"Brian made his major league debut with the Yankees this year. He has shown great range defensively at second base.
Doyle joined the Yankees from the Texas Ranger organization in the winter of 1977. Brian is the younger brother of Denny Doyle, and his twin brother, Blake, plays in the Baltimore chain. It's obvious that athletics run in the Doyle family, and the Yanks are glad Brian came their way."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Brian Doyle made his major league debut with the Yanks this year, after being recalled from Tacoma due to an injury to Mickey Klutts. He has shown great range defensively at second base.
Doyle began his career in the Texas organization in 1972 at Geneva. He had his best year in 1976 when he batted .349 in 25 games at San Antonio and then was promoted to Sacramento (AAA) in the PCL and hit .290 in 96 games. He came to the Yanks in the 1976 off-season and played last year at Syracuse, batting .246 as the team's regular second baseman.
Brian is the younger brother of Denny and also the twin brother of Blake, who is playing at Rochester in the Baltimore organization. Brian was the shortstop and Blake the second baseman at Caverna High School in Cave City, where Brian was All-Conference, All-District, All-Regional and All-State in baseball, and also played basketball and football. He was switched to second base by the Rangers in 1973.
Brian enjoys playing golf, and is a men's clothing salesman in the off-season."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
Friday, October 31, 2014
1978 Profile: Mike Heath
"Originally a shortstop, Mike was converted to a catcher in the spring of 1976. He threw out six of seven baserunners during the 1977 spring exhibition schedule.
Mike was the Yanks' number two draft choice in June 1975. This right-handed hitter is a native of Tampa, Florida."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Originally a shortstop, Mike was converted to a catcher in the spring of 1976 to make better use of his strong throwing arm. A non-roster player in spring training with the Yankees in 1974, Mike spent the 1977 training camp with the Yankees as a member of the 40-man roster. He impressed everyone with his arm, throwing out six of seven baserunners during the exhibition schedule, including 3-for-3 in his first game against the Orioles.
An All-State football player and an All-American baseball player at Hillsborough High School in Tampa, Mike used to watch the Reds train in that city each spring.
He enjoys golf, hunting and fishing."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
Mike was the Yanks' number two draft choice in June 1975. This right-handed hitter is a native of Tampa, Florida."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Originally a shortstop, Mike was converted to a catcher in the spring of 1976 to make better use of his strong throwing arm. A non-roster player in spring training with the Yankees in 1974, Mike spent the 1977 training camp with the Yankees as a member of the 40-man roster. He impressed everyone with his arm, throwing out six of seven baserunners during the exhibition schedule, including 3-for-3 in his first game against the Orioles.
An All-State football player and an All-American baseball player at Hillsborough High School in Tampa, Mike used to watch the Reds train in that city each spring.
He enjoys golf, hunting and fishing."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
1978 Profile: Jim Beattie
"Jim Beattie spent some time with three of the Yanks' farm clubs last year, being most impressive at West Haven (2-0, 0.33 ERA).
He was born on July 4, 1954 in Hampton, Virginia and now resides in South Portland, Maine. Jim was a basketball and baseball star at Dartmouth College. He started his pro career in 1975 and jumped to AAA ball in only two weeks."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Jim is one of the most promising pitching prospects in the Yankee organization. He spent spring training in the Yankee camp and won the James P. Dawson Award as the camp's outstanding rookie. He was called up to the big club in April and responded by winning his first major league start, beating Jim Palmer and the Orioles.
An all-around good athlete, Jim was the captain of the Dartmouth basketball team when he was drafted by the Yankees ... a draft pick that it does not look like the Yankees will regret."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Jim spent time at three of the Yanks' farm clubs last year, being particularly impressive at West Haven, where he completed two of three starts (2-0) with an 0.33 ERA. He's one of the most promising pitching prospects in the organization.
Beattie was captain elect of the Dartmouth basketball team when selected by the Yankees, and he decided to sign a pro contract. An honorable mention All-American basketball player in 1972, Jim was All-New England in 1974, MVP of the Kodak classic in 1975, and the MVP of the Dartmouth team for the 1974-1975 season. He was also an All-Ivy League baseball player and has played baseball in the Cape Cod League. Jim was a member of the 1976 West Haven championship team.
Originally a third baseman, his hobbies are art and architecture."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
He was born on July 4, 1954 in Hampton, Virginia and now resides in South Portland, Maine. Jim was a basketball and baseball star at Dartmouth College. He started his pro career in 1975 and jumped to AAA ball in only two weeks."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Jim is one of the most promising pitching prospects in the Yankee organization. He spent spring training in the Yankee camp and won the James P. Dawson Award as the camp's outstanding rookie. He was called up to the big club in April and responded by winning his first major league start, beating Jim Palmer and the Orioles.
An all-around good athlete, Jim was the captain of the Dartmouth basketball team when he was drafted by the Yankees ... a draft pick that it does not look like the Yankees will regret."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Jim spent time at three of the Yanks' farm clubs last year, being particularly impressive at West Haven, where he completed two of three starts (2-0) with an 0.33 ERA. He's one of the most promising pitching prospects in the organization.
Beattie was captain elect of the Dartmouth basketball team when selected by the Yankees, and he decided to sign a pro contract. An honorable mention All-American basketball player in 1972, Jim was All-New England in 1974, MVP of the Kodak classic in 1975, and the MVP of the Dartmouth team for the 1974-1975 season. He was also an All-Ivy League baseball player and has played baseball in the Cape Cod League. Jim was a member of the 1976 West Haven championship team.
Originally a third baseman, his hobbies are art and architecture."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
Thursday, October 30, 2014
1978 Profile: Jim Hunter
"Catfish. The first of the free agents. He has two years left on his $3 million contract and indicates he will pack it in after that. Frustrated by recent injuries, Jim bounced back in spring training from the previous year's shoulder problem and was pitching a shutout on Opening Day when he was hit in the foot with a line drive. Out for the month and never the same, he finished with his fewest victories since 1966.
But he's one of five active pitchers with 200 victories and the fourth pitcher in history (along with Cy Young, Walter Johnson and Christy Mathewson) to win 200 before his 31st birthday. He also passed Early Wynn as the all-time American League champ at giving up home runs.
Jim was born in Hertford, North Carolina and still lives there. He's a simple, humble farm boy who has not changed, say his friends and neighbors.
'I think Catfish is going to do a 180-degree turn in 1978 and have a great year,' predicts Yankee boss George Steinbrenner."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"James Augustus 'Catfish' Hunter is one of the premier pitchers in American League history. Plain and simple. Just the way Jimmy is off the field.
On the field his accomplishments are legendary. Hunter is one of only four 20th century pitchers to reach 200 wins before age 31. The other three? Cy Young, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson. Not bad company. And only Johnson, Lefty Grove and Catfish have recorded five consecutive 20 victory seasons in American League history. Jim has been selected for eight All-Star teams, is a Cy Young Award winner, and has pitched in six Championship Series and five World Series. But probably his most amazing accomplishment occurred early in his career. In 1968, Jimmy hurled the only regular-season perfect game in the American League in the last 56 years.
Hunter started 1977 in similar fashion- no runs, three hits in seven innings on Opening Day. But a line drive off his instep early in the game started an injury-prone year for a man who has had a relatively injury-free career.
Jimmy worked hard over the winter at his Hertford, North Carolina farm to get ready for the 1978 season. Success has not spoiled this proud gentleman, and he knows what it takes to get back on top. Hard work, plain and simple."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Catfish Hunter is one of the premier pitchers in American League history.
He had an off year in 1977 but was bothered by injuries most of the season. He suffered a bruised left instep while pitching on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium when he was struck by a line drive off the bat of Milwaukee's Von Joshua. Jim spent almost a month on the disabled list and then was troubled with a sore shoulder. There were still games when he threw well and showed sparks of the 'old' Catfish: a 9-2, 6-hit complete-game victory over Texas on June 6; an 8-2, 4-hit complete victory over Cleveland on July 7; a 5-hit, 7-0 shutout over the Brewers on July 21; and a 4-hit, 11-1 complete-game win over the Twins on August 24. Cat managed to complete eight of his 22 starts, though he had trouble with the home run most of the season.
In 1976 Cat 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. In 1975 he joined Johnson and Lefty Grove as the only American Leaguers to win 20 games in five straight seasons. An eight-time All-Star, Jim's now in his 14th season and has been a regular starting pitcher since he was 19 years old. He has 41 career shutouts, third among active American League pitchers (after Jim Palmer with 45 and Luis Tiant with 43).
Cat won the 1974 Cy Young Award, and was runner-up 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 other Yankee since Carl Mays in 1921. Jim also pitched 10 straight complete games in '75.
Jim signed as a free agent in a celebrated talent chase culminating on New Year's Eve of 1974, making him a household word in America. An arbitration panel had declared him a free agent after the 1974 season over a breach of contract. Jim signed a five-year contract, starting with the 1975 season. These events and the change to the big city left him no less of a fine gentleman than he has always been.
Jim was the youngest of eight children, and was 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. Jim rooted for the Indians as a youngster, with Jimmy Piersall as 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, and signed him although Jim was unable to play at all in 1964; 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 56 years. Cat helped Oakland to four division championships and three World Championships. His first real injury was a broken thumb suffered in the 1973 All-Star Game when hit by a line drive off the bat of Billy Williams, yet he still won 21 games that year.
Jim is an outstanding fielder and an accomplished hitter, with six home runs and 51 RBIs. His longest win streak was 13 in 1973. In addition to his perfect game, he has a 1-hitter and five 2-hitters, his 1-hitter coming as a Yankee in 1975. His career high in strikeouts is 12 and his longest outing, 13 innings, was accomplished in 1976 (no runs, 11 hits).
He has a 110-acre farm, which his brother runs during the baseball season. Yankee scout Clyde King, a neighbor in North Carolina, worked with Jim over the winter, analyzing his delivery."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
But he's one of five active pitchers with 200 victories and the fourth pitcher in history (along with Cy Young, Walter Johnson and Christy Mathewson) to win 200 before his 31st birthday. He also passed Early Wynn as the all-time American League champ at giving up home runs.
Jim was born in Hertford, North Carolina and still lives there. He's a simple, humble farm boy who has not changed, say his friends and neighbors.
'I think Catfish is going to do a 180-degree turn in 1978 and have a great year,' predicts Yankee boss George Steinbrenner."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"James Augustus 'Catfish' Hunter is one of the premier pitchers in American League history. Plain and simple. Just the way Jimmy is off the field.
On the field his accomplishments are legendary. Hunter is one of only four 20th century pitchers to reach 200 wins before age 31. The other three? Cy Young, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson. Not bad company. And only Johnson, Lefty Grove and Catfish have recorded five consecutive 20 victory seasons in American League history. Jim has been selected for eight All-Star teams, is a Cy Young Award winner, and has pitched in six Championship Series and five World Series. But probably his most amazing accomplishment occurred early in his career. In 1968, Jimmy hurled the only regular-season perfect game in the American League in the last 56 years.
Hunter started 1977 in similar fashion- no runs, three hits in seven innings on Opening Day. But a line drive off his instep early in the game started an injury-prone year for a man who has had a relatively injury-free career.
Jimmy worked hard over the winter at his Hertford, North Carolina farm to get ready for the 1978 season. Success has not spoiled this proud gentleman, and he knows what it takes to get back on top. Hard work, plain and simple."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Catfish Hunter is one of the premier pitchers in American League history.
He had an off year in 1977 but was bothered by injuries most of the season. He suffered a bruised left instep while pitching on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium when he was struck by a line drive off the bat of Milwaukee's Von Joshua. Jim spent almost a month on the disabled list and then was troubled with a sore shoulder. There were still games when he threw well and showed sparks of the 'old' Catfish: a 9-2, 6-hit complete-game victory over Texas on June 6; an 8-2, 4-hit complete victory over Cleveland on July 7; a 5-hit, 7-0 shutout over the Brewers on July 21; and a 4-hit, 11-1 complete-game win over the Twins on August 24. Cat managed to complete eight of his 22 starts, though he had trouble with the home run most of the season.
In 1976 Cat 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. In 1975 he joined Johnson and Lefty Grove as the only American Leaguers to win 20 games in five straight seasons. An eight-time All-Star, Jim's now in his 14th season and has been a regular starting pitcher since he was 19 years old. He has 41 career shutouts, third among active American League pitchers (after Jim Palmer with 45 and Luis Tiant with 43).
Cat won the 1974 Cy Young Award, and was runner-up 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 other Yankee since Carl Mays in 1921. Jim also pitched 10 straight complete games in '75.
Jim signed as a free agent in a celebrated talent chase culminating on New Year's Eve of 1974, making him a household word in America. An arbitration panel had declared him a free agent after the 1974 season over a breach of contract. Jim signed a five-year contract, starting with the 1975 season. These events and the change to the big city left him no less of a fine gentleman than he has always been.
Jim was the youngest of eight children, and was 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. Jim rooted for the Indians as a youngster, with Jimmy Piersall as 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, and signed him although Jim was unable to play at all in 1964; 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 56 years. Cat helped Oakland to four division championships and three World Championships. His first real injury was a broken thumb suffered in the 1973 All-Star Game when hit by a line drive off the bat of Billy Williams, yet he still won 21 games that year.
Jim is an outstanding fielder and an accomplished hitter, with six home runs and 51 RBIs. His longest win streak was 13 in 1973. In addition to his perfect game, he has a 1-hitter and five 2-hitters, his 1-hitter coming as a Yankee in 1975. His career high in strikeouts is 12 and his longest outing, 13 innings, was accomplished in 1976 (no runs, 11 hits).
He has a 110-acre farm, which his brother runs during the baseball season. Yankee scout Clyde King, a neighbor in North Carolina, worked with Jim over the winter, analyzing his delivery."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
1978 Profile: Bucky Dent
"Bucky Dent joined the Yankees just prior to Opening Day in 1977 and promptly found himself on a World Championship club. Naturally, he had something to do with it.
Only 26, Dent teams with 24-year-old Willie Randolph to give the Yankees one of the top double play combinations in baseball. The former member of the Chicago White Sox has led the league twice in double plays, and in 1975 led the league's shortstops in fielding on his way to making the All-Star team. He has outstanding range, and in his four big league seasons has been among the leaders in total chances.
Bucky can also hit, driving in many timely runs in 1977 and doubling his best previous home run total. He is extremely durable and has missed only 17 games in four years. At his age and with his durability, Bucky Dent figures to be the Yankee shortstop for quite some time."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Bucky joined the Yankees on the day before the opening of the season and teamed with Willie Randolph to give the Yankees one of the best young double play combinations in baseball. One of the top defensive shortstops in the game and extremely durable, he has played over 150 games in each of the last four seasons; over the last four years he has missed only 17 games. Bucky also had a career high of eight home runs last year, including four in a four-game stretch in June.
Dent first came up with the White Sox in 1973. In his rookie year in 1974, he was the American League's Rookie of the Year runner-up to Texas' Mike Hargrove. He was named the shortstop on the Major League All-Rookie team that year and led the American League in sacrifice hits with 23.
Defensively, Dent has been among the league leaders each year in total chances accepted. He tied for the league lead in double plays by a shortstop in 1974 with 108 and he led the league in 1975 with 105 twin killings.
1975 has proved to be Bucky's best year so far. In addition to the double plays, he was first in fielding (.981), putouts (270), assists (543) and total chances (838). He committed only 16 errors and was named to the American League's All-Star team.
Bucky hit .351 in 77 at-bats for Sarasota his first year in organized ball in 1970. He won the Hustle Award in 1972 at Knoxville, where he hit .296 and made the Southern League All-Star team. He was a roommate of new teammate Rich Gossage when they were together in the White Sox organization.
An all-around athlete, Dent was an All-State halfback at Hialeah (Florida) High School and played Little League and Pony League baseball. He attended Miami Dade North Junior College, where he was an All-American infielder. The first time Bucky ever saw a major league game he played in it.
Bucky is represented by the prestigious William Morris Agency. His hobby is shark fishing."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
Only 26, Dent teams with 24-year-old Willie Randolph to give the Yankees one of the top double play combinations in baseball. The former member of the Chicago White Sox has led the league twice in double plays, and in 1975 led the league's shortstops in fielding on his way to making the All-Star team. He has outstanding range, and in his four big league seasons has been among the leaders in total chances.
Bucky can also hit, driving in many timely runs in 1977 and doubling his best previous home run total. He is extremely durable and has missed only 17 games in four years. At his age and with his durability, Bucky Dent figures to be the Yankee shortstop for quite some time."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Bucky joined the Yankees on the day before the opening of the season and teamed with Willie Randolph to give the Yankees one of the best young double play combinations in baseball. One of the top defensive shortstops in the game and extremely durable, he has played over 150 games in each of the last four seasons; over the last four years he has missed only 17 games. Bucky also had a career high of eight home runs last year, including four in a four-game stretch in June.
Dent first came up with the White Sox in 1973. In his rookie year in 1974, he was the American League's Rookie of the Year runner-up to Texas' Mike Hargrove. He was named the shortstop on the Major League All-Rookie team that year and led the American League in sacrifice hits with 23.
Defensively, Dent has been among the league leaders each year in total chances accepted. He tied for the league lead in double plays by a shortstop in 1974 with 108 and he led the league in 1975 with 105 twin killings.
1975 has proved to be Bucky's best year so far. In addition to the double plays, he was first in fielding (.981), putouts (270), assists (543) and total chances (838). He committed only 16 errors and was named to the American League's All-Star team.
Bucky hit .351 in 77 at-bats for Sarasota his first year in organized ball in 1970. He won the Hustle Award in 1972 at Knoxville, where he hit .296 and made the Southern League All-Star team. He was a roommate of new teammate Rich Gossage when they were together in the White Sox organization.
An all-around athlete, Dent was an All-State halfback at Hialeah (Florida) High School and played Little League and Pony League baseball. He attended Miami Dade North Junior College, where he was an All-American infielder. The first time Bucky ever saw a major league game he played in it.
Bucky is represented by the prestigious William Morris Agency. His hobby is shark fishing."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
1978 Profile: Mickey Rivers
"Mick the Quick. One of the most popular Yankees and one of the most vocal, Rivers was the fourth-leading hitter in the league and covered the huge Yankee Stadium center field like a blanket. Born in Miami, he walks like an old man but runs as if he's being chased.
'When I go to spring training, I don't work on the bad things, I work on my good things. You can't improve what's bad.' Mickey credits Paul Blair with helping him improve his throwing.
'Do you know how many assists you have?' he was asked in June.
'About three,' he said.
'You have six,' he was told.
'That's better than three,' he decided."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"It was a second straight super season for Mickey Rivers with the Yankees. Mickey is the leadoff hitter, the man who gets things started, and from that position he hit a career high .326, fourth best in the league.
While he didn't match his 1976 mark of 43 stolen bases (the most by a Yankee since George Stinnweiss's 55 in 1944), Mick the Quick provided more punch than in the previous year. He hit a career high 12 home runs and drove in 69 runs, an excellent total for a leadoff hitter.
Even though his steal total was down, Rivers' speed was evident as he patrolled the infamous 'Death Valley' center field in Yankee Stadium. He probably covers as much ground as any outfielder in the major leagues.
Mickey has improved his hitting each year, and there is little reason to doubt that 1978 will be an exception. Look for the man with the slow gait to the batter's box to warm things up as he ignites the Yankee attack."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
1977 MOST VALUABLE (11th in American League MVP voting)
"Mickey had an outstanding season and made a late bid to steal off with the MVP honors. His .326 average was a career high as were his 12 homers and 69 RBI. As the Yankees' leadoff man, he was responsible for making the offense go. His speed and ability to be bothersome to opposing pitchers while on the bases are other intangibles which make him a most valuable player to his teammates."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
AUGUST, 1977 YANKEE OF THE MONTH
"Mickey Rivers made a late pitch for American League Most Valuable Player honors by spearheading the Yankee hitting attack with a .405 average in August. It seemed when Rivers began hitting, the Yankees began winning. The fleet-footed center fielder also contributed five homers and 21 RBI for the month. His big game was August 23 versus the White Sox in which he went 5-for-5 with three RBI."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"It was a second straight super year for Mickey Rivers with the Yankees. Igniting things from the leadoff spot, Mickey hit a career high .326, fourth best in the American League, and his 184 hits were tenth best. Finishing 11th in the MVP voting, he had a career high in home runs with 12, including two in one game against the Brewers. Mickey proved to be a good clutch hitter with 69 RBIs, a good total from the leadoff spot, collected 10 game-winning RBIs and batted .388 with men on base. He led all Yankee outfielders with nine assists.
He had two four-hit days and one five-hit day last year, along with hitting streaks of 12 and 10 games. Mick hit safely in 48 of his final 56 games of the regular season. His average reached a high of .336 and was never under .300 after May 31.
Mickey finished third in the MVP voting in 1976. His 20-game hitting streak that year was the longest by a Yankee since 1942. He was a member of the 1976 All-Star team.
Rivers has daring speed on the bases. His 43 stolen bases in 1976 were the most by any Yankee since George Stirnweiss stole 44 in 1944. He was the league's base-stealing champ in 1975, stealing 70 in 86 attempts. Although his stolen base total fell to 22 last year, Mickey is considered a good bet to break Fritz Maisel's all-time Yankee record of 74 stolen bases in one season. For his career, Mick the Quick has stolen 191 bases in 248 attempts, a .770 percentage of success. He also covers a lot of ground in the Yankee Stadium center field.
Mickey hit over .300 in each of his five minor league seasons and has been over .300 in both years with the Yanks. A free swinger, Mickey has walked only 30 times over the last two seasons, yet he tied a Yankee record by grounding into only two double plays last year. He has won two triples titles in the American League, including one in 1974 when he missed five weeks with a broken wrist.
Rivers is a product of Northwestern High in Miami, lettering in baseball, football, basketball and track. He attended Miami Dade North Community College, signed with the Braves in 1969, then was dealt to the Angels in a deal that sent Hoyt Wilhelm (now pitching coach at the Yanks' Tacoma farm club) to the Braves.
Mickey was given the Golden Foot Award by the American Footwear Society at their luncheon this winter."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
'When I go to spring training, I don't work on the bad things, I work on my good things. You can't improve what's bad.' Mickey credits Paul Blair with helping him improve his throwing.
'Do you know how many assists you have?' he was asked in June.
'About three,' he said.
'You have six,' he was told.
'That's better than three,' he decided."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"It was a second straight super season for Mickey Rivers with the Yankees. Mickey is the leadoff hitter, the man who gets things started, and from that position he hit a career high .326, fourth best in the league.
While he didn't match his 1976 mark of 43 stolen bases (the most by a Yankee since George Stinnweiss's 55 in 1944), Mick the Quick provided more punch than in the previous year. He hit a career high 12 home runs and drove in 69 runs, an excellent total for a leadoff hitter.
Even though his steal total was down, Rivers' speed was evident as he patrolled the infamous 'Death Valley' center field in Yankee Stadium. He probably covers as much ground as any outfielder in the major leagues.
Mickey has improved his hitting each year, and there is little reason to doubt that 1978 will be an exception. Look for the man with the slow gait to the batter's box to warm things up as he ignites the Yankee attack."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
1977 MOST VALUABLE (11th in American League MVP voting)
"Mickey had an outstanding season and made a late bid to steal off with the MVP honors. His .326 average was a career high as were his 12 homers and 69 RBI. As the Yankees' leadoff man, he was responsible for making the offense go. His speed and ability to be bothersome to opposing pitchers while on the bases are other intangibles which make him a most valuable player to his teammates."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
AUGUST, 1977 YANKEE OF THE MONTH
"Mickey Rivers made a late pitch for American League Most Valuable Player honors by spearheading the Yankee hitting attack with a .405 average in August. It seemed when Rivers began hitting, the Yankees began winning. The fleet-footed center fielder also contributed five homers and 21 RBI for the month. His big game was August 23 versus the White Sox in which he went 5-for-5 with three RBI."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"It was a second straight super year for Mickey Rivers with the Yankees. Igniting things from the leadoff spot, Mickey hit a career high .326, fourth best in the American League, and his 184 hits were tenth best. Finishing 11th in the MVP voting, he had a career high in home runs with 12, including two in one game against the Brewers. Mickey proved to be a good clutch hitter with 69 RBIs, a good total from the leadoff spot, collected 10 game-winning RBIs and batted .388 with men on base. He led all Yankee outfielders with nine assists.
He had two four-hit days and one five-hit day last year, along with hitting streaks of 12 and 10 games. Mick hit safely in 48 of his final 56 games of the regular season. His average reached a high of .336 and was never under .300 after May 31.
Mickey finished third in the MVP voting in 1976. His 20-game hitting streak that year was the longest by a Yankee since 1942. He was a member of the 1976 All-Star team.
Rivers has daring speed on the bases. His 43 stolen bases in 1976 were the most by any Yankee since George Stirnweiss stole 44 in 1944. He was the league's base-stealing champ in 1975, stealing 70 in 86 attempts. Although his stolen base total fell to 22 last year, Mickey is considered a good bet to break Fritz Maisel's all-time Yankee record of 74 stolen bases in one season. For his career, Mick the Quick has stolen 191 bases in 248 attempts, a .770 percentage of success. He also covers a lot of ground in the Yankee Stadium center field.
Mickey hit over .300 in each of his five minor league seasons and has been over .300 in both years with the Yanks. A free swinger, Mickey has walked only 30 times over the last two seasons, yet he tied a Yankee record by grounding into only two double plays last year. He has won two triples titles in the American League, including one in 1974 when he missed five weeks with a broken wrist.
Rivers is a product of Northwestern High in Miami, lettering in baseball, football, basketball and track. He attended Miami Dade North Community College, signed with the Braves in 1969, then was dealt to the Angels in a deal that sent Hoyt Wilhelm (now pitching coach at the Yanks' Tacoma farm club) to the Braves.
Mickey was given the Golden Foot Award by the American Footwear Society at their luncheon this winter."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
Monday, October 27, 2014
1978 Profile: Chris Chambliss
"When the Yankees got off to a slow start, Billy Martin pulled his lineup out of a hat and Chambliss was number eight. Chris's bat came alive.
'I've got to say he's one of the best eighth place hitters of all time,' said Billy. George Steinbrenner calls Chris's two-run homer in the second to tie the sixth World Game 'perhaps the biggest hit of the year for us.'
Born in Dayton, Chambliss is the son of a Navy Chaplain. Chris will always be remembered for his sudden death home run against the Royals in the ninth inning of the fifth game of the '76 American League playoffs."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"Steady Chris Chambliss goes almost unnoticed as the Yankee first baseman. And that's pretty high praise. You just know that first base is in good hands.
Chris is one of those players who just goes about his business, rarely has a slump, and always seems to drive in the key run. He has become an excellent clutch hitter. But more than that, Chris has worked hard on his fielding and is now recognized as one of the best in the league with the glove.
1971's Rookie of the Year came to the Yankees in 1974 in a trade that was met by skepticism, but his performance (along with Dick Tidrow's, included in the deal) has changed everybody's mind. Chris has become one of the fans' favorites and was honored as the most popular Jersey athlete by the Boys Club of Newark this past winter.
Chambliss will long be remembered for his dramatic ninth inning, game and pennant-winning home run which propelled the Yankees into the 1976 World Series. But Chris would rather be remembered as the steady, hard-working first baseman who was a key factor in getting the Yanks into two consecutive World Series, and who has become one of the best in the AL at his position."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Chris had his third straight impressive year with the Yanks in 1977. He has had 72, 96, and 90 RBIs over the last three seasons. Generally hitting into the power alleys, Chris has also hit 102 doubles over in the last three years.
He has become one of the Yankees' best clutch hitters, with 12 game-winning RBIs in 1977, batting .326 with men on base. Few will forget his home run to beat the Royals in the ninth inning of the final game of the 1976 ALCS. The American League's Player of the Week for August 8-14 last year, Chris continued his home run heroics in 1977, winning four games with late-inning home runs, including a dramatic blast on August 16 to give the Yanks a ninth-inning 11-10 win over the White Sox, and a pinch-hit two-run homer on August 29 to give the Yanks a 5-3 win over the Royals. He batted safely in five of six World Series games last year and hit a two-run homer off Burt Hooten to open up the Yanks' scoring in the decisive sixth game. Chris was also credited with two steals of home last year.
Hitting streaks have become a part of Chris's career; starting in 1971, he's had yearly streaks of 15, 15, 19, 18, 13, 19 and 15 again last year. 1977 followed up a super 1976 for Chambliss, a year in which he finished fifth in the MVP voting and reached career highs in nearly every department. He was the American League's Rookie of the Year in 1971 after just one full season in the minors. When Chris was obtained by the Yankees in 1974, the deal was met with much skepticism - not so much now.
Chris batted .342 his first season in the minors at Wichita, making him the first rookie ever to win a triple-A batting title. This followed just one season at UCLA, where he set school records with 15 homers and 45 RBIs.
The son of a Navy Chaplain, Chris traveled for much of his youth. Arlene Henley, 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. He had a two-run single to beat the White Sox 2-1 in his first major league game.
A new resident of New Jersey, Chris was honored as the most popular Jersey athlete by the Boys Club of Newark this past winter."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
'I've got to say he's one of the best eighth place hitters of all time,' said Billy. George Steinbrenner calls Chris's two-run homer in the second to tie the sixth World Game 'perhaps the biggest hit of the year for us.'
Born in Dayton, Chambliss is the son of a Navy Chaplain. Chris will always be remembered for his sudden death home run against the Royals in the ninth inning of the fifth game of the '76 American League playoffs."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"Steady Chris Chambliss goes almost unnoticed as the Yankee first baseman. And that's pretty high praise. You just know that first base is in good hands.
Chris is one of those players who just goes about his business, rarely has a slump, and always seems to drive in the key run. He has become an excellent clutch hitter. But more than that, Chris has worked hard on his fielding and is now recognized as one of the best in the league with the glove.
1971's Rookie of the Year came to the Yankees in 1974 in a trade that was met by skepticism, but his performance (along with Dick Tidrow's, included in the deal) has changed everybody's mind. Chris has become one of the fans' favorites and was honored as the most popular Jersey athlete by the Boys Club of Newark this past winter.
Chambliss will long be remembered for his dramatic ninth inning, game and pennant-winning home run which propelled the Yankees into the 1976 World Series. But Chris would rather be remembered as the steady, hard-working first baseman who was a key factor in getting the Yanks into two consecutive World Series, and who has become one of the best in the AL at his position."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Chris had his third straight impressive year with the Yanks in 1977. He has had 72, 96, and 90 RBIs over the last three seasons. Generally hitting into the power alleys, Chris has also hit 102 doubles over in the last three years.
He has become one of the Yankees' best clutch hitters, with 12 game-winning RBIs in 1977, batting .326 with men on base. Few will forget his home run to beat the Royals in the ninth inning of the final game of the 1976 ALCS. The American League's Player of the Week for August 8-14 last year, Chris continued his home run heroics in 1977, winning four games with late-inning home runs, including a dramatic blast on August 16 to give the Yanks a ninth-inning 11-10 win over the White Sox, and a pinch-hit two-run homer on August 29 to give the Yanks a 5-3 win over the Royals. He batted safely in five of six World Series games last year and hit a two-run homer off Burt Hooten to open up the Yanks' scoring in the decisive sixth game. Chris was also credited with two steals of home last year.
Hitting streaks have become a part of Chris's career; starting in 1971, he's had yearly streaks of 15, 15, 19, 18, 13, 19 and 15 again last year. 1977 followed up a super 1976 for Chambliss, a year in which he finished fifth in the MVP voting and reached career highs in nearly every department. He was the American League's Rookie of the Year in 1971 after just one full season in the minors. When Chris was obtained by the Yankees in 1974, the deal was met with much skepticism - not so much now.
Chris batted .342 his first season in the minors at Wichita, making him the first rookie ever to win a triple-A batting title. This followed just one season at UCLA, where he set school records with 15 homers and 45 RBIs.
The son of a Navy Chaplain, Chris traveled for much of his youth. Arlene Henley, 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. He had a two-run single to beat the White Sox 2-1 in his first major league game.
A new resident of New Jersey, Chris was honored as the most popular Jersey athlete by the Boys Club of Newark this past winter."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
Sunday, October 26, 2014
1978 Profile: Don Gullett
"After seven years in Cincinnati, he left to take the Yankees' $1.9 million over six years. Gullett continued to be plagued by injuries (shoulder, foot), but still had the best winning percentage in the American League, .778, for a career percentage of .686, tops among active pitchers. He started the opening game of the World Series for the third straight year.
In high school he scored 10 touchdowns in one game, and also once struck out 20 of 21 batters.
Born in Lynn Kentucky, he's a quiet county boy. You can take the boy out of the farm, but you can't take the farm out of the boy.
'Where I come from, even Cincinnati was a big change. I adjusted to New York.'"
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"Don Gullett is a winner! Despite various injuries, Don managed to notch the top winning percentage in the American League and ended up winning 14 of his last 16 decisions. There is no doubt that a healthy Don Gullett is among the top pitchers in baseball.
Gullett recorded his 100th major league win six months prior to his 27th birthday, and has the highest winning percentage of all active pitchers with 100 or more decisions. In eight big league seasons, Don has appeared in six Championship Series and five World Series. A winner indeed!
Gullett came to New York in November of 1976 as the first free agent signed by the Yankees under baseball's new rules. The six-foot, 190-pound left-hander proved a welcome addition to the Yankee staff.
Don is a lifelong resident of Lynn, Kentucky, where he is somewhat of a legend for his high school multi-sport feats. A year after his graduation, he found himself hurling in the World Series for the Reds. Last found him hurling in the World Series for the Yankees. Yes, Don Gullett is a winner!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Despite injuries, Don still managed to possess the top winning percentage in the American League in 1977 (.778). He reached the 100 mark in career victories last year when he beat the Royals, 3-1, on July 24. He lost his first two American League appearances, both to the Brewers, then won six in a row, 11 of 12, and 14 of his last 16 decisions.
Sidelined on July 30 with stiffness in his left shoulder, Don spent a month on the disabled list. His previous injury was a dislocated tendon in his right foot, suffered pitching against the Yanks in Game One of the 1976 World Series. Other injuries have been a broken thumb in 1975 and a pinched nerve in his neck and shoulder problems in 1976. Sidelined by hepatitis in 1972, Don had a back ailment in 1974 but was still named the Sporting News left-handed Pitcher of the Year.
Don returned to the Yankee rotation on September 4 to pitch a three-hit shutout over the Twins, his best effort of the year. He had a 12-strikeout game on September 23 against Toronto, the most K's by a Yankee pitcher in one game since Catfish Hunter struck out 12 Orioles in 1975. Don was the starting pitcher in a World Series opener for the third straight year.
Gullett was the first free agent signed by the Yankees following the 1976 re-entry draft. He was signed to a six-year contract.
His .686 winning percentage is tops among all active pitchers with 100 or more decisions. Twice he led the National League in percentage (1971 and 1975), the first time coming at the age of 20, his second year with the Reds.
At 19, in his rookie year, Don struck out six consecutive Mets in a relief role, tying a National League record. He had a no-hitter against the Cubs for 7.1 innings in 1971. His low-hit efforts have been a pair of 2-hitters in 1973 and 1975. Don won nine straight in 1973.
In his ninth year in the big leagues, Don is a veteran of six Championship Series and five World Series. He hit a home run in the 1975 Championship Series, his only one in the major leagues.
Described as the epitome of the All-American Boy, Gullett was a sensational schoolboy star at Southshore McKell High School in McKell, Kentucky in three sports. He once scored 72 points in a football game, once scored 47 points in a basketball game, and once struck out 20 of 21 batters in a baseball game. Don was the Reds' number one draft pick in June 1969."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
In high school he scored 10 touchdowns in one game, and also once struck out 20 of 21 batters.
Born in Lynn Kentucky, he's a quiet county boy. You can take the boy out of the farm, but you can't take the farm out of the boy.
'Where I come from, even Cincinnati was a big change. I adjusted to New York.'"
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"Don Gullett is a winner! Despite various injuries, Don managed to notch the top winning percentage in the American League and ended up winning 14 of his last 16 decisions. There is no doubt that a healthy Don Gullett is among the top pitchers in baseball.
Gullett recorded his 100th major league win six months prior to his 27th birthday, and has the highest winning percentage of all active pitchers with 100 or more decisions. In eight big league seasons, Don has appeared in six Championship Series and five World Series. A winner indeed!
Gullett came to New York in November of 1976 as the first free agent signed by the Yankees under baseball's new rules. The six-foot, 190-pound left-hander proved a welcome addition to the Yankee staff.
Don is a lifelong resident of Lynn, Kentucky, where he is somewhat of a legend for his high school multi-sport feats. A year after his graduation, he found himself hurling in the World Series for the Reds. Last found him hurling in the World Series for the Yankees. Yes, Don Gullett is a winner!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Despite injuries, Don still managed to possess the top winning percentage in the American League in 1977 (.778). He reached the 100 mark in career victories last year when he beat the Royals, 3-1, on July 24. He lost his first two American League appearances, both to the Brewers, then won six in a row, 11 of 12, and 14 of his last 16 decisions.
Sidelined on July 30 with stiffness in his left shoulder, Don spent a month on the disabled list. His previous injury was a dislocated tendon in his right foot, suffered pitching against the Yanks in Game One of the 1976 World Series. Other injuries have been a broken thumb in 1975 and a pinched nerve in his neck and shoulder problems in 1976. Sidelined by hepatitis in 1972, Don had a back ailment in 1974 but was still named the Sporting News left-handed Pitcher of the Year.
Don returned to the Yankee rotation on September 4 to pitch a three-hit shutout over the Twins, his best effort of the year. He had a 12-strikeout game on September 23 against Toronto, the most K's by a Yankee pitcher in one game since Catfish Hunter struck out 12 Orioles in 1975. Don was the starting pitcher in a World Series opener for the third straight year.
Gullett was the first free agent signed by the Yankees following the 1976 re-entry draft. He was signed to a six-year contract.
His .686 winning percentage is tops among all active pitchers with 100 or more decisions. Twice he led the National League in percentage (1971 and 1975), the first time coming at the age of 20, his second year with the Reds.
At 19, in his rookie year, Don struck out six consecutive Mets in a relief role, tying a National League record. He had a no-hitter against the Cubs for 7.1 innings in 1971. His low-hit efforts have been a pair of 2-hitters in 1973 and 1975. Don won nine straight in 1973.
In his ninth year in the big leagues, Don is a veteran of six Championship Series and five World Series. He hit a home run in the 1975 Championship Series, his only one in the major leagues.
Described as the epitome of the All-American Boy, Gullett was a sensational schoolboy star at Southshore McKell High School in McKell, Kentucky in three sports. He once scored 72 points in a football game, once scored 47 points in a basketball game, and once struck out 20 of 21 batters in a baseball game. Don was the Reds' number one draft pick in June 1969."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
Saturday, October 25, 2014
1978 Profile: Roy White
"Roy White has been through it all. He came up through the Yankees' minor league system and became part of a team on its way down from the top. But White remains from those forgettable years, and 1976 and '77 made all the suffering worthwhile.
1976 saw the Yankees' elder statesman (this is his 13th full season) play on his first American League pennant winner, and 1977 saw him as part of the first Yankee World Championship club in 15 years.
Roy is among the top ten all-time Yankees in games (7th), at-bats (8th), hits (9th), doubles (10th) and stolen bases (2nd). Through the years consistency has marked his play, whether it be with the bat, in the field, or on the base paths.
More than that is Roy's reputation as a true gentleman. He was voted the 1976 Good Guy by the New York Baseball Writers and Press Photographers Association and is also held in very high regard by his teammates and the fans alike. Bright and personable, Roy resides in the metropolitan area and is a favorite on the banquet circuit.
Roy White is truly an asset to New York and the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"The senior Yankee, joining the club in 1965, Roy is one of baseball's most highly respected players. He has moved into the top 10 of the all-time Yankee lists in games (7th), at-bats (8th), hits (9th), doubles (10th) and is second in stolen bases with 221, joining some immortal Yankee names in each category. After spending 11 non-winning years with the Yanks, Roy has now been on championship clubs the last two years.
One of the best left fielders in Yankee history, noted for his fence climbing heroics and great range, Roy is the only Yankee outfielder ever to field 1.000 for a season. With the exception of 1974, when he was primarily a designated hitter, left field has been his spot since reaching the majors. Roy was originally signed as an infielder, but Bobby Richardson's presence brought about the switch. Roy experimented at first base in spring training of 1975 but returned to left field once the season opened.
Roy came alive as a hitter while on option to Spokane in 1967, where he hit .343. He has switch-hit home runs in a game four times, though he's had only five multi-homer games in his career. He also once switch-hit triples in a game. Roy also set an American League record for sacrifice flies with 17 in 1971.
His longest hitting streak in the majors has been 11 games (1968 and 1974). He's never hit .300 but has been at .290 or better four times. Roy spent several seasons as the Yankee cleanup hitter. He has had five hits in a game twice and four in a game 11 times, including once last year against Oakland.
Roy stole home for the sixth time last season and led the American League in runs scored in 1976. He played 388 consecutive games from August 31, 1971 to May 21, 1974, and is twice an All-Star.
Roy hit in 10 straight games last year and hit safely in 18 of 19 games from April 18 to May 12, never going more than three games without a hit last year. He was the American League Player of the Week, May 2-8. Roy hit what might have been the most important Yankee home run of the year on June 24, a two-run shot off Bill Campbell tying the Red Sox at five, the Yankees winning 6-5 in the 11th. The win kept the Yanks from falling six games behind the Sox. The next day, Roy's fourth-inning single proved to be the game-winner as the Yanks topped the Sox again 5-1.
Roy was raised in Compton, California with such future big leaguers as Reggie Smith, Dock Ellis, Dave Nelson, Don Wilson and Bobby Tolan. A year-round resident of New Jersey, and a polished speaker who attends many functions in the winter, Roy had a bit part in a 1975 motion picture, The Premonition, playing a doctor."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
1976 saw the Yankees' elder statesman (this is his 13th full season) play on his first American League pennant winner, and 1977 saw him as part of the first Yankee World Championship club in 15 years.
Roy is among the top ten all-time Yankees in games (7th), at-bats (8th), hits (9th), doubles (10th) and stolen bases (2nd). Through the years consistency has marked his play, whether it be with the bat, in the field, or on the base paths.
More than that is Roy's reputation as a true gentleman. He was voted the 1976 Good Guy by the New York Baseball Writers and Press Photographers Association and is also held in very high regard by his teammates and the fans alike. Bright and personable, Roy resides in the metropolitan area and is a favorite on the banquet circuit.
Roy White is truly an asset to New York and the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"The senior Yankee, joining the club in 1965, Roy is one of baseball's most highly respected players. He has moved into the top 10 of the all-time Yankee lists in games (7th), at-bats (8th), hits (9th), doubles (10th) and is second in stolen bases with 221, joining some immortal Yankee names in each category. After spending 11 non-winning years with the Yanks, Roy has now been on championship clubs the last two years.
One of the best left fielders in Yankee history, noted for his fence climbing heroics and great range, Roy is the only Yankee outfielder ever to field 1.000 for a season. With the exception of 1974, when he was primarily a designated hitter, left field has been his spot since reaching the majors. Roy was originally signed as an infielder, but Bobby Richardson's presence brought about the switch. Roy experimented at first base in spring training of 1975 but returned to left field once the season opened.
Roy came alive as a hitter while on option to Spokane in 1967, where he hit .343. He has switch-hit home runs in a game four times, though he's had only five multi-homer games in his career. He also once switch-hit triples in a game. Roy also set an American League record for sacrifice flies with 17 in 1971.
His longest hitting streak in the majors has been 11 games (1968 and 1974). He's never hit .300 but has been at .290 or better four times. Roy spent several seasons as the Yankee cleanup hitter. He has had five hits in a game twice and four in a game 11 times, including once last year against Oakland.
Roy stole home for the sixth time last season and led the American League in runs scored in 1976. He played 388 consecutive games from August 31, 1971 to May 21, 1974, and is twice an All-Star.
Roy hit in 10 straight games last year and hit safely in 18 of 19 games from April 18 to May 12, never going more than three games without a hit last year. He was the American League Player of the Week, May 2-8. Roy hit what might have been the most important Yankee home run of the year on June 24, a two-run shot off Bill Campbell tying the Red Sox at five, the Yankees winning 6-5 in the 11th. The win kept the Yanks from falling six games behind the Sox. The next day, Roy's fourth-inning single proved to be the game-winner as the Yanks topped the Sox again 5-1.
Roy was raised in Compton, California with such future big leaguers as Reggie Smith, Dock Ellis, Dave Nelson, Don Wilson and Bobby Tolan. A year-round resident of New Jersey, and a polished speaker who attends many functions in the winter, Roy had a bit part in a 1975 motion picture, The Premonition, playing a doctor."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
1978 Profile: Cliff Johnson
"Powerful Cliff Johnson joined the Yankees in mid-season in 1977 and proved to be an excellent addition. Cliff slugged out a career high of 22 home runs, including 12 as a Yankee, and had one of the best home run/at-bat ratios in the major leagues.
His season highlight came at Toronto on June 30 when he tagged Blue Jay pitching for three home runs in one game, including two in one inning. Almost half of his Yankee hits have gone for extra bases.
Johnson has also proved to be an excellent pinch hitter. With the Yankees he hit .455 in that role, and in 1974 while with Houston he hit five pinch-hit home runs, falling one short of the major league record which has stood since 1932.
While known primarily as a hitter, Johnson is also versatile defensively and can fill in behind the plate, at first base and in the outfield. The Yankees are certainly glad to have him in pinstripes."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
JUNE, 1977 YANKEE OF THE MONTH
"Although he spent only half the month of June with the Yankees, Cliff Johnson was a one-man wrecking crew. He arrived on June 15 after being acquired from the Houston Astros in a deal involving three minor leaguers, and proceeded to hit .308 with four homers, six runs batted in and five runs scored in the 12 games he played. Of his eight hits, six were for extra bases.
There was, of course, the memorable June 30 game at Toronto in which he hit three home runs, two of them in one inning. It was the first time since Bobby Murcer in 1973 that a Yankee hit three homers in one game. The last Yank to hit two in the same inning was Joe Pepitone in 1962."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Cliff proved to be an excellent acquisition for the Yankees last season. The powerful slugger hit a career high 22 home runs, 12 as a Yankee, and had one of the best home run/at-bat ratios in the major leagues.
His season highlight was the three home runs at Toronto on June 30, with two of them coming in one inning. He became only the 12th Yankee to hit three in a game, the last being Bobby Murcer in 1973, and the third Yankee to hit two in one inning, the last being Joe Pepitone in 1962. Six of his twelve Yankee homers were hit off the Blue Jays, four of them off Jerry Garvin.
The Yankees were Cliff's first exposure to the American League. He was the number five pick by the Astros in the June 1966 Free Agent Draft. He came up with the Astros briefly in 1972 before going back to Denver in 1973, where he batted .302 with 33 homers and 117 RBIs and was named the American Association Player of the Year.
Twenty of Cliff's 42 hits with the Yankees last year were for extra bases. 33 of his 72 hits with the Astros in 1976 went for extra bases. He hit five pinch-hit home runs in 1974, which set a Houston record and fell one short of the major league record which has stood since 1932. Cliff has nine pinch-hit homers in his career. He was 5-for-11 (.455) as a pinch hitter for the Yankees last year, and also had a 12-game hitting streak.
Cliff's hobbies are fishing and music. He had off-season surgery for removal of bone chips in his right ankle."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
His season highlight came at Toronto on June 30 when he tagged Blue Jay pitching for three home runs in one game, including two in one inning. Almost half of his Yankee hits have gone for extra bases.
Johnson has also proved to be an excellent pinch hitter. With the Yankees he hit .455 in that role, and in 1974 while with Houston he hit five pinch-hit home runs, falling one short of the major league record which has stood since 1932.
While known primarily as a hitter, Johnson is also versatile defensively and can fill in behind the plate, at first base and in the outfield. The Yankees are certainly glad to have him in pinstripes."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
JUNE, 1977 YANKEE OF THE MONTH
"Although he spent only half the month of June with the Yankees, Cliff Johnson was a one-man wrecking crew. He arrived on June 15 after being acquired from the Houston Astros in a deal involving three minor leaguers, and proceeded to hit .308 with four homers, six runs batted in and five runs scored in the 12 games he played. Of his eight hits, six were for extra bases.
There was, of course, the memorable June 30 game at Toronto in which he hit three home runs, two of them in one inning. It was the first time since Bobby Murcer in 1973 that a Yankee hit three homers in one game. The last Yank to hit two in the same inning was Joe Pepitone in 1962."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Cliff proved to be an excellent acquisition for the Yankees last season. The powerful slugger hit a career high 22 home runs, 12 as a Yankee, and had one of the best home run/at-bat ratios in the major leagues.
His season highlight was the three home runs at Toronto on June 30, with two of them coming in one inning. He became only the 12th Yankee to hit three in a game, the last being Bobby Murcer in 1973, and the third Yankee to hit two in one inning, the last being Joe Pepitone in 1962. Six of his twelve Yankee homers were hit off the Blue Jays, four of them off Jerry Garvin.
The Yankees were Cliff's first exposure to the American League. He was the number five pick by the Astros in the June 1966 Free Agent Draft. He came up with the Astros briefly in 1972 before going back to Denver in 1973, where he batted .302 with 33 homers and 117 RBIs and was named the American Association Player of the Year.
Twenty of Cliff's 42 hits with the Yankees last year were for extra bases. 33 of his 72 hits with the Astros in 1976 went for extra bases. He hit five pinch-hit home runs in 1974, which set a Houston record and fell one short of the major league record which has stood since 1932. Cliff has nine pinch-hit homers in his career. He was 5-for-11 (.455) as a pinch hitter for the Yankees last year, and also had a 12-game hitting streak.
Cliff's hobbies are fishing and music. He had off-season surgery for removal of bone chips in his right ankle."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
1978 Profile: Dick Tidrow
"Most pitchers in today's age of specialization can be described very easily. Short reliever, long reliever, starter. Not Dick Tidrow. The big right-hander wears all of these hats and wears them all well.
Start with short relief; in 1975, Dick tied Sparky Lyle for relief points. He started 1977 as the right-hander out of the pen in the late innings, and he did his job well. Next, we'll try long relief; in 1976, Tidrow went 10 2/3 innings in relief against the Twins allowing no runs and four hits. All right, let's make him a starter; after all, that's the way he broke in with Cleveland in 1972 when he was the Sporting News Rookie Pitcher of the Year. Well, in 1977, after 68 consecutive relief appearances, Dick was forced into the starting rotation due to injuries and calmly posted a 5-0 record in seven starts - all in August and September.
That's the kind of pitcher he is. Nothing fazes the man his teammates playfully call 'Dirt.' He's been vital to the Yankee staff ever since he appeared in Yankee pinstripes following his trade from Cleveland in 1974. Dick has the distinction of being the winning pitcher in the first game played in the 'new' Yankee Stadium, and since that time all that's happened is two pennants and one World Championship, while Dick Tidrow remains the valuable man of many hats."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Dick proved to be one of the most valuable men on the Yankee pitching staff last year. He began the season as a reliever, both short and long, and became a starter towards the end of the year with injuries to Gullett and Hunter. He responded superbly as a starter, winning five straight decisions. Dick made his first start on August 15 after 68 straight relief appearances. His longest stint of the year was 7.1 innings against the Indians on September 27, getting no decision in the Yanks' 2-1 win. In his seven starts, Dick was 5-0 with a 2.34 ERA, and he had the best winning percentage of his career in 1977. He made two relief appearances in both the playoffs and World Series.
Tidrow has 112 lifetime starts in 251 appearances. His last season as primarily a starter was 1974 when he started all four of his Cleveland appearances and 25 of his 33 Yankee appearances. He's 44-41 lifetime as a starter.
Dick was the winning pitcher in relief in the first game ever played at the 'new' Yankee Stadium in 1976. He pitched 10.2 innings in a relief stint later that year against the Twins, allowing no runs on four hits.
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 with Cleveland in 1972 and won 28 games for the Indians in his first two years. The Yankees obtained him in April of 1974 in a big trade which was considered very controversial at the time, but which looks quite one-sided today.
Dick is nicknamed 'Mr. Dirt.'"
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
Start with short relief; in 1975, Dick tied Sparky Lyle for relief points. He started 1977 as the right-hander out of the pen in the late innings, and he did his job well. Next, we'll try long relief; in 1976, Tidrow went 10 2/3 innings in relief against the Twins allowing no runs and four hits. All right, let's make him a starter; after all, that's the way he broke in with Cleveland in 1972 when he was the Sporting News Rookie Pitcher of the Year. Well, in 1977, after 68 consecutive relief appearances, Dick was forced into the starting rotation due to injuries and calmly posted a 5-0 record in seven starts - all in August and September.
That's the kind of pitcher he is. Nothing fazes the man his teammates playfully call 'Dirt.' He's been vital to the Yankee staff ever since he appeared in Yankee pinstripes following his trade from Cleveland in 1974. Dick has the distinction of being the winning pitcher in the first game played in the 'new' Yankee Stadium, and since that time all that's happened is two pennants and one World Championship, while Dick Tidrow remains the valuable man of many hats."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Dick proved to be one of the most valuable men on the Yankee pitching staff last year. He began the season as a reliever, both short and long, and became a starter towards the end of the year with injuries to Gullett and Hunter. He responded superbly as a starter, winning five straight decisions. Dick made his first start on August 15 after 68 straight relief appearances. His longest stint of the year was 7.1 innings against the Indians on September 27, getting no decision in the Yanks' 2-1 win. In his seven starts, Dick was 5-0 with a 2.34 ERA, and he had the best winning percentage of his career in 1977. He made two relief appearances in both the playoffs and World Series.
Tidrow has 112 lifetime starts in 251 appearances. His last season as primarily a starter was 1974 when he started all four of his Cleveland appearances and 25 of his 33 Yankee appearances. He's 44-41 lifetime as a starter.
Dick was the winning pitcher in relief in the first game ever played at the 'new' Yankee Stadium in 1976. He pitched 10.2 innings in a relief stint later that year against the Twins, allowing no runs on four hits.
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 with Cleveland in 1972 and won 28 games for the Indians in his first two years. The Yankees obtained him in April of 1974 in a big trade which was considered very controversial at the time, but which looks quite one-sided today.
Dick is nicknamed 'Mr. Dirt.'"
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
Friday, October 24, 2014
1978 Profile: Ed Figueroa
"Over the last three seasons, Ed Figueroa has won 51 games, an average of 17 a year. Not bad for a man who began the 1975 season in the minor leagues.
Although it took Ed eight long seasons with time off for Marine duty in Vietnam to reach the majors, it didn't take him long to earn his niche. After being recalled by the last-place Angels early in '75, he won 16 games. But he really entered the limelight after the trade which brought him and Mickey Rivers to the Yanks for Bobby Bonds. Figgy became the biggest winner (19) on a league-leading staff. And he led them into the World Series.
1977 saw Figgy continue his development as one of the league's top hurlers. Ed won seven of his first ten decisions, carrying the Yankee staff through April and May. He also finished strong, winning four of his final six.
A mutual admiration society has grown up between Ed and the New York fans. After all, two years in Yankee pinstripes have netted him two American League pennants and a World Championship.
Encore! Encore!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
MAY, 1977 YANKEE OF THE MONTH
"Figueroa, the crafty right-hander who barely missed a 20-win season in 1976, finished May with a 6-3 record - tops on the Yankee staff. Figueroa was 4-1 in May at a time when the Yankee pitching staff still hadn't begun to round into pennant race form, and all his decisions were complete games. Thanks to Figueroa's streak of seven complete games (two in April included), the Yanks were still in second place and in a comfortable striking position despite a roller coaster start."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Ed was the Yankees' hottest pitcher during the early part of last season. After dropping his first two starts of the year, he then won five in a row and seven of eight decisions and carried the Yankee staff in April and May. Ed pitched seven straight complete games in his early stretch. He also finished fast, winning four of his last six decisions.
Figgy was among the team leaders in wins, starts, innings and complete games in 1977. His best '77 efforts were a 3-hit shutout over the Angels on May 13, and a 7-hit, 2-0 blanking of the Red Sox in an important game on September 14 that opened up a three-and-a-half game Yankee lead over the Sox.
He has now won at least 16 games for three straight years. Ed won 19 games in 1976 in his first year as a Yankee after coming over from the Angels, leading the team in victories and tying for fourth in the league. He had a hot streak that year, winning 12 of 15 at one point, as the Yankees pulled away in the Eastern Division. Figgy had the fifth best ERA in the A.L. in '75 while winning 16 for California. He's looking to become the first Puerto Rican to win 20 games.
Originally signed by the Mets in 1966, but soon released and signed by the Giants, Ed served in Vietnam with the Marines in 1969. He started the 1975 season in the minors, was brought back, and proved to be the Angels' stopper that year - 15 of his 16 wins followed Angel defeats.
As a member of Puerto Rico's amateur champs in the early '60s, Ed and his teammates won a trip to New York to see a game at Yankee Stadium.
Ed was bothered by injuries in '77, preventing him from having an even better year. He was troubled by inflammation in his right shoulder, a muscle strain on his left side and a sore right index finger at various times."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
Although it took Ed eight long seasons with time off for Marine duty in Vietnam to reach the majors, it didn't take him long to earn his niche. After being recalled by the last-place Angels early in '75, he won 16 games. But he really entered the limelight after the trade which brought him and Mickey Rivers to the Yanks for Bobby Bonds. Figgy became the biggest winner (19) on a league-leading staff. And he led them into the World Series.
1977 saw Figgy continue his development as one of the league's top hurlers. Ed won seven of his first ten decisions, carrying the Yankee staff through April and May. He also finished strong, winning four of his final six.
A mutual admiration society has grown up between Ed and the New York fans. After all, two years in Yankee pinstripes have netted him two American League pennants and a World Championship.
Encore! Encore!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
MAY, 1977 YANKEE OF THE MONTH
"Figueroa, the crafty right-hander who barely missed a 20-win season in 1976, finished May with a 6-3 record - tops on the Yankee staff. Figueroa was 4-1 in May at a time when the Yankee pitching staff still hadn't begun to round into pennant race form, and all his decisions were complete games. Thanks to Figueroa's streak of seven complete games (two in April included), the Yanks were still in second place and in a comfortable striking position despite a roller coaster start."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Ed was the Yankees' hottest pitcher during the early part of last season. After dropping his first two starts of the year, he then won five in a row and seven of eight decisions and carried the Yankee staff in April and May. Ed pitched seven straight complete games in his early stretch. He also finished fast, winning four of his last six decisions.
Figgy was among the team leaders in wins, starts, innings and complete games in 1977. His best '77 efforts were a 3-hit shutout over the Angels on May 13, and a 7-hit, 2-0 blanking of the Red Sox in an important game on September 14 that opened up a three-and-a-half game Yankee lead over the Sox.
He has now won at least 16 games for three straight years. Ed won 19 games in 1976 in his first year as a Yankee after coming over from the Angels, leading the team in victories and tying for fourth in the league. He had a hot streak that year, winning 12 of 15 at one point, as the Yankees pulled away in the Eastern Division. Figgy had the fifth best ERA in the A.L. in '75 while winning 16 for California. He's looking to become the first Puerto Rican to win 20 games.
Originally signed by the Mets in 1966, but soon released and signed by the Giants, Ed served in Vietnam with the Marines in 1969. He started the 1975 season in the minors, was brought back, and proved to be the Angels' stopper that year - 15 of his 16 wins followed Angel defeats.
As a member of Puerto Rico's amateur champs in the early '60s, Ed and his teammates won a trip to New York to see a game at Yankee Stadium.
Ed was bothered by injuries in '77, preventing him from having an even better year. He was troubled by inflammation in his right shoulder, a muscle strain on his left side and a sore right index finger at various times."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
Thursday, October 23, 2014
1978 Profile: Willie Randolph
"Willie keeps getting better all the time.
'He knows how to play the game and he wants to win,' says ex-Yankee Gene Michael. A serious young man who does charitable work without fanfare or publicity, Willie is a local product born in Holly Hills, South Carolina, but raised in Brooklyn. He signed with the Pirates but was traded to the Yankees, and figures to be a fixture at second base for years.
His quick hands make him a whiz at turning the double play. Knee problems curtailed his running game, but he still stole 13 bases in 19 attempts.
He homered off Don Sutton in the '77 World Series opener."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"Willie Randolph had a tough act to follow in 1977. That act was all his, as 1976 was an exceptional rookie season. In that year, he won the Dawson Award as the top Yankee rookie in spring training camp, was the first rookie ever listed on the All-Star ballot, and made the Topps Rookie All-Star team. Tough act indeed!
Hard as it may seem to believe, Willie did top that rookie season. He improved in just about every offensive and defensive category and was voted to the All-Star team in July. He played all nine innings of that Yankee Stadium All-Star Game and set a record for assists by a second baseman. He was also named to three postseason All-Star teams.
With all his accomplishments, it seems as if Willie Randolph has been a ten-year fixture as the Yankee second baseman. But the truth is he won't turn 24 until July, and this is just his third big league season. It would seem as if young Willie has quite a future in this game."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Willie followed up a good rookie year in 1976 with a strong second season in 1977. In '76 he was the first rookie ever listed on the All-Star ballot; he made the team but was replaced due to injury. Willie was voted to the team as a starter in '77 and played all nine innings and set a record for most assists by a second baseman with six. He was also voted to the Associated Press, UPI and Sporting News All-Star teams. Willie was named to the Topps Rookie All-Star team in 1976 and was also given the James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding rookie in the Yankee spring training camp. Quite a list of accomplishments for a player who's only been in the big leagues two years - and both years he played on championship clubs.
Randolph played a solid second base all year, teaming with Bucky Dent to give the Yanks one of the best young double-play combos in baseball. Willie was second in putouts, third in assists, second in total chances and second in double plays.
He had two nine-game hitting streaks last year. His best effort was a 4-for-4 day against the Orioles. He has good speed, stealing in 13 of 19 attempts last year, and had 11 triples, tying him for sixth in the league. After hitting only one home run in his rookie year, Willie had four in '77. He was tough in the clutch last year, batting .305 with men on base.
The Pirates drafted Willie seventh in June 1972, and in 1975 he was leading the International League in hitting, at Charleston, when the Pirates called him up. He didn't play much behind Rennie Stennett, but scouts knew this was a top prospect, and he was the key man the Yankees sought in the trade which brought him to New York.
Willie played winter ball in Venezuela in 1975. In the 1976 off-season he had minor surgery on the outside of his right knee and also had a right shoulder injury in '76, but neither really hampered his play. He stayed pretty healthy in 1977, although he missed some games with a bruised right thumb and a sore right knee.
Although born in South Carolina, Willie and his family moved to the Brownsville section of Brooklyn when he was just a baby. He played stickball in the streets and fields of Canarsie, and baseball at Tilden High School. He has three brothers and a sister, and his brother Terry was drafted in the 11th round by the Green Bay Packers."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
'He knows how to play the game and he wants to win,' says ex-Yankee Gene Michael. A serious young man who does charitable work without fanfare or publicity, Willie is a local product born in Holly Hills, South Carolina, but raised in Brooklyn. He signed with the Pirates but was traded to the Yankees, and figures to be a fixture at second base for years.
His quick hands make him a whiz at turning the double play. Knee problems curtailed his running game, but he still stole 13 bases in 19 attempts.
He homered off Don Sutton in the '77 World Series opener."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"Willie Randolph had a tough act to follow in 1977. That act was all his, as 1976 was an exceptional rookie season. In that year, he won the Dawson Award as the top Yankee rookie in spring training camp, was the first rookie ever listed on the All-Star ballot, and made the Topps Rookie All-Star team. Tough act indeed!
Hard as it may seem to believe, Willie did top that rookie season. He improved in just about every offensive and defensive category and was voted to the All-Star team in July. He played all nine innings of that Yankee Stadium All-Star Game and set a record for assists by a second baseman. He was also named to three postseason All-Star teams.
With all his accomplishments, it seems as if Willie Randolph has been a ten-year fixture as the Yankee second baseman. But the truth is he won't turn 24 until July, and this is just his third big league season. It would seem as if young Willie has quite a future in this game."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Willie followed up a good rookie year in 1976 with a strong second season in 1977. In '76 he was the first rookie ever listed on the All-Star ballot; he made the team but was replaced due to injury. Willie was voted to the team as a starter in '77 and played all nine innings and set a record for most assists by a second baseman with six. He was also voted to the Associated Press, UPI and Sporting News All-Star teams. Willie was named to the Topps Rookie All-Star team in 1976 and was also given the James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding rookie in the Yankee spring training camp. Quite a list of accomplishments for a player who's only been in the big leagues two years - and both years he played on championship clubs.
Randolph played a solid second base all year, teaming with Bucky Dent to give the Yanks one of the best young double-play combos in baseball. Willie was second in putouts, third in assists, second in total chances and second in double plays.
He had two nine-game hitting streaks last year. His best effort was a 4-for-4 day against the Orioles. He has good speed, stealing in 13 of 19 attempts last year, and had 11 triples, tying him for sixth in the league. After hitting only one home run in his rookie year, Willie had four in '77. He was tough in the clutch last year, batting .305 with men on base.
The Pirates drafted Willie seventh in June 1972, and in 1975 he was leading the International League in hitting, at Charleston, when the Pirates called him up. He didn't play much behind Rennie Stennett, but scouts knew this was a top prospect, and he was the key man the Yankees sought in the trade which brought him to New York.
Willie played winter ball in Venezuela in 1975. In the 1976 off-season he had minor surgery on the outside of his right knee and also had a right shoulder injury in '76, but neither really hampered his play. He stayed pretty healthy in 1977, although he missed some games with a bruised right thumb and a sore right knee.
Although born in South Carolina, Willie and his family moved to the Brownsville section of Brooklyn when he was just a baby. He played stickball in the streets and fields of Canarsie, and baseball at Tilden High School. He has three brothers and a sister, and his brother Terry was drafted in the 11th round by the Green Bay Packers."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
1978 Profile: Ken Clay
"Another of the Yankees' outstanding pitching prospects, Ken Clay, was with the Yanks' big club from the beginning of June through the World Series last year. That promotion was warranted when Clay began the season at Syracuse with a 5-1 record and a 1.80 ERA in 10 starts.
He was used primarily in relief by the Yankees after having been a starter throughout most of his minor league career, although he did start three games in 1977. Kenny showed he could handle the pressure of relief work by going three hitless innings against the Dodgers in Game Two of the World Series.
Clay is a lifelong resident of Lynchburg, Virginia where he was a five-letter man in high school. The hard-throwing right-hander has worked his way up through the Yankee farm system since being drafted in June of 1972. It looks as though as he may have climbed right to the top."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Ken Clay joined the Yankees in June of 1977 after compiling a 5-1 record at Syracuse. He was used primarily in relief by the Yankees, after having been a starter throughout most of his minor league career. Ken picked up his first major league win with .1 inning of relief work on August 16 in the Yankees' wild 11-10 win over the White Sox.
One of the Yankees' top pitching prospects, the hard-throwing right-hander has worked his way up through the Yankee farm system. He had his first full season in Triple-A in 1976, and came up with an 11-8 mark, having a great second half.
Ken appeared in relief in Games One and Two of the 1977 World Series. He made three starts last year (against Toronto, Kansas City and Detroit).
A five-letter man at Glass High in Lynchburg, Virginia, Ken is a good basketball player and has worked as a referee in the off-seasons. He's a graduate of the Little League, Babe Ruth League and American Legion programs of Virginia."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
1978 Profile: Rich Gossage
1978 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"The Goose. He found his golden egg with the Yankees and it's worth $3.6 million.
His fastball is elusive. With the Pirates, Goose was second in the National League in ERA, had the most victories among relievers and was third in the league with 26 saves. He led the Pirates in strikeouts.
Goose was a starter for the White Sox in 1976 after a year in which he had 26 saves and was the American League Fireman of the Year.
Born in Colorado Springs, he won his first seven major league decisions, all in relief.
Gossage purchased a mascot for the Pirates ... a goose, naturally."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"Goooose! That cry should fill the air at Yankee Stadium this summer every time Richard Michael Gossage is summoned from the bullpen. Rich, one of baseball's top relief pitchers, dons Yankee pinstripes after signing in November of 1977.
Gossage was the Yankees' #1 pick in the Free Agent Draft, and no doubt the man the Yanks were after right from the start. The 6-3, 210-pounder possesses a blazing fastball, and he used it to muster 11 wins, 26 saves and a 1.62 ERA in 1977. And Gossage won't turn 27 years old until July.
Rich came up in the White Sox organization and roomed with new teammate Bucky Dent in 1970, their first pro season. In 1975 he was the American League's Fireman of the Year with 26 saves and nine wins. The native of Colorado Springs, Colorado went to the Pirates in a post-1976 season trade, where he notched that amazing record in 72 games last year.
If you see any smiling faces among National League batters, it's probably because they are happy to see the Goose return to the American League. But none are as happy as the Yankees, considering that the American League club he's pitching for is based in New York."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Gossage was the Yankees' number one pick in the 1977 Free Agent Draft. One of the top relief pitchers in baseball, he signed a six-year contract with the Yankees.
Rich is coming off his best year in the major leagues. He appeared in a Pirate record 72 games with an 11-9 mark, 26 saves and a 1.62 ERA - all this while pitching primarily on astroturf. Six times he shared shutouts, finishing all six of them.
A teammate of Yankee shortstop Bucky Dent in the White Sox organization, they both began with Sarasota in 1970. In 1971, Rich moved to Appleton and had a phenomenal season as a starter, compiling an 18-2 record and being named the Midwest League's Player of the Year. He made the jump from A ball to the White Sox in 1972, making his major league debut at the age of 19. He won his first seven big-league decisions, all in relief, his only loss that year being his only starting assignment, at the end of the season.
The American League's Fireman of the Year in 1975 while with the White Sox, Rich compiled a league leading 26 saves, with a 9-8 record in 62 games and a 1.84 ERA. He allowed only three homers and 99 hits in 142 innings pitched.
He was made a starter for the Sox in 1976 but went back to the bullpen for the Pirates last year. His most impressive outing last season was a game against the Dodgers on May 19 in which he struck out eight of the eleven men he faced.
Nicknamed Goose, he was the primary acquisition the Yankees wanted to make in the Free Agent Draft. Yankee scout Birdie Tebbets said he was the most valuable man on the list, and suggested the Yanks let no contending American League club get him.
Rich possesses an exceptional fastball and is a strikeout pitcher.
He likes to hunt and fish in the winter."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
"The Goose. He found his golden egg with the Yankees and it's worth $3.6 million.
His fastball is elusive. With the Pirates, Goose was second in the National League in ERA, had the most victories among relievers and was third in the league with 26 saves. He led the Pirates in strikeouts.
Goose was a starter for the White Sox in 1976 after a year in which he had 26 saves and was the American League Fireman of the Year.
Born in Colorado Springs, he won his first seven major league decisions, all in relief.
Gossage purchased a mascot for the Pirates ... a goose, naturally."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"Goooose! That cry should fill the air at Yankee Stadium this summer every time Richard Michael Gossage is summoned from the bullpen. Rich, one of baseball's top relief pitchers, dons Yankee pinstripes after signing in November of 1977.
Gossage was the Yankees' #1 pick in the Free Agent Draft, and no doubt the man the Yanks were after right from the start. The 6-3, 210-pounder possesses a blazing fastball, and he used it to muster 11 wins, 26 saves and a 1.62 ERA in 1977. And Gossage won't turn 27 years old until July.
Rich came up in the White Sox organization and roomed with new teammate Bucky Dent in 1970, their first pro season. In 1975 he was the American League's Fireman of the Year with 26 saves and nine wins. The native of Colorado Springs, Colorado went to the Pirates in a post-1976 season trade, where he notched that amazing record in 72 games last year.
If you see any smiling faces among National League batters, it's probably because they are happy to see the Goose return to the American League. But none are as happy as the Yankees, considering that the American League club he's pitching for is based in New York."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Gossage was the Yankees' number one pick in the 1977 Free Agent Draft. One of the top relief pitchers in baseball, he signed a six-year contract with the Yankees.
Rich is coming off his best year in the major leagues. He appeared in a Pirate record 72 games with an 11-9 mark, 26 saves and a 1.62 ERA - all this while pitching primarily on astroturf. Six times he shared shutouts, finishing all six of them.
A teammate of Yankee shortstop Bucky Dent in the White Sox organization, they both began with Sarasota in 1970. In 1971, Rich moved to Appleton and had a phenomenal season as a starter, compiling an 18-2 record and being named the Midwest League's Player of the Year. He made the jump from A ball to the White Sox in 1972, making his major league debut at the age of 19. He won his first seven big-league decisions, all in relief, his only loss that year being his only starting assignment, at the end of the season.
The American League's Fireman of the Year in 1975 while with the White Sox, Rich compiled a league leading 26 saves, with a 9-8 record in 62 games and a 1.84 ERA. He allowed only three homers and 99 hits in 142 innings pitched.
He was made a starter for the Sox in 1976 but went back to the bullpen for the Pirates last year. His most impressive outing last season was a game against the Dodgers on May 19 in which he struck out eight of the eleven men he faced.
Nicknamed Goose, he was the primary acquisition the Yankees wanted to make in the Free Agent Draft. Yankee scout Birdie Tebbets said he was the most valuable man on the list, and suggested the Yanks let no contending American League club get him.
Rich possesses an exceptional fastball and is a strikeout pitcher.
He likes to hunt and fish in the winter."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
Monday, October 20, 2014
1978 Profile: Paul Blair
"Long recognized as one of baseball's finest defensive outfielders, Paul Blair enters his second season in Yankee pinstripes. Paul continued his brilliant fielding for the Yanks, and his spectacular circus catches and strong throwing arm brought the Stadium faithful to their feet many times during the season. That kind of fielding has earned Paul eight Gold Glove awards.
But Blair also contributed many clutch hits to the Yankee cause. It was his ninth-inning single that beat the Red Sox in an important game at the Stadium in June. In addition, his 12th inning single drove in the winning run in the opening game of the 1977 World Series. Paul also had a key late-inning hit in the rally that beat the Royals for the American League pennant.
Paul is no stranger to postseason play, as he has now played on six division winners, five pennant winners and three World Championship teams. The Yanks hope 1978 finds Paul Blair adding to those totals."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Long recognized as one of baseball's finest defensive outfielders, Paul is in his second year as a Yankee after spending 14 seasons with the Orioles. He played on five division winners, four pennant winners and two World Championship clubs with the Orioles, and then felt right at home as a member of the World Champion Yankees in his first year with them.
Paul did a brilliant job filling in as an outfielder for the Yanks, and also proved to be a clutch batter, coming up with six game-winning hits in 1977, including a dramatic ninth inning single to beat the Red Sox in an important game at the Stadium in June. He started the fifth game of the ALCS against the Royals, and his 12th inning single gave the Yanks victory in the opening game of the World Series.
A member of two All-Star teams and winner of eight Gold Glove awards (1967, 1969-75), Paul was 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 key 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 (9).
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 of game 3 of the series with five RBIs.
Paul suffered a serious beaning in May 1970 when he was struck by a pitch by California's Ken Tatum, causing 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 and shared the Most Valuable Oriole award with Mike Cuellar in 1974.
Blair has good speed and has hit as many as 26 homers in a single season (1969), and hit three homers in one game (1970). He's also a good basketball player.
Paul is an accomplished public speaker, and after making his home in the New York area this past winter did many banquets and clinics."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
But Blair also contributed many clutch hits to the Yankee cause. It was his ninth-inning single that beat the Red Sox in an important game at the Stadium in June. In addition, his 12th inning single drove in the winning run in the opening game of the 1977 World Series. Paul also had a key late-inning hit in the rally that beat the Royals for the American League pennant.
Paul is no stranger to postseason play, as he has now played on six division winners, five pennant winners and three World Championship teams. The Yanks hope 1978 finds Paul Blair adding to those totals."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Long recognized as one of baseball's finest defensive outfielders, Paul is in his second year as a Yankee after spending 14 seasons with the Orioles. He played on five division winners, four pennant winners and two World Championship clubs with the Orioles, and then felt right at home as a member of the World Champion Yankees in his first year with them.
Paul did a brilliant job filling in as an outfielder for the Yanks, and also proved to be a clutch batter, coming up with six game-winning hits in 1977, including a dramatic ninth inning single to beat the Red Sox in an important game at the Stadium in June. He started the fifth game of the ALCS against the Royals, and his 12th inning single gave the Yanks victory in the opening game of the World Series.
A member of two All-Star teams and winner of eight Gold Glove awards (1967, 1969-75), Paul was 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 key 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 (9).
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 of game 3 of the series with five RBIs.
Paul suffered a serious beaning in May 1970 when he was struck by a pitch by California's Ken Tatum, causing 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 and shared the Most Valuable Oriole award with Mike Cuellar in 1974.
Blair has good speed and has hit as many as 26 homers in a single season (1969), and hit three homers in one game (1970). He's also a good basketball player.
Paul is an accomplished public speaker, and after making his home in the New York area this past winter did many banquets and clinics."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
1978 Profile: Rawly Eastwick
"Rawly Eastwick hopes his latest change in scenery turns out better than the last. In two and a half seasons with Cincinnati, Rawly fashioned 18 wins, 55 saves and an ERA below 2.50. Then came a mid-1977 trade to St. Louis, and a falling off from previous form.
The Yankees are looking for the 6-3, 180-pound South Jersey native to regain the touch that enabled him to win the National League's Fireman of the Year award in 1976 and tie for the league lead in saves in 1975. That hope is based on Rawly's competitive nature and ability to perform well in the clutch, as evidenced by his perfect 4-0 record in Championship and World Series competition.
Only 27, the personable right-hander should have a lot of good seasons to look forward to. And the fans at Yankee Stadium can look forward to another ace in an already formidable bullpen."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"The 1976 Fireman of the Year in the National League with the Cincinnati Reds, Eastwick spent last year with Cincinnati and St. Louis and came up with 11 saves, although troubled most of the year with contract problems.
While winning the Fireman award in '76, Rawly appeared in 71 games, coming up with 26 saves to go along with an 11-5 record and a 2.08 ERA. He finished strong that season - in his last 35 appearances, covering 49 innings, he gave up only seven earned runs and had a 6-2 record, with 17 saves and a 1.29 ERA. He yielded only three home runs in 108 innings pitched that year and was named to UPI's National League All-Star team.
Used primarily as a relief specialist throughout his professional career, which started back in 1969 at Bradenton, Florida, Rawly started his first major league game last year with St. Louis. In 1972 at Three Rivers, he led the Eastern League in games (66) and saves (20).
Eastwick made his major league debut in 1974, appearing in eight games for the Reds with two saves. In 1975 he tied for the National League lead in saves with 22, the same year his new bullpen partner Rich Gossage led the American League in saves with 26. He has a combined 4-0 mark in Championship and World Series competition.
Rawly was a high school star at Haddonfield (New Jersey) Memorial High School, where he was All-State and second-team All-American in baseball in 1969. He recorded 27 high school career wins, including six 1-hitters and twelve 2-hitters, while striking out 245 batters in 148 innings pitched. Rawly was also a wrestling district champion (1968-1969) and runner-up the regional champ in 1969."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
The Yankees are looking for the 6-3, 180-pound South Jersey native to regain the touch that enabled him to win the National League's Fireman of the Year award in 1976 and tie for the league lead in saves in 1975. That hope is based on Rawly's competitive nature and ability to perform well in the clutch, as evidenced by his perfect 4-0 record in Championship and World Series competition.
Only 27, the personable right-hander should have a lot of good seasons to look forward to. And the fans at Yankee Stadium can look forward to another ace in an already formidable bullpen."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"The 1976 Fireman of the Year in the National League with the Cincinnati Reds, Eastwick spent last year with Cincinnati and St. Louis and came up with 11 saves, although troubled most of the year with contract problems.
While winning the Fireman award in '76, Rawly appeared in 71 games, coming up with 26 saves to go along with an 11-5 record and a 2.08 ERA. He finished strong that season - in his last 35 appearances, covering 49 innings, he gave up only seven earned runs and had a 6-2 record, with 17 saves and a 1.29 ERA. He yielded only three home runs in 108 innings pitched that year and was named to UPI's National League All-Star team.
Used primarily as a relief specialist throughout his professional career, which started back in 1969 at Bradenton, Florida, Rawly started his first major league game last year with St. Louis. In 1972 at Three Rivers, he led the Eastern League in games (66) and saves (20).
Eastwick made his major league debut in 1974, appearing in eight games for the Reds with two saves. In 1975 he tied for the National League lead in saves with 22, the same year his new bullpen partner Rich Gossage led the American League in saves with 26. He has a combined 4-0 mark in Championship and World Series competition.
Rawly was a high school star at Haddonfield (New Jersey) Memorial High School, where he was All-State and second-team All-American in baseball in 1969. He recorded 27 high school career wins, including six 1-hitters and twelve 2-hitters, while striking out 245 batters in 148 innings pitched. Rawly was also a wrestling district champion (1968-1969) and runner-up the regional champ in 1969."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
Sunday, October 19, 2014
1978 Profile: Graig Nettles
1978 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Having his finest year, with 37 homers (missing his second straight title by two) and his first time over 100 RBIs, Graig was finally acknowledged as the league's best third baseman with his first Gold Glove.
'A gamer,' says Billy Martin. 'He plays hurt and he doesn't let his defense suffer when he's not hitting.' Graig has missed only 22 games in five seasons with New York. He joined the 200 home run club and broke club records for home runs and RBIs by a third baseman.
'I get as much kick out of saving a game with a great play as winning one with a home run.' Born in San Diego, Nettles was named the all-time Yankee third baseman, but he's still underpublicized and underpaid.
'I guess I'm just not controversial enough.'"
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"Graig Nettles had his best season ever in 1976 when he led the American League in home runs with 32.
Best season ever, that is, until last year. Graig was simply spectacular. With the bat, Graig set personal highs in home runs (37), RBIs (107) and runs (99). Over the last four years, only four players in baseball have hit more home runs than Nettles, and he has played in 150 or more games for eight straight years.
In the field, Graig won the Gold Glove award, symbol of the best fielder at his position. He finished second in the league in fielding percentage, putouts and total chances. Graig has exceptional range, and most experts feel that he is the best fielding third baseman in the game.
In addition to his Gold Glove, Graig was named to two postseason All-Star teams, finished fifth in the MVP voting (but was the highest Yankee) and was named a panel of experts as the All-Time Yankee third baseman.
All in all, it was quite a season for the durable and popular Nettles."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
1977 MOST VALUABLE YANKEE (5th in American League MVP voting)
"1977 was the year Graig Nettles' underrated talents were finally appreciated. He had his finest season as a major leaguer, driving 100 runs for the first time (107) while finishing second in the home run race with 37 - five more than he hit the year before while winning the title. In addition, his fielding was unsurpassed by any third baseman in the league."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
JULY, 1977 YANKEE OF THE MONTH
"Graig Nettles finally got his due in 1977, and the slick-fielding, power-hitting third baseman didn't disappoint his backers during the month of July.
He began the month with 15 homers, finished it with 24 and was a potent force in the Yanks' determined drive to stay even with Baltimore and Boston. In addition to homers on July 4, 8, 21 and 28 which contributed to Yankee victories, Nettles also belted two in the Yanks' 4-3 loss to the Orioles on July 11. They were the 199th and 200th of his career."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Graig had possibly his finest year in 1977 as he led the Yanks in home runs with 37, finishing second in the American League after winning the home run title in 1976 with 32. He exceeded 100 RBIs for the first time in his career (107), finishing seventh in the league, and he scored 99 runs, leading the club and finishing 10th in the league. Graig set personal highs in home runs, RBIs and runs, and also finished 10th in the league in total bases with 292.
Over the last four years, Graig has hit 112 home runs (22, 21, 32, 37) and only four players (Mike Schmidt, Reggie Jackson, Dave Kingman, Jeff Burroughs) have hit more in that time. He now holds the records for most home runs and RBIs by a Yankee third baseman in a single year and has played in 150 or games for eight consecutive years. Graig was voted to the starting lineup in the 1975 All-Star Game, and to the Sporting News All-Star team that year.
Named to the Sporting News and UPI All-Star teams at third base last year, Graig won a Gold Glove and finished fifth in the MVP voting, highest on the Yankees. Many now feel that Graig is the finest fielding third baseman in baseball. He finished second in the league in fielding percentage, putouts and total chances.
Graig was the American League's Player of the Month for August last year, a month in which he batted .340 with 10 home runs, 25 RBIs and 20 runs scored. He was also the league's Player of the Week, August 15-21, his hottest stretch being seven home runs in 12 days in August. Four times last year Graig was involved in back-to-back Yankee homers, and had nine game-winning RBIs.
Nettles was named the All-Time Yankee third baseman in a special poll of sportswriters last year. By winning the homer title in '76 Graig was the first Yankee to do that since Maris hit 61 back in '61. He has missed only 17 games in his five years as a New Yorker and has led the Yanks in home runs four times.
While with the Indians, Graig set records for assists by a third baseman in a season (412 in 1971) and for double plays by a third baseman in a season (54 in 1971). He was Cleveland's Man of the Year in 1971.
He was a baseball and basketball star at San Diego State before signing with the Twins in 1966. A member of the 1969 Western Division champs managed by Billy Martin, Graig is an accomplished golfer.
Nettles shares the major league home run record for the month of April with Willie Stargell, as he hit 11 in 1974. He also had a streak of 10 straight RBI games, one short of the record shared by Babe Ruth and Mel Ott."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
"Having his finest year, with 37 homers (missing his second straight title by two) and his first time over 100 RBIs, Graig was finally acknowledged as the league's best third baseman with his first Gold Glove.
'A gamer,' says Billy Martin. 'He plays hurt and he doesn't let his defense suffer when he's not hitting.' Graig has missed only 22 games in five seasons with New York. He joined the 200 home run club and broke club records for home runs and RBIs by a third baseman.
'I get as much kick out of saving a game with a great play as winning one with a home run.' Born in San Diego, Nettles was named the all-time Yankee third baseman, but he's still underpublicized and underpaid.
'I guess I'm just not controversial enough.'"
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"Graig Nettles had his best season ever in 1976 when he led the American League in home runs with 32.
Best season ever, that is, until last year. Graig was simply spectacular. With the bat, Graig set personal highs in home runs (37), RBIs (107) and runs (99). Over the last four years, only four players in baseball have hit more home runs than Nettles, and he has played in 150 or more games for eight straight years.
In the field, Graig won the Gold Glove award, symbol of the best fielder at his position. He finished second in the league in fielding percentage, putouts and total chances. Graig has exceptional range, and most experts feel that he is the best fielding third baseman in the game.
In addition to his Gold Glove, Graig was named to two postseason All-Star teams, finished fifth in the MVP voting (but was the highest Yankee) and was named a panel of experts as the All-Time Yankee third baseman.
All in all, it was quite a season for the durable and popular Nettles."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
1977 MOST VALUABLE YANKEE (5th in American League MVP voting)
"1977 was the year Graig Nettles' underrated talents were finally appreciated. He had his finest season as a major leaguer, driving 100 runs for the first time (107) while finishing second in the home run race with 37 - five more than he hit the year before while winning the title. In addition, his fielding was unsurpassed by any third baseman in the league."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
JULY, 1977 YANKEE OF THE MONTH
"Graig Nettles finally got his due in 1977, and the slick-fielding, power-hitting third baseman didn't disappoint his backers during the month of July.
He began the month with 15 homers, finished it with 24 and was a potent force in the Yanks' determined drive to stay even with Baltimore and Boston. In addition to homers on July 4, 8, 21 and 28 which contributed to Yankee victories, Nettles also belted two in the Yanks' 4-3 loss to the Orioles on July 11. They were the 199th and 200th of his career."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Graig had possibly his finest year in 1977 as he led the Yanks in home runs with 37, finishing second in the American League after winning the home run title in 1976 with 32. He exceeded 100 RBIs for the first time in his career (107), finishing seventh in the league, and he scored 99 runs, leading the club and finishing 10th in the league. Graig set personal highs in home runs, RBIs and runs, and also finished 10th in the league in total bases with 292.
Over the last four years, Graig has hit 112 home runs (22, 21, 32, 37) and only four players (Mike Schmidt, Reggie Jackson, Dave Kingman, Jeff Burroughs) have hit more in that time. He now holds the records for most home runs and RBIs by a Yankee third baseman in a single year and has played in 150 or games for eight consecutive years. Graig was voted to the starting lineup in the 1975 All-Star Game, and to the Sporting News All-Star team that year.
Named to the Sporting News and UPI All-Star teams at third base last year, Graig won a Gold Glove and finished fifth in the MVP voting, highest on the Yankees. Many now feel that Graig is the finest fielding third baseman in baseball. He finished second in the league in fielding percentage, putouts and total chances.
Graig was the American League's Player of the Month for August last year, a month in which he batted .340 with 10 home runs, 25 RBIs and 20 runs scored. He was also the league's Player of the Week, August 15-21, his hottest stretch being seven home runs in 12 days in August. Four times last year Graig was involved in back-to-back Yankee homers, and had nine game-winning RBIs.
Nettles was named the All-Time Yankee third baseman in a special poll of sportswriters last year. By winning the homer title in '76 Graig was the first Yankee to do that since Maris hit 61 back in '61. He has missed only 17 games in his five years as a New Yorker and has led the Yanks in home runs four times.
While with the Indians, Graig set records for assists by a third baseman in a season (412 in 1971) and for double plays by a third baseman in a season (54 in 1971). He was Cleveland's Man of the Year in 1971.
He was a baseball and basketball star at San Diego State before signing with the Twins in 1966. A member of the 1969 Western Division champs managed by Billy Martin, Graig is an accomplished golfer.
Nettles shares the major league home run record for the month of April with Willie Stargell, as he hit 11 in 1974. He also had a streak of 10 straight RBI games, one short of the record shared by Babe Ruth and Mel Ott."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
Saturday, October 18, 2014
1978 Profile: Ron Guidry
1978 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"After a horrible spring training (an ERA over 10), he emerged as the Yankees' most consistent starter. Guidry could be the next pitching superstar in the American League. He has a super arm, his fastball is timed at 96 MPH and he has remarkable strength for his size.
Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, Ron is a great all-around athlete who helps himself in the field and is used as a pinch runner.
'We always knew he had a great arm,' says Billy Martin. 'It was just a matter of him gaining the confidence. A lot of people thought he was a seven-inning pitcher and maybe he began believing it, too. He had to learn he could finish games.' He completed nine and tied for second in the league with five shutouts."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"It was a year of firsts for Ron Guidry, who became the most pleasant surprise on the Yankees' pitching staff last season.
Ron picked up his first major league win in April ... he got his first complete game and shutout in June ... he was the first starting pitching named in the MVP balloting ... and he was the first left-handed starter named in the Cy Young voting.
All of this occurred in Guidry's first full big league season; which led, naturally, to his pitching on his first World Championship team. And pitch he did! Ron tied for the staff lead in wins and led the Yankee pitchers down the stretch when he won 10 of his final 12 decisions. He followed that with two wins in as many decisions in postseason play.
Despite being only 5-11, 161 pounds, Guidry is an extremely hard thrower and had the second best strikeout per game ratio in the league in 1977. He runs fast as well and was called upon as a pinch runner many times during the season.
It took the 27-year-old Louisiana native a while to make it to the majors full time, but Guidry, the Yankees, and the Stadium fans agree it was all worth the wait."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"It was a year of firsts for Ron Guidry, who became the most pleasant surprise on the Yankees' pitching staff last season. Ron picked up his first major league win in relief on April 13 against Kansas City. He got his first complete game and his first shutout in a 7-0 blanking of the Royals on June 16.
Ron, who had his problems in spring training, basically held the Yankee pitching together when injuries and ineffectiveness hit the staff. 1977 was his first full season with the Yankees; he was back and forth between the Yankees and Syracuse for the 1975 and the 1976 seasons.
Ron was used in relief in six of his first seven appearances last season, picking up a win and a save. He started his first game of the year, only his second lifetime start, on April 29 against Seattle, then, when he started on May 17 at Oakland, it was the first of 24 straight starts the rest of the year. Ron went 8.1 innings in four starts before he finally picked up his first complete game.
He led Yankee pitchers with five shutouts, second in the league, and he shared two others with Sparky Lyle. Two of the shutouts were back-to-back, a 2-hitter vs. Texas on August 28, and a 6-hitter vs. Minnesota on September 2. He gave up only one run in 26 innings in three starts from August 16 to September 2.
Ron went 10-2 after the All-Star break, including eight in a row down the stretch, and had wins in the playoffs and World Series.
An extremely hard thrower despite his size, Ron had the second best strikeout per game ratio in the league, fanning 7.5 for every nine innings, with Nolan Ryan at 10.2 and Frank Tanana also at 7.5. Ron also possesses great running speed, scoring two runs as a pinch runner last season.
A starter his first three years in pro ball, Guidry became a relief pitcher in 1974 at West Haven. The following year at Syracuse, he struck out 79 in 63 innings.
Ron finished 18th in the '77 MVP voting, but he was the first starting pitcher named. He finished seventh in the Cy Young voting, highest among left-handed starters. Very popular in his hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana, Ron signed a three-year extension to his contract at a press conference there this winter.
Guidry was an avid Yankee fan as a youngster. Although there was no baseball team at his high school, Ron hurled a no-hitter at the University of Southwestern Louisiana.
Ron is an avid chess player. He is of French ancestry."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
GUIDRY ... WHAT A START!
"With the Yankee pitching staff riddled by injuries this year, the only relief Billy Martin had occurred once every five days when he was able to write Ron Guidry's name on the lineup card, and be assured of a win. Ron proved to be the only reliable Yankee starter in the early going, setting Yankee and American League records in the process. Ron won his first 13 decisions on the season, breaking the Yankee record for consecutive wins at the start of a season, which were 12-0 starts by Tom Zachary in 1929 and Atley Donald in 1939 (Donald, by the way, is the scout who signed Ron to a Yankee contract in 1971).
In winning his first 13 games, Ron was leading the major leagues in wins and ERA, and was the American League's new strikeout king, replacing Nolan Ryan at the top. The highlight of the early going was Ron's 18-strikeout performance against the Angels on June 17, breaking the Yankee strikeout record, which had been set by Bob Shawkey way back in 1919, and setting a new record for American League left-handers.
Ron was named the American League Player of the Month for June, a month in which he went 5-0, including back-to-back shutouts over the A's and Angels, and had put together a string of 21 straight scoreless innings over three games. He also had consecutive strikeout games of 11, 10, 11 and 18. Ron proved to be a genuine stopper for the Yanks as 11 of his first wins followed Yankee defeats.
So it was not too hard to figure out that during the early months of the season, the Yankee pitching staff was spelled G-U-I-D-R-Y."
-New York Yankees 1978 Scorebook and Official Magazine
"After a horrible spring training (an ERA over 10), he emerged as the Yankees' most consistent starter. Guidry could be the next pitching superstar in the American League. He has a super arm, his fastball is timed at 96 MPH and he has remarkable strength for his size.
Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, Ron is a great all-around athlete who helps himself in the field and is used as a pinch runner.
'We always knew he had a great arm,' says Billy Martin. 'It was just a matter of him gaining the confidence. A lot of people thought he was a seven-inning pitcher and maybe he began believing it, too. He had to learn he could finish games.' He completed nine and tied for second in the league with five shutouts."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"It was a year of firsts for Ron Guidry, who became the most pleasant surprise on the Yankees' pitching staff last season.
Ron picked up his first major league win in April ... he got his first complete game and shutout in June ... he was the first starting pitching named in the MVP balloting ... and he was the first left-handed starter named in the Cy Young voting.
All of this occurred in Guidry's first full big league season; which led, naturally, to his pitching on his first World Championship team. And pitch he did! Ron tied for the staff lead in wins and led the Yankee pitchers down the stretch when he won 10 of his final 12 decisions. He followed that with two wins in as many decisions in postseason play.
Despite being only 5-11, 161 pounds, Guidry is an extremely hard thrower and had the second best strikeout per game ratio in the league in 1977. He runs fast as well and was called upon as a pinch runner many times during the season.
It took the 27-year-old Louisiana native a while to make it to the majors full time, but Guidry, the Yankees, and the Stadium fans agree it was all worth the wait."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"It was a year of firsts for Ron Guidry, who became the most pleasant surprise on the Yankees' pitching staff last season. Ron picked up his first major league win in relief on April 13 against Kansas City. He got his first complete game and his first shutout in a 7-0 blanking of the Royals on June 16.
Ron, who had his problems in spring training, basically held the Yankee pitching together when injuries and ineffectiveness hit the staff. 1977 was his first full season with the Yankees; he was back and forth between the Yankees and Syracuse for the 1975 and the 1976 seasons.
Ron was used in relief in six of his first seven appearances last season, picking up a win and a save. He started his first game of the year, only his second lifetime start, on April 29 against Seattle, then, when he started on May 17 at Oakland, it was the first of 24 straight starts the rest of the year. Ron went 8.1 innings in four starts before he finally picked up his first complete game.
He led Yankee pitchers with five shutouts, second in the league, and he shared two others with Sparky Lyle. Two of the shutouts were back-to-back, a 2-hitter vs. Texas on August 28, and a 6-hitter vs. Minnesota on September 2. He gave up only one run in 26 innings in three starts from August 16 to September 2.
Ron went 10-2 after the All-Star break, including eight in a row down the stretch, and had wins in the playoffs and World Series.
An extremely hard thrower despite his size, Ron had the second best strikeout per game ratio in the league, fanning 7.5 for every nine innings, with Nolan Ryan at 10.2 and Frank Tanana also at 7.5. Ron also possesses great running speed, scoring two runs as a pinch runner last season.
A starter his first three years in pro ball, Guidry became a relief pitcher in 1974 at West Haven. The following year at Syracuse, he struck out 79 in 63 innings.
Ron finished 18th in the '77 MVP voting, but he was the first starting pitcher named. He finished seventh in the Cy Young voting, highest among left-handed starters. Very popular in his hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana, Ron signed a three-year extension to his contract at a press conference there this winter.
Guidry was an avid Yankee fan as a youngster. Although there was no baseball team at his high school, Ron hurled a no-hitter at the University of Southwestern Louisiana.
Ron is an avid chess player. He is of French ancestry."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
GUIDRY ... WHAT A START!
"With the Yankee pitching staff riddled by injuries this year, the only relief Billy Martin had occurred once every five days when he was able to write Ron Guidry's name on the lineup card, and be assured of a win. Ron proved to be the only reliable Yankee starter in the early going, setting Yankee and American League records in the process. Ron won his first 13 decisions on the season, breaking the Yankee record for consecutive wins at the start of a season, which were 12-0 starts by Tom Zachary in 1929 and Atley Donald in 1939 (Donald, by the way, is the scout who signed Ron to a Yankee contract in 1971).
In winning his first 13 games, Ron was leading the major leagues in wins and ERA, and was the American League's new strikeout king, replacing Nolan Ryan at the top. The highlight of the early going was Ron's 18-strikeout performance against the Angels on June 17, breaking the Yankee strikeout record, which had been set by Bob Shawkey way back in 1919, and setting a new record for American League left-handers.
Ron was named the American League Player of the Month for June, a month in which he went 5-0, including back-to-back shutouts over the A's and Angels, and had put together a string of 21 straight scoreless innings over three games. He also had consecutive strikeout games of 11, 10, 11 and 18. Ron proved to be a genuine stopper for the Yanks as 11 of his first wins followed Yankee defeats.
So it was not too hard to figure out that during the early months of the season, the Yankee pitching staff was spelled G-U-I-D-R-Y."
-New York Yankees 1978 Scorebook and Official Magazine
Friday, October 17, 2014
1978 Profile: Jim Spencer
"Off-season acquisition Jim Spencer adds depth to the Yankee lineup. Jim is a veteran American Leaguer and possesses the highest fielding percentage by a first baseman in baseball history (.995). He is without a doubt one of the finest fielding first basemen in the game.
But the left-hand hitting slugger can also hit. Last year, he twice had two home runs and eight RBIs in a game, and pounded out 18 home runs, tying a career high.
Jim is 6-2 and weighs 195 pounds, and he is a resident of Linthicum, Maryland and 30 years old. The Yankees expect Spencer to provide added depth at both first base and as a designated hitter. He has shown that he can do the job, and the Yankees welcome someone with his kind of experience and talent.
Welcome aboard, Jim Spencer."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"In Jim Spencer, the Yankees pick up one of the best fielding first basemen in baseball. He was the American League's Gold Glove first baseman last year, committing only 10 errors. In 1976, he led all A.L. first basemen in fielding, committing only two errors that year, a .998 fielding percentage. Jim possesses the best fielding percentage by a first baseman in baseball history, .995, based on first basemen who have played 1,000 or more games at the position.
Jim had a 10-game and a 9-game hitting streak last year, and his 18 home runs last year tied his career high, done in 1971 with the Angels. In 1977, he twice had two home runs and eight RBIs in a game, May 14 vs. Cleveland and July 2 vs. Minnesota. Jim played in the 1973 All-Star Game.
He was the California Angels' first selection in the free agent draft of June 1965 and broke in with Quad Cities that year. Jim hit 63 home runs and had 222 RBIs the next three years at El Paso, earning a trial with the Angels in 1968. He led the Texas League in '68 in homers (28), total bases (267) and RBIs (96). He was a unanimous Texas League All-Star selection in 1967 and 1968 and was Texas League MVP in '68.
The grandson of Ben Spencer, an outfielder with Washington in 1913, Jim played Little League, Pony, Colt and American Legion baseball. He starred in baseball and basketball at Andover High School (Linthicum, Maryland) and his four-year high school batting average was .407. He played in Yankee Stadium in 1963 in the annual Hearst Sandlot Game and hit a home run for one of his greatest thrills.
Jim's hobbies are golf and hunting."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
But the left-hand hitting slugger can also hit. Last year, he twice had two home runs and eight RBIs in a game, and pounded out 18 home runs, tying a career high.
Jim is 6-2 and weighs 195 pounds, and he is a resident of Linthicum, Maryland and 30 years old. The Yankees expect Spencer to provide added depth at both first base and as a designated hitter. He has shown that he can do the job, and the Yankees welcome someone with his kind of experience and talent.
Welcome aboard, Jim Spencer."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"In Jim Spencer, the Yankees pick up one of the best fielding first basemen in baseball. He was the American League's Gold Glove first baseman last year, committing only 10 errors. In 1976, he led all A.L. first basemen in fielding, committing only two errors that year, a .998 fielding percentage. Jim possesses the best fielding percentage by a first baseman in baseball history, .995, based on first basemen who have played 1,000 or more games at the position.
Jim had a 10-game and a 9-game hitting streak last year, and his 18 home runs last year tied his career high, done in 1971 with the Angels. In 1977, he twice had two home runs and eight RBIs in a game, May 14 vs. Cleveland and July 2 vs. Minnesota. Jim played in the 1973 All-Star Game.
He was the California Angels' first selection in the free agent draft of June 1965 and broke in with Quad Cities that year. Jim hit 63 home runs and had 222 RBIs the next three years at El Paso, earning a trial with the Angels in 1968. He led the Texas League in '68 in homers (28), total bases (267) and RBIs (96). He was a unanimous Texas League All-Star selection in 1967 and 1968 and was Texas League MVP in '68.
The grandson of Ben Spencer, an outfielder with Washington in 1913, Jim played Little League, Pony, Colt and American Legion baseball. He starred in baseball and basketball at Andover High School (Linthicum, Maryland) and his four-year high school batting average was .407. He played in Yankee Stadium in 1963 in the annual Hearst Sandlot Game and hit a home run for one of his greatest thrills.
Jim's hobbies are golf and hunting."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
1978 Profile: Fred Stanley
"Fred Stanley relinquished his starting position to Bucky Dent in 1977 but proved to be a valuable backup in the Yankee infield. Stanley is outstanding defensively, and besides playing shortstop, filled in at second and third quite a bit.
In 1976, he had his best season and seems to improve both defensively and with the bat each year. He helped bring along then-rookie Willie Randolph and they formed an excellent keystone combination. Known as 'Chicken' for the way he runs, Stanley has always been a fine fielder, possessing good range and an accurate throwing arm.
Stanley is a popular man in the clubhouse and with the Stadium fans and is always greeted with a loud ovation whenever he enters the game. He is indeed a valuable man to have around."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"The Yanks' number one shortstop in 1975 and 1976, Stanley spent last season as a backup to Bucky Dent. Outstanding defensively, he can also fill in at second and third.
He's one of the few players who was with the Yankees in the 'old' Yankee Stadium, and he hit the last grand slam there, connecting on September 8, 1973 against Milwaukee.
Fred had his best season with the bat in 1976, his average reaching as high as .277. He batted a respectable .261 last year, including his third home run as a Yankee, and it won a game on July 2 when he connected for a two-run shot off John Hiller in the eighth inning to beat the Tigers, 6-4.
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.
Raised in Whittier, California, where he played Little League, Colt League and American Legion ball, Fred was a business major in college and later, a sergeant in the Army. He switch-hit briefly but is now strictly a right-hander. He's very popular both with his teammates and the New York fans, and receives a loud ovation whenever he comes into the game at shortstop."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
In 1976, he had his best season and seems to improve both defensively and with the bat each year. He helped bring along then-rookie Willie Randolph and they formed an excellent keystone combination. Known as 'Chicken' for the way he runs, Stanley has always been a fine fielder, possessing good range and an accurate throwing arm.
Stanley is a popular man in the clubhouse and with the Stadium fans and is always greeted with a loud ovation whenever he enters the game. He is indeed a valuable man to have around."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"The Yanks' number one shortstop in 1975 and 1976, Stanley spent last season as a backup to Bucky Dent. Outstanding defensively, he can also fill in at second and third.
He's one of the few players who was with the Yankees in the 'old' Yankee Stadium, and he hit the last grand slam there, connecting on September 8, 1973 against Milwaukee.
Fred had his best season with the bat in 1976, his average reaching as high as .277. He batted a respectable .261 last year, including his third home run as a Yankee, and it won a game on July 2 when he connected for a two-run shot off John Hiller in the eighth inning to beat the Tigers, 6-4.
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.
Raised in Whittier, California, where he played Little League, Colt League and American Legion ball, Fred was a business major in college and later, a sergeant in the Army. He switch-hit briefly but is now strictly a right-hander. He's very popular both with his teammates and the New York fans, and receives a loud ovation whenever he comes into the game at shortstop."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
Thursday, October 16, 2014
1978 Profile: Lou Piniella
"Lou Piniella led the 1977 Yankees in batting with a .330 mark, bettering .300 for the fourth time in his career. Sweet Lou started the season primarily as the right-handed designated hitter, but also played quite a bit of left field. In mid-August he began playing regularly, and the Yankees took off and finished with a bang to win the American League East.
Piniella continued with his hot bat in postseason play, hitting in all five ALCS games and in the first four World Series contests. But Lou has always been a hitter. He also played left field masterfully, saving a number of games and robbing Ron Cey of a home run in Game Four of the Series.
Always a fan favorite, Lou is greeted by a resounding cheer of 'Lou, Lou' at each plate appearance. Lou also enjoys playing in New York, and all involved are more than satisfied at the results."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
JUNE, 1977 YANKEE OF THE MONTH
"Lou Piniella, who came to spring training not even certain he'd be with the Yankees once the season began, made giant strides toward winning back his regular spot in the Yankee lineup during the month of June. Still platooning with Roy White in left field while also filling in as a DH, Piniella hit .372 in June. He scored 11 runs for the month and batted in six. He also hit two homers and rapped out seven doubles."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Lou bettered the .300 mark for the fourth time in his career in 1977, batting .330, the top average on the club. Used as a designated hitter, left fielder and right fielder, he batted .303 (46-152) in the DH role. From June 14 on, Lou's average never sunk below .300.
The Yanks took off as Lou became an everyday player midway through August. From August 10 to the end of the season, Lou hit .342 with seven homers and 23 RBIs, and played great left field defensively, saving a number of games. He had a four-hit game against the Tigers on September 17 and hit safely in all five ALCS games and in the first four World Series games.
Lou returned to regular duty in 1976 after sitting out most of the '75 season with an inner ear problem that required mid-season surgery. He was runner-up to teammate Dock Ellis for Comeback Player of the Year in '76. Not known for his speed, Lou has still managed to leg out nine triples in the last two years.
Originally signed by Cleveland scout Spud Chandler in 1962, Lou was drafted by Washington later that year, dealt to Baltimore in 1964, and back to Cleveland in 1966.
He was Rookie of the Year in 1969 with the Royals, after Kansas City acquired 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. He was a member of the 1972 All-Star team.
Fans welcome each at-bat of his with chants of 'Lou, Lou.'"
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
Piniella continued with his hot bat in postseason play, hitting in all five ALCS games and in the first four World Series contests. But Lou has always been a hitter. He also played left field masterfully, saving a number of games and robbing Ron Cey of a home run in Game Four of the Series.
Always a fan favorite, Lou is greeted by a resounding cheer of 'Lou, Lou' at each plate appearance. Lou also enjoys playing in New York, and all involved are more than satisfied at the results."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
JUNE, 1977 YANKEE OF THE MONTH
"Lou Piniella, who came to spring training not even certain he'd be with the Yankees once the season began, made giant strides toward winning back his regular spot in the Yankee lineup during the month of June. Still platooning with Roy White in left field while also filling in as a DH, Piniella hit .372 in June. He scored 11 runs for the month and batted in six. He also hit two homers and rapped out seven doubles."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Lou bettered the .300 mark for the fourth time in his career in 1977, batting .330, the top average on the club. Used as a designated hitter, left fielder and right fielder, he batted .303 (46-152) in the DH role. From June 14 on, Lou's average never sunk below .300.
The Yanks took off as Lou became an everyday player midway through August. From August 10 to the end of the season, Lou hit .342 with seven homers and 23 RBIs, and played great left field defensively, saving a number of games. He had a four-hit game against the Tigers on September 17 and hit safely in all five ALCS games and in the first four World Series games.
Lou returned to regular duty in 1976 after sitting out most of the '75 season with an inner ear problem that required mid-season surgery. He was runner-up to teammate Dock Ellis for Comeback Player of the Year in '76. Not known for his speed, Lou has still managed to leg out nine triples in the last two years.
Originally signed by Cleveland scout Spud Chandler in 1962, Lou was drafted by Washington later that year, dealt to Baltimore in 1964, and back to Cleveland in 1966.
He was Rookie of the Year in 1969 with the Royals, after Kansas City acquired 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. He was a member of the 1972 All-Star team.
Fans welcome each at-bat of his with chants of 'Lou, Lou.'"
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
1978 Profile: Reggie Jackson
1978 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"'This was my roughest year. I'm glad it's over.' Signed for $3 million as a free agent, Reggie feuded with manager Billy Martin and was criticized for poor fielding, booed in Baltimore and bombarded in Boston with missiles from the stands, yet still he survived, even thrived. Moved into the cleanup spot on August 10, Reggie sparked the team with 13 homers and 49 RBIs in his last 53 games.
The World Series was his crowning achievement. He hit a record five homers in six games, including three on three successive swings in the climactic sixth game.
'I can't believe it. I did something even Babe Ruth never did.' Born in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, Reggie was a three-sport star in high school and went to Arizona State. He's a self-proclaimed superstar, and worthy of that name.
'If I played in New York, they'd name a candy bar after me.' They did."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"1977 saw Reggie Jackson join the Yankees amid great fanfare. Much was expected of one of the most exciting and colorful players in baseball ... and he certainly did not disappoint.
As the crowd chanted 'Reg-gie, Reg-gie,' he responded with one of the most remarkable performances in World Series history, hitting three home runs on three consecutive pitches in the Yankees' sixth game victory over the Dodgers. Reggie set or tied an abundance of World Series records and, needless to say, was voted the Babe Ruth Award as the Series MVP.
But Reggie also performed during the regular season. He powered 32 home runs and led the Yankees with 110 RBIs. Once he was installed as the cleanup hitter, the Yankees went on a tear, winning 40 of their final 53 games.
During the 1977 season, Jackson became the 38th player in major league history to hit over 300 home runs in a career, and over the last four seasons, only Mike Schmidt has hit more round-trippers. It is safe to say that more of the same can be expected in 1978 from Reginald Martinez Jackson."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
1977 MOST VALUABLE YANKEE (8th in American League MVP voting)
"Had the MVP voting been taken after the World Series, there's no doubt Reggie would have finished much higher in the balloting. But although he saved his best for last, he more than justified what he was paid to sign with the Yankees in the free agent draft, hitting .286 with 32 homers and 110 RBI. The 32 homers helped him become the 38th man in baseball history to hit over 300 in a career, while the 110 RBI were the most by a Yankee since Mickey Mantle's 111 in 1964."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
SEPTEMBER, 1977 YANKEE OF THE MONTH
"Who else but Reggie? 'The Man of Autumn' showed the savvy he gained from those three straight World Championship years in Oakland by responding to the September pennant pressure with 10 home runs and 29 RBI, which lifted his season totals to 32 and 110 respectively. He hit .307 for the month and wound up at .286."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Reggie had an outstanding year in his first full season as a Yankee, capping it off with one of the most remarkable performances in World Series history, winning the Series MVP award. His three home runs in the final Series game tied the record previously held by Babe Ruth, who did it in 1926 and 1928, but Reggie's three homers were on consecutive at-bats in one game, setting a record. He also homered in his last at-bat in game five, giving him four consecutive home runs, which were on four consecutive pitches. He hit five home runs in the Series, setting a new record, and also set Series records for most runs (10), most total bases (25) and most homers in consecutive at-bats (4). Reggie now has seven World Series home runs, and only eight players have more.
In the regular season, Reggie's 32 home runs made it the fifth time he has hit over 30 in one season. His total was second on the team to Nettles and fifth in the American League. He also drove in over 100 runs (110) for the fourth time in his career, leading the Yanks and sixth in the league. Reggie led the team with 39 doubles, second in the league only to Hal McRae's 54, and his .550 slugging percentage placed him fourth in the league. He also proved to be the Yanks' most successful base stealer, stealing in 17 out of 20 attempts, and led the club with 20 game-winning RBIs. He grounded into only three double plays in 1977, one short of the Yankee record shared by Mickey Mantle and Mickey Rivers.
Reggie hit his 300th career home run on August 5 off Seattle's Dick Pole, making him the 38th man in baseball history to hit 300 home runs in a career. He was involved in back-to-back Yankee homers three times and hit his fifth career grand slam on September 28. Reggie had a 14-game hitting streak (June 12-18), his longest since a 15-game streak in 1974, and was the American League's Player of the Week of September 12-18.
The Yanks took off after Reggie was inserted into the cleanup spot on a permanent basis on August 10. From that point on until the end of the season, Reggie had 13 homers and 49 RBIs, as the Yanks won 40 of their final 53 games.
Over the last four years, Reggie has hit 124 homers (29,36,27,32) and only Mike Schmidt with 150 over the four years has accounted for more. Reggie has led the league in slugging percentage three times, led the league in homers in 1973 and tied for the league homer lead in 1975. In 1969, he challenged the Maris home run record and wound up with a career high of 47 homers, and in 1975, he became the only player to homer in all 12 American League parks in one season. Only Carl Yastrzemski has more lifetime homers among active American Leaguers.
Reggie achieved his fame and following as a member of the Oakland A's from 1967-1975, and helped the A's to five Western Division titles and three World Championships. The A's player representative, Oakland traded him to Baltimore in 1976. Reggie was an Oriole for only one season, missing a month, but still wound up second to Nettles in the league in homers. The Yanks signed Reggie to a five-year contract following the 1976 season after he had played out his option with Baltimore.
Reggie played on his seventh American League All-Star team last year 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 at Tiger Stadium. He was the top vote-getter in the 1974 balloting among fans.
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 in the World Series, and also the Sporting News Major League Player of the Year. He finished eighth in the MVP voting last year.
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 Oakland 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 works as a commentator for ABC in the off-season."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
"'This was my roughest year. I'm glad it's over.' Signed for $3 million as a free agent, Reggie feuded with manager Billy Martin and was criticized for poor fielding, booed in Baltimore and bombarded in Boston with missiles from the stands, yet still he survived, even thrived. Moved into the cleanup spot on August 10, Reggie sparked the team with 13 homers and 49 RBIs in his last 53 games.
The World Series was his crowning achievement. He hit a record five homers in six games, including three on three successive swings in the climactic sixth game.
'I can't believe it. I did something even Babe Ruth never did.' Born in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, Reggie was a three-sport star in high school and went to Arizona State. He's a self-proclaimed superstar, and worthy of that name.
'If I played in New York, they'd name a candy bar after me.' They did."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"1977 saw Reggie Jackson join the Yankees amid great fanfare. Much was expected of one of the most exciting and colorful players in baseball ... and he certainly did not disappoint.
As the crowd chanted 'Reg-gie, Reg-gie,' he responded with one of the most remarkable performances in World Series history, hitting three home runs on three consecutive pitches in the Yankees' sixth game victory over the Dodgers. Reggie set or tied an abundance of World Series records and, needless to say, was voted the Babe Ruth Award as the Series MVP.
But Reggie also performed during the regular season. He powered 32 home runs and led the Yankees with 110 RBIs. Once he was installed as the cleanup hitter, the Yankees went on a tear, winning 40 of their final 53 games.
During the 1977 season, Jackson became the 38th player in major league history to hit over 300 home runs in a career, and over the last four seasons, only Mike Schmidt has hit more round-trippers. It is safe to say that more of the same can be expected in 1978 from Reginald Martinez Jackson."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
1977 MOST VALUABLE YANKEE (8th in American League MVP voting)
"Had the MVP voting been taken after the World Series, there's no doubt Reggie would have finished much higher in the balloting. But although he saved his best for last, he more than justified what he was paid to sign with the Yankees in the free agent draft, hitting .286 with 32 homers and 110 RBI. The 32 homers helped him become the 38th man in baseball history to hit over 300 in a career, while the 110 RBI were the most by a Yankee since Mickey Mantle's 111 in 1964."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
SEPTEMBER, 1977 YANKEE OF THE MONTH
"Who else but Reggie? 'The Man of Autumn' showed the savvy he gained from those three straight World Championship years in Oakland by responding to the September pennant pressure with 10 home runs and 29 RBI, which lifted his season totals to 32 and 110 respectively. He hit .307 for the month and wound up at .286."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Reggie had an outstanding year in his first full season as a Yankee, capping it off with one of the most remarkable performances in World Series history, winning the Series MVP award. His three home runs in the final Series game tied the record previously held by Babe Ruth, who did it in 1926 and 1928, but Reggie's three homers were on consecutive at-bats in one game, setting a record. He also homered in his last at-bat in game five, giving him four consecutive home runs, which were on four consecutive pitches. He hit five home runs in the Series, setting a new record, and also set Series records for most runs (10), most total bases (25) and most homers in consecutive at-bats (4). Reggie now has seven World Series home runs, and only eight players have more.
In the regular season, Reggie's 32 home runs made it the fifth time he has hit over 30 in one season. His total was second on the team to Nettles and fifth in the American League. He also drove in over 100 runs (110) for the fourth time in his career, leading the Yanks and sixth in the league. Reggie led the team with 39 doubles, second in the league only to Hal McRae's 54, and his .550 slugging percentage placed him fourth in the league. He also proved to be the Yanks' most successful base stealer, stealing in 17 out of 20 attempts, and led the club with 20 game-winning RBIs. He grounded into only three double plays in 1977, one short of the Yankee record shared by Mickey Mantle and Mickey Rivers.
Reggie hit his 300th career home run on August 5 off Seattle's Dick Pole, making him the 38th man in baseball history to hit 300 home runs in a career. He was involved in back-to-back Yankee homers three times and hit his fifth career grand slam on September 28. Reggie had a 14-game hitting streak (June 12-18), his longest since a 15-game streak in 1974, and was the American League's Player of the Week of September 12-18.
The Yanks took off after Reggie was inserted into the cleanup spot on a permanent basis on August 10. From that point on until the end of the season, Reggie had 13 homers and 49 RBIs, as the Yanks won 40 of their final 53 games.
Over the last four years, Reggie has hit 124 homers (29,36,27,32) and only Mike Schmidt with 150 over the four years has accounted for more. Reggie has led the league in slugging percentage three times, led the league in homers in 1973 and tied for the league homer lead in 1975. In 1969, he challenged the Maris home run record and wound up with a career high of 47 homers, and in 1975, he became the only player to homer in all 12 American League parks in one season. Only Carl Yastrzemski has more lifetime homers among active American Leaguers.
Reggie achieved his fame and following as a member of the Oakland A's from 1967-1975, and helped the A's to five Western Division titles and three World Championships. The A's player representative, Oakland traded him to Baltimore in 1976. Reggie was an Oriole for only one season, missing a month, but still wound up second to Nettles in the league in homers. The Yanks signed Reggie to a five-year contract following the 1976 season after he had played out his option with Baltimore.
Reggie played on his seventh American League All-Star team last year 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 at Tiger Stadium. He was the top vote-getter in the 1974 balloting among fans.
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 in the World Series, and also the Sporting News Major League Player of the Year. He finished eighth in the MVP voting last year.
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 Oakland 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 works as a commentator for ABC in the off-season."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
1978 Profile: Sparky Lyle
"He's the first relief pitcher in American League history (and second in the majors) to win the Cy Young Award. Mr. Cool on the mound.
'I'm thrilled with this award not only for myself but for all relief pitchers. Maybe they will get more recognition from now on.' With a record 621 major league appearances without a start, Sparky has 201 career saves, 160 in six seasons with the Yankees.
Born in Dubois, Pennsylvania, he's a notorious practical joker and a super flake. Sparky was married during the season and rode from the church to the reception in a fire engine.
'I've only had a sore arm once in my life and it was in my right arm.'"
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"Sparky Lyle has long been regarded as one of baseball's all-time top relief pitchers. The 1977 season only confirmed that feeling.
The hard-working left-hander accomplished in 1977 what no other American League relief pitcher had done before - he captured the coveted Cy Young Award, symbolic of the best pitcher in the league. And what a year he had! Sparky led the league in games (72), won 13 games with a 2.17 ERA, and contributed 26 saves. He set personal highs in games, innings and wins. He also got the win in the final two playoff games with K.C. and in the World Series opener.
Sparky's not only a successful pitcher; he's a successful man. His fans have stayed with him through good times and bad, and they still love him in Boston, where he broke in during 1967. It's rare when a player captures the hearts of his fans so well, but then it's rare to find a player with Sparky's personality and flair for life.
Lyle has a lifetime ERA of 2.44, one of the best in baseball history. In this age of specialization, he has done it all in relief. Having never started a game, Sparky's 621 consecutive games without a start have made him the all-time pure relief specialist in baseball history. That, more than anything else, is a tribute to the man who has been the leader of the Yankee bullpen for six years, and who may well be the best ever at what he does."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
1977 MOST VALUABLE YANKEE (6th in American League MVP voting)
"Who could question Sparky's contributions to the Yankees' pennant drive. Certainly not the baseball writers who voted him the Cy Young Award as the American League's outstanding pitcher - the first time a reliever was ever cited for the honor in the AL.
Winning the Cy Young probably cut into his support for the MVP award as well, but Sparky was indeed the outstanding relief pitcher in baseball, leading the league in appearances (72). In addition to his 2.17 earned run average, he saved 26 and won 13 to personally account for 39 of the Yankees' 100 wins."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
APRIL 1977 YANKEE OF THE MONTH
"At a time when the Yankees were trying to get untracked and their pitching staff was upset by the injury to Catfish Hunter and the lack of consistency from the other starters, it was Lyle who kept things from getting out of hand. The easy-going tobacco-chewing southpaw saved five games in the month of April and won two others, thus accounting directly toward seven of the Yanks' first 10 wins."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Sparky Lyle is one of baseball's premier relief pitchers of all time. He received his crowning glory last year by being named the American League's Cy Young Award winner, becoming the first relief pitcher in the American League ever to win the award.
Sparky has pitched in 621 games without ever making a start, making him the all-time pure relief specialist in baseball. He picked up his 200th career save on September 25 against Toronto, and now has 201, more than any other active relief pitcher in baseball. Since 1969, when the new save rule was instituted, Sparky has picked up 185 and has picked up 132 saves in his six years with the Yankees. Lyle is now in the all-time top ten of games pitched by a Yankee (seventh with 361). His career ERA of 2.44 is one of baseball's best.
Sparky led the American League in appearances (72) and had a 2.17 ERA last year, and was consistent from start to finish. He recorded saves in five straight appearances from June 2 to June 11 and had a stretch of seven saves and four wins in 13 appearances from August 17 to September 11. His ERA remained below 2.00 for most of the year, and he did not allow a home run from August 6 to the end of the season, a total of 25 games. Lyle's longest outing of the year was 6.2 innings on May 17 at Oakland, getting credit for the Yanks' 5-2, 15-inning win. He set personal highs for wins (13), innings pitched (137) and appearances, and was part of four combined Yankee shutouts last year. His 72 appearances last year also extended his own record, and he also has the Yankee mark for games finished with 60, also last year.
Sparky won two games in the playoffs, including the decisive fifth game, and won Game One of the World Series. His three straight postseason wins fell one short of the record held by Catfish Hunter.
Sparky joined the Yankees in 1972 and had a magnificent year, coming up with a record 35 saves, along with nine wins and a 1.92 ERA. He was named the American League Fireman of the Year and finished third in the MVP voting. He entered games regally to the tune Pomp and Circumstance and was given the bullpen car at the end of the season. Lyle was named Most Cooperative by New York Press Photographers in 1973. He also led the league in saves in 1976 with 23 and has been a member of three All-Star teams, including 1977.
Sparky was named the relief pitcher on the All-Time Yankee team in a special poll of sportswriters last year. In addition to the Cy Young Award, he was named the American League Pitcher of the Year by Baseball Bulletin, was the relief pitcher on the UPI American League All-Star team, and was named the New Jersey Pro Athlete of the Year by the New Jersey Sportswriters Association. Lyle also finished sixth in the MVP voting, highest among pitchers.
Sparky's main pitch is a slider, and he will always challenge a hitter. A free spirit with a love of life, well liked by all who know him, he's a student of photography, and one of Sparky's pictures was used on the cover of the Yankee program last year. He also has an interest in antique cars."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
'I'm thrilled with this award not only for myself but for all relief pitchers. Maybe they will get more recognition from now on.' With a record 621 major league appearances without a start, Sparky has 201 career saves, 160 in six seasons with the Yankees.
Born in Dubois, Pennsylvania, he's a notorious practical joker and a super flake. Sparky was married during the season and rode from the church to the reception in a fire engine.
'I've only had a sore arm once in my life and it was in my right arm.'"
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"Sparky Lyle has long been regarded as one of baseball's all-time top relief pitchers. The 1977 season only confirmed that feeling.
The hard-working left-hander accomplished in 1977 what no other American League relief pitcher had done before - he captured the coveted Cy Young Award, symbolic of the best pitcher in the league. And what a year he had! Sparky led the league in games (72), won 13 games with a 2.17 ERA, and contributed 26 saves. He set personal highs in games, innings and wins. He also got the win in the final two playoff games with K.C. and in the World Series opener.
Sparky's not only a successful pitcher; he's a successful man. His fans have stayed with him through good times and bad, and they still love him in Boston, where he broke in during 1967. It's rare when a player captures the hearts of his fans so well, but then it's rare to find a player with Sparky's personality and flair for life.
Lyle has a lifetime ERA of 2.44, one of the best in baseball history. In this age of specialization, he has done it all in relief. Having never started a game, Sparky's 621 consecutive games without a start have made him the all-time pure relief specialist in baseball history. That, more than anything else, is a tribute to the man who has been the leader of the Yankee bullpen for six years, and who may well be the best ever at what he does."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
1977 MOST VALUABLE YANKEE (6th in American League MVP voting)
"Who could question Sparky's contributions to the Yankees' pennant drive. Certainly not the baseball writers who voted him the Cy Young Award as the American League's outstanding pitcher - the first time a reliever was ever cited for the honor in the AL.
Winning the Cy Young probably cut into his support for the MVP award as well, but Sparky was indeed the outstanding relief pitcher in baseball, leading the league in appearances (72). In addition to his 2.17 earned run average, he saved 26 and won 13 to personally account for 39 of the Yankees' 100 wins."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
APRIL 1977 YANKEE OF THE MONTH
"At a time when the Yankees were trying to get untracked and their pitching staff was upset by the injury to Catfish Hunter and the lack of consistency from the other starters, it was Lyle who kept things from getting out of hand. The easy-going tobacco-chewing southpaw saved five games in the month of April and won two others, thus accounting directly toward seven of the Yanks' first 10 wins."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Sparky Lyle is one of baseball's premier relief pitchers of all time. He received his crowning glory last year by being named the American League's Cy Young Award winner, becoming the first relief pitcher in the American League ever to win the award.
Sparky has pitched in 621 games without ever making a start, making him the all-time pure relief specialist in baseball. He picked up his 200th career save on September 25 against Toronto, and now has 201, more than any other active relief pitcher in baseball. Since 1969, when the new save rule was instituted, Sparky has picked up 185 and has picked up 132 saves in his six years with the Yankees. Lyle is now in the all-time top ten of games pitched by a Yankee (seventh with 361). His career ERA of 2.44 is one of baseball's best.
Sparky led the American League in appearances (72) and had a 2.17 ERA last year, and was consistent from start to finish. He recorded saves in five straight appearances from June 2 to June 11 and had a stretch of seven saves and four wins in 13 appearances from August 17 to September 11. His ERA remained below 2.00 for most of the year, and he did not allow a home run from August 6 to the end of the season, a total of 25 games. Lyle's longest outing of the year was 6.2 innings on May 17 at Oakland, getting credit for the Yanks' 5-2, 15-inning win. He set personal highs for wins (13), innings pitched (137) and appearances, and was part of four combined Yankee shutouts last year. His 72 appearances last year also extended his own record, and he also has the Yankee mark for games finished with 60, also last year.
Sparky won two games in the playoffs, including the decisive fifth game, and won Game One of the World Series. His three straight postseason wins fell one short of the record held by Catfish Hunter.
Sparky joined the Yankees in 1972 and had a magnificent year, coming up with a record 35 saves, along with nine wins and a 1.92 ERA. He was named the American League Fireman of the Year and finished third in the MVP voting. He entered games regally to the tune Pomp and Circumstance and was given the bullpen car at the end of the season. Lyle was named Most Cooperative by New York Press Photographers in 1973. He also led the league in saves in 1976 with 23 and has been a member of three All-Star teams, including 1977.
Sparky was named the relief pitcher on the All-Time Yankee team in a special poll of sportswriters last year. In addition to the Cy Young Award, he was named the American League Pitcher of the Year by Baseball Bulletin, was the relief pitcher on the UPI American League All-Star team, and was named the New Jersey Pro Athlete of the Year by the New Jersey Sportswriters Association. Lyle also finished sixth in the MVP voting, highest among pitchers.
Sparky's main pitch is a slider, and he will always challenge a hitter. A free spirit with a love of life, well liked by all who know him, he's a student of photography, and one of Sparky's pictures was used on the cover of the Yankee program last year. He also has an interest in antique cars."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
Monday, October 13, 2014
1978 Profile: Thurman Munson
1978 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Captain Thurm. He's the Yankees' indispensable man.
'One of the greatest players I've seen in 50 years,' says president Gabe Paul. Born in Akron, Thurman lives in Canton and has hinted he'd like to play closer to home.
'We're not going to trade Munson unless we can help the Yankees and I don't see how trading him will help the Yankees,' says Paul. Thurman was the first player in 13 years to have three straight years of 100 RBIs with a .300 batting average. He's one of the most productive catchers of all time, and a future Hall of Famer."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"Thurman Munson is unquestionably one of the finest ballplayers in the major leagues today. 1976 saw Munson become the first Yankee captain since Lou Gehrig. And he responded by winning the American League's MVP award.
1977 saw him become the first player since Yankee broadcaster Bill White in 1962-1964 to bat .300 and drive in 100 runs for three consecutive years, and the first since Yankee executive vice-president Al Rosen (1952-54) to accomplish the feat in the American League.
Munson is the latest in a long line of great Yankee catchers (Bill Dickey, Yogi Berra, Elston Howard) and he is the master field general and the best in the league at calling a game. He has tremendous pride and dedication, and although he is tops in his field, he never stops working to improve.
Thurman not only has won the MVP, but was the AL's Rookie of the Year in 1970 (the only Yankee to win both awards), and he has won three Gold Glove awards. Munson is a pressure player and has hit in nine of ten ALCS games, and in all ten World Series games that he has played in. A player's player, Munson is all business of the field and the leader of the World Champion Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
1977 MOST VALUABLE YANKEE (7th in American League MVP voting)
"Captain Thurman, the defending MVP, had another of his typically outstanding seasons in 1977, batting .308 with 18 homers and an even 100 RBI. In doing so, he became the first major leaguer since Bill White (in 1962-64) to hit .300 and drive in 100 runs in three successive seasons. Perhaps even more of a testimonial to his most valuable contribution was the fact that he appeared in 149 games - the sixth straight year that he has appeared in more than 140. That's no mean feat for a catcher, but durable Thurman has never allowed injuries to force him out of the lineup any longer than necessary."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
MAY, 1977 YANKEE OF THE MONTH
"Munson was the Yankees' hitting star with five homers and 21 RBI. In addition, the durable catcher hit .350 for the month, lifting his overall average from .296 to .326."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"The Yankee captain, appointed so at the start of the 1976 season, Munson is the first Yankee to have the captain's title since Lou Gehrig.
Thurman had another fine year in 1977, following up his MVP year in 1976. 1977 was his third straight year of batting .300 and driving in 100 runs, as he became the first major leaguer since Bill White (1962-64 Cardinals) and the first American Leaguer since Al Rosen (1952-54 Indians) to accomplish this feat. Thurman was named to his sixth All-Star team in 1977 and finished seventh in the MVP voting, highest among catchers. He had the Yanks' longest hitting streak in 1977, 16 straight from April 20 to May 8, which was the longest of Thurman's career, and also had streaks of 12 and 13 games last year. He had two-four-hit games in 1977, giving him 17 in his career, and had 11 game-winning hits last year, leading the Yanks in that category in 1976 with 17.
The American League's Rookie of the Year in 1970, Thurman was the first Yankee to win both the Rookie and MVP awards. He has batted over .300 in five of his eight full seasons with the Yankees. He was the league's third leading hitter in 1975, ninth in 1976 and thirteenth in 1977, when he was over .300 for most of the year, reaching a high of .335. Thurman had five RBIs in a game in 1974, and in 1975 became the first Yankee in 11 years to drive in 100 runs; he had three four-RBI games last year. His lifetime .291 average is now 12th on the all-time Yankee list.
Durable and rugged, and a great all-around athlete, Thurman has caught over 136 games for six years in a row and is a three-time Gold Glove winner (1973, 1974, 1975). In 1971 he made only one error all season, tying Elston Howard's .998 Yankee catching record. Thurman also has good speed for a catcher, with five stolen bases last year after stealing a career high of 14 in 1976. With a strong arm and a quick release, along with lightning fast reflexes, Thurman has carried on the Yanks' glorious catching tradition of Dickey-Berra-Howard-Munson.
Munson continued to shine in postseason play, hitting in four of five ALCS games last year after batting safely in all five in 1976. With his .435 average in '76, he set an ALCS record for hits with 10, but it was later broken by Chris Chambliss. Thurman also hit safely in all six World Series games last year (.320) after setting a record in 1976 for compiling the highest average ever for a player on a losing team (.529) when he tied a record with six consecutive hits in the process, including four in one game. Overall, Thurm has hit safely in 19 of 20 postseason games he has played in.
Thurman is a former All-American catcher at Kent State, and the Yankees' top draft pick in 1968, reaching the majors after only 99 minor league games.
He's involved in real estate investments in his native Ohio."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
MUNSON NAMED FATHER OF THE YEAR
"Yankee captain Thurman Munson was recently honored as Baseball Father of the Year by the National Father's Day Committee. Thurman was feted at a May 23 luncheon along with such distinguished fathers as Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill, Judge John Sirica, Yul Brynner, Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr., and others."
-New York Yankees 1978 Scorebook and Official Magazine
"Captain Thurm. He's the Yankees' indispensable man.
'One of the greatest players I've seen in 50 years,' says president Gabe Paul. Born in Akron, Thurman lives in Canton and has hinted he'd like to play closer to home.
'We're not going to trade Munson unless we can help the Yankees and I don't see how trading him will help the Yankees,' says Paul. Thurman was the first player in 13 years to have three straight years of 100 RBIs with a .300 batting average. He's one of the most productive catchers of all time, and a future Hall of Famer."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"Thurman Munson is unquestionably one of the finest ballplayers in the major leagues today. 1976 saw Munson become the first Yankee captain since Lou Gehrig. And he responded by winning the American League's MVP award.
1977 saw him become the first player since Yankee broadcaster Bill White in 1962-1964 to bat .300 and drive in 100 runs for three consecutive years, and the first since Yankee executive vice-president Al Rosen (1952-54) to accomplish the feat in the American League.
Munson is the latest in a long line of great Yankee catchers (Bill Dickey, Yogi Berra, Elston Howard) and he is the master field general and the best in the league at calling a game. He has tremendous pride and dedication, and although he is tops in his field, he never stops working to improve.
Thurman not only has won the MVP, but was the AL's Rookie of the Year in 1970 (the only Yankee to win both awards), and he has won three Gold Glove awards. Munson is a pressure player and has hit in nine of ten ALCS games, and in all ten World Series games that he has played in. A player's player, Munson is all business of the field and the leader of the World Champion Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
1977 MOST VALUABLE YANKEE (7th in American League MVP voting)
"Captain Thurman, the defending MVP, had another of his typically outstanding seasons in 1977, batting .308 with 18 homers and an even 100 RBI. In doing so, he became the first major leaguer since Bill White (in 1962-64) to hit .300 and drive in 100 runs in three successive seasons. Perhaps even more of a testimonial to his most valuable contribution was the fact that he appeared in 149 games - the sixth straight year that he has appeared in more than 140. That's no mean feat for a catcher, but durable Thurman has never allowed injuries to force him out of the lineup any longer than necessary."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
MAY, 1977 YANKEE OF THE MONTH
"Munson was the Yankees' hitting star with five homers and 21 RBI. In addition, the durable catcher hit .350 for the month, lifting his overall average from .296 to .326."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"The Yankee captain, appointed so at the start of the 1976 season, Munson is the first Yankee to have the captain's title since Lou Gehrig.
Thurman had another fine year in 1977, following up his MVP year in 1976. 1977 was his third straight year of batting .300 and driving in 100 runs, as he became the first major leaguer since Bill White (1962-64 Cardinals) and the first American Leaguer since Al Rosen (1952-54 Indians) to accomplish this feat. Thurman was named to his sixth All-Star team in 1977 and finished seventh in the MVP voting, highest among catchers. He had the Yanks' longest hitting streak in 1977, 16 straight from April 20 to May 8, which was the longest of Thurman's career, and also had streaks of 12 and 13 games last year. He had two-four-hit games in 1977, giving him 17 in his career, and had 11 game-winning hits last year, leading the Yanks in that category in 1976 with 17.
The American League's Rookie of the Year in 1970, Thurman was the first Yankee to win both the Rookie and MVP awards. He has batted over .300 in five of his eight full seasons with the Yankees. He was the league's third leading hitter in 1975, ninth in 1976 and thirteenth in 1977, when he was over .300 for most of the year, reaching a high of .335. Thurman had five RBIs in a game in 1974, and in 1975 became the first Yankee in 11 years to drive in 100 runs; he had three four-RBI games last year. His lifetime .291 average is now 12th on the all-time Yankee list.
Durable and rugged, and a great all-around athlete, Thurman has caught over 136 games for six years in a row and is a three-time Gold Glove winner (1973, 1974, 1975). In 1971 he made only one error all season, tying Elston Howard's .998 Yankee catching record. Thurman also has good speed for a catcher, with five stolen bases last year after stealing a career high of 14 in 1976. With a strong arm and a quick release, along with lightning fast reflexes, Thurman has carried on the Yanks' glorious catching tradition of Dickey-Berra-Howard-Munson.
Munson continued to shine in postseason play, hitting in four of five ALCS games last year after batting safely in all five in 1976. With his .435 average in '76, he set an ALCS record for hits with 10, but it was later broken by Chris Chambliss. Thurman also hit safely in all six World Series games last year (.320) after setting a record in 1976 for compiling the highest average ever for a player on a losing team (.529) when he tied a record with six consecutive hits in the process, including four in one game. Overall, Thurm has hit safely in 19 of 20 postseason games he has played in.
Thurman is a former All-American catcher at Kent State, and the Yankees' top draft pick in 1968, reaching the majors after only 99 minor league games.
He's involved in real estate investments in his native Ohio."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
MUNSON NAMED FATHER OF THE YEAR
"Yankee captain Thurman Munson was recently honored as Baseball Father of the Year by the National Father's Day Committee. Thurman was feted at a May 23 luncheon along with such distinguished fathers as Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill, Judge John Sirica, Yul Brynner, Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr., and others."
-New York Yankees 1978 Scorebook and Official Magazine
Sunday, October 12, 2014
1978 New York Yankees Manager and Coaches Profiles
BILLY MARTIN (Manager)
1978 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR (Manager)
"'This was my roughest year,' he said. 'I was fired five times and I fired myself three times.' But he survived to win his first world championship and disprove the popular theory that he cannot win twice consecutively with a team.
'This makes it all worthwhile,' he said during the victory celebration.
He was born Alfred Manuel Martin in Berkley, California.
'As a manager, he borders on genius,' says his wife, Gretchen. Billy feuded with owner George Steinbrenner over suggested moves.
'I have to lie and die on my own convictions,' says Martin. His idol is Casey Stengel. He has the only job he ever wanted.
'When I die, there will be pinstripes on my coffin.'"
Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"Billy Martin has been the skipper of the Yankees since late 1975. In his first two full seasons, he has only led the pinstripe brigade to two World Series appearances and one World Championship ... not too bad for the skinny kid from Berkley with the big heart.
But then that's just the kind of thing one would expect from the fiery Martin. He is a man who is always thinking and in total control of the game. He gains that control by being a master of the rules and one who sets the tempo of the game more than most managers.
Billy's also a great student of the game and considers the great master to be none other than Casey Stengel. Billy played for Stengel in the '50s and was one of those players who gave everything he had and more. He was a leader, the aggressive, battling sparkplug with great enthusiasm. And he always seemed to rise to the top in the most crucial situations. That style of play has become his style of managing and enables him to bring out the best in each of his players.
Manager of the World Champion Yankees - a lifelong dream fulfilled for Billy Martin."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"In his two full seasons with the Yankees, Billy has been in the World Series both years and was named Associated Press Manager of the Year in 1976. He followed that up in 1977 by leading the Yanks to their first World Championship since 1962. Billy joined Huggins, McCarthy, Harris, Stengel and Houk as the only managers to lead the Yankees to World Championships.
Billy was a sparkplug of the Yankee infield when he played for Casey Stengel (1950-1957). A member of six pennant winners, he was always considered a player who got the most out of his ability, and one who symbolized the magic of the Yankee uniform.
Billy returned to manage the Yankees on August 2, 1975 after tenures with Minnesota, Detroit and Texas. He led the Twins to the Western Division title in 1969 and the Tigers to the Eastern Division title in 1972. He led the Rangers to a surprising second place finish in 1974 and was named the Associated Press Manager of the Year. In his eight years of major league managing, Billy has had four championship clubs. He won his 700th career game as a manager in 1977 and enters the 1978 season with 709 career wins.
As a player Billy used to come alive at World Series time, as his lifetime .333 Series 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 1953 Classic to win the Babe Ruth Award. He was a member of the 1956 All-Star team.
Billy graduated from Berkeley High School in 1946 and signed with Oakland of the PCL. He played for Stengel there in 1947 and 1948. Purchased by the Yanks from Kansas City in 1950, he also played for the Athletics, Tigers, Indians, Reds, Braves and Twins in his 12-year career.
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 was a favorite of Casey Stengel, with whom he had a father-son type of relationship as a player.
Billy relaxes by hunting and fishing, and enjoys American history, with a special interest in the Civil War."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
BOB LEMON (Manager)
"Fired in Kansas City because he was too old, he came close to being Manager of the Year with the White Sox at 57. Extremely patient, Lemon did a masterful job of taking a team picked for last and finished third with 90 victories. He flew in from California to be interviewed by Bill Veeck in a Chicago hospital.
'Do you want the job?' asked Veeck. 'Yes,' said Lemon. 'OK, it's yours,' said Veeck. 'It took me five hours to fly there and two minutes to get the job,' says Lemon.
Born in San Bernadino, California, Bob was originally signed as an outfielder. He played center field for the Indians on Opening Day 1946 and made a great catch that saved Bob Feller's no-hitter.
Converted to pitcher, Lemon had seven 20-win seasons and was elected to the Hall of Fame. 'I never took a defeat home with me. I left it in the bar on the way home.'"
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1976 on the strength of seven 20-win seasons, Bob went further: he was honored last year when he won Manager of the Year honors for an amazing job with the Chicago White Sox.
The new Yankee manager started his career as a third baseman-outfielder, climbing to the majors as an infielder late in 1941. After three years in the Navy, Lemon opened the 1946 season as the Cleveland center fielder. Before that year had ended, Bob had converted to pitching full time because of his great arm.
Two years later he pitched a no-hitter against Detroit (June 30, 1948) and led the league in shutouts with 10. Sporting News voted Lemon the Outstanding Pitcher of the American League in 1948, 1950 and 1954 and also named him on its All-Star major league teams of those years.
Considering his comparatively brief career as a pitcher, Lemon recorded an incredible 207 victories against 128 losses for a fine .618 won-lost percentage. He appeared in seven consecutive All-Star Games starting in 1948 and two World Series. He won two games in the 1948 Series when the Indians beat the Boston Braves for the World Championship but lost two in 1954 when the Giants swept the Indians.
After his active career ended in 1958, Lemon never had any difficulty in finding baseball jobs. He served as scout, coach and minor league manager before enjoying three successful years as manager of Kansas City. In 1976 he was pitching coach with the Yankees, then came his term as Chicago manager.
Easy going, popular with players and the media, Bob is also a fine handler of young pitchers."
-New York Yankees 1978 Scorebook & Official Magazine
GENE MICHAEL (Coach)
"Gene Michael returns to the coaching lines this season after having served as an Administrative Assistant in the front office. Nicknamed 'Stick,' Gene was a Yankee coach for part of the 1976 season after completing a ten-year playing career, seven of which were spent as the Yankee shortstop. Gene has a tremendous knowledge of the players in both leagues and should prove to be a very important addition to the braintrust of the dugout."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Gene returns to the field after spending a year in the front office as an Administrative Assistant. One of the most popular Yankees of recent years, he spent seven years as the Yankees' shortstop.
He started his career in the Pittsburgh organization, then went to the Dodgers in 1967, and was purchased by the Yankees on November 30, 1967.
Gene played a year with the Tigers in 1975 and opened the 1976 season with the Red Sox. He rejoined the Yanks as a coach on June 14, 1976, and then was elevated to the front office after the season.
A master of the hidden ball trick, the 'Stick' pulled it off five times while with the Yanks. He saw action as a pitcher in 1968, allowing five unearned runs in three innings on five hits and striking out three, against the Detroit Tigers. At Kent State, he was a basketball star who was pursued by the Knicks.
In 1973, Gene was honored by his friends in Norwood, New Jersey with a day at Yankee Stadium, and the Gene Michael scholarship fund was established. Stick is a very popular after-dinner speaker in the metropolitan area."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
ELSTON HOWARD (Coach)
"Popular Elston Howard completes his first decade as a Yankee coach this season. As a player, Ellie was voted to the American League All-Star team nine times and was the A.L.'s MVP in 1963 (the last Yankee player before Thurman Munson in 1976 to win the award). He was also the last Yankee outfielder to win the Babe Ruth Award as World Series MVP (1958) prior to Reggie Jackson last year, but Ellie is best remembered as a link in the great Yankee catching chain of Dickey-Berra-Howard-Munson."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Popular Elston Howard in now in his 10th season as a Yankee 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 MVP award in 1963. Elston batted .348 in 1961 when he was one of six Yankees to hit 20 or more home runs. He won the Babe Ruth Award in 1958 for his outfield heroics in the World Series, yet also 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."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
YOGI BERRA (Coach)
"Good fortune seems to follow Yogi Berra. One of America's most beloved and recognizable celebrities. Yogi's return to the Yankees after 12 years coincided with a Yankee pennant in 1976 and followed with a world championship in 1977. He's now been in 19 World Series including a record 14 as a player.
Yogi holds a host of other Series records and is the greatest home run hitting catcher in baseball history. The Hall of Famer has a great knowledge of the game and is an important asset to the Yankee staff."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"One of America's most beloved and recognized celebrities, his return to the Yankees after 12 years coincided with a Yankee pennant in 1976 and they followed with a world championship in 1977, not surprising to those who know that good fortune follows this Hall of Famer around.
He's now been in 19 World Series, a record 14 as a player, two as a Yankee coach, two as a Met coach, one as Yankee manager and one as Met manager. He holds World Series records for games, at-bats, hits, singles, consecutive errorless games (30), and has hit a grand slam homer (1956).
Three times Most Valuable Player (1951, 1954, 1955) and 15 times an All-Star, his 313 homers were the most ever hit by a catcher, and his 30 homers in a season (twice) is a record for catchers. Yogi also handled 950 consecutive chances without an error (1957-1959). The Yankees retired his (and Bill Dickey's) uniform 8 in 1972 but brought it back for his return in 1976.
His son Dale is an infielder in the Pirate organization who got up to the major leagues last year. Larry Jr. and Tim played pro baseball and football briefly. Yogi and his sons opened a racquet ball club in New Jersey this winter."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
DICK HOWSER (Coach)
"Dick Howser is the man at third base who sends the Yankee baserunners home. He has handled that important position since 1969 when he succeeded the legendary Frank Crosetti. For the last two seasons, he has sent enough runners to the plate to enable the Yankees to outscore the opposition enough to win two American League titles and one World Series.
Dick was the AL's Rookie of the Year in 1961 when he stole 37 bases and closed out his eight-year career with the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 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 and made the All-Star team for the A's. 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 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."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
ART FOWLER (Coach)
"Art Fowler was reunited with his old pal Billy Martin in August of 1977. His addition to the Yankee staff as a pitching coach coincided with the Yankees' pennant stretch run.
Art has worked under Billy Martin everywhere the skipper has managed in the major leagues, beginning at Minnesota in 1969. Art's professional playing career spanned 25 years and he was still pitching at age 48 in the minor leagues.
The Yankees are looking forward to having Art on the staff for a full season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Art joined the Yankee coaching staff last August, reuniting with Billy Martin. He worked under Martin in Minnesota, Detroit and Texas as pitching coach.
Art's professional playing career spanned 25 years, starting back in 1944 at Bristol in the Appalachian League. He won 54 games in his nine-year major league career, seeing time with the Reds, Dodgers and Angels. Art had his best year with the Reds in 1954, winning 12 games with a 3.83 ERA, and won 11 games in each of his next two years in Cincinnati. He pitched in 57 games for the Angels in 1963 at age 41, with a 5-3 record and a 2.43 ERA, being used in relief.
He was still pitching at age 48 at Denver in 1970, then joined Billy Martin at Detroit as his pitching coach in 1971. Art won 205 games in his minor league career."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
1978 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR (Manager)
"'This was my roughest year,' he said. 'I was fired five times and I fired myself three times.' But he survived to win his first world championship and disprove the popular theory that he cannot win twice consecutively with a team.
'This makes it all worthwhile,' he said during the victory celebration.
He was born Alfred Manuel Martin in Berkley, California.
'As a manager, he borders on genius,' says his wife, Gretchen. Billy feuded with owner George Steinbrenner over suggested moves.
'I have to lie and die on my own convictions,' says Martin. His idol is Casey Stengel. He has the only job he ever wanted.
'When I die, there will be pinstripes on my coffin.'"
Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"Billy Martin has been the skipper of the Yankees since late 1975. In his first two full seasons, he has only led the pinstripe brigade to two World Series appearances and one World Championship ... not too bad for the skinny kid from Berkley with the big heart.
But then that's just the kind of thing one would expect from the fiery Martin. He is a man who is always thinking and in total control of the game. He gains that control by being a master of the rules and one who sets the tempo of the game more than most managers.
Billy's also a great student of the game and considers the great master to be none other than Casey Stengel. Billy played for Stengel in the '50s and was one of those players who gave everything he had and more. He was a leader, the aggressive, battling sparkplug with great enthusiasm. And he always seemed to rise to the top in the most crucial situations. That style of play has become his style of managing and enables him to bring out the best in each of his players.
Manager of the World Champion Yankees - a lifelong dream fulfilled for Billy Martin."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"In his two full seasons with the Yankees, Billy has been in the World Series both years and was named Associated Press Manager of the Year in 1976. He followed that up in 1977 by leading the Yanks to their first World Championship since 1962. Billy joined Huggins, McCarthy, Harris, Stengel and Houk as the only managers to lead the Yankees to World Championships.
Billy was a sparkplug of the Yankee infield when he played for Casey Stengel (1950-1957). A member of six pennant winners, he was always considered a player who got the most out of his ability, and one who symbolized the magic of the Yankee uniform.
Billy returned to manage the Yankees on August 2, 1975 after tenures with Minnesota, Detroit and Texas. He led the Twins to the Western Division title in 1969 and the Tigers to the Eastern Division title in 1972. He led the Rangers to a surprising second place finish in 1974 and was named the Associated Press Manager of the Year. In his eight years of major league managing, Billy has had four championship clubs. He won his 700th career game as a manager in 1977 and enters the 1978 season with 709 career wins.
As a player Billy used to come alive at World Series time, as his lifetime .333 Series 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 1953 Classic to win the Babe Ruth Award. He was a member of the 1956 All-Star team.
Billy graduated from Berkeley High School in 1946 and signed with Oakland of the PCL. He played for Stengel there in 1947 and 1948. Purchased by the Yanks from Kansas City in 1950, he also played for the Athletics, Tigers, Indians, Reds, Braves and Twins in his 12-year career.
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 was a favorite of Casey Stengel, with whom he had a father-son type of relationship as a player.
Billy relaxes by hunting and fishing, and enjoys American history, with a special interest in the Civil War."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
BOB LEMON (Manager)
"Fired in Kansas City because he was too old, he came close to being Manager of the Year with the White Sox at 57. Extremely patient, Lemon did a masterful job of taking a team picked for last and finished third with 90 victories. He flew in from California to be interviewed by Bill Veeck in a Chicago hospital.
'Do you want the job?' asked Veeck. 'Yes,' said Lemon. 'OK, it's yours,' said Veeck. 'It took me five hours to fly there and two minutes to get the job,' says Lemon.
Born in San Bernadino, California, Bob was originally signed as an outfielder. He played center field for the Indians on Opening Day 1946 and made a great catch that saved Bob Feller's no-hitter.
Converted to pitcher, Lemon had seven 20-win seasons and was elected to the Hall of Fame. 'I never took a defeat home with me. I left it in the bar on the way home.'"
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1976 on the strength of seven 20-win seasons, Bob went further: he was honored last year when he won Manager of the Year honors for an amazing job with the Chicago White Sox.
The new Yankee manager started his career as a third baseman-outfielder, climbing to the majors as an infielder late in 1941. After three years in the Navy, Lemon opened the 1946 season as the Cleveland center fielder. Before that year had ended, Bob had converted to pitching full time because of his great arm.
Two years later he pitched a no-hitter against Detroit (June 30, 1948) and led the league in shutouts with 10. Sporting News voted Lemon the Outstanding Pitcher of the American League in 1948, 1950 and 1954 and also named him on its All-Star major league teams of those years.
Considering his comparatively brief career as a pitcher, Lemon recorded an incredible 207 victories against 128 losses for a fine .618 won-lost percentage. He appeared in seven consecutive All-Star Games starting in 1948 and two World Series. He won two games in the 1948 Series when the Indians beat the Boston Braves for the World Championship but lost two in 1954 when the Giants swept the Indians.
After his active career ended in 1958, Lemon never had any difficulty in finding baseball jobs. He served as scout, coach and minor league manager before enjoying three successful years as manager of Kansas City. In 1976 he was pitching coach with the Yankees, then came his term as Chicago manager.
Easy going, popular with players and the media, Bob is also a fine handler of young pitchers."
-New York Yankees 1978 Scorebook & Official Magazine
GENE MICHAEL (Coach)
"Gene Michael returns to the coaching lines this season after having served as an Administrative Assistant in the front office. Nicknamed 'Stick,' Gene was a Yankee coach for part of the 1976 season after completing a ten-year playing career, seven of which were spent as the Yankee shortstop. Gene has a tremendous knowledge of the players in both leagues and should prove to be a very important addition to the braintrust of the dugout."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Gene returns to the field after spending a year in the front office as an Administrative Assistant. One of the most popular Yankees of recent years, he spent seven years as the Yankees' shortstop.
He started his career in the Pittsburgh organization, then went to the Dodgers in 1967, and was purchased by the Yankees on November 30, 1967.
Gene played a year with the Tigers in 1975 and opened the 1976 season with the Red Sox. He rejoined the Yanks as a coach on June 14, 1976, and then was elevated to the front office after the season.
A master of the hidden ball trick, the 'Stick' pulled it off five times while with the Yanks. He saw action as a pitcher in 1968, allowing five unearned runs in three innings on five hits and striking out three, against the Detroit Tigers. At Kent State, he was a basketball star who was pursued by the Knicks.
In 1973, Gene was honored by his friends in Norwood, New Jersey with a day at Yankee Stadium, and the Gene Michael scholarship fund was established. Stick is a very popular after-dinner speaker in the metropolitan area."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
ELSTON HOWARD (Coach)
"Popular Elston Howard completes his first decade as a Yankee coach this season. As a player, Ellie was voted to the American League All-Star team nine times and was the A.L.'s MVP in 1963 (the last Yankee player before Thurman Munson in 1976 to win the award). He was also the last Yankee outfielder to win the Babe Ruth Award as World Series MVP (1958) prior to Reggie Jackson last year, but Ellie is best remembered as a link in the great Yankee catching chain of Dickey-Berra-Howard-Munson."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Popular Elston Howard in now in his 10th season as a Yankee 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 MVP award in 1963. Elston batted .348 in 1961 when he was one of six Yankees to hit 20 or more home runs. He won the Babe Ruth Award in 1958 for his outfield heroics in the World Series, yet also 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."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
YOGI BERRA (Coach)
"Good fortune seems to follow Yogi Berra. One of America's most beloved and recognizable celebrities. Yogi's return to the Yankees after 12 years coincided with a Yankee pennant in 1976 and followed with a world championship in 1977. He's now been in 19 World Series including a record 14 as a player.
Yogi holds a host of other Series records and is the greatest home run hitting catcher in baseball history. The Hall of Famer has a great knowledge of the game and is an important asset to the Yankee staff."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"One of America's most beloved and recognized celebrities, his return to the Yankees after 12 years coincided with a Yankee pennant in 1976 and they followed with a world championship in 1977, not surprising to those who know that good fortune follows this Hall of Famer around.
He's now been in 19 World Series, a record 14 as a player, two as a Yankee coach, two as a Met coach, one as Yankee manager and one as Met manager. He holds World Series records for games, at-bats, hits, singles, consecutive errorless games (30), and has hit a grand slam homer (1956).
Three times Most Valuable Player (1951, 1954, 1955) and 15 times an All-Star, his 313 homers were the most ever hit by a catcher, and his 30 homers in a season (twice) is a record for catchers. Yogi also handled 950 consecutive chances without an error (1957-1959). The Yankees retired his (and Bill Dickey's) uniform 8 in 1972 but brought it back for his return in 1976.
His son Dale is an infielder in the Pirate organization who got up to the major leagues last year. Larry Jr. and Tim played pro baseball and football briefly. Yogi and his sons opened a racquet ball club in New Jersey this winter."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
DICK HOWSER (Coach)
"Dick Howser is the man at third base who sends the Yankee baserunners home. He has handled that important position since 1969 when he succeeded the legendary Frank Crosetti. For the last two seasons, he has sent enough runners to the plate to enable the Yankees to outscore the opposition enough to win two American League titles and one World Series.
Dick was the AL's Rookie of the Year in 1961 when he stole 37 bases and closed out his eight-year career with the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 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 and made the All-Star team for the A's. 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 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."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
ART FOWLER (Coach)
"Art Fowler was reunited with his old pal Billy Martin in August of 1977. His addition to the Yankee staff as a pitching coach coincided with the Yankees' pennant stretch run.
Art has worked under Billy Martin everywhere the skipper has managed in the major leagues, beginning at Minnesota in 1969. Art's professional playing career spanned 25 years and he was still pitching at age 48 in the minor leagues.
The Yankees are looking forward to having Art on the staff for a full season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Art joined the Yankee coaching staff last August, reuniting with Billy Martin. He worked under Martin in Minnesota, Detroit and Texas as pitching coach.
Art's professional playing career spanned 25 years, starting back in 1944 at Bristol in the Appalachian League. He won 54 games in his nine-year major league career, seeing time with the Reds, Dodgers and Angels. Art had his best year with the Reds in 1954, winning 12 games with a 3.83 ERA, and won 11 games in each of his next two years in Cincinnati. He pitched in 57 games for the Angels in 1963 at age 41, with a 5-3 record and a 2.43 ERA, being used in relief.
He was still pitching at age 48 at Denver in 1970, then joined Billy Martin at Detroit as his pitching coach in 1971. Art won 205 games in his minor league career."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
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