Star Game when hit by a line drive off the bat of Billy Williams; he still won 21 games that year. An arbitration panel declared him a free agent after the 1974 World Series over a breach of contract.
Jim is an outstanding fielder and an accomplished hitter, 149-658 (.227) lifetime with six homers and 51 RBIs. In addition to his perfect game, he has a 1-hitter and five 2-hitters, the 1-hitter coming as a Yankee in 1975. His career high in strikeouts is 12 (twice), and his longest outing, 13 innings, was accomplished last August 27 at California (no runs, 11 hits).
Jim signed a five-year starting with the 1975 season."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
1977 Profile: Thurman Munson
1977 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Thurman was finally acknowledged as the outstanding catcher in the American League. In his second straight year with over 100 RBI and a plus-.300 batting average, he was voted the league's MVP. He had the highest World Series average ever (.529) for a player on a losing team, and also tied a 52-year-old record with six straight hits.
Born in Akron, Ohio, he still lives in the Buckeye state (Canton)."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"One of the first things to happen to Thurman Munson in 1976 was his appointment as Yankee captain, the first since Lou Gehrig. All Munson did was respond by winning the Most Valuable Player award and leading the Yankees to the American League pennant.
It was only a matter of time before Thurman was named captain, as he is the unquestioned field general and the best man at calling a game in the league. His presence alone generates excitement among teammates and fans alike. He is also the offensive leader of the Yanks and has driven in over 100 runs two years in a row. Thurman did not stop once postseason play began and compiled the highest average ever for a player on the losing team in a World Series.
1970's Rookie of the Year (he is the only Yankee ever to win both that award and the MVP), Munson has a strong arm and a quick release. His biggest asset, however, is the grim determination with which he does his job. The latest in a long line of great Yankee catchers (Bill Dickey, Yogi Berra, Elston Howard), Thurman has never failed to improve some facet of his game from year to year. 1977 should be no exception as Captain Munson leads the troops into battle."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"The Yankee captain, so appointed in 1976 as the first since Lou Gehrig, Thurman responded by winning the Most Valuable Player award. He became the first Yankee to both MVP and Rookie of the Year (1970).
He did it not only with his on-the-field leadership but with his second straight season of over 100 RBIs (he was second in the league) and his second straight .300 season (his fourth in seven years). He was the starting catcher in the All-Star Game, his fifth All-Star selection. He stole a career high of 14 bases and led the Yankees in game-winning hits with 17. He caught, served a DH and played the outfield while carrying on the Yankee catching tradition of Dickey-Berra-Howard-Munson.
Thurman continued to shine in postseason play. In the ALCS, he broke the previous record for total hits (but Chambliss passed Munson) and, in the World Series, he compiled the highest average ever for a player on the losing team, tying a record with six consecutive hits in the process, with four hits in one game.
Thurman was the league's number-three hitter in 1975, and number nine last year, but he never fell below .300 after the early part of the schedule. Thurman began last season with a broken right index finger, suffered in spring training, but was able to DH by Opening Day and caught his first game in the home opener.
He has won three Gold Glove awards (1973,1974,1975), and he also played first and third for the Yankees. In 1975 he was the first Yankee in 11 years to drive in 100 runs. His lifetime .289 batting average is 13th on the all-time Yankee list.
Thurman was an All-American catcher at Kent State and the Yankees' top draft pick in 1968, reaching the majors after only 99 minor league games. In 1971, he made only one error all season, tying Elston Howard's .998 catching record by a Yankee.
Durable and rugged, and a great all-around athlete, Thurman has a strong arm and a quick release, along with lightning fast reflexes."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV//Radio Guide
"Last year Munson was named the first Yankee team captain since Lou Gehrig. He responded by winning the American League Most Valuable Player award. Thurman was the first Yankee to win MVP and Rookie of the Year (1970).
This is his fifth season hitting better than .300, with a lifetime average of over .290. Thurman hit .435 in the ALCS last fall, then followed by batting .529 (9-for-17) against Cincinnati in the World Series. He reached the majors after only 99 minor league games and has won three Gold Glove fielding awards.
This is Thurman's sixth All-Star selection."
-1977 All-Star Game Official Program
"Thurman was finally acknowledged as the outstanding catcher in the American League. In his second straight year with over 100 RBI and a plus-.300 batting average, he was voted the league's MVP. He had the highest World Series average ever (.529) for a player on a losing team, and also tied a 52-year-old record with six straight hits.
Born in Akron, Ohio, he still lives in the Buckeye state (Canton)."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"One of the first things to happen to Thurman Munson in 1976 was his appointment as Yankee captain, the first since Lou Gehrig. All Munson did was respond by winning the Most Valuable Player award and leading the Yankees to the American League pennant.
It was only a matter of time before Thurman was named captain, as he is the unquestioned field general and the best man at calling a game in the league. His presence alone generates excitement among teammates and fans alike. He is also the offensive leader of the Yanks and has driven in over 100 runs two years in a row. Thurman did not stop once postseason play began and compiled the highest average ever for a player on the losing team in a World Series.
1970's Rookie of the Year (he is the only Yankee ever to win both that award and the MVP), Munson has a strong arm and a quick release. His biggest asset, however, is the grim determination with which he does his job. The latest in a long line of great Yankee catchers (Bill Dickey, Yogi Berra, Elston Howard), Thurman has never failed to improve some facet of his game from year to year. 1977 should be no exception as Captain Munson leads the troops into battle."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"The Yankee captain, so appointed in 1976 as the first since Lou Gehrig, Thurman responded by winning the Most Valuable Player award. He became the first Yankee to both MVP and Rookie of the Year (1970).
He did it not only with his on-the-field leadership but with his second straight season of over 100 RBIs (he was second in the league) and his second straight .300 season (his fourth in seven years). He was the starting catcher in the All-Star Game, his fifth All-Star selection. He stole a career high of 14 bases and led the Yankees in game-winning hits with 17. He caught, served a DH and played the outfield while carrying on the Yankee catching tradition of Dickey-Berra-Howard-Munson.
Thurman continued to shine in postseason play. In the ALCS, he broke the previous record for total hits (but Chambliss passed Munson) and, in the World Series, he compiled the highest average ever for a player on the losing team, tying a record with six consecutive hits in the process, with four hits in one game.
Thurman was the league's number-three hitter in 1975, and number nine last year, but he never fell below .300 after the early part of the schedule. Thurman began last season with a broken right index finger, suffered in spring training, but was able to DH by Opening Day and caught his first game in the home opener.
He has won three Gold Glove awards (1973,1974,1975), and he also played first and third for the Yankees. In 1975 he was the first Yankee in 11 years to drive in 100 runs. His lifetime .289 batting average is 13th on the all-time Yankee list.
Thurman was an All-American catcher at Kent State and the Yankees' top draft pick in 1968, reaching the majors after only 99 minor league games. In 1971, he made only one error all season, tying Elston Howard's .998 catching record by a Yankee.
Durable and rugged, and a great all-around athlete, Thurman has a strong arm and a quick release, along with lightning fast reflexes."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV//Radio Guide
"Last year Munson was named the first Yankee team captain since Lou Gehrig. He responded by winning the American League Most Valuable Player award. Thurman was the first Yankee to win MVP and Rookie of the Year (1970).
This is his fifth season hitting better than .300, with a lifetime average of over .290. Thurman hit .435 in the ALCS last fall, then followed by batting .529 (9-for-17) against Cincinnati in the World Series. He reached the majors after only 99 minor league games and has won three Gold Glove fielding awards.
This is Thurman's sixth All-Star selection."
-1977 All-Star Game Official Program
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
1977 New York Yankees Manager and Coaches Profiles
BILLY MARTIN (Manager)
1977 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR (Manager)
"In his first full season, Billy returned the Yankees to the glorious heights he knew as a player for them. He was rewarded with a three-year contract, through 1979, although he never lasted three full seasons in three previous jobs.
'I'm a one-year manager when the front office interferes,' he says. 'When they don't interfere, I'm a 20-year manager.'
'He's the best manager in the game,' says his boss George Steinbrenner.
'He borders on genius,' says his other boss, Gretchen Martin. Billy was not surprised to be the AP's Manager of the Year.
'I did the best job,' he said."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"The manager of the Yankees, Billy Martin, delivered on his promise to make things happen in 1976. He was just that type of player as a Yankee second baseman under Casey Stengel in the '50's, when he was considered to be a player who got the most out of his ability.
A great admirer of Stengel's, Martin dedicated the season to his memory and did not let the Ol' Professor down, as he led the Yankees to their first pennant in 12 years. And lead he did! A master of the rules, the fiery skipper runs each game the way he wants to and sets the tempo much more than most managers.
Billy's not only a great tactician, but you get the impression that he would like to be there playing his heart out in the late innings of a tie game. With that kind of enthusiasm and knowledge, Billy Martin brings out the best in each player."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Billy joined Huggins, McCarthy, Harris, Stengel, Houk and Berra as pennant-winning Yankee managers in 1976. For his efforts, coming in his first full season at the Yankee helm, he was named Manager of the Year by the Associated Press, an honor he also captured in 1974 while with Texas. The heir to the great tradition of Yankee managers, Billy wore a black armband last year in memory of Casey Stengel, his Yankee manager from 1950-1957, when Billy was the spark plug of the Yankee infield and a member of six pennant winners.
Always considered a player who got the most of his ability and one who symbolized the magic of the Yankee uniform, Billy used to come alive at World Series time, as his lifetime .333 average proves. He made a famous catch of a short pop hit by Jackie Robinson to save the 1952 Series and batted .500 in the '53 Classic to win the Babe Ruth Award. Billy was a member of the 1956 All-Star team.
Martin graduated from Berkley High School in 1946 and signed with Oakland of the Pacific Coast League. He played for Stengel there in 1947 and 1948, the Oaks winning two pennants. In 1950 he played for Kansas City (American Association), and along with Jackie Jensen, was purchased by the Yankees later that year. A utility man in 1950 and '51, Billy was a regular until he was traded in 1957, with time out for military service (all of 1954 and most of 1955). He was a close friend of Mickey Mantle throughout his career and is today.
After his playing career ended, Billy scouted for Minnesota (1962-1964) and coached for the Twins (1965-1967). He began managing in 1968 in the minors and has found success with each of the four American League teams he's managed. The Yankees signed him on August 2, 1975.
Considered a master of the rules and a fiery, exciting leader, Billy runs the game and sets the tempo of a team more than most managers. He enjoys American history, with a special interest in the Civil War."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"The manager of the Yankees, Billy Martin, delivered on his promise to make things happen in 1976. He was just that type of player as a Yankee second baseman under Casey Stengel in the '50s, when he was considered to be a player who got the most out of his ability.
A great admirer of Stengel's, Martin dedicated the season to his memory and did not let the Ol' Perfessor down, as he led the Yanks to their first pennant in 12 years. And lead he did! A master of the rules, the fiery skipper runs each game the way he wants to and sets the tempo much more than most managers.
Billy's not only a great tactician, but you get the impression that he would like to be there playing his heart out in the late innings of a tie game. With that kind of enthusiasm and knowledge, Billy Martin brings out the best in each player."
-1977 New York Yankees Scorebook & Official Magazine
"A colorful and aggressive manager, Martin piloted the Yankees to their 30th pennant last fall. He was named AP Manager of the Year, an honor he also won with Texas in 1974.
A Casey Stengel protege, Billy also played on six championship clubs under the beloved pilot. He had a lifetime .333 average for World Series play and won the Babe Ruth Award as the star of the 1953 Series when he hit .500. Billy made a famous catch of a Jackie Robinson popup in the 1952 Classic.
Billy was a 1956 All-Star. He managed the Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers before joining the Yankees on August 2, 1975."
-1977 All-Star Game Official Program
MARTIN WINS 700TH
"Billy Martin recorded his 700th career victory as a manager during the September pennant drive. Billy has piloted four division winners and two World Series teams in his eight major league seasons."
-1977 World Series Official Program
ELSTON HOWARD (Coach)
"When Thurman Munson won the MVP award last year, he became the first Yankee to do so since Ellie won it in 1963. One of the most popular players ever to wear a Yankee uniform, Ellie enters his ninth season as a Yankee coach.
A nine-time American League All-Star, Ellie won the Babe Ruth Award in the 1958 World Series for his great play in the outfield, but he is really remembered as a link in the Yankees' great catching chain of Dickey-Berra-Howard-Munson."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Popular Elston Howard is now in his ninth year as Yankee first base and batting coach. The assignment immediately followed a distinguished career in which he played for nine pennant-winning Yankee teams and one in Boston.
Nine times he was an American League All-Star, and he won the Most Valuable Player award in 1963. He batted .348 in 1961 when he was one of six Yankees who hit 20 or more home runs. Elston won the Babe Ruth Award in 1958 for his outfield heroics in the World Series. He won two Gold Glove awards as a catcher and made only one error in 1964.
Elston was the first black player on the Yankees and the first black coach in the American League."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
FATHER OF THE YEAR ELSTON HOWARD
"Yankee coach Elston Howard was presented with a plaque as the New Jersey Father of the Year. Ellie and his wife Arlene are the parents of Elston Jr. (21), Cheryl (18) and Karen (17). The presentation was made to Ellie by the New Jersey Men's Wear Retailers Association."
-1977 New York Yankees Scorebook & Official Magazine
DICK HOWSER (Coach)
"The Yanks' signalman at third base for the last eight years, since he succeeded the legendary Frank Crosetti as Yankee third base coach in 1969, Dick is constantly involved in keeping the Yanks' jack-rabbit runners moving along the base paths.
The 1961 Rookie of the Year with the A's, when he stole 37 bases, Dick also saw action with the Indians and Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Dick succeeded the legendary Frank Crosetti as Yankee third base coach in 1969, after an eight-year career as an infielder.
He was named the Sporting News Rookie of the Year in 1961 when he stole 37 bases for the A's and made the All-Star team. The Yankees obtained him from Cleveland on December 20, 1966 for minor league pitcher Gil Downs, and Howser spent two years as a utility infielder until an injury sidelined him.
A close of friend of movie star Burt Reynolds, with whom he attended both high school and college, Dick managed the Yankees Instructional League team in Florida for two years."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
YOGI BERRA (Coach)
"When the Yankees last won a pennant in 1964, Yogi Berra was their manager. His return to the Yankees 12 years later coincided with another Yankee pennant last season, not surprising to those who know that good fortune follows this Hall of Famer around.
Yogi participated in his 18th World Series last year, and the greatest home run hitting catcher in baseball history holds a host of World Series records. One of the most recognizable people in America, the Yankees are certainly glad that this three-time MVP returned to them last year."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"One of America's most beloved and recognized celebrities, his return to the Yankees after 12 years coincided with a Yankee pennant, not surprising to those who know that good fortune follows this Hall of Famer around. It marked his 18th World Series, a record 14 as a player, two as a Yankee coach, one as a Met coach, one as Yankee manager, and one as Met manager.
Yogi holds Series records for games, at-bats, hits, singles and consecutive errorless games (30). A three-time Most Valuable Player (1951,1954,1955) and 15 times an All-Star, his 313 homers are the most ever hit by a catcher. His 30 homers in one season (twice) is also a record for catchers. Yogi handled a record 950 consecutive chances without an error (1957-1959).
The Yankees retired his (and Bill Dickey's) uniform number 8 in 1972 but brought it back for his return last season. His son Dale is an infielder in the Pirate organization, and his sons Larry Jr. and Tim played pro baseball and pro football briefly."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
BOBBY COX (Coach)
"Bobby Cox moves up to the Yankee coaching staff this year after managing in the Yankee farm system the last six years.
Last year Bobby guided the Syracuse Chiefs to the Governor's Cup as International League champions. The Yanks' regular third baseman in 1968, Bobby was also named to the Topps Rookie All-Star team that year."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Bobby moves up to the Yankee coaching staff this season after managing in the Yankee farm system for the last six years. The last four of them were at Syracuse, a team he led to the Governor's Cup as International League champions in 1976.
He's a former third baseman who was a regular on the 1968 Yankees, losing his job the following year when his roommate, Bobby Murcer, opened the season at third.
First signed by the Dodgers in 1960, Bobby led the Pioneer League with a .337 average in 1963. The Yankees got him from the Braves in November 1967 in a trade for Bob Tillman and Dale Roberts. Bobby beat Mike Ferraro out of the third base job in '68 after Ferraro had won the Dawson Award in spring training, and made the Topps Rookie All-Star team that year.
He's no relation to ex-Dodger Billy Cox."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
CLOYD BOYER (Coach)
"Cloyd Boyer, who spent part of the 1975 season as the Yankees' acting pitching coach, takes over on his own this season. In the Yankee organization since 1962, Cloyd has served as a scout, minor league manager, and minor league pitching coach. Last year he was the pitching coach for the International League champ Syracuse Chiefs.
Cloyd is the oldest of the seven baseball playing Boyer brothers, the most famous of whom were the Cardinals' Ken and the Yankees' Clete."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Cloyd Boyer joins the Yankees as pitching coach for 1977, replacing Bob Lemon, who became manager of the White Sox.
Boyer held the position in an 'acting' assignment for half the 1975 season after Whitey Ford became ill. He's been in the Yankee organization since 1962 as a scout, minor league manager, roving minor league pitching coach, and most recently, Syracuse pitching coach as the Yankees switched to full-time coaches on each level; Syracuse won the International League playoffs last year.
Known as 'C.B.' long before CB radios became popular, Cloyd is the oldest of seven Boyer brothers who played pro ball, the most famous of whom were Ken of the Cardinals and Clete of the Yankees.
Cloyd broke into pro ball in 1945 and reached the majors with the Cardinals in 1949. He won two strikeout titles in the minor leagues and is a Navy veteran (1945-1946). After concluding his big league career with Kansas City in 1955, Cloyd hurled in the minors until 1961, his last five years with Indianapolis."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
1977 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR (Manager)
"In his first full season, Billy returned the Yankees to the glorious heights he knew as a player for them. He was rewarded with a three-year contract, through 1979, although he never lasted three full seasons in three previous jobs.
'I'm a one-year manager when the front office interferes,' he says. 'When they don't interfere, I'm a 20-year manager.'
'He's the best manager in the game,' says his boss George Steinbrenner.
'He borders on genius,' says his other boss, Gretchen Martin. Billy was not surprised to be the AP's Manager of the Year.
'I did the best job,' he said."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"The manager of the Yankees, Billy Martin, delivered on his promise to make things happen in 1976. He was just that type of player as a Yankee second baseman under Casey Stengel in the '50's, when he was considered to be a player who got the most out of his ability.
A great admirer of Stengel's, Martin dedicated the season to his memory and did not let the Ol' Professor down, as he led the Yankees to their first pennant in 12 years. And lead he did! A master of the rules, the fiery skipper runs each game the way he wants to and sets the tempo much more than most managers.
Billy's not only a great tactician, but you get the impression that he would like to be there playing his heart out in the late innings of a tie game. With that kind of enthusiasm and knowledge, Billy Martin brings out the best in each player."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Billy joined Huggins, McCarthy, Harris, Stengel, Houk and Berra as pennant-winning Yankee managers in 1976. For his efforts, coming in his first full season at the Yankee helm, he was named Manager of the Year by the Associated Press, an honor he also captured in 1974 while with Texas. The heir to the great tradition of Yankee managers, Billy wore a black armband last year in memory of Casey Stengel, his Yankee manager from 1950-1957, when Billy was the spark plug of the Yankee infield and a member of six pennant winners.
Always considered a player who got the most of his ability and one who symbolized the magic of the Yankee uniform, Billy used to come alive at World Series time, as his lifetime .333 average proves. He made a famous catch of a short pop hit by Jackie Robinson to save the 1952 Series and batted .500 in the '53 Classic to win the Babe Ruth Award. Billy was a member of the 1956 All-Star team.
Martin graduated from Berkley High School in 1946 and signed with Oakland of the Pacific Coast League. He played for Stengel there in 1947 and 1948, the Oaks winning two pennants. In 1950 he played for Kansas City (American Association), and along with Jackie Jensen, was purchased by the Yankees later that year. A utility man in 1950 and '51, Billy was a regular until he was traded in 1957, with time out for military service (all of 1954 and most of 1955). He was a close friend of Mickey Mantle throughout his career and is today.
After his playing career ended, Billy scouted for Minnesota (1962-1964) and coached for the Twins (1965-1967). He began managing in 1968 in the minors and has found success with each of the four American League teams he's managed. The Yankees signed him on August 2, 1975.
Considered a master of the rules and a fiery, exciting leader, Billy runs the game and sets the tempo of a team more than most managers. He enjoys American history, with a special interest in the Civil War."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
"The manager of the Yankees, Billy Martin, delivered on his promise to make things happen in 1976. He was just that type of player as a Yankee second baseman under Casey Stengel in the '50s, when he was considered to be a player who got the most out of his ability.
A great admirer of Stengel's, Martin dedicated the season to his memory and did not let the Ol' Perfessor down, as he led the Yanks to their first pennant in 12 years. And lead he did! A master of the rules, the fiery skipper runs each game the way he wants to and sets the tempo much more than most managers.
Billy's not only a great tactician, but you get the impression that he would like to be there playing his heart out in the late innings of a tie game. With that kind of enthusiasm and knowledge, Billy Martin brings out the best in each player."
-1977 New York Yankees Scorebook & Official Magazine
"A colorful and aggressive manager, Martin piloted the Yankees to their 30th pennant last fall. He was named AP Manager of the Year, an honor he also won with Texas in 1974.
A Casey Stengel protege, Billy also played on six championship clubs under the beloved pilot. He had a lifetime .333 average for World Series play and won the Babe Ruth Award as the star of the 1953 Series when he hit .500. Billy made a famous catch of a Jackie Robinson popup in the 1952 Classic.
Billy was a 1956 All-Star. He managed the Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers before joining the Yankees on August 2, 1975."
-1977 All-Star Game Official Program
MARTIN WINS 700TH
"Billy Martin recorded his 700th career victory as a manager during the September pennant drive. Billy has piloted four division winners and two World Series teams in his eight major league seasons."
-1977 World Series Official Program
ELSTON HOWARD (Coach)
"When Thurman Munson won the MVP award last year, he became the first Yankee to do so since Ellie won it in 1963. One of the most popular players ever to wear a Yankee uniform, Ellie enters his ninth season as a Yankee coach.
A nine-time American League All-Star, Ellie won the Babe Ruth Award in the 1958 World Series for his great play in the outfield, but he is really remembered as a link in the Yankees' great catching chain of Dickey-Berra-Howard-Munson."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Popular Elston Howard is now in his ninth year as Yankee first base and batting coach. The assignment immediately followed a distinguished career in which he played for nine pennant-winning Yankee teams and one in Boston.
Nine times he was an American League All-Star, and he won the Most Valuable Player award in 1963. He batted .348 in 1961 when he was one of six Yankees who hit 20 or more home runs. Elston won the Babe Ruth Award in 1958 for his outfield heroics in the World Series. He won two Gold Glove awards as a catcher and made only one error in 1964.
Elston was the first black player on the Yankees and the first black coach in the American League."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
FATHER OF THE YEAR ELSTON HOWARD
"Yankee coach Elston Howard was presented with a plaque as the New Jersey Father of the Year. Ellie and his wife Arlene are the parents of Elston Jr. (21), Cheryl (18) and Karen (17). The presentation was made to Ellie by the New Jersey Men's Wear Retailers Association."
-1977 New York Yankees Scorebook & Official Magazine
DICK HOWSER (Coach)
"The Yanks' signalman at third base for the last eight years, since he succeeded the legendary Frank Crosetti as Yankee third base coach in 1969, Dick is constantly involved in keeping the Yanks' jack-rabbit runners moving along the base paths.
The 1961 Rookie of the Year with the A's, when he stole 37 bases, Dick also saw action with the Indians and Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Dick succeeded the legendary Frank Crosetti as Yankee third base coach in 1969, after an eight-year career as an infielder.
He was named the Sporting News Rookie of the Year in 1961 when he stole 37 bases for the A's and made the All-Star team. The Yankees obtained him from Cleveland on December 20, 1966 for minor league pitcher Gil Downs, and Howser spent two years as a utility infielder until an injury sidelined him.
A close of friend of movie star Burt Reynolds, with whom he attended both high school and college, Dick managed the Yankees Instructional League team in Florida for two years."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
YOGI BERRA (Coach)
"When the Yankees last won a pennant in 1964, Yogi Berra was their manager. His return to the Yankees 12 years later coincided with another Yankee pennant last season, not surprising to those who know that good fortune follows this Hall of Famer around.
Yogi participated in his 18th World Series last year, and the greatest home run hitting catcher in baseball history holds a host of World Series records. One of the most recognizable people in America, the Yankees are certainly glad that this three-time MVP returned to them last year."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"One of America's most beloved and recognized celebrities, his return to the Yankees after 12 years coincided with a Yankee pennant, not surprising to those who know that good fortune follows this Hall of Famer around. It marked his 18th World Series, a record 14 as a player, two as a Yankee coach, one as a Met coach, one as Yankee manager, and one as Met manager.
Yogi holds Series records for games, at-bats, hits, singles and consecutive errorless games (30). A three-time Most Valuable Player (1951,1954,1955) and 15 times an All-Star, his 313 homers are the most ever hit by a catcher. His 30 homers in one season (twice) is also a record for catchers. Yogi handled a record 950 consecutive chances without an error (1957-1959).
The Yankees retired his (and Bill Dickey's) uniform number 8 in 1972 but brought it back for his return last season. His son Dale is an infielder in the Pirate organization, and his sons Larry Jr. and Tim played pro baseball and pro football briefly."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
BOBBY COX (Coach)
"Bobby Cox moves up to the Yankee coaching staff this year after managing in the Yankee farm system the last six years.
Last year Bobby guided the Syracuse Chiefs to the Governor's Cup as International League champions. The Yanks' regular third baseman in 1968, Bobby was also named to the Topps Rookie All-Star team that year."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Bobby moves up to the Yankee coaching staff this season after managing in the Yankee farm system for the last six years. The last four of them were at Syracuse, a team he led to the Governor's Cup as International League champions in 1976.
He's a former third baseman who was a regular on the 1968 Yankees, losing his job the following year when his roommate, Bobby Murcer, opened the season at third.
First signed by the Dodgers in 1960, Bobby led the Pioneer League with a .337 average in 1963. The Yankees got him from the Braves in November 1967 in a trade for Bob Tillman and Dale Roberts. Bobby beat Mike Ferraro out of the third base job in '68 after Ferraro had won the Dawson Award in spring training, and made the Topps Rookie All-Star team that year.
He's no relation to ex-Dodger Billy Cox."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
CLOYD BOYER (Coach)
"Cloyd Boyer, who spent part of the 1975 season as the Yankees' acting pitching coach, takes over on his own this season. In the Yankee organization since 1962, Cloyd has served as a scout, minor league manager, and minor league pitching coach. Last year he was the pitching coach for the International League champ Syracuse Chiefs.
Cloyd is the oldest of the seven baseball playing Boyer brothers, the most famous of whom were the Cardinals' Ken and the Yankees' Clete."
-The New York Yankees Official 1977 Yearbook
"Cloyd Boyer joins the Yankees as pitching coach for 1977, replacing Bob Lemon, who became manager of the White Sox.
Boyer held the position in an 'acting' assignment for half the 1975 season after Whitey Ford became ill. He's been in the Yankee organization since 1962 as a scout, minor league manager, roving minor league pitching coach, and most recently, Syracuse pitching coach as the Yankees switched to full-time coaches on each level; Syracuse won the International League playoffs last year.
Known as 'C.B.' long before CB radios became popular, Cloyd is the oldest of seven Boyer brothers who played pro ball, the most famous of whom were Ken of the Cardinals and Clete of the Yankees.
Cloyd broke into pro ball in 1945 and reached the majors with the Cardinals in 1949. He won two strikeout titles in the minor leagues and is a Navy veteran (1945-1946). After concluding his big league career with Kansas City in 1955, Cloyd hurled in the minors until 1961, his last five years with Indianapolis."
-1977 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
Monday, September 22, 2014
1977 New York Yankees Outlook
"The New York Yankees can be summed up in one word: invincible.
Sorry about that, fans in 13 other American cities, but George Steinbrenner's money and Gabe Paul's energy have created a monster in the Bronx. The Yankees won their first pennant since 1964 last season and then went out and strengthened themselves in the free agent market by signing Reggie Jackson for an estimated $2.9 million and Don Gullett for about $1.7 million.
The 1977 Yankees have overpowering credentials in virtually every phase of the game and could turn an Eastern Division race into a mockery unless the Boston Red Sox return to their 1975 form. No other team in the league is remotely capable of coping with them. They won the Eastern title by 10 1/2 games in 1976 and could do it by 15 to 20 this year.
Manager Billy Martin's pitching staff begins with five starters who rank among the 25 best pitchers in baseball. Jim Hunter, the $2.8 million man, is the nominal ace of the staff, although he had a somewhat shaky 17-15 and 3.52 performance last season after winning 20 or more games in five consecutive years. Gullett had an 11-3 record and a 3.00 earned run average for the Reds in 1976 and starts the new season with a 91-44 won-lost record, good for a .672 percentage. Ed Figueroa was a 19-game winner with a 3.01 ERA last season and Dock Ellis won Comeback Player of the Year honors on the strength of a 17-8 mark and 3.18 ERA. Then there is Ken Holtzman who won only 14 games last season after four consecutive campaigns in which he won at least 18.
Backing up the strongest front line pitching in the league are relievers Sparky Lyle (7-8, 2.25 with 23 saves) and Dick Tidrow (4-5 and 2.64 with 10 saves), plus highly touted Ron Guidry, who got a brief look from the Yankees last season after compiling a 5-1 mark and 0.68 ERA in 22 games for Syracuse.
The Yankees should also boast the best catching corps in the league, headed by 1976 AL MVP Thurman Munson. Munson, who had been grumbling for years that he didn't get proper recognition from the news media and the fans, put it all together with a .302-17-105 contribution. He has two capable backup men in Elrod Hendricks and Fran Healy.
Offensively, the Yankees will be awesome with Jackson, Graig Nettles, Mickey Rivers, Roy White, Oscar Gamble, Munson, Lou Piniella, Carlos May, Paul Blair and Jim Wynn all available to Martin. Their one weakness, however, could be infield defense. This brings us to Fred Stanley.
Stanley is the shortstop again for 1977 and the guy the Yankees' rivals are hoping will mess up New York's season. His .238-1-20 offensive marks in 1976 can decrease in '77 and it won't make any difference. The Yankees are going to score plenty of runs even if Stanley bats .000. What they need from him is a solid major league defense ... period. The belief here is that he will deliver.
Chambliss, who capped a .293-17-93 year with his dramatic homer that gave the Yankees a 7-6 victory over the Kansas City Royals in the decisive game of the playoffs, will be at first, with Willie Randolph (.267-1-40) at second base and Nettles (.254-32-93) at third. Sandy Alomar will be the chief utility infielder, but the Yankees also have a youngster who could solve their shortstop woes, rookie Mickey Klutts. Klutts is up from Syracuse where he hit 24 homers with 80 RBIs and batted .319 to win International League MVP honors.
Give the Yankees a cheer for getting Jackson, but shed a tear for the left-handed imbalance his presence in their lineup creates. Jackson is probably the most talented all-around player in the league and a sure-shot to improve on his .277-27-91 figures of last season. He is happy to be playing in New York and is ready for a great year.
Rivers was a vital factor in the Yankees' pennant victory, although he was psyched out by Cincinnati's Pete Rose in the World Series. Their teammates weren't sure whether Munson or Rivers was the more valuable to the club. Munson hit with more power, of course, but Rivers had a .312-8-67 performance and stole 43 bases. He set the tempo for a running game that kept rivals off-stride and set the stage for the power hitters.
White (.286-14-65) is finally recognized as an excellent outfielder after several years of being made a scapegoat for everything that went wrong, and no other team has such capable reserves as Gamble (.232-17-57), the fleet Blair (.197-3-16), Piniella (.281-3-38), May (.259-3-43) and Wynn (.207-17-66).
Things often look different in March than they will in October, and the Yankees may somehow contrive to lose the AL's Eastern title. But there is simply no logical case that can be made against the club winning - probably with ease.
PITCHING: This is a staff with two pitchers who have won 20 games (Hunter and Holtzman), two have won 19 (Ellis and Figueroa), and one who has won 18 (Gullett) in a season. Manager Billy Martin's only pitching problem could be rain days early in the season - which conceivably could mess up the rotation and prevent some of the stars from reaching their peaks until mid-campaign. There is every likelihood that Hunter, Holtzman, Ellis, Figueroa and Gullett will pitch between 1,250 and 1,300 innings, leaving light work for the relief specialists.
Tidrow was especially effective in 1976, and toward the end of the season Martin often used him even when Lyle was available. The Yankees are very high on Guidry, another reliever.
The New York staff is high in quality, though not especially deep in numbers. Unless injuries strike, pitching should present no problem on this team.
Performance Quotient: 1 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
CATCHING: MVP Munson was clearly the best catcher in the league last season, and there is no reason to think he can't come through with a performance about as productive this year. He clearly outdistanced his chief - and only - rival for top honors, Boston's Carlton Fisk. Hendricks and Healy are sound backup catchers who have been regulars in the major leagues. Hendricks, though, is aging.
Performance Quotient: 1
INFIELD: Stanley has stood up well under considerable criticism, and it says here he can't cost this team the division title or pennant. He is, in fact, a sound, scrappy player.
Chambliss's development as a power hitter was remarkable last season, and he also is a very dangerous game-winning batter. Ask the Kansas City Royals!
Nettles has an erratic arm at times but is an excellent fielder and led the league in homers.
Many experts consider 1976 rookie Randolph the best all-around athlete in the league. He is somewhat reminiscent of Joe Gordon, a Yankee second baseman of the 1940s, except he doesn't have Gordon's power.
Bergman is a rookie Yankee scouts say bears watching, but how can he replace Chambliss? Alomar is an exceptional utility player if he doesn't have to play for long periods of time. Klutts did everything at Syracuse, and if there is a change in the starting cast, barring a trade for a star shortstop, it will be this rookie beating out Stanley.
Performance Quotient: 2
OUTFIELD: An outfield of Rivers in center, White in left and Jackson in right can be challenged for all-around effectiveness in the league only by the Red Sox trio of Dwight Evans-Fred Lynn-Jim Rice. The Yankees could field a second-string outfield superior to some starting outfields in the league.
Keep an eye on Gamble; coach Yogi Berra touts him as a 'game-winning hitter,' and Yogi knows hitters. Wynn's average has gone down in recent years but the acquisition from Atlanta will supply right-handed longball power. Blair has been a popgun hitter for the last three years but is an excellent defensive outfielder. Blomberg has been hurt; a bad shoulder cost him virtually all of 1975 and 1976. Piniella and May are professional hitters. The Yankee designated hitters will come from this group.
Performance Quotient: 1"
-Fred Down, Major League Baseball 1977
HITTING
"To the second-leading run-producing team in the league, add the booming bats of Reggie Jackson and Jimmy Wynn - 44 homers and 157 RBI between them - and you know what frightens rival AL teams.
Jackson, MVP Thurman Munson, Chris Chambliss and Graig Nettles are all potential 100 RBI men. And Roy White and Mickey Rivers can both score over 100.
If there is a weakness, it's that the Yankees failed to come up with a right-handed slugger to protect the lefty bats of Jackson, Rivers, Chambliss and Nettles. They are likely to see a lot of left-handed pitching.
'So what,' says Billy Martin. 'Most of our left-handed hitters hit just as well against left-handed pitchers. And I'd rather face a mediocre lefty than a good right-hander any day.' "
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
PITCHING
"For a typical five-game stretch, the Yankees can string together a starting rotation of Catfish Hunter, Don Gullett, Ed Figueroa, Ken Holtzman and Dock Ellis, easily the best quintet this side of the Jackson Five. Among them, they won 78 games last year and Gullett was injured almost half the season and Hunter had his poorest year in the last five.
And a bullpen of Sparky Lyle, Dick Tidrow and Ron Guidry isn't too shabby, either.
Not since the 1971 Orioles has a team had four 20-game winners, but there are many who think the Yankees might match that this season. Only match it? Would you believe five 20-game winners?"
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
FIELDING
" 'It wasn't our arms in the outfield that cost us the World Series, it was our lack of hitting,' argues club president Gabe Paul.
Maligned for their defensive deficiencies, especially in the outfield, the Yankees still finished third in the league in fielding. And the four men who made up their outfield combined for 29 assists, which is better than most people would have guessed.
It's strange, too, that the Yankees should have tried so hard to find a new shortstop. The one they had, Fred Stanley, made the fewest errors (7) of any shortstop who appeared in at least 100 games."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
OUTLOOK
"On paper, the Yanks look like cinch repeaters in the AL, which is how the Red Sox looked a year ago. Given normal conditions, average contributions from all hands and a minimum of injuries, the Yankees should make it two straight. But if there is anything that can stop them, it is a long injury to Thurman Munson, their indispensable man."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"When Reggie Jackson and Don Gullett fell prey to the lure of Yankee pinstripes, Broadway's bright lights and George Steinbrenner's persuasive millions, rival baseball executives bitterly conceded that the 1977 Yankees will be even more formidable than they were last season when they breezed to a division title and went on to win the AL championship. The addition of these prominent and expensive talents to an already awesome roster seems to have insured another World Series appearance and hopefully, a more successful one.
The heart of the Yankees is a pitching staff of proven winners that led the league with a 3.19 ERA. Gullett (11-3, 3.00 ERA with Cinci), a strong southpaw who throws bullets, is made to order for the spacious Stadium and Jim 'Catfish' Hunter (17-15, 3.52) completed 21 starts despite arm problems and remains the main man in the rotation. Ed Figueroa was the big winner (19-10, 3.01) and as steady as they come while Dock Ellis startled his critics with an excellent (17-8, 3.18 ) showing. Left-hander Ken Holtzman had a so-so year (14-14, 3.64), possibly due to changing teams twice in 1976. The bullpen is equally impressive with Sparky Lyle (7-8, 2.25) topping all AL relievers with 23 saves while right-hander Dick Tidrow (4-5, 2.64) chipped in another 10 saves, mostly down the stretch when needed. Young southpaw Ron Guidry will see plenty of action this season.
Under Billy Martin, the Yankees will again present a varied attack, one that blends explosive hitting with daring baserunning. Catcher Thurman Munson, the American League MVP, is a superb clutch hitter (.302, 17 HRs, 105 RBI) and quick as a cat behind the plate. Fran Healy and Ellie Hendricks will back his play again.
Playoff hero Chris Chambliss (.293,17,96), a masterful hitter, returns at first base, where he may be supported by DH Ron Blomberg or minor league slugger Dave Bergman. Willie Randolph showed remarkable poise in his rookie year at second base and received All-Star recognition for his performance (.267 with 37 steals). Fred Stanley (.238) is challenged by young Mickey Klutts, co-MVP of the International League where he hit .319 with 24 homers. Nobody plays the blur better at the hot corner than third-sacker Graig Nettles, the AL's home run king with 32 round-trippers. Infield depth is assured by veterans Sandy Alomar and Cesar Tovar.
Jackson brings speed, a powerful arm and an equally potent bat (.277, 27, 91 plus 28 steals with Baltimore) to the right field position; a bona fide left-handed slugger, he should add to New York's 120 homer total of last season. Lightning fast Mickey Rivers (.312, 8,67 plus 43 SB) patrols center field and is a devastating leadoff man. Veteran Roy White (.286, 14, 65 and 31 SB) led the league in runs scored (104) batting second in the order and playing left field. Jim Wynn comes from Atlanta (17 HRs, 66 RBI) where he led the National League in walks (127) to join longball hitting Oscar Gamble (17 HRs, 57 RBI) and possibly young Terry Whitfield, up from Syracuse, as reserve outfielders. The status of holdovers Lou Piniella and Carlos May is questionable at this writing. The addition of Paul Blair lends strong backup support.
The Yankees appear to have it all - breathtaking speed, awesome power, exceptional defense and overwhelming pitching talent; they could surpass their fine 97-62 (.610) pace of '76 and win over 100 games this season. They face strong competition from the Red Sox and possibly the Indians, but on paper, the Bronx Bombers seem destined for another World Series."
-Baseball Forecast 1977
"Add Reggie Jackson to an attack that already led its division in batting last season; add Don Gullett to a pitching staff that compiled the lowest earned run average in both divisions; add Ron Blomberg restored to health; add Jimmy Wynn and Paul Blair for reasons unknown. And you have a club so cluttered with talent that Billy Martin's toughest job this year will likely be to find work for his players.
As for the championship, the race is over before it starts. On paper, there will no beating the Yankees in 1977. Fortunately for the rest, however, they don't play the game on paper. It's done on the field, and well ... stranger things have happened.
A look at the Yankees' winter roster gave a firm indication that Gabe Paul would be obliged to make some of his athletes available before the season got underway. The Yankees owned, for instance, no fewer than 10 outfielders with major league credentials, and if Gabe could come up with a way to carry more than seven of them, he would have had a brand new approach to the 'system.'
Jackson, richest of baseball's new millionaires, will take his .277 batting average into right field - also his 91 RBI and his 27 homers, all of which were part of a curtailed season of biding his time in Baltimore. With Mickey Rivers (.312) in center and dependable Roy White in left, where do you play the rest? Elliott Maddox, who underwent a knee operation, was traded for Blair, but that didn't change the numbers any. Then there's Blomberg, Wynn, Gene Locklear, Oscar Gamble, Lou Piniella and Carlos May. Somewhere among these are designated hitters, utility outfielders, and candidates either for sales to other clubs or outright releases.
A trade? Maybe. But the Yankees don't really need to trade for anyone. This is a lethal ballclub, set at every position. If they do anything it would be to improve their shortstop position where Fred Stanley is adequate - but lost in a sea of superstars. Stanley batted .238 and was outfielded only Cleveland's Frank Duffy.
Chris Chambliss had his best year as the Yankees' Rock of Gibraltar at first base. He drove in 96 runs, second only to the club's MVP catcher Thurman Munson, who had 105. Graig Nettles knocked in 93, and with Reggie now among these, there's hardly anyplace for an opposing pitcher to hide. Munson batted .302, Chambliss .293, White .286, but Nettles only .254 with his 32 homers.
Willie Randolph, acquired a year ago in a trade with Pittsburgh, appears to be the answer to whatever second base problems the Yankees had. Randolph batted .267 in his '76 debut, and also stole 37 bases; and he won't be 23 until the season is half over. Veteran Cesar Tovar was the first of the fringe players to be released, thus leaving Sandy Alomar and Mickey Klutts as the fill-in players in the only area where Yankee depth appeared lacking.
In the receiving department, Munson is backed up by Fran Healy and Elrod Hendricks. But working behind Munson, an ironman who played 152 games, is hardly reassuring for anyone who fancies himself capable of more than once-a-week play.
Trying to find a rookie with a chance of survival is another fruitless task. Ron Guidry, a left-handed relief pitcher who got into seven games in '76, has a chance. But his task was to prove that he could take Sparky Lyle's job - either that or line up behind him. Lyle won seven and saved 23 but was less than sensational toward the end of last season. Dick Tidrow, a right-hander, came on instead to be the relief ace, winning four and saving ten.
Martin has five blue ribbon starters, having lost one to the free agency sweepstakes. Doyle Alexander, who was 13-9, scarcely figures to be missed. In the same re-entry draft, the Yankees signed Cincinnati's southpaw ace Gullett, who was only 11-3 last year but was idled considerably with arm trouble. A sound Gullett would give the Yankees one of history's more formidable staffs.
The rest of Martin's rotation regulars stack up as Ed Figueroa (19-10), Dock Ellis (17-8), Catfish Hunter (17-15) and Ken Holtzman (14-11). Holtzman came in June from Baltimore, has a staggering multi-year contract, but couldn't get into a World Game - so overloaded with talent are the Yankees.
Beyond these eight hurlers, there isn't anyone with major league experience on the Yankee staff. Even if Martin ultimately goes with only nine hurlers, he'll either have to get one in a deal or add somebody named Ken Clay, Doug Heinold, Bob Polinsky or Ed Ricks from his Syracuse list of last season. No more than one of these, however. It's simply not a team that has to comb the rookie ranks."
-Richard Dozer, 1977 Steet and Smith's Official Baseball Yearbook
Sorry about that, fans in 13 other American cities, but George Steinbrenner's money and Gabe Paul's energy have created a monster in the Bronx. The Yankees won their first pennant since 1964 last season and then went out and strengthened themselves in the free agent market by signing Reggie Jackson for an estimated $2.9 million and Don Gullett for about $1.7 million.
The 1977 Yankees have overpowering credentials in virtually every phase of the game and could turn an Eastern Division race into a mockery unless the Boston Red Sox return to their 1975 form. No other team in the league is remotely capable of coping with them. They won the Eastern title by 10 1/2 games in 1976 and could do it by 15 to 20 this year.
Manager Billy Martin's pitching staff begins with five starters who rank among the 25 best pitchers in baseball. Jim Hunter, the $2.8 million man, is the nominal ace of the staff, although he had a somewhat shaky 17-15 and 3.52 performance last season after winning 20 or more games in five consecutive years. Gullett had an 11-3 record and a 3.00 earned run average for the Reds in 1976 and starts the new season with a 91-44 won-lost record, good for a .672 percentage. Ed Figueroa was a 19-game winner with a 3.01 ERA last season and Dock Ellis won Comeback Player of the Year honors on the strength of a 17-8 mark and 3.18 ERA. Then there is Ken Holtzman who won only 14 games last season after four consecutive campaigns in which he won at least 18.
Backing up the strongest front line pitching in the league are relievers Sparky Lyle (7-8, 2.25 with 23 saves) and Dick Tidrow (4-5 and 2.64 with 10 saves), plus highly touted Ron Guidry, who got a brief look from the Yankees last season after compiling a 5-1 mark and 0.68 ERA in 22 games for Syracuse.
The Yankees should also boast the best catching corps in the league, headed by 1976 AL MVP Thurman Munson. Munson, who had been grumbling for years that he didn't get proper recognition from the news media and the fans, put it all together with a .302-17-105 contribution. He has two capable backup men in Elrod Hendricks and Fran Healy.
Offensively, the Yankees will be awesome with Jackson, Graig Nettles, Mickey Rivers, Roy White, Oscar Gamble, Munson, Lou Piniella, Carlos May, Paul Blair and Jim Wynn all available to Martin. Their one weakness, however, could be infield defense. This brings us to Fred Stanley.
Stanley is the shortstop again for 1977 and the guy the Yankees' rivals are hoping will mess up New York's season. His .238-1-20 offensive marks in 1976 can decrease in '77 and it won't make any difference. The Yankees are going to score plenty of runs even if Stanley bats .000. What they need from him is a solid major league defense ... period. The belief here is that he will deliver.
Chambliss, who capped a .293-17-93 year with his dramatic homer that gave the Yankees a 7-6 victory over the Kansas City Royals in the decisive game of the playoffs, will be at first, with Willie Randolph (.267-1-40) at second base and Nettles (.254-32-93) at third. Sandy Alomar will be the chief utility infielder, but the Yankees also have a youngster who could solve their shortstop woes, rookie Mickey Klutts. Klutts is up from Syracuse where he hit 24 homers with 80 RBIs and batted .319 to win International League MVP honors.
Give the Yankees a cheer for getting Jackson, but shed a tear for the left-handed imbalance his presence in their lineup creates. Jackson is probably the most talented all-around player in the league and a sure-shot to improve on his .277-27-91 figures of last season. He is happy to be playing in New York and is ready for a great year.
Rivers was a vital factor in the Yankees' pennant victory, although he was psyched out by Cincinnati's Pete Rose in the World Series. Their teammates weren't sure whether Munson or Rivers was the more valuable to the club. Munson hit with more power, of course, but Rivers had a .312-8-67 performance and stole 43 bases. He set the tempo for a running game that kept rivals off-stride and set the stage for the power hitters.
White (.286-14-65) is finally recognized as an excellent outfielder after several years of being made a scapegoat for everything that went wrong, and no other team has such capable reserves as Gamble (.232-17-57), the fleet Blair (.197-3-16), Piniella (.281-3-38), May (.259-3-43) and Wynn (.207-17-66).
Things often look different in March than they will in October, and the Yankees may somehow contrive to lose the AL's Eastern title. But there is simply no logical case that can be made against the club winning - probably with ease.
PITCHING: This is a staff with two pitchers who have won 20 games (Hunter and Holtzman), two have won 19 (Ellis and Figueroa), and one who has won 18 (Gullett) in a season. Manager Billy Martin's only pitching problem could be rain days early in the season - which conceivably could mess up the rotation and prevent some of the stars from reaching their peaks until mid-campaign. There is every likelihood that Hunter, Holtzman, Ellis, Figueroa and Gullett will pitch between 1,250 and 1,300 innings, leaving light work for the relief specialists.
Tidrow was especially effective in 1976, and toward the end of the season Martin often used him even when Lyle was available. The Yankees are very high on Guidry, another reliever.
The New York staff is high in quality, though not especially deep in numbers. Unless injuries strike, pitching should present no problem on this team.
Performance Quotient: 1 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
CATCHING: MVP Munson was clearly the best catcher in the league last season, and there is no reason to think he can't come through with a performance about as productive this year. He clearly outdistanced his chief - and only - rival for top honors, Boston's Carlton Fisk. Hendricks and Healy are sound backup catchers who have been regulars in the major leagues. Hendricks, though, is aging.
Performance Quotient: 1
INFIELD: Stanley has stood up well under considerable criticism, and it says here he can't cost this team the division title or pennant. He is, in fact, a sound, scrappy player.
Chambliss's development as a power hitter was remarkable last season, and he also is a very dangerous game-winning batter. Ask the Kansas City Royals!
Nettles has an erratic arm at times but is an excellent fielder and led the league in homers.
Many experts consider 1976 rookie Randolph the best all-around athlete in the league. He is somewhat reminiscent of Joe Gordon, a Yankee second baseman of the 1940s, except he doesn't have Gordon's power.
Bergman is a rookie Yankee scouts say bears watching, but how can he replace Chambliss? Alomar is an exceptional utility player if he doesn't have to play for long periods of time. Klutts did everything at Syracuse, and if there is a change in the starting cast, barring a trade for a star shortstop, it will be this rookie beating out Stanley.
Performance Quotient: 2
OUTFIELD: An outfield of Rivers in center, White in left and Jackson in right can be challenged for all-around effectiveness in the league only by the Red Sox trio of Dwight Evans-Fred Lynn-Jim Rice. The Yankees could field a second-string outfield superior to some starting outfields in the league.
Keep an eye on Gamble; coach Yogi Berra touts him as a 'game-winning hitter,' and Yogi knows hitters. Wynn's average has gone down in recent years but the acquisition from Atlanta will supply right-handed longball power. Blair has been a popgun hitter for the last three years but is an excellent defensive outfielder. Blomberg has been hurt; a bad shoulder cost him virtually all of 1975 and 1976. Piniella and May are professional hitters. The Yankee designated hitters will come from this group.
Performance Quotient: 1"
-Fred Down, Major League Baseball 1977
HITTING
"To the second-leading run-producing team in the league, add the booming bats of Reggie Jackson and Jimmy Wynn - 44 homers and 157 RBI between them - and you know what frightens rival AL teams.
Jackson, MVP Thurman Munson, Chris Chambliss and Graig Nettles are all potential 100 RBI men. And Roy White and Mickey Rivers can both score over 100.
If there is a weakness, it's that the Yankees failed to come up with a right-handed slugger to protect the lefty bats of Jackson, Rivers, Chambliss and Nettles. They are likely to see a lot of left-handed pitching.
'So what,' says Billy Martin. 'Most of our left-handed hitters hit just as well against left-handed pitchers. And I'd rather face a mediocre lefty than a good right-hander any day.' "
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
PITCHING
"For a typical five-game stretch, the Yankees can string together a starting rotation of Catfish Hunter, Don Gullett, Ed Figueroa, Ken Holtzman and Dock Ellis, easily the best quintet this side of the Jackson Five. Among them, they won 78 games last year and Gullett was injured almost half the season and Hunter had his poorest year in the last five.
And a bullpen of Sparky Lyle, Dick Tidrow and Ron Guidry isn't too shabby, either.
Not since the 1971 Orioles has a team had four 20-game winners, but there are many who think the Yankees might match that this season. Only match it? Would you believe five 20-game winners?"
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
FIELDING
" 'It wasn't our arms in the outfield that cost us the World Series, it was our lack of hitting,' argues club president Gabe Paul.
Maligned for their defensive deficiencies, especially in the outfield, the Yankees still finished third in the league in fielding. And the four men who made up their outfield combined for 29 assists, which is better than most people would have guessed.
It's strange, too, that the Yankees should have tried so hard to find a new shortstop. The one they had, Fred Stanley, made the fewest errors (7) of any shortstop who appeared in at least 100 games."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
OUTLOOK
"On paper, the Yanks look like cinch repeaters in the AL, which is how the Red Sox looked a year ago. Given normal conditions, average contributions from all hands and a minimum of injuries, the Yankees should make it two straight. But if there is anything that can stop them, it is a long injury to Thurman Munson, their indispensable man."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1977 Edition
"When Reggie Jackson and Don Gullett fell prey to the lure of Yankee pinstripes, Broadway's bright lights and George Steinbrenner's persuasive millions, rival baseball executives bitterly conceded that the 1977 Yankees will be even more formidable than they were last season when they breezed to a division title and went on to win the AL championship. The addition of these prominent and expensive talents to an already awesome roster seems to have insured another World Series appearance and hopefully, a more successful one.
The heart of the Yankees is a pitching staff of proven winners that led the league with a 3.19 ERA. Gullett (11-3, 3.00 ERA with Cinci), a strong southpaw who throws bullets, is made to order for the spacious Stadium and Jim 'Catfish' Hunter (17-15, 3.52) completed 21 starts despite arm problems and remains the main man in the rotation. Ed Figueroa was the big winner (19-10, 3.01) and as steady as they come while Dock Ellis startled his critics with an excellent (17-8, 3.18 ) showing. Left-hander Ken Holtzman had a so-so year (14-14, 3.64), possibly due to changing teams twice in 1976. The bullpen is equally impressive with Sparky Lyle (7-8, 2.25) topping all AL relievers with 23 saves while right-hander Dick Tidrow (4-5, 2.64) chipped in another 10 saves, mostly down the stretch when needed. Young southpaw Ron Guidry will see plenty of action this season.
Under Billy Martin, the Yankees will again present a varied attack, one that blends explosive hitting with daring baserunning. Catcher Thurman Munson, the American League MVP, is a superb clutch hitter (.302, 17 HRs, 105 RBI) and quick as a cat behind the plate. Fran Healy and Ellie Hendricks will back his play again.
Playoff hero Chris Chambliss (.293,17,96), a masterful hitter, returns at first base, where he may be supported by DH Ron Blomberg or minor league slugger Dave Bergman. Willie Randolph showed remarkable poise in his rookie year at second base and received All-Star recognition for his performance (.267 with 37 steals). Fred Stanley (.238) is challenged by young Mickey Klutts, co-MVP of the International League where he hit .319 with 24 homers. Nobody plays the blur better at the hot corner than third-sacker Graig Nettles, the AL's home run king with 32 round-trippers. Infield depth is assured by veterans Sandy Alomar and Cesar Tovar.
Jackson brings speed, a powerful arm and an equally potent bat (.277, 27, 91 plus 28 steals with Baltimore) to the right field position; a bona fide left-handed slugger, he should add to New York's 120 homer total of last season. Lightning fast Mickey Rivers (.312, 8,67 plus 43 SB) patrols center field and is a devastating leadoff man. Veteran Roy White (.286, 14, 65 and 31 SB) led the league in runs scored (104) batting second in the order and playing left field. Jim Wynn comes from Atlanta (17 HRs, 66 RBI) where he led the National League in walks (127) to join longball hitting Oscar Gamble (17 HRs, 57 RBI) and possibly young Terry Whitfield, up from Syracuse, as reserve outfielders. The status of holdovers Lou Piniella and Carlos May is questionable at this writing. The addition of Paul Blair lends strong backup support.
The Yankees appear to have it all - breathtaking speed, awesome power, exceptional defense and overwhelming pitching talent; they could surpass their fine 97-62 (.610) pace of '76 and win over 100 games this season. They face strong competition from the Red Sox and possibly the Indians, but on paper, the Bronx Bombers seem destined for another World Series."
-Baseball Forecast 1977
"Add Reggie Jackson to an attack that already led its division in batting last season; add Don Gullett to a pitching staff that compiled the lowest earned run average in both divisions; add Ron Blomberg restored to health; add Jimmy Wynn and Paul Blair for reasons unknown. And you have a club so cluttered with talent that Billy Martin's toughest job this year will likely be to find work for his players.
As for the championship, the race is over before it starts. On paper, there will no beating the Yankees in 1977. Fortunately for the rest, however, they don't play the game on paper. It's done on the field, and well ... stranger things have happened.
A look at the Yankees' winter roster gave a firm indication that Gabe Paul would be obliged to make some of his athletes available before the season got underway. The Yankees owned, for instance, no fewer than 10 outfielders with major league credentials, and if Gabe could come up with a way to carry more than seven of them, he would have had a brand new approach to the 'system.'
Jackson, richest of baseball's new millionaires, will take his .277 batting average into right field - also his 91 RBI and his 27 homers, all of which were part of a curtailed season of biding his time in Baltimore. With Mickey Rivers (.312) in center and dependable Roy White in left, where do you play the rest? Elliott Maddox, who underwent a knee operation, was traded for Blair, but that didn't change the numbers any. Then there's Blomberg, Wynn, Gene Locklear, Oscar Gamble, Lou Piniella and Carlos May. Somewhere among these are designated hitters, utility outfielders, and candidates either for sales to other clubs or outright releases.
A trade? Maybe. But the Yankees don't really need to trade for anyone. This is a lethal ballclub, set at every position. If they do anything it would be to improve their shortstop position where Fred Stanley is adequate - but lost in a sea of superstars. Stanley batted .238 and was outfielded only Cleveland's Frank Duffy.
Chris Chambliss had his best year as the Yankees' Rock of Gibraltar at first base. He drove in 96 runs, second only to the club's MVP catcher Thurman Munson, who had 105. Graig Nettles knocked in 93, and with Reggie now among these, there's hardly anyplace for an opposing pitcher to hide. Munson batted .302, Chambliss .293, White .286, but Nettles only .254 with his 32 homers.
Willie Randolph, acquired a year ago in a trade with Pittsburgh, appears to be the answer to whatever second base problems the Yankees had. Randolph batted .267 in his '76 debut, and also stole 37 bases; and he won't be 23 until the season is half over. Veteran Cesar Tovar was the first of the fringe players to be released, thus leaving Sandy Alomar and Mickey Klutts as the fill-in players in the only area where Yankee depth appeared lacking.
In the receiving department, Munson is backed up by Fran Healy and Elrod Hendricks. But working behind Munson, an ironman who played 152 games, is hardly reassuring for anyone who fancies himself capable of more than once-a-week play.
Trying to find a rookie with a chance of survival is another fruitless task. Ron Guidry, a left-handed relief pitcher who got into seven games in '76, has a chance. But his task was to prove that he could take Sparky Lyle's job - either that or line up behind him. Lyle won seven and saved 23 but was less than sensational toward the end of last season. Dick Tidrow, a right-hander, came on instead to be the relief ace, winning four and saving ten.
Martin has five blue ribbon starters, having lost one to the free agency sweepstakes. Doyle Alexander, who was 13-9, scarcely figures to be missed. In the same re-entry draft, the Yankees signed Cincinnati's southpaw ace Gullett, who was only 11-3 last year but was idled considerably with arm trouble. A sound Gullett would give the Yankees one of history's more formidable staffs.
The rest of Martin's rotation regulars stack up as Ed Figueroa (19-10), Dock Ellis (17-8), Catfish Hunter (17-15) and Ken Holtzman (14-11). Holtzman came in June from Baltimore, has a staggering multi-year contract, but couldn't get into a World Game - so overloaded with talent are the Yankees.
Beyond these eight hurlers, there isn't anyone with major league experience on the Yankee staff. Even if Martin ultimately goes with only nine hurlers, he'll either have to get one in a deal or add somebody named Ken Clay, Doug Heinold, Bob Polinsky or Ed Ricks from his Syracuse list of last season. No more than one of these, however. It's simply not a team that has to comb the rookie ranks."
-Richard Dozer, 1977 Steet and Smith's Official Baseball Yearbook
Saturday, September 20, 2014
1977 New York Yankees Spring Training Roster
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
21 Cloyd Boyer
33 Bobby Cox
32 Elston Howard
34 Dick Howser
No. Pitchers
50 Ken Clay (R-R)
36 Dock Ellis (S-R)
31 Ed Figueroa (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
35 Don Gullett (R-L)
56 Doug Heinold (R-R)
25 Ken Holtzman (R-L)
45 Dewey Hoyt (R-R)
29 Jim Hunter (R-R)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
43 Bob Polinsky (R-R)
51 Ed Ricks (R-R)
19 Dick Tidrow (R-R)
No. Catchers
40 Fran Healy (R-R)
57 Mike Heath (R-R)
18 Elrod Hendricks (L-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
No. Infielders
54 Dave Bergman (L-L)
10 Chris Chambliss (L-R)
20 Mickey Klutts (R-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
58 Dennis Sherrill (R-R)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R)
No. Outfielders
59 Dell Alston (L-R)
27 Paul Blair (R-R)
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R)
47 Kerry Dineen (L-L)
23 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
20 Reggie Jackson (L-L)
46 Gene Locklear (L-R)
38 Carlos May (L-R)
52 Larry Murray (S-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
17 Mickey Rivers (L-L)
6 Roy White (S-R)
44 Terry Whitfield (L-R)
24 Jimmy Wynn (R-R)
Trainer - Gene Monahan
No. Spring Training Instructors
64 Mike Ferraro
16 Whitey Ford
7 Mickey Mantle
72 Ed Napoleon
65 Pete Ward
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
21 Cloyd Boyer
33 Bobby Cox
32 Elston Howard
34 Dick Howser
No. Pitchers
50 Ken Clay (R-R)
36 Dock Ellis (S-R)
31 Ed Figueroa (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
35 Don Gullett (R-L)
56 Doug Heinold (R-R)
25 Ken Holtzman (R-L)
45 Dewey Hoyt (R-R)
29 Jim Hunter (R-R)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
43 Bob Polinsky (R-R)
51 Ed Ricks (R-R)
19 Dick Tidrow (R-R)
No. Catchers
40 Fran Healy (R-R)
57 Mike Heath (R-R)
18 Elrod Hendricks (L-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
No. Infielders
54 Dave Bergman (L-L)
10 Chris Chambliss (L-R)
20 Mickey Klutts (R-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
58 Dennis Sherrill (R-R)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R)
No. Outfielders
59 Dell Alston (L-R)
27 Paul Blair (R-R)
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R)
47 Kerry Dineen (L-L)
23 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
20 Reggie Jackson (L-L)
46 Gene Locklear (L-R)
38 Carlos May (L-R)
52 Larry Murray (S-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
17 Mickey Rivers (L-L)
6 Roy White (S-R)
44 Terry Whitfield (L-R)
24 Jimmy Wynn (R-R)
Trainer - Gene Monahan
No. Spring Training Instructors
64 Mike Ferraro
16 Whitey Ford
7 Mickey Mantle
72 Ed Napoleon
65 Pete Ward
Friday, September 19, 2014
1976 New York Yankees Postseason Roster
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
32 Elston Howard
34 Dick Howser
21 Bob Lemon
39 Gene Michael
No. Pitchers
52 Doyle Alexander (R-R)
36 Dock Ellis (S-R)
31 Ed Figueroa (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
53 Ken Holtzman (R-L)
29 Jim Hunter (R-R)
25 Grant Jackson (L-L)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
19 Dick Tidrow (R-R)
No. Catchers
40 Fran Healy (R-R)
18 Elrod Hendricks (L-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
No. Infielders
2 Sandy Alomar (S-R)
10 Chris Chambliss (L-R)
22 Jim Mason (L-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R)
24 Otto Velez (R-R)
No. Outfielders
23 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
27 Elliott Maddox (R-R)
38 Carlos May (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
17 Mickey Rivers (L-L)
6 Roy White (S-R)
Trainer - Gene Monahan
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
32 Elston Howard
34 Dick Howser
21 Bob Lemon
39 Gene Michael
No. Pitchers
52 Doyle Alexander (R-R)
36 Dock Ellis (S-R)
31 Ed Figueroa (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
53 Ken Holtzman (R-L)
29 Jim Hunter (R-R)
25 Grant Jackson (L-L)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
19 Dick Tidrow (R-R)
No. Catchers
40 Fran Healy (R-R)
18 Elrod Hendricks (L-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
No. Infielders
2 Sandy Alomar (S-R)
10 Chris Chambliss (L-R)
22 Jim Mason (L-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R)
24 Otto Velez (R-R)
No. Outfielders
23 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
27 Elliott Maddox (R-R)
38 Carlos May (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
17 Mickey Rivers (L-L)
6 Roy White (S-R)
Trainer - Gene Monahan
1976 New York Yankees September Roster
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
32 Elston Howard
34 Dick Howser
21 Bob Lemon
39 Gene Michael
No. Pitchers
52 Doyle Alexander (R-R)
36 Dock Ellis (S-R)
31 Ed Figueroa (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
53 Ken Holtzman (R-L)
29 Jim Hunter (R-R)
25 Grant Jackson (L-L)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
19 Dick Tidrow (R-R)
No. Catchers
40 Fran Healy (R-R)
18 Elrod Hendricks (L-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
45 Rick Stelmaszek (L-R)
No. Infielders
2 Sandy Alomar (S-R)
10 Chris Chambliss (L-R)
22 Jim Mason (L-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R)
26 Cesar Tovar (R-R)
24 Otto Velez (R-R)
No. Outfielders
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R)
23 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
46 Gene Locklear (L-R)
27 Elliott Maddox (R-R)
38 Carlos May (L-R)
47 Larry Murray (S-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
17 Mickey Rivers (L-L)
6 Roy White (S-R)
44 Terry Whitfield (L-R)
Trainer - Gene Monahan
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
32 Elston Howard
34 Dick Howser
21 Bob Lemon
39 Gene Michael
No. Pitchers
52 Doyle Alexander (R-R)
36 Dock Ellis (S-R)
31 Ed Figueroa (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
53 Ken Holtzman (R-L)
29 Jim Hunter (R-R)
25 Grant Jackson (L-L)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
19 Dick Tidrow (R-R)
No. Catchers
40 Fran Healy (R-R)
18 Elrod Hendricks (L-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
45 Rick Stelmaszek (L-R)
No. Infielders
2 Sandy Alomar (S-R)
10 Chris Chambliss (L-R)
22 Jim Mason (L-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R)
26 Cesar Tovar (R-R)
24 Otto Velez (R-R)
No. Outfielders
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R)
23 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
46 Gene Locklear (L-R)
27 Elliott Maddox (R-R)
38 Carlos May (L-R)
47 Larry Murray (S-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
17 Mickey Rivers (L-L)
6 Roy White (S-R)
44 Terry Whitfield (L-R)
Trainer - Gene Monahan
1976 New York Yankees July 1 Roster
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
32 Elston Howard
34 Dick Howser
21 Bob Lemon
39 Gene Michael
No. Pitchers
52 Doyle Alexander (R-R)
36 Dock Ellis (S-R)
31 Ed Figueroa (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
53 Ken Holtzman (R-L)
29 Jim Hunter (R-R)
25 Grant Jackson (L-L)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
19 Dick Tidrow (R-R)
No. Catchers
40 Fran Healy (R-R)
18 Elrod Hendricks (L-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
No. Infielders
2 Sandy Alomar (S-R)
10 Chris Chambliss (L-R)
22 Jim Mason (L-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R)
24 Otto Velez (R-R)
No. Outfielders
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R) *
23 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
27 Elliott Maddox (R-R)
38 Carlos May (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
17 Mickey Rivers (L-L)
6 Roy White (S-R)
Trainer - Gene Monahan
* not on active roster
YANKEES TEAM PHOTO
Doyle Alexander
Sandy Alomar
Yogi Berra (coach)
Ron Blomberg
Chris Chambliss
Joe D'Ambrosio (batboy)
Dock Ellis
Ed Figueroa
Nick Garris (batboy)
Ron Guidry
Fran Healy
Elrod Hendricks
Ken Holtzman
Elston Howard (coach)
Dick Howser (coach)
Jim Hunter
Grant Jackson
Bill Kane (traveling secretary)
Bob Lemon (coach)
Gene Locklear
Sparky Lyle
Elliott Maddox
Billy Martin (manager)
Jim Mason
Carlos May
Gene Michael (coach)
Gene Monahan (trainer)
Thurman Munson
Graig Nettles
Lou Piniella
Willie Randolph
Pete Sheehy (equipment manager)
Fred Stanley
Dick Tidrow
Otto Velez
Alan Vines (batboy)
Roy White
absent: Oscar Gamble, Mickey Rivers
YANKEES TEAM PHOTO
Doyle Alexander
Sandy Alomar
Yogi Berra (coach)
Ron Blomberg
Chris Chambliss
Joe D'Ambrosio (batboy)
Dock Ellis
Ed Figueroa
Nick Garris (batboy)
Ron Guidry
Fran Healy
Elrod Hendricks
Ken Holtzman
Elston Howard (coach)
Dick Howser (coach)
Jim Hunter
Grant Jackson
Bill Kane (traveling secretary)
Bob Lemon (coach)
Gene Locklear
Sparky Lyle
Elliott Maddox
Billy Martin (manager)
Jim Mason
Carlos May
Gene Michael (coach)
Gene Monahan (trainer)
Thurman Munson
Graig Nettles
Lou Piniella
Willie Randolph
Pete Sheehy (equipment manager)
Fred Stanley
Dick Tidrow
Otto Velez
Alan Vines (batboy)
Roy White
absent: Oscar Gamble, Mickey Rivers
1976 New York Yankees June 1 Roster
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
32 Elston Howard
34 Dick Howser
21 Bob Lemon
No. Pitchers
36 Dock Ellis (S-R)
31 Ed Figueroa (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
29 Jim Hunter (R-R)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
18 Tippy Martinez (L-L)
43 Rudy May (L-L)
53 Dave Pagan (R-R)
19 Dick Tidrow (R-R)
No. Catchers
46 Rick Dempsey (R-R)
40 Fran Healy (R-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
No. Infielders
2 Sandy Alomar (S-R)
10 Chris Chambliss (L-R)
22 Jim Mason (L-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R)
24 Otto Velez (R-R)
No. Outfielders
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R) *
23 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
27 Elliott Maddox (R-R) *
38 Carlos May (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
17 Mickey Rivers (L-L)
6 Roy White (S-R)
Trainer - Gene Monahan
* not on active roster
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
32 Elston Howard
34 Dick Howser
21 Bob Lemon
No. Pitchers
36 Dock Ellis (S-R)
31 Ed Figueroa (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
29 Jim Hunter (R-R)
28 Sparky Lyle (L-L)
18 Tippy Martinez (L-L)
43 Rudy May (L-L)
53 Dave Pagan (R-R)
19 Dick Tidrow (R-R)
No. Catchers
46 Rick Dempsey (R-R)
40 Fran Healy (R-R)
15 Thurman Munson (R-R)
No. Infielders
2 Sandy Alomar (S-R)
10 Chris Chambliss (L-R)
22 Jim Mason (L-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R)
24 Otto Velez (R-R)
No. Outfielders
12 Ron Blomberg (L-R) *
23 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
27 Elliott Maddox (R-R) *
38 Carlos May (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
17 Mickey Rivers (L-L)
6 Roy White (S-R)
Trainer - Gene Monahan
* not on active roster
1976 Syracuse Chiefs Roster and Scorecard
New York Yankees AAA Farm Club (International League)
Manager - Bobby Cox 14
No. Coaches
31 Cloyd Boyer
32 Danny Cater
No. Pitchers
11 Rick Anderson (R-R)
23 Ken Clay (R-R)
29 Bob Kammeyer (R-R)
16 Neal Mersch (R-R)
20 Gil Patterson (R-R)
27 Bob Polinsky (R-R)
26 Ken Reynolds (L-L)
25 Ed Ricks (R-R)
28 Rick Sawyer (R-R)
4 John Sielecki (S-L)
24 Jim York (R-R)
No. Catchers
12 Bill Stearns (R-R)
8 Rick Stelmaszek (L-R)
No. Infielders
22 Dave Bergman (L-L)
7 Juan Bernhardt (R-R)
21 Darrell Darrow (R-R)
9 Mickey Klutts (R-R)
15 Tom Matchick (L-R)
1 Nelson Pichardo (R-R)
5 George Zeber (S-R)
No. Outfielders
3 Dell Alston (L-R)
10 Rick Bladt (R-R)
17 Kerry Dineen (L-L)
18 Al McGrew (R-R)
30 Terry Whitfield (L-R)
Trainer - Herm Schneider
ADVERTISEMENTS
-14 FBL Super Radio
-Advance Cyclery
-Araserv: The People Pleasers
-Army Opportunities
-Balduzzi's
-Ben Franklin Store: Locally Owned, Nationally Known
-Cooper Motors, Inc.
-Drake Oil Company, Inc.: Serving Central New York 4 Generations
-Dutch Dotterer's Salina Liquors: The largest small store in Syracuse.
-Fay's Drugs
-French's Mustard: Spread A Little Sunshine
-Heid's Stand: Shop at Heid's.
-Heritage Lincoln Mercury: Sharp Pencil Deals
-Hotel Syracuse
-Jack Gordon Tobacco Co. Inc.
-Leo A. Kline Aluminum
-Liverpool Sport Center
-Louisville Slugger: Bat Of The Champions
-Nettleton Shoes
-Office of Veteran Affairs, Syracuse University
-Pastime Athletic Club
-Pepsi: Join the Pepsi people feelin' free!
-Plaza 81 Pharmacy
-Reynolds Ford: Your Little Profit Dealer
-S&M Electric Company
-Sweet Adv. Corp.
-Syracuse City Employees Local 400: For A Better Tomorrow
-Tack Room: An Unstuffy Restaurant
-Tino's Restaurant: For Pizza And Italian Food
-Toomey Abbott Groceteria: Do it in '76!
-Travelers Motel
-Tri-Rx Drugs
-Twin Trees Restaurants
-Utica Club: The Utica Club bar exam. See if you can pass it.
-Weber's: Stop by after the game.
-WEZG stereo 100: When you're in the mood, we're in the mood.
-WHEN TV5
-WOLF15: More Hits, Less Commercials
-WSOQ AM Radio 1220: When you're in the mood, we're in the mood.
Manager - Bobby Cox 14
No. Coaches
31 Cloyd Boyer
32 Danny Cater
No. Pitchers
11 Rick Anderson (R-R)
23 Ken Clay (R-R)
29 Bob Kammeyer (R-R)
16 Neal Mersch (R-R)
20 Gil Patterson (R-R)
27 Bob Polinsky (R-R)
26 Ken Reynolds (L-L)
25 Ed Ricks (R-R)
28 Rick Sawyer (R-R)
4 John Sielecki (S-L)
24 Jim York (R-R)
No. Catchers
12 Bill Stearns (R-R)
8 Rick Stelmaszek (L-R)
No. Infielders
22 Dave Bergman (L-L)
7 Juan Bernhardt (R-R)
21 Darrell Darrow (R-R)
9 Mickey Klutts (R-R)
15 Tom Matchick (L-R)
1 Nelson Pichardo (R-R)
5 George Zeber (S-R)
No. Outfielders
3 Dell Alston (L-R)
10 Rick Bladt (R-R)
17 Kerry Dineen (L-L)
18 Al McGrew (R-R)
30 Terry Whitfield (L-R)
Trainer - Herm Schneider
ADVERTISEMENTS
-14 FBL Super Radio
-Advance Cyclery
-Araserv: The People Pleasers
-Army Opportunities
-Balduzzi's
-Ben Franklin Store: Locally Owned, Nationally Known
-Cooper Motors, Inc.
-Drake Oil Company, Inc.: Serving Central New York 4 Generations
-Dutch Dotterer's Salina Liquors: The largest small store in Syracuse.
-Fay's Drugs
-French's Mustard: Spread A Little Sunshine
-Heid's Stand: Shop at Heid's.
-Heritage Lincoln Mercury: Sharp Pencil Deals
-Hotel Syracuse
-Jack Gordon Tobacco Co. Inc.
-Leo A. Kline Aluminum
-Liverpool Sport Center
-Louisville Slugger: Bat Of The Champions
-Nettleton Shoes
-Office of Veteran Affairs, Syracuse University
-Pastime Athletic Club
-Pepsi: Join the Pepsi people feelin' free!
-Plaza 81 Pharmacy
-Reynolds Ford: Your Little Profit Dealer
-S&M Electric Company
-Sweet Adv. Corp.
-Syracuse City Employees Local 400: For A Better Tomorrow
-Tack Room: An Unstuffy Restaurant
-Tino's Restaurant: For Pizza And Italian Food
-Toomey Abbott Groceteria: Do it in '76!
-Travelers Motel
-Tri-Rx Drugs
-Twin Trees Restaurants
-Utica Club: The Utica Club bar exam. See if you can pass it.
-Weber's: Stop by after the game.
-WEZG stereo 100: When you're in the mood, we're in the mood.
-WHEN TV5
-WOLF15: More Hits, Less Commercials
-WSOQ AM Radio 1220: When you're in the mood, we're in the mood.
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