Other 1979 Yankee Profiles

CLIFF JOHNSON

"Cliff Johnson is molded in the long, lean style that Texans are usually famous for. His 6'4", 225-pound frame is something to see as he reaches back and sends the ball into orbit.
Power, strength and raw muscle are mere words when describing Cliff's motif. As a pinch hitter, he has come through in the clutch on numerous occasions. Last season he powered two pinch home runs to tie games and send them into extra innings. In 1977, C.J. whacked a career high 22 home runs, 12 of them in a Yankee uniform, and had one of the best home run/at-bat ratios in the major leagues.
As a newcomer to American League pitching, Cliff has reacted most positively. He plays hard, hits with authority and lets you know he's in the game whenever the pace lets up. If there's a commotion on the field, you know it's good ole' number 41, Cliff Johnson."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Powerful Cliff Johnson has proved to be a good clutch hitter in his Yankee career. He came through with two more pinch-hit home runs in 1978, June 14 against Seattle and July 14 against Chicago, both of which tied games and sent them into extra innings. Cliff had four game-winning and three game-tying RBIs last year.
He now has 11 pinch-hit homers in his career. He hit five in 1974, which set a Houston record and fell one short of the major league record which has stood since 1932. 16 of Cliff's 32 hits last year were for extra bases; 20 of his 42 in 1977 were, as were 33 of his 72 in 1976 with the Astros.
Cliff had three homers and seven RBIs against the Blue Jays last year. In 1977 he had six homers and 10 RBIs against the Jays. He has hit eight homers at Exhibition Stadium at Toronto. Cliff hit three home runs at Toronto on June 30, 1977, 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. Cliff has hit five homers in the last two years off the Jays' Jerry Garvin.
Cliff joined the Yanks from the Astros at the June trading deadline in 1977. He hit 12 home runs with the Yanks in '77, and had a total of 22 on the year for one of the best home run/at-bat ratios in the major leagues. The Yankees are 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 home runs and 117 RBIs and was named the American Association Player of the Year.
A Giants fan as a youngster, Cliff played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion ball in San Antonio. He played baseball, football, basketball and ran track at Wheatley High in San Antonio.
Cliff's hobbies are fishing and music."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide

BRIAN DOYLE

"When second baseman Willie Randolph went down with a season-ending injury last September 30, the huge task of filling his All-Star shoes went to Brian Doyle.

All Brian did was lead the World Series in batting with .438, including two three-hit games, and field his position spectacularly. His two key RBIs in Game Six helped the Yanks wrap up their second consecutive championship. For his performance, Brian was honored in his native Cave City, Kentucky with a parade.

Doyle spent the majority of the 1978 season shuttling between Tacoma and New York and finally returned for good on September 11. He had performed admirably during the season as a backup infielder but did not appear on the Yanks' list of World Series eligibles until Randolph's fateful injury. But once given the chance, Brian Doyle's star shone brightly during those first few magical weeks in October."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"1978 will be a year Brian Doyle will never forget, after being up and down with the Yanks most of the season. He proved to be one of the surprise heroes of the World Series. He batted .438 in the Series, appearing in all six games, with three hits in Game Five followed by three hits in Game Six, and collected two RBIs in the Yanks' decisive sixth game win.

Brian made his major league debut with the Yankees last year after being recalled from Tacoma due to an injury to Mickey Klutts. He made two trips back to Tacoma, being called up to New York for the final time on September 11, and was named to replace injured Willie Randolph on the Yankee roster for the ALCS and World Series.

He made his major league debut on April 30 at Minnesota (0-for-3) and got his first major league hit on June 17 off the Angels' Paul Hartzell. Brian is still looking for his first regular-season homer and his first RBI, although he did drive in three runs in postseason play.

Brian 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 Pacific Coast League and hit .290 in 96 games. He came to the Yankees after the 1976 season and played at Syracuse in 1977, batting .246 as the team's regular second baseman.

The younger brother of Denny Doyle, former major league infielder with the Phillies, Angels and Red Sox, and the twin brother of Blake Doyle, who is in the Oriole 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. He also played basketball and football. He was switched to second base by the Rangers in 1973.

Brian enjoys playing golf. He runs the Florida Instructional Baseball School with his brothers in Winter Haven, Florida during the off-season."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide

DICK TIDROW

"Back in April 1974, no one could understand why the Yankees had sent four young promising pitchers to the Cleveland Indians for a first baseman, Chris Chambliss, and a pitcher named Dick Tidrow. At the time, Dick's lifetime statistics were 29-34 with a 3.77 ERA.

Today, that deal looks like another Yankee steal. With Dick starting or relieving, the Yankees have captured three pennants and two World Championships. Wherever the need, 'Dirt' will fill in. In 1977, after 68 consecutive relief appearances, Tidrow became a starter and has been doing double duty ever since. Last year, despite an injured thumb, he made 25 starts in 31 appearances, plus some clutch pitching in the World Series where he had an ERA of 1.93.

If there was ever a trade that proved itself with time, this is it! Dick Tidrow, the man who won the first game ever played in the 'new' Yankee Stadium, has proven to be quite a valuable team player."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Dick has proved to be a valuable man on the Yankee staff. Used primarily as a starter in 1978, he has also seen action in both short and long relief. In his 31 appearances last year, he made 25 starts and was 7-10. After going through a dry spell of just one win in eight starts, Dick then two of his last four starts of the year.

He had begun the 1977 season as a reliever and became a starter towards the end of the year, with injuries to Gullett and Hunter. Dick made a start on August 15 against California after 68 straight relief appearances. He responded superbly as a starter, winning five straight decisions. In Dick's seven starts he was 5-0 with a 2.34 ERA and had the best winning percentage of his career in 1977.

Dick has now made 137 starts in 282 appearances. Prior to last year, his last season as primarily a starter was 1974 when he started in all four of his Cleveland appearances, and in 25 of his 33 with the Yanks. Dick is now 51-51 lifetime as a starter.

He pitched 10.2 innings in a relief stint in 1975 against the Twins, allowing no runs on four hits. Dick was the winning pitcher in relief in the first game played in the 'new' Yankee Stadium.

The Indians drafted him in January 1967, but military duty limited his progress for two years. The Sporting News Rookie Pitcher of the Year with Cleveland in 1972, Dick won 28 games with the Indians in his first two years. The Yankees obtained him in a big trade with the Indians in April 1974, considered controversial at the time but quite one-sided today.

Dick is nicknamed 'Mr. Dirt.'"

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide

MICKEY RIVERS

"The man who makes the Yankee offense go. Mickey was in and out of trouble with management, though, because of his attitude; he's very moody. He was also hobbled by ankle and hip injuries that reduced his effectiveness during the playoffs and World Series.

Born in Miami, Mickey walks like a broken down old man, but runs like the wind. One of the many outspoken Yanks, he credits Paul Blair for his marked improvement in throwing from the outfield."

-Phil Pepe and Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1979 Edition

"Since arriving at Yankee Stadium in 1976, Mickey Rivers has been the catalyst of the Yankee offense. Opposing pitchers will tell you that he is not an easy out by any means. He will fight you tooth and nail to get the base hit or take the extra base. And more often than not, you'll see Mick the Quick off and running, brushing off his uniform while infielders grope for the late throw to the bag.

Assorted injuries plagued Mickey in last season's run for glory, but he still managed to come through despite a hamstring pull, a hairline fracture of the right hand and other leg ailments. His hitting in 17 straight games was the high on the Yankees last season. (His 20 straight in '76 was the longest by a Yankee since 1942!) He also stole 25 bases in 30 attempts, upping his lifetime statistics to 216 stolen bases in 278 attempts, a .777 percentage of success.

But when the going really tough, Mickey really turned it on. In the Yankees' September sweep of the Red Sox, Mickey batted .533. Against the Royals and Dodgers, Mick the Quick batted a combined .379 (11-29), as he now brought his magic bat and swift feet to the national television audience. With a third straight World Championship looming on the horizon, look for Mickey to cast even more spells on enemy hurlers."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Mickey Rivers has proven to be the catalyst of the Yankee offense.

He had an off year, for him, following two super years with the Yanks, but he was plagued by injuries. Mickey suffered a hairline fracture of his right hand when hit by a Dick Drago pitch on June 16, and also suffered from a hamstring pull and various leg problems.

Following two straight .300-plus years, Mick dropped to .265 in 1978, but when healthy showed flashes of his brilliance by making things happen on the field. He had a 17-game hitting streak, which was the longest on the team last year; his 20-game hitting streak in 1976 was the longest by a Yankee since 1942. Mickey drew 29 walks last season after walking only 12 and 18 times the previous two seasons. He showed a good arm in the outfield, coming up with eight outfield assists. He stole 25 bases in 30 attempts and was sixth in the league with eight triples.

Mickey has proven to be a good clutch hitter, with 10 game-winning RBIs last year. He had a clutch two-run inside-the-park home run in the eighth inning to bring the Yanks from behind to a 3-2 win over the White Sox on April 15. He also had a two-homer game against the A's in August.

After batting .533 (8-15) in the Yankees' September sweep of the Red Sox, Mickey came alive in postseason play, hitting a combined .379 (11-29) in the ALCS and World Series (5-11, .454 in the ALCS). In his 14 career ALCS games, he has batted .386, with two 4-hit days and a 3-hit day.

Mickey had a great year for the Yankees in 1977 and finished 11th in the MVP voting. He batted a career high .326, fourth best in the American League that year, and had a five-hit day. Mick finished strong that year, hitting in 48 of his final 56 games, and was never under .300 after May 31, reaching a high of .336. He tied a Yankee record that year by grounding into only two double plays.

Mick was third in the MVP vote in 1976, his first year in New York, and his 43 stolen bases in '76 were the most by any Yankee since George Stirnweiss stole 55 in 1944. He was the league's base stealing champ in 1975 with the Angels, stealing 70 in 86 attempts. Mickey hit over .300 in each of his five minor league seasons. He has won two triples titles in the American League, including one in 1974 when he missed five weeks with a broken wrist.

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 216 bases in 278 attempts, a .777 percentage of success.

Mickey 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 to the Braves.

Mickey was a member of the 1976 All-Star team."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide

PAUL BLAIR

"With one of the best gloves in baseball history, this defensive specialist sees life plain and simple. He stays in shape, remains ready for the call and he performs. This is what makes Paul Blair such a valuable commodity.

For 14 seasons, Paul had served as the slick-fielding center fielder for the Baltimore Orioles. In 1967 and from 1969 through 1975, Paul let everyone know exactly who he was by securing eight Gold Gloves. He was also a member of two All-Star teams. In January of  '77 the Yankees learned of Paul's availability and traded Elliott Maddox and Rick Bladt for his services.
Once he grew accustomed to the Stadium, P.B. found it to his liking. He roams the great reaches of Death Valley and makes it all look so easy. Whenever help is needed in the late innings, Paul is ready. In Game Four of the World Series, Paul was ready and connected for two hits. By playing on seven division winners, six pennant winners and four World Championship teams, Paul has shown that he is indeed a winner and you know that when he's called, he'll perform just that way."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Paul proved to be a very valuable backup in the outfield, and even in the infield, last year. He's still one of the premier outfielders in the game and did a great job filling in for Mickey Rivers in center field when Mickey was hurt.
He had two clutch game-winning hits for the Yankees last year. His three-run homer, with two outs in the bottom of the tenth, beat the Mariners 11-9 on June 14. He also had an 11th inning single on August 9 that beat the Angels 4-3. Paul started Game Four of last year's World Series in center field and went 2-for-4.
Paul is in his third year with the Yanks 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 he has now been on a World Championship club both his years with the Yankees.
Paul had 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 '77 ALCS against the Royals, and his 12th inning single gave the Yanks victory in the opening game of the '77 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 in November 1962 at the winter meetings. He made his big league debut in 1964, and by 1966 was a key man in the Orioles' first World Series, as the Birds swept the Dodgers. Paul won Game Three of the 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.
Paul led the Orioles in hitting in the 1970 World Series and tied the record for the most hits in a five-game Series (9). He won the first ALCS game ever played with a 12th inning bunt as the Orioles bested the Twins in 1969. He had a record-setting five hits in the final game of that series with five RBIs.
He suffered a serious beaning in May 1970 when he was struck by a pitch from California's Ken Tatum, causing eye and facial injuries. Paul tried to bat left-handed in 1971 but abandoned the idea, and in 1973 had one therapeutic hypnotic session in Baltimore. He had good years at bat in 1973 and '74, and shared the Most Valuable Oriole Award with Mike Cuellar in 1974. Paul hit three homers in one game in 1970 and had 26 in '69.
A good basketball player, Paul is an accomplished public speaker, and did many banquets and clinics in the New York area last winter."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide


JAY JOHNSTONE
"Free-wheeling, wild and crazy Jay Johnstone put the Philadelphia Phillies on their ear when he hit .329 with seven home runs and 54 RBIs in 1975. One year J.J. hit .318 during the regular season and set a National League Championship Series record by going seven-for-nine, a .778 batting average including a double, a triple and two RBIs in the three-game challenge.
Today, Jay finds himself in a Yankee uniform playing left field, right field, pinch-hitting and DH'ing. With all that versatility, Jay never really finds time to relax. He pushes his body through vigorous exercise routines almost daily during and after the baseball season. This is one veteran who will not let his talent waver."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Jay joined the Yankees in June, giving them some added left-handed punch on the roster. He was used mainly as a pinch-hitter and as a spot starter in left field and right field. Jay had a slow start with the Phillies last year but started coming around in August and September for the Yanks.
Prior to joining the Yankees, Jay had spent his last four years in the National League and compiled a .308 average with the Phillies, having his best year with the Phils in 1975 when he batted .329 with seven homers and 54 RBIs. He also hit .318 with them in 1976, his 38 doubles making him runner-up to Pete Rose's 42, and was Philadelphia's best hitter in the 1976 Championship Series, going 7-for-9 (.778) with two RBIs. Jay's playing time began to be reduced slightly when the Phils obtained Bake McBride, but he still managed to hit .284 with 15 homers and 59 RBIs. In addition to the outfield, he has played some first base.
Jay was originally signed by the Los Angeles Angels in 1963, and also played for the White Sox and A's in the American League. He went to spring training with the Cardinals in 1974 but was released before the season started. The Phillies signed him on the recommendation of coach Bobby Wine, who had managed Jay in Puerto Rico. He was called up to the Phils from Toledo during the 1974 season.
Jay was a three-letter athlete at Edgewood (California) High School in baseball, basketball and football. He was named MVP in all three sports his senior year.
His wife Mary Jane is a former actress, who also wrote an off-season column for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Jay enjoys public speaking and attending banquets."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide


KEN CLAY
"In mid-1978 a pulled chest muscle left Ken Clay on the disabled list. But the 25-year-old right-hander recovered to pitch in some mighty important games for the Yanks.
Two of Kenny's finest moments came late in the campaign. He pitched six strong innings of five-hit relief at Fenway Park to win game one of the big September Yankee sweep of the Red Sox. Then Ken was called upon to pitch under great pressure in the first game of the ALCS and he came through with three and two-thirds innings of no-hit relief to preserve Jim Beattie's two-hitter over the Royals.
This Lynchburg, Virginia native, long regarded as one of the top pitchers in the Yankee organization, knows it will be tough breaking into the starting rotation. But he'll be prepared to fill in anywhere and his versatility as a spot starter, long reliever and short reliever will make him a valuable man to have around."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Kenny spent his first full season with the Yankees in 1978 and was used mainly in relief and as a spot starter. He was the surprise starter in the second game of a doubleheader against Toronto on May 21, when Catfish Hunter was scratched just at game time. Kenny pitched seven innings, gave up no earned runs, and got credit for the Yanks' 9-1 win; three of Clay's nine lifetime starts have been against the Blue Jays. He beat the Twins as a starter on July 29 and pitched six innings of 5-hit relief at Fenway Park on September 7 to win the opener of the big four-game series. Ken was disabled in mid-season by a pulled chest muscle but saved Jim Beattie's win in Game One of the ALCS with 3.2 innings of no-hit relief against the Royals.
Ken came up to the Yankees for the first time in June of 1977 after compiling a 5-1 record at Syracuse. He picked up his first major league win with .1 inning of relief work on August 16 against the White Sox and pitched well in two appearances in the '77 World Series.
Always one of the Yankees' top young pitching prospects, the hard throwing right-hander has worked his way up through the Yankee farm system. In his first full season at triple-A in 1976, Kenny was 11-8.
A five-letter man at E.C. Glass High in Lynchburg, Virginia, Ken was also a good basketball player, who in the past has worked as a referee in the off-seasons. He worked as a ring salesman this past winter. He is a graduate of the Little League and American Legion programs of Virginia.
Ken lists Carl Yastrzemski as his toughest individual opponent."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide


DON GULLETT
"Don Gullett's shoulder problems put a damper on his 1978 season, limiting him to only eight appearances and a 4-2 record. After spending the first part of the year on the disabled list, Don got his first start on June 4. After two no-decisions, Gullett won four straight important games before losing two. After his shoulder became inflamed again, he went back on the disabled list, this time for the season, and rest and surgery were prescribed.
Gullett first joined the Yankees in 1977 when he led the league in winning percentage, .778 on a 14-4 record. But that was nothing new for the 28-year-old left-hander because he possesses the best winning percentage in baseball among pitchers with 100 or more decisions. That 1977 also saw him win his 100th major league game.
Don has been a winner all his life. This is his 10th year in the major leagues and he has been on seven clubs that won division championships and six that made it to the World Series. He's always been an exceptional athlete, and in high school was a three-sport star. But it's baseball that's been his passion since then, and a healthy Don Gullett is about as good a pitcher as you'll find anywhere."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"1978 was a virtual washout for Gullett. Bothered by shoulder problems most of the year, Don appeared in only eight games. He didn't make a start until June 4, spending the first part of the year on the disabled list. He had his left shoulder manipulated by Dr. Maurice Cowen on May 22, and slowly Don began to look like his old self again. After getting no decisions in his first two starts, he pitched a complete game, 5-hit 10-4 win over the Red Sox on June 20. He won four straight decisions before losing two; then on July 13, he missed a start when his shoulder became inflamed. He underwent another manipulation on July 17, and on July 20 was placed on the disabled list again. Don would not pitch again in 1978. He finally underwent surgery on September 29 by Dr. Frank Jobe in Inglewood, California.
Don was the first free agent signed by the Yankees, following the 1976 re-entry draft. He was signed to a six-year contract. Despite his injuries in 1977, Don still managed to possess the top winning percentage in the American League with a 14-4 mark (.778). Don lost his first two American League appearances, both to the Brewers, then won six in a row, 11 of 12, and 14 of 16. He won his 100th big league game that year when he beat the Royals 3-1 on July 24.
Don spent a month on the disabled list in 1977 with stiffness in his left shoulder, and then returned to the rotation on September 4 to pitch a 3-hit shutout over the Twins. He had a 12 strikeout game on September 23 against Toronto.
Don's previous injury was a dislocated tendon in his right foot, suffered pitching against the Yanks in Game One of the 1976 World Series. He has started the World Series opener three of the last four years.
His .686 winning percentage is tops among all active pitchers with 100 or more decisions. In his tenth year in the big leagues, Don is a veteran of six championship series and five World Series. Twice he has led the National League in winning percentage (1971 and '75), the first title coming at the age of 20 in his second year with the Reds. At 19, in his rookie year, he struck out six consecutive Mets in a relief role, tying a National League record. Don had a no-hitter against the Cubs for 7.1 innings in 1971. His low-hit efforts have been two-hitters in 1973 and '75. He won nine straight in '73.
Other injuries have been a broken thumb in 1975 and shoulder problems in 1976. He was also sidelined by hepatitis in 1972 and a back ailment in 1974, but he was still named the Sporting News left-handed pitcher of the year in '74.
Described as the epitome of the All-American Boy, Don was a sensational schoolboy star at Southshore McKell High (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. He was the Reds' number one draft pick in June 1969.
Don hit a home run in the 1975 championship series, his only one in the major leagues."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide


ROY STAIGER
"Roy spent the 1978 season at Tacoma after coming over to the Yankee organization from the Mets in the winter of 1977. He had a good season at Tacoma, batting .283 with 19 home runs and 85 RBIs, the homers and RBIs both being career highs. An excellent fielder, Roy led Pacific Coast League third basemen with a .961 fielding percentage, 280 assists and 30 double plays.
A number one draft pick by the Mets in the January 1970 Free Agent Draft, Roy moved up in the Mets organization, having his best year in 1975 at Tidewater (AAA), where he won the International League RBI crown (81) and third base fielding honors (.987). Roy was brought up to the Mets on September 11, 1975, appearing in 13 games. He spent the 1976 season with the Mets, starting off slowly before being given the third base job when Wayne Garrett was traded to Montreal on July 21. Roy then proceeded to hit in 21 of his next 31 games, batting .310. He hit his first major league homer off Woodie Fryman of the Expos on August 2 and made only nine errors at third for the Mets all year.
An all city, state and conference player at Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Roy gained National Junior College All-American Honors at Barcone JC (Oklahoma) in 1969 and '70. He went on a tour of Japan with the 1974 Mets.
A Yankee fan as a youngster, Roy enjoys hunting and fishing."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide


GARY THOMASSON
"Gary joined the Yankees at the June trading deadline last year. He spent the first two months of the season with the Oakland A's, his first exposure to the American League, where he hit five home runs. Gary can play all three outfield positions, and proved an adequate replacement in center field when Mickey Rivers was injured. He had a seven-game hitting streak for the Yanks from June 27-July 6, going 13-22 (.591) with three homers and eight RBIs.
Originally signed by the Giants, Gary spent five years in San Francisco before moving across the Bay in the famed Vida Blue deal in March of 1978, along with Gary Alexander, Alan Wirth, Dave Heaverlo, John Johnson and Philip Huffman.
With the Giants in 1977, Gary played in a career high 145 games and enjoyed his best season, hitting .256 and establishing big league career highs in hits (114), doubles (24), triples (6), homers (17), RBIs (71) and stolen bases (16). He set a milestone in '77 when he hit the first Don Sutton pitch of the season into the right field pavilion at Dodger Stadium for the first home run hit with the new Rawlings baseball; the ball was sent to the Hall of Fame. Gary hit 10 of his 17 homers in '77 between May 18 and the All-Star break. His one major league grand slam was hit off Jim Lonborg on July 21 of that year at Candlestick.
He had been with the Giants regularly since 1973, when he was named to the Topps Major League Rookie All-Star team, batting .285 that season, his best batting average year with the Giants. Gary spent four years in the Giants' minor league system, hitting .359 his first year in organized ball at Great Falls in 1969. He stole 37 bases at Decatur in 1970.
Gary was signed by Giant scout George Genovese after a brilliant career at Oceanside High School in San Diego. He batted .364 as a junior and was named to the All-League first team. In his senior year he set school records in batting (.438) and hits (38) and was named to the All-League and All-San Diego County first teams. Gary played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion baseball in Oceanside, where he grew up, and played against Chris Chambliss in high school.
He's involved in real estate investments in the off-season."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide


RAY BURRIS
"Ray Burris knew that a trade was imminent, but he never imagined that the World Champion New York Yankees possessed a keen interest in his services. The tall, good-looking right-hander had been a member of the Chicago Cubs organization for his entire career, but now he was leaving windy Wrigley Field for the big ballpark in the Bronx.
For three consecutive years, Ray had struck out 100-plus batters, but in 1978 this crafty 29-year-old missed that mark by only six strikeouts. The 6'5", 195-pounder also led the Cubs in wins in 1975 and 1976.
Years of hard work and dedication at Southwestern State have paid off as Ray earned his BA degree in recreational leadership. His cool, calm style can only be regarded as an asset when dealing with today's youngsters and with the big bats of opposing players in pressure situations."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook


GEORGE SCOTT
"George slumped at the plate for the second year in a row in '78. Plagued by injuries to his back and finger, he's confident he can come back and contribute.
'I've been around the game too long to start worrying about things.' He went on a special diet to control his weight.
Born in Greenville, Mississippi, George is nicknamed 'Boomer.' He recently opened a tennis boutique near his Cape Cod home. His wife's name is Lucky.
Boomer is one of the most amusing, entertaining players in the big leagues when he's in the mood, which he usually is."

-Phil Pepe and Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1979 Edition


DR. JOHN J. BONAMO (Team Physician)
"Dr. John B. Bonamo enters his first year as the Yankee team physician. He is an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Staten Island and NYU Hospitals, and is a graduate of Boston College and New York Medical College."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Dr. John J. Bonamo enters his first year as the Yankees team physician. He is an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Staten Island and NYU Hospitals and is a graduate of Boston College and New York Medical College."

-1979 New York Yankees Media Guide


GENE MONAHAN (Trainer)
"The Yankees' head trainer is in his seventh year with the parent club, and at 34 is in his 17th year in the Yankee organization, starting as a batboy in his hometown of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Gene is a graduate of Indiana University."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Gene Monahan, Yankee trainer, is now in his seventh year with the parent club. At 34, he is in his 17th year with the Yankee organization, starting as a batboy at Fort Lauderdale. He is a graduate of Indiana University."

-1979 New York Yankees Media Guide


BARRY WEINBERG (Assistant Trainer)
"Barry Weinberg enters his first season as the Yanks' assistant trainer. He has been a trainer in the Pittsburgh Pirate organization the last five years, most recently at Columbus. Barry is a graduate of Springfield College with a Master's from Indiana University."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Barry Weinberg enters his first season as the Yankees' assistant trainer. He has been a trainer in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization for the last five years, most recently at their Triple-A club at Columbus. Barry is a graduate of Springfield College with a Masters from Indiana University."

-1979 New York Yankees Media Guide


"The Yankees have a new Assistant Trainer this year. He is Barry Weinberg, and he comes to the Yanks from the Pittsburgh organization, where he spent the last five years.
A graduate of Springfield College, with a Master's from Indiana University, Barry worked at Columbus last year. He also served as trainer for the Shreveport Steamer of the now-defunct World Football League and worked with the highly rated Indiana University basketball team.
Barry teams up with Gene Monahan, who is in his seventh year with the Yankees."

-New York Yankees 1979 Scorebook & Official Magazine


BOB SHEPPARD (Public Announcer)
"The country's best known public address announcer once again will be the familiar voice greeting fans over the PA at Yankee Stadium. Bob is as much a part of the Stadium atmosphere as the Stadium facade. Bob is a professor of speech at St. John's University."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook


EDDIE LAYTON (Stadium Organist)
"The Yankees' organist from 1967-70, Eddie returned to the Stadium last year after a seven-year absence. Credited with being the innovator of the familiar organ 'Charge,' Eddie has recorded 24 albums, and can also be heard at Madison Square Garden events."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook


PETE SHEEHY (Clubhouse Man and Equipment Manager)
"Pete Sheehy has been running the Yankee clubhouse since 1927. The likable Pete was one of four honored guests at the opening of the 'new' Stadium in 1976, and now works in a clubhouse renamed that year 'The Pete Sheehy Clubhouse.'"

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Pete Sheehy, after whom the Yankee clubhouse is named, is now in his 53rd season as equipment man and clubhouse attendant. The likeable Pete was among those specially honored at Opening Day of the 'new' Yankee Stadium."

-1979 New York Yankees Media Guide


LOU CUCUZZA (Visitors Clubhouse Manager)
"Lou Cucuzza is in his fourth year running the visitors clubhouse at the Stadium."

-1979 New York Yankees Media Guide


JIM ESPOSITO (Head Groundskeeper)
"Jim Esposito, who started maintaining fields at Ebbets Field at Brooklyn, is now in his 20th season keeping the Stadium grass green. Jimmy spent 14 seasons with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers before joining the Yankees in 1960."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Jimmy Esposito, chief of the Yankee ground crew, began his role in 1960 after 14 seasons with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers."

-1979 New York Yankees Media Guide


JIM OGLE (Yankee Alumni Association)
"A baseball writer for 40 years, Jim spent 20 of them covering the Yankees for the Newark Star-Ledger. He now heads the Yankee Alumni Association out of his base in Fort Lauderdale."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook


ED WEAVER (Vice-President)
"Ed Weaver, longtime Director of Athletics at Ohio State University, has joined the Yankee organization this year as a Vice-President. Ed will work chiefly as a liaison between the Yankees and their new top-rated triple-A affiliate, the Columbus Clippers. Ed will try and see that all transactions between the two organizations run smoothly."

-New York Yankees 1979 Scorebook & Official Magazine

1979 Profile: Ron Davis

"Acquired from the Cubs last year for Ken Holtzman, Ron immediately impressed as a relief pitcher at West Haven, going 9-2 with five saves and a 1.50 ERA in 21 appearances. He came up for four games at the end of last year.
A native of Houston, Texas, he is a big (6-4, 205 pounds) right-hander."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"When you are asked to replace Goose Gossage as the number one relief pitcher on the best team in baseball, you are being asked to do a job that no one else could handle. If that means throwing ninety-mile-an-hour fastballs to some of the best hitters in the game, then hurl you must. So Ron Davis zips the fastball with the authority of a 10-year veteran ... and some of the best in the game take that long walk back to the bench.
After coming over from Chicago for Ken Holtzman in 1978, Ron Davis worked at West Haven and posted a 9-2 record with a 1.50 ERA. His talents were far beyond those needed at the Double-A level, so he was inserted in four games at the end of '78. At the start of the '79 campaign he went back, but this time to Columbus at the Triple-A level. In the thick of the pennant race, you can be sure he'll be at the Stadium doing what he knows he has to do: save those cliffhangers!"

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Davis joined the Yankees last season as payment for Ken Holtzman. He was sent to West Haven, where he was used strictly in relief, winning nine of 11 decisions with a 1.50 ERA and five saves, appearing in only 21 games. His .818 winning percentage was the best in West Haven's history. He saw some action with the Yanks, appearing in four games as a reliever.
Ron was the Cubs' number three selection in the January 1976 Free Agent Draft. He completed 12 of 17 starts for Pompano Beach in 1976, his first year in pro ball. He was used both as a starter and a reliever in the Cubs' organization but has been strictly a reliever with the Yanks.
Davis played baseball and basketball at Milby High in Houston. He was a National Junior College Athletic Association All-American at Blinn Junior College in Brenham, Texas. Ron pitched before 46,000 people in his first big league game- it was Old Timers' Day at Yankee Stadium.
He enjoys hunting and fishing."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide

1979 Profile: Bobby Murcer

"It's been four and half years since Bobby Murcer's been seen roaming the outfield in Yankee pinstripes, but now he's back! During the interim he played in the National League with the Giants and the Cubs, but now the Oklahoma City native is here where he belongs ... and the great fan reaction proves that point!
This 5'11", 180-pounder with the infectious smile called his move back to the Big Apple 'tremendous' and it made him 'the happiest I've ever been.' One of baseball's steadiest performers, Bobby can always be counted on to hit around .280 and be among the club's top run producers. As a five-time run producer, he may be just the man to fuel the Yankee drive for another American League Eastern Division title. Who knows? This handsome Yankee may be the catalyst to another World Championship."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

1979 Profile: Luis Tiant

"The refugee from Cuba is now a Yankee. 'El Tiante' of the herky-jerky motion, dark mustache and ever-present cigar joined George Steinbrenner's stable of thoroughbreds after the Red Sox refused to sign him for two years. The Yanks took him as a free agent for $900,000 for two years, after which he will become the club's director of Latin Affairs, reading George's gospel of capitalism to our underdeveloped neighbors to the south.
A man of many motions, Luis knows how to keep hitters off balance and how to get them out. He was one of the most popular Red Sox ever, and has won 204 games in 15 years.
'My mother told me I was born on November 23, 1940,' Tiant says to those who think he's older. Don't give up on him yet, no matter how old he is."

-Phil Pepe and Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1979 Edition

"In a move that shocked Red Sox fans and put Beantown on its ear, the New York Yankees signed Luis Tiant during last year's Reentry Draft. Get used to #23- he's signed through 1980 as a player, and then he will serve as Yankees' Director of Latin American Affairs.
In 1964, Luis made his major league debut as a Cleveland Indian and he shut out the Yankees on a 3-hit, 11-strikeout performance. After five prosperous years, Luis began struggling and even found himself in the minors in 1971. But he regained the magic, went to Boston and won 122 games in a little over seven seasons.
Now he brings his 204 lifetime wins to New York and finds himself staring in the mirror at those Yankee pinstripes. It's a rejuvenation for Luis and he seems to be like the boy he once was, throwing on the streets of his native Havana, Cuba.
Luis has been popular everywhere he has played and New York should not prove to be any different. He's colorful, exciting to watch, and a real competitor. Soon the chant of 'Looie, Looie' will fill the Stadium as El Tiante does his thing."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"In a move that shocked the fans of Boston, the popular Tiant joined the Yankees last winter.
Luis joined baseball's exclusive '200 Club' last year, when he beat Nolan Ryan and the Angels in Anaheim on August 16 for his 200th career win. He was 13-8 last year, appearing in 32 games for the Red Sox, with a 3.31 ERA. He pitched a pair of 2-hitters in crucial games: he 2-hit the Blue Jays, 5-0, in the Sox' final game of the year, October 1, sending them into the playoff game with the Yankees, and he had a 2-hit, 2-0 win over the Orioles on September 6 that kept the Red Sox' lead over the Yanks at four games.
Tiant made a great comeback when he was unconditionally released by Minnesota in March of 1971, and by Atlanta that May. He caught on with Louisville in the Red Sox' system and then came to Boston, where he has since run up a 122-81 record in eight years with the Red Sox.
Luis had a great year in his first full season with the Sox in 1972, going 15-6 and leading the league with a 1.91 ERA. He had 20-win seasons in 1973, '74 and '76, and is one of only six pitchers to win 100 games for the Red Sox.
His first pro team was the Cleveland Indians. Luis was 10-4 his first year in the big leagues in 1964 at Cleveland, and pitched a 3-hit, 11-strikeout shutout over the Yankees in his first major game. The Indians traded him to the Minnesota Twins, along with Stan Williams, for Dean Chance, Bob Miller, Ted Uhlaender and Graig Nettles in December 1969.
Tiant has 46 career shutouts through 1978, second among active A.L. pitchers; Jim Palmer has 51. Tiant and Palmer each had 22 wins against the Yankees, tops among active A.L. pitchers. 1979 will be Luis' 20th year in professional baseball. He appeared in the 1968, '74 and '76 All-Star Games.
Luis lists his greatest baseball thrill as pitching before his father in the 1975 World Series. He was 2-0 in that Series and is undefeated in postseason play.
A White Sox fan as a youngster, Luis lists Rod Carew and Mickey Rivers as his toughest opponents.
Luis signed a two-year contract to play for the Yankees, and he will serve as the Yankees' Director of Latin American Affairs for ten years after he is done playing."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide

1979 Profile: Tommy John

1979 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Another rich Yankee, thanks to the free agent draft. Tommy takes unfair advantage of hitters because he uses both his left and right arms to pitch- in 1974, Dr. Frank Jobe used a tendon from his right forearm to reconstruct the ligament in his left elbow. It took a year of rehabilitation to turn his left hand from a shriveled hook to a usable hand.
Tommy's sinker induces the ground ball, and that should do him just fine in the caverns of Yankee Stadium. He lost to the Yankees in the '77 World Series, but pitched a victory in the World Series opener last year.
Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, his 17 victories in '78 for the Dodgers was his eighth consecutive season in double figures. He has won 47 games since returning to baseball in '76 from the surgery.
Tommy's ambition is to race in the Baja 500 Off-Road race."

-Phil Pepe and Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1979 Edition

"The man with the bionic arm joins the Yankees in 1979. Tommy John, one of the Yankees' main adversaries in the 1977 and '78 World Series, has rejoined the American League and will wear the Yankee pinstripes.
Tommy's been in the major leagues for 16 seasons, the last seven with the Dodgers. While there, he posted an 87-42 mark, a sparkling .674 winning percentage, and over the last two years he has won 37 games.
But it hasn't always been that way for Tommy John. The outgoing left-hander, who always seems to have something to say, thought his career might be over on July 17, 1974 when he ruptured a ligament in his left elbow. Dr. Frank Jobe reconstructed the elbow using a tendon from his right forearm. But he gave Tommy the bad news that he'd never pitch again.
But Dr. Jobe didn't know Tommy John. Hard work and exercise became T.J.'s trademark and a year and a half later he was pitching ... and winning in the major leagues. When that 1976 season ended, Tommy was voted the N.L.'s Comeback Player of the Year. The rest, as they say, is history- except the final chapter in Tommy John's career, in New York, with the Yankees.
Welcome aboard, T.J., it's nice to have you here."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Tommy John, a 16-year veteran of the major leagues, returns to the American League after spending the last seven years in the National League with the Dodgers. He ran up an 87-42 record in the NL with the Dodgers, a .674 winning percentage.
Tommy had his best year with them in 1977, with a 20-7 mark and a 2.78 ERA. He had an eight-game win streak that year and won 14 of his final 17 decisions. He pitched his career low-hit game that year, a 2-hitter over the Reds. He finished second to Steve Carlton in the Cy Young voting that year.
Tommy was 17-10 for the Dodgers last year, the eighth straight season that he had double figures in wins. He started off fast last year, and was 4-0 in April with a 1.80 ERA and had a 3-1 mark in July with a 1.95 ERA. He was used in relief three times last year, with a win and a save, not allowing any runs. Tommy suffered an injury to his left calf in a game with the Braves on September 9. He then missed a few starts, not starting again until September 26.
Tommy had a 4-hitter against the Pirates during the regular season. He also had a 4-hit shutout over Philadelphia in the second game of the NLCS. Tommy beat the Yanks in the World Series opener, 11-5.
Tommy made one of the greatest comebacks in baseball history. He ruptured a ligament in his left elbow on July 17, 1974 against Montreal, and then underwent surgery on September 25, as a tendon from his right forearm was used in the reconstruction of his left elbow. The operation, performed by Dr. Frank Jobe, was the first of its kind; as a matter of fact, Jobe told Tommy he wouldn't pitch again.
After working hard, running, exercising and undergoing therapy, and after sitting out the '75 regular season, Tommy appeared in the Arizona Instructional League that fall. He came back in 1976 to record a 10-10 mark with a 3.09 ERA and won the National League Comeback Player of the Year honors. He also won the Fred Hutchinson Award that year.
Prior to coming to the Dodgers, Tommy spent two years with Cleveland and seven years with the White Sox, accumulating an 84-91 record in the American League. In his first big league game, Tommy beat Baltimore on 72 pitches, 6-0. He had a good year in 1965 with the White Sox (10-5, 1.98 ERA); in early August, however, he was involved in a fight with Dick McAuliffe and suffered a broken collarbone, sidelining him for the season, after pitching in 25 games. Tommy has won in double figures 12 out of his 15 years in the majors. He led the National League in winning percentage in 1973 and '74. In 1974 he was off to his best year and had a 13-3 mark when the injury came about. Tommy had his best record against the Dodgers' toughest opponents; he was 12-3 lifetime over the Reds and 8-2 over the Giants. He was an All-Star in 1968 and 1978.
Tommy graduated from Terre Haute Gerstmeyer High School where he received 35 scholarship offers- all in basketball. He had his best year in the minors in 1963 at Charleston, where he was 9-2 with a 1.61 ERA to earn a promotion to Jacksonville and then to Cleveland.
He's an outstanding golfer."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide

1979 Profile: Jim Hunter

"Catfish overcame early-season arm woes to help pitch the Yankees to the pennant and World Championship and won the final game of the World Series. The first of the free agents, Catfish brought a touch of class to the Yankees. He plans to retire at the end of the season. 'That's it. Nothing can make me change my mind.'
He was frustrated by injuries the past two years and thought his career was over in when he couldn't throw in '78. Catfish underwent special treatment and became a 12-game winner when the Yankees needed him most. He was instrumental in their drive to catch the Red Sox.
Born in Hertford, North Carolina, he's still the same quiet, unassuming farm boy he was when he began his career. Catfish was only the fourth pitcher in history (Cy Young, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson) to win 200 games before his 31st birthday."

-Phil Pepe and Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1979 Edition

"Fourteen seasons, eight All-Star Games, seven playoffs and six World Series took a toll on Catfish Hunter's shoulder last season. But he made a remarkable comeback (finishing second to Mike Caldwell for Comeback Player of the Year) and, following the All-Star Game, posted a 10-3 mark, including six straight wins in the August heat.
Accomplishments of the greater variety are also part of the Comeback Cat's bag of tricks. He is one of only four 20th century pitchers to reach 200 wins before age 31 with the others being Cy Young, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson. In 1968, Jimmy hurled the only regular-season perfect game in the A.L. ... in the last 57 years! In 1975, he joined Johnson and Grove as the only American Leaguers to win 20 games in five straight seasons. And all this comes without a day in the minor leagues ... imagine that!
Looking ahead to 1979, Yankee fans will bid a fond farewell to the Cat as he finishes his baseball career. At that time, one of baseball's premier pitchers and classiest gentlemen will hang up his pinstripes and baseball will be less one of its greater resources. Thanks for everything, Jim."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"It was the Year of the Comeback for Catfish Hunter. Following an off year in 1977, Catfish came back in 1978 to win 12 of 18 decisions, including a 6-0 mark in the month of August when the Yankees really began to turn it on. Cat finished 1978 winning nine of his last 11 decisions. In his 6-0 August he had a 1.64 ERA. Over his last 12 regular-season starts, he was 9-2 with a 2.23 ERA, lowering his season ERA from 6.51 to 3.58.
Jim was on the disabled list twice in 1978, with soreness in his right shoulder. He had the shoulder manipulated by Dr. Maurice Cowen on June 26. He returned from the D.L. on July 17 and was 10-3 from that point on. Jim finished second to Mike Caldwell for the AL's Comeback Player of the Year.
Cat was the American League's Player of the Week, July 31 to August 6, giving up no runs in two games against the Rangers and Orioles. He was the winning pitcher in the World Series clinching game against the Dodgers.
There is little doubt that Catfish is one of the premier pitchers in American League history. 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 is now in his 15th season and has been a regular starting pitcher since he was 19 years old. 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 (including 10 straight) than any American Leaguer since Bob Feller in 1946, and pitched more innings than any Yankee since Carl Mays in 1921. Jim has pitched 42 career shutouts, fourth among active American League pitchers.
Catfish signed as a free agent in a celebrated talent chase culminating on New Year's Eve 1974, making him a household word in America. An arbitration panel had declared him a free agent after the 1974 World Series over a breach of contract.
Jim was the youngest of eight children and was a great athlete at Perquimans High School, making All-State in baseball, football and track. He also played Little League and Babe Ruth 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 his favorite player.
His four brothers helped his development as a player, but one of them accidentally shot him while hunting in the foot 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 and signed him, although Jim was unable to play in 1964; hence, he's never played 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 57 years.
He helped Oakland to four division championships and three World Championships. Jim's first real injury was a broken thumb suffered in the 1973 All-Star Game when he was hit by a line drive off the bat of Billy Williams. He still won 21 games that year.
Jim is an outstanding fielder, and as a hitter he's 149-658 (.227) with six homers and 51 RBIs. His longest winning streak as a Yankee was the six straight he won last August; his longest win streak ever was 13 in 1973. In addition to his perfect game, he has a 1-hitter and five 2-hitters, the 1-hitter coming as a Yankee in 1975. His career high in strikeouts is 12 (twice) and his longest outing, 13 innings, was accomplished August 27, 1976 at California (no runs, 11 hits).
Cat has five World Series wins, and only seven others have more. His 12 World Series appearances tie him for seventh. He holds the ALCS mark for most starts (9) and is tied for most wins (4).
Jim has a 110-acre farm that his brother runs during the baseball season. 1979 is the final year of his five-year contract."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide

1979 Profile: Roy White

"He is one of baseball's most highly respected players. He is in the top ten of the all-time Yankee list in many categories, and only Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, Yogi Berra and Babe Ruth have played in more games as a Yankee. But Roy White remains one thing above all: he is the epitome of what the pinstripes are all about- pride and tradition.
After waiting out the lean years, Roy knew he would be there when the Yankees returned to the top, and he has been an integral part of that rise. This two-time All-Star led the league in runs scored during 1976, the season the Yanks won their first pennant in 12 years.
In 1978, he made his presence felt all year, but especially during postseason play. He was the only Yankee to hit in all 10 postseason games, batting .333 and scoring 14 runs to lead the Yankees in that latter department. Defensively, he is known for his leaps and diving stabs, and he made only one error all year. He is also the only Yankee outfielder to ever field 1.000 in a season.
Roy White is what is known as a ballplayer's ballplayer. He has done it all, offensively and defensively, and proven himself over the years. And he has done it with class and dignity, in the Yankee tradition."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Roy is the senior member of the Yankee club, joining them in 1965, and is one of baseball's most highly respected players.
He has moved into the top ten of the all-time Yankee lists in many categories. Roy is now fifth in games played by a Yankee with 1,800 ... only Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, Yogi Berra and Babe Ruth have played in more, quite impressive company. Roy is sixth in at-bats with 6,445 ... 10th in runs with 940 ... ninth in hits with 1,759 ... 10th in doubles with 294, and second in stolen bases with 231.
Roy was used both in the outfield and as a designated hitter last year, batting .276 in the DH role. He switch-hit home runs in one game for the fifth time last year against Oakland on June 13; only Mickey Mantle and Reggie Smith have done it more. A good clutch hitter, Roy had seven game-winning RBIs last year and batted .295 with men on base. He hit four home runs in five games in June. He missed some time with a pulled right hamstring and a bruised Achilles tendon.
Roy hit safely in all 10 postseason games last year, going 5-15 (.333) in the ALCS and 8-24 (.333) in the World Series. After spending 11 non-winning years with the Yanks, Roy has now been on championship clubs for the last three years.
One of the best left fielders in Yankee history, Roy is noted for his fence climbing heroics, sliding catches and great range. He's the only Yankee outfielder ever to field 1.000 for a season, and he made only one error in 131 chances last year. With the exception of 1974, when he was primarily a designated hitter, left field has been his spot since he reached the majors. Roy was originally signed as a second baseman, but Bobby Richardson's presence brought about the switch. He was tried 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 hit .343; with that exception, he has always been in the Yankee system. He has had just six multi-homer games in his career, yet five of them have been the switch-hit homer games, and he also once switch-hit triples in the same game. Roy has stolen home six times, and he played in 388 consecutive games from August 31, 1971 to May 21, 1974. He set an American League record for sacrifice flies with 17 in 1971, and led the American League in runs scored in 1976.
Although a consistent player, his longest hitting streak in the majors has been 11 games (1968, 1974). Roy has never hit .300 but has been at .290 or better four times. He has had five hits in a game twice and four in a game 11 times.
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.
Roy spent several seasons as the Yankee cleanup hitter."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide

1979 Profile: Oscar Gamble

"Oscar keeps his suitcase packed, having played for Chicago (NL), Philadelphia, Cleveland, New York (AL), Chicago (AL) and finally signing as a free agent with San Diego before 1978 and now he is back in the American League, coming in an off-season trade for Mike Hargrove. An in-and-out player all season due to injuries and platooning, Oscar hit only seven homers, his first time under double figures since 1972. He hit a career-high 31 for the White Sox in 1977.

Born in Ramer, Alabama, Oscar slapped the last hit in old Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia. His wife, Juanita, is a singer and sung the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium several times, including once before a playoff game in 1976."

-Phil Pepe and Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1979 Edition

1979 Profile: Jim Spencer

"The Yankees are fortunate to have not one, but two Gold Glove first basemen. That's right, Jim Spencer has won the Gold Glove on two different occasions, including 1977, one year before Chris Chambliss received his for fielding excellence.
Spence joined the Yankees during the winter of '77 and has proved to be an excellent addition to the Yankee lineup both as a backup to Chambliss and as a left-handed designated hitter. Jim possesses the highest fielding percentage of any first baseman in history.
But it's more than ability with the glove that makes Spencer so valuable. He also knows what to do with a bat in his hands. After hitting 18 home runs in '77, Jim hit four more in his first nine games as a Yankee. He also finished the season as a .292 pinch hitter, including a memorable pinch grand slam on May 26 that beat the Blue Jays.
It's that subtle quality of being able to beat the other team with either the bat or the glove that prompted the Yankees to bring Jim Spencer to New York and, needless to say, he looks much better in Yankee pinstripes than in any rival uniform."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Jim served the Yankees well last year. He was used as a backup first baseman for Chambliss, a left-handed designated hitter and a reliable pinch hitter. He was 7-24 (.292) as a pinch hitter, including a pinch-hit grand slam on May 26 that beat the Blue Jays.
Jim started off well in 1978, with four home runs in his first nine games as the Yanks' DH. He hit all seven of his homers prior to June 16. He started games Two, Five and Six of the World Series due to an injury to Chambliss.
One of the best fielding first basemen in baseball, Jim did not commit an error in the 15 games he appeared at first base last year, handling 97 chances flawlessly. The American League's Gold Glove first baseman in 1970 and 1977, he committed only 10 errors in '77. In 1976 he led all A.L. first basemen in fielding, committing only two errors that year for a .998 fielding percentage. Jim possesses the best fielding percentage by a first baseman in baseball history (.996) based on first basemen who have played 1,000 or more games at the position.
Jim played in the 1973 All-Star Game. In 1977 he had two homers and eight RBIs in one game on two different occasions: May 14 against Cleveland and July 2 against Minnesota.
Jim was the California Angels' first selection in the free agent draft of June 1965, and broke in with Quad Cities that year. He hit 63 home runs and had 222 RBIs in the next three years at El Paso to earn a trial with the Angels in 1968. Jim led the Texas League in 1968 in homers (28), total bases (267) and RBIs (96), and was a unanimous Texas League All-Star selection in 1967 and '68. He was the 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 in Maryland. He starred in baseball and basketball at Andover High School (Linthicum, MD); his four-year high school batting average was .407. He was a high school All-American basketball player his senior year. Jim played in Yankee Stadium in 1963 in the annual Hearst Sandlot Game and hit a home run.
He enjoys golf, hunting and tennis."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide

1979 Profile: Fred Stanley

"Fred Stanley has been deemed one of the finest utility infielders in baseball today. He is the Yankees' ace in the hole, and the infield suffers no letdown when he is called upon to perform.
The number one Yankee shortstop in '75 and '76, Stanley found himself moving to the bench when Bucky Dent arrived, and there he showed his versatility and ability to play second base and third base as well as shortstop.
Last year, Freddie filled in more than adequately when Dent was hampered by injuries. His grand slam home run off Mike Torrez in Boston on June 20 keyed the Yankees' 10-4 victory, and he added a ninth-inning single to beat the Tigers in Detroit a couple of days later.
'Chicken' has hit one other grand slam as a Yankee: September 8, 1973 in Yankee Stadium, the last one ever hit in the 'old' Stadium. But Fred Stanley is more than the answer to a trivia question ... he provides the answer when Bob Lemon turns to his bench for infield support. And Lem feels a certain security from knowing he has one of the best in the business to turn to."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"The Yanks' number one shortstop in 1975 and 1976, Fred has backed up Bucky Dent the last two years and has become one of the outstanding utility infielders in baseball. He can also fill in at second and third.
Fred did a very respectable job filling in for Dent when Bucky suffered his pulled hamstring last year. He hit a grand slam off Mike Torrez in Boston on June 20 to key the Yanks' 10-4 win. He had a ninth-inning single to beat the Tigers two days later in Detroit. Fred started off well offensively last year and was hitting as high as .276 in July.
He had his best season with the bat in 1976, his average reaching as high as .277, and batted a respectable .261 in 1977.
Fred has hit four Yankee home runs, two of them being grand slammers. His first was the last grand slam hit in the 'old' Yankee Stadium (September 8, 1973 against Milwaukee), and his third Yankee homer won a ball game on July 2, 1977 when he connected for a two-run shot off John Hiller to beat the Tigers, 6-4.
Known to his teammates as 'Chicken,' Fred was with the Pilots, Brewers, Indians and Padres before coming to the Yankees. He was originally signed by the Houston organization in 1966.
Raised in Whittier, California, where he played Little League, Pony League and American Legion ball, Fred played baseball, football, basketball and ran track in high school. A business major in college, later a sergeant in the Army, he works as a sales representative for a toy company in the winter. He enjoys golf, racquetball and hunting.
Fred switch hit briefly but is now strictly a right-hander. He went 3-for-3 against the California Angels in his first major league game."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide

1979 Profile: Don Hood

"While Don Hood spends his winter months fishing and hunting in his native South Carolina, he'll reflect back on June 15. Unlike Friday the 13th, Friday the 15th contained much good luck for the slender 29-year-old left-hander.

It was on that day Don heard the news that he was becoming a New York Yankee. Rearing back and throwing for the World Champions was news that could make any pitcher's head spin, but Don remained cool, calm, and collected. Instead of looking back at the '78 World Championship flag flying masterfully overhead at the Stadium, Don looks forward to helping the Bronx Bombers in their quest for a '79 banner. And by throwing both short and long relief, in addition to spot starting, his value increases all the more."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

1979 Profile: Willie Randolph

"Willie displayed maturity to go with his natural talent in 1978.
'The more I see him, the more I like him,' says former coach Gene Michael. 'Not only his great tools, but the way he takes charge and the way he plays the game. He's a winner.' Willie missed the playoffs and World Series because of a pulled hamstring muscle.
He was born in Holly Hills, South Carolina but grew up in Brooklyn. Signed by the Pirates and later traded to the Yanks, Willie may someday be remembered as one of the best Yankee second basemen ever. His quick hands make him adept at turning double plays."

-Phil Pepe and Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1979 Edition

"He's been with the Yankees for three years and all three years they've gone to the World Series. He's been named to the All-Star team two times. Twice in his career he's stolen 35 or more bases and scored over 85 runs. In 1978 he finished fifth in the league in on-base percentage, led the Yanks in walks and hit a fine .279. Sounds like this man has had a heck of a career.
But Willie Randolph has accomplished all that and much more ... and he won't even be 25 years old until July! His career, most obviously, is still far ahead of him. Willie has already served notice that he is one of the finest, if not the finest, of all the A.L.'s second basemen. And he teams with Bucky Dent to give the Yankees one of the best young double play combinations in baseball.
Willie has been somewhat hampered by injuries in the past, but through hard work it looks as though he's quite ready for this season. This quiet New Jersey resident was raised in Brooklyn and played his high school ball at Tilden. With proven success at each level of his career, Willie would like to keep one record constant: his record of having been on World Series teams in each of his Yankee years."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Willie, just 24 years old, has now spent three full seasons in the majors. He plays a solid second base, teaming with Bucky Dent to give the Yankees one of the best young double play combos in baseball. Willie has been on the All-Star team twice in three years but missed the 1976 game due to injuries.
Unfortunately for Willie, he was bothered by injuries on and off last year, suffering a bruised right knee and a pulled left hamstring, the hamstring injury keeping him out of the playoffs and World Series. Willie pulled the hamstring beating out an infield single against the Indians on September 29, and it was his last action for the year.
He still managed a very productive season, though, batting .279 and finishing fifth in the league in on-base percentage (.385), drawing a team leading 82 walks. Willie batted .500 (8-16) with six RBIs during the Yanks' four-game sweep of the Red Sox in September and had a five-RBI game against the Sox on September 7. He also went four-for-four against the Indians on September 23. Willie had seven game-winning RBIs for the Yanks last year and proved to be a good clutch hitter, batting .320 (57-178) with men on base. He also stole 36 bases in 43 attempts.
In 1976 Willie was the first rookie ever listed on the All-Star ballot. He started the All-Star Game in 1977, playing all nine innings and setting a record for most assists by a second baseman with six. Willie won the James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding rookie in the Yanks' spring training camp in '76 and was named to the Topps Rookie All-Star team that year. In 1977, he was voted to the A.P., U.P.I. and Sporting News All-Star teams, and last year was named to the A.P. and U.P.I. All-Star teams. He's also played on three championship clubs all three years- quite a list of accomplishments for a player who's only been in the big leagues three years.
The Pirates drafted Willie seventh in June 1972. 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, and in the 1976 off-season had minor surgery on the outside of his right knee. He also had a right shoulder injury in '76, but stayed pretty healthy in '77, although he missed some games with a bruised right thumb and a sore right knee.
Although he was 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, also playing baseball at Tilden High School.
Willie has three brothers and a sister. His brother Terry was drafted in the 11th round by the Green Bay Packers in 1977."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide

1979 Profile: Graig Nettles

1979 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"He astounded a national TV audience with his diving catches at third base in the World Series. But his performance didn't surprise Graig.
'I've been making plays like that for eight or nine years.' Graig has never received the credit due him for all he's done. He came to the Yankees in '73 from Cleveland where his efforts went unnoticed.
Born in San Diego, Graig always seems to have one hot month with the bat. Named the All-Time Yankee third baseman, he's also a clever quipster.
'I guess I'm not controversial enough,' he says of his lack of publicity."

-Phil Pepe and Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1979 Edition

"In the six seasons Graig Nettles has been a Yankee, he has shown the same outstanding play day in and day out. But it was not until the third game of the 1978 World Series that he received acclaim as the top defensive third baseman in baseball. Graig's sparkling, diving stabs saved the Yankees throughout the contest and turned the Fall Classic around.
In addition to giving the Los Angeles Dodgers nightmares with his glove, he has been equally efficient with the bat. In playing over 150 games for the ninth season running, Graig was once again one of the top home run hitters (27) in the game. Only four players in the last five years have hit more home runs than this Yankee third sacker.
In 1978, Graig set the all-time Yankee fielding percentage mark (.975) for a third baseman, locking up his second Gold Glove in a row. He was also named the all-time Yankee third baseman in a 1977 poll conducted by a panel of sportswriters. Puff's wizardry with the glove demonstrates the importance of defense as he anchors the Yankee infield in their quest for a third consecutive World Championship."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"1978 was another great year for Nettles. He turned the World Series around with his fielding exhibition in Game Three and was finally recognized around the world for the greatest defensive third baseman that he is. The Yankees knew it all along, and so did anybody who watched him play day in and day out.
Graig proved his durability again by playing in over 150 games for the ninth straight year. He tied with Reggie Jackson for the Yankee home run lead with 27 (ninth in the league). It was the sixth straight year he's hit over 20 and the eighth time in the last nine. Graig had the highest batting average of his career in 1978, hitting .276. His 93 RBIs were second to Jackson on the Yankees (11th in the league).
He had two homers in a game twice last year, and eight of his 27 homers were game-winners. Graig hit his homers in spurts last year, having five in six days, four in five days, four in six days and three in two days. His best home run month was May with seven. Twice last year, Graig shared back-to-back home runs with Chris Chambliss. He had 13 game-winning RBIs last year to lead the team and batted .295 (79-268) with men on base. Graig beat the Red Sox with a 14th inning homer on June 27 in New York.
He led the Yankees in homers in 1977 with 32, second in the American League, after winning the American League home run title in 1976 with 32. Graig had a career high of 107 RBIs in 1977 and now has had 90-plus RBIs for four straight years. He set personal highs in '77 for homers, RBIs and runs (99), having what was probably his best offensive year that season. He was named to the Sporting News and U.P.I. All-Star teams in '77, and was fifth in the MVP vote that year.
Over the last five years Graig has hit 139 home runs and only four players in baseball have a better homer total in that time (Mike Schmidt-171, George Foster-151, Jackson-151, Dave Kingman-145). Graig has led the Yankees in home runs five times. He shares the major league home run record for the month of April with Schmidt and Willie Stargell, as he hit 11 in 1974 along with a streak of 10 straight games with an RBI, one short of the record shared by Babe Ruth and Mel Ott.
Many now feel that Graig is the finest fielding third baseman in baseball. He won the Gold Glove for the second straight year. He had a .975 fielding percentage, breaking the all-time Yankee single-season mark by a third baseman, which he already jointly held, led the league with 20 double plays, and was among the leaders in putouts and assists. While with the Indians, Graig set records for assists by a third baseman in one season (412 in 1971) and for double plays in a season (54 in 1971).
A four-time All-Star, Graig was the American League Player of the Week for June 21-June 27 of last year. He was named to the A.P. and U.P.I. All-Star teams, along with the Sporting News and Baseball Bulletin All-Star teams.
Graig now holds the Yankee records for most homers and most RBIs by a third baseman in a single season. He was named the all-time Yankee third baseman in a special poll of sportswriters in 1977. By winning the home run title in '76, Graig was the first Yankee to do that since Roger Maris hit 61 in 1961. He has missed only 21 games in his six years with the Yankees.
Nettles was a baseball and basketball star at San Diego State before signing with the Twins in 1966. He was a member of the 1969 Western Division champs, managed by Billy Martin. Graig was dealt to Cleveland in December of 1969 with Dean Chance, Bob Miller and Ted Uhlaender for Luis Tiant and Stan Williams. He was Cleveland's Man of the Year in 1971.
An accomplished golfer, Graig is nicknamed 'Puff' by his teammates."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide

1979 Profile: Bucky Dent

"The hero of the Yankees' thrilling showdown victory over the Red Sox in the Eastern Division playoff and their World Series conquest of the Dodgers. Bucky won the World Series MVP award for his four-for-four, three-RBI performance in the decisive sixth game. Not bad for a guy who hits ninth in the batting order.
'Where else would I hit on this team?' He claims he likes hitting ninth because pitchers have a tendency to relax and let up when they get to him.
Born in Savannah, Georgia, Bucky came to the Yankees on the day before the '77 season opened. He's one of the best defensive shortstops in the game.
The first time he ever saw a major league game, he played in it."

-Phil Pepe and Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1979 Edition

"1978 was a distressing year for Bucky Dent ... until game #163 and beyond. Until that time, Bucky had been hampered by injuries for the first time in his career. In fact, he had missed only 17 games in his first four years as a major leaguer.
But Bucky Dent became a household name starting with the magnificent playoff game in Boston. As everyone knows, it was Bucky's three-run blast into the famous Fenway screen that gave the Yanks a lead they never relinquished. And that was just the start of things for the 27-year-old shortstop with the matinee idol looks.
In the American League Championship Series, Bucky was a key figure and finished second in RBIs to Jackson as the Yanks took the Royals in four games. Then came the World Series: .417 batting average, seven RBIs and his usual steady defense. Suddenly, Bucky was the World Series MVP and in demand for movies, talk shows and banquets. It was the stuff dreams are made from, but nobody knows better than Bucky Dent because it took hard work and determination to reach that high plateau."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Dent capped off an injury plagued year with a super World Series, and was named the World Series MVP for his efforts. He batted .417 in the Series (10-24) with seven RBIs, and turned in a great job defensively against the Dodgers.
Bucky started his postseason heroics by hitting a three-run homer off Mike Torrez in the playoff game with Boston, bringing the Yankees from behind as they clinched the Eastern Division. It was one of the most publicized home runs in recent years.
Bucky suffered a pulled right hamstring in Anaheim on June 10, which bothered him on and off for the remainder of the year. He still managed to do a good job at the plate. Finishing strong, he had an 11-game hitting streak from September 2-12. He hit .350 (7-20) in the Yanks' four-game September sweep of the Red Sox, with seven RBIs.
He teams with Willie Randolph to give the Yankees one of the best young double-play combinations in the game. Bucky had a string of four straight years with over 150 games played snapped last year, yet his .981 fielding percentage was third among American League shortstops. He has been among the league leaders every year in total chances accepted.
Dent first came up with the White Sox in 1973. In his rookie year of 1974, he was the American League's runner-up in the Rookie of the Year voting to Texas' Mike Hargrove, yet was named shortstop on the major league All-Rookie team and led the A.L. with 23 sacrifice hits. Bucky 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 Bucky's best year so far. In addition to the double plays, he was first in fielding (.981), putouts (279), 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 (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 Rich Gossage when they were together in the White Sox organization. After hitting 10 home runs his first three full years in the majors, Bucky has hit 13 in the last two.
An all-around athlete, Dent was an All-State halfback at Hialeah (Fla.) High School. He played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion baseball in Hialeah. 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.
He became a movie star over the winter, appearing as a football player in a film about the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide

1979 Profile: Chris Chambliss

"The quiet Yankee. Hampered by a hand injury that forced him to the bench during the World Series, Chris is still one of the keys to the club's hopes in '79. Owner George Steinbrenner calls his two-run homer that tied the sixth World Series game in '77 'perhaps the biggest hit of the year for us.'
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Chris was obtained from Cleveland in 1974.
He's a consistent hitter in clutch situations."

-Phil Pepe and Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1979 Edition

"If you are wondering what shines so brightly down the first base line, take a better look and notice Chris Chambliss' Gold Glove. Critics have finally stopped to take notice of his fine defensive ability: only four errors all year for a .997 fielding percentage, a mark which tied the Yankee club record and was tops for all major league first basemen in 1978. Remarkable as the next statement seems, Chris is still one of the steady, underrated stars on the ballclub.
In understanding his value to the Yankees, one has to look beyond his fielding prowess. An excellent clutch hitter, C.C. ranked among the league leaders in games (2nd with 162), at-bats (5th with 625), hits (7th with 171) and RBIs (listed 13th with his third straight 90-plus season). In addition, his powerful stroke accounted for 12 home runs last season. But when a Yankee fan reaches back for home run memories, one can only think of that tense ninth inning of October 1976 during the American League playoffs. It was easily one of the most dramatic moments in sports history.
In his seven seasons in pro ball, Chris has exerted nothing but positive influences on everyone he comes in contact with. As the son of a Navy chaplain, C.C. delivers and earns the rare respect that so many young Americans look up to, performing not only on the field but also off the field with his concern for today's youngsters and their problems."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Chris had his fourth straight impressive year with the Yankees in 1978 and was probably the most consistent Yankee throughout the season. Chris was among the league leaders in games (second with 162), at-bats (fifth with 625), hits (seventh with 171) and RBIs (13th with 90); he had four RBIs in a game three times last year. Twice he teamed with Nettles for back-to-back homers last year, and hit his third career grand slam on June 23 against Detroit.
Chris won the Gold Glove at first, committing just four errors in 1,481 total chances, a .997 percentage which tied him with Joe Pepitone for the all-time Yankee first baseman single-season mark. He was also used as a designated hitter in seven games last year, going 7-for-25 (.280) in that role.
Hitting streaks have been a part of Chris's career. Starting in 1971 he's had yearly streaks of 15,15,19,18, 13,19,15 and last year had streaks of ten and eight games.
Few will forget his home run to beat the Royals in the ninth inning of the final game of the 1976 ALCS. Chris continued his homer heroics in 1977, winning four games with late-inning homers. He had a 12th inning home run last year to beat the Rangers 3-2 on May 7. Although his injured right hand forced him to miss three games of the '78 World Series, he hit .400 in last year's ALCS against the Royals. Chris holds six ALCS records for a five-game Series: batting average (.524), slugging percentage (.952), hits (11), total bases (20), home runs (2, a tie) and RBIs (8), all set in the 1976 ALCS.
Chris finished fifth in the MVP voting in 1976, probably his best year with the Yankees, when he reached career highs in nearly every department. He was the American League's Rookie of the Year in 1971, after just one season in the minors, and had a two-run single to beat the White Sox in his first major league start.
When Chris was obtained by the Yankees in 1974 the deal was met with much skepticism- not so now. He has hit 128 doubles in the last four years and was credited with two steals of home in 1977. Chris has had 72, 96, 90 and 90 RBIs over the last four seasons, and is one of the Yanks' best clutch hitters, with 11 game-winning RBIs last year following 12 in 1977.
Chris batted .342 in 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 home runs and 45 RBIs.
Chris is the son of a Navy chaplain and 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 School in California. He played football and baseball in junior college and baseball for one year at UCLA. Chris was a member of the Air National Guard.
He is a cousin of basketball star Jo Jo White."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide

1979 Profile: Rich Gossage

"He led the league in saves with 27. He throws bullets.
'Seventy-five percent of relief pitching is mental.' Nicknamed 'The Goose,' he found his golden egg worth $3.6 million when he signed as a free agent with the Yanks. Goose's arrival shoved Cy Young Award winner Sparky Lyle aside when he joined the Yankee bullpen.
Born in Colorado Springs, Goose was the American League Fireman of the Year in 1975 while with the White Sox. He was a starting pitcher for the Sox in '76 but returned to the bullpen with the Pirates the following year."

-Phil Pepe and Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1979 Edition

"September 3, 1978, Yankee Stadium. Seattle runners on second and third, none out. The Yanks hold a slim 4-3 lead. Three batters later it was over. Rich Gossage had struck out the side on just 11 pitches!
That was one of the high points in a season of highs for the fireballing right-hander, signed by the Yankees as a free agent during the winter of 1977. Goose had a sensational first year out of the Yankee bullpen, leading the league in saves, and winning the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year and Sporting News Fireman of the Year awards. He also posted a sparkling 2.01 ERA.
But that's really nothing new for this native of Colorado Springs. In the three years that he has been used exclusively in relief, Goose has recorded 26, 26 and 27 saves, and ERAs of 1.84, 1.62 and 2.01.
Whenever the Yankee starters were in trouble, Bob Lemon consistently looked for his main man in the pen, and time and again Goose bailed the Yankees out of trouble. In fact, he was on the mound at the conclusion of the three most important wins of the season: the playoff win at Boston, the pennant clincher against Kansas City, and the final game of the World Series at Dodger Stadium. You just know that in 1979 whenever Lem needs a fire extinguished, the Goose will be the man he calls on."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Gossage was the Yankees' number one pick in the 1977 Free Agent Draft, and he rewarded them with a super season. He led the American League in saves with 27 and won the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year award.
Goose started off slow for the Yanks, dropping his first three decisions, then got hot with seven saves and three wins in 12 appearances. He was the American League's Player of the Week, August 28-September 3, appearing in four games, with three saves and a win, allowing no runs on one hit. Goose had his most impressive outing of the year on September 3, when he entered a game against Seattle with runners on second and third, no outs, and the Yanks' holding onto a 4-3 lead. He proceeded to strike out the side (Paciorek, Robertson and Cruz) on just 11 pitches.
He finished off very strong for the Yanks, with 10 saves and two wins in his last 15 appearances, allowing just five earned runs in those appearances. Goose did not yield a home run over his last 30 regular-season appearances, covering 60.2 innings, a streak he carried into postseason play, not giving one up in five postseason appearances (10 innings).
Goose continued into postseason play, picking up a win and a save in the ALCS and a win in the World Series. He allowed no runs and just one hit in his three World Series appearances (six innings). Goose was on the mound for the finish of the Yanks' three clinching games last year: the playoff with Boston, the ALCS title over the Royals, and the World Series clinching win over the Dodgers.
In addition to the Rolaids award, Goose was named the Sporting News Fireman of the Year and was named to the U.P.I All-Star team.
Goose signed a six-year contract with the Yankees when he joined them as a free agent in November of 1977 and has now had two straight excellent years. In his last year with the Pirates, he appeared in a Pittsburgh record 72 games with an 11-9 record, 26 saves and a 1.62 ERA. Over the last two years Goose's ERA is 1.82.
A teammate of Bucky Dent in the White Sox organization, they both came up with Sarasota in 1970. In 1971 Goose 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. Goose won his first seven big league decisions, all in relief; his only loss that year was his only starting assignment, at the end of the season.
The American League Fireman of the Year in 1975, Goose compiled a league leading 26 saves with a 9-8 record. In 62 games he had a 1.84 ERA, allowing 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 with the Pirates in 1977. He struck out eight of 11 Dodgers he faced in a game on May 19, 1977.
Goose was the primary acquisition the Yankees wanted to make in the 1977 Free Agent Draft. Yankee scout Birdie Tebbetts said he was the most valuable man on his list, and suggested the Yanks let no contending club in the league get him.
Goose has an excellent fastball. He was the captain of his high school basketball team at Wasson High in Colorado Springs.
He enjoys hunting and fishing in the winter."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide

1979 Profile: Ed Figueroa

"Ed Figueroa fulfilled a lifelong dream in 1978, but it wasn't easy. When Figgy beat the Indians at the Stadium on September 30, he became the first Puerto Rican-born pitcher to win 20 games in a season, and fittingly it came in his final regular-season start.
It was a long, uphill eight and half years before Ed finally reached the major leagues, but once he got there he served notice he'd be around for a while. Figueroa came to the Yankees with Mickey Rivers during the winter of 1975, and it looked like he'd reach his elusive goal that first year in Yankee pinstripes. Unfortunately, he fell one win short.
It looked like he'd fall short again in 1978, but Eddie proved tough down the stretch and won his last eight, and 13 of his last 15 to reach the 20-win mark. But Ed's been winning like that since he reached the majors, and over the last four years only two A.L. pitchers have more wins than Ed's 71: Jim Palmer (86) and Dennis Leonard (73). In his three seasons in New York, he has posted 55 wins and a .647 winning percentage.
It doesn't seem as though Ed Figueroa has any more worlds to conquer, but he is a competitor and you just know he'd like to become the first hurler from his homeland to win 20 twice in a row."

-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook

"Figueroa became the first Puerto Rican-born pitcher to win 20 games when he beat the Indians in his last regular-season appearance last year, 7-0 with a 5-hitter. He led the Yanks with 35 starts, 11th in the league, and his 20 wins tied him for fifth.
Figgy was the Yankees' hottest pitcher down the stretch, finishing the season with eight straight wins. He won 13 of his last 15 decisions (over 18 starts, with three no-decisions). Ed's only two losses in his last 18 starts were a 6-3 loss to the Angels and a rain-shortened 3-0 defeat to the Orioles when the Yanks had five runs wiped out due to the rain. He was the American League's Player of the Week for the final week of the season, picking up wins over the Blue Jays and Indians, giving up just one run on 10 hits in 18 innings. In his last 18 regular season starts, Ed had two individual shutouts and one combined shutout, seven complete games and five games where he allowed just one earned run.
Ed was a hard-luck pitcher for the Yankees last year, as his teammates failed to score more than three runs in 15 of his 35 starts. His low-hit game of 1978 was a 3-hitter over the Rangers in his first start of the year. With an excellent pickoff move, Ed picked six runners off base last year.
Over the last four years, only two pitchers in the American League have won more games than Figueroa: Jim Palmer has 86 and Dennis Leonard has 73. Figgy has won 71 in that period. He has now started 30, and won at least 16 games in each of the last four seasons.
Ed won 19 games his first year as a Yankee in 1976, after coming from the Angels. That led the team in victories and tied him for fourth in the league. He had a hot streak that year, winning 12 of 15 at one point, as the Yanks pulled away in the Eastern Division.
A Giants fan as a youngster, Figueroa played baseball and basketball in high school in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. As a member of Puerto Rico's amateur champs in the early 60's, Figgy and his teammates won a trip to New York to see a game at Yankee Stadium. He was originally signed by the Mets in 1966 but was soon released and signed by the Giants. Ed served in Vietnam with the Marines in 1969. The Angels obtained him in 1973.
Figgy lost his major league debut 1-0 to the White Sox. He started the 1975 season in the minors but was brought back, and proved to be the Angels' stopper that year; 15 of his 16 wins followed Angel defeats.
Ed lists George Brett as his toughest opponent."

-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide