1981 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Very, very steady. Randolph was probably the Yanks' best all-around player in 1980. He seldom makes headlines, he just gets the job done. He holds together the infield defense and is no slouch at the plate, either. An ideal leadoff man, Willie often sets the stage for the sluggers who follow. He would like to steal 50 bases a year.
Born in Holly Hill, South Carolina, Willie is a fierce competitor. He's the latest in a long line of outstanding Yankee second basemen that includes Tony Lazzeri, Joe Gordon and Bobby Richardson. He was acquired from Pittsburgh, where he was considered a top prospect."
-Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1981 Edition
"The fans down the first-base line are in for a treat when Willie Randolph steps to the plate. He's not expected to hit the ball out of the park, though he did hit seven round-trippers in 1980, and he's not expected to drive in runs from his leadoff spot, though he did knock in 46 fellow Yanks last season, but he is expected to do what he did better in 1980 than anyone else in the league except MVP George Brett ... and that is to get on base.
Willie reached base 43% of the time last year and his .294 average, 99 runs scored, seven home runs and his league leading 119 walks were all personal highs. He also led the club for the third straight year in stolen bases with 30, the third year in a row he's reached that mark. And even though he started the 1981 season at only 26 years of age, he's already in the Yankee all-time top ten in steals and should pass Phil Rizzuto, Horace Clarke and Mickey Mantle into sixth place by the time his 27th birthday comes in July.
Off the field, this 5'11", 166-pound star is the exact opposite of his immense personality on the diamond. Willie is definitely the quiet, proud family man with a great deal of respect for his fellow man. During the off-season, Willie enjoys taking time out to see and hear his favorite music, jazz, and play some racquetball with his fellow teammates."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Randolph had his best season ever as the Yankee leadoff hitter. He led the league in walks, 119, the most by a Yankee since Mantle's 122 in 1962, and finished second to George Brett in on-base percentage (.429). Randolph led the club in steals with 30, the eighth highest total in the league, for the third year in a row; it was the fourth time in his five Yankee seasons that he's reached that mark. He now stands ninth on the all-time Yankee stolen base list with 148. He set personal highs in batting average (.294), runs (99), home runs (7) and walks.
Willie started slowly, hitting .128 on April 19, but hit .300 the rest of the way. He had a 13-game hitting streak in May, the longest of his career, matching Reggie Jackson for the longest by a Yankee in 1980. He had two four-hit days and a three-steal day. Willie finished the season by walking in each of his last 15 games. He hit .385 in the ALCS, second to Bob Watson.
Named to the UPI and Sporting News All-Star teams, he won the Sporting News Silver Bat award for American League second basemen.
Randolph has been on three All-Star teams in his five full seasons, and he and Dent have teamed together for four full years. 1979 was the only year that a team he played on failed to qualify for postseason play.
Originally drafted by the Pirates in the seventh round in June 1972, Willie was leading the International League in hitting when he was called up in 1975. He played winter ball in Venezuela that year and the Yankees made him the key man in a lopsided trade with the Pirates.
Named the James P. Dawson Award winner as the top rookie in the 1976 spring camp, Willie was the first rookie ever on the All-Star ballot, and he made the team but was replaced due to an injury. Named to the Topps All-Rookie team following the year, he was hampered by a right shoulder injury as well as an injury to the outside of the right knee that required minor surgery.
In 1977, he kept the injuries to a minimum (bruised right thumb and sore right knee) and was named to the AP, UPI and Sporting News All-Star teams. Willie started the All-Star game, played all nine innings and set a record for most assists by a second baseman with six. In 1978, he was fifth in the league in on-base percentage and had a five-RBI game against Boston on September 7. Despite a bruised left knee and pulled left hamstring, Willie still made the AP and UPI All-Star teams, though the hamstring kept him out of any postseason action.
Willie had an injury-free year in 1979 and set career marks in games, hits, RBIs and triples. His 13 triples were third in the American League and the most by a Yankee since Tommy Henrich's 14 in 1948. He committed only 13 errors and his .985 percentage was just .003 behind league leader Duane Kuiper.
Although born in South Carolina, Willie and his family moved to the Brownsville section of Brooklyn when he was just an infant. He played stickball in the streets and fields of Canarsie and 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 as a defensive back in 1977 and also played for the Jets."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Thursday, January 29, 2015
1981 Profile: Doug Bird
"When the Philadelphia Phillies released Doug Bird in the Spring of 1980, his spirit waned and he began to wonder if the right arm that made him the all-time Kansas City bullpen ace could still tame batters day in and day out.
In early May, the Yankees decided to find out for themselves and awarded Doug a spot on the Columbus roster. The answer they found was a resounding yes! While with the Clippers, Doug compiled a 6-0 record with a 2.25 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 48 innings. But the skeptics remained and wondered if he still could do it in the big leagues.
Again the Yankees decided to find out if he could make the grade and again the answer was yes. In mid-July, Doug was called up to help in the Bombers' bullpen and he responded with a 3-0 record and a 2.66 ERA. His long and short work out of the pen was applauded by all and his comeback was a welcome relief.
Doug has double value in that he can also be used as a starter on occasion. Hopefully, he can repeat his stellar performance of 1980 and continue to earn those wins and saves.
Welcome back, Doug! The Yankees are happy the wondering is over."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Released by the Phillies in spring training of 1980, Bird was signed by Columbus the day the Yankees played an exhibition game there. He got off to a bad start but was 6-0 with a 2.25 ERA when he was purchased by the Yanks on July 12. Doug had allowed only 33 hits and had struck out 36 in 48 innings at Columbus, and had allowed just one run in his final 31.2 innings. He went 3-0 with the Yankees, giving him a perfect 9-0 season.
Doug was used by the Yanks as a reliever in all but one game, and earned a save in the final game of the year. He beat his former KC mates for his first New York win with six innings in a starting role on July 19.
Bird holds the Kansas City records for most games (292) and saves (58). His .733 winning percentage after an 11-4 season in 1977 was second in the American League to Don Gullett's .778. Doug set a personal high with eight strikeouts against the Angels on May 28, 1976. His best year for saves was 20 in his rookie season of 1973, placing him fourth in the league. Drafted by Kansas City in June 1969, Doug was acquired by the Phillies in a trade for Todd Cruz on April 3, 1979.
Bird graduated from Pomona (CA) High School where he was a three-sport star. He attended Mt. San Antonio Junior College where he helped pitch his team to the Eastern Conference Championship."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
In early May, the Yankees decided to find out for themselves and awarded Doug a spot on the Columbus roster. The answer they found was a resounding yes! While with the Clippers, Doug compiled a 6-0 record with a 2.25 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 48 innings. But the skeptics remained and wondered if he still could do it in the big leagues.
Again the Yankees decided to find out if he could make the grade and again the answer was yes. In mid-July, Doug was called up to help in the Bombers' bullpen and he responded with a 3-0 record and a 2.66 ERA. His long and short work out of the pen was applauded by all and his comeback was a welcome relief.
Doug has double value in that he can also be used as a starter on occasion. Hopefully, he can repeat his stellar performance of 1980 and continue to earn those wins and saves.
Welcome back, Doug! The Yankees are happy the wondering is over."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Released by the Phillies in spring training of 1980, Bird was signed by Columbus the day the Yankees played an exhibition game there. He got off to a bad start but was 6-0 with a 2.25 ERA when he was purchased by the Yanks on July 12. Doug had allowed only 33 hits and had struck out 36 in 48 innings at Columbus, and had allowed just one run in his final 31.2 innings. He went 3-0 with the Yankees, giving him a perfect 9-0 season.
Doug was used by the Yanks as a reliever in all but one game, and earned a save in the final game of the year. He beat his former KC mates for his first New York win with six innings in a starting role on July 19.
Bird holds the Kansas City records for most games (292) and saves (58). His .733 winning percentage after an 11-4 season in 1977 was second in the American League to Don Gullett's .778. Doug set a personal high with eight strikeouts against the Angels on May 28, 1976. His best year for saves was 20 in his rookie season of 1973, placing him fourth in the league. Drafted by Kansas City in June 1969, Doug was acquired by the Phillies in a trade for Todd Cruz on April 3, 1979.
Bird graduated from Pomona (CA) High School where he was a three-sport star. He attended Mt. San Antonio Junior College where he helped pitch his team to the Eastern Conference Championship."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
1981 Profile: Larry Milbourne
"When the need for a strong backup middle infielder arose during the off-season, the Yankees went after Seattle's Larry Milbourne and were fortunate enough to land him. Milbourne, born in New Jersey, adds a dimension to the Yankee attack that they have not had in a few years.
Solid and dependable as a middle infielder, the 30-year-old switch-hitter is fleet of foot and should be able to steal a few bases. He also handles the bat well from either side and was the toughest batter to strike out in the American League back in 1978. And he can bunt, too, as his Mariner club record of 15 sacrifices in 1980 will attest to.
Last year, Larry was busy appearing in 106 games as a utility man and contributed a .264 batting average. He gives the Yankees a multi-dimensional player coming off the bench: combined speed, defense and an ability to handle the bat. But more than that, you have to like his always ready-to-play attitude.
Welcome to the Yanks, Larry!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Milbourne started slowly in 1980, batting only .107 on June 17, but batted .307 the rest of the way to end at .264 for the season. He set a Mariner club record with 15 sacrifice bunts. He stole a career high seven bases (4-for-4 in September), equaled his career high with 26 RBIs and batted .389 (7-for-18) versus the Red Sox.
In 1979, Larry set a Mariner season record with 12 pinch hits in 30 pinch at-bats (.400). He enjoyed the busiest season of his major league career, playing in 123 games and going to bat 356 times, setting career highs in runs, hits, doubles, triples and RBIs.
In 1978, he was the toughest batter to strike out in the American League (200 at-bats), fanning just once every 39 at-bats. Larry became the 18th major league and the eighth in AL history to switch-hit homers in the same game, connecting off Cleveland's right-handed Mike Paxton (grand slam) and left-handed Don Hood (solo) in his first two at-bats in the Kingdome on June 15, 1978. The only other American Leaguers to accomplish this feat are Mickey Mantle (10 times), Reggie Smith (6), Roy White (5), and Don Buford, Ken Henderson, Joe Lucadello, each once.
Milbourne was traded to the Mariners by Houston for Roy Thomas on March 30, 1977. His first Seattle RBI was the game-winner in the Mariners' first ever win on April 8, 1977.
Larry was signed to his first pro contract by Baltimore's Jocko Collins in 1969 and hit .305 at Bluefield (Appalachian League) in his pro debut. He was released by the Orioles in April 1970 and sat out the season. He signed with Decatur (Midwest League) of the San Francisco organization in 1971, batting .301 as the All-Star second baseman, leading the league in hits (156) and second basemen in fielding (.951). Larry was drafted by Salt Lake City (California organization) in November 1971, played at Shreveport (Texas League) in 1972, then was drafted in November by Triple-A Tulsa (St. Louis organization). He batted .283 for Tulsa in 1973 then was drafted for the third straight year, this time by Houston on December 3. Larry hit .279 for the Astros in 1974 and was named to the Topps All-Rookie team. He batted .248 in three seasons with the Astros.
Milbourne graduated from Millville High (Port Norris, NJ) in 1969. He was All-State in baseball in his junior and senior years. He attended Cumberland County J.C. (Vineland, NJ) and Glassboro State College (Glassboro, NJ). His brother Monty played in the White Sox organization.
Larry's hobbies are music and reading."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
Solid and dependable as a middle infielder, the 30-year-old switch-hitter is fleet of foot and should be able to steal a few bases. He also handles the bat well from either side and was the toughest batter to strike out in the American League back in 1978. And he can bunt, too, as his Mariner club record of 15 sacrifices in 1980 will attest to.
Last year, Larry was busy appearing in 106 games as a utility man and contributed a .264 batting average. He gives the Yankees a multi-dimensional player coming off the bench: combined speed, defense and an ability to handle the bat. But more than that, you have to like his always ready-to-play attitude.
Welcome to the Yanks, Larry!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Milbourne started slowly in 1980, batting only .107 on June 17, but batted .307 the rest of the way to end at .264 for the season. He set a Mariner club record with 15 sacrifice bunts. He stole a career high seven bases (4-for-4 in September), equaled his career high with 26 RBIs and batted .389 (7-for-18) versus the Red Sox.
In 1979, Larry set a Mariner season record with 12 pinch hits in 30 pinch at-bats (.400). He enjoyed the busiest season of his major league career, playing in 123 games and going to bat 356 times, setting career highs in runs, hits, doubles, triples and RBIs.
In 1978, he was the toughest batter to strike out in the American League (200 at-bats), fanning just once every 39 at-bats. Larry became the 18th major league and the eighth in AL history to switch-hit homers in the same game, connecting off Cleveland's right-handed Mike Paxton (grand slam) and left-handed Don Hood (solo) in his first two at-bats in the Kingdome on June 15, 1978. The only other American Leaguers to accomplish this feat are Mickey Mantle (10 times), Reggie Smith (6), Roy White (5), and Don Buford, Ken Henderson, Joe Lucadello, each once.
Milbourne was traded to the Mariners by Houston for Roy Thomas on March 30, 1977. His first Seattle RBI was the game-winner in the Mariners' first ever win on April 8, 1977.
Larry was signed to his first pro contract by Baltimore's Jocko Collins in 1969 and hit .305 at Bluefield (Appalachian League) in his pro debut. He was released by the Orioles in April 1970 and sat out the season. He signed with Decatur (Midwest League) of the San Francisco organization in 1971, batting .301 as the All-Star second baseman, leading the league in hits (156) and second basemen in fielding (.951). Larry was drafted by Salt Lake City (California organization) in November 1971, played at Shreveport (Texas League) in 1972, then was drafted in November by Triple-A Tulsa (St. Louis organization). He batted .283 for Tulsa in 1973 then was drafted for the third straight year, this time by Houston on December 3. Larry hit .279 for the Astros in 1974 and was named to the Topps All-Rookie team. He batted .248 in three seasons with the Astros.
Milbourne graduated from Millville High (Port Norris, NJ) in 1969. He was All-State in baseball in his junior and senior years. He attended Cumberland County J.C. (Vineland, NJ) and Glassboro State College (Glassboro, NJ). His brother Monty played in the White Sox organization.
Larry's hobbies are music and reading."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
1981 Profile: Ron Davis
1981 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Crossing over the George Washington Bridge on his way to work, Ron Davis may find the whole scene somewhat ominous and full of grandeur. He's simply a good ole' country boy from Texas who used to throw the ball around his backyard. Today, he's still throwing the ball, but his infield happens to be just off the Major Deegan Expressway- the scene of some of baseball's most historic happenings- Yankee Stadium.
As the perfect compliment to Goose Gossage, this lean and lanky right-hander goes after opposition batters much the same way he goes after chicken wings at the postgame food spread. He'll eat them up as quickly as can be, with all the speed he can muster and put away as many as possible.
After being one of the prime candidates for Rookie of the Year in 1979, a year in which he won 14 games and set an American League record for most wins by a rookie in relief, Ronnie remained hungry in 1980. He appeared in 53 contests, won nine and saved seven others. It's evident that he surely didn't bite off more than he could chew.
Now that the season is underway, you'll see Ronnie pitching with the intensity of a starved man going after a spare rib. After all, four months off during the off-season is a long time to go without satisfying an appetite that includes a steady diet of wins and saves."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Davis had his second straight exceptional season, following his near Rookie of the Year 1979 season. A perfect complimentary bullpen partner for Goose Gossage, he was 9-3 with seven saves in 53 games.
Ron was tough down the stretch as he was 4-0 with one save in September, and did not allow an earned run in his first 20.2 innings that month. He was co-Player of the Week with Eddie Murray (September 8-14).
Ron did his best pitching against the toughest teams: 2-0 with one save and a 0.60 ERA against Boston, 1-0 and 2.61 against Baltimore, and no earned runs in 13 innings against Milwaukee. He was 6-0 with two saves and a 2.13 ERA from the All-Star break to the end of the season. The only Yankee pitcher to bat in '80, he struck out on April 20 against Milwaukee.
Davis had an excellent 14-2 rookie season in 1979, setting an American League record for most wins by a rookie in relief, breaking the record of 13 set by Wilcy Moore of the 1927 Yankees. He set the record despite beginning the season at Columbus. He won his first eight decisions after being recalled for the second time on May 28, and also had four saves before losing on July 14. He also finished strong, going 6-1 with five saves in his last 22 games.
Ron joined the Yanks the previous season from the Cubs organization. He had been primarily a starter there and was only 19-18 with a 4.50 ERA when he joined the Yankee organization. He became a reliever at West Haven and won nine of eleven decisions with five saves and a 1.50 ERA in only 21 games. Ron also saw action in only four games with the Yankees in 1978 and made his major league debut on Old Timers' Day before 46,000 people.
Since joining the Yankee organization and becoming strictly a reliever, he is 32-8 with a 2.79 ERA, with a lifetime major league record of 23-5 with a 3.01 ERA. The Cubs No. 3 selection in the January 1976 draft, Ron was also the only Yankee pitcher to bat in '79, and he struck out.
Ron has spent most of the last two winters in the New York area where he has become an accomplished banquet speaker. A native of Houston where he was a baseball, basketball and tennis standout at Milby High School, he has a degree in special education from Blinn J.C. in Brenham, Texas. He was a National Junior College All-American at Blinn.
Ron lists Catfish Hunter as his favorite player and enjoys hunting and fishing."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
"Congratulations to Ron and Millie Davis, proud parents of their first child, Ellison Mark, born on March 30 at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey."
-New York Yankees 1981 Scorebook & Official Magazine
"Crossing over the George Washington Bridge on his way to work, Ron Davis may find the whole scene somewhat ominous and full of grandeur. He's simply a good ole' country boy from Texas who used to throw the ball around his backyard. Today, he's still throwing the ball, but his infield happens to be just off the Major Deegan Expressway- the scene of some of baseball's most historic happenings- Yankee Stadium.
As the perfect compliment to Goose Gossage, this lean and lanky right-hander goes after opposition batters much the same way he goes after chicken wings at the postgame food spread. He'll eat them up as quickly as can be, with all the speed he can muster and put away as many as possible.
After being one of the prime candidates for Rookie of the Year in 1979, a year in which he won 14 games and set an American League record for most wins by a rookie in relief, Ronnie remained hungry in 1980. He appeared in 53 contests, won nine and saved seven others. It's evident that he surely didn't bite off more than he could chew.
Now that the season is underway, you'll see Ronnie pitching with the intensity of a starved man going after a spare rib. After all, four months off during the off-season is a long time to go without satisfying an appetite that includes a steady diet of wins and saves."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Davis had his second straight exceptional season, following his near Rookie of the Year 1979 season. A perfect complimentary bullpen partner for Goose Gossage, he was 9-3 with seven saves in 53 games.
Ron was tough down the stretch as he was 4-0 with one save in September, and did not allow an earned run in his first 20.2 innings that month. He was co-Player of the Week with Eddie Murray (September 8-14).
Ron did his best pitching against the toughest teams: 2-0 with one save and a 0.60 ERA against Boston, 1-0 and 2.61 against Baltimore, and no earned runs in 13 innings against Milwaukee. He was 6-0 with two saves and a 2.13 ERA from the All-Star break to the end of the season. The only Yankee pitcher to bat in '80, he struck out on April 20 against Milwaukee.
Davis had an excellent 14-2 rookie season in 1979, setting an American League record for most wins by a rookie in relief, breaking the record of 13 set by Wilcy Moore of the 1927 Yankees. He set the record despite beginning the season at Columbus. He won his first eight decisions after being recalled for the second time on May 28, and also had four saves before losing on July 14. He also finished strong, going 6-1 with five saves in his last 22 games.
Ron joined the Yanks the previous season from the Cubs organization. He had been primarily a starter there and was only 19-18 with a 4.50 ERA when he joined the Yankee organization. He became a reliever at West Haven and won nine of eleven decisions with five saves and a 1.50 ERA in only 21 games. Ron also saw action in only four games with the Yankees in 1978 and made his major league debut on Old Timers' Day before 46,000 people.
Since joining the Yankee organization and becoming strictly a reliever, he is 32-8 with a 2.79 ERA, with a lifetime major league record of 23-5 with a 3.01 ERA. The Cubs No. 3 selection in the January 1976 draft, Ron was also the only Yankee pitcher to bat in '79, and he struck out.
Ron has spent most of the last two winters in the New York area where he has become an accomplished banquet speaker. A native of Houston where he was a baseball, basketball and tennis standout at Milby High School, he has a degree in special education from Blinn J.C. in Brenham, Texas. He was a National Junior College All-American at Blinn.
Ron lists Catfish Hunter as his favorite player and enjoys hunting and fishing."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
"Congratulations to Ron and Millie Davis, proud parents of their first child, Ellison Mark, born on March 30 at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey."
-New York Yankees 1981 Scorebook & Official Magazine
Sunday, January 25, 2015
1981 Profile: Lou Piniella
"Standing in front of a full-length mirror at 3 o'clock in the morning, modeling his batting stance, Lou Piniella continues his career-long search. Sweet Lou is looking for that one distinct difference. He's continuously analyzing his swing, the extension of his arms and the shifting of his body weight as he simply waits for a pitch. Anytime, anywhere there's a mirror, Lou will pick up his imaginary bat and begin the whole process again. He's insistent on finding that perfect stroke.
Not that Lou has to look very far. After all, he's exceeded .300 five times in his career- and is a .295 hitter in his seven Yankee seasons. It took a while (seven years in the minors) for Lou Piniella to make it to the big show, but he started by winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1969 with the Royals and had five successful seasons before coming over to the Yankees.
Now it's been a dozen years in the majors and Lou continues to joke with reporters and teammates, regaling stories of retirement and a future in the Tampa Bay Beer League. But all that hard off-season training this year wasn't for a future in a semi-pro league. It was a professional hitter getting ready for his 20th professional season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Piniella started the 1980 season slowly but came on to challenge the .300 mark. He had a 10-game hitting streak from May 27 through June 10 to raise his average from .185 to .257. He stayed around the .250 mark until August 11 when he went on a tear at the plate. From then through September 4 he batted .472 (34-for-72), including an 18-for-21 stretch and a nine-game hitting streak. His average on September 4 was an impressive .310.
Used mostly as a left fielder against left-handed pitching, Lou homered just twice during the season but connected against Larry Gura for a solo shot in Game 1 of the ALCS. In 1980, for the first time in his career, he had more walks than strikeouts.
On November 9, Lou was admitted to a Tampa hospital complaining of chest pains and congestion. Doctors described his condition as 'simple fatigue' and released him several days later. Lou worked out most of the winter in preparation for the 1981 season.
A consistent player, Piniella is recognized as one of baseball's 'most professional hitters.' He has always been extremely tough for the Yankees in the clutch, has a .295 career batting average as a Yankee, and has batted .307 in his last four seasons in New York. Lou just missed the .300 mark in 1979, hitting .297, but made his hits count, batting .341 with men on base and .342 with men in scoring position. In 1978 he was the fourth best hitter in the American League (.314) and hit a career high .330 in 1977.
Lou missed most of the 1975 season with an inner ear problem that required mid-season surgery. He returned to regular duty in 1976 and was runner-up to teammate Dock Ellis for Comeback Player of the Year. Lou became a Yankee in December 1973 along with Ken Wright, coming from Kansas City in a trade for Lindy McDaniel. With the Royals, Lou was AL Rookie of the Year in 1969 and an AL All-Star in 1972.
Originally signed by Cleveland scout Spud Chandler on June 9, 1962, Piniella was drafted by the Washington Senators on November 26 of that year, and on August 4, 1964 was traded to the Baltimore organization for Lester Narum. The Orioles sent him back to Cleveland for Cam Carreon on March 10, 1966. Lou was selected in the October 1968 American League expansion draft by the Seattle Pilots.
Lou has always been an excellent postseason performer. In 1980 he homered against Kansas City, in 1978 he hit safely in all six World Series games, and in 1977 hit safely in all five ALCS games and in the first four World Series contests.
He has twice had two outfield assists in the same inning to equal a major league record; once on June 20, 1979 and the other time on May 27, 1974.
Always one of the Yanks' most exciting players, fans welcome each of his at-bats with chants of 'Lou, Lou.' A lifetime native of the Tampa, Florida area, Lou is of Spanish ancestry. He enjoys the stock market."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
Not that Lou has to look very far. After all, he's exceeded .300 five times in his career- and is a .295 hitter in his seven Yankee seasons. It took a while (seven years in the minors) for Lou Piniella to make it to the big show, but he started by winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1969 with the Royals and had five successful seasons before coming over to the Yankees.
Now it's been a dozen years in the majors and Lou continues to joke with reporters and teammates, regaling stories of retirement and a future in the Tampa Bay Beer League. But all that hard off-season training this year wasn't for a future in a semi-pro league. It was a professional hitter getting ready for his 20th professional season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Piniella started the 1980 season slowly but came on to challenge the .300 mark. He had a 10-game hitting streak from May 27 through June 10 to raise his average from .185 to .257. He stayed around the .250 mark until August 11 when he went on a tear at the plate. From then through September 4 he batted .472 (34-for-72), including an 18-for-21 stretch and a nine-game hitting streak. His average on September 4 was an impressive .310.
Used mostly as a left fielder against left-handed pitching, Lou homered just twice during the season but connected against Larry Gura for a solo shot in Game 1 of the ALCS. In 1980, for the first time in his career, he had more walks than strikeouts.
On November 9, Lou was admitted to a Tampa hospital complaining of chest pains and congestion. Doctors described his condition as 'simple fatigue' and released him several days later. Lou worked out most of the winter in preparation for the 1981 season.
A consistent player, Piniella is recognized as one of baseball's 'most professional hitters.' He has always been extremely tough for the Yankees in the clutch, has a .295 career batting average as a Yankee, and has batted .307 in his last four seasons in New York. Lou just missed the .300 mark in 1979, hitting .297, but made his hits count, batting .341 with men on base and .342 with men in scoring position. In 1978 he was the fourth best hitter in the American League (.314) and hit a career high .330 in 1977.
Lou missed most of the 1975 season with an inner ear problem that required mid-season surgery. He returned to regular duty in 1976 and was runner-up to teammate Dock Ellis for Comeback Player of the Year. Lou became a Yankee in December 1973 along with Ken Wright, coming from Kansas City in a trade for Lindy McDaniel. With the Royals, Lou was AL Rookie of the Year in 1969 and an AL All-Star in 1972.
Originally signed by Cleveland scout Spud Chandler on June 9, 1962, Piniella was drafted by the Washington Senators on November 26 of that year, and on August 4, 1964 was traded to the Baltimore organization for Lester Narum. The Orioles sent him back to Cleveland for Cam Carreon on March 10, 1966. Lou was selected in the October 1968 American League expansion draft by the Seattle Pilots.
Lou has always been an excellent postseason performer. In 1980 he homered against Kansas City, in 1978 he hit safely in all six World Series games, and in 1977 hit safely in all five ALCS games and in the first four World Series contests.
He has twice had two outfield assists in the same inning to equal a major league record; once on June 20, 1979 and the other time on May 27, 1974.
Always one of the Yanks' most exciting players, fans welcome each of his at-bats with chants of 'Lou, Lou.' A lifetime native of the Tampa, Florida area, Lou is of Spanish ancestry. He enjoys the stock market."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
Friday, January 23, 2015
1981 Profile: Reggie Jackson
1981 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Finally found peace in 1980. A much happier man now that Billy Martin is gone, Reggie continues upward in baseball's all-time home run parade.
'Reggie's such a money player, he gets himself psyched up,' says Tom Underwood. Nevertheless, Reggie watched the World Series on TV for the second year in a row. Born in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, his next goal is 500 career homers.
'He's never cheated and he never cheats the fans,' says rival pitcher Ed Farmer of the Chisox. Jackson frequently rises to the occasion after being knocked down- he recalls hitting 'seven or eight' homers in that situation. He has emerged as a true team leader.
Reggie has a chance to become the first player to sign multimillionaire contracts as a free agent twice in his career."
-Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1981 Edition
"Reginald Martinez Jackson. The name always recalled home runs and RBIs, not high batting averages. But as Reggie Jackson improves with age, so does his ability to hit for average. Not at the expense of the long ball, mind you, but in addition.
Witness his 1980 season: for the first time ever, Reggie hit .300! He also hit 41 long balls, the second highest total of his career and tied for the league lead in home runs. In addition, he passed the 100 RBI mark for the fifth time in his career. Reggie first gave evidence of his new found ability to hit for average in '79, when he tied for the club lead at .297.
But 1980 was a banner year for this veteran slugger. He reached a major milestone when he hit his 400th career round-tripper in August. He's also stolen over 200 bases and belongs to an exclusive club of those with 400 homers and 200 steals- a club that includes only Reggie, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Frank Robinson.
Reggie's always put the numbers on the board. One of the most impressive numbers is five, signifying the number of World Series rings he owns and signifying what his leadership and ability are all about. The next big number for Reggie? Six ... a sixth World Championship, that is."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Another banner year. Jackson carried the club for most of the season. He hit .300 for the first time ever and tied Ben Oglive for the league lead in home runs with 41, the second highest total of his career. He drove in 111 runs, the third highest total of his career, and the fifth time he's hit over 100. Jackson hit 25+ home runs for the 10th straight year; only Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Jimmie Foxx, Lou Gehrig and Eddie Matthews did it for 11 or more years.
Reggie was twice named American League Player of the Week and shared Player of the Month honors in July with George Brett, when Reggie hit .356 with 11 homers and 32 RBIs. He hit his 400th career home run off Britt Burns on August 11 and now has 410, 18th all-time. He drove in his 1,200th career run on August 1.
Along with tying for the lead in home runs, Jackson was second to Brett in slugging percentage (.597), second to Ken Singleton in game-winning RBIs (17), sixth in RBIs (111), tied for sixth in on-base percentage (.399), tied for eighth in walks (83) and seventh in total bases (307). Jackson finished second to Brett in the MVP voting and was named to the UPI and Sporting News All-Star teams; on the latter, he was voted by the players as both the DH and in the outfield.
Reggie finished the season on a 13-game hitting streak, matching Randolph for the longest of the year by a Yankee. He hit four home runs and had 11 RBIs in the last six games, and the Yanks won 33 of the 40 games he homered in.
Jackson has 410 career home runs, 18th all-time, and only Carl Yastrzemski has more among active American Leaguers. Reggie, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Frank Robinson are the only major leaguers with 400 homers and 200 stolen bases lifetime. During the '70s Reggie hit 292 home runs, tops in the AL and second only to Willie Stargell's 296 in baseball. He also had 922 RBIs during the decade, again the best mark in the AL and fourth behind Johnny Bench, Tony Perez and Lee May in baseball. Over the last seven years, Reggie has 221 homers and only Mike Schmidt with 264 has more. Reggie has had six seasons of 30 or more homers, and five of more than 100 RBIs.
Reggie is averaging 32 home runs and 102 RBIs in his four Yankee seasons. He has led the club in RBIs and slugging all four years, has led the club in homers the last two years and tied Nettles in '78.
Drafted No. 1 by Oakland in 1966 and signed after his sophomore year at Arizona State, Jackson was Southern League Player of the Year in 1967 and reached the majors by the end of that season. He helped the A's to five Western Division titles and three World Championships. In 1969 Jackson challenged the Maris home run record and wound up with a career high of 47. In 1973 he was the MVP in the American League and in the World Series, led the league in home runs and RBIs that year, and was Sporting News Player of the Year. In 1975 he became the only player in history to homer in all 12 AL parks in one season and tied for the league in homers that year.
Traded to Baltimore on April 2, 1976 with Ken Holtzman and Bill Van Bommel for Don Baylor, Mike Torrez and Paul Mitchell, Jackson missed a month that year but still finished second to Nettles for the home run title. He signed a five-year contract with the Yankees after playing out his option following that season.
Reggie finished fifth in the league in homers and sixth in RBIs in 1977. Inserted into the cleanup spot on August 10, he had 13 homers and 49 RBIs as the Yanks won 40 of their last 53 games. He stole 17 of 20 bases that year and grounded into just three double plays, one more than the Yankee record. He also led the club with 20 game-winning RBIs.
In 1978 he hit eight of his 27 home runs and drove in 26 of his 97 runs in September. In 1979 he missed a month of the season and still tied for seventh in the AL in home runs, while hitting a then-career high of .297, and had another hot September with seven homers and 20 RBIs.
Reggie has been selected to 10 All-Star teams, and hit a tape measure home run in Detroit off the transformer in right field in the 1971 game. He has played on eight division winners, six pennant winners and five World Championship teams. He has led the league in home runs once and tied twice, and led the league in slugging percentage three times. Reggie's top home runs parks are Oakland (133) and Yankee Stadium (77). He has eight grand slams, four as a Yankee.
Reggie has been the World Series MVP twice, in 1973 and again in his record breaking 1977 Series. He set five World Series records that year and tied three others, and continued in 1978 when he tied Lou Gehrig's record of at least one RBI in eight straight World Series games. Reggie has 23 World Series RBIs, 12th all-time, and nine World Series homers, sixth all-time. He has now hit safely in 15 of his last 17 postseason games (ALCS and World Series), going 26-for-61 (.426), and has reached base 33 of his last 62 trips to the plate in postseason play, a .532 on-base percentage. He has a .767 slugging percentage in World Series play, tops among those in 20 or more Series games. Reggie was injured and missed his first World Series in 1972 when he pulled a hamstring in a play at the plate in the final game of the ALCS against Detroit.
The Yankees player representative, Jackson also served in the same capacity with the A's. One of six children, he grew up in Cheltenham, PA, just outside of Philadelphia. At Cheltenham High School he ran the 100 in 9.7, was a halfback on the football team and pitched three no-hitters. He batted .550 his senior year and also played basketball. Jackson earned both a baseball and a football scholarship to Arizona State. He left after his sophomore year but returned to earn a degree in biology.
Reggie received the National Cartoonists Society '#1 Sport of the Year' Award in February."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
"Finally found peace in 1980. A much happier man now that Billy Martin is gone, Reggie continues upward in baseball's all-time home run parade.
'Reggie's such a money player, he gets himself psyched up,' says Tom Underwood. Nevertheless, Reggie watched the World Series on TV for the second year in a row. Born in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, his next goal is 500 career homers.
'He's never cheated and he never cheats the fans,' says rival pitcher Ed Farmer of the Chisox. Jackson frequently rises to the occasion after being knocked down- he recalls hitting 'seven or eight' homers in that situation. He has emerged as a true team leader.
Reggie has a chance to become the first player to sign multimillionaire contracts as a free agent twice in his career."
-Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1981 Edition
"Reginald Martinez Jackson. The name always recalled home runs and RBIs, not high batting averages. But as Reggie Jackson improves with age, so does his ability to hit for average. Not at the expense of the long ball, mind you, but in addition.
Witness his 1980 season: for the first time ever, Reggie hit .300! He also hit 41 long balls, the second highest total of his career and tied for the league lead in home runs. In addition, he passed the 100 RBI mark for the fifth time in his career. Reggie first gave evidence of his new found ability to hit for average in '79, when he tied for the club lead at .297.
But 1980 was a banner year for this veteran slugger. He reached a major milestone when he hit his 400th career round-tripper in August. He's also stolen over 200 bases and belongs to an exclusive club of those with 400 homers and 200 steals- a club that includes only Reggie, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Frank Robinson.
Reggie's always put the numbers on the board. One of the most impressive numbers is five, signifying the number of World Series rings he owns and signifying what his leadership and ability are all about. The next big number for Reggie? Six ... a sixth World Championship, that is."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Another banner year. Jackson carried the club for most of the season. He hit .300 for the first time ever and tied Ben Oglive for the league lead in home runs with 41, the second highest total of his career. He drove in 111 runs, the third highest total of his career, and the fifth time he's hit over 100. Jackson hit 25+ home runs for the 10th straight year; only Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Jimmie Foxx, Lou Gehrig and Eddie Matthews did it for 11 or more years.
Reggie was twice named American League Player of the Week and shared Player of the Month honors in July with George Brett, when Reggie hit .356 with 11 homers and 32 RBIs. He hit his 400th career home run off Britt Burns on August 11 and now has 410, 18th all-time. He drove in his 1,200th career run on August 1.
Along with tying for the lead in home runs, Jackson was second to Brett in slugging percentage (.597), second to Ken Singleton in game-winning RBIs (17), sixth in RBIs (111), tied for sixth in on-base percentage (.399), tied for eighth in walks (83) and seventh in total bases (307). Jackson finished second to Brett in the MVP voting and was named to the UPI and Sporting News All-Star teams; on the latter, he was voted by the players as both the DH and in the outfield.
Reggie finished the season on a 13-game hitting streak, matching Randolph for the longest of the year by a Yankee. He hit four home runs and had 11 RBIs in the last six games, and the Yanks won 33 of the 40 games he homered in.
Jackson has 410 career home runs, 18th all-time, and only Carl Yastrzemski has more among active American Leaguers. Reggie, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Frank Robinson are the only major leaguers with 400 homers and 200 stolen bases lifetime. During the '70s Reggie hit 292 home runs, tops in the AL and second only to Willie Stargell's 296 in baseball. He also had 922 RBIs during the decade, again the best mark in the AL and fourth behind Johnny Bench, Tony Perez and Lee May in baseball. Over the last seven years, Reggie has 221 homers and only Mike Schmidt with 264 has more. Reggie has had six seasons of 30 or more homers, and five of more than 100 RBIs.
Reggie is averaging 32 home runs and 102 RBIs in his four Yankee seasons. He has led the club in RBIs and slugging all four years, has led the club in homers the last two years and tied Nettles in '78.
Drafted No. 1 by Oakland in 1966 and signed after his sophomore year at Arizona State, Jackson was Southern League Player of the Year in 1967 and reached the majors by the end of that season. He helped the A's to five Western Division titles and three World Championships. In 1969 Jackson challenged the Maris home run record and wound up with a career high of 47. In 1973 he was the MVP in the American League and in the World Series, led the league in home runs and RBIs that year, and was Sporting News Player of the Year. In 1975 he became the only player in history to homer in all 12 AL parks in one season and tied for the league in homers that year.
Traded to Baltimore on April 2, 1976 with Ken Holtzman and Bill Van Bommel for Don Baylor, Mike Torrez and Paul Mitchell, Jackson missed a month that year but still finished second to Nettles for the home run title. He signed a five-year contract with the Yankees after playing out his option following that season.
Reggie finished fifth in the league in homers and sixth in RBIs in 1977. Inserted into the cleanup spot on August 10, he had 13 homers and 49 RBIs as the Yanks won 40 of their last 53 games. He stole 17 of 20 bases that year and grounded into just three double plays, one more than the Yankee record. He also led the club with 20 game-winning RBIs.
In 1978 he hit eight of his 27 home runs and drove in 26 of his 97 runs in September. In 1979 he missed a month of the season and still tied for seventh in the AL in home runs, while hitting a then-career high of .297, and had another hot September with seven homers and 20 RBIs.
Reggie has been selected to 10 All-Star teams, and hit a tape measure home run in Detroit off the transformer in right field in the 1971 game. He has played on eight division winners, six pennant winners and five World Championship teams. He has led the league in home runs once and tied twice, and led the league in slugging percentage three times. Reggie's top home runs parks are Oakland (133) and Yankee Stadium (77). He has eight grand slams, four as a Yankee.
Reggie has been the World Series MVP twice, in 1973 and again in his record breaking 1977 Series. He set five World Series records that year and tied three others, and continued in 1978 when he tied Lou Gehrig's record of at least one RBI in eight straight World Series games. Reggie has 23 World Series RBIs, 12th all-time, and nine World Series homers, sixth all-time. He has now hit safely in 15 of his last 17 postseason games (ALCS and World Series), going 26-for-61 (.426), and has reached base 33 of his last 62 trips to the plate in postseason play, a .532 on-base percentage. He has a .767 slugging percentage in World Series play, tops among those in 20 or more Series games. Reggie was injured and missed his first World Series in 1972 when he pulled a hamstring in a play at the plate in the final game of the ALCS against Detroit.
The Yankees player representative, Jackson also served in the same capacity with the A's. One of six children, he grew up in Cheltenham, PA, just outside of Philadelphia. At Cheltenham High School he ran the 100 in 9.7, was a halfback on the football team and pitched three no-hitters. He batted .550 his senior year and also played basketball. Jackson earned both a baseball and a football scholarship to Arizona State. He left after his sophomore year but returned to earn a degree in biology.
Reggie received the National Cartoonists Society '#1 Sport of the Year' Award in February."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
Thursday, January 22, 2015
1981 Profile: Graig Nettles
"The true value of a man is his ability to do the job consistently every game, every month, every season and every year. Graig Nettles has proven his value over the years with consistent work both at the plate and in the field. He's one of those guys who just goes out every day and plays to win. Every day, that is, until last year.
Graig missed over 60 games last year with hepatitis and his presence was sorely missed. It's hard to replace a man who drove in more runs during the '70s than every American Leaguer except Carl Yastrzemski and teammate Reggie Jackson. It's hard to replace a man whose defensive ability is compared to the man he passed last season as the all-time home run leader among American League third basemen, Brooks Robinson. And it's hard to replace a man who stands behind only the greats, Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Berra, Maris and Dickey, among those on the all-time Yankee home run list entering this season.
No Yankee has been on the roster for a longer continuous stretch than Graig Nettles. And that leads to an intangible that's hard to replace: leadership. Graig has the ability to lead under tense situations and is one of the best clutch performers the Yankees have. With the bases full of Yankees, Puff is the man the Yankees want at the plate. If a double play is to be handled, Manager Gene Michael wants the ball hit somewhere in Graig's direction. Consistency, longevity and leadership. That's number nine, Graig Nettles."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"In the first year in the last 11 that Nettles failed to play in 145 games or more, he discovered he had hepatitis in July and he didn't play from July 24 until the final two games of the year (missing 67 games). Graig still finished second on the club with 16 homers, the first time since 1972 he failed to hit 20. His 16th homer (July 21) was his 267th as a third baseman, passing Brooks Robinson as the all-time American League leader among third basemen in career home runs. He also had a pinch-hit homer on June 1 against Toronto and hit his first career inside-the-park home run in the second playoff game at Kansas City.
Graig got off to a slow start in the field with seven errors in his first 20 games, but then went 41 games before committing one, and committed just three in his final 69 games.
Only Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Berra, Maris and Dickey have more home runs in a Yankee uniform than Nettles' 197. During the decade of the '70s only Reggie Jackson and Carl Yastrzemski had more RBIs among American Leaguers.
Originally signed by the Twins in 1966, Graig came up for parts of '67 and '68. His first full year was 1969, and he was a member of the AL West champion Twins. He was dealt to Cleveland in December 1969 with Dean Chance, Bob Miller and Ted Uhlaender for Luis Tiant and Stan Williams. Graig was Cleveland's Man of the Year in 1971 when he hit .261 with 28 homers, 86 RBIs, and set league records for most assists (412) and most double plays (54) by a third baseman.
Nettles came to the Yankees after the 1972 season and has been with the Yankees longer than other team member. He hit 32 home runs in 1976 to lead the league, the first Yankee to do so since Maris hit 61 in '61. He finished second in 1977 with a career-high 37, and also set career marks in RBI (107) and runs (99) that year and finished fifth in the MVP vote. Nettles was named to the Sporting News and UPI All-Star teams following the season and was voted the all-time Yankee third baseman in a special poll of sportswriters.
In 1978, Graig set career highs in batting average (.276) and fielding average (.975), a Yankee record. He led the league's third basemen with 20 double plays and won his second straight Gold Glove. He tied Jackson for the club lead with 27 homers and led with 13 game-winning RBIs. He was named to the AP, UPI, Sporting News and Baseball Bulletin All-Star teams. In postseason play, Graig turned around the '78 World Series with his spectacular fielding in Game 3, and finally earned nationwide recognition for his fielding.
In 1979, he fought off some nagging injuries to remain consistent. He hit 20 homers for the seventh straight year and was third among the league's third basemen in fielding. Graig also had a string of nine straight years of 150+ games played broken when he appeared in 145.
A four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, Nettles holds the record for most home runs and RBIs by a Yankee third baseman in a single season. He had missed only 38 games as a Yankee prior to last year.
Graig was a baseball and basketball star at San Diego State before signing with the Twins. An accomplished golfer, he's nicknamed 'Puff' by his teammates. His brother Jim played at Columbus last year, and has also played with the Twins, Tigers, Indians and Royals."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
Graig missed over 60 games last year with hepatitis and his presence was sorely missed. It's hard to replace a man who drove in more runs during the '70s than every American Leaguer except Carl Yastrzemski and teammate Reggie Jackson. It's hard to replace a man whose defensive ability is compared to the man he passed last season as the all-time home run leader among American League third basemen, Brooks Robinson. And it's hard to replace a man who stands behind only the greats, Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Berra, Maris and Dickey, among those on the all-time Yankee home run list entering this season.
No Yankee has been on the roster for a longer continuous stretch than Graig Nettles. And that leads to an intangible that's hard to replace: leadership. Graig has the ability to lead under tense situations and is one of the best clutch performers the Yankees have. With the bases full of Yankees, Puff is the man the Yankees want at the plate. If a double play is to be handled, Manager Gene Michael wants the ball hit somewhere in Graig's direction. Consistency, longevity and leadership. That's number nine, Graig Nettles."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"In the first year in the last 11 that Nettles failed to play in 145 games or more, he discovered he had hepatitis in July and he didn't play from July 24 until the final two games of the year (missing 67 games). Graig still finished second on the club with 16 homers, the first time since 1972 he failed to hit 20. His 16th homer (July 21) was his 267th as a third baseman, passing Brooks Robinson as the all-time American League leader among third basemen in career home runs. He also had a pinch-hit homer on June 1 against Toronto and hit his first career inside-the-park home run in the second playoff game at Kansas City.
Graig got off to a slow start in the field with seven errors in his first 20 games, but then went 41 games before committing one, and committed just three in his final 69 games.
Only Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Berra, Maris and Dickey have more home runs in a Yankee uniform than Nettles' 197. During the decade of the '70s only Reggie Jackson and Carl Yastrzemski had more RBIs among American Leaguers.
Originally signed by the Twins in 1966, Graig came up for parts of '67 and '68. His first full year was 1969, and he was a member of the AL West champion Twins. He was dealt to Cleveland in December 1969 with Dean Chance, Bob Miller and Ted Uhlaender for Luis Tiant and Stan Williams. Graig was Cleveland's Man of the Year in 1971 when he hit .261 with 28 homers, 86 RBIs, and set league records for most assists (412) and most double plays (54) by a third baseman.
Nettles came to the Yankees after the 1972 season and has been with the Yankees longer than other team member. He hit 32 home runs in 1976 to lead the league, the first Yankee to do so since Maris hit 61 in '61. He finished second in 1977 with a career-high 37, and also set career marks in RBI (107) and runs (99) that year and finished fifth in the MVP vote. Nettles was named to the Sporting News and UPI All-Star teams following the season and was voted the all-time Yankee third baseman in a special poll of sportswriters.
In 1978, Graig set career highs in batting average (.276) and fielding average (.975), a Yankee record. He led the league's third basemen with 20 double plays and won his second straight Gold Glove. He tied Jackson for the club lead with 27 homers and led with 13 game-winning RBIs. He was named to the AP, UPI, Sporting News and Baseball Bulletin All-Star teams. In postseason play, Graig turned around the '78 World Series with his spectacular fielding in Game 3, and finally earned nationwide recognition for his fielding.
In 1979, he fought off some nagging injuries to remain consistent. He hit 20 homers for the seventh straight year and was third among the league's third basemen in fielding. Graig also had a string of nine straight years of 150+ games played broken when he appeared in 145.
A four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, Nettles holds the record for most home runs and RBIs by a Yankee third baseman in a single season. He had missed only 38 games as a Yankee prior to last year.
Graig was a baseball and basketball star at San Diego State before signing with the Twins. An accomplished golfer, he's nicknamed 'Puff' by his teammates. His brother Jim played at Columbus last year, and has also played with the Twins, Tigers, Indians and Royals."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
1981 New York Yankees Manager and Coaches Profiles
GENE MICHAEL (Manager)
"The seventh Yankee manager in the last eight years. Gene stepped into George Steinbrenner's hot seat when Dick Howser 'resigned' last November. His only previous managerial experience came in 1979 when he guided the Yankee farm club at Columbus to the International League championship. He was the Yankee general manager last year.
Gene broke into the majors with Pittsburgh in 1966 and spent the majority of his ten-year career with the Yanks. He was born in Kent, Ohio.
Stick once said that he felt his future was in the front office rather than in uniform as a manager, but Steinbrenner persuaded him to sign a three-year contract to manage. If he fulfills the pact, he'll set a longevity record for a Steinbrenner manager.
'I'm no yes man,' he said when he was named, but that attitude may change when the phone calls from on high start coming in April."
-Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1981 Edition
"That long, lean figure with the pleasant smile won't be slapping singles through the infield and his steady defensive play is history, but his enthusiasm and love for baseball are as alive as ever. Gene Michael is back in pinstripes as the Yankee field general of '81 and he's looking to go for the gold! You can be sure he won't be taking any prisoners in his quest for a World Championship.
Gene's long baseball career began with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1966. Stick then moved to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1967 and was traded to the Yankees where he played shortstop from 1968 to 1974. While clad in pinstripes, Stick mastered the hidden ball trick and won over legions of Yankee fans with his adept defensive ability and agile play. It was also here that stick came after he played with the Tigers in 1975 and the Red Sox in 1976.
Following his retirement from active play, the Yankees hired this Kent State alumnus as a Yankee coach for the latter part of the '76 season. He then worked as an Administrative Assistant in '77, the Yankees first base coach in '78, the manager of the Yankees' Triple-A farm team in '79 and the Yankee General Manager in '80. Different experiences in and around the greatest game in sports paved the way for his managerial duties this season ... and, hopefully, a chance to raise the championship flag high atop Yankee Stadium."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Gene Michael became the 25th manager of the Yankees on November 21, 1980. He had been General Manager, having been named to the post on November 21, 1979 after serving as the field manager of the Columbus Clippers for the 1979 season. He guided the Clippers to the regular season and postseason International League titles after starting the season with 10 straight wins. The Clippers finished 85-54 under Stick.
Michael coached first base for the Yankees in 1978 after he had been a front office administrative assistant in 1977. Upon his retirement as a player, he was hired as a Yankee coach on June 14, 1976.
Gene began his playing career in 1959 and broke into the majors with Pittsburgh in 1966. He was traded along with Bob Bailey in December 1966 to the Dodgers for Maury Wills and sold to the Yankees on November 30, 1967. Stick played seven seasons for the Yankees before being released in January 1975. He signed with the Tigers and played one year before being released, then was signed as a free agent by the Red Sox in the spring of 1976 but was released on May 8 before he appeared in any games. He then retired to become a Yankee coach.
Stick was one of the most popular Yankees during his playing career and was the regular shortstop from 1969-73. He mastered the hidden ball trick, pulling it off five times with the Yanks. He pitched 19 games in the minors and one with the Yankees in 1968. Gene was a close friend and roommate of the late Thurman Munson.
Gene graduated from Kent State with a B.S. in education. He also played basketball at Kent and was pursued by the Knicks."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
JOE ALTOBELLI (Coach)
"Joe is the latest addition to the Yankee coaching staff as he mans the third base coaching lines for the 1981 season. This Rochester, New York native followed in Gene Michael's footsteps in 1980 when he won both regular season and playoff titles as manager of the International League Champion Columbus Clippers. With a fine 83-57 record at the Triple-A level, it seems that it's high time Joe brings his winning ways to the Bronx.
Joe previously spent 10 years managing in the minors and three years managing the San Francisco Giants (1977-79) where he won the National League Manager of the Year award in 1978. Welcome to the Big Apple, Joe!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Altobelli joins the Yankee staff as the third base coach. He spent 1980 as the manager of the AAA Columbus Clippers. He followed in Gene Michael's footsteps, winning both the regular season and playoff titles in the International League. The Clippers were 83-57 under Joe.
His playing career spanned 20 years (1951-70) as a first baseman/outfielder. Joe played 166 games in the majors with Cleveland ('55 and '57) and Minnesota ('61).
Altobelli began his managerial career in 1966 at Bluefield, Virginia in the Appalachian League. He spent the next 10 years managing in the minors, and from 1971 through 1976 at Rochester established one of the finest records in triple-A history, winning four pennants and finishing second once, averaging 84 wins.
Joe was named Giants manager in 1977 and finished fourth. He was named National League Manager of the Year in 1978, finishing third with an 89-73 record. Dismissed on September 6, 1979, he was then hired to replace Gene Michael at Columbus following the season."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
YOGI BERRA (Coach)
"Of all the Yankee greats who've worn the pinstripes, there's none more recognizable than good ole' number eight, Yogi Berra. For the old-timers, he's remembered in the famous 'Who's better, Campanella or Berra?' feuds. For current baseball fans, he's known as our dugout strategist, the man who realigns the Yankee outfield to pit a certain defensive alignment against a particular batter. For the younger generation, he's popular because of soft drink preference.
But for whatever reason you love good ole' number eight, you'll be glad to know that Yogi is entering his sixth consecutive season as a Yankee coach and his seventh overall. With 20 World Series appearances, it wouldn't hurt if he could shoot for 21 in '81!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"One of America's most beloved and recognized celebrities, Berra returned to the Yankees for the 1976 season after 12 years, coinciding with a pennant that was followed by back-to-back World Championships. Not surprising to those who know that good fortune follows this Hall of Famer around. He's now been in 20 World Series, a record 14 as a player, three as a Yankees coach, one as a Mets coach, and one each managing the Yanks and the Mets.
Yogi holds World Series playing records for games, at-bats, hits, singles, consecutive errorless games (30), and he hit a grand slam homer (1956). A three-time A.L. MVP (1951, 1954, 1955) and 15 times an All-Star, his 313 homers are the second most ever by a catcher, behind Johnny Bench who passed Yogi in 1980. His 30 homers in a season in two different years is an American League record for catchers. He also handled 950 consecutive chances without an error (1957-59). The Yankees retired his and Bill Dickey's uniform number 8 in 1972 but brought it back for his return in 1976.
His son Dale is an infielder with the Pirates, his son Larry Jr. played in the Mets organization, and his son Tim was a wide receiver for the football Giants and the Colts. Yogi and his sons run a racquetball club in New Jersey."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
MIKE FERRARO (Coach)
"After Dick Howser decided to call it a career as the Yankees third base coach, Mike Ferraro was promoted to that spot for the 1979 and 1980 seasons. This season, you'll spot Mike in the first base coaching box, replacing Jeff Torborg who has moved to the bullpen.
Mike, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida resident, had five successful seasons managing in the Yankees' farm system. During that time, he won three championships and compiled a .600 winning percentage.
As a player, Mike spent four years in the major leagues: 1966 and 1968 with the Yankees, 1969 as a member of the expansion Seattle Pilots, and 1972 with the Milwaukee Brewers."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Ferraro moves to first base after two years as the Yankees third base coach. He replaced Dick Howser at third for 1979 after he had served as a manager in the Yankee system since 1974.
Mike took the AAA Tacoma Yankees to the Pacific Coast League title in 1978. He began managing at Oneonta in 1974 and 1975 and won a title in '74. Mike moved to Ft. Lauderdale in 1976 and to West Haven in 1977, where he won the Eastern League Championship. He compiled a 331-221 minor league managing record, a .600 percentage.
Ferraro played four years in the majors. He was with the Yankees in 1966 and 1968, was a member of the expansion Seattle Pilots in 1969 and moved with them to Milwaukee, where he finished his career with the Brewers in 1972, his best year in the majors, hitting .255 in 124 games.
Mike played baseball, basketball and football at Kingston High School. His hometown folks honored him with a day at Yankee Stadium when he came in with the Brewers in 1972. Mike rooted for the Yankees and Mickey Mantle as a youngster growing up in Kingston.
He holds the major league record (tied) for most assists in a game (nine innings) by a third baseman when he had 11 on September 14, 1968."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
CHARLEY LAU (Coach)
"Ever wonder why some members of the visiting team huddle around the Yankee batting cage hours before a game? One look at number 40 and the lesson he is giving and you're sure to find your answer. Charley Lau, the premier batting instructor in all baseball, is in the process of teaching Yankee hitters patience at the plate, proper extension of the arms after the swing and other fine points of batting.
Reggie Jackson, Bucky Dent, Rick Cerone and a host of others join together and give praise to Charley for the fine work he's done with the offensive half of their game."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Lau enters his third year on the Yankee coaching staff after spending eight years with the Royals as their special hitting instructor.
He's regarded as one of the top hitting instructors in the game. In 1980 the Yankee hitters were second in the league in home runs and runs scored under his tutelage. Charley is given much of the credit for the Royals' success at the plate and the development of such hitters as George Brett and Hal McRae. He's the author of 'The Art of Hitting .300,' published by Dutton in 1980.
Charley had an 11-year major league career, highlighted by his catching Warren Spahn's second no-hitter in 1961, collecting four doubles in a game in 1962, and getting two hits in one inning as a pinch hitter in 1964. The latter two feats tied major league records.
Lau finished his big league career in 1967, playing for Baltimore and Atlanta. He coached with the Orioles in 1969, and the A's in 1970 before joining the Royals in 1971."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
JEFF TORBORG (Coach)
"After managing the Cleveland Indians for three seasons, Jeff Torborg joined the Yankee coaching staff of August of 1979 and came home. New Jersey-born and bred, Jeff is a graduate of Rutgers, where he starred in baseball, and Montclair State, where he earned his Master's degree in athletic administration. This season, Jeff will turn his talents toward the Yankee bullpen and work with the catching corps.
During his playing days, Jeff saw duty with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the California Angels. In over 10 active summers, Jeff had the pleasure of catching three no-hitters off some very impressive names: Sandy Koufax ('65), Bill Singer ('70) and Nolan Ryan ('73)."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Torborg joined the Yankee coaching staff on August 1, 1979 after his dismissal as manager of the Indians on July 23. He had managed the Tribe since June 19, 1977. Prior to that, he was a coach for the Indians beginning with the 1975 season, serving under Frank Robinson.
Jeff played ten years in the majors, seven with the Dodgers and three with the Angels, and played for the World Champion Dodgers in 1965 and their National League pennant winner in 1966. He caught two no-hitters with the Dodgers, by Sandy Koufax in 1965 and Bill Singer in 1970, and also caught a Nolan Ryan no-hitter with the Angels in 1973; the major league record is four by Ray Schalk. Jeff also was behind the plate when Don Drysdale threw his fifth consecutive shutout in 1968, and caught Koufax and Ryan when they set single-season strikeout records. He retired after the '73 season.
A native of northern Jersey, Torborg earned a B.S. in education from Rutgers, and has a Masters's degree in athletic administration from Montclair State; his thesis was on the effect of platooning in baseball. In his senior year at Rutgers, Jeff hit .537 to lead the NCAA in batting, setting a record that still stands. This is Jeff's last season as a Yankee coach, as he will become the head baseball coach at Princeton University in 1982."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
STAN WILLIAMS (Coach)
"When Stan Williams was the pitching coach in Boston in 1975, the Red Sox won a pennant. When he coached for the White Sox in 1977, they challenged for the A.L. West title for the first time in years. When he served Gene Michael as the pitching coach at Columbus in 1979, the Clippers ran off with the International League title.
The next odd year in that sequence is 1981, and Stan finds himself tutoring a pitching staff that finished second in the A.L. in ERA, and first in shutouts, saves and fewest home runs allowed just a year ago. Who knows what 1981 will bring for the Yankees and their moundsmen?"
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Williams enters his second season as the Yankee pitching coach. In 1980, the Yankees were second in the A.L. in ERA and led the league in shutouts, saves and fewest home runs allowed. This is his third year in the Yankee organization, as he served as Gene Michael's pitching coach for the International League Champion Columbus Clippers in 1979. Prior to that he was Bob Lemon's pitching coach with the White Sox in 1977 and '78. He previously served as the Red Sox pitching coach in their pennant winning 1975 season, and in 1976.
Stan pitched for 21 years, finishing as player-manager at Bristol in 1974. He came up to the majors with the Dodgers in 1958 and pitched a 2-hit, 1-0 shutout in Wrigley Field in his debut. He made a relief appearance against the White Sox in the 1959 World Series. Stan spent five years with the Dodgers, winning 57 games, and then was traded to the Yankees for Bill Skowron on November 26, 1962.
Williams pitched two years with the Yankees and then was traded to the Indians where he remained from 1965 through 1969. He went to the Twins after '69 along with Luis Tiant in exchange for Dean Chance, Bob Miller, Ted Uhlander and Graig Nettles. Stan appeared in 68 games for the Twins in 1970, going 10-1 with a 1.99 ERA. He finished up with the Red Sox in 1972.
Stan managed Ponce in the Puerto Rican Winter League this past year and had Dennis Werth, Joe Lefebvre, Mike Griffin, Tim Lollar, Chris Welsh and Pat Tabler playing for him."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
"The seventh Yankee manager in the last eight years. Gene stepped into George Steinbrenner's hot seat when Dick Howser 'resigned' last November. His only previous managerial experience came in 1979 when he guided the Yankee farm club at Columbus to the International League championship. He was the Yankee general manager last year.
Gene broke into the majors with Pittsburgh in 1966 and spent the majority of his ten-year career with the Yanks. He was born in Kent, Ohio.
Stick once said that he felt his future was in the front office rather than in uniform as a manager, but Steinbrenner persuaded him to sign a three-year contract to manage. If he fulfills the pact, he'll set a longevity record for a Steinbrenner manager.
'I'm no yes man,' he said when he was named, but that attitude may change when the phone calls from on high start coming in April."
-Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1981 Edition
"That long, lean figure with the pleasant smile won't be slapping singles through the infield and his steady defensive play is history, but his enthusiasm and love for baseball are as alive as ever. Gene Michael is back in pinstripes as the Yankee field general of '81 and he's looking to go for the gold! You can be sure he won't be taking any prisoners in his quest for a World Championship.
Gene's long baseball career began with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1966. Stick then moved to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1967 and was traded to the Yankees where he played shortstop from 1968 to 1974. While clad in pinstripes, Stick mastered the hidden ball trick and won over legions of Yankee fans with his adept defensive ability and agile play. It was also here that stick came after he played with the Tigers in 1975 and the Red Sox in 1976.
Following his retirement from active play, the Yankees hired this Kent State alumnus as a Yankee coach for the latter part of the '76 season. He then worked as an Administrative Assistant in '77, the Yankees first base coach in '78, the manager of the Yankees' Triple-A farm team in '79 and the Yankee General Manager in '80. Different experiences in and around the greatest game in sports paved the way for his managerial duties this season ... and, hopefully, a chance to raise the championship flag high atop Yankee Stadium."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Gene Michael became the 25th manager of the Yankees on November 21, 1980. He had been General Manager, having been named to the post on November 21, 1979 after serving as the field manager of the Columbus Clippers for the 1979 season. He guided the Clippers to the regular season and postseason International League titles after starting the season with 10 straight wins. The Clippers finished 85-54 under Stick.
Michael coached first base for the Yankees in 1978 after he had been a front office administrative assistant in 1977. Upon his retirement as a player, he was hired as a Yankee coach on June 14, 1976.
Gene began his playing career in 1959 and broke into the majors with Pittsburgh in 1966. He was traded along with Bob Bailey in December 1966 to the Dodgers for Maury Wills and sold to the Yankees on November 30, 1967. Stick played seven seasons for the Yankees before being released in January 1975. He signed with the Tigers and played one year before being released, then was signed as a free agent by the Red Sox in the spring of 1976 but was released on May 8 before he appeared in any games. He then retired to become a Yankee coach.
Stick was one of the most popular Yankees during his playing career and was the regular shortstop from 1969-73. He mastered the hidden ball trick, pulling it off five times with the Yanks. He pitched 19 games in the minors and one with the Yankees in 1968. Gene was a close friend and roommate of the late Thurman Munson.
Gene graduated from Kent State with a B.S. in education. He also played basketball at Kent and was pursued by the Knicks."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
JOE ALTOBELLI (Coach)
"Joe is the latest addition to the Yankee coaching staff as he mans the third base coaching lines for the 1981 season. This Rochester, New York native followed in Gene Michael's footsteps in 1980 when he won both regular season and playoff titles as manager of the International League Champion Columbus Clippers. With a fine 83-57 record at the Triple-A level, it seems that it's high time Joe brings his winning ways to the Bronx.
Joe previously spent 10 years managing in the minors and three years managing the San Francisco Giants (1977-79) where he won the National League Manager of the Year award in 1978. Welcome to the Big Apple, Joe!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Altobelli joins the Yankee staff as the third base coach. He spent 1980 as the manager of the AAA Columbus Clippers. He followed in Gene Michael's footsteps, winning both the regular season and playoff titles in the International League. The Clippers were 83-57 under Joe.
His playing career spanned 20 years (1951-70) as a first baseman/outfielder. Joe played 166 games in the majors with Cleveland ('55 and '57) and Minnesota ('61).
Altobelli began his managerial career in 1966 at Bluefield, Virginia in the Appalachian League. He spent the next 10 years managing in the minors, and from 1971 through 1976 at Rochester established one of the finest records in triple-A history, winning four pennants and finishing second once, averaging 84 wins.
Joe was named Giants manager in 1977 and finished fourth. He was named National League Manager of the Year in 1978, finishing third with an 89-73 record. Dismissed on September 6, 1979, he was then hired to replace Gene Michael at Columbus following the season."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
YOGI BERRA (Coach)
"Of all the Yankee greats who've worn the pinstripes, there's none more recognizable than good ole' number eight, Yogi Berra. For the old-timers, he's remembered in the famous 'Who's better, Campanella or Berra?' feuds. For current baseball fans, he's known as our dugout strategist, the man who realigns the Yankee outfield to pit a certain defensive alignment against a particular batter. For the younger generation, he's popular because of soft drink preference.
But for whatever reason you love good ole' number eight, you'll be glad to know that Yogi is entering his sixth consecutive season as a Yankee coach and his seventh overall. With 20 World Series appearances, it wouldn't hurt if he could shoot for 21 in '81!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"One of America's most beloved and recognized celebrities, Berra returned to the Yankees for the 1976 season after 12 years, coinciding with a pennant that was followed by back-to-back World Championships. Not surprising to those who know that good fortune follows this Hall of Famer around. He's now been in 20 World Series, a record 14 as a player, three as a Yankees coach, one as a Mets coach, and one each managing the Yanks and the Mets.
Yogi holds World Series playing records for games, at-bats, hits, singles, consecutive errorless games (30), and he hit a grand slam homer (1956). A three-time A.L. MVP (1951, 1954, 1955) and 15 times an All-Star, his 313 homers are the second most ever by a catcher, behind Johnny Bench who passed Yogi in 1980. His 30 homers in a season in two different years is an American League record for catchers. He also handled 950 consecutive chances without an error (1957-59). The Yankees retired his and Bill Dickey's uniform number 8 in 1972 but brought it back for his return in 1976.
His son Dale is an infielder with the Pirates, his son Larry Jr. played in the Mets organization, and his son Tim was a wide receiver for the football Giants and the Colts. Yogi and his sons run a racquetball club in New Jersey."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
MIKE FERRARO (Coach)
"After Dick Howser decided to call it a career as the Yankees third base coach, Mike Ferraro was promoted to that spot for the 1979 and 1980 seasons. This season, you'll spot Mike in the first base coaching box, replacing Jeff Torborg who has moved to the bullpen.
Mike, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida resident, had five successful seasons managing in the Yankees' farm system. During that time, he won three championships and compiled a .600 winning percentage.
As a player, Mike spent four years in the major leagues: 1966 and 1968 with the Yankees, 1969 as a member of the expansion Seattle Pilots, and 1972 with the Milwaukee Brewers."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Ferraro moves to first base after two years as the Yankees third base coach. He replaced Dick Howser at third for 1979 after he had served as a manager in the Yankee system since 1974.
Mike took the AAA Tacoma Yankees to the Pacific Coast League title in 1978. He began managing at Oneonta in 1974 and 1975 and won a title in '74. Mike moved to Ft. Lauderdale in 1976 and to West Haven in 1977, where he won the Eastern League Championship. He compiled a 331-221 minor league managing record, a .600 percentage.
Ferraro played four years in the majors. He was with the Yankees in 1966 and 1968, was a member of the expansion Seattle Pilots in 1969 and moved with them to Milwaukee, where he finished his career with the Brewers in 1972, his best year in the majors, hitting .255 in 124 games.
Mike played baseball, basketball and football at Kingston High School. His hometown folks honored him with a day at Yankee Stadium when he came in with the Brewers in 1972. Mike rooted for the Yankees and Mickey Mantle as a youngster growing up in Kingston.
He holds the major league record (tied) for most assists in a game (nine innings) by a third baseman when he had 11 on September 14, 1968."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
CHARLEY LAU (Coach)
"Ever wonder why some members of the visiting team huddle around the Yankee batting cage hours before a game? One look at number 40 and the lesson he is giving and you're sure to find your answer. Charley Lau, the premier batting instructor in all baseball, is in the process of teaching Yankee hitters patience at the plate, proper extension of the arms after the swing and other fine points of batting.
Reggie Jackson, Bucky Dent, Rick Cerone and a host of others join together and give praise to Charley for the fine work he's done with the offensive half of their game."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Lau enters his third year on the Yankee coaching staff after spending eight years with the Royals as their special hitting instructor.
He's regarded as one of the top hitting instructors in the game. In 1980 the Yankee hitters were second in the league in home runs and runs scored under his tutelage. Charley is given much of the credit for the Royals' success at the plate and the development of such hitters as George Brett and Hal McRae. He's the author of 'The Art of Hitting .300,' published by Dutton in 1980.
Charley had an 11-year major league career, highlighted by his catching Warren Spahn's second no-hitter in 1961, collecting four doubles in a game in 1962, and getting two hits in one inning as a pinch hitter in 1964. The latter two feats tied major league records.
Lau finished his big league career in 1967, playing for Baltimore and Atlanta. He coached with the Orioles in 1969, and the A's in 1970 before joining the Royals in 1971."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
JEFF TORBORG (Coach)
"After managing the Cleveland Indians for three seasons, Jeff Torborg joined the Yankee coaching staff of August of 1979 and came home. New Jersey-born and bred, Jeff is a graduate of Rutgers, where he starred in baseball, and Montclair State, where he earned his Master's degree in athletic administration. This season, Jeff will turn his talents toward the Yankee bullpen and work with the catching corps.
During his playing days, Jeff saw duty with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the California Angels. In over 10 active summers, Jeff had the pleasure of catching three no-hitters off some very impressive names: Sandy Koufax ('65), Bill Singer ('70) and Nolan Ryan ('73)."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Torborg joined the Yankee coaching staff on August 1, 1979 after his dismissal as manager of the Indians on July 23. He had managed the Tribe since June 19, 1977. Prior to that, he was a coach for the Indians beginning with the 1975 season, serving under Frank Robinson.
Jeff played ten years in the majors, seven with the Dodgers and three with the Angels, and played for the World Champion Dodgers in 1965 and their National League pennant winner in 1966. He caught two no-hitters with the Dodgers, by Sandy Koufax in 1965 and Bill Singer in 1970, and also caught a Nolan Ryan no-hitter with the Angels in 1973; the major league record is four by Ray Schalk. Jeff also was behind the plate when Don Drysdale threw his fifth consecutive shutout in 1968, and caught Koufax and Ryan when they set single-season strikeout records. He retired after the '73 season.
A native of northern Jersey, Torborg earned a B.S. in education from Rutgers, and has a Masters's degree in athletic administration from Montclair State; his thesis was on the effect of platooning in baseball. In his senior year at Rutgers, Jeff hit .537 to lead the NCAA in batting, setting a record that still stands. This is Jeff's last season as a Yankee coach, as he will become the head baseball coach at Princeton University in 1982."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
STAN WILLIAMS (Coach)
"When Stan Williams was the pitching coach in Boston in 1975, the Red Sox won a pennant. When he coached for the White Sox in 1977, they challenged for the A.L. West title for the first time in years. When he served Gene Michael as the pitching coach at Columbus in 1979, the Clippers ran off with the International League title.
The next odd year in that sequence is 1981, and Stan finds himself tutoring a pitching staff that finished second in the A.L. in ERA, and first in shutouts, saves and fewest home runs allowed just a year ago. Who knows what 1981 will bring for the Yankees and their moundsmen?"
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Williams enters his second season as the Yankee pitching coach. In 1980, the Yankees were second in the A.L. in ERA and led the league in shutouts, saves and fewest home runs allowed. This is his third year in the Yankee organization, as he served as Gene Michael's pitching coach for the International League Champion Columbus Clippers in 1979. Prior to that he was Bob Lemon's pitching coach with the White Sox in 1977 and '78. He previously served as the Red Sox pitching coach in their pennant winning 1975 season, and in 1976.
Stan pitched for 21 years, finishing as player-manager at Bristol in 1974. He came up to the majors with the Dodgers in 1958 and pitched a 2-hit, 1-0 shutout in Wrigley Field in his debut. He made a relief appearance against the White Sox in the 1959 World Series. Stan spent five years with the Dodgers, winning 57 games, and then was traded to the Yankees for Bill Skowron on November 26, 1962.
Williams pitched two years with the Yankees and then was traded to the Indians where he remained from 1965 through 1969. He went to the Twins after '69 along with Luis Tiant in exchange for Dean Chance, Bob Miller, Ted Uhlander and Graig Nettles. Stan appeared in 68 games for the Twins in 1970, going 10-1 with a 1.99 ERA. He finished up with the Red Sox in 1972.
Stan managed Ponce in the Puerto Rican Winter League this past year and had Dennis Werth, Joe Lefebvre, Mike Griffin, Tim Lollar, Chris Welsh and Pat Tabler playing for him."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
Monday, January 19, 2015
1981 New York Yankees Outlook
HITTING
"You have to wonder a bit about the Yankees when you see their leading hitter last year was Bob Watson at .307. Whatever happened to the Bronx Bombers? Reggie Jackson continues to carry his share of the load, hitting .300 with 41 home runs and 111 RBI last season. And Willie Randolph hit .294. Rick Cerone did a better job behind the plate than most dared hope, hitting .277 with 14 homers and 85 RBI. But Lou Piniella, while batting .287, drove in only 27 runs, and Graig Nettles hit a mere .244 with 45 RBI before his season was curtailed by hepatitis. Seven teams- five of them from the Eastern Division- outhit the Yanks last year. But now the Yanks have slugger Dave Winfield, baseball's biggest free agent ever. And at these prices ($15 million and all else), he'd better escalate his Padre figures of .276, 20 home runs and 87 RBI."
-Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1981 Edition
PITCHING
"Even without free agents Don Sutton and Dan Spillner, who elected to sign elsewhere, the Yankees have a staff that is the envy of nearly every team in the league. They're amazing. Journeyman Rudy May was 15-5 last year with the best ERA (2.47) in the league. Ageless Tommy John won 22 and lost nine. Ron Guidry was a disappointing (only for him) 17-10. And, of course, in the bullpen there was Goose Gossage with his 33 saves. Only Oakland outpitched the Yanks last season and many believe the iron man performance of the A's may have been something of a fluke. In contrast to the A's, the Yankees only completed 29 games- second lowest in the league. But they led all comers with 50 saves and they also shut out the competition a league leading 15 times."
-Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1981 Edition
FIELDING
"Utility man Larry Milbourne, acquired from Seattle, replaces Fred Stanley. Otherwise everything stays about the same. And why not? Bucky Dent led all shortstops in the league with his glove last year, and Randolph is second only to Kansas City's Frank White at second base. Cerone emerged as a top-flight catcher, although he was charged with 14 passed balls. Everywhere you look, the Yankees are sound."
-Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1981 Edition
OUTLOOK
"Can Gene Michael stay friends with George Steinbrenner for a full season? Can Gene Michael win 103 games? Will Dave Winfield find success in New York to match his fabulous salary? Stay tuned as the pinstriped soap opera continues. Many believe Michael may have embarked on a 'Mission Impossible,' trying to win a division and keep Steinbrenner happy at the same time. As Dick Howser proved last season, accomplishing the first feat doesn't necessarily assure the second. And there is certainly no guarantee that the aging Yankees will be able to win in the East again, even with the addition of Winfield. If they don't, it is a cinch Steinbrenner will not be smiling."
-Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1981 Edition
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
"'Take Reggie Jackson away from the Yankees, and I don't know where they'd finish,' said Sparky Anderson, manager of the Tigers. 'I think he is one the great hitters of our time. Nobody puts more fear into the other team.'
Jackson more than justified Anderson's faith in 1980, when he not only tied for the league lead with 41 homers, but also enjoyed his fifth 100-RBI season and his first .300 season.
In July, he shared Player of the Month honors with George Brett after hitting 11 homers and knocking in 32 runs. Jackson, who will be 35 in May, heads an offense that produced 189 homers, second in the league last year. But the power was distributed so evenly that only Jackson, of the nine Yankees who homered in double figures, exceeded 20.
Yankee principal owner George Steinbrenner obviously agreed with Anderson and did something about it. He signed free-agent outfielder Dave Winfield to a ten-year $15 million contract. Winfield, .276, 20, 87 in 1980 with San Diego, will play left field and appears to have Jackson's blessing. The Yankees hope that Winfield, 29, 6-6 and 220, reverts to his form of 1979 when he hit .308 with 34 homers and 118 RBI.
Graig Nettles, back from a bout with hepatitis did hit a round-tripper in the Championship Series- but it was an inside-the-park shot, the first of his 13-year career. Count on Nettles to increase his 1980 output of 16 homers in 89 games.
Rookie manager Gene Michael could have a geriatric problem if age begins to erode the talents of his three big hitters. In addition to Jackson's advancing years, Nettles is soon to be 37 and Bob Watson is 35.
The youths of the infield are 26-year-old Willie Randolph (.294, 30 SB) and 29-year-old shortstop Bucky Dent (.262). Watson, a right-handed batter whose .307 mark led the regulars last year, will play first most often, but will be spelled on occasion by left-handed batter Bobby Murcer (.269). Murcer, normally an outfielder, learned the art of first base play during the off-season. Both he and Watson hit 13 homers last season, with Murcer chipping in with 10 game-winning RBI. Lefty Jim Spencer is also in the first base situation.
Expected to join Jackson in the outfield are switch-hitter Bobby Brown (.260, 14 HR, 27 SB) in center and a platoon of Lou Piniella (.287) and lefty Oscar Gamble (14 HR in 78 games) in left.
Also to be considered are Ruppert Jones, who was leading the team in runs batted in when sidelined with a severe stomach problem, and strong-armed Joe Lefebvre, who homered in his first two games to tie a league record.
With Fred (Chicken) Stanley gone to Oakland, Michael's backup infielders figure to be Larry Milbourne, a switch-hitter who hit .264 for Seattle, and third basemen Eric Soderholm and Aurelio Rodriguez.
Rick Cerone blossomed into the top American League catcher last season and, at 26, has his best years ahead of him. He hit .277 with 14 homers and 85 RBI and displayed dynamic defensive talents that eclipsed those of the late Thurman Munson.
Dennis Werth (.308 in limited action) and Bruce Robinson, a rookie up from AAA Columbus, are substitute catchers. Werth can also play several positions.
Yankee pitching should stay strong if the primary heroes refuse to acknowledge the advance of Father Time. Left-hander Tommy John, who will be 38 before Memorial Day, heads a rotation that includes fellow southpaws Rudy May (15-5, 2.47), Ron Guidry (17-10, 3.56) and Tommy Underwood (13-9, 3.66), plus one of several young right-handers. Prospects include AAA Columbus alumni Bob Kammeyer and Greg Cochran plus AA Nashville graduates Andy McGaffigan and Brian Ryder. All but Cochran won 15 each in 1980.
Fireballer Rich Gossage, a fireballing 29-year-old right-hander still smarting from the painful gopher ball he threw to George Brett in playoff Game 3, heads a deep bullpen that also includes Ron Davis (9-3, 2.95, seven saves) and rookie southpaw Tim Lollar (2-1, 2.57, five saves in AAA). Gossage, who will be 30 in July, worked 64 games last year, while winning six of eight decisions, saving 33, and posting a 2.27 ERA. He fanned 103 in 99 innings."
-Dan Schlossberg, Baseball Illustrated 1981
"PROBLEMS: A possible shortage of starting pitching depth, the age of left-hander Tommy John, the slump of once super-sharp Ron Guidry and the total absence of a proven right-handed hurler for the starting staff- are problems sure to have concerned new manager Gene Michael over the past winter.
Another factor in the failure of the Yanks to make it out of the A.L. Championship Series against Kansas City last fall was the lack of speed and sharp glove work in the outfield. With Ruppert Jones sent to the sidelines by two severe injuries, there was no one around who could cover much ground in center. Jones' full recovery is still a question mark as spring training approaches.
An ailment sidelined third baseman Graig Nettles for much of '80 and hampered his effectiveness when he did play. Add to this the advancing baseball age of regulars Nettles, Bob Watson, Reggie Jackson and Bucky Dent and it's easy to see that although this roster is loaded with talent, the club could fall completely apart in a hurry if the veterans start to seriously slip before the kids from the farms are ready to take their place in the lineup.
PITCHING: A great bullpen led by right-handers Rich 'Goose' Gossage and young Ron Davis keeps the staff from being top-heavy to the port side. Starters Ron Guidry, Tom Underwood, Rudy May and Tommy John are all southpaws. The club cleaned out some of the age hampering the mound effectiveness by dealing or waivering away Jim Kaat, Gaylord Perry and Luis Tiant. Unfortunately, this leaves the proven rotation only four deep, which could really hurt if there are injuries or if Guidry is slow in recovering his once devastating form.
There's a big chance that the New Yorkers will make another trade or two during the spring inter-league dealing period. [Because] owner George Steinbrenner was successful in his wooing of free agent Dave Winfield, there are now some spare outfielders around to dangle as bait for a winning right-hander and possible help for the left side of the infield.
HITTING: The signing of Winfield after his free agent defection from San Diego improves this already strong attack. Age might be slowing Jackson in the field, but Mr. October still wields one of the most potent bats in the game. Reggie tied Milwaukee's Ben Oglive for the A.L. home run title (41), drove in a big 111 runs and hit .300 for the first time in his illustrious career. Winfield will probably start in left, with Oscar Gamble and Lou Piniella platooning in the DH spot.
The bat heroics of Bob Watson last season helped to alleviate the absence of Nettles from the lineup, and catcher Rick Cerone developed into a solid hitter in addition to steadying in his work as a defensive receiver. There is good hitting depth and balance on the bench, especially among the outfield reserves. And perhaps the key man in the attack, swift and steady Willie Randolph, is really just beginning to enter the prime years of his diamond life.
The Yankees scored a big 820 runs last year, second only to Detroit in the junior circuit. They've added the bat of Winfield, and have hopes that Jones and Nettles will [each] regain their former hitting stroke as their health returns. This is a lineup that could come close to scoring a fantastic 900 runs for the '81 campaign.
INFIELD: The slowing of age is the only real trouble likely to hurt. Watson and Nettles are well into their thirties. But the club is well protected at third in the form of Eric Soderholm and Aurelio Rodriguez, and at first where Piniella, Gamble and a couple of the young spare outfielders can play in a pinch.
The biggest worry would be if Dent begins to slow too much. No Yankee farmhand is strong and ready for the bigs at this position.
OUTFIELD: Should be much improved with Winfield around and if Jones can make it back. Even if Ruppert is slow to return to form, Winfield can probably patrol center better than slow-footed Bobby Murcer and rookies Joe LeFebvre and Bobby Brown last year. The presence of these two fine young gardeners should keep the regulars on their toes. Both have good power and will push Jackson and Gamble for playing time if there is any sign of some lengthy slump.
The six outfielders heading the spring roster combined for 105 home runs last season. That kind of power can help to ease the pain of slowness afoot, even should Ruppert not be ready to go by the opening bell this year.
PROGNOSIS: Playing in perhaps the toughest division in the game today, New York is the defending East titlist. But always feisty Baltimore will be hanging in there again in '81. Milwaukee has been very active in the trade market in an attempt to shore up weaknesses, and Detroit and Cleveland may finally be ready to seriously compete with their young and talented squads.
With the addition of reliever Rollie Fingers and catcher Ted Simmons, the Brewers just may have come up with enough new talent to make up 17 games- the distance they finished behind the Yanks last fall.
New York is older, Milwaukee is young and hungry. The hunch here is that the Suds will finally make it to the top of the East in '81 with the pinstripers fading down to second- even with the addition of fresh baseball multimillionaire Dave Winfield.
Maybe even Steinbrenner will want Billy Martin back to manage before the season is over."
-Tommy Kay's Big Book of Baseball, May 1981
"You have to wonder a bit about the Yankees when you see their leading hitter last year was Bob Watson at .307. Whatever happened to the Bronx Bombers? Reggie Jackson continues to carry his share of the load, hitting .300 with 41 home runs and 111 RBI last season. And Willie Randolph hit .294. Rick Cerone did a better job behind the plate than most dared hope, hitting .277 with 14 homers and 85 RBI. But Lou Piniella, while batting .287, drove in only 27 runs, and Graig Nettles hit a mere .244 with 45 RBI before his season was curtailed by hepatitis. Seven teams- five of them from the Eastern Division- outhit the Yanks last year. But now the Yanks have slugger Dave Winfield, baseball's biggest free agent ever. And at these prices ($15 million and all else), he'd better escalate his Padre figures of .276, 20 home runs and 87 RBI."
-Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1981 Edition
PITCHING
"Even without free agents Don Sutton and Dan Spillner, who elected to sign elsewhere, the Yankees have a staff that is the envy of nearly every team in the league. They're amazing. Journeyman Rudy May was 15-5 last year with the best ERA (2.47) in the league. Ageless Tommy John won 22 and lost nine. Ron Guidry was a disappointing (only for him) 17-10. And, of course, in the bullpen there was Goose Gossage with his 33 saves. Only Oakland outpitched the Yanks last season and many believe the iron man performance of the A's may have been something of a fluke. In contrast to the A's, the Yankees only completed 29 games- second lowest in the league. But they led all comers with 50 saves and they also shut out the competition a league leading 15 times."
-Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1981 Edition
FIELDING
"Utility man Larry Milbourne, acquired from Seattle, replaces Fred Stanley. Otherwise everything stays about the same. And why not? Bucky Dent led all shortstops in the league with his glove last year, and Randolph is second only to Kansas City's Frank White at second base. Cerone emerged as a top-flight catcher, although he was charged with 14 passed balls. Everywhere you look, the Yankees are sound."
-Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1981 Edition
OUTLOOK
"Can Gene Michael stay friends with George Steinbrenner for a full season? Can Gene Michael win 103 games? Will Dave Winfield find success in New York to match his fabulous salary? Stay tuned as the pinstriped soap opera continues. Many believe Michael may have embarked on a 'Mission Impossible,' trying to win a division and keep Steinbrenner happy at the same time. As Dick Howser proved last season, accomplishing the first feat doesn't necessarily assure the second. And there is certainly no guarantee that the aging Yankees will be able to win in the East again, even with the addition of Winfield. If they don't, it is a cinch Steinbrenner will not be smiling."
-Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1981 Edition
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
"'Take Reggie Jackson away from the Yankees, and I don't know where they'd finish,' said Sparky Anderson, manager of the Tigers. 'I think he is one the great hitters of our time. Nobody puts more fear into the other team.'
Jackson more than justified Anderson's faith in 1980, when he not only tied for the league lead with 41 homers, but also enjoyed his fifth 100-RBI season and his first .300 season.
In July, he shared Player of the Month honors with George Brett after hitting 11 homers and knocking in 32 runs. Jackson, who will be 35 in May, heads an offense that produced 189 homers, second in the league last year. But the power was distributed so evenly that only Jackson, of the nine Yankees who homered in double figures, exceeded 20.
Yankee principal owner George Steinbrenner obviously agreed with Anderson and did something about it. He signed free-agent outfielder Dave Winfield to a ten-year $15 million contract. Winfield, .276, 20, 87 in 1980 with San Diego, will play left field and appears to have Jackson's blessing. The Yankees hope that Winfield, 29, 6-6 and 220, reverts to his form of 1979 when he hit .308 with 34 homers and 118 RBI.
Graig Nettles, back from a bout with hepatitis did hit a round-tripper in the Championship Series- but it was an inside-the-park shot, the first of his 13-year career. Count on Nettles to increase his 1980 output of 16 homers in 89 games.
Rookie manager Gene Michael could have a geriatric problem if age begins to erode the talents of his three big hitters. In addition to Jackson's advancing years, Nettles is soon to be 37 and Bob Watson is 35.
The youths of the infield are 26-year-old Willie Randolph (.294, 30 SB) and 29-year-old shortstop Bucky Dent (.262). Watson, a right-handed batter whose .307 mark led the regulars last year, will play first most often, but will be spelled on occasion by left-handed batter Bobby Murcer (.269). Murcer, normally an outfielder, learned the art of first base play during the off-season. Both he and Watson hit 13 homers last season, with Murcer chipping in with 10 game-winning RBI. Lefty Jim Spencer is also in the first base situation.
Expected to join Jackson in the outfield are switch-hitter Bobby Brown (.260, 14 HR, 27 SB) in center and a platoon of Lou Piniella (.287) and lefty Oscar Gamble (14 HR in 78 games) in left.
Also to be considered are Ruppert Jones, who was leading the team in runs batted in when sidelined with a severe stomach problem, and strong-armed Joe Lefebvre, who homered in his first two games to tie a league record.
With Fred (Chicken) Stanley gone to Oakland, Michael's backup infielders figure to be Larry Milbourne, a switch-hitter who hit .264 for Seattle, and third basemen Eric Soderholm and Aurelio Rodriguez.
Rick Cerone blossomed into the top American League catcher last season and, at 26, has his best years ahead of him. He hit .277 with 14 homers and 85 RBI and displayed dynamic defensive talents that eclipsed those of the late Thurman Munson.
Dennis Werth (.308 in limited action) and Bruce Robinson, a rookie up from AAA Columbus, are substitute catchers. Werth can also play several positions.
Yankee pitching should stay strong if the primary heroes refuse to acknowledge the advance of Father Time. Left-hander Tommy John, who will be 38 before Memorial Day, heads a rotation that includes fellow southpaws Rudy May (15-5, 2.47), Ron Guidry (17-10, 3.56) and Tommy Underwood (13-9, 3.66), plus one of several young right-handers. Prospects include AAA Columbus alumni Bob Kammeyer and Greg Cochran plus AA Nashville graduates Andy McGaffigan and Brian Ryder. All but Cochran won 15 each in 1980.
Fireballer Rich Gossage, a fireballing 29-year-old right-hander still smarting from the painful gopher ball he threw to George Brett in playoff Game 3, heads a deep bullpen that also includes Ron Davis (9-3, 2.95, seven saves) and rookie southpaw Tim Lollar (2-1, 2.57, five saves in AAA). Gossage, who will be 30 in July, worked 64 games last year, while winning six of eight decisions, saving 33, and posting a 2.27 ERA. He fanned 103 in 99 innings."
-Dan Schlossberg, Baseball Illustrated 1981
"PROBLEMS: A possible shortage of starting pitching depth, the age of left-hander Tommy John, the slump of once super-sharp Ron Guidry and the total absence of a proven right-handed hurler for the starting staff- are problems sure to have concerned new manager Gene Michael over the past winter.
Another factor in the failure of the Yanks to make it out of the A.L. Championship Series against Kansas City last fall was the lack of speed and sharp glove work in the outfield. With Ruppert Jones sent to the sidelines by two severe injuries, there was no one around who could cover much ground in center. Jones' full recovery is still a question mark as spring training approaches.
An ailment sidelined third baseman Graig Nettles for much of '80 and hampered his effectiveness when he did play. Add to this the advancing baseball age of regulars Nettles, Bob Watson, Reggie Jackson and Bucky Dent and it's easy to see that although this roster is loaded with talent, the club could fall completely apart in a hurry if the veterans start to seriously slip before the kids from the farms are ready to take their place in the lineup.
PITCHING: A great bullpen led by right-handers Rich 'Goose' Gossage and young Ron Davis keeps the staff from being top-heavy to the port side. Starters Ron Guidry, Tom Underwood, Rudy May and Tommy John are all southpaws. The club cleaned out some of the age hampering the mound effectiveness by dealing or waivering away Jim Kaat, Gaylord Perry and Luis Tiant. Unfortunately, this leaves the proven rotation only four deep, which could really hurt if there are injuries or if Guidry is slow in recovering his once devastating form.
There's a big chance that the New Yorkers will make another trade or two during the spring inter-league dealing period. [Because] owner George Steinbrenner was successful in his wooing of free agent Dave Winfield, there are now some spare outfielders around to dangle as bait for a winning right-hander and possible help for the left side of the infield.
HITTING: The signing of Winfield after his free agent defection from San Diego improves this already strong attack. Age might be slowing Jackson in the field, but Mr. October still wields one of the most potent bats in the game. Reggie tied Milwaukee's Ben Oglive for the A.L. home run title (41), drove in a big 111 runs and hit .300 for the first time in his illustrious career. Winfield will probably start in left, with Oscar Gamble and Lou Piniella platooning in the DH spot.
The bat heroics of Bob Watson last season helped to alleviate the absence of Nettles from the lineup, and catcher Rick Cerone developed into a solid hitter in addition to steadying in his work as a defensive receiver. There is good hitting depth and balance on the bench, especially among the outfield reserves. And perhaps the key man in the attack, swift and steady Willie Randolph, is really just beginning to enter the prime years of his diamond life.
The Yankees scored a big 820 runs last year, second only to Detroit in the junior circuit. They've added the bat of Winfield, and have hopes that Jones and Nettles will [each] regain their former hitting stroke as their health returns. This is a lineup that could come close to scoring a fantastic 900 runs for the '81 campaign.
INFIELD: The slowing of age is the only real trouble likely to hurt. Watson and Nettles are well into their thirties. But the club is well protected at third in the form of Eric Soderholm and Aurelio Rodriguez, and at first where Piniella, Gamble and a couple of the young spare outfielders can play in a pinch.
The biggest worry would be if Dent begins to slow too much. No Yankee farmhand is strong and ready for the bigs at this position.
OUTFIELD: Should be much improved with Winfield around and if Jones can make it back. Even if Ruppert is slow to return to form, Winfield can probably patrol center better than slow-footed Bobby Murcer and rookies Joe LeFebvre and Bobby Brown last year. The presence of these two fine young gardeners should keep the regulars on their toes. Both have good power and will push Jackson and Gamble for playing time if there is any sign of some lengthy slump.
The six outfielders heading the spring roster combined for 105 home runs last season. That kind of power can help to ease the pain of slowness afoot, even should Ruppert not be ready to go by the opening bell this year.
PROGNOSIS: Playing in perhaps the toughest division in the game today, New York is the defending East titlist. But always feisty Baltimore will be hanging in there again in '81. Milwaukee has been very active in the trade market in an attempt to shore up weaknesses, and Detroit and Cleveland may finally be ready to seriously compete with their young and talented squads.
With the addition of reliever Rollie Fingers and catcher Ted Simmons, the Brewers just may have come up with enough new talent to make up 17 games- the distance they finished behind the Yanks last fall.
New York is older, Milwaukee is young and hungry. The hunch here is that the Suds will finally make it to the top of the East in '81 with the pinstripers fading down to second- even with the addition of fresh baseball multimillionaire Dave Winfield.
Maybe even Steinbrenner will want Billy Martin back to manage before the season is over."
-Tommy Kay's Big Book of Baseball, May 1981
1981 Yankees Depth Chart
C Rick Cerone (.277-14-85)
1B Bob Watson (.307-13-68)
2B Willie Randolph (.294-7-27)
3B Graig Nettles (.244-16-45)
SS Bucky Dent (.262-5-52)
LF Dave Winfield (.276-29-87)
CF Ruppert Jones (.223-9-42)
RF Reggie Jackson (.300-41-111)
Designated Hitter: Oscar Gamble (.278-14-50) or Lou Piniella (.287-2-27)
Starting Pitchers: Ron Guidry (17-10), Tom Underwood (13-9), Tommy John (22-9), Rudy May (15-5)
Relief Pitchers: Rich Gossage (6-2, 33 saves), Ron Davis (9-3, 7 saves), Dave Righetti (rookie)
Key Reserves: Aurelio Rodriguez, Bobby Murcer, Eric Soderholm, Joe Lefebvre, Bobby Brown
-Tommy Kay's Big Book of Baseball, May 1981
Friday, January 16, 2015
1981 New York Yankees Spring Training Roster
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Manager - Gene Michael 11
No. Coaches
48 Joe Altobelli
8 Yogi Berra
33 Mike Ferraro
40 Charley Lau
41 Jeff Torborg
42 Stan Williams
No. Pitchers
43 Doug Bird (R-R)
57 Greg Cochran (R-R)
39 Ron Davis (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
52 Mike Griffin (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
25 Tommy John (R-L)
53 Tim Lollar (L-L)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
58 Andy McGaffigan (R-R)
68 Mike Morgan (R-R)
67 Gene Nelson (R-R)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
66 Brian Ryder (R-R)
38 Tom Underwood (L-L)
62 Chris Welsh (L-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
65 Juan Espino (R-R)
47 Bruce Robinson (L-R)
24 Dennis Werth (R-R)
No. Infielders
36 Steve Balboni (R-R)
20 Bucky Dent (R-R)
18 Larry Milbourne (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
27 Aurelio Rodriguez (R-R)
56 Rafael Santana (R-R)
21 Eric Soderholm (R-R)
12 Jim Spencer (L-L)
60 Pat Tabler (R-R)
28 Bob Watson (R-R)
No. Outfielders
13 Bobby Brown (S-R)
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
44 Reggie Jackson (L-L)
22 Ruppert Jones (L-L)
46 Joe Lefebvre (L-R)
2 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
59 Ted Wilborn (S-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Barry Weinberg
No. Spring Training Instructors
76 Hopalong Cassady
16 Whitey Ford
84 Doug Holmquist
34 Dick Howser
29 Jim Hunter
7 Mickey Mantle
85 Stump Merrill
81 Ed Napoleon
83 Joe Pepitone
10 Phil Rizzuto
82 Frank Verdi
Manager - Gene Michael 11
No. Coaches
48 Joe Altobelli
8 Yogi Berra
33 Mike Ferraro
40 Charley Lau
41 Jeff Torborg
42 Stan Williams
No. Pitchers
43 Doug Bird (R-R)
57 Greg Cochran (R-R)
39 Ron Davis (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
52 Mike Griffin (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
25 Tommy John (R-L)
53 Tim Lollar (L-L)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
58 Andy McGaffigan (R-R)
68 Mike Morgan (R-R)
67 Gene Nelson (R-R)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
66 Brian Ryder (R-R)
38 Tom Underwood (L-L)
62 Chris Welsh (L-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
65 Juan Espino (R-R)
47 Bruce Robinson (L-R)
24 Dennis Werth (R-R)
No. Infielders
36 Steve Balboni (R-R)
20 Bucky Dent (R-R)
18 Larry Milbourne (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
27 Aurelio Rodriguez (R-R)
56 Rafael Santana (R-R)
21 Eric Soderholm (R-R)
12 Jim Spencer (L-L)
60 Pat Tabler (R-R)
28 Bob Watson (R-R)
No. Outfielders
13 Bobby Brown (S-R)
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
44 Reggie Jackson (L-L)
22 Ruppert Jones (L-L)
46 Joe Lefebvre (L-R)
2 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
59 Ted Wilborn (S-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Barry Weinberg
No. Spring Training Instructors
76 Hopalong Cassady
16 Whitey Ford
84 Doug Holmquist
34 Dick Howser
29 Jim Hunter
7 Mickey Mantle
85 Stump Merrill
81 Ed Napoleon
83 Joe Pepitone
10 Phil Rizzuto
82 Frank Verdi
1980 New York Yankees Postseason Roster
Manager - Dick Howser 34
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
33 Mike Ferraro
57 Clyde King
40 Charley Lau
41 Jeff Torborg
42 Stan Williams
No. Pitchers
43 Doug Bird (R-R)
39 Ron Davis (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
35 Don Gullett (R-L)*
25 Tommy John (R-L)
53 Tim Lollar (L-L)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
23 Luis Tiant (R-R)
38 Tom Underwood (L-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
26 Johnny Oates (L-R)
No. Infielders
20 Bucky Dent (R-R)
18 Brian Doyle (L-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
27 Aurelio Rodriguez (R-R)
21 Eric Soderholm (R-R)
12 Jim Spencer (L-L)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R)*
28 Bob Watson (R-R)
No. Outfielders
13 Bobby Brown (S-R)
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
44 Reggie Jackson (L-L)
22 Ruppert Jones (L-L)*
46 Joe Lefebvre (L-R)
2 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Barry Weinberg
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
Batting Practice Pitchers - Doug Melvin 50, Mickey Scott 59
*not on active roster
1980 New York Yankees September Roster
Manager - Dick Howser 34
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
33 Mike Ferraro
57 Clyde King
40 Charley Lau
41 Jeff Torborg
42 Stan Williams
No. Pitchers
39 Ron Davis (R-R)
31 Ed Figueroa (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
52 Mike Griffin (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
35 Don Gullett (R-L)*
25 Tommy John (R-L)
53 Tim Lollar (L-L)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
36 Gaylord Perry (R-R)
23 Luis Tiant (R-R)
38 Tom Underwood (L-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
19 Brad Gulden (L-R)
26 Johnny Oates (L-R)
47 Bruce Robinson (L-R)
24 Dennis Werth (R-R)
No. Infielders
61 Marshall Brant (R-R)
20 Bucky Dent (R-R)
18 Brian Doyle (L-R)
55 Roger Holt (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)*
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
27 Aurelio Rodriguez (R-R)
21 Eric Soderholm (R-R)
12 Jim Spencer (L-L)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R)
28 Bob Watson (R-R)
No. Outfielders
13 Bobby Brown (S-R)
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
44 Reggie Jackson (L-L)
22 Ruppert Jones (L-L)*
46 Joe Lefebvre (L-R)
2 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
56 Ted Wilborn (S-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Barry Weinberg
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
Batting Practice Pitchers - Doug Melvin 50, Mickey Scott 59
* not on active roster
YANKEES SCOREBOOK & SOUVENIR PROGRAM PORTRAIT PHOTOS
Doug Bird (P) 43
Bobby Brown (OF) 13
Rick Cerone (C) 10
Ron Davis (P) 39
Bucky Dent (SS) 20
Brian Doyle (2B) 18
Oscar Gamble (DH-OF) 17
Rich Gossage (P) 54
Ron Guidry (P) 49
Don Gullett (P) 35
Dick Howser (MGR) 34
Reggie Jackson (RF) 44
Tommy John (P) 25
Ruppert Jones (CF) 22
Tim Lollar (P) 53
Rudy May (P) 45
Bobby Murcer (OF) 2
Graig Nettles (3B) 9
Johnny Oates (C) 26
Lou Piniella (LF) 14
Willie Randolph (2B) 30
Eric Soderholm (DH-3B) 21
Jim Spencer (1B) 12
Fred Stanley (SS) 11
Luis Tiant (P) 23
Tom Underwood (P) 38
Bob Watson (1B) 28
Dennis Werth (C) 24
1980 New York Yankees July 1 Roster
Manager - Dick Howser 34
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
33 Mike Ferraro
48 Jim Hegan
40 Charley Lau
41 Jeff Torborg
42 Stan Williams
No. Pitchers
39 Ron Davis (R-R)
31 Ed Figueroa (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
35 Don Gullett (R-L) *
25 Tommy John (R-L)
53 Tim Lollar (L-L)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
23 Luis Tiant (R-R)
38 Tom Underwood (L-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
26 Johnny Oates (L-R)
24 Dennis Werth (R-R)
No. Infielders
20 Bucky Dent (R-R)
18 Brian Doyle (L-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
21 Eric Soderholm (R-R)
12 Jim Spencer (L-L)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R) *
28 Bob Watson (R-R)
No. Outfielders
13 Bobby Brown (S-R)
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
44 Reggie Jackson (L-L)
22 Ruppert Jones (L-L) *
46 Joe Lefebvre (L-R)
2 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Barry Weinberg
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
Batting Practice Pitchers - Doug Melvin 50, Mickey Scott 59
* not on active roster
YANKEES TEAM PHOTO
Yogi Berra (coach)
Doug Bird
John Bonamo (team doctor)
Bobby Brown
Patrick Cassidy (batboy)
Rick Cerone
Stephen D'Angelo (batboy)
Ron Davis
Bucky Dent
Mike Ferraro (coach)
Oscar Gamble
Rich Gossage
Ron Guidry
Jim Hegan (coach)
Dick Howser (manager)
Reggie Jackson
Tommy John
Ruppert Jones
Charley Lau (coach)
Tim Lollar
Rudy May
Doug Melvin (batting practice pitcher)
Gene Monahan (trainer)
Bobby Murcer
Johnny Oates
Lou Piniella
Willie Randolph
Dom Scala (bullpen catcher)
Mickey Scott (batting practice pitcher)
Pete Sheehy (equipment manager)
Eric Soderholm
Jim Spencer
Fred Stanley
Luis Tiant
Jeff Torborg (coach)
Errol Toulon, Jr. (batboy)
Tom Underwood
Bob Watson
Barry Weinberg (trainer)
Dennis Werth
Stan Williams (coach)
1980 New York Yankees June 1 Roster
Manager - Dick Howser 34
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
33 Mike Ferraro
48 Jim Hegan
40 Charley Lau
41 Jeff Torborg
42 Stan Williams
No. Pitchers
39 Ron Davis (R-R)
31 Ed Figueroa (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
52 Mike Griffin (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
35 Don Gullett (R-L) *
25 Tommy John (R-L)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
23 Luis Tiant (R-R)
38 Tom Underwood (L-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
26 Johnny Oates (L-R)
24 Dennis Werth (R-R)
No. Infielders
20 Bucky Dent (R-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
21 Eric Soderholm (R-R)
12 Jim Spencer (L-L)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R)
28 Bob Watson (R-R)
No. Outfielders
27 Paul Blair (R-R)
13 Bobby Brown (S-R)
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R) *
44 Reggie Jackson (L-L)
22 Ruppert Jones (L-L) *
46 Joe Lefebvre (L-R)
2 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Barry Weinberg
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
Batting Practice Pitchers - Doug Melvin 50, Mickey Scott 59
* not on active roster
Thursday, January 15, 2015
1980 New York Yankees Program and Scorecard Notes
WELCOME
"The New York Yankees take great pride in welcoming you to the 'new' Yankee Stadium. This magnificent park, reconstructed between October 1973 and April 1976, can now boast of the greatest features in comfort and enjoyment for the fans, while retaining the historic character which makes it the most famous sports arena in America.
Yankee Stadium first opened in 1923, and the Yankees went on to win their first of 22 World Championships that year. Scores of great ballplayers have worn the Yankee uniform over the years, with the legendary Babe Ruth-Lou Gehrig-Joe DiMaggio-Mickey Mantle link forming a tradition of greatness.
Today's Yankees proudly wear the same uniforms and are now back in the same ballpark- with the added benefit of playing in a park built for the fans' comfort.
We welcome you today to the 78th season of Yankee baseball ... there is none better."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
YANKEES NAME AWARD FOR BUTTERFIELD
"The Yankees introduced a new award for outstanding performance by a Yankee minor leaguer. The Jack Butterfield Minor League Player of the Week Award will be presented each week during the season to a Yankee minor league player in recognition of fine performance. The award is named after the former Vice-President, Player Development and Scouting who died last fall.
In addition to the weekly award there will be an award presented monthly, and following the season, an award to the Yankee Minor League Player of the Year. Yankee fans can hear an interview with each week's winner every Saturday on Frank Messer's pre-game show on the Home of Champions Radio Network."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
SENIOR CITIZENS DAYS
"Once again this year, on certain dates all fans who have passed their 60th birthday will be admitted to box seats on the main and loge levels at Yankee Stadium or the reserve seats on the main level for a 50 cent charge. The dates for 1980 are as follows:
Saturday, April 25 vs. Chicago- 8 pm
Monday, May 26 vs. Detroit- 2 pm
Monday, June 26 vs. Seattle- 8 pm
Thursday, July 17 vs. Minnesota- 8pm
Wednesday, August 6 vs. Texas- 8 pm
Wednesday, September 3 vs. Oakland- 8 pm
YANKEES ON ALL-STAR BALLOT
"Seven Yankees are represented on the 1980 All-Star ballots. Voting for the mid-summer classic begins around the major leagues in May. This year's game will be held on July 8 in Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium.
Those Yankees on the ballot are Willie Randolph-2B; Bucky Dent-SS; Graig Nettles-3B; Rick Cerone-C; Reggie Jackson-OF; Ruppert Jones-OF; and Lou Piniella-OF."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
GRAMBLING-MORGAN STATE AT STADIUM
"Once again this year the New York Yankees in association with the New York Urban League are sponsoring the annual Grambling College-Morgan State Football Classic. The game will be played here at Yankee Stadium on Saturday Night, August13 with the opening kickoff at 7:30 P.M."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
PROUD PARENTS
"Don Gullett and his wife, Cathy, are the proud parents of their third child, Angela Kristi, born February 12, 1980. Angela joins her brother, Don Jr., and her sister, Tracey, in the ranks of young, eager Yankee boosters."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
BLAIR REJOINS ORGANIZATION
"Popular Paul Blair rejoined the Yankees during the off-season. Paul retired following his 1979 season in Cincinnati and will serve as a roving instructor in the Yankee organization, specializing in outfield play. He is extremely well qualified as the possessor of eight Gold Gloves for fielding excellence.
Blair spent 15 years in the major leagues, including '77, '78 and part of '79 with the Yankees."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
JOHN AND CERONE HONORED AT STADIUM
"Back in July, the Kidney Foundation made a pre-game presentation at the Stadium to two special Yankees. Tommy John and Rick Cerone were honored for their efforts on behalf of New York's Third International Transplant Olympics."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
BOYS' ATHLETIC LEAGUE HONORED BY YANKEES
"The Yankees took time out in July to pay tribute to the Boys' Athletic League. The Yankees' salute took place on the field prior to the July 18 game with the Royals in recognition of 55 years of distinguished service to the disadvantaged boys and girls of New York City by the Boy's Athletic League.
The League annually sends 2,000 disadvantaged youngsters to camp, and over 5,000 New York City youngsters participate in the League's city-wide athletic tournament."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
HOME RUN LEADERSHIP FOR NETTLES
"Graig Nettles became the American League's all-time home run leader for third basemen when he hit his 267th at that position (#280 overall). He surpassed Brooks Robinson when he hit one over the right field wall at the Stadium on July 21."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
KALINE AND SNIDER INDUCTED
"Al Kaline and Duke Snider are the newest members of Baseball's Hall of Fame, and were inducted in ceremonies at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York on August 3. The following day, the Annual Hall of Fame Game between the defending World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago White Sox was played before the usual sellout crowd."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
DENT HONORED FOR EASTER SEAL WORK
"Bucky Dent has been active in the Easter Seal campaign. Bucky served as the Chairman of the National Easter Seal Sports Council and Honorary Softball Marathon Chairman. For his efforts, Bucky was presented with a trophy of thanks for his support and his work with Easter Seals prior to the Yankees-Rangers game on August 4."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
COLLEGE ALL-STARS AT STADIUM
"Yankee Stadium played host to a summer collegiate All-Star game on July 28. All-Stars from the Cape Cod Summer League met stars from the Atlantic Coast League in an afternoon exhibition game. Both teams were composed of outstanding college players and future draftees."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
YANKEE STADIUM GROUND RULES
"Foul poles are outside the playing field. Any batted ball hitting a foul pole above the fence line is a home run. Bat racks are within the dugouts.
Any thrown ball hitting a dugout railing or foundation and rebounding on the field is in play. A ball going into the dugout or hitting other parts of the dugout- out of play. The rubber matting on the top step is 'in' the dugout."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
AMERICAN LEAGUE UMPIRES
1 Haller
2 Bremigan
3 Evans
4 Springstead
5 Goetz
6 Neudecker
7 Phillips
8 McKean
9 Kunkel
10 McKoy
11 Denkinger
12 Cooney
13 Cousins
14 Palermo
15 Brinkman
16 DiMuro
18 Kosc
19 Garcia
20 Ford
21 Kaiser
22 Barnett
23 Deegan
24 Clark
26 Voltaggio
28 Maloney
29 Shulock
30 Parks
31 Reilly
32 Spenn
33 Merrill
35 Hendry
WHERE THE YANKEES STAY ON THE ROAD
Baltimore- Cross Keys Inn
Boston- Sheraton Boston
California (Anaheim)- Anaheim Hyatt House
Chicago- Executive House
Cleveland- Hollenden House
Detroit- Pontchartrain
Kansas City- Crown Center
Milwaukee- Pfister
Minnesota (Minneapolis-St. Paul)- Leamington
Oakland- Edgewater Hyatt House
Seattle- Seattle Hilton
Texas (Arlington)- Rodeway Inn
Toronto- Hotel Toronto
ADVERTISEMENTS
-1010 WINS News Radio
-American Express: The American Express Card. Don't leave home without it.
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-Brut: Today's your Brut day.
-Budweiser: For all you do ... this Bud's for you.
-Canon AE-1: Satisfied
-Central Savings Bank: How can Little Leaguers reach the big leagues? Ed Figueroa knows.
-Chemical Bank: The chemistry's just right at Chemical Bank.
-Diet Pepsi
-Eastern: We have to earn our wings every day.
-Ellio's Pizza: Now warming up in the bullpen ... Ellio's Pizza.
-Emery: From Here To There, Overnight
-French's Mustard: A Century Of Great Taste
-General Electric Silicone Automotive Products: In A Class By Themselves
-Getty: "I hate wasting energy." -Reggie Jackson
-Hotel Pontchartrain
-Johnnie Walker Red: Tonight, lead off with Red.
-Kinney: The Great American Shoe Store
-Lou Piniella Baseball Camp
-Macy's: Who's on 34th?
-Manufacturers Hanover Trust
-Marlboro: Come to Marlboro Country.
-Marvel Mystery Oil: Pour Marvel into your gas.
-Natural Light: Taste is why you'll switch.
-Mountain Dew
-New York Life: The security they offer is better than a grand slam home run.
-New York Yankees Merchandise Catalog
-N.Y. Sports Collector's Store
-Pepsi-Cola
-Puerto Rican Rums
-Quicker Clicker
-Roche: Good Nutrition For A Healthier Life
-Rolaids: In 1979 the Yankees spelled relief R-O-N D-A-V-I-S.
-Schmidt's: To taste it is to love it.
-Sporting News: When You Want To Know More About The Big Four
-Sports Phone
-Spot-Bilt: The Extra Step When You're On The Spot
-The Bowery: "Preview the new Cooperstown Hall of Fame at The Bowery." -Joe DiMaggio
-Toyota
-Whitey Ford Camp of Champions
-Winston: No Compromise
-Yankees Franks: "It's great to be with a wiener." -Luis Tiant
"The New York Yankees take great pride in welcoming you to the 'new' Yankee Stadium. This magnificent park, reconstructed between October 1973 and April 1976, can now boast of the greatest features in comfort and enjoyment for the fans, while retaining the historic character which makes it the most famous sports arena in America.
Yankee Stadium first opened in 1923, and the Yankees went on to win their first of 22 World Championships that year. Scores of great ballplayers have worn the Yankee uniform over the years, with the legendary Babe Ruth-Lou Gehrig-Joe DiMaggio-Mickey Mantle link forming a tradition of greatness.
Today's Yankees proudly wear the same uniforms and are now back in the same ballpark- with the added benefit of playing in a park built for the fans' comfort.
We welcome you today to the 78th season of Yankee baseball ... there is none better."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
YANKEES NAME AWARD FOR BUTTERFIELD
"The Yankees introduced a new award for outstanding performance by a Yankee minor leaguer. The Jack Butterfield Minor League Player of the Week Award will be presented each week during the season to a Yankee minor league player in recognition of fine performance. The award is named after the former Vice-President, Player Development and Scouting who died last fall.
In addition to the weekly award there will be an award presented monthly, and following the season, an award to the Yankee Minor League Player of the Year. Yankee fans can hear an interview with each week's winner every Saturday on Frank Messer's pre-game show on the Home of Champions Radio Network."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
SENIOR CITIZENS DAYS
"Once again this year, on certain dates all fans who have passed their 60th birthday will be admitted to box seats on the main and loge levels at Yankee Stadium or the reserve seats on the main level for a 50 cent charge. The dates for 1980 are as follows:
Saturday, April 25 vs. Chicago- 8 pm
Monday, May 26 vs. Detroit- 2 pm
Monday, June 26 vs. Seattle- 8 pm
Thursday, July 17 vs. Minnesota- 8pm
Wednesday, August 6 vs. Texas- 8 pm
Wednesday, September 3 vs. Oakland- 8 pm
YANKEES ON ALL-STAR BALLOT
"Seven Yankees are represented on the 1980 All-Star ballots. Voting for the mid-summer classic begins around the major leagues in May. This year's game will be held on July 8 in Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium.
Those Yankees on the ballot are Willie Randolph-2B; Bucky Dent-SS; Graig Nettles-3B; Rick Cerone-C; Reggie Jackson-OF; Ruppert Jones-OF; and Lou Piniella-OF."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
GRAMBLING-MORGAN STATE AT STADIUM
"Once again this year the New York Yankees in association with the New York Urban League are sponsoring the annual Grambling College-Morgan State Football Classic. The game will be played here at Yankee Stadium on Saturday Night, August13 with the opening kickoff at 7:30 P.M."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
PROUD PARENTS
"Don Gullett and his wife, Cathy, are the proud parents of their third child, Angela Kristi, born February 12, 1980. Angela joins her brother, Don Jr., and her sister, Tracey, in the ranks of young, eager Yankee boosters."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
BLAIR REJOINS ORGANIZATION
"Popular Paul Blair rejoined the Yankees during the off-season. Paul retired following his 1979 season in Cincinnati and will serve as a roving instructor in the Yankee organization, specializing in outfield play. He is extremely well qualified as the possessor of eight Gold Gloves for fielding excellence.
Blair spent 15 years in the major leagues, including '77, '78 and part of '79 with the Yankees."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
JOHN AND CERONE HONORED AT STADIUM
"Back in July, the Kidney Foundation made a pre-game presentation at the Stadium to two special Yankees. Tommy John and Rick Cerone were honored for their efforts on behalf of New York's Third International Transplant Olympics."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
BOYS' ATHLETIC LEAGUE HONORED BY YANKEES
"The Yankees took time out in July to pay tribute to the Boys' Athletic League. The Yankees' salute took place on the field prior to the July 18 game with the Royals in recognition of 55 years of distinguished service to the disadvantaged boys and girls of New York City by the Boy's Athletic League.
The League annually sends 2,000 disadvantaged youngsters to camp, and over 5,000 New York City youngsters participate in the League's city-wide athletic tournament."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
HOME RUN LEADERSHIP FOR NETTLES
"Graig Nettles became the American League's all-time home run leader for third basemen when he hit his 267th at that position (#280 overall). He surpassed Brooks Robinson when he hit one over the right field wall at the Stadium on July 21."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
KALINE AND SNIDER INDUCTED
"Al Kaline and Duke Snider are the newest members of Baseball's Hall of Fame, and were inducted in ceremonies at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York on August 3. The following day, the Annual Hall of Fame Game between the defending World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago White Sox was played before the usual sellout crowd."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
DENT HONORED FOR EASTER SEAL WORK
"Bucky Dent has been active in the Easter Seal campaign. Bucky served as the Chairman of the National Easter Seal Sports Council and Honorary Softball Marathon Chairman. For his efforts, Bucky was presented with a trophy of thanks for his support and his work with Easter Seals prior to the Yankees-Rangers game on August 4."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
COLLEGE ALL-STARS AT STADIUM
"Yankee Stadium played host to a summer collegiate All-Star game on July 28. All-Stars from the Cape Cod Summer League met stars from the Atlantic Coast League in an afternoon exhibition game. Both teams were composed of outstanding college players and future draftees."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
YANKEE STADIUM GROUND RULES
"Foul poles are outside the playing field. Any batted ball hitting a foul pole above the fence line is a home run. Bat racks are within the dugouts.
Any thrown ball hitting a dugout railing or foundation and rebounding on the field is in play. A ball going into the dugout or hitting other parts of the dugout- out of play. The rubber matting on the top step is 'in' the dugout."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
AMERICAN LEAGUE UMPIRES
1 Haller
2 Bremigan
3 Evans
4 Springstead
5 Goetz
6 Neudecker
7 Phillips
8 McKean
9 Kunkel
10 McKoy
11 Denkinger
12 Cooney
13 Cousins
14 Palermo
15 Brinkman
16 DiMuro
18 Kosc
19 Garcia
20 Ford
21 Kaiser
22 Barnett
23 Deegan
24 Clark
26 Voltaggio
28 Maloney
29 Shulock
30 Parks
31 Reilly
32 Spenn
33 Merrill
35 Hendry
WHERE THE YANKEES STAY ON THE ROAD
Baltimore- Cross Keys Inn
Boston- Sheraton Boston
California (Anaheim)- Anaheim Hyatt House
Chicago- Executive House
Cleveland- Hollenden House
Detroit- Pontchartrain
Kansas City- Crown Center
Milwaukee- Pfister
Minnesota (Minneapolis-St. Paul)- Leamington
Oakland- Edgewater Hyatt House
Seattle- Seattle Hilton
Texas (Arlington)- Rodeway Inn
Toronto- Hotel Toronto
ADVERTISEMENTS
-1010 WINS News Radio
-American Express: The American Express Card. Don't leave home without it.
-AMF
-Beck's
-Bottom Line Marketing and Corporate Communications
-Brut: Today's your Brut day.
-Budweiser: For all you do ... this Bud's for you.
-Canon AE-1: Satisfied
-Central Savings Bank: How can Little Leaguers reach the big leagues? Ed Figueroa knows.
-Chemical Bank: The chemistry's just right at Chemical Bank.
-Diet Pepsi
-Eastern: We have to earn our wings every day.
-Ellio's Pizza: Now warming up in the bullpen ... Ellio's Pizza.
-Emery: From Here To There, Overnight
-French's Mustard: A Century Of Great Taste
-General Electric Silicone Automotive Products: In A Class By Themselves
-Getty: "I hate wasting energy." -Reggie Jackson
-Hotel Pontchartrain
-Johnnie Walker Red: Tonight, lead off with Red.
-Kinney: The Great American Shoe Store
-Lou Piniella Baseball Camp
-Macy's: Who's on 34th?
-Manufacturers Hanover Trust
-Marlboro: Come to Marlboro Country.
-Marvel Mystery Oil: Pour Marvel into your gas.
-Natural Light: Taste is why you'll switch.
-Mountain Dew
-New York Life: The security they offer is better than a grand slam home run.
-New York Yankees Merchandise Catalog
-N.Y. Sports Collector's Store
-Pepsi-Cola
-Puerto Rican Rums
-Quicker Clicker
-Roche: Good Nutrition For A Healthier Life
-Rolaids: In 1979 the Yankees spelled relief R-O-N D-A-V-I-S.
-Schmidt's: To taste it is to love it.
-Sporting News: When You Want To Know More About The Big Four
-Sports Phone
-Spot-Bilt: The Extra Step When You're On The Spot
-The Bowery: "Preview the new Cooperstown Hall of Fame at The Bowery." -Joe DiMaggio
-Toyota
-Whitey Ford Camp of Champions
-Winston: No Compromise
-Yankees Franks: "It's great to be with a wiener." -Luis Tiant
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
1980 New York Yankees Home Opening Roster
Yankee Stadium, The Bronx, New York (April 18)
Manager - Dick Howser 34
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
33 Mike Ferraro
48 Jim Hegan
40 Charley Lau
41 Jeff Torborg
42 Stan Williams
No. Pitchers
39 Ron Davis (R-R)
31 Ed Figueroa (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
52 Mike Griffin (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
35 Don Gullett (R-L) *
25 Tommy John (R-L)
36 Jim Kaat (L-L)
45 Rudy May (L-L) *
23 Luis Tiant (R-R)
38 Tom Underwood (L-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
26 Johnny Oates (L-R)
24 Dennis Werth (R-R)
No. Infielders
20 Bucky Dent (R-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
21 Eric Soderholm (R-R)
12 Jim Spencer (L-L)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R)
28 Bob Watson (R-R)
No. Outfielders
13 Bobby Brown (S-R)
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
44 Reggie Jackson (L-L)
22 Ruppert Jones (L-L)
2 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Barry Weinberg
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
Batting Practice Pitchers - Doug Melvin 50, Mickey Scott 59
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
Batting Practice Pitchers - Doug Melvin 50, Mickey Scott 59
* not on active roster
YANKEES SCOREBOOK & SOUVENIR PROGRAM PORTRAIT PHOTOS
Bobby Brown (OF) 13
Rick Cerone (C) 10
Ken Clay (P) 43
Ron Davis (P) 39
Bucky Dent (SS) 20
Brian Doyle (2B) 18
Ed Figueroa (P) 31
Oscar Gamble (DH-OF) 17
Rich Gossage (P) 54
Mike Griffin (P) 52
Ron Guidry (P) 49
Brad Gulden (C) 6
Don Gullett (P) 35
Dick Howser (MGR) 34
Reggie Jackson (RF) 44
Tommy John (P) 25
Ruppert Jones (CF) 22
Jim Kaat (P) 36
Rudy May (P) 45
Bobby Murcer (OF) 2
Graig Nettles (3B) 9
Lou Piniella (LF) 14
Willie Randolph (2B) 30
Eric Soderholm (DH-3B) 21
Jim Spencer (1B) 12
Fred Stanley (SS) 11
Luis Tiant (P) 23
Tom Underwood (P) 38
Bob Watson (1B) 28
Dennis Werth (C) 24
YANKEES SCOREBOOK & SOUVENIR PROGRAM PORTRAIT PHOTOS
Bobby Brown (OF) 13
Rick Cerone (C) 10
Ken Clay (P) 43
Ron Davis (P) 39
Bucky Dent (SS) 20
Brian Doyle (2B) 18
Ed Figueroa (P) 31
Oscar Gamble (DH-OF) 17
Rich Gossage (P) 54
Mike Griffin (P) 52
Ron Guidry (P) 49
Brad Gulden (C) 6
Don Gullett (P) 35
Dick Howser (MGR) 34
Reggie Jackson (RF) 44
Tommy John (P) 25
Ruppert Jones (CF) 22
Jim Kaat (P) 36
Rudy May (P) 45
Bobby Murcer (OF) 2
Graig Nettles (3B) 9
Lou Piniella (LF) 14
Willie Randolph (2B) 30
Eric Soderholm (DH-3B) 21
Jim Spencer (1B) 12
Fred Stanley (SS) 11
Luis Tiant (P) 23
Tom Underwood (P) 38
Bob Watson (1B) 28
Dennis Werth (C) 24
1980 New York Yankees Opening Day Roster
Arlington Stadium, Arlington, Texas (April 10)
Manager - Dick Howser 34
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
33 Mike Ferraro
48 Jim Hegan
40 Charley Lau
41 Jeff Torborg
42 Stan Williams
No. Pitchers
39 Ron Davis (R-R)
31 Ed Figueroa (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
52 Mike Griffin (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
35 Don Gullett (R-L) *
25 Tommy John (R-L)
36 Jim Kaat (L-L)
45 Rudy May (L-L) *
23 Luis Tiant (R-R)
38 Tom Underwood (L-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
26 Johnny Oates (L-R)
24 Dennis Werth (R-R)
No. Infielders
20 Bucky Dent (R-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
21 Eric Soderholm (R-R)
12 Jim Spencer (L-L)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R)
28 Bob Watson (R-R)
No. Outfielders
13 Bobby Brown (S-R)
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
44 Reggie Jackson (L-L)
22 Ruppert Jones (L-L)
2 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Barry Weinberg
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
Batting Practice Pitchers - Doug Melvin 50, Mickey Scott 59
* not on active roster
1980 Yankees Yearbook Roster, Taxi Squad and Prospects
Manager - Dick Howser 34
First Base Coach - Jeff Torborg 41
Third Base Coach - Mike Ferraro 33
Pitching Coach - Stan Williams 42
Batting Coach - Charley Lau 40
Bench Coach - Yogi Berra 8
Bullpen Coach - Jim Hegan 48
ROSTER
Catcher - Rick Cerone 10, Johnny Oates 26
First Base - Bob Watson 28, Jim Spencer 12 (DH)
Second Base - Willie Randolph 30
Third Base - Graig Nettles 9, Eric Soderholm 21 (DH)
Shortstop - Bucky Dent 20, Fred Stanley 11 (2B)
Left Field - Lou Piniella 14, Bobby Murcer 2 (DH)
Center Field - Ruppert Jones 22, Bobby Brown 13
Right Field - Reggie Jackson 44 (DH), Joe Lefebvre 46 (CF)
Designated Hitter - Oscar Gamble 17 (LF-RF)
Starting Pitchers:
Manager - Dick Howser 34
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
33 Mike Ferraro
48 Jim Hegan
40 Charley Lau
41 Jeff Torborg
42 Stan Williams
No. Pitchers
39 Ron Davis (R-R)
31 Ed Figueroa (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
52 Mike Griffin (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
35 Don Gullett (R-L) *
25 Tommy John (R-L)
36 Jim Kaat (L-L)
45 Rudy May (L-L) *
23 Luis Tiant (R-R)
38 Tom Underwood (L-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
26 Johnny Oates (L-R)
24 Dennis Werth (R-R)
No. Infielders
20 Bucky Dent (R-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
21 Eric Soderholm (R-R)
12 Jim Spencer (L-L)
11 Fred Stanley (R-R)
28 Bob Watson (R-R)
No. Outfielders
13 Bobby Brown (S-R)
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
44 Reggie Jackson (L-L)
22 Ruppert Jones (L-L)
2 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Barry Weinberg
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
Batting Practice Pitchers - Doug Melvin 50, Mickey Scott 59
* not on active roster
1980 Yankees Yearbook Roster, Taxi Squad and Prospects
Manager - Dick Howser 34
First Base Coach - Jeff Torborg 41
Third Base Coach - Mike Ferraro 33
Pitching Coach - Stan Williams 42
Batting Coach - Charley Lau 40
Bench Coach - Yogi Berra 8
Bullpen Coach - Jim Hegan 48
ROSTER
Catcher - Rick Cerone 10, Johnny Oates 26
First Base - Bob Watson 28, Jim Spencer 12 (DH)
Second Base - Willie Randolph 30
Third Base - Graig Nettles 9, Eric Soderholm 21 (DH)
Shortstop - Bucky Dent 20, Fred Stanley 11 (2B)
Left Field - Lou Piniella 14, Bobby Murcer 2 (DH)
Center Field - Ruppert Jones 22, Bobby Brown 13
Right Field - Reggie Jackson 44 (DH), Joe Lefebvre 46 (CF)
Designated Hitter - Oscar Gamble 17 (LF-RF)
Starting Pitchers:
Tommy John 25
Ron Guidry 49
Ron Guidry 49
Tom Underwood 38
Luis Tiant 23
Luis Tiant 23
Rudy May 45
Mike Griffin 52
Relief Pitchers:
Rich Gossage 54
Ron Davis 39
Mike Griffin 52
Relief Pitchers:
Rich Gossage 54
Ron Davis 39
Tim Lollar 53
TAXI SQUAD
Second Base - Brian Doyle 18
Third Base - Roy Staiger 24*
Outfield - Paul Blair 27
Starting Pitchers:
TAXI SQUAD
Second Base - Brian Doyle 18
Third Base - Roy Staiger 24*
Outfield - Paul Blair 27
Starting Pitchers:
Ed Figueroa 31
Jim Kaat 47*
Don Gullett 35
Gaylord Perry 36
Relief Pitcher:
Ken Clay 43
PROSPECTS
Catcher - Dennis Werth (1B), Brad Gulden, Bruce Robinson
First Base - Jim McDonald, Steve Balboni,
Second Base - Roger Holt
Shortstop - Rex Hudler, Rafael Santana
Outfield - Ted Wilborn, Willie McGee, Greg Jemison, Garry Smith
Starting Pitchers:
Jim Kaat 47*
Don Gullett 35
Gaylord Perry 36
Relief Pitcher:
Ken Clay 43
PROSPECTS
Catcher - Dennis Werth (1B), Brad Gulden, Bruce Robinson
First Base - Jim McDonald, Steve Balboni,
Second Base - Roger Holt
Shortstop - Rex Hudler, Rafael Santana
Outfield - Ted Wilborn, Willie McGee, Greg Jemison, Garry Smith
Starting Pitchers:
Dave Righetti
Jim Lewis
Chris Welsh
Steve Taylor
Andy McGaffigan
Brian Ryder
Roger Slagle
Relief Pitcher:
Paul Boris
* unofficial uniform number
Jim Lewis
Chris Welsh
Steve Taylor
Andy McGaffigan
Brian Ryder
Roger Slagle
Relief Pitcher:
Paul Boris
* unofficial uniform number
Monday, January 12, 2015
1980 New York Yankees Player Development
Vice-President, Baseball Operations - Bill Bergesch
Director of Player Development - Bill Livesey
Director of Scouting - Bobby Hofman
Assistant to the Director of Player Development - Dale Weeks
Assistant to the Director of Scouting - Jim Sheridan
YANKEE FARM CLUBS
AAA
Columbus, Ohio
International League
Manager - Joe Altobelli
Coaches - Sammy Ellis, Jerry McNertney, Hopalong Cassady
AA
Nashville, Tennessee
Southern League
Manager - Stump Merrill
Coaches - Pat Dobson, Ed Napoleon
A
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Florida State League
Manager - Doug Holmquist
Coaches - Stan Saleski, Sandy Valdespino
A
Greensboro, North Carolina
Western Carolinas League
Manager - Bob Schaefer
Coaches - Mark Connor, Ken Berry
A
Oneonta, New York
New York-Penn League
Manager - Art Mazmanian
Coaches - Q.V. Lowe, Carlos Tosca, Mike Notaro
"The Yankees have added a new farm club this year at Greensboro, North Carolina in the Western Carolinas League. In addition, the AA club has moved from West Haven, Connecticut to Nashville, Tennessee.
That brings the total number of Yankee farm clubs to six for 1980. Last year, all five clubs won regular season titles, with only Ft. Lauderdale failing to win a postseason playoff."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
NEW MANAGERS ON YANKEE FARMS
"There will be three new managers in the minor leagues for the Yankees this year. Former San Francisco Giants manager Joe Altobelli replaces new Yankee General Manager Gene Michael as the skipper at Columbus. Bob Schaefer, who previously coached at Ledyard (Connecticut) High School and in the Cape Cod League will manager the new Greensboro club.
Yet to be named is the new manager at Paintsville, who will take over for Bill Livesey, now the Yankees Director of Player Development. Carl 'Stump' Merrill will manage Nashville, Doug Holmquist returns at Ft. Lauderdale and Art Mazmanian is back at Oneonta."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
YANKEE FARM COACHES
"Former major leaguers Ken Berry and Pat Dobson have been added to the minor league coaching staff of the Yankees. Berry, an outfielder for 14 American League seasons, will coach along with Mark Connor at Greensboro. Dobson pitched for 11 years in the majors, including 1973, '74 (19 wins) and '75 with the Yankees. He and Ed Napoleon will assist Carl Merrill at Nashville.
The other coaches will be Sam Ellis, Jerry McNertney and Howard Cassady at Columbus; Stan Saleski and Sandy Valdespino at Ft. Lauderdale; Q.V. Lowe and Carlos Tosca at Oneonta; and Mike Notaro at Paintsville."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
SCOUTING
Major League Scouts
Harry Craft (Conroe, Texas)
Clyde King (Goldsboro, North Carolina)
Birdie Tebbetts (Anna Maria, Florida)
Regular Scouts:
Luis Arroyo (Ponce, Puerto Rico)
Joe Begani (Chicago, Illinois)
Paul Blair (Morris Plains, New Jersey)
Jack Bloomfield (McAllen, Texas)
Wilfredo Calvino (Hialeah, Florida)
Roy Carter (Nashville, Tennessee)
Hopalong Cassady (Tampa, Florida)
Al Cuccinello (Elmont, New York)
Tony Cuccinello (Tampa, Florida)
Joe DiCarlo (Ringwood, New Jersey)
Dutch Dotterer (Syracuse, New York)
Buck Elliott (Tacoma, Washington)
Whitey Ford (Lake Success, New York)
Art Fowler (Spartanburg, South Carolina)
Tom Greenwade (Willard, Missouri)
Jim Gruzdis (Thomasville, North Carolina)
Roy Hamey (Tucson, Arizona)
Gary Hughes (Novato, California)
John Kennedy (Peabody, Massachusetts)
Bob Lemon (Long Beach, California)
Don Lindberg (Anaheim, California)
Jack Llewellyn (Englewood, Florida)
Tom Morgan (Rancho Palos Verde, California)
Jim Naples, Sr. (Buffalo, New York)
Bob Nieman (Anaheim, California)
Frank O'Rourke (Hillside, New Jersey)
Meade Palmer (Wyncote, Pennsylvania)
Gust Poulos (Clearwater, Florida)
Joe Powell (Baltimore, Maryland)
Jax Robertson (Centerville, Ohio)
Russ Sehon (Lawrence, Kansas)
Bob Shaw (Columbus, Ohio)
Mickey Vernon (Wallingford, Pennsylvania)
Jerry Walker (Ada, Oklahoma)
Hoyt Wilhelm (Sarasota, Florida)
1980 Yankee Spring Training Scout Signings
Jack Butterfield: Paul Boris (1978), Joe Lefebvre (1977)
Al Cuccinello: Brian Ryder (1978), Jamie Werly (1977)
Atley Donald: Ron Guidry (1971)
Pat Gillick: Garry Smith (1976)
Tom Greenwade: Bobby Murcer (1964)
Epy Guerrero: Juan Espino (1975), Rafael Santana (1976)
Myron Hayworth: Ken Clay (1972)
Bill Livesey: Scott Benedict (1979)
Lou Maguolo: Dennis Werth (1974)
Wayne Morgan: Willie McGee (1977), Roger Slagle (1976)
Bob Nieman: Dan Plante (1978)
Meade Palmer: Tom Filer (1977)
Gust Poulos: Roger Holt (1977), Andy McGaffigan (1978)
Jax Robertson: Chris Welsh (1977)
Birdie Tebbetts: Pat Callahan (1977)
Jerry Walker: Tim Lollar (1978)
Jack Warner: Jim McDonald (1975)
SPRING TRAINING INSTRUCTORS
Manager - Dick Howser
Joe Altobelli (Columbus manager)
Yogi Berra (coach)
Hopalong Cassady (Columbus coach)
Sammy Ellis (Columbus coach)
Mike Ferraro (coach)
Whitey Ford (special instructor)
Jim Hegan (coach)
Doug Holmquist (Ft. Lauderdale manager)
Jim Hunter (special instructor)
Charley Lau (coach)
Mickey Mantle (special instructor)
Stump Merrill (Nashville manager)
Ed Napoleon (Nashville coach)
Phil Rizzuto (special instructor)
Nick Testa (special instructor)
Jeff Torborg (coach)
Stan Williams (coach)
1980 YANKEES YEARBOOK "ON THE WAY UP"
Steve Balboni (1B)
Paul Boris (RHP)
Mike Griffin (RHP)
Roger Holt (2B)
Rex Hudler (SS)
Greg Jemison (OF)
Joe Lefebvre (OF)
Jim Lewis (RHP)
Tim Lollar (LHP)
Andy McGaffigan (RHP)
Willie McGee (OF)
Brian Ryder (RHP)
Rafael Santana (SS)
Roger Slagle (RHP)
Garry Smith (OF)
Steve Taylor (RHP)
Chris Welsh (LHP)
Ted Wilborn (OF)
Director of Player Development - Bill Livesey
Director of Scouting - Bobby Hofman
Assistant to the Director of Player Development - Dale Weeks
Assistant to the Director of Scouting - Jim Sheridan
YANKEE FARM CLUBS
AAA
Columbus, Ohio
International League
Manager - Joe Altobelli
Coaches - Sammy Ellis, Jerry McNertney, Hopalong Cassady
AA
Nashville, Tennessee
Southern League
Manager - Stump Merrill
Coaches - Pat Dobson, Ed Napoleon
A
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Florida State League
Manager - Doug Holmquist
Coaches - Stan Saleski, Sandy Valdespino
A
Greensboro, North Carolina
Western Carolinas League
Manager - Bob Schaefer
Coaches - Mark Connor, Ken Berry
A
Oneonta, New York
New York-Penn League
Manager - Art Mazmanian
Coaches - Q.V. Lowe, Carlos Tosca, Mike Notaro
"The Yankees have added a new farm club this year at Greensboro, North Carolina in the Western Carolinas League. In addition, the AA club has moved from West Haven, Connecticut to Nashville, Tennessee.
That brings the total number of Yankee farm clubs to six for 1980. Last year, all five clubs won regular season titles, with only Ft. Lauderdale failing to win a postseason playoff."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
NEW MANAGERS ON YANKEE FARMS
"There will be three new managers in the minor leagues for the Yankees this year. Former San Francisco Giants manager Joe Altobelli replaces new Yankee General Manager Gene Michael as the skipper at Columbus. Bob Schaefer, who previously coached at Ledyard (Connecticut) High School and in the Cape Cod League will manager the new Greensboro club.
Yet to be named is the new manager at Paintsville, who will take over for Bill Livesey, now the Yankees Director of Player Development. Carl 'Stump' Merrill will manage Nashville, Doug Holmquist returns at Ft. Lauderdale and Art Mazmanian is back at Oneonta."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
YANKEE FARM COACHES
"Former major leaguers Ken Berry and Pat Dobson have been added to the minor league coaching staff of the Yankees. Berry, an outfielder for 14 American League seasons, will coach along with Mark Connor at Greensboro. Dobson pitched for 11 years in the majors, including 1973, '74 (19 wins) and '75 with the Yankees. He and Ed Napoleon will assist Carl Merrill at Nashville.
The other coaches will be Sam Ellis, Jerry McNertney and Howard Cassady at Columbus; Stan Saleski and Sandy Valdespino at Ft. Lauderdale; Q.V. Lowe and Carlos Tosca at Oneonta; and Mike Notaro at Paintsville."
-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine
SCOUTING
Major League Scouts
Harry Craft (Conroe, Texas)
Clyde King (Goldsboro, North Carolina)
Birdie Tebbetts (Anna Maria, Florida)
Regular Scouts:
Luis Arroyo (Ponce, Puerto Rico)
Joe Begani (Chicago, Illinois)
Paul Blair (Morris Plains, New Jersey)
Jack Bloomfield (McAllen, Texas)
Wilfredo Calvino (Hialeah, Florida)
Roy Carter (Nashville, Tennessee)
Hopalong Cassady (Tampa, Florida)
Al Cuccinello (Elmont, New York)
Tony Cuccinello (Tampa, Florida)
Joe DiCarlo (Ringwood, New Jersey)
Dutch Dotterer (Syracuse, New York)
Buck Elliott (Tacoma, Washington)
Whitey Ford (Lake Success, New York)
Art Fowler (Spartanburg, South Carolina)
Tom Greenwade (Willard, Missouri)
Jim Gruzdis (Thomasville, North Carolina)
Roy Hamey (Tucson, Arizona)
Gary Hughes (Novato, California)
John Kennedy (Peabody, Massachusetts)
Bob Lemon (Long Beach, California)
Don Lindberg (Anaheim, California)
Jack Llewellyn (Englewood, Florida)
Tom Morgan (Rancho Palos Verde, California)
Jim Naples, Sr. (Buffalo, New York)
Bob Nieman (Anaheim, California)
Frank O'Rourke (Hillside, New Jersey)
Meade Palmer (Wyncote, Pennsylvania)
Gust Poulos (Clearwater, Florida)
Joe Powell (Baltimore, Maryland)
Jax Robertson (Centerville, Ohio)
Russ Sehon (Lawrence, Kansas)
Bob Shaw (Columbus, Ohio)
Mickey Vernon (Wallingford, Pennsylvania)
Jerry Walker (Ada, Oklahoma)
Hoyt Wilhelm (Sarasota, Florida)
1980 Yankee Spring Training Scout Signings
Jack Butterfield: Paul Boris (1978), Joe Lefebvre (1977)
Al Cuccinello: Brian Ryder (1978), Jamie Werly (1977)
Atley Donald: Ron Guidry (1971)
Pat Gillick: Garry Smith (1976)
Tom Greenwade: Bobby Murcer (1964)
Epy Guerrero: Juan Espino (1975), Rafael Santana (1976)
Myron Hayworth: Ken Clay (1972)
Bill Livesey: Scott Benedict (1979)
Lou Maguolo: Dennis Werth (1974)
Wayne Morgan: Willie McGee (1977), Roger Slagle (1976)
Bob Nieman: Dan Plante (1978)
Meade Palmer: Tom Filer (1977)
Gust Poulos: Roger Holt (1977), Andy McGaffigan (1978)
Jax Robertson: Chris Welsh (1977)
Birdie Tebbetts: Pat Callahan (1977)
Jerry Walker: Tim Lollar (1978)
Jack Warner: Jim McDonald (1975)
SPRING TRAINING INSTRUCTORS
Manager - Dick Howser
Joe Altobelli (Columbus manager)
Yogi Berra (coach)
Hopalong Cassady (Columbus coach)
Sammy Ellis (Columbus coach)
Mike Ferraro (coach)
Whitey Ford (special instructor)
Jim Hegan (coach)
Doug Holmquist (Ft. Lauderdale manager)
Jim Hunter (special instructor)
Charley Lau (coach)
Mickey Mantle (special instructor)
Stump Merrill (Nashville manager)
Ed Napoleon (Nashville coach)
Phil Rizzuto (special instructor)
Nick Testa (special instructor)
Jeff Torborg (coach)
Stan Williams (coach)
1980 YANKEES YEARBOOK "ON THE WAY UP"
Steve Balboni (1B)
Paul Boris (RHP)
Mike Griffin (RHP)
Roger Holt (2B)
Rex Hudler (SS)
Greg Jemison (OF)
Joe Lefebvre (OF)
Jim Lewis (RHP)
Tim Lollar (LHP)
Andy McGaffigan (RHP)
Willie McGee (OF)
Brian Ryder (RHP)
Rafael Santana (SS)
Roger Slagle (RHP)
Garry Smith (OF)
Steve Taylor (RHP)
Chris Welsh (LHP)
Ted Wilborn (OF)
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