ANDY MESSERSMITH
"The landmark. Messersmith changed baseball's reserve system by playing out his contract with the Dodgers and declaring himself a free agent. That opened the way for the free agent market, and the Braves signed him to a contract for over $1 million. Injuries checked his career in Atlanta, and the Yankees are taking a chance on him.
Born in Toms River, New Jersey, Andy has twice won the pitcher's Gold Glove award. He tied a major league record and set an NL mark by striking out the first six Phillies to start a game in 1973. Andy had a no-hitter against Montreal broken up in the ninth inning in 1976. He has been named to four All-Star teams, including one in the AL.
Andy blows the biggest bubble gum bubbles around."
-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"The man who almost became a Yankee for the 1976 season becomes one for the 1978 season. John Alexander 'Andy' Messersmith will finally wear Yankee pinstripes after being acquired during the off-season from the Atlanta Braves.
Andy posted a 16-15 record for his two years with a weak Atlanta club despite injuries both seasons. Prior to his injuries, the 6-1, 200-pounder showed flashes of his old brilliance early in 1976. And there can be no question that Messersmith has had a brilliant career. He twice won 20 games (one of the few men ever to win 20 in each league), is a four-time All-Star (NL starter in 1974) and has a lifetime ERA of 2.77. He is also an excellent fielder, having won Gold Glove awards in 1974 and '75.
Born in Toms River, New Jersey, Messersmith now resides in Corona Del Mar, California, but is making his way back to the Northeast in a move that both he and the Yanks hope is beneficial."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Messersmith will be trying to come back with the Yanks after two injury-plagued years with the Braves. Andy was 16-15 for weak Atlanta clubs over the last two years despite the injuries. In 1976 he had a hamstring pull and then came up with shoulder problems that sidelined him in mid-August for the remainder of the season. Last year he fell while fielding a chopper to the mound in Houston on July 3, and landed on his arm, injuring his elbow. Surgery was performed in August and Andy was through for the season.
Prior to his injuries in 1976, Andy showed his old brilliance. He was the National League's Pitcher of the Month in June, winning five of six, pitching six straight complete games, two consecutive shutouts and a one-hitter. He finished '76 with the second best ERA on the club and the third most wins. He also had two three-hitters that season.
Andy began his professional career with the Angels after he was picked first in the 1966 Free Agent Draft. He instantly made a great impression, pitching a one-hit shutout for Seattle over Tacoma in his first professional start. Andy pitched a two-hit shutout over Boston in his first major league start for the Angels in 1968. He was 20-13 for California in 1971, and he did it the hard way by winning nine of his last ten decisions, including three shutouts and seven complete games.
Messersmith came to the Dodgers in 1973 in the deal that saw Frank Robinson traded to the Angels. He had two outstanding seasons with the Dodgers in 1974 (20-6, 2.59 ERA) and 1975 (19-14, 2.29 ERA), becoming one of the few to win 20 in each league. Eight times during the 1974 season Andy did not give up an earned run. He won five of his last six regular-season starts in '74 and finished second to Mike Marshall in the voting for the National League Cy Young Award. A good hitter and a good fielder, Andy also won Gold Gloves in 1974 and 1975.
He tied a major league record and set a National League mark in 1973 when he struck out the first six batters at the start of a game against the Phillies. An All-Star four times, including once in the American League, Messersmith started the 1974 All-Star Game at Pittsburgh.
A baseball and football star at Western High in Anaheim, Andy was 8-2 as a sophomore at the University of California at Berkeley and was named to the NCAA All-District Eight Team, and won a second-team All-American mention.
Andy has two children by a previous marriage."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
"One of the more highly regarded pitching prospects in the Yankee organization, Gil was drafted four times before he finally signed with the Yanks before the 1975 season. He led the New York-Penn League in strikeouts in his first season in pro ball at Oneonta. Gil split the 1976 season between West Haven and Syracuse and compiled a combined 16-4 record.
He started six games with the Yanks last year and picked up his first major league win over the Texas Rangers on May 25. After starting a game against the Red Sox on May 31, Carl Yastrzemski called Gil the best young pitcher he's seen in the American League in some time.
Originally an outfielder, Gil was used as both a pitcher and a designated hitter at Miami Dade South College, where he was an MVP.
He worked out extensively at home this winter on the Nautilus machine."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
"Undoubtedly, Gil Patterson is a major part of the Yankee optimism for the future. The young right-hander- he won't be 23 until September- is one the more highly regarded pitching prospects in the Yankee organization. And there are reasons to be optimistic over Gil.
After leading the New York-Penn League in strikeouts in his first pro season, Gil began his climb up the ladder. He split the 1976 season between the Yankees' AA and AAA clubs and compiled a dazzling 18-4 record, including two playoff wins. He was slowed by an injury in winter ball but still spent enough time with the big club in 1977 to earn praise from Carl Yastrzemski. Yaz, who has seen many young pitchers come and go, stated that Gil was the best young pitcher he had seen in the American League in some time.
Patterson stands six feet, one inch tall and weighs 205 pounds. He showed his versatility in college, being used as both a pitcher and a designated hitter at Miami Dade South College in his hometown, and winning the MVP award. Prior to that, he had been primarily an outfielder. With his record so far, everyone involved agrees the move to pitching was a wise one- everyone, that is, except opposing batters."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
FRAN HEALY
"Fran shared backup catching duty last year with Cliff Johnson and was Munson's principal backup in 1976. He gained a reputation as the Yankee mediator in 1977.
Healy was a regular with the Royals in 1973 and 1974, and his 16 stolen bases in 1974 were the most by a catcher since 1937 when Frank Pytlak had 16 for Cleveland.
Fran starred in baseball and basketball at Holyoke High and was signed to a Cleveland contract in 1965. His father (Bernard) and an uncle (Frank) also played pro ball, Frank seeing action as a catcher for the Giants and Cardinals (1930-1934). Fran holds a B.S. in history.
The Royals took him in the 1968 expansion draft. Two years later he went to the Giants and was on the 1971 Giant division champion club. The Royals got him back in 1973, and Fran caught both of Steve Busby's no-hitters.
Fran spent the off-season as a TV director, producing public service spots for the Connecticut Optometric Society. He directed Sparky Lyle and Chris Chambliss in one venture, and Reggie Jackson in another."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
"1977 saw Healy share the backup catching duties with Cliff Johnson. Acquired from Kansas City in mid-1976 for Larry Gura, Fran has proved a valuable asset to the Yankees.
He showed an ability to handle the bat when he hit .333 during one stretch in 1976 when Thurman Munson was hurt. Fran can also run well, and his 16 steals in 1974 were the most by a catcher since Frank Pytlak stole the same number for Cleveland in 1937.
Healy really excels in calling a game, his handling of the pitching staff, and in his overall catching tools. The lifelong resident of Holyoke, Massachusetts possesses a strong throwing arm and performed as a regular for the Royals in 1973 and '74. He caught both of Steve Busby's no-hitters while there.
Fran's great attitude, knowledge of the game, and versatility in all phases of the game make him a valuable man to have around."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
KEN HOLTZMAN
"Ken Holtzman was a key man in the big 10-player deal with the Orioles at the trading deadline in June of 1976. He won nine big games for Yanks down the stretch, including a two-hit shutout over the Rangers.
Anyone who knows Ken should not be surprised by his low-hit games or his ability. After all, the 6-2, 190-pound left-hander has thrown two no-hitters in his career and has averaged 15 wins for each of his American League seasons. In those six years, he's played for six divisional champions, five pennant winners and four World Champions. That's the kind of steadying influence and winning quality that is a welcome addition to any ball club.
1977 was not particularly kind to the Lincolnshire, Illinois resident, as he was not used nearly enough. He won two of his first three decisions and it appeared as if he were ready for another fine year, but things did not work out. But there is no reason to doubt Holtzman; he's been there before."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Holtzman was a key man in the 10-player deal with the Orioles at the trading deadline in June of 1976. He won nine games in half a season with the Yanks in '76 but just wasn't used nearly enough last year. He won two of his first three decisions of the year, but none the rest of the season.
Ken has been a star in both leagues. He hurled two no-hitters with the Cubs - August 19, 1969, against Atlanta, and June 4, 1971, at Cincinnati. He also had a perfect 9-0 record in 1967 in a season interrupted by military service. He came to the American League in 1972 after Oakland traded Rick Monday for him. Ken has been on a divisional championship team each of his six years in the league and has played on five pennant winners and four World Championship clubs. He has a 93-69 record in his six years in the American League.
Kenny almost had a third no-hitter in 1975, going 8.2 hitless innings against Detroit. His best Yankee performance was a 2-hit shutout over Texas on July 16, 1976.
Holtzman never won fewer than 18 games in his four seasons in Oakland, including a 21-victory season in 1973 when he was the Sporting News left-handed pitcher of the year in the American League.
A two-time All-Star (1972 and 1973), Ken has had World Series success both on the mound (4-1, 2.55 ERA) and with the bat (.833 slugging percentage).
He serves as the Yankees' player representative."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
GEORGE ZEBER
"Very few people knew who George Zeber was before 1977. He was the last man added to the Yankees' spring camp last year and promptly won acclaim with a good bat and steady defensive play. All that fine work earned him a share of the James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding rookie in training camp.
The switch-hitting infielder surprised everyone by making the Yankees and was an excellent infield backup. He hit a solid .323, and his first major league home run won a game for the Yanks.
Zeber has been in the Yankee organization since 1968, and last year was the first time he had a taste of the big leagues. It is doubtful whether anything could top that year for George, as his steady play and versatility aided the Yankee cause for the World Championship."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Zeber was a late non-roster addition to the spring camp last year. He went on to hit .314 with three doubles, a home run and five RBIs, in addition to steady defensive play at both second and third base. His spring earned him a spot on the Yankee Opening Day roster and he stayed with the big club all year.
George filled in second, third and shortstop, and batted a solid .323. He hit his first major league home run off the White Sox' Steve Stone, and it won a game for the Yankees. He also made two pinch-hitting appearances in the World Series.
Zeber had been advancing steadily in the Yankee organization until 1973, when he suffered a setback due to a knee injury and a beaning at Syracuse. He spent the 1970 and 1971 seasons in military service, and then returned to have a good year in 1972 for West Haven's championship club. He was the Eastern League's All-Star second baseman that year.
George is an all-around athlete who played baseball (All-State), basketball and football in high school. He started spring training last year wearing number 71, the highest number on the club, yet went on to win the James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding rookie in training camp."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
JAY JOHNSTONE
"The fun-loving Jay Johnstone came over to the Yankees in June after spending the last four years in the National League with the Phillies. Jay accumulated a .308 average in the senior circuit. A versatile athlete, Jay can play all three outfield positions along with first base. He showed some power with the Phils in 1977, banging out 15 homers, one under his career high.
Jay was originally signed by the Angels and also spent some time with the White Sox and A's in the American League. Now back in the junior circuit, Jay will try to become a fan favorite in New York like he was in Philadelphia."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Jay joined the Yanks in June, giving them some added left-handed punch on the roster. He spent the last four years in the National League with the Phillies, compiling a .308 average and having his best year with the Phils in '75 when he batted .329 with seven homers and 54 RBIs. Jay also hit .318 with them in 1976 along with 38 doubles, making him NL runner-up to Pete Rose's 42. He was Philadelphia's best hitter in the '76 National League Championship Series, going 7-for-9 (.778) with two RBIs.
Jay's playing time was reduced slightly last year when the Phillies obtained Bake McBride, but he still managed to hit .284 with 15 homers and 59 RBIs, his homer total just one under his career high of 16 with the 1971 White Sox. He had two homers in a game twice last year (July 5 vs. the Mets and July 17 vs. the Cubs). He committed just one error (as a first baseman) last year.
Jay was originally signed by the California Angels in 1963, and also played for the White Sox and the 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, and was named MVP in all three sports in his senior year.
His wife Mary Jane is a former actress who also wrote an off-season column for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Jay is a fun-loving guy and was a real fan favorite in Philadelphia. He enjoys public speaking and attending banquets."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
GARY THOMASSON
"Gary joined the Yankees at the June trading deadline, adding some more left-handed punch to the Yankee lineup. He had spent his entire career in the National League before moving across the Bay to play for the A's this year when he was involved in the Vida Blue trade.
Gary enjoyed his best year with the Giants last season, playing in 145 games and establishing career highs in hits, doubles, triples, homers, RBIs and stolen bases. Also an excellent defensive outfielder, the Yanks hope Gary continues to establish some more highs with the Yanks."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Thomasson joined the Yanks at the June trading deadline, adding some more left-handed punch to their lineup. He spent the first two months of this season with the Oakland A's, where he hit five homers while having his first exposure to American League pitching. He's also a good defensive outfielder who has played all three positions.
With the Giants last year, Gary played in a career high 145 games while enjoying 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). Gary also set a milestone last year, 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 put together some good steaks in 1977. He had an eight-game hitting streak in the second week of the season (11-for-28, .393). He hit in 14 of 16 games in June with 21 hits in 61 at-bats (.344). He hit .289 for June with his biggest hit of the month being a 12th inning homer off his now Yankee teammate Rich Gossage that broke a 5-5 tie and beat the Pirates 7-5 on June 18 at Candlestick. Gary hit 10 of his 17 homers of last season between May 18 and the All-Star break. He had five three-hit games last year and had four RBIs in a game three times, including July 21 at Candlestick when he delivered his first major league grand slam off Philadelphia's Jim Lonborg.
Thomasson had been with the Giants regularly since 1973, when he was named to the Topps' major league rookie All-Star squad, batting .285 that season for his best average with the Giants. He spent four years in the Giant 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 was named to the All-League first team as a junior. In his senior year, he set school records in batting (.443) and hits (38) and was named to the All-League and All-San Diego County first teams. Gary played Little League, Babe Ruth League and American Legion baseball."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
DR. MAURICE COWEN (Team Physician)
"Dr. Maurice Cowen begins his second season as the Yankees' team physician. Dr. Cowen is an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Lenox Hill hospital for the last eight years, and he will again oversee all of the Yankees' medical needs."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Dr. Maurice Cowan, affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital, is in his second season as the Yankees team physician."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
GENE MONAHAN (Trainer)
"Gene Monahan, the Yankee trainer, is in his sixth season with the parent club and at 33 is in his 16th year with the Yankee organization.
Starting as a batboy in his hometown of Fort Lauderdale, Gene is a graduate of Indiana University."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Gene Monahan, Yankee trainer, is in his sixth year with the parent club. At 33, he is in his 16th year with the Yankee organization, starting as a batboy at Fort Lauderdale. He is a graduate of Indiana University."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
HERMAN SCHNEIDER (Assistant Trainer)
"Herman Schneider enters his second year as the Yankees' assistant trainer. He joined the Yanks just before the start of last season, having worked previously at the Yankees' AAA club in Syracuse.
In the winters, Herman keeps busy as the trainer for the Ponce team in the Puerto Rican winter league."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Herman Schneider is now in his second season as the Yankee assistant trainer. Herman joined the Yankees from Syracuse before the 1977 season."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
BOB SHEPPARD (Public Address Announcer)
"Bob Sheppard, the country's best known public address announcer, once again will 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."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
TOBY WRIGHT (Stadium Organist)
"Toby Wright, the Yankee organist, entertains Yankee fans prior to and during home games at Yankee Stadium. His crowd-pleasing tunes can also be heard at many Madison Square Garden events."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
MICHAEL GROSSBARDT (Official Photographer)
"Michael Grossbardt enters his 10th year as the Yankees' official club photographer. Mike is responsible for all the shots that appear in the Yankees' colorful yearbook and in their official scorebook, as well as for many of the photos featured in and around Yankee Stadium."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
PETE SHEEHY (Clubhouse Man and Equipment Manager)
"Pete Sheehy has been running the Yankee clubhouse since 1927. Pete was one of the 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 1978 Yearbook
"Pete Sheehy, after whom the Yankee clubhouse is named, is now in his 52nd season as equipment man and clubhouse attendant. The likeable Pete was among those specially honored at Opening Day of the 'new' Yankee Stadium. He is assisted in the clubhouse by Nick Priore."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
LOU CUCUZZA (Visitors Clubhouse Man)
"Lou Cucuzza is in his third year running the visitors clubhouse at the Stadium."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
JIM ESPOSITO (Head Groundskeeper)
"Jim Esposito, who started maintaining fields back at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, is now in his 19th season keeping the Yankee Stadium grass green. Jimmy spent 14 seasons with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers before joining the Yanks in 1960."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Jimmy Esposito, chief of the Yankee ground crew, began his role in 1960 after 14 seasons with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
JIM OGLE (Yankee Alumni Association)
"Jim Ogle, a baseball writer for 40 years, spent 20 of them covering the Yankees for the Newark Star-Ledger. He now heads the Yankee Alumni Association, and serves as the President of the Yanks' Fort Lauderdale farm club."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
No comments:
Post a Comment