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.
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
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