"Last year's yearbook introduced this man as 'one of the most promising pitching prospects in the Yankee organization.' Jim Beattie went on to show that promise by winning the 1978 Dawson Award as the outstanding Yankee rookie in spring training.
After opening the season in Tacoma with a 5-hitter, Jim was recalled and made his debut in Yankee pinstripes by beating Jim Palmer and the Orioles 4-3. He had his ups and downs after that, and after a seven-inning complete game no-hitter at Tacoma, he came back to stay.
It was down the stretch that Jim really began to shine. He beat the Red Sox 13-2 at Fenway with 8.2 classic innings, allowing only six hits and no earned runs. With that in mind, Bob Lemon gave Jim the start in Game One of the ALCS, and he responded by combining with Ken Clay on a 2-hitter. Later, during the World Series, Jim pitched his first major league complete game, beating the Dodgers 12-2, to put the Yankees up three games to two.
During the off-season, 'Beats' coaches basketball at Phillips Academy, and is working on his Master's Degree in business administration. He is a former captain of the Dartmouth College basketball team. His philosophy on life should prove beneficial in his baseball career: constant learning to become the best you possibly can."
-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook
"In 1978 Jim became the pitcher the Yankees knew he would be. He was the winner of the James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding rookie in the Yanks' spring training camp. Jim started the year at Tacoma, and after one start, a complete-game victory, was brought up to the Yankees on April 18. He made his major league debut on April 25 at Baltimore, and he beat Jim Palmer and the Orioles, 4-3. After winning his first two major league decisions, Jim then dropped his next three and was returned to Tacoma after pitching against the Red Sox on June 21.
Jim worked with coach Clyde King at Tacoma on a no-windup delivery. He showed improvement, and after pitching a seven-inning complete game no-hitter against Spokane on July 9, was recalled by the Yanks on July 13. Jim pitched well for the Yanks down the stretch, winning four of his last six decisions. His high point of the year was pitching 8.2 innings at Fenway Park on September 8, yielding no earned runs and just six hits to the Red Sox, winning 13-2. Over his last seven regular-season starts, Jim was 4-2 with a no-decision, giving up just 14 earned runs in 47 innings for a 2.68 ERA, lowering his overall ERA from 4.39 to 3.73.
Jim started Game One of the ALCS and combined with Ken Clay to 2-hit the Royals. He then pitched a 2-hitter in his first major league complete game, beating the Dodgers 12-2, in the fifth game of the World Series.
Jim was captain elect of the Dartmouth basketball team when selected by the Yankees, and he decided to sign a pro contract. An honorable mention All-American basketball player, All-New England in 1974, MVP of the Kodak Classic in 1975, and MVP on the Dartmouth team for the 1974-1975 season, Jim was also an All-Ivy League baseball player. Originally a third baseman, he played American Legion ball and in the Cape Cod League in South Portland, Maine. Jim was a member of the 1976 West Haven championship team.
An art major, he is attending business administration graduate school. Jim was the basketball coach this winter at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., where his new bride Martha Johnson is a teacher.
His hobbies are painting and outdoor sports."
-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide
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