"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
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