"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
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