Other 1980 Yankee Profiles

ED FIGUEROA

"Ed Figueroa won 71 games from 1975 to 1978 while only Jim Palmer and Dennis Leonard won more among American Leaguers in that time span. But 1979 became a total washout for this proud right-hander.
He was bothered by elbow problems almost from the start of the season and finally succumbed to an operation last August. At that time he was only 4-6, his worst start since he became a full-time starter for the Angels in 1975 and won 16 games.
Figgy came to the Yankees during the winter of '75 and proceeded to win 19, 16 and 20 games to help lead the Yankees to three consecutive American League pennants. The 20 win performance in 1978 was extremely gratifying as Ed became the very first Puerto Rican-born pitcher to win 20 games in major league history.
After that performance and two consecutive World Championships, Ed Figueroa was on cloud nine. But every dream eventually slips back to reality and that can sometimes be a disappointment. The injury was reality itself and Ed had to deal with it over the long winter. Through exercise and fierce determination, Ed restrengthened his right arm. This year he looks toward a healthy comeback and a possible repeat of his most precious memory: 1978 and 20 wins."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"The 1979 season became a washout for Figueroa when surgery was performed on his right elbow on August 17. Ed started 16 games for the Yankees before giving way to the elbow problem. He had a 4-6 record but some had tough luck, with four of his losses by one run, and one by two.
He lost 4-3 to the Brewers in his first start, then won two straight before two tough one-run losses on the West Coast. He dropped a 1-0 game to Oakland on April 25, going all the way allowing just four hits. He then lost 2-1 to the Angels on April 30, again going all the way, allowing just six hits and one earned run. The Yanks scored just 13 runs in Figgy's six losses (2.1 runs/game).
Ed went on the disabled list on June 28, complaining of tenderness in his right elbow. He returned from the DL on July 23, made two more starts, and then was sent to Los Angeles on August 1 to be examined by Dr. Frank Jobe, who found spurs on the posterior compartment of the right elbow. Surgery was prescribed and performed on August 17. Dr. Jobe removed a large spur from the back of the right elbow, and a loose body from the interior of the elbow.
Figueroa became the first Puerto Rican-born pitcher to win 20 games when he beat Cleveland in his last 1978 regular-season appearance, 7-0, with a 5-hitter. He was the Yankees' hottest pitcher down the stretch in '78, finishing the season with eight straight wins and winning 13 of his last 15 decisions. Ed led Yankee pitchers with 35 starts in 1978, and his 20 wins tied him for fifth in the American League that year. As he was in 1979, Ed was a hard-luck pitcher for the Yanks in '78, as his teammates failed to score more than three runs in 15 of his 35 starts.
Prior to his injury-plagued 1979 season, Figgy had started at least 30, and won at least 16 games for four straight years. Ed won 19 games his first year as a Yankee in 1976 after coming from the Angels; that led the team in victories and tied him for fourth in the league. He had a hot streak that year, winning 12 of 15 at one point, as the Yanks pulled away in the Eastern Division.
Originally signed by the Mets in 1966, but soon released and signed by the Giants, Ed served in Vietnam with the Marines in 1969. He lost his major league debut 1-0 to the White Sox. He started the 1975 season in the minors, was brought back, and proved to the Angels' stopper that year; 15 of his 16 wins followed Angel defeats.
Ed has an excellent pickoff move. He picked six runners off base in 1978 and one last year.
As a member of Puerto Rico's amateur champs, Ed and his teammates won a trip to New York in the early '60s to see a game at Yankee Stadium. He played baseball and basketball in high school (Miguel Saavedra) in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. He holds the record in the Babe Ruth World Series for consecutive scoreless innings at 16. He represented Puerto Rico in a Little League tournament in Mexico City and was the batting champ in the series. Figgy signed with the Mets after playing in the Central American Caribbean Games.
One of 11 children, Eddie is the youngest of seven brothers. He enjoys fishing and music. A Giants fan as a youngster, Juan Marichal was his favorite player. He lists George Brett as his toughest individual opponent."

-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide

BRIAN DOYLE
"Long before the regulars get to the ballpark, Brian Doyle is already taking extra batting practice and fielding extra ground balls. The sweat will begin to pour and those aching muscles will begin to realize that another day is underway. Brian Doyle is working on the little things that make a young ballplayer complete.
As a backup infielder, he is always ready for the call with the confidence of a proven veteran. In 1979, Brian split his season between the Yankees and the International League Champion Columbus Clippers. He also spent the '78 season shuttling between the Yankees and their Triple-A affiliate at Tacoma.
But Brian's finest hour came when he was called on to replace the injured Willie Randolph in postseason play. His .438 World Series average was high for the October classic and his defense at second was flawless. Fans everywhere wondered how this unknown could play so well. One look at the overtime number 18 puts into his game and there is no need to wonder any longer."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"Doyle spent the 1979 season shuttling between Columbus and New York. He started the season with the Yankees and was optioned to Columbus, on 24-hour recall, on May 28, when the Yanks had to call back Ron Davis. He was then recalled on June 30, when Jim Beattie was placed on the disabled list. Brian then went back on August 4, when the Yankees acquired Lenny Randle, and was recalled on September 2 to finish the season.
Brian didn't see much overall action with the Yankees, appearing in 20 games, filling in at second base and third base, and making six starts. He had a three-RBI game against the A's on July 19. Brian appeared in 39 games with the Clippers, batting .254.
1978 will be a year he will never forget. Brian proved to be one of the surprise heroes of the World Series. He batted .438 appearing in all six games of the Series, had three hits in both Game Five and Game Six, and collected two RBIs in the Yanks' decisive sixth game win. Brian made his major league debut with the Yankees that year on April 30 (0-for-3 in Minnesota) after being recalled, initially, from Tacoma due to an injury to Mickey Klutts. He got his first major league hit on June 17, off the Angels' Paul Hartzell. Brian made two trips back to Tacoma, being called up to New York for the final time on September 11, and was named to replace injured Willie Randolph on the Yankee roster for the ALCS and World Series.
Doyle began his career in the Texas organization in 1972 at Geneva. He had his best year in 1976 when he batted .349 in 25 games at San Antonio and was then promoted to Sacramento (AAA) in the Pacific Coast League and hit .290 in 96 games. Brian came to the Yankees after the 1976 season and played at Syracuse in 1977, batting .246 as the team's regular second baseman.
Brian is the younger brother of Denny Doyle, former major league infielder with the Phillies, Angels and Red Sox, and the twin brother of Blake Doyle, who is in the Orioles organization. Brian was the shortstop and Blake the second baseman at Caverna High School in Cave City, Kentucky, where they grew up. Brian was All-Conference, All-District, All-Regional and All-State in baseball, and also played basketball and football. He was switched to second base by the Rangers in 1973. Brian enjoys golf, and runs the Florida Instructional Baseball School with his brothers in the off-season in Winter Haven, Florida."

-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide


JIM KAAT
"You've got to admire a man who has been pitching in the major leagues for four decades. Especially if he's been hurling a baseball since before some of today's young Yankees were born! The 41-year-old crafty veteran is none other than Jim 'Kitty' Kaat.
Kitty has been pitching professionally since 1957 when he was in the Nebraska League at Superior. Two years later, he made his major league debut with the old Washington Senators and he moved with them to Minnesota in 1961. For the next 13 years, Jim hurled successfully in the Twin Cities before he was sold to the White Sox in late 1973. After winning 21 games in 1974 and 20 in 1975, many American League hitters sighed in relief as Kaat was sent to the Phillies for the '76 season.
But he returned to the A.L. last when the Yankees, sensing the need for a left-handed help in the bullpen, reached for the experienced 6'5" Michigan native. His credentials are impressive: a three-time 20-game winner, 16 consecutive Gold Gloves (1962-1977), among the top 25 all-time in games, innings, starts, strikeouts and wins, and the second-winningest active major league pitcher behind Gaylord Perry.
After 24 years of professional baseball, you'd think Jim would tire of the game. But not Kitty Kaat! His body belies his 41 years and he has the spirit of a rookie. Don't be surprised if Jim's around for quite some time."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook


KEN CLAY
"While vacationers lay in the sun and basked under its warm rays, Ken Clay found himself working his tail off in Puerto Rico this past winter. After a sub-par performance in New York in 1979, the last thing K.C. could afford was a vacation. He needed to get in some mound time and push his control back to its major league level.
Last season was Kenny's worst in the majors and it seemed as if he didn't know what his role would be from one day to the next, having performed every role a pitcher can. Since being called up to the Yankees in June of 1977, the 26-year-old right-hander has been a starter, long reliever, short reliever and middle reliever. The multitude of roles has caused a considerable loss of confidence in this Lynchburg, Virginia native. Especially since he never knew what role he was supposed to be playing.
So Kenny went down to the Islands where he became one of the top hurlers in the Puerto Rican Winter League, fashioning a 7-3 record and a 3.27 ERA. Kenny's renewed confidence combined with his experience playing many roles last season should make him a very effective pitcher in the Yankee bullpen in 1980."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"Clay spent his second full season with the Yankees in 1979 and was used both in relief and as a spot starter. He started five games on the year, with an 0-3 mark and an 8.60 ERA, and finished the year with three straight starts. Kenny relieved in 27 games, picking up his only win of the year on June 8 at Kansas City, as he blanked the Royals on two hits over the final 1.2 innings to get credit for the Yanks' 11-10 win. He picked up two saves, one against the A's on July 7 when he finished up an 8-3 Yankee win with 3.2 innings of hitless relief. Kenny had 19 straight relief appearances before starting on June 25 against Toronto.
Kenny came up to the Yankees for the first time in June of 1977 after compiling a 5-1 record at Syracuse. He picked up his first major league win with .1 inning of relief work on August 16, 1977 against the White Sox. Always considered one of the Yankees' top pitching prospects, the hard-throwing right-hander had worked his way up through the Yankee farm system. In his first full season at triple-A in 1976, Kenny was 11-8.
Clay's first full season with the Yankees was 1978. He was used in relief and as a spot starter, and pitched seven scoreless innings as a starter against the Blue Jays on May 21, winning 9-1. Kenny pitched six innings of 5-hit relief at Fenway Park on September 7 to win the opener of a big four-game series against the Red Sox. He was disabled by a pulled chest muscle in mid-season of '78.
Kenny has made 14 career starts, four of them against the Blue Jays, and is 2-5 lifetime with a 5.96 ERA. He saved Jim Beattie's win in Game One of the 1978 ALCS with 3.2 innings of no-hit relief against the Royals. He made one appearance in the '78 World Series and pitched well in two World Series appearances in 1977. Kenny spent the off-season pitching in Puerto Rico and was very impressive with a 7-3 record and 3.27 ERA in 11 starts.
Clay was a five-letter man at E.C. Glass High in Lynchburg, Virginia. He was a good basketball who in the past has worked as a referee in the off-seasons. Kenny is a graduate of the Little League and American Legion programs of Virginia. He lists Carl Yastrzemski as his toughest individual opponent."

-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide


DON GULLETT
"If Don Gullett's shoulder injury put a damper on his 1978 season, then Don's injury completely soaked his last season with the Yankees. During 1979, Don couldn't pitch a single inning with the Bombers due to the pain it caused him. In fact, he hasn't thrown in a game since July 8, 1978.
Don will probably never have the fastball that allowed him to blaze onto the major league scene at the tender age of 19. But he's always been sharp and is capable of becoming a finesse pitcher. By rating past performances, Don had some of the best seasons you'll ever find in the books. He was 14-4 during his first season with the Yankees in '77. Prior to that, Don was 91-44 with the Cincinnati Reds with a .674 lifetime N.L. winning percentage. The Reds, who refused to re-sign Don, lost him when the Yankees were only too willing to meet his terms in November of 1976.
Fellow ballplayers and fans everywhere watch Don Gullett on the road to recovery. Rehabilitation has been slow and tedious. Like a baby taking his first step, Don will have to learn to crawl before he can walk. And everyone is rooting for this classy gentleman to make it all the way back."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"1979 was a complete washout for Gullett. Trying to come back from a rotator cuff injury, he didn't pitch an inning last year. He was on a schedule of throwing on the sidelines every other day, but then his pain occurred again and rest was prescribed for Don's shoulder. He was on the disabled list all year.
The 1978 season was not much better than last year. Bothered by shoulder problems for most of '78, Don appeared in only eight games. He started and finished the season on the disabled list, and finally underwent surgery by Dr. Frank Jobe on September 29 in Inglewood, California.
Despite his injuries in 1977, Don still managed to possess the top winning percentage in the American League, 14-4 (.778). He won his 100th big league game that year when he beat the Royals 3-1 on July 24. Don was the first free agent signed by the Yankees following the 1976 re-entry draft; he was signed to a six-year contract. He lost his first two American League appearances, both to the Brewers, then won six in a row, 11 of 12, and 14 of 16. He had a 12-strikeout game for the Yankees on September 23 against Toronto.
Don spent a month on the disabled list in 1977 with stiffness in his left shoulder, and then returned to the rotation on September 4 to pitch a 3-hit shutout over the Twins. His previous injury was a dislocated tendon in his right foot, suffered pitching against the Yankees in Game One of the 1976 World Series. Other injuries have been a broken thumb in 1975, and a pinched nerve in his neck and shoulder problems in 1976. He was sidelined by hepatitis in 1972, and a back ailment in 1974 but was still named that season's Sporting News left-hander pitcher of the year
His .686 winning percentage is tops among all active pitchers with 100 or more decisions. In his 10th year in the big leagues, Don is a veteran of six Championship Series and five World Series. He twice led the National League in percentage (1971 and 1975), the first title coming at age 20 in his second year with the Reds.
Don was the Reds' number one draft pick in June 1969. At 19, in his rookie year, he struck out six consecutive Mets in a relief role, tying a major league record. He had a no-hitter against the Cubs for 7.1 innings in 1971, and his low-hit efforts have been a trio of 2-hitters in 1973, '74 and '75. Don won nine straight in 1973. He hit a home run in the 1975 Championship Series, his only one in the majors.
Described as the epitome of the All-American Boy, Gullett was a sensational schoolboy star in three sports at Southshore McKell High School in McKell, Kentucky. He once scored 72 points in a football game, once scored 47 points in a basketball game, and once struck out 20 of 21 batters in a baseball game. He played Babe Ruth ball in Greenup, Kentucky and American Legion ball in South Shore, Kentucky, and was a Dodger fan as a youngster. His brother, Jack, played in the Tiger organization."

-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide

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


PAUL BLAIR
"For baseball fans growing up in the sixties, there was a center fielder for the Orioles who they will never forget. He wore number six from 1965 through 1976 and taught millions how to play the game. Style and grace were his trademarks as the ball floated lazily through the summer night and eased its way into his mitt. The ease with which he roamed the outfield made it appear as if he owned it.
Those were the qualities that impressed people during his career, and impressed the Yankees enough that they hired him as a roving instructor for their minor league outfielders. But Paul kept himself in shape, knowing the time could come when the major league team could use him. And when injuries struck Ruppert Jones and Oscar Gamble, the Yankees chose the experienced flyhawk to aid as a backup at all three outfield positions. As usual, he hasn't let them down."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"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


ROY STAIGER
"Staiger spent the 1979 season with the Yankees' International League champion Columbus Clippers before being called up to New York in September. He got in four games with the Yanks, making his American League debut, and went for 3-for-11 (.273). He batted .260 for the Clippers in 104 games but was productive, picking up 62 RBIs.
Roy spent the 1978 season at Tacoma after coming over to the Yankee organization from the Mets in the winter of 1977. He had a good year at Tacoma, batting .283 with 19 home runs and 85 RBIs, the home runs and RBIs both being career highs. An excellent fielder, Roy led Pacific Coast League third basemen with a .961 fielding percentage that year.
A number one draft pick by the Mets in the January 1970 free agent draft, Roy moved up in the Mets organization, having his best year in 1975 at Tidewater, where he won the International League RBI crown (81) and third base fielding honors (.987). He was brought up to the Mets on September 11, 1975, appearing in 13 games.
Roy spent the 1976 season with the Mets, starting off slowly before being given the third base job, when Wayne Garrett was traded to Montreal on July 21. He then proceeded to hit in 23 of his next 31 games, batting .310. Roy hit his first major league home run off Woody Fryman of the Expos on August 2, 1976 and made only nine errors at third for the Mets all year.
An All-City, All-State and All-Conference baseball player at Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Staiger gained National Junior College All-American honors at Barcone JC (Okla.) in 1969 and 1970 as a shortstop. Originally drafted by the Dodgers in June 1969, he didn't sign, and then was drafted by the Mets in January 1970.
Roy enjoys bow hunting, fishing, golf and racquetball. He's of German and Irish descent. He went on a tour of Japan with the 1974 Mets and rooted for the Yankees as a youngster."

-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide


GAYLORD PERRY
"Gaylord agreed to fulfill the final year of his Padres contract this season after walking out on the club last September over a contract hassle. He insisted on a swap to the Rangers, but the Pads did not comply.
He passed Bob Gibson into the number two spot on the all-time strikeout list with 3,148- Walter Johnson is tops with 3,508. Gaylord allowed only four runs in four starts, yet was winless in May until he downed the Braves 6-3 on May 29. He forfeited $25,000 in salary by sitting out the last month. He will make $200,000 this year.
Born in Williamston, North Carolina, Gaylord won 10 of 11 games in '78, becoming a Cy Young Award winner a second time. He's won 20 for three different teams."

-Nick Peters, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1980 Edition


DR. JOHN J. BONAMO (Team Physician)
"Dr. Bonamo enters his second year as the Yankee team physician. He is an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with NYU hospital and a graduate of Boston College and New York Medical College."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"Dr. John J. Bonamo enters his second year as the Yankees team physician. He is an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Staten Island and NYU Hospitals and is a graduate of Boston College and New York Medical College."

-1980 New York Yankees Media Guide


GENE MONAHAN (Trainer)
"Gene started as a Yankee batboy in his hometown of Fort Lauderdale and now is starting his 18th year in the Yankee family, his eighth with the parent club. At 35, Gene is one of the most respected trainers in the game."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"Gene Monahan, Yankee trainer, is now in his eighth year with the parent club. At 35, he is in his 18th year with the Yankee organization, starting as a batboy at Fort Lauderdale. He is a graduate of Indiana University."

-1980 New York Yankees Media Guide


BARRY WEINBERG (Assistant Trainer)
"Barry enters his second season with the Yankees as an assistant trainer. He has served as a trainer with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and the Washington Redskins. He is a Springfield College graduate with a Master's degree from Indiana University."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"Barry Weinberg enters his second season as the Yankees' assistant trainer. Before joining the Yanks, he had been a trainer in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, most recently at their Triple-A club at Columbus in 1978. Barry is a graduate of Springfield College with a Masters from Indiana University."

-1980 New York Yankees Media Guide


BOB SHEPPARD (Public Address Announcer)
"Bob may just be one of the voices you have grown up with over the years. He is America's best known public address announcer and can be heard at all Yankee games. Bob is also a professor of speech at St. John's University and can be heard as the PA announcer for the New York Giants."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook


JIMMY ESPOSITO (Head Groundskeeper)
"Jimmy enters his 21st year and third decade maintaining the field at Yankee Stadium after spending 14 seasons working on the ground crew with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers. The beautiful condition of the turf is a tribute to Jim and his crew."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"Jimmy Esposito, chief of the Yankee ground crew, began his role in 1960 after 14 seasons with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers."

-1980 New York Yankees Media Guide


JIM OGLE (Yankee Alumni Association)
"Jim spent 20 years covering the Yankees for the Newark Star-Ledger and has been a baseball writer for over 40 years. He now heads the Yankee Alumni Association out of his base in Fort Lauderdale, Florida."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook


EDDIE LAYTON (Stadium Organist)
"Eddie commands the Yankee keyboards with a presence all his own. He had been with the Yankees from 1967-70, but he returned to his home away from home in 1978. Credited with debuting the famous 'Charge' call, Eddie has recorded 25 albums and can also be heard at many Madison Square Garden events."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook


PETE SHEEHY (Clubhouse Man and Equipment Manager)
"Pete remembers more than you have ever imagined. He has tended the clubhouse for 53 straight seasons, since 1927, and can recall pleasant times with all the Yankee greats. In 1976, with the opening of the 'new' Yankee Stadium, Pete was one of the four honored guests and the Yankee clubhouse was renamed the Pete Sheehy Clubhouse."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"Pete Sheehy, after whom the Yankee clubhouse is named, is now in his 54th season as equipment man and clubhouse attendant. The likeable Pete was among those specially honored at Opening Day of the 'new' Yankee Stadium."

-1980 New York Yankees Media Guide


LOU CUCUZZA (Visitors Clubhouse Manager)
"Lou Cucuzza is in his fifth year running the visitors clubhouse at the Stadium."

-1980 New York Yankees Media Guide