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