"The final acquisition made by the Yankees in spring training was for one of the more popular men in the game today and one of the best reserve catchers in the business: Johnny Oates.
The proud southerner, born in North Carolina and raised in Virginia where he now resides, broke into baseball with the Orioles organization and responded by leading the league in fielding percentage among all A.L. catchers in 1972. In 1973, the Braves dealt for his services; he split catching duties for two seasons until he went with Dick Allen to the Phillies for Barry Bonnell, Jim Essian and cash. Johnny won the starting position behind the plate in '75 and responded with a .285 year with the Phillies. The following season, disaster struck as he was involved with Dave Parker in a home plate collision that left Johnny with a broken collarbone and a spot on the disabled list until mid-June. Following that season, he was sent to the sunny confines of Los Angeles where he remained until this spring.
After participating in the National League Championship Series from '76 through '78, one would expect this 34-year-old Virginia Tech grad to become a little restless with his free time come October. His experience and good fortune will hopefully carry him into playoff contention during the October of 1980."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
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