DAVE RIGHETTI
"Righetti made three starts late in the '79 season and although he didn't win a game, the Yanks are very high on him. He will get a chance to prove himself in spring training.
Born in San Jose, Cal., Righetti was acquired by the Yankees from the Rangers in November 1978 as partial payment for Spark Lyle. He attended San Jose City College."-Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1980 Edition
"Every once in a while someone comes along who looks like a natural. He has the instincts to become the very best at what he does and no adjectives seem fair when describing him to others. From San Jose, California by way of the Texas Rangers comes a 21-year-old who may soon become a fixture in Yankee Stadium. His name is Dave Righetti.
In his first pro season, 1977, Dave went 11-3 with a 3.14 ERA while collecting 101 strikeouts in 109 innings at Asheville. A year later at Tulsa, Dave struck out 127 in 99 innings, including a record-breaking 21-strikeout performance one magic evening. It took the Yankees and a massive ten-player deal to pry him away from Texas.
By beginning in Double-A ball last season, Dave turned the burners on full force. He fashioned a 4-3 record and a 1.96 ERA while whiffing 78 men in 69 innings. That was good enough for Dave to be named the top southpaw in all the Double-A leagues. The Yankees promoted him to Columbus on June 28 and he went 3-2 with a 2.93 ERA while helping the Clippers win the International League title. The Yankees brought him to New York in September where he started his first major league game on Catfish Hunter Day, and he responded admirably.
Talented, young, ready-to-go and happy to be in pinstripes, Dave Righetti is one Yankee worthy of a second glance."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"Righetti began his first season at West Haven. He fashioned a 4-3 record and 1.96 ERA while striking out 78 in 69 innings. Dave was named as the left-handed pitcher on the Eastern League All-Star team and the Topps-National Association class-AA All-Star team. He was hampered at West Haven by a sore left shoulder and spent some time on the disabled list there as well as at Columbus for a sore left elbow.
Called up to Columbus on June 28, he made his first start on July 1 and threw a seven-inning 2-hitter against Rochester. He followed that with a nine-inning 1-hitter against Toledo on July 6; he had a no-hitter for 7.2 innings and struck out 11. After the stint on the disabled list with a sore elbow, Dave came back and pitched four innings of 2-hit relief to earn a win. He followed that with two innings of hitless relief. He won the fourth and deciding first-round playoff game over Tidewater, striking out 12 and allowing three hits in 7.2 innings.
Righetti was called up to the Yankees on September 16, after Columbus won the International League playoffs, and made his first major league start that afternoon against the Tigers on Catfish Hunter Day at the Stadium before over 40,000 people. He allowed three runs and three hits in five innings, leaving a tie game. Dave made two other impressive starts, going seven innings, allowing three runs and three hits while striking out six in a loss at Minnesota, and a no-decision against Cleveland in which he allowed just four hits and one run in 5.1 innings.
Dave was originally drafted in the sixth round of the January 1977 draft by Texas and signed by Paddy Cottrell. He was the 129th pick overall. He impressed everyone when he went 11-3 with a 3.14 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 109 innings at Asheville his first year, at age 18. Dave struck out 127 in 91 innings the next year at Tulsa, including a record-breaking 21-strikeout performance on July 16. In that game, against Midland, he struck out the side four times, and he had one stretch of seven straight. He came to the Yankees during the fall of 1978 as one of the key acquisitions in the 10-player trade with Texas.
Righetti spent his whole life in San Jose where he was All-League in baseball and basketball at Pioneer High. He attended San Jose City College where he was named the Pitcher of the Year in 1976. At SJCC he was a teammate of Blue Jays pitcher Dave Stieb, and played against Carney Lansford in American Legion ball. He grew up as a San Francisco Giants fan and his favorite player was Willie McCovey.
Dave lists his 21-strikeout game and his first professional win as his top thrills. He enjoys playing golf and watching basketball."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
"A year ago last February, Bruce Robinson was purchased by the Oakland A's to bolster the Yankees' catching situation. His left-handed power and the raves Bruce had been getting from scores of major league scouts only enhanced his dream of playing in the pinstripes. All that attention was enough to get the Yankees to sign him, but attention was always something that Bruce has gotten enough of.
Bruce showed the White Sox enough potential at La Jolla High School in California for them to draft him in the fourth round in June of 1972, but he chose to attend Stanford University and get the chance to graduate from college with a degree. At Stanford, he was named to the Sporting News College All-American team and his 49 RBIs and school record 13 home runs made big headlines. So big that in 1975 the Oakland A's made him their number one draft choice in June of that year.
The Yankees were impressed enough with his .299 average, 10 home runs and 73 RBIs in Triple-A ball in 1978 to make him a coveted property. After his acquisition, Bruce was sent to Columbus where he spent the majority of his year as the International League's champions' regular catcher. Bruce won't need his B.S. in economics to add up the other Yankee catching hopefuls. He'll recognize them in training camp as he battles to make the parent club."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"Robinson spent the 1979 season with the Yankees' International League champ Columbus Clippers before coming up to New York at the conclusion of their season. He played in 102 games for the Clippers, batting .250, and his nine home runs tied him for second on the team behind Dennis Werth's 17. Bruce caught 82 of the 102 games he appeared in, and also was used as a designated hitter in the early part of the year. He batted .282 (14-for-48) in his 16 DH appearances. Bruce finished fifth in the All-Star voting for International League catcher, won by Brad Gulden, joined the Yankees on September 16, and appeared in 12 games.
Bruce began his pro career in 1976 at Chattanooga after being the A's number one selection in the June 1975 Free Agent Draft. He was voted the MVP of the Chattanooga team by the local fans that year. Bruce split the 1977 season between Chattanooga and San Jose and spent the 1978 season at Vancouver (AAA), batting .299 with 10 homers and 73 RBIs. He was called up to the A's, and in 28 games in Oakland hit .250 with eight RBIs. Bruce was originally chosen by the White Sox in the June 1972 draft and was a fourth-round pick, but he decided to attend Stanford University instead.
Robinson graduated from Stanford with a B.A. in economics. He was named to the Pac-8 Conference All-Star team in 1974, and in his senior year in 1975, drove in 49 runs while hitting a school-record 13 home runs. He was named to the Sporting News College All-America team. Bruce played semi-pro ball for the Alaska Goldpanners of Fairbanks (1972-75) and played on three consecutive National Baseball Congress tournament championship teams with them (1972-74).
He played baseball, football and basketball at La Jolla High, where he batted .436 his senior year. His brother, Dave Robinson, played for the Padres (1969-71). Bruce had an RBI single off Bill Lee in his first major league at-bat.
He enjoys racquetball, water skiing, guitar and photography."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
DENNIS WERTH
"For the second straight season, Dennis has proved his worth. In 1978, at the Yankees' AAA affiliate, Dennis batted a team leading .333, driving in 33 runs and belting 11 home runs. He was a key factor in leading Tacoma to the co-championship of the Pacific Coast League. As an extremely hard worker, he paved the way for the rest of the Tacoma club that season.
Last year, this 6'1", 200-pound right-hander hit a very promising .299 in Columbus' drive for an International League championship. His average was fourth best in the league and he batted .444 in the Clippers' playoff series against their rivals, the Syracuse Chiefs. Dennis' 17 home runs and 74 RBIs were tops on the Clippers and among the league leaders in those categories.
Playing mostly first base in his professional career, Dennis will now be moved to catcher, his original position. During instructional league and spring training, coach Jeff Torborg worked with Dennis behind the plate. His ability to play both positions and swing the bat from the right side makes Dennis Werth a valuable man to have on Manager Howser's artillery list."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"1979 was Werth's second straight productive AAA season. He batted .299 for the International League champ Columbus Clippers, the fourth best average in the league, and belted out 17 home runs and 74 RBIs to lead the Clippers in both departments. He made his major league debut with the Yankees in September and picked up his first major league hit on September 18 off the Indians' Mike Paxton.
Used most of the season at Columbus as a first baseman, Dennis batted .444 in the Clippers' playoff series against Syracuse. His 74 RBIs were third in the International League, while his 17 homers placed him fourth. He was second in total bases (210), second in walks (88) and had a .366 on-base percentage. He worked in the Winter Instructional League at catcher under the tutelage of Jeff Torborg and Doug Holmquist.
Dennis began his Yankee career at Oneonta in 1974 and batted .336 his first year in pro ball, picking up 61 RBIs in 64 games. He hit 17 homers at West Haven in 1976 and was promoted to AAA at Syracuse in 1977. Dennis spent the 1978 season at Tacoma where he led the Yankees with a .333 average.
He has played mostly first base in his pro career and is a good defensive first baseman. Dennis was a catcher prior to that and appears on the Yankee roster as a catcher. He hits with power and is an extremely hard worker.
Dennis played both baseball and basketball in college, and is 21 credits short of his B.A. in physical education from Southern Illinois University. He enjoys woodworking and auto mechanics. A Cardinal fan as a youngster, Dennis lists being called to the majors with the Yankees last year as his biggest thrill in baseball."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
BRAD GULDEN
"When the Yankees began looking for left-handed hitting catchers last year, the name of Brad Gulden continuously came up in conversations with scouts. So on February 15, 1979, the Yankees sent Gary Thomasson to Los Angeles and the Dodgers sent the scrappy 23-year-old backstop to the Bronx Bombers.
Brad started the 1979 season with the International League champion Columbus Clippers and the stocky pepperpot earned enough respect around the league to be named the International League's All-Star catcher, despite appearing in only 80 games. His .992 fielding percentage and minimal three errors made up for his lack of exposure. He impressed enough people with his defense to be called up to New York when a tragic plane crash took Thurman Munson's life.
No one comes to the Yankees with more desire or confidence than Brad Gulden. He performed admirably behind the plate for the Yankees during the latter stages of 1979 and showed great promise for the future. Brad spent the off-season trying to hone his skills by working out with other major leaguers at a college near his Carver, Minnesota home. Hopefully, the cold weather work will produce warm weather results for this confident young man."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"Gulden joined the Yankees last year on August 3 after the death of Thurman Munson, and was given the herculean task of trying to replace him. He finished the year with the Yanks, appearing in 40 games. Brad started his second day with the Yankees on August 4 and got his first big league hit, a double off the Orioles' Steve Stone.
Brad did a good job defensively for the Yankees, committing just one error in 203 chances. He threw out 14 of 35 runners trying to steal on him. He also had a three-RBI game against the Red Sox on September 3.
At Columbus, Brad was in 80 games, 59 behind the plate, batting .248. He had a .992 fielding percentage for the Clippers, committing just three errors, and had the fewest passed balls (2). Although his time in Columbus was cut short with his call up to the Yanks, he was still named the International League's All-Star catcher.
Gulden had progressed steadily in the Dodger system after starting his pro career with Bellingham in 1975. He batted .284 at Danville in 1976, then hit .300 with 15 home runs and 86 RBIs at Lodi in 1977. Brad was promoted to Albuquerque, the Dodgers AAA affiliate, and responded with another solid year, batting .294 with eight homers and 72 RBIs. He led Pacific Coast League catchers in putouts, assists and double plays. The Dodgers called him up and he appeared in three games for them, going 0-for-4.
A native of Minnesota, Brad was a four-year starter at Chaska High School (Chaska, Minn.) where he hit .437. He was a pitcher, catcher and outfielder in high school, and also played basketball and football. He played Little League and Babe Ruth ball in the town of Carver, Minnesota where he grew up.
Gulden was drafted out of high school by the Dodgers. One of six children, he is of full-blooded German descent. He enjoys hunting, bowling and fishing, and rooted for the Twins and Tony Oliva as a youngster."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
GARRY SMITH
"In 1978, Garry exploited his speed and power by hitting .325, driving in 73 runs, belting 13 home runs and stealing 21 bases at Tacoma. A good fielding outfielder with a promising future, his 1979 season was cut short by an ankle injury early on. Garry looks forward to a return to form in 1980."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"The 1979 season was a washout for Garry Smith. He appeared in 61 games with Columbus before breaking his right ankle on July 10, and he was out for the rest of the season. He batted .207 with five homers and 25 RBIs for the Clippers.
This is Garry's second straight appearance on the Yankees' 40-man roster. He had his best year in pro ball at Tacoma in 1978, where he had a .325 average while knocking in 73 runs. In his fifth year in pro ball, Garry played in 1976 at Oneonta (.391), Fort Lauderdale (.404) and West Haven (.429) in his first year. He hit 22 homers for the 1977 West Haven Yanks but suffered a broken wrist at the end of the '78 season. He was a non-roster player in the New York Yankees 1978 spring training camp.
Garry played Little League and American Legion ball in Portland, Maine, was All-State in both basketball and baseball at Deering High School in Maine, was an All-Yankee Conference baseball player at the University of Maine (Orono) and was an All-American at Valencia CC in Orlando. He's one year away from a degree in business. He is of English and French descent. A Red Sox fan as a youngster, he enjoys hunting, fishing, cooking and needlepoint."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
ROGER HOLT
"Dependable Roger was one of the vital cogs in the Columbus pennant drive. He led the Clippers in hits (127) and runs scored (72) while hitting a consistent .280. His aggressive play and burning desire helped him earn honors as the International League All-Star second baseman."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"Holt spent his first full year at the AAA level at Columbus in 1979 and had an excellent season for the International League champs. He batted .280 in 130 games and was named the International League's All-Star second baseman. He led the Clippers in at-bats (454), runs (72), hits (127) and sacrifice hits (12). He was second among the league's second baseman in fielding at .984, committing just nine errors in 561 chances, and led the league in double plays, participating in 74.
Roger makes his first appearance in a major league camp this year as he enters his fourth season in pro ball. He has progressed steadily in the Yankee organization since starting at Fort Lauderdale (A ball) in 1977. Roger spent the '78 season at West Haven (AA), batting .278, and was promoted to AAA at Columbus last year.
Holt played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion ball in Leesburg (Fla.), and played baseball, basketball and football at Leesburg High School. He was an all-state baseball player in 1973 and 1974 and was the team's MVP in '74.
At the University of Florida, he was All-SEC, Mr. Gator Baseball, MVP and All-American, all in 1977. Roger needs 19 credits for his degree in business administration from Florida. He played with the Anchorage Glacier Pilots of the Alaska League in 1976 and was a teammate of Ross Baumgarten (White Sox) on the Gator baseball team.
Roger lists Pete Rose as his favorite player."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
WILLIE MCGEE
"While performing for both Fort Lauderdale and West Haven last season, Willie had ample opportunity to display the variety of big-league tools that he possesses. He is best known in baseball ranks as a slick-fielding, 22-year-old center fielder with blazing speed."
- The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"McGee split the 1979 season between Fort Lauderdale and West Haven. He started the year at Fort Lauderdale, batting .318 in 46 games, and was promoted to West Haven where he finished up hitting .243 in 49 games. He batted .289 overall.
Willie came to his first big league camp this spring as he enters his fourth year in pro ball. He was drafted number one by the Yankees in the secondary phase of the January 1977 draft, signed his Yankee contract just before the June draft, and was sent to Oneonta. He played the 1978 season at Fort Lauderdale, where his .251 average was fourth on the team. Willie shows good speed; he stole 25 bases at Fort Lauderdale in '78 and had 16 steals in 49 games in '79.
McGee was born in San Francisco, one of six children, but grew up and still lives in Richmond, California. He played Little League and Babe Ruth ball in Richmond and American Legion baseball in nearby Berkley. Willie was a member of the state championship team at Diablo Valley Junior College."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
TED WILBORN
"After coming to New York from Toronto in the off-season, Ted returns to the Yankees, the team that originally drafted him two seasons ago. At that time, Ted hit .305 at Oneonta while stealing 57 bases in 65 games. Last year, this 21-year-old outfielder played at both Syracuse and Toronto."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"Wilborn started the 1979 season with the Blue Jays, appearing in 22 games and going 0-for-12 with two walks and three runs scored. He was sent to Syracuse on July 4 and finished the season there, batting .246 in 61 games.
Ted started his career in the Yankee organization. He was their number four pick in the June 1976 free agent draft by scout Wayne Morgan, who is now with the Blue Jays. Ted played center field at Oneonta his first year in pro ball in '76, went to Fort Lauderdale in 1977, and split the 1978 season between Oneonta and Fort Lauderdale.
Possessing outstanding speed, he stole 57 bases at Oneonta in '78 (in just 65 games), also batting .309 that year. His steal total led the New York-Penn League and was just six shy of the league record. He was named the Topps Player of the Month for August 1978. He started switch-hitting at Oneonta in '78.
A good all-around athlete, Wilborn played basketball and football, as well as baseball, at C.K. McClatchy High School in Sacramento, where he grew up. His father is a school principal. Ted enjoys tennis and watching football. He rooted for the Giants as a youngster, his favorite being Willie Mays.
Ted went from the Yanks to the Jays at the 1978 winter meetings at Orlando, when the Jays drafted him off the Yanks' Tacoma roster on December 4 in the major league draft."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
JIM LEWIS
"Acquired in the Ruppert Jones trade, this 6'3", 190-pound Miamian spent last season with Spokane and Seattle. At the AAA level, Jim had a fine 3.69 ERA as he compiled 13 wins. Jim also appeared in two games in relief for the Mariners late last season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"Lewis spent the majority of 1979 at the Mariners' AAA Spokane farm club, where he was 13-11 with a 3.69 ERA in 28 starts there, a fine record and ERA in the Pacific Coast League, known as a hitter's league. He appeared in two games in relief for the Mariners in September, his major league debut, with no record.
Jim just completed his third year of pro ball. He started his career in 1977 at Bellingham and spent the 1978 season at Stockton, where was 12-11 and led the California League with a 2.12 ERA. He also led the league that year in strikeouts (189), shutouts (5) and putouts by a pitcher (20). Jim set a league record with nine double plays by a pitcher and was named to the California League All-Star team, receiving the highest number of votes.
A native of Miami, Jim attended Miami Carol City High School where he played baseball and was the team's MVP in his senior year. He attended Miami Dade JC and the University of South Carolina, played baseball at both schools, and pitched in the College World Series for South Carolina in 1977.
Jim enjoys fishing and golf, and signed his Mariner contract at the College World Series in '77."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
CHRIS WELSH
"Chris made the jump to AAA last year in only his third season of pro ball. The 6'2", 185-pound finesse pitcher posted an 8-4 record for Columbus. As a non-roster pitcher in last year's spring camp, this southpaw impressed everyone who had the opportunity to see him pitch."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"In his third year in pro ball last season, Welsh made the jump to AAA, spending the season with the Yankees' International League champ Columbus Clippers. Used mostly in relief (nine starts in 36 games), Chris was 8-4 with three saves. He impressed the Yankees during his stay with the big club in spring training. He appeared in six games with no record but struck out 12 batters in 13.2 innings while walking just one.
Chris started his Yankee career at Oneonta in 1977 and helped pitch them to the New York-Penn League playoff title in his first year as a pro. He was 8-5 with a 2.49 ERA that year and led the league in complete games (12), innings (112) and strikeouts (125). Chris was promoted to the Yankees' AA club at West Haven in 1978 and was 11-9 with a 3.46 ERA. Last year he continued his rise in the organization, moving to AAA at Columbus.
Welsh has a B.A. in marketing from the University of South Florida, and hopes to get into commercial real estate and financial advising when his baseball career is over. He was an honorable mention All-American baseball player at South Florida and enjoys playing the guitar. He rooted for the Reds and Pete Rose as a youngster."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
RAFAEL SANTANA
"A product of the Dominican Republic, Rafael played with Fort Lauderdale in 1979 where he was a Florida State League All-Star for the second consecutive season. Primarily a shortstop, Rafael can also play second and third base. Only 22 years old, he's shown vast improvement each year."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"Santana was named to the Florida State All-Star team as the utility infielder following a fine year. He's primarily a shortstop but also plays third and second.
Rafael showed tremendous defensive improvement over 1978, reducing his total errors from 48 to 16 in just 27 fewer chances, and fielded .982 at shortstop in 72 games. He was much steadier in the field, where he had been brilliant but sometimes erratic. Now he is considered to be very smooth on the double play from either side with a strong, accurate arm.
Santana also matured at the plate and became much more consistent. He put together a 21-game hitting streak in July. He scored 62 runs in 133 games and became more selective at the plate, cutting down on his strikeouts.
Rafael was also on the Florida State League All-Star team in 1978 but as the shortstop. He has shown improvement each year and should be ready to begin climbing up the ladder. His learning to play second and third base enhances his value and makes him a very valuable commodity.
A native of the Dominican Republic, Santana has adjusted well to being in the States. Only 18 when he signed, he has grown tremendously in confidence and maturity. His family suffered greatly during Hurricane David last summer, and it affected his play during the Florida State League playoffs."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
JIM MCDONALD
"McDonald suffered a torn ligament in his right thumb (similar to the injury to Gossage) and surgery was performed in May. Prior to the injury, Jim had appeared in 19 games for West Haven.
This will be Jim's second spring training in the major league camp. A number one pick of the Yankees in 1975, he had a productive year at West Haven in 1978, where he batted .281 and was sixth in the league with 82 RBIs. Jim was also the Eastern League's top fielding first baseman that year, making just nine errors in 927 chances for a .990 percentage. He started his pro career in 1975 at Oneonta, batting .284 in his first year in pro ball.
McDonald was MVP in baseball at Verbum Del High School (Calif.) where he was also a second-team All-League football player. One of nine children, he played Little League and Connie Mack ball in Compton, California.
Jim enjoys fishing and shooting pool."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
REX HUDLER
"The first of three number one draft selections in the June 1978 draft, Rex spent the '79 season as the everyday shortstop for the Fort Lauderdale Yankees. The Yanks will be looking for speed in the future and Rex has plenty of it, swiping 25 bases last season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
STEVE BALBONI
"Steve was the Yankees' 1978 number two pick in the June free agent draft. Last season, this 6'3", 225-pound power-hitting first baseman led Fort Lauderdale in home runs, games, at-bats and RBIs. His 26 home runs set a Fort Lauderdale record and helped him earn Florida State League MVP honors."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
PAUL BORIS
"Florida State League All-Star honors came Paul's way as a result of his league leading 16 wins, along with an impressive 2.05 ERA and 12 saves. Over a two-year span, this Rutgers U. control artist has walked only 29 men in 200 innings while compiling a 23-12 record."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
STEVE TAYLOR
"Steve spent the 1979 season with both Columbus and West Haven, posting a combined 7-2 mark as a spot starter and reliever. This 24-year-old University of Delaware product was the Yankees' top selection in the June 1977 free agent draft."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
GREG JEMISON
"Greg's impressive start in '79 (.311 average with seven stolen bases in 13 games) was cut short due to an ankle injury that put him out of action for the remainder of the season. The former Seton Hall speedster stole 179 bases in three seasons as an outfielder with the Texas organization."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
ANDY MCGAFFIGAN
"As the ace of the Eastern League champions, this 6'3", 185-pound right-hander moved one step closer to the big leagues in 1979. A graduate of Florida Southern, Andy registered a 10-6 mark to go along with his 113 strikeouts and a 3.81 ERA."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
BRIAN RYDER
"While recording a league leading 156 strikeouts in 1979, this 6'6", 190-pound, 19-year-old flame-throwing right-hander compiled a 15-5 record with a 2.32 ERA for the Fort Lauderdale club. In his two seasons with the Yankees, the 1978 first round pick has twice been selected to All-Star squads."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"In 1978, Garry exploited his speed and power by hitting .325, driving in 73 runs, belting 13 home runs and stealing 21 bases at Tacoma. A good fielding outfielder with a promising future, his 1979 season was cut short by an ankle injury early on. Garry looks forward to a return to form in 1980."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"The 1979 season was a washout for Garry Smith. He appeared in 61 games with Columbus before breaking his right ankle on July 10, and he was out for the rest of the season. He batted .207 with five homers and 25 RBIs for the Clippers.
This is Garry's second straight appearance on the Yankees' 40-man roster. He had his best year in pro ball at Tacoma in 1978, where he had a .325 average while knocking in 73 runs. In his fifth year in pro ball, Garry played in 1976 at Oneonta (.391), Fort Lauderdale (.404) and West Haven (.429) in his first year. He hit 22 homers for the 1977 West Haven Yanks but suffered a broken wrist at the end of the '78 season. He was a non-roster player in the New York Yankees 1978 spring training camp.
Garry played Little League and American Legion ball in Portland, Maine, was All-State in both basketball and baseball at Deering High School in Maine, was an All-Yankee Conference baseball player at the University of Maine (Orono) and was an All-American at Valencia CC in Orlando. He's one year away from a degree in business. He is of English and French descent. A Red Sox fan as a youngster, he enjoys hunting, fishing, cooking and needlepoint."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
ROGER HOLT
"Dependable Roger was one of the vital cogs in the Columbus pennant drive. He led the Clippers in hits (127) and runs scored (72) while hitting a consistent .280. His aggressive play and burning desire helped him earn honors as the International League All-Star second baseman."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"Holt spent his first full year at the AAA level at Columbus in 1979 and had an excellent season for the International League champs. He batted .280 in 130 games and was named the International League's All-Star second baseman. He led the Clippers in at-bats (454), runs (72), hits (127) and sacrifice hits (12). He was second among the league's second baseman in fielding at .984, committing just nine errors in 561 chances, and led the league in double plays, participating in 74.
Roger makes his first appearance in a major league camp this year as he enters his fourth season in pro ball. He has progressed steadily in the Yankee organization since starting at Fort Lauderdale (A ball) in 1977. Roger spent the '78 season at West Haven (AA), batting .278, and was promoted to AAA at Columbus last year.
Holt played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion ball in Leesburg (Fla.), and played baseball, basketball and football at Leesburg High School. He was an all-state baseball player in 1973 and 1974 and was the team's MVP in '74.
At the University of Florida, he was All-SEC, Mr. Gator Baseball, MVP and All-American, all in 1977. Roger needs 19 credits for his degree in business administration from Florida. He played with the Anchorage Glacier Pilots of the Alaska League in 1976 and was a teammate of Ross Baumgarten (White Sox) on the Gator baseball team.
Roger lists Pete Rose as his favorite player."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
WILLIE MCGEE
"While performing for both Fort Lauderdale and West Haven last season, Willie had ample opportunity to display the variety of big-league tools that he possesses. He is best known in baseball ranks as a slick-fielding, 22-year-old center fielder with blazing speed."
- The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"McGee split the 1979 season between Fort Lauderdale and West Haven. He started the year at Fort Lauderdale, batting .318 in 46 games, and was promoted to West Haven where he finished up hitting .243 in 49 games. He batted .289 overall.
Willie came to his first big league camp this spring as he enters his fourth year in pro ball. He was drafted number one by the Yankees in the secondary phase of the January 1977 draft, signed his Yankee contract just before the June draft, and was sent to Oneonta. He played the 1978 season at Fort Lauderdale, where his .251 average was fourth on the team. Willie shows good speed; he stole 25 bases at Fort Lauderdale in '78 and had 16 steals in 49 games in '79.
McGee was born in San Francisco, one of six children, but grew up and still lives in Richmond, California. He played Little League and Babe Ruth ball in Richmond and American Legion baseball in nearby Berkley. Willie was a member of the state championship team at Diablo Valley Junior College."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
TED WILBORN
"After coming to New York from Toronto in the off-season, Ted returns to the Yankees, the team that originally drafted him two seasons ago. At that time, Ted hit .305 at Oneonta while stealing 57 bases in 65 games. Last year, this 21-year-old outfielder played at both Syracuse and Toronto."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"Wilborn started the 1979 season with the Blue Jays, appearing in 22 games and going 0-for-12 with two walks and three runs scored. He was sent to Syracuse on July 4 and finished the season there, batting .246 in 61 games.
Ted started his career in the Yankee organization. He was their number four pick in the June 1976 free agent draft by scout Wayne Morgan, who is now with the Blue Jays. Ted played center field at Oneonta his first year in pro ball in '76, went to Fort Lauderdale in 1977, and split the 1978 season between Oneonta and Fort Lauderdale.
Possessing outstanding speed, he stole 57 bases at Oneonta in '78 (in just 65 games), also batting .309 that year. His steal total led the New York-Penn League and was just six shy of the league record. He was named the Topps Player of the Month for August 1978. He started switch-hitting at Oneonta in '78.
A good all-around athlete, Wilborn played basketball and football, as well as baseball, at C.K. McClatchy High School in Sacramento, where he grew up. His father is a school principal. Ted enjoys tennis and watching football. He rooted for the Giants as a youngster, his favorite being Willie Mays.
Ted went from the Yanks to the Jays at the 1978 winter meetings at Orlando, when the Jays drafted him off the Yanks' Tacoma roster on December 4 in the major league draft."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
JIM LEWIS
"Acquired in the Ruppert Jones trade, this 6'3", 190-pound Miamian spent last season with Spokane and Seattle. At the AAA level, Jim had a fine 3.69 ERA as he compiled 13 wins. Jim also appeared in two games in relief for the Mariners late last season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"Lewis spent the majority of 1979 at the Mariners' AAA Spokane farm club, where he was 13-11 with a 3.69 ERA in 28 starts there, a fine record and ERA in the Pacific Coast League, known as a hitter's league. He appeared in two games in relief for the Mariners in September, his major league debut, with no record.
Jim just completed his third year of pro ball. He started his career in 1977 at Bellingham and spent the 1978 season at Stockton, where was 12-11 and led the California League with a 2.12 ERA. He also led the league that year in strikeouts (189), shutouts (5) and putouts by a pitcher (20). Jim set a league record with nine double plays by a pitcher and was named to the California League All-Star team, receiving the highest number of votes.
A native of Miami, Jim attended Miami Carol City High School where he played baseball and was the team's MVP in his senior year. He attended Miami Dade JC and the University of South Carolina, played baseball at both schools, and pitched in the College World Series for South Carolina in 1977.
Jim enjoys fishing and golf, and signed his Mariner contract at the College World Series in '77."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
CHRIS WELSH
"Chris made the jump to AAA last year in only his third season of pro ball. The 6'2", 185-pound finesse pitcher posted an 8-4 record for Columbus. As a non-roster pitcher in last year's spring camp, this southpaw impressed everyone who had the opportunity to see him pitch."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"In his third year in pro ball last season, Welsh made the jump to AAA, spending the season with the Yankees' International League champ Columbus Clippers. Used mostly in relief (nine starts in 36 games), Chris was 8-4 with three saves. He impressed the Yankees during his stay with the big club in spring training. He appeared in six games with no record but struck out 12 batters in 13.2 innings while walking just one.
Chris started his Yankee career at Oneonta in 1977 and helped pitch them to the New York-Penn League playoff title in his first year as a pro. He was 8-5 with a 2.49 ERA that year and led the league in complete games (12), innings (112) and strikeouts (125). Chris was promoted to the Yankees' AA club at West Haven in 1978 and was 11-9 with a 3.46 ERA. Last year he continued his rise in the organization, moving to AAA at Columbus.
Welsh has a B.A. in marketing from the University of South Florida, and hopes to get into commercial real estate and financial advising when his baseball career is over. He was an honorable mention All-American baseball player at South Florida and enjoys playing the guitar. He rooted for the Reds and Pete Rose as a youngster."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
RAFAEL SANTANA
"A product of the Dominican Republic, Rafael played with Fort Lauderdale in 1979 where he was a Florida State League All-Star for the second consecutive season. Primarily a shortstop, Rafael can also play second and third base. Only 22 years old, he's shown vast improvement each year."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"Santana was named to the Florida State All-Star team as the utility infielder following a fine year. He's primarily a shortstop but also plays third and second.
Rafael showed tremendous defensive improvement over 1978, reducing his total errors from 48 to 16 in just 27 fewer chances, and fielded .982 at shortstop in 72 games. He was much steadier in the field, where he had been brilliant but sometimes erratic. Now he is considered to be very smooth on the double play from either side with a strong, accurate arm.
Santana also matured at the plate and became much more consistent. He put together a 21-game hitting streak in July. He scored 62 runs in 133 games and became more selective at the plate, cutting down on his strikeouts.
Rafael was also on the Florida State League All-Star team in 1978 but as the shortstop. He has shown improvement each year and should be ready to begin climbing up the ladder. His learning to play second and third base enhances his value and makes him a very valuable commodity.
A native of the Dominican Republic, Santana has adjusted well to being in the States. Only 18 when he signed, he has grown tremendously in confidence and maturity. His family suffered greatly during Hurricane David last summer, and it affected his play during the Florida State League playoffs."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
JIM MCDONALD
"McDonald suffered a torn ligament in his right thumb (similar to the injury to Gossage) and surgery was performed in May. Prior to the injury, Jim had appeared in 19 games for West Haven.
This will be Jim's second spring training in the major league camp. A number one pick of the Yankees in 1975, he had a productive year at West Haven in 1978, where he batted .281 and was sixth in the league with 82 RBIs. Jim was also the Eastern League's top fielding first baseman that year, making just nine errors in 927 chances for a .990 percentage. He started his pro career in 1975 at Oneonta, batting .284 in his first year in pro ball.
McDonald was MVP in baseball at Verbum Del High School (Calif.) where he was also a second-team All-League football player. One of nine children, he played Little League and Connie Mack ball in Compton, California.
Jim enjoys fishing and shooting pool."
-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide
REX HUDLER
"The first of three number one draft selections in the June 1978 draft, Rex spent the '79 season as the everyday shortstop for the Fort Lauderdale Yankees. The Yanks will be looking for speed in the future and Rex has plenty of it, swiping 25 bases last season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
STEVE BALBONI
"Steve was the Yankees' 1978 number two pick in the June free agent draft. Last season, this 6'3", 225-pound power-hitting first baseman led Fort Lauderdale in home runs, games, at-bats and RBIs. His 26 home runs set a Fort Lauderdale record and helped him earn Florida State League MVP honors."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
PAUL BORIS
"Florida State League All-Star honors came Paul's way as a result of his league leading 16 wins, along with an impressive 2.05 ERA and 12 saves. Over a two-year span, this Rutgers U. control artist has walked only 29 men in 200 innings while compiling a 23-12 record."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
STEVE TAYLOR
"Steve spent the 1979 season with both Columbus and West Haven, posting a combined 7-2 mark as a spot starter and reliever. This 24-year-old University of Delaware product was the Yankees' top selection in the June 1977 free agent draft."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
GREG JEMISON
"Greg's impressive start in '79 (.311 average with seven stolen bases in 13 games) was cut short due to an ankle injury that put him out of action for the remainder of the season. The former Seton Hall speedster stole 179 bases in three seasons as an outfielder with the Texas organization."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
ANDY MCGAFFIGAN
"As the ace of the Eastern League champions, this 6'3", 185-pound right-hander moved one step closer to the big leagues in 1979. A graduate of Florida Southern, Andy registered a 10-6 mark to go along with his 113 strikeouts and a 3.81 ERA."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
BRIAN RYDER
"While recording a league leading 156 strikeouts in 1979, this 6'6", 190-pound, 19-year-old flame-throwing right-hander compiled a 15-5 record with a 2.32 ERA for the Fort Lauderdale club. In his two seasons with the Yankees, the 1978 first round pick has twice been selected to All-Star squads."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
ROGER SLAGLE
"For the pride of Larned, Kansas, 1979 was somewhat of an off-year. This 6'3", 190-pound right-hander compiled a record of 9-12 while seeing action in Fort Lauderdale, Columbus and a late-season stint with New York. His best year with the Yankee organization came in 1978 when he put together a 13-8 campaign at Tacoma."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
"For the pride of Larned, Kansas, 1979 was somewhat of an off-year. This 6'3", 190-pound right-hander compiled a record of 9-12 while seeing action in Fort Lauderdale, Columbus and a late-season stint with New York. His best year with the Yankee organization came in 1978 when he put together a 13-8 campaign at Tacoma."
-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook
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