"Lou found a permanent place in the lineup after Bob Lemon replaced Billy Martin, and boasted the fourth best batting average in the AL. One of the most serious, devoted students of hitting in the game, he's extremely popular with Yankee fans. He's a fierce competitor whose temper tantrums are legendary, yet he's charming off the field with the press and with the public. Born in Tampa, Lou is one of the best needlers around."
-Phil Pepe and Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1979 Edition
"Once and for all, we'd like to set the record straight. Lou Piniella has hit .300 or more five times in his career, and in both of the Yankee championship years of '77 and '78. Last year his .314 batting average was the fourth best in the league, and he was only one of six batters to reach that magic .300 mark. His 34 doubles, seventh highest total in the A.L., disproved the rumors that Lou was slowing down.
Sweet Lou, of proud Spanish ancestry, is more than statistics and superlatives. The crowd cheering 'Lou, Lou' tells you that he has a unique style all his own. Whether on the ballfield, in the clubhouse or in the middle of a crowd, Lou manages to light up the scene. Quick wit and a real sincerity make everyone who comes in contact with Lou want to get to know him better.
While Lou is known for his artistry with the bat, he can also get the job done defensively. Few will forget his two game-saving plays in right field in the playoff game at Boston last year, or his leaping grab in left field to rob Ron Cey of a home run in the 1977 World Series.
Being completely skilled and well liked by all, along with an astute knowledge of the game, make Lou Piniella a respected athlete and a valuable asset to have on any club. We're glad that club is the New York Yankees, and so is Lou."
-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook
"Lou topped the .300 mark for the fifth time in his career in 1978, and for the second straight year. He finished at .314, fourth best in the American League, and was one of only six batters in the league to finish over .300. Lou played in more games last year (130) than in any year since 1974, being used as a left fielder, right fielder and designated hitter. He batted .372 as a DH last year (29-78) and was also very effective as a pinch hitter, going 4-for-9 (.444) in that role. Lou was a good clutch hitter all year, batting .302 with men on base, and hit safely in all six World Series games. His 34 doubles ranked him seventh in the American League. Credited with four outfield assists, Lou also did a super job defensively, coming up with some clutch plays in the Yanks' playoff win over the Red Sox and in the World Series.
Lou had a 13-game hitting streak last year (April 21-May 16) and finished the year hitting in 12 straight games. Consistent all year, his average sunk below the .300 mark for only one day. He went 4-for-5 on June 14 against Seattle. His three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth on July 26 beat Rick Wise and the Cleveland Indians, 3-1. Lou went 10-for-16 (.625) with three doubles, a triple, a home run and five RBIs in the Yanks' four-game sweep of the Red Sox in September. He had nine game-winning RBIs, three of them coming in important games against the Red Sox.
Lou finished off the 1977 season hot, as he became an everyday player midway through August. He hit .342 from August 10 to the end of the season and hit safely in all five ALCS games and in the first four World Series games.
Lou returned to regular duty in 1976 after sitting out most of the 1975 season with an inner ear problem that required mid-season surgery. He was runner-up to teammate Dock Ellis for Comeback Player of the Year.
Lou was originally signed by Cleveland scout Spud Chandler in 1962, drafted by Washington later that year, dealt to Baltimore in 1964 and back to Cleveland in 1966. He was Rookie of the Year in 1969 with the Royals, after K.C. acquired him from the Seattle Pilots prior to the start of the season for ex-Yankee Steve Whitaker. A member of the 1972 All-Star team, Lou was the Royals' all-time leader in games, at-bats, hits, doubles, triples, RBIs and total bases before his trade to the Yankees.
Not known for his speed, Lou has still managed leg out 14 triples in the last three years. Fans welcome each at-bat of his with chants of 'Lou, Lou'."
-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide
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