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