"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
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