"Tim Lollar spent the first two years of his pro career never really knowing what to expect. One day he was a pitcher, the next day a first baseman/designated hitter. After a while, things got a bit confusing.
1980 was a year of decision. The time had come for Tim to devote full-time efforts to his mound work and find out of the talent was there. So Tim set his sights on a full season of Triple-A baseball as a pitcher.
It didn't take long for him to find out that the talent was indeed there. In fact, by mid-July he had burst onto the big league scene in the most impressive fashion. The 6'3", 192-pound southpaw pitched in 14 games in pinstripes and he came away with two key saves, a 1-0 record and some invaluable confidence-building experience. The pride and joy of Farmington, Missouri is hoping that 1981 will bring more of the same. And so are the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Another 1980 surprise, Lollar began the season at Columbus where he was 1-1 with five saves and a 1.09 ERA in 16 relief appearances. He allowed only 13 hits in 33 innings before he was recalled on June 24 when Paul Blair was designated for assignment. He stayed with the Yankees until he was optioned back to Columbus on August 11.
Lollar earned two saves with the big club in his first stint and struck out the first batter he faced, Rick Manning. He came back to the Yankees on September 13 and pitched three more times, including his first major league start and first win on the final day of the season, 2-1 over Detroit (six innings, two hits, one run).
This is his first year in camp on the 40-man roster. Last year Tim was in camp as a non-roster player after an 8-5, 3.18 season at West Haven. During his first year ('78) he was also used as a DH at West Haven.
Tim is not related to Sherm Lollar. He was the Southwest Conference MVP in '78 and a Sporting News All-American at Arkansas, where he majored in forestry. He played football, basketball, baseball and golf at Farmington High School, earning All-Conference honors in football. Tim rooted for the Cardinals and Stan Musial as a youngster."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
GENE NELSON (1980 Yankee Minor League Pitcher of the Year)
"Acquired from the Texas Rangers in the Mickey Rivers deal, this 20-year-old right-hander had a 20-3 record at Ft. Lauderdale last year, a club record. He was Pitcher of the Year in the Florida State League, made the All-Star team and looms as a real sleeper in the Yankee future book."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Most people think that your average, ordinary 20-year-olds from Florida spend most of their days riding the waves and most of their nights studying the finer points of life. Well, this 6'1", 180-pound Tampa resident wearing number 46 spends most of his days riding the crest of his rapidly growing reputation and most of his nights studying the enemy hitters.
Gene Nelson is not your average young man! He's a right-hander who has control of not one, not two, but four pitches and with that, he possesses an extraordinary calm out on the mound. A calm which earned him a long look at the 1981 Yankee spring training camp in Ft. Lauderdale ... and a ticket to ride North!
Last season, during his first year in the Yankee organization, Gene pitched in the Class A Florida State League and led the loop with a 20-3 record, 130 strikeouts and a few raised eyebrows. He raised a few more eyebrows this spring and made the seemingly impossible jump all the way to the major leagues. It seems that heads are turning everywhere!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Nelson rolled up an excellent 20-3 record in 1980 as the top hurler in the Florida State League. He completed 16 of his 25 starts and led the league with a .870 won-lost percentage. He allowed just 146 hits (and only four home runs) in 196 innings while striking out 130. Nelson led the league in wins, winning percentage, complete games, and shutouts (5).
He had a 12-game winning streak during the season, raising his record from 6-2 to 18-2. Gene struck out 17 batters at Miami on July 31 and was Topps Player of the Month in the Florida State League for July. He also went 1-1 in the playoffs, including a 5-hit shutout.
Nelson was drafted in the 27th round (690th overall) by the Rangers following his graduation from Pasco County (Dade City, Florida) High School. He has a lifetime 38-8 professional record: he was undefeated in 1978 after signing (5-0 at Sarasota) and followed that by going 13-5 in 1979 at Asheville of the Western Carolinas League.
He was a Yankee fan while growing up, even though Nolan Ryan was his favorite player. Gene is the youngest player on the 40-man roster and one of only two born in the 1960s."
-New York Yankees 1981 Media Guide
"Most people think that your average, ordinary 20-year-olds from Florida spend most of their days riding the waves and most of their nights studying the finer points of life. Well, this 6'1", 180-pound Tampa resident wearing number 46 spends most of his days riding the crest of his rapidly growing reputation and most of his nights studying the enemy hitters.
Gene Nelson is not your average young man! He's a right-hander who has control of not one, not two, but four pitches and with that, he possesses an extraordinary calm out on the mound. A calm which earned him a long look at the 1981 Yankee spring training camp in Ft. Lauderdale ... and a ticket to ride North!
Last season, during his first year in the Yankee organization, Gene pitched in the Class A Florida State League and led the loop with a 20-3 record, 130 strikeouts and a few raised eyebrows. He raised a few more eyebrows this spring and made the seemingly impossible jump all the way to the major leagues. It seems that heads are turning everywhere!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Nelson rolled up an excellent 20-3 record in 1980 as the top hurler in the Florida State League. He completed 16 of his 25 starts and led the league with a .870 won-lost percentage. He allowed just 146 hits (and only four home runs) in 196 innings while striking out 130. Nelson led the league in wins, winning percentage, complete games, and shutouts (5).
He had a 12-game winning streak during the season, raising his record from 6-2 to 18-2. Gene struck out 17 batters at Miami on July 31 and was Topps Player of the Month in the Florida State League for July. He also went 1-1 in the playoffs, including a 5-hit shutout.
Nelson was drafted in the 27th round (690th overall) by the Rangers following his graduation from Pasco County (Dade City, Florida) High School. He has a lifetime 38-8 professional record: he was undefeated in 1978 after signing (5-0 at Sarasota) and followed that by going 13-5 in 1979 at Asheville of the Western Carolinas League.
He was a Yankee fan while growing up, even though Nolan Ryan was his favorite player. Gene is the youngest player on the 40-man roster and one of only two born in the 1960s."
-New York Yankees 1981 Media Guide
ANDY MCGAFFIGAN
"Andy McGaffigan is a name that few outside the Yankee Player Development department knew prior to last season. But the tall right-hander made his name known last year around the Double-A Southern League circuit when he was named Pitcher of the Year. In 1980, Andy pitched a 15-5, 2.38 season for the Nashville Sounds. Along the way, he won 12 straight pitching as both a starter and a reliever.
Suddenly, the West Palm Beach, Florida native became a hot commodity and a definite prospect for the Yankees. After all, it's not every day you'll find a pitcher who can give you twice as much for your dollar. Andy McGaffigan. A name to remember."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"McGaffigan was the Most Valuable Pitcher in the Southern League in 1980 as he went 15-5 as a starter, long relief man and short relief man. He led the league in ERA (2.38) and was named to the Southern League All-Stars. Andy tied a league record with 12 straight wins, including eight in relief, earning him the nickname 'Vulture' from pitching coach Pat Dobson. He yielded only five home runs in 170 innings and allowed just 139 hits.
Last year was his second in double-A and he is 24-11 over those two years. Andy had been a starter in all but one game prior to last year but showed versatility in being able to handle any spot on the staff in '80. Originally drafted by the Reds in the 28th round in 1974, he was also drafted in the 4th round (January) by the White Sox in 1976.
Andy has spent his whole life in the West Palm Beach area. He rooted for the Cardinals as a youngster, but Jim Palmer was his favorite player. He credits Sammy Ellis, Pat Dobson and Ken Johnson for much of his success. Andy lists inconsistency as his toughest opponent."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
STEVE BALBONI (1980 Yankee Minor League Player of the Year)
The Scooter calls them 'Balboni Blasts' and the fans at Yankee Stadium can't wait to see this 6'3", 225-pound strong man muscle the ball right over the wall. Home runs are his forte and wouldn't you know the Yankees simply seem to come up with another home run force every few years.
For Steve Balboni, the Yankees' second-round choice in the June 1978 Free Agent Draft, New York will come in time. Right now, Steve's satisfied with these numbers: .301 batting average, 101 runs, 288 total bases, 34 home runs, 17 intentional walks and a Southern League record 122 RBIs. Those figures reflect Steve's 1980 output and that doesn't even include his .990 league leading percentage at first base in 140 games with 1,218 putouts to his credit. At that rate, he can join the Bombers anytime he'd like!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"1980 was Balboni's best season yet, setting numerous career highs, establishing several records and winning many honors. He began the season clouting 21 homers in his first 39 games and was batting .351 with 57 RBIs on June 8.
Steve ended the season seventh in the Southern League in batting (.301) and leading the league with 101 runs, 288 total bases, 34 homers, 122 RBIs and 17 intentional walks. His RBI total established a new Southern League record. Steve was also outstanding in the field, leading Southern League first basemen in fielding (.990), games (140), putouts (1,218) and double plays (125).
Balboni was named Southern League All-Star first baseman and Most Valuable Player. He won the Topps Player of the Month Award for the Southern League in May, was named to the Topps Class AA All-Star team and was the Topps Southern League Player of the Year. Balboni was also named Yankees' Minor League Player of the Year.
In 1979 at Fort Lauderdale Steve was the Florida State League MVP as he led the league in games (140), at-bats (504), homers (26), RBIs (91) and strikeouts (154), while in the field he led the league in fielding (.992), putouts (1,297), assists (97) and double plays (106). Steve was named the Topps Florida State League Player of the Month in August. Signed in 1978 by his former college coach Bill Livesey, he made his pro debut at Fort Lauderdale where he hit just one homer in 60 games.
Balboni was a three-sport standout at Memorial High (Manchester, New Hampshire), where he played against Joe Lefebvre, and attended Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he played for Bill Livesey, now Yankee Director of Player Development, and teamed with Lefebvre. The MVP at Eckerd, he and Lefebvre helped lead Eckerd to a second place finish in the Division II College World Series in 1977."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
GREG COCHRAN
"In the winter of '79, Greg Cochran quietly, oh so quietly, became the property of the New York Yankees. Purchased from Oakland along with Bruce Robinson, the 6'2", 190-pounder right-hander was looked upon as a 'throw-in' in the deal. No longer is that the case.
Statistically, 1980 was the year that saw this Arizona State graduate come into his own. In 24 starts at Columbus, he put together an impressive 12-7 record and an even more impressive 2.56 ERA. But statistics alone do not reveal the true story, for as anyone who has ever seen this blond-haired craftsman can tell you, this is one solid competitor. One look and you can't help but appreciate the true value of consistency that has become his trademark."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Greg spent the 1980 season at Columbus where he was the staff's second biggest winner (12-7) behind Bob Kammeyer (15-7). He showed an exceptional innings-to-hits ratio (129 hits in 165 innings). He picked up two more wins in the playoffs, hurling a pair of one-run, 7-hit complete games as the Clippers won their second straight title. Greg calls that his greatest thrill as a pro.
Last year was his best in pro ball. Greg was signed by Charlie Finley in 1975 after being drafted by the A's in the second round. He was drafted out of high school in 1971 in the fourth round by the Phillies but went to Arizona State. He's pitched in the New York area, going 10-13 with Jersey City (Eastern League) in 1978.
His sister Jana is married to Mariners pitcher Floyd Bannister. Greg grew up in the Los Angeles area (Whittier) as a Dodger and Don Drysdale fan. He played with Bannister, Ken Landreaux, Gary Allenson, Bump Wills, Rick Peters and Cowboys quarterback Danny White at Arizona State. A College All-American at ASU, Greg has a B.S. degree in marketing."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
BRUCE ROBINSON
"Bruce Robinson made the most of a 1980 season that was almost doomed from the start. He missed all of spring training with tendinitis in his right wrist and missed any chance he had of making the Yankees.
Once he recovered and worked himself into shape, Bruce showed the kind of potential that everyone knew he had when the Yankees acquired him just prior to the 1979 season. The left-handed-hitting catcher from southern California caught over 100 games for Columbus last year and finished second on the club in home runs with 12 and RBIs with 48.
Bruce has spent parts of the last three seasons in the major leagues and is looking toward 1981 as the year when he finally sticks for good. He's a hard worker and an intelligent young Stanford graduate with all the physical tools."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Bruce spent the 1980 season as the number one catcher at Columbus before he came up to the Yankees at the end of the season. He hit .240 in 104 games with the Clippers and was second on the club to league MVP Marshall Brant with 12 home runs and 48 RBIs. Bruce had a good year considering he missed the majority of spring training with tendinitis in his right wrist. 1979 was his first year in the Yankee organization, and he split the catching duties at Columbus with Brad Gulden. Bruce finished second to Dennis Werth on the club with nine home runs while playing in 102 games.
He began his pro career in 1975 at Modesto after the A's made him their No. 1 selection in June 1975. Bruce was voted MVP by the Chattanooga fans after the 1976 season and split 1977 between Chattanooga and San Jose. He spent most of the 1978 season at Vancouver (AAA), batting .299 with 10 home runs and 73 RBIs before being called up to the A's. Bruce hit .250 with eight RBIs in 28 games with Oakland, and following that season was sold to the Yankees. He was originally drafted by the White Sox in June 1972 in the fourth round but he decided to attend Stanford University instead.
Bruce graduated from Stanford with a B.A. in economics. He was named to the Pac-8 Conference All-Stars in 1974, and in his junior year in 1975 drove in 49 runs while hitting a school record 13 home runs; he was named to the Sporting News College All-American team that year. Bruce played semi-pro ball for the Alaska Goldpanners of Fairbanks (1972-75) and played on three consecutive National Baseball Congress championship teams with them (1972-74); his teammates included Steve Kemp, Floyd Bannister and Dave Winfield.
Bruce played baseball, football and basketball at La Jolla High School, where he batted .436 in 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 playing the guitar."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
CHRIS WELSH
"Chris Welsh is a perfect example of the American work ethic being put to good use: a one-time 21st round draft choice who suddenly emerged as one of the Yanks' better prospects. A left-handed hurler who possesses the ability to perform effectively in whatever role he is called upon. A 6'2", 185-pound South Florida graduate who has impressed everyone that has seen him.
He takes pride in the following statistics: 38 complete games in 71 pro starts and a four-year ERA of 3.20. He takes pride in his reputation: a reliable competitor who accepts nothing less than perfection.
For two consecutive seasons, this 25-year-old southpaw was one of the main reasons why the Columbus Clippers became International League champions. It just goes to show you what you can accomplish with a little bit of elbow grease and a ton of pride."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Welsh had a deceptive 9-12 record at Columbus in 1980. His ERA was 2.73 and he allowed just 134 hits in 158 innings and tied Bob Kammeyer for the club lead in complete games (13). He started 24 of his 29 games and hurled two shutouts. Welsh was 2-0 in the playoffs, pitching 14.1 innings and allowing 10 hits and two runs, and was the starter and winner in the Governor's Cup clincher over Toledo.
Last year was his second straight at Columbus. Chris started his career at Oneonta in 1977 and led the league in innings, complete games and strikeouts. He followed with an 11-9 record at West Haven in 1978. 1979 was his first year primarily in relief, and he was 8-4 with three saves at Columbus after an impressive spring camp (13.2 innings pitched, 12 strikeouts, one walk).
Welsh has a B.A. degree in business marketing from the University of South Florida and does some real estate work in the off-season. He was co-captain of the baseball team at USF and honorable mention All-Independent. He enjoys playing the guitar.
Chris grew up in Cincinnati where he rooted for Pete Rose and the Reds."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
BRIAN RYDER
"When Yankee executives talk trade with other baseball teams, one name that is almost always in demand is Brian Ryder. Considered one of the brightest prospects in a farm system full of prospects, Brian has won 35 games in his first three years as a pro, while playing on regular-season championship clubs each year. In his last two years, Brian has fashioned records of 15-5 and 15-9.
The 21-year-old right-hander is big and strong at 6'6" and 222 pounds and appears more like a football tight end than a baseball pitcher. But pitching is where his future is and that future appears to be on the mound in Yankee Stadium."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Ryder had his third straight excellent year in 1980, going 15-9 with a 3.04 ERA. He was the workhorse of the Nashville staff, pitching 201 innings and allowing just 170 hits. He tied for the staff lead in wins and led in strikeouts with 134 and starts with 28.
Brian has progressed steadily through the Yankee system and has played on regular-season championship clubs all three years. He has won 15 games two years in a row and is 35-17 lifetime as a pro. Brian led the Florida State League in strikeouts in 1979 with 156 in 171 innings. He had been a starter for his entire pro career.
Ryder is the second youngest player on the 40-man roster and one of only two born in the '60s. He signed after graduation from Shrewsbury High School, where he was a three-sport star. He was a second-team All-American in baseball, and a Central Massachusetts All-Star in basketball and football (as a quarterback).
Brian was nicknamed by his teammates from the movie 'Easy Rider.' He was the 26th overall pick in the 1978 draft."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
MIKE MORGAN
"Morgan came to the Yankees from the A's in a deal that originally involved Brian Doyle as well as Fred Stanley. He already has three minor league seasons behind him.
Mike was the No. 4 overall draft pick in the June 1978 draft and made his major league debut a few days after he graduated from high school. He pitched a complete game against the Orioles but lost.
Born in Tulare, California, Mike is still learning and still young. He could be outstanding."
-Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1981 Edition
"From high school to the mound at the Oakland Coliseum was the rapid transition this young right-hander, secured in a trade with the A's, had to make. He spent last season with Ogden where he was only 6-9, but Yankee scouts like the young man's arm and believe he is a real prospect."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Morgan spent the 1980 season at Ogden, the triple-A club of the A's, and was used strictly as a starter, finishing at 6-9. This was the first of his three pro seasons that he failed to pitch in the major leagues.
The 4th player drafted (and first pitcher) in the June 1978 Free Agent Draft, Mike was signed out of Valley High School (Las Vegas) by Charlie Finley and made his big league debut one week later on June 11, losing to the Orioles despite allowing just two earned runs in a complete-game effort.
Mike was recalled in June 1979 and won his first major league game 2-1 against Seattle on July 29 in Oakland. He was the pitcher when Carl Yastrzemski hit his 400th home run.
Mike grew up in Las Vegas as a Cincinnati Reds fan and was a three-sport star at Valley High, winning MVP honors in both football and baseball and also playing basketball. He lists Reggie Jackson as his toughest opponent and Yankee Stadium as his favorite ballpark."
-New York Yankees 1981 Media Guide
JUAN ESPINO
"Dividing his time last year between Nashville and Columbus, this burly catcher from the Dominican Republic continued to impress with his catching ability, but still has problems at bat. This pleasant young man is scheduled to do a lot of catching at Columbus this year."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Espino split the 1980 season between Nashville and Columbus, backing up Brad Gulden and Bruce Robinson. He drove in 25 runs in just 185 at-bats with 36 hits. His time at Columbus was his first taste of triple-A ball.
Juan's best season was 1978 when he hit .280 at West Haven with 37 RBIs in 261 at-bats, and also led Eastern League catchers with a .967 fielding percentage. He's always been a productive hitter, making his hits account for runs.
Espino has spent his whole life in the Dominican Republic. He has been in the Yankee organization for six years, but this is his first appearance on the 40-man roster. Juan has been in camp the last two years as a non-roster invitee."
-New York Yankees 1981 Media Guide
RAFAEL SANTANA
"Santana split the 1980 season between Ft. Lauderdale and Nashville. He began at Nashville, his first taste of double-A ball, and hit .233 in 86 games and had some trouble in the field, committing 25 errors. He committed only nine errors at Ft. Lauderdale in 51 games to field .964, though he didn't qualify for the league lead; the league leader fielded .962.
Rafael has spent four years in the organization, and this is his second year on the 40-man roster. He made the Florida State League All-Star team as a shortstop in 1978 and as a utility infielder in 1979. Rafael led the league's shortstops in fielding in 1979 at .982 and reduced his errors from 48 in '78 to 16 in '79.
He has been brilliant but sometimes erratic in the field and is smooth on the double play from either side of the bag. He's primarily a shortstop but also plays second and third.
A native of the Dominican Republic, Santana has adjusted well to the states. Only 18 when he signed, he has grown tremendously in confidence and maturity."
-New York Yankees 1981 Media Guide
PAT TABLER
"Keep your eye on this 1976 No. 1 selection since he has come on fast the past year as a second baseman. It took a while for this 6'2", 195-pound right-handed hitter to find his position, but he has really impressed since. He led the Southern League with 13 game-winning hits in 1980."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Tabler has come into his own the past two years after struggling in his first three. He had his best season by far in 1980, hitting .296 with 16 home runs and 83 RBIs at Nashville, and the home run and RBI totals were second on the club to Steve Balboni. Pat led the Southern League in game-winning RBIs with 13, was ninth in batting and second in doubles with a club record 38. He was named as the Southern League All-Star second baseman in only his first full year at the position.
Originally drafted as a first baseman-third baseman, Pat has also played the outfield. He found a home at second base mid-way through 1979 at West Haven. He hit .300 there with 36 RBIs in 56 games after beginning the season with .316 at Ft. Lauderdale. Pat has progressed slowly through the system: he spent 1976 at Oneonta and the next two and a half years at Ft. Lauderdale before being elevated to double-A.
Tabler grew up in the Cincinnati area and played football, basketball, and ran track in addition to being all-city, all-state and All-American in baseball at McNicholas High School. He played against Leon Durham and Richard Dotson, and was also all-city and all-district in basketball. One of five children, Pat naturally was a Reds fan and his favorites were Pete Rose and Johnny Bench."
-New York Yankees 1981 Media Guide
TED WILBORN
"Drafted out of the Yankee organization in 1979, this fleet-footed 6'0", 170-pounder returned last year as part of the Rick Cerone-Tom Underwood deal. There has never been any question as to his defensive ability and speed, but the 20-year-old is still trying to find his groove with the bat."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Wilborn had his most productive year at the plate in the minors, playing at AA Nashville in 1980. He posted career highs in games, hits, doubles, triples, homers and RBIs, and led the Southern League with his 14 triples. Wilborn was called up to the Yankees in September and appeared in eight games. He got his first major league hit on October 4 off Aurelio Lopez at Yankee Stadium.
Ted started his career in the Yankee organization. He was the No. 4 selection in the June 1976 Free Agent Draft and was scouted by Wayne Morgan, now of the Blue Jays. He played center field at Oneonta in his first pro season, moved to Ft. Lauderdale in 1977 and split the 1978 season between Ft. Lauderdale and Oneonta. At Oneonta in '78, Ted stole 57 bases in just 65 games (only six shy of the league record) to lead the New York-Penn League and was named the Topps Player of the Month for the New York Penn-League for August of '78. He started switch-hitting that season.
He was drafted at the 1978 Winter Meetings by Toronto and began the 1979 season with the Blue Jays. He appeared in 22 games for Toronto, going 0-for-12, and was sent to Syracuse on July 4 for the remainder of the season.
Wilborn played basketball and football, as well as baseball, at C.K. McClatchy High School in Sacramento where he grew up. He was a Giant fan as a youngster, his favorite being Willie Mays. His father is a high school principal."
-New York Yankees 1981 Media Guide
PAUL BORIS
"Signed out of a minor league tryout camp, this 25-year-old graduate of Rutgers University never impresses anyone ... he just gets them out. Used chiefly as a reliever, Paul has a three-year record of 30-12 with ERAs of 2.41, 2.05 and 2.49 and 26 saves. He has great control and needs only a break."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
MARSHALL BRANT
"One of the key players on last year's International League Championship Columbus club, this 6-5, 215-pound right-handed hitter led the league in homers (23), RBIs (92) and captured the Most Valuable Player award. He finished last season in New York, but is still looking for that big break."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
PAT CALLAHAN
"This fine defensive catcher starts his fifth year in the Yankee organization with high hopes to win the job at Columbus. A good Triple-A year could make him a much sought after No. 2 man. He is excellent defensively and doesn't embarrass himself with the bat. A real battler."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
TODD DEMETER
"This son of the former major league Don Demeter was the Yanks' first draft pick in 1979. This 20-year-old, dividing his time between the outfield and first base, hit 13 homers with 59 RBIs last year but must learn to make better contact. He has a lot of tools and figures to follow his dad to the major leagues shortly."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
REX HUDLER
"Throw out last season for this 1978 No. 1 draft pick since he spent most of it on the disabled list with injuries. Rex is still a young man, but must get serious about his baseball career if he is going to reach the potential predicted for him as a high school star in California."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
CURT KAUFMAN
"This right-hander was the relief star of the Ft. Lauderdale club last year until called up to Nashville. With Lauderdale he was 5-1, had a 0.97 ERA and averaged almost a strikeout an inning. At Nashville he was a starter and posted a 6-2 record for a most respectable 11-3 season. He is a fireballer."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
DON MATTINGLY
"There are many who regard this 20-year-old 6'0", 180-pounder as the best natural hitter in the Yankee minor league system. Last year he led the South Atlantic League in hitting at .358, hits (177) and RBIs (104). Don was also voted the MVP award and made the All-Star team."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
WILLIE MCGEE
"One of the best outfielders in the Yankee organization, this 22-year-old switch-hitter needs one good year with the bat to catapult himself into the big leagues. Injuries slowed him down last year as he hit .283 with Nashville, but he still has a chance to go all the way."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
OTIS NIXON
"Starting slowly, this 22-year-old fleet-footed shortstop led the SAL in runs (124) and in stolen bases with 67 as he earned All-Star honors as a third baseman. He hit a solid .278 with 48 RBIs and figures to move to shortstop this year to improve his versatility and value."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
ANDRE ROBERTSON
"Secured in a deal with Toronto, this 23-year-old shortstop has a great future. He started last year in Ft. Lauderdale, but when called to Columbus in an emergency performed so well that he became the Clippers' shortstop and hit .251. He has good range, excellent speed and a strong arm."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
ROGER SLAGLE
"This high draft pick of the Yanks in 1976 survived being hit with a line drive last year and a couple periods of arm trouble, and needs only a smile from Lady Luck to crash through. The 6'3", 190-pound right-hander has shown plenty of potential, but has always lacked the luck of the draw."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
FREDDIE TOLIVER
"After leading the New York-Penn League with a 10-2 mark in 1979, this 20-year-old right-hander had trouble getting started last year. He couldn't win at Ft. Lauderdale, then went to Greensboro where he was 6-8 with a respectable 2.68 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 126 innings. He should improve with age."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
MATT WINTERS
"This 21-year-old right-handed hitter suddenly came into his own in the second half of last season with Greensboro. He finished with a .320 average, belted 20 homers and drove in 92 runs, which makes him a prospect. In 1978 he led the New York-Penn League in triples with 11. He has power-plus and is now hitting for average."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
BUCK SHOWALTER
"This solid, left-hand hitting outfielder blossomed last year into a .324 hitter at Nashville, leading the Southern League with 178 hits and being named to the league's postseason all-star team. A 25-year-old native Floridian, Buck (his given name is Nathaniel) is a well-built 5'9", 195-pounder."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
Last year was his best in pro ball. Greg was signed by Charlie Finley in 1975 after being drafted by the A's in the second round. He was drafted out of high school in 1971 in the fourth round by the Phillies but went to Arizona State. He's pitched in the New York area, going 10-13 with Jersey City (Eastern League) in 1978.
His sister Jana is married to Mariners pitcher Floyd Bannister. Greg grew up in the Los Angeles area (Whittier) as a Dodger and Don Drysdale fan. He played with Bannister, Ken Landreaux, Gary Allenson, Bump Wills, Rick Peters and Cowboys quarterback Danny White at Arizona State. A College All-American at ASU, Greg has a B.S. degree in marketing."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
BRUCE ROBINSON
"Bruce Robinson made the most of a 1980 season that was almost doomed from the start. He missed all of spring training with tendinitis in his right wrist and missed any chance he had of making the Yankees.
Once he recovered and worked himself into shape, Bruce showed the kind of potential that everyone knew he had when the Yankees acquired him just prior to the 1979 season. The left-handed-hitting catcher from southern California caught over 100 games for Columbus last year and finished second on the club in home runs with 12 and RBIs with 48.
Bruce has spent parts of the last three seasons in the major leagues and is looking toward 1981 as the year when he finally sticks for good. He's a hard worker and an intelligent young Stanford graduate with all the physical tools."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Bruce spent the 1980 season as the number one catcher at Columbus before he came up to the Yankees at the end of the season. He hit .240 in 104 games with the Clippers and was second on the club to league MVP Marshall Brant with 12 home runs and 48 RBIs. Bruce had a good year considering he missed the majority of spring training with tendinitis in his right wrist. 1979 was his first year in the Yankee organization, and he split the catching duties at Columbus with Brad Gulden. Bruce finished second to Dennis Werth on the club with nine home runs while playing in 102 games.
He began his pro career in 1975 at Modesto after the A's made him their No. 1 selection in June 1975. Bruce was voted MVP by the Chattanooga fans after the 1976 season and split 1977 between Chattanooga and San Jose. He spent most of the 1978 season at Vancouver (AAA), batting .299 with 10 home runs and 73 RBIs before being called up to the A's. Bruce hit .250 with eight RBIs in 28 games with Oakland, and following that season was sold to the Yankees. He was originally drafted by the White Sox in June 1972 in the fourth round but he decided to attend Stanford University instead.
Bruce graduated from Stanford with a B.A. in economics. He was named to the Pac-8 Conference All-Stars in 1974, and in his junior year in 1975 drove in 49 runs while hitting a school record 13 home runs; he was named to the Sporting News College All-American team that year. Bruce played semi-pro ball for the Alaska Goldpanners of Fairbanks (1972-75) and played on three consecutive National Baseball Congress championship teams with them (1972-74); his teammates included Steve Kemp, Floyd Bannister and Dave Winfield.
Bruce played baseball, football and basketball at La Jolla High School, where he batted .436 in 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 playing the guitar."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
CHRIS WELSH
"Chris Welsh is a perfect example of the American work ethic being put to good use: a one-time 21st round draft choice who suddenly emerged as one of the Yanks' better prospects. A left-handed hurler who possesses the ability to perform effectively in whatever role he is called upon. A 6'2", 185-pound South Florida graduate who has impressed everyone that has seen him.
He takes pride in the following statistics: 38 complete games in 71 pro starts and a four-year ERA of 3.20. He takes pride in his reputation: a reliable competitor who accepts nothing less than perfection.
For two consecutive seasons, this 25-year-old southpaw was one of the main reasons why the Columbus Clippers became International League champions. It just goes to show you what you can accomplish with a little bit of elbow grease and a ton of pride."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Welsh had a deceptive 9-12 record at Columbus in 1980. His ERA was 2.73 and he allowed just 134 hits in 158 innings and tied Bob Kammeyer for the club lead in complete games (13). He started 24 of his 29 games and hurled two shutouts. Welsh was 2-0 in the playoffs, pitching 14.1 innings and allowing 10 hits and two runs, and was the starter and winner in the Governor's Cup clincher over Toledo.
Last year was his second straight at Columbus. Chris started his career at Oneonta in 1977 and led the league in innings, complete games and strikeouts. He followed with an 11-9 record at West Haven in 1978. 1979 was his first year primarily in relief, and he was 8-4 with three saves at Columbus after an impressive spring camp (13.2 innings pitched, 12 strikeouts, one walk).
Welsh has a B.A. degree in business marketing from the University of South Florida and does some real estate work in the off-season. He was co-captain of the baseball team at USF and honorable mention All-Independent. He enjoys playing the guitar.
Chris grew up in Cincinnati where he rooted for Pete Rose and the Reds."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
BRIAN RYDER
"When Yankee executives talk trade with other baseball teams, one name that is almost always in demand is Brian Ryder. Considered one of the brightest prospects in a farm system full of prospects, Brian has won 35 games in his first three years as a pro, while playing on regular-season championship clubs each year. In his last two years, Brian has fashioned records of 15-5 and 15-9.
The 21-year-old right-hander is big and strong at 6'6" and 222 pounds and appears more like a football tight end than a baseball pitcher. But pitching is where his future is and that future appears to be on the mound in Yankee Stadium."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Ryder had his third straight excellent year in 1980, going 15-9 with a 3.04 ERA. He was the workhorse of the Nashville staff, pitching 201 innings and allowing just 170 hits. He tied for the staff lead in wins and led in strikeouts with 134 and starts with 28.
Brian has progressed steadily through the Yankee system and has played on regular-season championship clubs all three years. He has won 15 games two years in a row and is 35-17 lifetime as a pro. Brian led the Florida State League in strikeouts in 1979 with 156 in 171 innings. He had been a starter for his entire pro career.
Ryder is the second youngest player on the 40-man roster and one of only two born in the '60s. He signed after graduation from Shrewsbury High School, where he was a three-sport star. He was a second-team All-American in baseball, and a Central Massachusetts All-Star in basketball and football (as a quarterback).
Brian was nicknamed by his teammates from the movie 'Easy Rider.' He was the 26th overall pick in the 1978 draft."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
MIKE MORGAN
"Morgan came to the Yankees from the A's in a deal that originally involved Brian Doyle as well as Fred Stanley. He already has three minor league seasons behind him.
Mike was the No. 4 overall draft pick in the June 1978 draft and made his major league debut a few days after he graduated from high school. He pitched a complete game against the Orioles but lost.
Born in Tulare, California, Mike is still learning and still young. He could be outstanding."
-Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1981 Edition
"From high school to the mound at the Oakland Coliseum was the rapid transition this young right-hander, secured in a trade with the A's, had to make. He spent last season with Ogden where he was only 6-9, but Yankee scouts like the young man's arm and believe he is a real prospect."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Morgan spent the 1980 season at Ogden, the triple-A club of the A's, and was used strictly as a starter, finishing at 6-9. This was the first of his three pro seasons that he failed to pitch in the major leagues.
The 4th player drafted (and first pitcher) in the June 1978 Free Agent Draft, Mike was signed out of Valley High School (Las Vegas) by Charlie Finley and made his big league debut one week later on June 11, losing to the Orioles despite allowing just two earned runs in a complete-game effort.
Mike was recalled in June 1979 and won his first major league game 2-1 against Seattle on July 29 in Oakland. He was the pitcher when Carl Yastrzemski hit his 400th home run.
Mike grew up in Las Vegas as a Cincinnati Reds fan and was a three-sport star at Valley High, winning MVP honors in both football and baseball and also playing basketball. He lists Reggie Jackson as his toughest opponent and Yankee Stadium as his favorite ballpark."
-New York Yankees 1981 Media Guide
JUAN ESPINO
"Dividing his time last year between Nashville and Columbus, this burly catcher from the Dominican Republic continued to impress with his catching ability, but still has problems at bat. This pleasant young man is scheduled to do a lot of catching at Columbus this year."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Espino split the 1980 season between Nashville and Columbus, backing up Brad Gulden and Bruce Robinson. He drove in 25 runs in just 185 at-bats with 36 hits. His time at Columbus was his first taste of triple-A ball.
Juan's best season was 1978 when he hit .280 at West Haven with 37 RBIs in 261 at-bats, and also led Eastern League catchers with a .967 fielding percentage. He's always been a productive hitter, making his hits account for runs.
Espino has spent his whole life in the Dominican Republic. He has been in the Yankee organization for six years, but this is his first appearance on the 40-man roster. Juan has been in camp the last two years as a non-roster invitee."
-New York Yankees 1981 Media Guide
RAFAEL SANTANA
"Santana split the 1980 season between Ft. Lauderdale and Nashville. He began at Nashville, his first taste of double-A ball, and hit .233 in 86 games and had some trouble in the field, committing 25 errors. He committed only nine errors at Ft. Lauderdale in 51 games to field .964, though he didn't qualify for the league lead; the league leader fielded .962.
Rafael has spent four years in the organization, and this is his second year on the 40-man roster. He made the Florida State League All-Star team as a shortstop in 1978 and as a utility infielder in 1979. Rafael led the league's shortstops in fielding in 1979 at .982 and reduced his errors from 48 in '78 to 16 in '79.
He has been brilliant but sometimes erratic in the field and is smooth on the double play from either side of the bag. He's primarily a shortstop but also plays second and third.
A native of the Dominican Republic, Santana has adjusted well to the states. Only 18 when he signed, he has grown tremendously in confidence and maturity."
-New York Yankees 1981 Media Guide
PAT TABLER
"Keep your eye on this 1976 No. 1 selection since he has come on fast the past year as a second baseman. It took a while for this 6'2", 195-pound right-handed hitter to find his position, but he has really impressed since. He led the Southern League with 13 game-winning hits in 1980."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Tabler has come into his own the past two years after struggling in his first three. He had his best season by far in 1980, hitting .296 with 16 home runs and 83 RBIs at Nashville, and the home run and RBI totals were second on the club to Steve Balboni. Pat led the Southern League in game-winning RBIs with 13, was ninth in batting and second in doubles with a club record 38. He was named as the Southern League All-Star second baseman in only his first full year at the position.
Originally drafted as a first baseman-third baseman, Pat has also played the outfield. He found a home at second base mid-way through 1979 at West Haven. He hit .300 there with 36 RBIs in 56 games after beginning the season with .316 at Ft. Lauderdale. Pat has progressed slowly through the system: he spent 1976 at Oneonta and the next two and a half years at Ft. Lauderdale before being elevated to double-A.
Tabler grew up in the Cincinnati area and played football, basketball, and ran track in addition to being all-city, all-state and All-American in baseball at McNicholas High School. He played against Leon Durham and Richard Dotson, and was also all-city and all-district in basketball. One of five children, Pat naturally was a Reds fan and his favorites were Pete Rose and Johnny Bench."
-New York Yankees 1981 Media Guide
TED WILBORN
"Drafted out of the Yankee organization in 1979, this fleet-footed 6'0", 170-pounder returned last year as part of the Rick Cerone-Tom Underwood deal. There has never been any question as to his defensive ability and speed, but the 20-year-old is still trying to find his groove with the bat."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Wilborn had his most productive year at the plate in the minors, playing at AA Nashville in 1980. He posted career highs in games, hits, doubles, triples, homers and RBIs, and led the Southern League with his 14 triples. Wilborn was called up to the Yankees in September and appeared in eight games. He got his first major league hit on October 4 off Aurelio Lopez at Yankee Stadium.
Ted started his career in the Yankee organization. He was the No. 4 selection in the June 1976 Free Agent Draft and was scouted by Wayne Morgan, now of the Blue Jays. He played center field at Oneonta in his first pro season, moved to Ft. Lauderdale in 1977 and split the 1978 season between Ft. Lauderdale and Oneonta. At Oneonta in '78, Ted stole 57 bases in just 65 games (only six shy of the league record) to lead the New York-Penn League and was named the Topps Player of the Month for the New York Penn-League for August of '78. He started switch-hitting that season.
He was drafted at the 1978 Winter Meetings by Toronto and began the 1979 season with the Blue Jays. He appeared in 22 games for Toronto, going 0-for-12, and was sent to Syracuse on July 4 for the remainder of the season.
Wilborn played basketball and football, as well as baseball, at C.K. McClatchy High School in Sacramento where he grew up. He was a Giant fan as a youngster, his favorite being Willie Mays. His father is a high school principal."
-New York Yankees 1981 Media Guide
PAUL BORIS
"Signed out of a minor league tryout camp, this 25-year-old graduate of Rutgers University never impresses anyone ... he just gets them out. Used chiefly as a reliever, Paul has a three-year record of 30-12 with ERAs of 2.41, 2.05 and 2.49 and 26 saves. He has great control and needs only a break."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
MARSHALL BRANT
"One of the key players on last year's International League Championship Columbus club, this 6-5, 215-pound right-handed hitter led the league in homers (23), RBIs (92) and captured the Most Valuable Player award. He finished last season in New York, but is still looking for that big break."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
PAT CALLAHAN
"This fine defensive catcher starts his fifth year in the Yankee organization with high hopes to win the job at Columbus. A good Triple-A year could make him a much sought after No. 2 man. He is excellent defensively and doesn't embarrass himself with the bat. A real battler."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
TODD DEMETER
"This son of the former major league Don Demeter was the Yanks' first draft pick in 1979. This 20-year-old, dividing his time between the outfield and first base, hit 13 homers with 59 RBIs last year but must learn to make better contact. He has a lot of tools and figures to follow his dad to the major leagues shortly."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
REX HUDLER
"Throw out last season for this 1978 No. 1 draft pick since he spent most of it on the disabled list with injuries. Rex is still a young man, but must get serious about his baseball career if he is going to reach the potential predicted for him as a high school star in California."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
CURT KAUFMAN
"This right-hander was the relief star of the Ft. Lauderdale club last year until called up to Nashville. With Lauderdale he was 5-1, had a 0.97 ERA and averaged almost a strikeout an inning. At Nashville he was a starter and posted a 6-2 record for a most respectable 11-3 season. He is a fireballer."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
DON MATTINGLY
"There are many who regard this 20-year-old 6'0", 180-pounder as the best natural hitter in the Yankee minor league system. Last year he led the South Atlantic League in hitting at .358, hits (177) and RBIs (104). Don was also voted the MVP award and made the All-Star team."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
WILLIE MCGEE
"One of the best outfielders in the Yankee organization, this 22-year-old switch-hitter needs one good year with the bat to catapult himself into the big leagues. Injuries slowed him down last year as he hit .283 with Nashville, but he still has a chance to go all the way."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
OTIS NIXON
"Starting slowly, this 22-year-old fleet-footed shortstop led the SAL in runs (124) and in stolen bases with 67 as he earned All-Star honors as a third baseman. He hit a solid .278 with 48 RBIs and figures to move to shortstop this year to improve his versatility and value."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
ANDRE ROBERTSON
"Secured in a deal with Toronto, this 23-year-old shortstop has a great future. He started last year in Ft. Lauderdale, but when called to Columbus in an emergency performed so well that he became the Clippers' shortstop and hit .251. He has good range, excellent speed and a strong arm."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
ROGER SLAGLE
"This high draft pick of the Yanks in 1976 survived being hit with a line drive last year and a couple periods of arm trouble, and needs only a smile from Lady Luck to crash through. The 6'3", 190-pound right-hander has shown plenty of potential, but has always lacked the luck of the draw."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
FREDDIE TOLIVER
"After leading the New York-Penn League with a 10-2 mark in 1979, this 20-year-old right-hander had trouble getting started last year. He couldn't win at Ft. Lauderdale, then went to Greensboro where he was 6-8 with a respectable 2.68 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 126 innings. He should improve with age."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
MATT WINTERS
"This 21-year-old right-handed hitter suddenly came into his own in the second half of last season with Greensboro. He finished with a .320 average, belted 20 homers and drove in 92 runs, which makes him a prospect. In 1978 he led the New York-Penn League in triples with 11. He has power-plus and is now hitting for average."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
BUCK SHOWALTER
"This solid, left-hand hitting outfielder blossomed last year into a .324 hitter at Nashville, leading the Southern League with 178 hits and being named to the league's postseason all-star team. A 25-year-old native Floridian, Buck (his given name is Nathaniel) is a well-built 5'9", 195-pounder."
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
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