"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
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