1976 Profile: Willie Randolph

1976 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Willie was the key for the Yankees in the Doc Medich deal. He hit .339 with seven homers and 42 RBI for Charleston and has great speed. Pirate GM Joe L. Brown called him the best second base prospect he'd seen since Bill Mazeroski. Willie was made expendable by Rennie Stennett, a Buc fixture at second base.
Born in Holly Hills, South Carolina, he resides in Brooklyn and attended Samuel Tilden High School there."

-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1976 Edition

"A warm welcome home to Willie Randolph, promising 21-year-old second baseman obtained last winter from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Welcome home? Sure ... Willie's a Brooklyn resident who starred at Tilden High School before the Pirates signed him. The general feeling among baseball people is that Willie is the most talented young infielder to come along in many years.
Randolph's job is not an easy one. At 21, the pressures of stepping into a regular job on a New York team are often difficult, but all signs indicate that this man is up to it. Professionally, he has all the tools, having compiled the second highest batting average in the International League last year, and fielding unquestionably well.
New York, meet Willie Randolph. He may be around for a long, long time."

-The New York Yankees Official 1976 Yearbook

"One of the most sought-after infield prospects in all of baseball, the Yankees landed him in a big trade during the Winter Meetings in Hollywood, Florida. This Tilden High School product was drafted seventh by Pittsburgh in the June 1972 Free Agent Draft.
Willie is an exceptional second baseman who has proven himself to swing a good bat, draw walks and steal bases. He was leading the International League in hitting when the Pirates recalled him last July, but he saw little action with Rennie Stennett having a fine year.
Just 21 years old, Willie impressed the Yankees in spring training a year ago when the Yanks and Pittsburgh played six games."

-1976 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide

"Raised in Brooklyn (a Tilden High grad), Randolph is the only rookie ever to appear on the All-Star ballot. He is exceptionally poised for one so young. Willie was rated a can't-miss prospect by all the scouts when he hit .339 in Triple-A last year, but the Pirates felt the presence of Rennie Stennett enabled them to trade him.
The Pirates compared his ability to make the double play with Bill Mazeroski's. Willie is also an excellent base stealer.
This is Willie's first All-Star Game."

-1976 All-Star Game official program