"Cerone incurred the wrath of owner George Steinbrenner by winning a $440,000 salary arbitration after the 1980 season, and never heard the end of it as his average took a tumble last year. Nevertheless, trade rumors must be discounted since he gave the Yanks excellent defense behind the plate. His bat needs another look in a season not interrupted by a strike. Cerone was also sidelined for a month from April to May with a broken thumb. He wants to be in there every day.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Cerone was the Indians' No. 1 draft pick in 1974. The Yanks got him in a steal of a deal with Toronto, who got Chris Chambliss, then traded him away.
Cerone took more heat from Steinbrenner during the World Series, but afterward, the Yankee boss said, 'I know Rick Cerone never failed to give me his all.'"
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"You don't have to be Italian to love this 5'11", 185-pound backstop who wears the Yankee pinstripes on his heart as well as on his back. You don't even have to be from New Jersey, where he was born and raised, to admit that Rick Cerone is your favorite Yankee. All you have to do is admire his hustle on the basepaths, a fierce amount of desire and determination at the plate, and one of the most handsome smiles ever to crease the face of someone in a Yankee uniform.
Rick has impressed the hometown fans ever since his first year in pinstripes during the 1980 season. That year, under intense pressure, Rick hit .278 with 10 game-winning RBIs and 85 total runs batted in. With a broken thumb last season, Rick struggled somewhat at the plate, but his popularity increased with his fine defensive play and his outstanding .333 average against the Brewers in the AL Eastern Division playoffs.
This season you might not notice the little things Rick does to keep a pitcher's concentration in check or how when batting he turns his wrists to help ice another Yankee victory, but you can be sure opposing managers will be paying very close attention."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Cerone's production was off slightly in 1981 from the 1980 season, mainly because he broke his right thumb on a foul tip in Texas on April 18 and missed 32 games because of the injury. He was reactivated on May 24 and the next day started on a 12-game hitting game hitting streak, the second longest of the season by a Yankee.
Rick broke up Bob Ojeda's no-hitter with a pinch-hit leadoff double in the ninth inning against the Red Sox at the Stadium on September 12. He hit two home runs in '81, both at Yankee Stadium, and topped the Yankees with five RBIs in the Division Series against Milwaukee.
Called up to the majors on August 15, 1975 after just 46 games in the minors, Rick's first big league hit came off Paul Splittorff on August 22. In 1976, he was the International League All-Star catcher.
Rick was the Blue Jays Opening Day catcher in 1977, but broke his thumb five days into the season. He worked himself back into shape at Charleston and celebrated his return to the big leagues with a home run off Nellie Briles. Rick ended Mitchell Page's consecutive base stealing streak at 26, and in 1978 ended Ron LeFlore's streak at 27. In 1979 he was voted the most improved player by the Toronto BBWAA.
In 1980 Rick responded to a pressure-filled first Yankee season by being named to the UPI and Sporting News AL All-Star teams, and finished seventh in the MVP voting. On May 26 he drove in six runs, including his first career grand slam. All six RBIs came after the man in front of him was intentionally walked.
A local product, he grew up in Newark and had an outstanding career at Seton Hall, where he was a two-time All-American. He played in the College World Series in 1974 and 1975 and hit .410 his senior year ('75) with school records of 15 homers, 64 RBIs and 125 total bases. Rick was an Academic All-American in '75, had a .362 career batting average at Seton Hall and also was on the fencing team. He holds a B.S. in physical education.
Rick played baseball, football and fenced at Essex Catholic High. As a quarterback he threw 13 touchdown passes for a 6-0-2 team.
He enjoys golf, racquetball and photography. Rick was nicknamed the 'Italian Stallion' by broadcaster Phil Rizzuto."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Saturday, March 28, 2015
1982 Profile: Dave LaRoche
"Diversity, adaptability, and success describe this Yankee fireman.
Dave began his career with California in 1968 and returned to the Angels in 1977, while stopping at Minnesota, Chicago (NL) and Cleveland. He joined the Yanks in 1981 and his presence represented the only southpaw in last year's bullpen.
His career success is not equalled by many. He is third among active relievers in the American League with 126 total saves, behind only Rollie Fingers and teammate Rich Gossage. His finest season was with the Angels in 1978, appearing in 59 games, posting a 10-9 mark with a 2.82 ERA and a club record 25 saves; he was runner-up to Gossage for Rolaids Relief Man of the Year.
Dave is a relief pitcher with his own style, no matter what the assignment is. Whether in Columbus, as a player-coach or in New York, Dave contributes to the success of the Yankee organization."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Released by the Angels in 1981 following spring training, LaRoche was signed by the Yankees and was their only left-hander in the bullpen. He allowed only one run in his first 15.1 innings pitched, and in the first half was 3-0 with a 0.68 ERA. He made one start, filling in for Tommy John in Detroit on August 15.
Dave entertained Yankee fans and frustrated hitters with his 'LaLob' pitch. On August 21 at the Stadium, he struck out Willie Wilson with LaLob for a wild pitch that allowed Wilson to reach first base. He struck out Gorman Thomas on September 9 with LaLob and Thomas smashed his batting helmet in frustration.
Dave was originally signed by the Angels as an outfielder in 1967 but was moved to the pitcher's mound during 1968 due to injuries on the Quad Cities staff. In three minor league seasons as an outfielder, he batted .224 with eight home runs and 55 RBIs in 136 games. In 1975 Dave was the Indians' Man of the Year, tying Tom Buskey's club record of 17 saves. He set the club record with 21 the following season. He's eighth on the all-time saves list with 126 (since the new save rule in 1969).
LaRoche grew up in Southern California where he was a member of the Connie Mack National Baseball Championship team in 1966, representing Torrance and Gardena. An all-around athlete, he was all-league three times in baseball, twice in basketball and once in football at West Torrance High. He was MVP in both baseball and basketball his senior year."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Dave began his career with California in 1968 and returned to the Angels in 1977, while stopping at Minnesota, Chicago (NL) and Cleveland. He joined the Yanks in 1981 and his presence represented the only southpaw in last year's bullpen.
His career success is not equalled by many. He is third among active relievers in the American League with 126 total saves, behind only Rollie Fingers and teammate Rich Gossage. His finest season was with the Angels in 1978, appearing in 59 games, posting a 10-9 mark with a 2.82 ERA and a club record 25 saves; he was runner-up to Gossage for Rolaids Relief Man of the Year.
Dave is a relief pitcher with his own style, no matter what the assignment is. Whether in Columbus, as a player-coach or in New York, Dave contributes to the success of the Yankee organization."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Released by the Angels in 1981 following spring training, LaRoche was signed by the Yankees and was their only left-hander in the bullpen. He allowed only one run in his first 15.1 innings pitched, and in the first half was 3-0 with a 0.68 ERA. He made one start, filling in for Tommy John in Detroit on August 15.
Dave entertained Yankee fans and frustrated hitters with his 'LaLob' pitch. On August 21 at the Stadium, he struck out Willie Wilson with LaLob for a wild pitch that allowed Wilson to reach first base. He struck out Gorman Thomas on September 9 with LaLob and Thomas smashed his batting helmet in frustration.
Dave was originally signed by the Angels as an outfielder in 1967 but was moved to the pitcher's mound during 1968 due to injuries on the Quad Cities staff. In three minor league seasons as an outfielder, he batted .224 with eight home runs and 55 RBIs in 136 games. In 1975 Dave was the Indians' Man of the Year, tying Tom Buskey's club record of 17 saves. He set the club record with 21 the following season. He's eighth on the all-time saves list with 126 (since the new save rule in 1969).
LaRoche grew up in Southern California where he was a member of the Connie Mack National Baseball Championship team in 1966, representing Torrance and Gardena. An all-around athlete, he was all-league three times in baseball, twice in basketball and once in football at West Torrance High. He was MVP in both baseball and basketball his senior year."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Thursday, March 26, 2015
1982 Profile: Tommy John
"Tommy enjoyed another banner season in '81 despite being engulfed in a near tragedy for part of it when his infant son, Travis, fell out of a window and suffered serious head injuries. Travis recovered and Tommy again led the Yanks in complete games (7). The strike may have ended any hopes of one day achieving 300 wins, however.
Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, Tommy possesses probably the best sinker ball in the league, though some suggest he adds a little 'extra' to it. 'The Bionic Man,' his career almost ended when doctors had to transplant a tendon from his right forearm to his left elbow in 1974.
Tommy is in the final year of his free agent Yankee contract, although that was expected to be rectified before the start of the '82 season. A Steinbrenner favorite, he won support from the Yankee boss when he protested being lifted for a pinch hitter in the fourth inning of the final World Series game."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"Coming back is nothing new to Tommy John. After elbow surgery in September of '74, doctors told him he would probably never pitch again. Rehabilitating and racing against time, Tommy waited through the '75 season and approached the mound again in 1976. That year he won both the National League's Comeback Player of the Year Award and the Fred Hutchinson Award. The very next year, 1977, TJ proved his success no fluke by reaching the magic 20-win mark. In 1978, he managed 17 victories, made the National League's All-Star team and helped his mates, the Los Angeles Dodgers, reach the fall classic.
This season represents another comeback, of sorts. After winning nine games in 1981, TJ would like to return to his usual form: 20 victories a season, as witnessed through the first two seasons he put on the pinstripes- 1979 and 1980. If not for the baseball strike, Tommy feels he may have made it three big years in a row.
Yankee fans aren't that worried about Tommy coming back and winning another 20. They're satisfied with his spectacular ERA from '81, 2.64, which was good enough to lead the Yankees and fourth best in the entire American League. Tommy's ability to keep runners from crossing home plate is his forte and with another possibility of him winning 20 games on the horizon, Yankee fans are glad they've got number twenty-five on their side."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"1981 was Tommy's third straight outstanding Yankee season. He is now the winningest pitcher in the AL over the last three years with a 52-36 record in Pinstripes. Tommy was the starter and winner against Texas on both 1981 Opening Days and won Game 2 of the World Series against his former Dodger teammates. His 2.64 ERA was fourth best in the AL. He pitched well all season but the Yankees scored a total of only 12 runs in his eight losses.
Tommy pitched five consecutive complete games from September 3 to September 25. He strained his lower back on May 22 at Cleveland, left the game and missed two starts. He cut his left index finger on a razor on June 5 and was placed on the DL, and reactivated after the strike for the second half.
On August 13 his three-year-old son Travis fell from a third floor window and was critically injured. He was in the hospital for over a month and is okay now. Throughout the ordeal, Tommy missed just one start, joining the team only on days he pitched.
Tommy moved up several notches on the all-time lists; up 14 places on the games started list into a tie for 23rd with 504 starts; past eight pitchers on the all-time win list, moving into a tie for 50th all-time, and up two places on the all-time strikeout list to 42nd all-time with 1,850.
One of eight men in baseball history to win 20 games in both leagues, Tommy signed with the Yankees after the '78 season and finished second in the AL in wins, ERA, innings pitched and Cy Young voting. He won his first nine games of '79 and was named the AL's first ever Pitcher of the Month, going 4-0 in April. He was named the left-handed starter on the UPI All-Star team. In 1980, Tommy won his first seven games of the season, finished fourth in the Cy Young voting and was named as the left-handed pitcher on the Sporting News All-Star team. He won his 200th career game, a 2-hit shutout at Seattle, on June 6 of that year.
Tommy ruptured a ligament in his left elbow on July 17, 1974 while pitching against Montreal. He underwent surgery on September 25 as a tendon from his right forearm was used in the reconstruction of his left elbow. The operation, performed by Dr. Frank Jobe, was the first of its kind on an athlete, and Jobe told him he would never pitch again. TJ was off to his best start, 13-3, when the injury occurred.
Tommy came back in 1976 after a year of therapy, exercise and running to win Comeback Player of the Year honors in the NL and the Fred Hutchinson Award. The following season, he won 20 for the first time and finished second to Steve Carlton in the Cy Young voting.
In his first major league win, he beat Baltimore on 72 pitches, 6-0, in 1964. Tommy had a good year in 1968, going 10-5, 1.98 before breaking his collar bone in a fight with Dick McAuliffe that ended his season. He's pitched six 2-hitters and seven 3-hitters, and his strikeout high is 13 against the Reds on August 8, 1972. TJ had his best NL success against the Dodgers' toughest opponents; he was 12-3 against the Reds and 8-2 over the Giants.
Tommy grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana where he received 35 scholarship offers upon graduation from Gerstmeyer High School. He attended Indiana State in Terre Haute, and following the 1979 season was given the Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest award given by the school. An outstanding golfer, he has his own celebrity golf tournament in California for the benefit of cancer research. Tommy moved to New Jersey in the winter of '79 and keeps busy making charity and civic appearances both in the New York area and in California."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, Tommy possesses probably the best sinker ball in the league, though some suggest he adds a little 'extra' to it. 'The Bionic Man,' his career almost ended when doctors had to transplant a tendon from his right forearm to his left elbow in 1974.
Tommy is in the final year of his free agent Yankee contract, although that was expected to be rectified before the start of the '82 season. A Steinbrenner favorite, he won support from the Yankee boss when he protested being lifted for a pinch hitter in the fourth inning of the final World Series game."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"Coming back is nothing new to Tommy John. After elbow surgery in September of '74, doctors told him he would probably never pitch again. Rehabilitating and racing against time, Tommy waited through the '75 season and approached the mound again in 1976. That year he won both the National League's Comeback Player of the Year Award and the Fred Hutchinson Award. The very next year, 1977, TJ proved his success no fluke by reaching the magic 20-win mark. In 1978, he managed 17 victories, made the National League's All-Star team and helped his mates, the Los Angeles Dodgers, reach the fall classic.
This season represents another comeback, of sorts. After winning nine games in 1981, TJ would like to return to his usual form: 20 victories a season, as witnessed through the first two seasons he put on the pinstripes- 1979 and 1980. If not for the baseball strike, Tommy feels he may have made it three big years in a row.
Yankee fans aren't that worried about Tommy coming back and winning another 20. They're satisfied with his spectacular ERA from '81, 2.64, which was good enough to lead the Yankees and fourth best in the entire American League. Tommy's ability to keep runners from crossing home plate is his forte and with another possibility of him winning 20 games on the horizon, Yankee fans are glad they've got number twenty-five on their side."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"1981 was Tommy's third straight outstanding Yankee season. He is now the winningest pitcher in the AL over the last three years with a 52-36 record in Pinstripes. Tommy was the starter and winner against Texas on both 1981 Opening Days and won Game 2 of the World Series against his former Dodger teammates. His 2.64 ERA was fourth best in the AL. He pitched well all season but the Yankees scored a total of only 12 runs in his eight losses.
Tommy pitched five consecutive complete games from September 3 to September 25. He strained his lower back on May 22 at Cleveland, left the game and missed two starts. He cut his left index finger on a razor on June 5 and was placed on the DL, and reactivated after the strike for the second half.
On August 13 his three-year-old son Travis fell from a third floor window and was critically injured. He was in the hospital for over a month and is okay now. Throughout the ordeal, Tommy missed just one start, joining the team only on days he pitched.
Tommy moved up several notches on the all-time lists; up 14 places on the games started list into a tie for 23rd with 504 starts; past eight pitchers on the all-time win list, moving into a tie for 50th all-time, and up two places on the all-time strikeout list to 42nd all-time with 1,850.
One of eight men in baseball history to win 20 games in both leagues, Tommy signed with the Yankees after the '78 season and finished second in the AL in wins, ERA, innings pitched and Cy Young voting. He won his first nine games of '79 and was named the AL's first ever Pitcher of the Month, going 4-0 in April. He was named the left-handed starter on the UPI All-Star team. In 1980, Tommy won his first seven games of the season, finished fourth in the Cy Young voting and was named as the left-handed pitcher on the Sporting News All-Star team. He won his 200th career game, a 2-hit shutout at Seattle, on June 6 of that year.
Tommy ruptured a ligament in his left elbow on July 17, 1974 while pitching against Montreal. He underwent surgery on September 25 as a tendon from his right forearm was used in the reconstruction of his left elbow. The operation, performed by Dr. Frank Jobe, was the first of its kind on an athlete, and Jobe told him he would never pitch again. TJ was off to his best start, 13-3, when the injury occurred.
Tommy came back in 1976 after a year of therapy, exercise and running to win Comeback Player of the Year honors in the NL and the Fred Hutchinson Award. The following season, he won 20 for the first time and finished second to Steve Carlton in the Cy Young voting.
In his first major league win, he beat Baltimore on 72 pitches, 6-0, in 1964. Tommy had a good year in 1968, going 10-5, 1.98 before breaking his collar bone in a fight with Dick McAuliffe that ended his season. He's pitched six 2-hitters and seven 3-hitters, and his strikeout high is 13 against the Reds on August 8, 1972. TJ had his best NL success against the Dodgers' toughest opponents; he was 12-3 against the Reds and 8-2 over the Giants.
Tommy grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana where he received 35 scholarship offers upon graduation from Gerstmeyer High School. He attended Indiana State in Terre Haute, and following the 1979 season was given the Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest award given by the school. An outstanding golfer, he has his own celebrity golf tournament in California for the benefit of cancer research. Tommy moved to New Jersey in the winter of '79 and keeps busy making charity and civic appearances both in the New York area and in California."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
1982 Profile: Willie Randolph
"Randolph fell off with the bat last season but was again among the Yanks' top base stealing threats. His best season was 1980 when he led the AL in walks and finished second to MVP George Brett in on-base percentage with .429.
He's solid defensively and the latest in a long line of All-Star caliber Yank second basemen that includes Tony Lazzeri, Joe Gordon and Bobby Richardson. Randolph came over from the Pirates in a 1975 deal that ranks as one of the Yanks' best. He was just a minor league prospect then and they gave up pitcher Doc Medich. He's the ideal leadoff man and hopes one day to steal 50 bases. The Yanks would like that, too.
Born in Holly Hill, South Carolina, Willie earned a new lease on life with Yankee boss George Steinbrenner for his World Series play in 1981 with a double, a triple and two homers."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"The Yankees' rise to the top of the baseball charts is not due to the presence of one man, but it can be said that is partially due to the distinct aura created by the number one man. The man who leads off in the batting order, the numero uno hitter, the man expected to get on base and let the big guys drive him in. For the past few seasons, the Yankees have been fortunate enough to have someone named Willie Randolph at that position.
Willie came to the Yankees via an off-season trade with the Pirates in 1975. Almost immediately, his potential shone through as he won a berth on the AL All-Star team in 1976. In his second season in pinstripes, Willie hit a personal high of 28 doubles and helped the Bronx Bombers to their first World Championship in 15 long years. In the '78 season, Willie hiked his average to .278, stole 36 bases and collected 85 walks. Willie made '79 a banner year by driving in a career high 61 runs with 155 hits and 95 bases on balls. The next season, his finest as a Yankee, he again made the All-Star team, hit .294 during the regular season and collected a league leading 119 walks. Last year, number 30 made it four All-Star berths in just six seasons and finished the season among the league leaders in runs scored, walks and stolen bases.
With the Yankees emphasizing speed more and more in 1982, Willie hopes to jump on the runaway bandwagon along with teammates Griffey, Collins, Winfield and Mumphrey."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Randolph finished eighth in the AL in runs, ninth in walks and 15th in stolen bases in 1981. He missed eight games in August with a groin pull and missed several more in late September with the same injury. Randolph stole 14 bases, moving into the sixth spot on the all-time Yankee list past Rizzuto (149), Clarke (151) and Mantle (153) with 162. He was voted to the starting lineup of the All-Star team and his solo home run in Game 3 of the ALCS was the game winner to win the AL pennant.
Willie has been on four All-Star teams in his six seasons. He and Dent have teamed together now for five full years. 1979 was the only year a team he played on failed to qualify for postseason play.
He was leading the International League in hitting when he was called up in 1975 to the Pirates. Willie was named the James P. Dawson Award winner as the top rookie in the 1976 Yankee camp and was on the All-Star ballot as a rookie. He was named to the Topps All-Rookie team in 1976, though he was hampered by a right shoulder injury and an injury to the outside of the right knee that required minor surgery. In 1977, Willie was named to the AP, UPI and Sporting News All-Star teams.
Willie had a five-RBI game against Boston on September 7, 1978 and despite a bruised left knee and a pulled left hamstring, still made the AP and UPI All-Star teams. The hamstring kept him out of postseason play. In 1979, his 13 triples were third in the AL and the most by a Yankee since Henrich's 14 in 1948. He committed only 13 errors and his .985 percentage was just .003 behind league leader Duane Kuiper.
In 1980 Willie had his best season ever as the Yankee leadoff hitter. He led the AL in walks with 119, the most by a Yankee since Mantle's 122 in 1962. He had a 13-game hitting streak in May, the longest of his career, and was named to the UPI and Sporting News All-Star teams and won the Sporting News Silver Bat award for AL second basemen.
Although born in South Carolina, Willie's family moved to the Brownsville section of Brooklyn when he was an infant. He played stickball in the streets and fields of Canarsie and baseball at Tilden High School. Willie has three brothers and a sister. His brother Terry was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1977 and also played for the Jets."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
He's solid defensively and the latest in a long line of All-Star caliber Yank second basemen that includes Tony Lazzeri, Joe Gordon and Bobby Richardson. Randolph came over from the Pirates in a 1975 deal that ranks as one of the Yanks' best. He was just a minor league prospect then and they gave up pitcher Doc Medich. He's the ideal leadoff man and hopes one day to steal 50 bases. The Yanks would like that, too.
Born in Holly Hill, South Carolina, Willie earned a new lease on life with Yankee boss George Steinbrenner for his World Series play in 1981 with a double, a triple and two homers."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"The Yankees' rise to the top of the baseball charts is not due to the presence of one man, but it can be said that is partially due to the distinct aura created by the number one man. The man who leads off in the batting order, the numero uno hitter, the man expected to get on base and let the big guys drive him in. For the past few seasons, the Yankees have been fortunate enough to have someone named Willie Randolph at that position.
Willie came to the Yankees via an off-season trade with the Pirates in 1975. Almost immediately, his potential shone through as he won a berth on the AL All-Star team in 1976. In his second season in pinstripes, Willie hit a personal high of 28 doubles and helped the Bronx Bombers to their first World Championship in 15 long years. In the '78 season, Willie hiked his average to .278, stole 36 bases and collected 85 walks. Willie made '79 a banner year by driving in a career high 61 runs with 155 hits and 95 bases on balls. The next season, his finest as a Yankee, he again made the All-Star team, hit .294 during the regular season and collected a league leading 119 walks. Last year, number 30 made it four All-Star berths in just six seasons and finished the season among the league leaders in runs scored, walks and stolen bases.
With the Yankees emphasizing speed more and more in 1982, Willie hopes to jump on the runaway bandwagon along with teammates Griffey, Collins, Winfield and Mumphrey."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Randolph finished eighth in the AL in runs, ninth in walks and 15th in stolen bases in 1981. He missed eight games in August with a groin pull and missed several more in late September with the same injury. Randolph stole 14 bases, moving into the sixth spot on the all-time Yankee list past Rizzuto (149), Clarke (151) and Mantle (153) with 162. He was voted to the starting lineup of the All-Star team and his solo home run in Game 3 of the ALCS was the game winner to win the AL pennant.
Willie has been on four All-Star teams in his six seasons. He and Dent have teamed together now for five full years. 1979 was the only year a team he played on failed to qualify for postseason play.
He was leading the International League in hitting when he was called up in 1975 to the Pirates. Willie was named the James P. Dawson Award winner as the top rookie in the 1976 Yankee camp and was on the All-Star ballot as a rookie. He was named to the Topps All-Rookie team in 1976, though he was hampered by a right shoulder injury and an injury to the outside of the right knee that required minor surgery. In 1977, Willie was named to the AP, UPI and Sporting News All-Star teams.
Willie had a five-RBI game against Boston on September 7, 1978 and despite a bruised left knee and a pulled left hamstring, still made the AP and UPI All-Star teams. The hamstring kept him out of postseason play. In 1979, his 13 triples were third in the AL and the most by a Yankee since Henrich's 14 in 1948. He committed only 13 errors and his .985 percentage was just .003 behind league leader Duane Kuiper.
In 1980 Willie had his best season ever as the Yankee leadoff hitter. He led the AL in walks with 119, the most by a Yankee since Mantle's 122 in 1962. He had a 13-game hitting streak in May, the longest of his career, and was named to the UPI and Sporting News All-Star teams and won the Sporting News Silver Bat award for AL second basemen.
Although born in South Carolina, Willie's family moved to the Brownsville section of Brooklyn when he was an infant. He played stickball in the streets and fields of Canarsie and baseball at Tilden High School. Willie has three brothers and a sister. His brother Terry was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1977 and also played for the Jets."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Sunday, March 22, 2015
1982 Profile: Rudy May
"In a world full of self-indulgent, self-praising, greed-filled men, one man stands alone. He's a humble, hard-working, pleasure-to-have-on-your-team kind of guy. You'll catch him working summers in New York in his nattily-attired pinstriped suit. Not a pinstriped suit, mind you, like a stockbroker would wear, but a pinstriped suit made famous by that well-respected baseball team in the Bronx.
Rudy first came to Yankee Stadium as a California Angel rookie in 1965. He stayed with Gene Autry's club until June of '74 when the Yankees purchased this solid left-hander. Rudy played for the Yankees for the equivalent of two seasons and was dealt to Baltimore in June of '76. Earl Weaver utilized the Dude from '76 to '77 and then dealt him to Montreal in the off-season. Rudy pitched in Canada during both the '78 and '79 campaigns. At the end of 1979, his contract was up! Becoming a free agent aroused interest on 161st Street and River Avenue and Rudy knew coming home was his next step. That winter, he signed a multi-year contract with the Yankees.
Two seasons ago, his first year back in New York, the 6'2", 200-pound Californian chalked up 15 wins against only five losses and was the AL's leading ERA man with a 2.47 earned run average. Last season, making the transition from a starting spot to the bullpen and back again was difficult for the Dude and he compiled a mere six wins. This year, Rudy wants to turn it all around and aim for a big, big winning season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"1981 was a confusing season for May. He began the season winning his first three games and four of his first five with a 2.39 ERA, then he couldn't win from May 3 through August 25. He lost seven straight during that streak, saving one with seven no-decisions, had five one-run losses and was shut out twice.
Rudy was used exclusively as a starter in the first half and led the Yankee staff in starts and innings pitched. Winning his first three games of the season gave him an 11-game winning streak as he won his last eight decisions of 1980. In 1980 Rudy won the AL ERA title with a 2.47 mark, though he was disabled early in the season with a lower back strain.
Rudy first came to Yankee Stadium as a California Angel rookie in 1965. He stayed with Gene Autry's club until June of '74 when the Yankees purchased this solid left-hander. Rudy played for the Yankees for the equivalent of two seasons and was dealt to Baltimore in June of '76. Earl Weaver utilized the Dude from '76 to '77 and then dealt him to Montreal in the off-season. Rudy pitched in Canada during both the '78 and '79 campaigns. At the end of 1979, his contract was up! Becoming a free agent aroused interest on 161st Street and River Avenue and Rudy knew coming home was his next step. That winter, he signed a multi-year contract with the Yankees.
Two seasons ago, his first year back in New York, the 6'2", 200-pound Californian chalked up 15 wins against only five losses and was the AL's leading ERA man with a 2.47 earned run average. Last season, making the transition from a starting spot to the bullpen and back again was difficult for the Dude and he compiled a mere six wins. This year, Rudy wants to turn it all around and aim for a big, big winning season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"1981 was a confusing season for May. He began the season winning his first three games and four of his first five with a 2.39 ERA, then he couldn't win from May 3 through August 25. He lost seven straight during that streak, saving one with seven no-decisions, had five one-run losses and was shut out twice.
Rudy was used exclusively as a starter in the first half and led the Yankee staff in starts and innings pitched. Winning his first three games of the season gave him an 11-game winning streak as he won his last eight decisions of 1980. In 1980 Rudy won the AL ERA title with a 2.47 mark, though he was disabled early in the season with a lower back strain.
He originally made it to the majors in 1965 with the Angels and threw a 1-hitter against Denny McLain and the Tigers in his first game, but without a decision. He suffered a sore shoulder later that year and struggled in the minors for three seasons. Rudy was a mainstay of the Angels' pitching staff from 1969 through June 15, 1974 when he was sold to the Yankees. He struck out nine batters in a row while at Portsmouth in 1964.
Rudy lettered in baseball, basketball, football and track at Castlemont High School in Oakland where he was a teammate of Joe Morgan and played against Willie Stargell and Paul Silas. He grew up rooting for the Giants. He credits three of his pitching coaches for helping his career the most: George Bamberger, Jim Brewer and Whitey Ford."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Rudy lettered in baseball, basketball, football and track at Castlemont High School in Oakland where he was a teammate of Joe Morgan and played against Willie Stargell and Paul Silas. He grew up rooting for the Giants. He credits three of his pitching coaches for helping his career the most: George Bamberger, Jim Brewer and Whitey Ford."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Friday, March 20, 2015
1982 Profile: Lou Piniella
"For Lou Piniella, 1982 represents many things. It could have been the year he retired and gone to work downtown at Wall Street. It could have also have been the year he left as a free agent from the Yankees and the Pinstripes he loves dearly. But for number 14, it seems likely that 1982 will be a wonderful year in his life. It is the opening season of a new three-year pact with the Yankees that George Steinbrenner offered him during the winter of '81.
Entering his 14th season of major league ball and his ninth season as a Yankee, Lou can afford to become sentimental and look back on the some of the pleasant memories he has accumulated: Rookie of the Year in 1969, an American League All-Star in 1972, five appearances in the AL playoffs, four World Series appearances, two World Championship rings with the proud Yankee insignia, and a love that few ballplayers in this city have honestly felt. Yes, Sweet Lou can peer back at his accomplishments, but he isn't about to do that ... at least not now.
Sweet Lou looks toward a most productive season this year with contributions both on and off the field. As a lifetime .290 hitter, Lou hopes he can assist younger players with their stroke. With a sure and steady glove in the outfield, Lou is able to give tips on where to play certain hitters and how to react in different situations with men on base. No matter what role Lou is asked to assume, you can be sure he'll handle it the way he has in previous seasons ... with all the class and character of one of the most respected players in the game today."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Piniella started the 1981 season slowly in the first month and a half of the season, then remained steady at the plate, avoiding slumps. From May 17 on, he never went more than two consecutive games without a hit. Lou was used mainly as an outfielder against left-handed pitchers in the first half, primarily as a designated hitter in the second half. He hit five home runs, all on the road.
Lou fouled a pitch off his left ankle on August 22 and missed 15 games while on the DL with a bad bruise. He was outstanding in the postseason with a .387 (12-for-31) overall average and nine RBIs and led Yankee hitters in the World Series with a .438 average. Lou hit in the first three games of the World Series to extend his personal World Series hitting streak to nine consecutive games (including all six games of the '78 World Series).
A consistent player, recognized as one of baseball's most professional hitters, Lou has always been extremely tough for the Yankees in the clutch. His .294 lifetime batting average with the Yankees ranks him 12th all-time as a Yankee. In 1980 for the first time in his career, Lou had more walks than strikeouts.
Lou was admitted to a Tampa hospital in November 1980 complaining of chest pains and congestion. Doctors described his condition as 'simple fatigue' and released him several days later; he showed no after-effects in 1981. He missed most of the 1975 season with inner ear problems that required mid-season surgery. Lou returned to regular duty in '76 and was runner-up to teammate Dock Ellis for Comeback Player of the Year.
Originally signed by Cleveland scout and former Yankee Spud Chandler, Lou has always been an excellent postseason performer. In 1977 he hit safely in all five ALCS games and in 1978 hit safely in all six World Series games.
Lou is always one of the Yankees' most exciting players and fans welcome each of his at-bats with chants of 'Lou, Lou.' He's a lifetime native of the Tampa area and is of Spanish ancestry. He enjoys the stock market."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Entering his 14th season of major league ball and his ninth season as a Yankee, Lou can afford to become sentimental and look back on the some of the pleasant memories he has accumulated: Rookie of the Year in 1969, an American League All-Star in 1972, five appearances in the AL playoffs, four World Series appearances, two World Championship rings with the proud Yankee insignia, and a love that few ballplayers in this city have honestly felt. Yes, Sweet Lou can peer back at his accomplishments, but he isn't about to do that ... at least not now.
Sweet Lou looks toward a most productive season this year with contributions both on and off the field. As a lifetime .290 hitter, Lou hopes he can assist younger players with their stroke. With a sure and steady glove in the outfield, Lou is able to give tips on where to play certain hitters and how to react in different situations with men on base. No matter what role Lou is asked to assume, you can be sure he'll handle it the way he has in previous seasons ... with all the class and character of one of the most respected players in the game today."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Piniella started the 1981 season slowly in the first month and a half of the season, then remained steady at the plate, avoiding slumps. From May 17 on, he never went more than two consecutive games without a hit. Lou was used mainly as an outfielder against left-handed pitchers in the first half, primarily as a designated hitter in the second half. He hit five home runs, all on the road.
Lou fouled a pitch off his left ankle on August 22 and missed 15 games while on the DL with a bad bruise. He was outstanding in the postseason with a .387 (12-for-31) overall average and nine RBIs and led Yankee hitters in the World Series with a .438 average. Lou hit in the first three games of the World Series to extend his personal World Series hitting streak to nine consecutive games (including all six games of the '78 World Series).
A consistent player, recognized as one of baseball's most professional hitters, Lou has always been extremely tough for the Yankees in the clutch. His .294 lifetime batting average with the Yankees ranks him 12th all-time as a Yankee. In 1980 for the first time in his career, Lou had more walks than strikeouts.
Lou was admitted to a Tampa hospital in November 1980 complaining of chest pains and congestion. Doctors described his condition as 'simple fatigue' and released him several days later; he showed no after-effects in 1981. He missed most of the 1975 season with inner ear problems that required mid-season surgery. Lou returned to regular duty in '76 and was runner-up to teammate Dock Ellis for Comeback Player of the Year.
Originally signed by Cleveland scout and former Yankee Spud Chandler, Lou has always been an excellent postseason performer. In 1977 he hit safely in all five ALCS games and in 1978 hit safely in all six World Series games.
Lou is always one of the Yankees' most exciting players and fans welcome each of his at-bats with chants of 'Lou, Lou.' He's a lifetime native of the Tampa area and is of Spanish ancestry. He enjoys the stock market."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
1982 Profile: Ron Guidry
1982 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Guidry was bothered by a bone bruise on his right foot the first half of the season but re-emerged as the best pitcher on the Yanks' staff- if not in the league- in the second half. He put together a string of 20 straight scoreless innings at one point. Guidry credited the development of a changeup to go with his fastball and slider as the prime reason for his regained dominance. He already owns the best slider in the AL.
Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, Guidry was the unanimous Cy Young winner in 1978 when he was 25-3 with a 1.74 ERA. He says his toughest opponent remains George Brett.
After intense negotiations between his agent John Schneider and George Steinbrenner, Guidry accepted a contract ranging from $4 million to $5 five million, depending on whether he pitches the next four or the next five seasons."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"Yankee fans cheer him as he makes his way back to the dugout from the bullpen even before the normal fan has started to direct his attention to the playing field. Then nimbly, number 49 pounces out of the dugout toward the mound and the show is about to begin. As he's warming up on the mound, a rumbling noise pierces the air and a wave of anticipation rises out of the overflowing stands. Unnerving the wary batter, two quick strikes register on the electronic scoreboard. Now the Stadium is jumping! Hands come together, cheers are so loud you can't help but join in and the pandemonium caused by the crowd lets the Gator know what he must do: get that third strike!
What most fans know is that Ron gets that third strike quite often. Last season, Ron chalked up 104 strikeouts in 127 innings to go along with his 11-5 record and 2.76 ERA. In '78 and '79, Ron recorded back-to-back 200-plus strikeout seasons with 248 and 201 respectively. And, over his five-plus seasons with the Yankees, Ron has recorded 922 strikeouts and can look toward reaching his 1,000th K this year.
In 1982, Ron hopes to continue his winning ways and aim for another 200-plus strikeout season. Most Yankee fans would be happy with his usual production: plenty of wins, plenty of strikeouts and time spent pitching in the World Series."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"1981 was another excellent year for Guidry. He had a slow start in the first half with a 5-3 record and a 3.74 ERA; he was hampered by a bone bruise on the ball of his right foot in May.
Guidry won his first six decisions in the second half and was named AL Pitcher of the Month of August (4-0 and an 0.37 ERA). He broke the little finger on his right hand on a come-backer on August 23, but played with a splint, not missing any starts.
During the season Guidry moved up from 12th to 8th on the all-time Yankee strikeout list, passing Raschi, Peterson, Turley and Chesbro, and maintained his best all-time Yankee won-lost percentage, .719. He won Game 1 of the World Series and was the loser in Game 5.
Ron enters 1982 with an 87-34 record and is 79-27, .745 since August 24, 1977. He has performed well in the second half of the year with a 48-13, .787 record after the All-Star break over the past five years.
1977 was his first full year with the Yankees; he was used in relief in six of his first seven appearances, then ended the year with 24 straight starts. In 1978, Guidry had a 'once in a lifetime' season, winning the Cy Young Award, finishing second in the MVP voting to Jim Rice and setting numerous records. He set the Yankee record for most consecutive wins to start a season, winning his first 13 and breaking the record of Atley Donald, the scout who signed Guidry. His nine shutouts tied Babe Ruth's AL record for most by a lefty, set in 1916. The Yankees won 30 of the 35 games he started, scoring only seven runs in the five losses, and opposing hitters batted only .193.
Ron struck out 10 or more in a game eight times, including a club record 18 against California on June 17, breaking Bob Shawkey's record of 15 set in 1919. His total of 248 strikeouts for the season was a club record and his 1.74 ERA was the lowest by a major league lefty since Sandy Koufax's 1.73 in 1966. 15 of his 25 wins followed a Yankee loss.
Guidry was a unanimous Cy Young winner (the only other unanimous winner was Denny McLain in 1968). He was also named Sporting News Player of the Year, Sporting News Man of the Year, Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year and Baseball Quarterly Performer of the Year. Guidry was named to the Associated Press, Sporting News and United Press International All-Star teams.
In 1979 Ron won his second straight ERA championship and was named to the UPI All-Star team. He played an inning in center field against Toronto on September 29 of that year. In 1980, Ron reached his 100th career decision (72-28), matching Sal Maglie, Vic Raschi, Spud Chandler and Ed Reulbach behind Whitey Ford's 74-26 for the second best record ever through the first 100 decisions.
Guidry was born and still resides in Lafayette, Louisiana. He was named Outstanding Track Man for two years at Northside High where they had no baseball team. He hurled a no-hitter and was named to the Gulf States All-Stars at Southwestern Louisiana where he majored in architecture.
Ron is Executive Vice-President of Munro Oil Tool, Inc. in Lafayette and enjoys hunting, chess and studying the Civil War in his spare time. His biggest thrill was his 18-strikeout game. He grew up as a Yankee and Whitey Ford fan."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
"Guidry was bothered by a bone bruise on his right foot the first half of the season but re-emerged as the best pitcher on the Yanks' staff- if not in the league- in the second half. He put together a string of 20 straight scoreless innings at one point. Guidry credited the development of a changeup to go with his fastball and slider as the prime reason for his regained dominance. He already owns the best slider in the AL.
Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, Guidry was the unanimous Cy Young winner in 1978 when he was 25-3 with a 1.74 ERA. He says his toughest opponent remains George Brett.
After intense negotiations between his agent John Schneider and George Steinbrenner, Guidry accepted a contract ranging from $4 million to $5 five million, depending on whether he pitches the next four or the next five seasons."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"Yankee fans cheer him as he makes his way back to the dugout from the bullpen even before the normal fan has started to direct his attention to the playing field. Then nimbly, number 49 pounces out of the dugout toward the mound and the show is about to begin. As he's warming up on the mound, a rumbling noise pierces the air and a wave of anticipation rises out of the overflowing stands. Unnerving the wary batter, two quick strikes register on the electronic scoreboard. Now the Stadium is jumping! Hands come together, cheers are so loud you can't help but join in and the pandemonium caused by the crowd lets the Gator know what he must do: get that third strike!
What most fans know is that Ron gets that third strike quite often. Last season, Ron chalked up 104 strikeouts in 127 innings to go along with his 11-5 record and 2.76 ERA. In '78 and '79, Ron recorded back-to-back 200-plus strikeout seasons with 248 and 201 respectively. And, over his five-plus seasons with the Yankees, Ron has recorded 922 strikeouts and can look toward reaching his 1,000th K this year.
In 1982, Ron hopes to continue his winning ways and aim for another 200-plus strikeout season. Most Yankee fans would be happy with his usual production: plenty of wins, plenty of strikeouts and time spent pitching in the World Series."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"1981 was another excellent year for Guidry. He had a slow start in the first half with a 5-3 record and a 3.74 ERA; he was hampered by a bone bruise on the ball of his right foot in May.
Guidry won his first six decisions in the second half and was named AL Pitcher of the Month of August (4-0 and an 0.37 ERA). He broke the little finger on his right hand on a come-backer on August 23, but played with a splint, not missing any starts.
During the season Guidry moved up from 12th to 8th on the all-time Yankee strikeout list, passing Raschi, Peterson, Turley and Chesbro, and maintained his best all-time Yankee won-lost percentage, .719. He won Game 1 of the World Series and was the loser in Game 5.
Ron enters 1982 with an 87-34 record and is 79-27, .745 since August 24, 1977. He has performed well in the second half of the year with a 48-13, .787 record after the All-Star break over the past five years.
1977 was his first full year with the Yankees; he was used in relief in six of his first seven appearances, then ended the year with 24 straight starts. In 1978, Guidry had a 'once in a lifetime' season, winning the Cy Young Award, finishing second in the MVP voting to Jim Rice and setting numerous records. He set the Yankee record for most consecutive wins to start a season, winning his first 13 and breaking the record of Atley Donald, the scout who signed Guidry. His nine shutouts tied Babe Ruth's AL record for most by a lefty, set in 1916. The Yankees won 30 of the 35 games he started, scoring only seven runs in the five losses, and opposing hitters batted only .193.
Ron struck out 10 or more in a game eight times, including a club record 18 against California on June 17, breaking Bob Shawkey's record of 15 set in 1919. His total of 248 strikeouts for the season was a club record and his 1.74 ERA was the lowest by a major league lefty since Sandy Koufax's 1.73 in 1966. 15 of his 25 wins followed a Yankee loss.
Guidry was a unanimous Cy Young winner (the only other unanimous winner was Denny McLain in 1968). He was also named Sporting News Player of the Year, Sporting News Man of the Year, Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year and Baseball Quarterly Performer of the Year. Guidry was named to the Associated Press, Sporting News and United Press International All-Star teams.
In 1979 Ron won his second straight ERA championship and was named to the UPI All-Star team. He played an inning in center field against Toronto on September 29 of that year. In 1980, Ron reached his 100th career decision (72-28), matching Sal Maglie, Vic Raschi, Spud Chandler and Ed Reulbach behind Whitey Ford's 74-26 for the second best record ever through the first 100 decisions.
Guidry was born and still resides in Lafayette, Louisiana. He was named Outstanding Track Man for two years at Northside High where they had no baseball team. He hurled a no-hitter and was named to the Gulf States All-Stars at Southwestern Louisiana where he majored in architecture.
Ron is Executive Vice-President of Munro Oil Tool, Inc. in Lafayette and enjoys hunting, chess and studying the Civil War in his spare time. His biggest thrill was his 18-strikeout game. He grew up as a Yankee and Whitey Ford fan."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Monday, March 16, 2015
1982 Profile: Andre Robertson
"One of the more quiet, unassuming young faces in this season's Yankee clubhouse may just belong to a 24-year-old shortstop from Texas named Andre Robertson. Now the name may not stir up images of Phil Rizzuto or Frank Crosetti right away, but give him time.
In 1980 Andre went from Ft. Lauderdale to Nashville to Columbus that same season. Scouts from other clubs besides the Yankees were just raving about the little guy at short with the remarkable defensive ability.
Last season, Andre appeared in 123 games for the Triple A Clippers and won a spot on the International League's All-Star team. He batted a respectable .259 and had 55 runs scored with nine home runs and 49 RBIs. He played briefly with the Yankees last September and October when Bucky Dent was injured, and showed he belonged in pinstripes."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Robertson began the 1981 season at Columbus and was named to the International League All-Star team as the shortstop. He was called up to the Yankees on September 2 when Bucky Dent was disabled with a torn hand ligament that required surgery. With the Yankees, Andre showed great promise at the plate and was impressive in the field. He singled in his first major league at-bat against Mike Jones at Kansas City on September 3 and played defensively in the ALCS and World Series.
Andre began in the Toronto Blue Jays organization in 1979. In 1980 with the Yankees, he progressed from A ball to AA to AAA in just his second pro season.
He grew up in Orange, Texas where he attended West Orange High. Andre played baseball, football, basketball and ran track, and was All-State twice and All-American once in baseball. He also played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion ball in Orange and was a San Francisco Giant and Willie Mays fan as a youngster.
Andre spent three years at the University of Texas where he teamed with Jerry Don Gleaton and played against Tim Lollar of Arkansas."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
In 1980 Andre went from Ft. Lauderdale to Nashville to Columbus that same season. Scouts from other clubs besides the Yankees were just raving about the little guy at short with the remarkable defensive ability.
Last season, Andre appeared in 123 games for the Triple A Clippers and won a spot on the International League's All-Star team. He batted a respectable .259 and had 55 runs scored with nine home runs and 49 RBIs. He played briefly with the Yankees last September and October when Bucky Dent was injured, and showed he belonged in pinstripes."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Robertson began the 1981 season at Columbus and was named to the International League All-Star team as the shortstop. He was called up to the Yankees on September 2 when Bucky Dent was disabled with a torn hand ligament that required surgery. With the Yankees, Andre showed great promise at the plate and was impressive in the field. He singled in his first major league at-bat against Mike Jones at Kansas City on September 3 and played defensively in the ALCS and World Series.
Andre began in the Toronto Blue Jays organization in 1979. In 1980 with the Yankees, he progressed from A ball to AA to AAA in just his second pro season.
He grew up in Orange, Texas where he attended West Orange High. Andre played baseball, football, basketball and ran track, and was All-State twice and All-American once in baseball. He also played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion ball in Orange and was a San Francisco Giant and Willie Mays fan as a youngster.
Andre spent three years at the University of Texas where he teamed with Jerry Don Gleaton and played against Tim Lollar of Arkansas."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Saturday, March 14, 2015
1982 Profile: Dave Winfield
1982 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Winfield paid big first dividends on his 10-year, $15 million contract with the Yanks, leading the club in RBIs and providing some exceptional outfield defense. He made what many observers consider the greatest catch ever on September 25, when he climbed the left field wall and reached nearly four rows deep with his long arms to haul in a drive by the Orioles' Doug DeCinces. He was easily the Yanks' most valuable player. He doesn't like to sit.
Winfield was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 3, 1951- the same day Bobby Thomson hit his 'Shot Heard 'Round the World' to beat the Dodgers in a playoff. He played on the University of Minnesota basketball team and was MVP of the College World Series in baseball. He's very active in charitable work for underprivileged youngsters.
Last season ended on a very disappointing note when he went 1-for-22 in the World Series."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"Physically, he's much more imposing than any television screen or photograph can make him out to be. Dave Winfield, at 6'6" and 220 pounds, could have been a pro basketball player as evidenced by the fact that he was drafted by both the Utah Stars of the old ABA and the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA. He could have played pro football since his hometown Minnesota Vikings drafted him. But his greatest game is baseball and in his second season with the Yankees, Dave is determined to make the most of his extraordinary-super talent.
Last season, his first as a Yankee, Dave hit a strong .294, with a team high 114 hits. Thirty-nine of those hits went for extra bases, 25 of them being doubles, with 13 home runs and one triple. Of his greatest accomplishments during the '81 season, you'd be foolhardy not to note his team high 68 RBIs and nine game-winning RBIs. But his greatest accomplishments of them all were his easy-going mannerisms, his ever-present calm in the eye of the baseball storm and his philosophy of just being himself.
This season Yankee fans will see Dave continue his winning ways and continue his grand contributions to the Yankees. They will see an AL pennant flying high at Yankee Stadium that he contributed to last year and they have hopes for another World Series Championship soon. But one thing they enjoy most of all is Dave Winfield playing ball with the enthusiasm of a rookie, being himself and being one of the greatest players on the field today!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"1981 was an outstanding first season in pinstripes as Winfield did everything expected of him. He led the Yankees in games, at bats, hits, total bases, doubles, RBIs, game-winning RBIs and sacrifice flies.
Winfield batted .324 in the first half to lead the team with seven home runs and 24 RBIs. He hit his first home run as a Yankee on April 29 in Detroit off Jack Morris, his first Yankee Stadium homer on May 23 off Rick Waits, and hit an inside-the-park home run on August 29 in Chicago off Lamar Hoyt. The Yankees were 11-1 in games in which he homered.
Dave got off to a poor start in the second half, batting just .143 in his first 16 second half games, but hit over .300 the rest of the way to raise his average close to .300. He had two nine-game hitting streaks and 27 multi-hit games during the 1981 season.
He was superb in the outfield, mainly patrolling left field, yet played 23 games in center capably when Mumphrey was injured. Winfield had appeared in every Yankee game until a sore shoulder kept him out of the September 11 game.
He appeared in his fifth consecutive All-Star Game and made his first appearance in postseason competition. He was named to the UPI AL All-Star team and won the Sporting News Silver Bat award.
Dave went right to the major leagues off the campus of the University of Minnesota and never played in the minors. He's missed only 14 games in the last five years. He played eight seasons with San Diego and holds many Padre batting and outfield defense records.
In 1979 Winfield finished third in the NL MVP voting behind co-winners Willie Stargell and Keith Hernandez. He was also voted by players to the Sporting News NL All-Star team and named to both the AP and UPI NL All-Star teams.
At the University of Minnesota, Winfield was 13-1 on the mound in his senior year, while batting over .400 in the outfield. He was the Gophers team captain, named first-team All-American and was MVP in the 1973 College World Series. Winfield also played basketball for Minnesota and was drafted in three different sports: Padres in baseball, Vikings in football, and Utah (ABA) and Atlanta (NBA) in basketball. He hit safely in his first six major league games.
The David M. Winfield Foundation has received much acclaim for its work with youth groups and contributions to the community. Winfield set up a college scholarship program in his native St. Paul/Minneapolis area and was named 1979 winner of the YMCA Brian Piccolo Award for humanitarian services."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
"Winfield paid big first dividends on his 10-year, $15 million contract with the Yanks, leading the club in RBIs and providing some exceptional outfield defense. He made what many observers consider the greatest catch ever on September 25, when he climbed the left field wall and reached nearly four rows deep with his long arms to haul in a drive by the Orioles' Doug DeCinces. He was easily the Yanks' most valuable player. He doesn't like to sit.
Winfield was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 3, 1951- the same day Bobby Thomson hit his 'Shot Heard 'Round the World' to beat the Dodgers in a playoff. He played on the University of Minnesota basketball team and was MVP of the College World Series in baseball. He's very active in charitable work for underprivileged youngsters.
Last season ended on a very disappointing note when he went 1-for-22 in the World Series."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"Physically, he's much more imposing than any television screen or photograph can make him out to be. Dave Winfield, at 6'6" and 220 pounds, could have been a pro basketball player as evidenced by the fact that he was drafted by both the Utah Stars of the old ABA and the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA. He could have played pro football since his hometown Minnesota Vikings drafted him. But his greatest game is baseball and in his second season with the Yankees, Dave is determined to make the most of his extraordinary-super talent.
Last season, his first as a Yankee, Dave hit a strong .294, with a team high 114 hits. Thirty-nine of those hits went for extra bases, 25 of them being doubles, with 13 home runs and one triple. Of his greatest accomplishments during the '81 season, you'd be foolhardy not to note his team high 68 RBIs and nine game-winning RBIs. But his greatest accomplishments of them all were his easy-going mannerisms, his ever-present calm in the eye of the baseball storm and his philosophy of just being himself.
This season Yankee fans will see Dave continue his winning ways and continue his grand contributions to the Yankees. They will see an AL pennant flying high at Yankee Stadium that he contributed to last year and they have hopes for another World Series Championship soon. But one thing they enjoy most of all is Dave Winfield playing ball with the enthusiasm of a rookie, being himself and being one of the greatest players on the field today!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"1981 was an outstanding first season in pinstripes as Winfield did everything expected of him. He led the Yankees in games, at bats, hits, total bases, doubles, RBIs, game-winning RBIs and sacrifice flies.
Winfield batted .324 in the first half to lead the team with seven home runs and 24 RBIs. He hit his first home run as a Yankee on April 29 in Detroit off Jack Morris, his first Yankee Stadium homer on May 23 off Rick Waits, and hit an inside-the-park home run on August 29 in Chicago off Lamar Hoyt. The Yankees were 11-1 in games in which he homered.
Dave got off to a poor start in the second half, batting just .143 in his first 16 second half games, but hit over .300 the rest of the way to raise his average close to .300. He had two nine-game hitting streaks and 27 multi-hit games during the 1981 season.
He was superb in the outfield, mainly patrolling left field, yet played 23 games in center capably when Mumphrey was injured. Winfield had appeared in every Yankee game until a sore shoulder kept him out of the September 11 game.
He appeared in his fifth consecutive All-Star Game and made his first appearance in postseason competition. He was named to the UPI AL All-Star team and won the Sporting News Silver Bat award.
Dave went right to the major leagues off the campus of the University of Minnesota and never played in the minors. He's missed only 14 games in the last five years. He played eight seasons with San Diego and holds many Padre batting and outfield defense records.
In 1979 Winfield finished third in the NL MVP voting behind co-winners Willie Stargell and Keith Hernandez. He was also voted by players to the Sporting News NL All-Star team and named to both the AP and UPI NL All-Star teams.
At the University of Minnesota, Winfield was 13-1 on the mound in his senior year, while batting over .400 in the outfield. He was the Gophers team captain, named first-team All-American and was MVP in the 1973 College World Series. Winfield also played basketball for Minnesota and was drafted in three different sports: Padres in baseball, Vikings in football, and Utah (ABA) and Atlanta (NBA) in basketball. He hit safely in his first six major league games.
The David M. Winfield Foundation has received much acclaim for its work with youth groups and contributions to the community. Winfield set up a college scholarship program in his native St. Paul/Minneapolis area and was named 1979 winner of the YMCA Brian Piccolo Award for humanitarian services."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Thursday, March 12, 2015
1982 Profile: Oscar Gamble
"Oscar Gamble is a different man during his second go-round with the Bronx Bombers and he's currently looking to follow all the rules to a 't.' At 32 years of age, Oscar's content wearing his hair a bit shorter and his pinstripes a bit longer.
Oscar is comfortable in the proud pinstripes. During his first year as a Yankee, 1976, he aimed his sweet, left-handed stroke toward the right field seats and deposited 11 big ones for all to see. His 11 home runs in just 113 at-bats averaged out to one home run every 10 times up. Incredible? No ... that's just Oscar! His forte was and always will be the long ball.
Of his 161 lifetime home runs, Oscar has hit 52 in pinstripes. Nearly one-third of his total long ball production has come with the Yankees- a fact which takes on even greater significance when you stop to think that Oscar has played with seven clubs during his major league career. O.G. is more than comfortable in the pinstripes. He's at home and he's doing his best to give New York another AL Championship and another shot at the World Series."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Gamble's 1981 season got off to a quick start. He batted .357 in April, tied for the team home run lead in the first half with seven, and had a four-RBI game at Oakland on May 1. He played right and left field and as a designated hitter in the first half, but was primarily a DH and pinch hitter in the second half. Oscar had the top on-base percentage as a pinch hitter in the AL, .615 (16-for-26), and had a successful postseason, batting .381 (8-for-21) with two home runs and five RBIs.
In 1980 Oscar jumped off to a fast start with 16 RBIs in his first 19 at-bats, batting .474 with three homers, but fouled a ball off his left foot on May 13, fracturing a toe. In 1979, he had a broken bone in his left foot and missed the month of May while with Texas before his trade to the Yankees.
Oscar has played for seven different major league teams, four in the last five years. He was named to the Texas League East All-Star team as an outfielder with San Antonio in 1968. With the Phillies, he had the distinction of getting the last ever hit in Philadelphia's old Connie Mack Stadium on October 1, 1970.
One of eight children, Oscar attended George Washington Carver High in Montgomery, Alabama where he only played basketball, as the school did not have a baseball team. His wife Juanita is a singer, and sung the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium prior to an ALCS game in 1976.
Oscar enjoys hunting, fishing and cars."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Oscar is comfortable in the proud pinstripes. During his first year as a Yankee, 1976, he aimed his sweet, left-handed stroke toward the right field seats and deposited 11 big ones for all to see. His 11 home runs in just 113 at-bats averaged out to one home run every 10 times up. Incredible? No ... that's just Oscar! His forte was and always will be the long ball.
Of his 161 lifetime home runs, Oscar has hit 52 in pinstripes. Nearly one-third of his total long ball production has come with the Yankees- a fact which takes on even greater significance when you stop to think that Oscar has played with seven clubs during his major league career. O.G. is more than comfortable in the pinstripes. He's at home and he's doing his best to give New York another AL Championship and another shot at the World Series."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Gamble's 1981 season got off to a quick start. He batted .357 in April, tied for the team home run lead in the first half with seven, and had a four-RBI game at Oakland on May 1. He played right and left field and as a designated hitter in the first half, but was primarily a DH and pinch hitter in the second half. Oscar had the top on-base percentage as a pinch hitter in the AL, .615 (16-for-26), and had a successful postseason, batting .381 (8-for-21) with two home runs and five RBIs.
In 1980 Oscar jumped off to a fast start with 16 RBIs in his first 19 at-bats, batting .474 with three homers, but fouled a ball off his left foot on May 13, fracturing a toe. In 1979, he had a broken bone in his left foot and missed the month of May while with Texas before his trade to the Yankees.
Oscar has played for seven different major league teams, four in the last five years. He was named to the Texas League East All-Star team as an outfielder with San Antonio in 1968. With the Phillies, he had the distinction of getting the last ever hit in Philadelphia's old Connie Mack Stadium on October 1, 1970.
One of eight children, Oscar attended George Washington Carver High in Montgomery, Alabama where he only played basketball, as the school did not have a baseball team. His wife Juanita is a singer, and sung the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium prior to an ALCS game in 1976.
Oscar enjoys hunting, fishing and cars."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
1982 Profile: Rich Gossage
1982 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Still without question the most feared pitcher in baseball; the principal reason why the Yankees will always be contenders- as long as he's sound. He's in the final year of the $2.75-million contract he signed with the Yanks as a free agent in 1977. Gossage thrives on pressure and hitters quake at facing his fastball, which is clocked regularly at 96 m.p.h.
Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, friends and foes call him 'Goose.' Prior to coming the Yanks from the Pirates' bullpen, he had been an undistinguished starter with the White Sox. He progressed through the Chisox' minor league system with Bucky Dent and they wound up in the World Series together with the Yanks.
Goose was well on his way to eclipsing John Hiller's major league record for saves (38 in 1973) in '81 when the strike came, and still wound up with 20."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"Speaking directly with a straight-from-the-shoulder candidness, you'll get the same answer from both reporters and ballplayers alike. There's no moundsman as awesome and overwhelming as the 6'3", 215-pound Colorado Springs, Colorado right-hander named Rich 'Goose' Gossage.
Arms flapping, body swirling at speeds too quick for the eye to focus on, a batter simply has to make up his mind to get his bat around as soon as possible. The bat must come around with an unhuman-like velocity to try to connect with a 90 to 100 m.p.h. fastball. Not enough time to entertain thoughts about what to do once the Goose has started his motion. Swing the bat, walk back to the dugout, drop the bat. It's that simple: one ... two ... three! As in three strikes, you're out.
During his four previous seasons with the Yankees, the Goose has racked up 314 strikeouts. All told, he's thrown 884 K's in a career that has included stints with the Chicago White Sox (1972-76) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (1977). In 1978, his best season as a Yankee to date, he was the American League's Fireman of the Year with a 2.01 ERA, 122 strikeouts and a league leading 27 saves.
There'll be no letting up on opposing batters this season, either. Goose plans to let it go full-force with enemy hitters dancing to the tune of his fastballs. One ... Two ... Three ... back to the bench!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Gossage had a super first half of the 1981 season, earning his sixth All-Star Game selection. He finished the first half with a 2-1 record, 17 saves and an 0.56 ERA, and had his 17 saves in 18 possible save situations.
Goose had an injury-marred season and missed eight games in mid-May with a strained back. He was scratched from the All-Star Game (Ron Davis took his place) when he developed tightness in his right shoulder during pre-second half workouts, not appearing in a game until August 21. Then in Milwaukee on September 14 he suffered a groin pull during batting practice, missing another two weeks. Goose was healthy for the playoffs, though, appearing in eight games, saving six and pitching 14.1 innings with 15 strikeouts and no earned runs for a 0.00 ERA.
He was the Yankees' No. 1 selection in the 1977 Re-Entry Draft. The Yankees followed scout Birdie Tebbetts' recommendation that they let no contending American League club get him. Gossage has established himself as the top reliever in baseball and was on the mound to finish the Yankees' last five deciding game victories: the 1978 playoff win at Boston (his greatest thrill in baseball), the '78 ALCS clincher against Kansas City, the '78 World Series clincher at Los Angeles, the 1981 Division Series clincher against Milwaukee and the '81 ALCS clincher at Oakland.
In '78 Goose was the Sporting News Fireman of the Year and Rolaids Relief Man of the Year. On September 3 of that year he struck out the side against Seattle on 11 pitches with none out in the ninth, the tying run on third and the winning run on second. 1979 was semi-disastrous, with Goose missing 12 weeks with a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpal-phalangeal joint of the right thumb suffered in a clubhouse scuffle with Cliff Johnson on April 19. He didn't pitch again until July 12.
In 1980, Goose finished third in the AL MVP balloting behind George Brett and Reggie Jackson. He also finished third in the Cy Young voting behind Steve Stone and Mike Norris and was named the relief pitcher on the UPI AL All-Star team. He retired 28 consecutive batters in a seven-game stretch from August 26 to September 10 of 1980.
Goose came up in the White Sox organization with Bucky Dent and they were roommates as well as teammates. The Midwest League Player of the Year in 1971 at Appleton, Goose was AL Fireman on the Year in 1975. He struck out eight of 11 Dodgers he faced in a game on May 19, 1977.
Gossage grew up a Yankee and Mickey Mantle fan and was captain of his basketball team (and is a member of the Hall of Fame) at Wasson High (Colorado Springs, CO), where he played against Cullen Bryant of the Los Angeles Rams. He attended Colorado State College where he majored in forestry.
Goose enjoys hunting, fishing, golf and racquetball."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
"Still without question the most feared pitcher in baseball; the principal reason why the Yankees will always be contenders- as long as he's sound. He's in the final year of the $2.75-million contract he signed with the Yanks as a free agent in 1977. Gossage thrives on pressure and hitters quake at facing his fastball, which is clocked regularly at 96 m.p.h.
Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, friends and foes call him 'Goose.' Prior to coming the Yanks from the Pirates' bullpen, he had been an undistinguished starter with the White Sox. He progressed through the Chisox' minor league system with Bucky Dent and they wound up in the World Series together with the Yanks.
Goose was well on his way to eclipsing John Hiller's major league record for saves (38 in 1973) in '81 when the strike came, and still wound up with 20."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"Speaking directly with a straight-from-the-shoulder candidness, you'll get the same answer from both reporters and ballplayers alike. There's no moundsman as awesome and overwhelming as the 6'3", 215-pound Colorado Springs, Colorado right-hander named Rich 'Goose' Gossage.
Arms flapping, body swirling at speeds too quick for the eye to focus on, a batter simply has to make up his mind to get his bat around as soon as possible. The bat must come around with an unhuman-like velocity to try to connect with a 90 to 100 m.p.h. fastball. Not enough time to entertain thoughts about what to do once the Goose has started his motion. Swing the bat, walk back to the dugout, drop the bat. It's that simple: one ... two ... three! As in three strikes, you're out.
During his four previous seasons with the Yankees, the Goose has racked up 314 strikeouts. All told, he's thrown 884 K's in a career that has included stints with the Chicago White Sox (1972-76) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (1977). In 1978, his best season as a Yankee to date, he was the American League's Fireman of the Year with a 2.01 ERA, 122 strikeouts and a league leading 27 saves.
There'll be no letting up on opposing batters this season, either. Goose plans to let it go full-force with enemy hitters dancing to the tune of his fastballs. One ... Two ... Three ... back to the bench!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Gossage had a super first half of the 1981 season, earning his sixth All-Star Game selection. He finished the first half with a 2-1 record, 17 saves and an 0.56 ERA, and had his 17 saves in 18 possible save situations.
Goose had an injury-marred season and missed eight games in mid-May with a strained back. He was scratched from the All-Star Game (Ron Davis took his place) when he developed tightness in his right shoulder during pre-second half workouts, not appearing in a game until August 21. Then in Milwaukee on September 14 he suffered a groin pull during batting practice, missing another two weeks. Goose was healthy for the playoffs, though, appearing in eight games, saving six and pitching 14.1 innings with 15 strikeouts and no earned runs for a 0.00 ERA.
He was the Yankees' No. 1 selection in the 1977 Re-Entry Draft. The Yankees followed scout Birdie Tebbetts' recommendation that they let no contending American League club get him. Gossage has established himself as the top reliever in baseball and was on the mound to finish the Yankees' last five deciding game victories: the 1978 playoff win at Boston (his greatest thrill in baseball), the '78 ALCS clincher against Kansas City, the '78 World Series clincher at Los Angeles, the 1981 Division Series clincher against Milwaukee and the '81 ALCS clincher at Oakland.
In '78 Goose was the Sporting News Fireman of the Year and Rolaids Relief Man of the Year. On September 3 of that year he struck out the side against Seattle on 11 pitches with none out in the ninth, the tying run on third and the winning run on second. 1979 was semi-disastrous, with Goose missing 12 weeks with a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpal-phalangeal joint of the right thumb suffered in a clubhouse scuffle with Cliff Johnson on April 19. He didn't pitch again until July 12.
In 1980, Goose finished third in the AL MVP balloting behind George Brett and Reggie Jackson. He also finished third in the Cy Young voting behind Steve Stone and Mike Norris and was named the relief pitcher on the UPI AL All-Star team. He retired 28 consecutive batters in a seven-game stretch from August 26 to September 10 of 1980.
Goose came up in the White Sox organization with Bucky Dent and they were roommates as well as teammates. The Midwest League Player of the Year in 1971 at Appleton, Goose was AL Fireman on the Year in 1975. He struck out eight of 11 Dodgers he faced in a game on May 19, 1977.
Gossage grew up a Yankee and Mickey Mantle fan and was captain of his basketball team (and is a member of the Hall of Fame) at Wasson High (Colorado Springs, CO), where he played against Cullen Bryant of the Los Angeles Rams. He attended Colorado State College where he majored in forestry.
Goose enjoys hunting, fishing, golf and racquetball."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Monday, March 9, 2015
1982 Profile: Graig Nettles
"Nettles answered critics who questioned if he could come back from the hepatitis that in 1980 limited him to under 100 games for the first time since '69. He won praise even from George Steinbrenner, often his sharpest critic, who said, 'Nettles is one of the few guys earning his money on this club this year.' That was during one of Steinbrenner's 'rap sessions' and Nettles, in fact, had a typical power year, finishing third on the club in RBIs. In the field, he made his customary spectacular plays almost daily and restaked his claim to being one of the great defensive third basemen in history. Only seven players in Yankee history have hit more homers than he has.
Nettles broke his thumb in the World Series of '81 and was limited to just three games. Born in San Diego, he had his contract extended by Steinbrenner through 1983."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"As the elder statesman on the Yankees, Graig Nettles commands respect for all the things he does so well: driving in a game-winning RBI, cutting off a rally by turning a would-be double-down-the-line into a double play and displaying a cool, confident edge present in only a handful of today's athletes. Measuring a man who exudes such confidence is tantamount to measuring a man who most would consider a leader. Make no mistake about it- Graig Nettles has long been one of the silent leaders on the Yankees and in 1982 his role will be duly recognized. As of this season, number nine is the official leader, the Captain of the New York Yankees.
Such an honor has gone to only two men in the last 41 years, Thurman Munson and Lou Gehrig, and four others previous. It is a position highly revered by his fellow teammates and one which has both honored and humbled this ten-year Yankee veteran. Perhaps Lou Saban, President of the Yankees, put it best when he said, 'Graig fits the mold of a Yankee captain in the tradition of Thurman Munson and Lou Gehrig. He has all the attributes of leadership and pride which are two necessary ingredients to being a leader. Lou and Thurman had it and Graig has it.'
Following in the footsteps of his close friend and teammate, the late Thruman Munson, Graig will have the opportunity to do what Thurman and Lou did best: lead by example. His big bat, peerless glove and immeasurable talent at the hot corner should be more than enough to propel the 1982 Yankees to another winning season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"The 1981 season was a strong comeback after missing the last two months of the 1980 season with hepatitis. Although Nettles didn't hit for a high average for most of the season, he did hit with power. He tied for the team lead with seven homers in the first half and added another eight in the second half, including two against Milwaukee on September 7. The Yankees were 11-3 in games in which he homered.
Nettles moved past Dickey (202) and Maris (203) on the Yankee home run list into sixth place, behind only Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig, DiMaggio and Berra. He also moved past Skowron (672) and Munson (701) into 14th place on the Yankee RBI list. On the all-time home run list, Nettles moved into 46th place with 295.
Graig hit 11 of his 15 homers at Yankee Stadium and hit 10 of his homers against right-handed pitchers, and he's still superb in the field. His .500 (6-for-12), nine-RBI (including a home run) performance against Oakland earned him MVP honors for the ALCS.
Named Yankee Captain on January 29, 1982, Nettles is only the sixth Yankee Captain, joining Lou Gehrig and Thurman Munson among others. He is currently the senior Yankee, joining the team following the 1972 season. During the decade of the '70s, only Reggie Jackson and Carl Yastrzemski had more RBIs among American Leaguers.
Graig's first full year was 1969 and he was a member of the AL West Champion Twins. He was Cleveland's Man of the Year in 1971 when he hit .261 with 28 home runs and set AL records for most assists and double plays by a third baseman.
Nettles hit 32 homers in 1976 to lead the league, the first Yankee to do so since Maris hit 61 in '61, and was second in 1977 with a career high 37, finishing fifth in the MVP voting. He was also named to the Sporting News and UPI All-Star teams that year and voted All-Time Yankee third baseman in a special poll of sportswriters. In 1978, Nettles set a Yankee fielding record with a .975 average, tied Jackson for the club lead with 27 home runs and led with 13 game-winning RBIs. He was named to the AP, UPI, Sporting News and Baseball Bulletin All-Star teams, turned around the '78 World Series with his spectacular fielding in Game 3 and finally gained nationwide recognition.
In 1980 he missed 67 games (from July 24 until the final two games of the season) with hepatitis, yet on July 21 hit his 267th career home run as a third baseman, passing Brooks Robinson as the all-time American League leader. Graig also hit his first career inside-the-park homer in Game 2 of the ALCS. He holds the records for most home runs and RBIs by a Yankee third baseman in a single season.
Graig was a baseball and basketball star at San Diego State before signing with the Twins. He's nicknamed 'Puff' by his teammates. His brother Jim played at Columbus last year and has also played with the Twins, Tigers, Indians and Royals."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Nettles broke his thumb in the World Series of '81 and was limited to just three games. Born in San Diego, he had his contract extended by Steinbrenner through 1983."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"As the elder statesman on the Yankees, Graig Nettles commands respect for all the things he does so well: driving in a game-winning RBI, cutting off a rally by turning a would-be double-down-the-line into a double play and displaying a cool, confident edge present in only a handful of today's athletes. Measuring a man who exudes such confidence is tantamount to measuring a man who most would consider a leader. Make no mistake about it- Graig Nettles has long been one of the silent leaders on the Yankees and in 1982 his role will be duly recognized. As of this season, number nine is the official leader, the Captain of the New York Yankees.
Such an honor has gone to only two men in the last 41 years, Thurman Munson and Lou Gehrig, and four others previous. It is a position highly revered by his fellow teammates and one which has both honored and humbled this ten-year Yankee veteran. Perhaps Lou Saban, President of the Yankees, put it best when he said, 'Graig fits the mold of a Yankee captain in the tradition of Thurman Munson and Lou Gehrig. He has all the attributes of leadership and pride which are two necessary ingredients to being a leader. Lou and Thurman had it and Graig has it.'
Following in the footsteps of his close friend and teammate, the late Thruman Munson, Graig will have the opportunity to do what Thurman and Lou did best: lead by example. His big bat, peerless glove and immeasurable talent at the hot corner should be more than enough to propel the 1982 Yankees to another winning season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"The 1981 season was a strong comeback after missing the last two months of the 1980 season with hepatitis. Although Nettles didn't hit for a high average for most of the season, he did hit with power. He tied for the team lead with seven homers in the first half and added another eight in the second half, including two against Milwaukee on September 7. The Yankees were 11-3 in games in which he homered.
Nettles moved past Dickey (202) and Maris (203) on the Yankee home run list into sixth place, behind only Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig, DiMaggio and Berra. He also moved past Skowron (672) and Munson (701) into 14th place on the Yankee RBI list. On the all-time home run list, Nettles moved into 46th place with 295.
Graig hit 11 of his 15 homers at Yankee Stadium and hit 10 of his homers against right-handed pitchers, and he's still superb in the field. His .500 (6-for-12), nine-RBI (including a home run) performance against Oakland earned him MVP honors for the ALCS.
Named Yankee Captain on January 29, 1982, Nettles is only the sixth Yankee Captain, joining Lou Gehrig and Thurman Munson among others. He is currently the senior Yankee, joining the team following the 1972 season. During the decade of the '70s, only Reggie Jackson and Carl Yastrzemski had more RBIs among American Leaguers.
Graig's first full year was 1969 and he was a member of the AL West Champion Twins. He was Cleveland's Man of the Year in 1971 when he hit .261 with 28 home runs and set AL records for most assists and double plays by a third baseman.
Nettles hit 32 homers in 1976 to lead the league, the first Yankee to do so since Maris hit 61 in '61, and was second in 1977 with a career high 37, finishing fifth in the MVP voting. He was also named to the Sporting News and UPI All-Star teams that year and voted All-Time Yankee third baseman in a special poll of sportswriters. In 1978, Nettles set a Yankee fielding record with a .975 average, tied Jackson for the club lead with 27 home runs and led with 13 game-winning RBIs. He was named to the AP, UPI, Sporting News and Baseball Bulletin All-Star teams, turned around the '78 World Series with his spectacular fielding in Game 3 and finally gained nationwide recognition.
In 1980 he missed 67 games (from July 24 until the final two games of the season) with hepatitis, yet on July 21 hit his 267th career home run as a third baseman, passing Brooks Robinson as the all-time American League leader. Graig also hit his first career inside-the-park homer in Game 2 of the ALCS. He holds the records for most home runs and RBIs by a Yankee third baseman in a single season.
Graig was a baseball and basketball star at San Diego State before signing with the Twins. He's nicknamed 'Puff' by his teammates. His brother Jim played at Columbus last year and has also played with the Twins, Tigers, Indians and Royals."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Saturday, March 7, 2015
1982 New York Yankees Manager and Coaches Profiles
BOB LEMON (Manager)
"Lemon took over the Yankee helm in mid-season, this time from Gene Michael, and led them into the World Series for the second time. On this occasion, however, the Yankees lost in six games to the Dodgers, whom they beat under his direction in 1978. And this time, Lemon's decision to pinch-hit for Tommy John in the fourth inning of a tied Game 6 was one of several Lemon moves that were widely criticized.
In '78, he took over for Billy Martin and led the Yanks to one of the greatest comebacks in baseball history, storming back from being 14 games behind the Red Sox as late as July 19. Bob was an easy-going 'players' manager' who had few rules. He previously managed the Royals and White Sox, winning Manager of the Year honors with both clubs.
Lemon was born in San Bernadino, California. A Hall of Fame pitcher during his playing days with the Indians, he was 207-128 from 1946-58."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"Bob Lemon feels like he's been here before. Sure enough, he has. Bob's managed eight teams in 13 years, a span that encompasses both the good and bad, both sides of the coin. With Hawaii of the Pacific Coast League (1964) and Richmond of the International League (1975), Lem came up tails. With Seattle of the Pacific Coast League (1966) and your very own Yankees (1978), he's come up heads.
Most recently, Bob Lemon managed last season's American League Champion Yankees. After replacing Gene Michael on September 6, he led the Bronx Bombers to a five-game playoff victory over the Milwaukee Brewers and a three-game playoff sweep over Billy Martin's Oakland A's. Bob's quiet, just-let-them-go-out-and-play philosophy seems to work well within the confines of Yankee Stadium. The players, all thorough professionals, don't need much chiding. They're simply looking for the chance to play good, clean baseball ... and Bob gives them that chance.
Bob Lemon knows a little something about winning. As an active pitcher, Lem won 207 games, appeared as an All-Star seven times, won 20 games on seven different occasions and has pitched in a pair of World Series. Justifiably so, Bob's gotten his due credit and is now a member of baseball's prestigious Hall of Fame. Yankee brass feels safe and secure with Lem at the helm. He's confident enough to help guide New York's finest to their 24th World Championship and their best season ever!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Lemon was named Yankee manager on September 6, 1981, replacing Gene Michael, taking over a team with a 14-12 record in the second half. He led the team to a five-game East Division playoff win over Milwaukee and a three-game sweep of Oakland for the Yankees' 33rd American League pennant before dropping the World Series to Los Angeles.
This is his second stint as Yankee manager. He will retire as manager at the end of the 1982 season and be replaced by Gene Michael. Lemon previously managed the Yankees from July 25, 1978 through June 19, 1979. He took over the team in 1978 with the club in fourth place, 10 1/2 games back, and led them to their 32nd American League pennant and 22nd World Championship. He was replaced as Yankee manager in 1979 by Billy Martin with the team in fourth place with a 34-31 record and served as a Yankee scout until renamed as Yankee manager.
American League Manager of the Year in 1977 as a first-year skipper of the White Sox, Bob started the 1978 season with the Sox. He was replaced on June 29 by Larry Doby, although the team was only 5 1/2 games out with a record of 34-40. Bob also managed the Kansas City Royals from June 9, 1970 through 1972 and guided the then third-year expansion club to a second-place finish in 1971. He served as Yankee pitching coach for the pennant winning club of 1976; the staff led the AL in ERA (3.19).
A Hall of Famer (elected in 1976) with a career record of 207-128, Lemon won 20 games seven times and pitched a no-hitter against Detroit on June 30, 1948. He was named to seven consecutive All-Star teams (1948-54)."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
GENE MICHAEL (Manager)
"Gene Michael has come full circle in his baseball career. The angular shortstop played 11 major league seasons including seven stellar campaigns on the infield dirt of the Bronx. The Stick was one of the most popular Yankees of his era because of his adept fielding and clutch hitting.
Upon his retirement from active play in 1976, this Kent State alumnus was hired by the Yankees as a coach. His baseball resume then accumulated the following credentials: Yankee Administrative Assistant in '77, first base coach in '78, guiding the Columbus Clippers to an International League crown in '79, Yankee General Manager in '80 and the field generalship of the Pinstripers in '81.
The formula for success in baseball is no secret. Success happens when opportunity meets with hard work. Gene has combined these two elements in his career and plans to continue as skipper on the Yankees' cruise to another World Championship."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
JOE ALTOBELLI (Coach)
"Joe Altobelli is quite a guy. For 10 seasons, this Rochester, New York native paid his dues as a manager in the minor leagues. For three seasons, 1977 to 1979, he led the San Francisco Giants and was duly rewarded as the National League Manager of the Year in 1978. In 1980, he managed the Columbus Clippers to the International League Championship and was named the IL's Manager of the Year.
Last season, his first as a Yankee coach, he worked the third base coaching lines. It's good to know, that along with Mike Ferraro at first, the Yankees have two Paisans assisting them around the bases."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Now in his second year as the third base coach, Altobelli spent 1980 as the manager of the AAA Columbus Clippers. He followed in Gene Michael's footsteps, winning both the regular season and playoff titles in the International League. The Clippers were 83-57 under Joe.
His playing career spanned 20 years (1951-70) as a first baseman/outfielder. He played 166 games in the majors with Cleveland ('55 and '57) and Minnesota ('61). Altobelli began his managerial career in 1966 at Bluefield, Virginia in the Appalachian League. He spent the next 10 years managing in the minors, and from 1971 through 1976 at Rochester established one of the finest records in triple-A history, winning four pennants and finishing second once, averaging 84 wins.
Joe was named Giants manager in 1977 and finished fourth. He was named National League Manager of the Year in 1978, finishing third with an 89-73 record. He was dismissed on September 6, 1979, and then was hired to replace Gene Michael at Columbus following the season."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
YOGI BERRA (Coach)
1982 AMERICAN LEAGUE STAR TEAM CAPTAIN
"What can you say about a man who's caught over 2,000 games, has more than 2,000 base hits, over 350 home runs and has participated (as a player, coach or manager) in a record 21 World Series? What can you possibly say about a three-time Most Valuable Player, a 15-time All-Star Game participant and a member of Baseball's Hall of Fame? What can you say about the most recognized sports figures in the world?
Yankee fans everywhere just want to say 'thank you, Yogi' for giving New York one of baseball's most exciting and colorful athletes in sports history."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"One of America's most beloved and recognized celebrities, Yogi returned to the Yankees for the 1976 season after 12 years, coinciding with a pennant that was followed by back-to-back World Championships, not surprising to those who know that good fortune follows this Hall of Famer around.
He's now been in 21 World Series, a record 14 as a player, four as a Yankee coach, one as a Met coach, and one each managing the Yanks and the Mets. Yogi holds World Series playing records for games, at-bats, hits, singles and consecutive errorless games (30), and he hit a grand slam homer (1956).
A three-time AL MVP (1951,1954,1955), Yogi was 15 times an All-Star. His 313 homers as a catcher are the second most ever at that position, behind Johnny Bench who passed Yogi in 1980, and his 30 homers in a season in two different years is an American League record. Yogi handled 950 consecutive chances without an error (1957-59). The Yankees retired his and Bill Dickey's uniform number 8 in 1972 but brought it back for his return in 1976.
Yogi's son Dale is an infielder with the Pirates, his son Larry Jr. played in the Mets organization, and his son Tim was a wide receiver for the Football Giants and the Colts. Yogi and his sons run a racquetball club in New Jersey."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
JERRY WALKER (Coach)
"The state of Oklahoma lends the Yankees another baseball talent in the form of pitching coach Jerry Walker. Jerry comes to New York after eight seasons as a Yankee scout and five seasons as a minor league manager.
As a major league pitcher for eight seasons, Jerry saw action with the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City A's and Cleveland Indians."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Walker joined the Yankee coaching staff in mid-season last year as assistant pitching coach to Clyde King and this year will share pitching coach duties with Jeff Torborg, with Jerry working from the dugout and Torborg in the bullpen.
Jerry has been in the Yankee organization since 1966 as a player, manager and scout, having scouted the last nine years (1973-81) after having managed in the minors for five seasons.
Walker pitched eight seasons in the major leagues for Baltimore, Kansas City and Cleveland. His best season was 1959 with an 11-5 record and 2.92 ERA for the Orioles. Jerry signed with the Orioles out of high school and as a youngster was a Stan Musial and Cardinal fan."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
MIKE FERRARO (Coach)
"Kingston, New York native Mike Ferraro begins his fourth season as a Yankee coach and his second season manning the first base coaching box.
Prior to his promotion to the major league coaching ranks, Mike saw action on every level of the Yankee minor league system. He managed the Oneonta, Ft. Lauderdale, West Haven and Tacoma Yankee farm clubs. Two of those clubs, West Haven and Tacoma, won their respective league championships under Mike's tutelage.
As a player, Mike spent four years in the majors: two seasons with the Yankees (1966 and 1968), one season with the Seattle Pilots (1969) and one with the Milwaukee Brewers (1972)."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Ferraro is in his second year as first base coach after two years as the Yankees third base coach. He replaced Dick Howser at third for 1979 after he had served as a manager in the Yankee system since 1974. He took the AAA Tacoma Yankees to the Pacific Coast League title in 1978.
Mike began managing at Oneonta in 1974 and 1975 and won a title in 1974. He moved to Ft. Lauderdale in 1976 and West Haven in 1977 where he won the Eastern League Championship. He compiled a 331-221 minor league managing record, a .600 percentage.
Ferraro played four years in the majors. He was with the Yankees in 1966 and 1968, was a member of the expansion Seattle Pilots in 1969, and moved with them to Milwaukee where he finished his career with the Brewers in 1972, his best year in the majors; he hit .255 in 124 games.
Mike played baseball, basketball and football at Kingston High School, and rooted for the Yankees and Mickey Mantle as a youngster growing up in Kingston. His hometown folks honored him with a day at Yankee Stadium when he came in with the Brewers in 1972.
Mike holds the major league record (tied) for most assists in a game (nine innings) by a third baseman. He had 11 on September 14, 1968."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
MICKEY VERNON (Coach)
"James Barton Vernon, better known as Mickey, is the newest member of the Yankees coaching staff. With a .286 lifetime average and service as an active player in parts of four decades behind him, Mickey is the man most qualified to instruct Yankee batters in the art of hitting.
He led the American League in hitting twice and in doubles three times. Mickey also realized his defensive commitment as a player, collecting four Gold Gloves at first base. During his active career, Mickey played for the Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Boston Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates. Welcome to New York, Mickey!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"A new member of the Yankee coaching staff this season, Vernon will work with the hitters. He has been Yankee minor league hitting instructor since 1979.
Mickey led the American League in hitting twice, batting .353 in 1946 and .337 in 1953 with Washington. He holds the AL record for games played by a first baseman with 2,227 and the modern major league record for first basemen with 2,237. He led the AL in doubles three times and won four Gold Gloves.
Mickey managed the expansion Washington Senators (1961-63) and since then has served in various capacities as a coach, minor league manager and batting instructor. He managed the Yankees' Manchester (Eastern League) club in 1971."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
JEFF TORBORG (Coach)
"One of the most articulate and intelligent students of the game, Jeff Torborg joined the Yankees' coaching staff on August 1 of 1979. After three seasons as manager of the Indians, this New Jersey born and bred son came home. Nineteen Eighty-Two marks Jeff's fourth season as a Yankee coach and his initial season as pitching coach.
Coach has a B.A. in education from Rutgers and a Master's degree in athletic administration from Montclair State. As an active player, Jeff spent 10 years in the big leagues and was fortunate enough to catch not one, but three no-hitters."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Torborg joined the Yankee staff on August 1, 1979 after his dismissal as manager of the Indians on July 23. He had managed the Tribe since June 19, 1977 and prior to that, he was a coach for the Indians beginning with the 1975 season, serving under Frank Robinson.
Jeff played 10 years in the majors, seven with the Dodgers and three with the Angels. He played on the World Champion Dodgers in 1965 and on their NL pennant winner in 1966. He caught two no-hitters with the Dodgers, by Sandy Koufax in 1965 and Bill Singer in 1970, and also caught a Nolan Ryan no-hitter with the Angels in 1973; the major league record is four by Ray Schalk. Jeff was also behind the plate when Don Drysdale threw his fifth consecutive shutout in 1968 and caught Koufax and Ryan when they set single-season strikeout records. He retired after the '73 season.
A native of northern Jersey, Jeff earned a B.S. in education from Rutgers and has a Master's degree in athletic administration from Montclair State. His thesis was on the effects of platooning in baseball. In his senior year at Rutgers, Jeff hit .537 to lead the NCAA in batting and set a record that still stands."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
CLYDE KING (Coach)
"Hailing from Goldsboro, North Carolina, the versatile Clyde King has once again been called out of his Special Assignment Scout position to take over as pitching coach for the Yankees. Similar to a move made last year, Clyde was again asked to work his magic with the pitching staff, joining the team on June 11.
Before joining the Yankee organization in 1976, Clyde managed four years in San Francisco and Atlanta and coached for five years with the Reds, Cardinals and Pirates. Clyde also pitched in the majors for seven years, six in Brooklyn and one in Cincinnati.
Welcome back to the dugout, Clyde!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
JOE PEPITONE (Coach)
"Although a native of Brooklyn, Joe Pepitone has always rooted for the Yankees and is now back in uniform as batting coach.
The colorful Pepitone played for the Yankees from 1962-69, then played for Houston and the Cubs before finishing his major league career in Atlanta in 1973. Joe returned to baseball last year as a batting instructor in the Yankees' minor league system and was working with the Yankee farmhands again this year before joining the team in mid-season. As a player, he batted .258 with 219 home runs and 721 RBIs and should now prove to be a great addition to the coaching staff."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Lemon took over the Yankee helm in mid-season, this time from Gene Michael, and led them into the World Series for the second time. On this occasion, however, the Yankees lost in six games to the Dodgers, whom they beat under his direction in 1978. And this time, Lemon's decision to pinch-hit for Tommy John in the fourth inning of a tied Game 6 was one of several Lemon moves that were widely criticized.
In '78, he took over for Billy Martin and led the Yanks to one of the greatest comebacks in baseball history, storming back from being 14 games behind the Red Sox as late as July 19. Bob was an easy-going 'players' manager' who had few rules. He previously managed the Royals and White Sox, winning Manager of the Year honors with both clubs.
Lemon was born in San Bernadino, California. A Hall of Fame pitcher during his playing days with the Indians, he was 207-128 from 1946-58."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"Bob Lemon feels like he's been here before. Sure enough, he has. Bob's managed eight teams in 13 years, a span that encompasses both the good and bad, both sides of the coin. With Hawaii of the Pacific Coast League (1964) and Richmond of the International League (1975), Lem came up tails. With Seattle of the Pacific Coast League (1966) and your very own Yankees (1978), he's come up heads.
Most recently, Bob Lemon managed last season's American League Champion Yankees. After replacing Gene Michael on September 6, he led the Bronx Bombers to a five-game playoff victory over the Milwaukee Brewers and a three-game playoff sweep over Billy Martin's Oakland A's. Bob's quiet, just-let-them-go-out-and-play philosophy seems to work well within the confines of Yankee Stadium. The players, all thorough professionals, don't need much chiding. They're simply looking for the chance to play good, clean baseball ... and Bob gives them that chance.
Bob Lemon knows a little something about winning. As an active pitcher, Lem won 207 games, appeared as an All-Star seven times, won 20 games on seven different occasions and has pitched in a pair of World Series. Justifiably so, Bob's gotten his due credit and is now a member of baseball's prestigious Hall of Fame. Yankee brass feels safe and secure with Lem at the helm. He's confident enough to help guide New York's finest to their 24th World Championship and their best season ever!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Lemon was named Yankee manager on September 6, 1981, replacing Gene Michael, taking over a team with a 14-12 record in the second half. He led the team to a five-game East Division playoff win over Milwaukee and a three-game sweep of Oakland for the Yankees' 33rd American League pennant before dropping the World Series to Los Angeles.
This is his second stint as Yankee manager. He will retire as manager at the end of the 1982 season and be replaced by Gene Michael. Lemon previously managed the Yankees from July 25, 1978 through June 19, 1979. He took over the team in 1978 with the club in fourth place, 10 1/2 games back, and led them to their 32nd American League pennant and 22nd World Championship. He was replaced as Yankee manager in 1979 by Billy Martin with the team in fourth place with a 34-31 record and served as a Yankee scout until renamed as Yankee manager.
American League Manager of the Year in 1977 as a first-year skipper of the White Sox, Bob started the 1978 season with the Sox. He was replaced on June 29 by Larry Doby, although the team was only 5 1/2 games out with a record of 34-40. Bob also managed the Kansas City Royals from June 9, 1970 through 1972 and guided the then third-year expansion club to a second-place finish in 1971. He served as Yankee pitching coach for the pennant winning club of 1976; the staff led the AL in ERA (3.19).
A Hall of Famer (elected in 1976) with a career record of 207-128, Lemon won 20 games seven times and pitched a no-hitter against Detroit on June 30, 1948. He was named to seven consecutive All-Star teams (1948-54)."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
GENE MICHAEL (Manager)
"Gene Michael has come full circle in his baseball career. The angular shortstop played 11 major league seasons including seven stellar campaigns on the infield dirt of the Bronx. The Stick was one of the most popular Yankees of his era because of his adept fielding and clutch hitting.
Upon his retirement from active play in 1976, this Kent State alumnus was hired by the Yankees as a coach. His baseball resume then accumulated the following credentials: Yankee Administrative Assistant in '77, first base coach in '78, guiding the Columbus Clippers to an International League crown in '79, Yankee General Manager in '80 and the field generalship of the Pinstripers in '81.
The formula for success in baseball is no secret. Success happens when opportunity meets with hard work. Gene has combined these two elements in his career and plans to continue as skipper on the Yankees' cruise to another World Championship."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
JOE ALTOBELLI (Coach)
"Joe Altobelli is quite a guy. For 10 seasons, this Rochester, New York native paid his dues as a manager in the minor leagues. For three seasons, 1977 to 1979, he led the San Francisco Giants and was duly rewarded as the National League Manager of the Year in 1978. In 1980, he managed the Columbus Clippers to the International League Championship and was named the IL's Manager of the Year.
Last season, his first as a Yankee coach, he worked the third base coaching lines. It's good to know, that along with Mike Ferraro at first, the Yankees have two Paisans assisting them around the bases."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Now in his second year as the third base coach, Altobelli spent 1980 as the manager of the AAA Columbus Clippers. He followed in Gene Michael's footsteps, winning both the regular season and playoff titles in the International League. The Clippers were 83-57 under Joe.
His playing career spanned 20 years (1951-70) as a first baseman/outfielder. He played 166 games in the majors with Cleveland ('55 and '57) and Minnesota ('61). Altobelli began his managerial career in 1966 at Bluefield, Virginia in the Appalachian League. He spent the next 10 years managing in the minors, and from 1971 through 1976 at Rochester established one of the finest records in triple-A history, winning four pennants and finishing second once, averaging 84 wins.
Joe was named Giants manager in 1977 and finished fourth. He was named National League Manager of the Year in 1978, finishing third with an 89-73 record. He was dismissed on September 6, 1979, and then was hired to replace Gene Michael at Columbus following the season."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
YOGI BERRA (Coach)
1982 AMERICAN LEAGUE STAR TEAM CAPTAIN
"What can you say about a man who's caught over 2,000 games, has more than 2,000 base hits, over 350 home runs and has participated (as a player, coach or manager) in a record 21 World Series? What can you possibly say about a three-time Most Valuable Player, a 15-time All-Star Game participant and a member of Baseball's Hall of Fame? What can you say about the most recognized sports figures in the world?
Yankee fans everywhere just want to say 'thank you, Yogi' for giving New York one of baseball's most exciting and colorful athletes in sports history."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"One of America's most beloved and recognized celebrities, Yogi returned to the Yankees for the 1976 season after 12 years, coinciding with a pennant that was followed by back-to-back World Championships, not surprising to those who know that good fortune follows this Hall of Famer around.
He's now been in 21 World Series, a record 14 as a player, four as a Yankee coach, one as a Met coach, and one each managing the Yanks and the Mets. Yogi holds World Series playing records for games, at-bats, hits, singles and consecutive errorless games (30), and he hit a grand slam homer (1956).
A three-time AL MVP (1951,1954,1955), Yogi was 15 times an All-Star. His 313 homers as a catcher are the second most ever at that position, behind Johnny Bench who passed Yogi in 1980, and his 30 homers in a season in two different years is an American League record. Yogi handled 950 consecutive chances without an error (1957-59). The Yankees retired his and Bill Dickey's uniform number 8 in 1972 but brought it back for his return in 1976.
Yogi's son Dale is an infielder with the Pirates, his son Larry Jr. played in the Mets organization, and his son Tim was a wide receiver for the Football Giants and the Colts. Yogi and his sons run a racquetball club in New Jersey."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
JERRY WALKER (Coach)
"The state of Oklahoma lends the Yankees another baseball talent in the form of pitching coach Jerry Walker. Jerry comes to New York after eight seasons as a Yankee scout and five seasons as a minor league manager.
As a major league pitcher for eight seasons, Jerry saw action with the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City A's and Cleveland Indians."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Walker joined the Yankee coaching staff in mid-season last year as assistant pitching coach to Clyde King and this year will share pitching coach duties with Jeff Torborg, with Jerry working from the dugout and Torborg in the bullpen.
Jerry has been in the Yankee organization since 1966 as a player, manager and scout, having scouted the last nine years (1973-81) after having managed in the minors for five seasons.
Walker pitched eight seasons in the major leagues for Baltimore, Kansas City and Cleveland. His best season was 1959 with an 11-5 record and 2.92 ERA for the Orioles. Jerry signed with the Orioles out of high school and as a youngster was a Stan Musial and Cardinal fan."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
MIKE FERRARO (Coach)
"Kingston, New York native Mike Ferraro begins his fourth season as a Yankee coach and his second season manning the first base coaching box.
Prior to his promotion to the major league coaching ranks, Mike saw action on every level of the Yankee minor league system. He managed the Oneonta, Ft. Lauderdale, West Haven and Tacoma Yankee farm clubs. Two of those clubs, West Haven and Tacoma, won their respective league championships under Mike's tutelage.
As a player, Mike spent four years in the majors: two seasons with the Yankees (1966 and 1968), one season with the Seattle Pilots (1969) and one with the Milwaukee Brewers (1972)."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Ferraro is in his second year as first base coach after two years as the Yankees third base coach. He replaced Dick Howser at third for 1979 after he had served as a manager in the Yankee system since 1974. He took the AAA Tacoma Yankees to the Pacific Coast League title in 1978.
Mike began managing at Oneonta in 1974 and 1975 and won a title in 1974. He moved to Ft. Lauderdale in 1976 and West Haven in 1977 where he won the Eastern League Championship. He compiled a 331-221 minor league managing record, a .600 percentage.
Ferraro played four years in the majors. He was with the Yankees in 1966 and 1968, was a member of the expansion Seattle Pilots in 1969, and moved with them to Milwaukee where he finished his career with the Brewers in 1972, his best year in the majors; he hit .255 in 124 games.
Mike played baseball, basketball and football at Kingston High School, and rooted for the Yankees and Mickey Mantle as a youngster growing up in Kingston. His hometown folks honored him with a day at Yankee Stadium when he came in with the Brewers in 1972.
Mike holds the major league record (tied) for most assists in a game (nine innings) by a third baseman. He had 11 on September 14, 1968."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
MICKEY VERNON (Coach)
"James Barton Vernon, better known as Mickey, is the newest member of the Yankees coaching staff. With a .286 lifetime average and service as an active player in parts of four decades behind him, Mickey is the man most qualified to instruct Yankee batters in the art of hitting.
He led the American League in hitting twice and in doubles three times. Mickey also realized his defensive commitment as a player, collecting four Gold Gloves at first base. During his active career, Mickey played for the Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Boston Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates. Welcome to New York, Mickey!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"A new member of the Yankee coaching staff this season, Vernon will work with the hitters. He has been Yankee minor league hitting instructor since 1979.
Mickey led the American League in hitting twice, batting .353 in 1946 and .337 in 1953 with Washington. He holds the AL record for games played by a first baseman with 2,227 and the modern major league record for first basemen with 2,237. He led the AL in doubles three times and won four Gold Gloves.
Mickey managed the expansion Washington Senators (1961-63) and since then has served in various capacities as a coach, minor league manager and batting instructor. He managed the Yankees' Manchester (Eastern League) club in 1971."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
JEFF TORBORG (Coach)
"One of the most articulate and intelligent students of the game, Jeff Torborg joined the Yankees' coaching staff on August 1 of 1979. After three seasons as manager of the Indians, this New Jersey born and bred son came home. Nineteen Eighty-Two marks Jeff's fourth season as a Yankee coach and his initial season as pitching coach.
Coach has a B.A. in education from Rutgers and a Master's degree in athletic administration from Montclair State. As an active player, Jeff spent 10 years in the big leagues and was fortunate enough to catch not one, but three no-hitters."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Torborg joined the Yankee staff on August 1, 1979 after his dismissal as manager of the Indians on July 23. He had managed the Tribe since June 19, 1977 and prior to that, he was a coach for the Indians beginning with the 1975 season, serving under Frank Robinson.
Jeff played 10 years in the majors, seven with the Dodgers and three with the Angels. He played on the World Champion Dodgers in 1965 and on their NL pennant winner in 1966. He caught two no-hitters with the Dodgers, by Sandy Koufax in 1965 and Bill Singer in 1970, and also caught a Nolan Ryan no-hitter with the Angels in 1973; the major league record is four by Ray Schalk. Jeff was also behind the plate when Don Drysdale threw his fifth consecutive shutout in 1968 and caught Koufax and Ryan when they set single-season strikeout records. He retired after the '73 season.
A native of northern Jersey, Jeff earned a B.S. in education from Rutgers and has a Master's degree in athletic administration from Montclair State. His thesis was on the effects of platooning in baseball. In his senior year at Rutgers, Jeff hit .537 to lead the NCAA in batting and set a record that still stands."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
CLYDE KING (Coach)
"Hailing from Goldsboro, North Carolina, the versatile Clyde King has once again been called out of his Special Assignment Scout position to take over as pitching coach for the Yankees. Similar to a move made last year, Clyde was again asked to work his magic with the pitching staff, joining the team on June 11.
Before joining the Yankee organization in 1976, Clyde managed four years in San Francisco and Atlanta and coached for five years with the Reds, Cardinals and Pirates. Clyde also pitched in the majors for seven years, six in Brooklyn and one in Cincinnati.
Welcome back to the dugout, Clyde!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
JOE PEPITONE (Coach)
"Although a native of Brooklyn, Joe Pepitone has always rooted for the Yankees and is now back in uniform as batting coach.
The colorful Pepitone played for the Yankees from 1962-69, then played for Houston and the Cubs before finishing his major league career in Atlanta in 1973. Joe returned to baseball last year as a batting instructor in the Yankees' minor league system and was working with the Yankee farmhands again this year before joining the team in mid-season. As a player, he batted .258 with 219 home runs and 721 RBIs and should now prove to be a great addition to the coaching staff."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
Thursday, March 5, 2015
1982 New York Yankees Management Profiles
GEORGE STEINBRENNER (Principal Owner)
"Every young man searching for his own place in today's world would be well advised to heed the advice and example of sportsman, business executive and civic leader George M. Steinbrenner.
Steinbrenner, a national figure before he was 40, offers a succinct basic formula for success: "Work as hard as you ask others to. Strive for what you believe is right, no matter the odds. Learn that mistakes can be the best teacher of all." Certainly, the meteoric career of this energetic son of a distinguished Great Lakes shipping family bears out the practical results of these simple beliefs.
In 1963, he entered the business world in earnest. In a way, it was a difficult adjustment for a man who had already been an assistant football coach at two Big Ten Universities, Northwestern and Purdue, and put together national championship teams in both the National Industrial and American Basketball Leagues.
In the business world, Steinbrenner is Chairman of the American Shipbuilding Company which he and associates took over and revitalized in 1967. Under his early leadership, American Ship tripled its annual revenues and since has climbed to the $200 million mark in annual sales.
In 1973, Steinbrenner put together the group which purchased the New York Yankees from CBS. As the Principal Owner, it took only five years for his keen foresight and aggressive leadership to turn the Yankees, once again, into World Champions.
Apart from corporate business and civic involvements, he devotes a great deal of time to his extensive interest in thoroughbred breeding and racing. This includes his 800-acre stud farm in Florida, the Florida Breeders Sales Company and Florida Horse Magazine, the latter two companies which he recently purchased with associates."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
LOU SABAN (President)
"After an outstanding career in professional football and coaching, Lou Saban became President of the New York Yankees in March 1981.
Having served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a First Lieutenant in the OSS as a Chinese interpreter in the China-Burma-India area, Mr. Saban continued his education, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from Baldwin-Wallace College in Ohio and his Master's Degree from Western University in Ohio.
An all-league linebacker with the Cleveland Browns in the late 1940s, Mr. Saban went on in his career to coach football at the college level at Case Institute of Technology, the University of Washington, Northwestern, Western Illinois, Maryland, the University of Miami and West Point. In professional football, he was the head coach of the Boston Patriots in 1960, and as head coach of the Buffalo Bills (1962-65), the team won the American Football League Championship twice, and he was voted Coach of the Year in both 1964 and 1965. As head coach of the Denver Broncos (1967-71), he reconstructed their entire business and physical programs, returning to the Bills in 1972. In eight years as their coach, he compiled an impressive 68-43-4 record.
Teacher, lecturer, athlete and coach- Lou Saban has been honored personally and professionally for his outstanding achievements throughout the United States."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
CEDRIC TALLIS (Executive Vice-President)
"Cedric Tallis, Executive Vice-President of the New York Yankees, is in his 34th season of professional baseball, although it took the highest honor an executive can achieve, The Sporting News Executive of the Year Award (1971), to make him nationally known among sports fans.
Tallis began his baseball career in 1948 with the Thomasville, Georgia franchise, and his minor league experience also carried him to Jamestown, New York; Flint, Michigan; Montgomery, Alabama; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Seattle, Washington. It was with Vancouver in 1957 that he was named Pacific Coast League Executive of the Year when his club drew 306,000 fans, a total unequalled in the minor leagues for the next decade. In 1961, he joined the new Los Angeles Angels, the American League expansion team, as Business Manager. In 1965, with the club moving to Anaheim as the California Angels, Cedric became Vice-President of Operations, helping to oversee the construction of beautiful Anaheim Stadium.
Tallis joined the Kansas City Royals in January 1968 during the formative season preceding their entry into the American League. Serving as Vice-President and General Manager, Tallis engineered a series of successful drafts and trades that molded the Royals into the winningest expansion franchise in history.
The opening of Royals Stadium was one of the highlights of Tallis' stay in Kansas City and he oversaw the refurbishing of the 'new' Yankee Stadium in 1975 and 1976. With those remarkable feats in hand, Tallis has had an association with the three most modern and beautiful new parks in the league.
Tallis, who attended Concord (New Hampshire) College, enlisted in the Army in 1940 and received a commission after Infantry Officer Candidate School in 1941, serving in the Aleutian Campaign and in the European Theatre. He left the army as a Major in 1948."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
BILL BERGESCH (Vice-President of Baseball Operations)
"As the Yankees Vice-President of Baseball Operations, Bill Bergesch works with Lou Saban and Cedric Tallis in providing Manager Bob Lemon the talent he needs on the field to produce another American League pennant and World Championship.
Bill is in his second stint with the Yankees. From 1963 through 1967 he served as traveling secretary and as stadium manager. From 1968 to 1977 he was president of Small Business Investment Company in Manhattan. He returned to the Yankees in 1978 as Director of Scouting and in 1980 was named Vice-President of Baseball Operations.
Bergesch began his career with the St. Louis Cardinals organization following his graduation from Washington University in St. Louis. He began as general manager in Albany, Georgia and also worked in Winston Salem, North Carolina; Columbus, Georgia; and Omaha, Nebraska. In 1959 and 1960 he served as scouting coordinator in St. Louis.
He moved to the Kansas City Athletics as assistant general manager in 1962 and worked with the New York Mets as the farm and scouting director, setting up farm clubs and hiring scouts for the new expansion team."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
"Every young man searching for his own place in today's world would be well advised to heed the advice and example of sportsman, business executive and civic leader George M. Steinbrenner.
Steinbrenner, a national figure before he was 40, offers a succinct basic formula for success: "Work as hard as you ask others to. Strive for what you believe is right, no matter the odds. Learn that mistakes can be the best teacher of all." Certainly, the meteoric career of this energetic son of a distinguished Great Lakes shipping family bears out the practical results of these simple beliefs.
In 1963, he entered the business world in earnest. In a way, it was a difficult adjustment for a man who had already been an assistant football coach at two Big Ten Universities, Northwestern and Purdue, and put together national championship teams in both the National Industrial and American Basketball Leagues.
In the business world, Steinbrenner is Chairman of the American Shipbuilding Company which he and associates took over and revitalized in 1967. Under his early leadership, American Ship tripled its annual revenues and since has climbed to the $200 million mark in annual sales.
In 1973, Steinbrenner put together the group which purchased the New York Yankees from CBS. As the Principal Owner, it took only five years for his keen foresight and aggressive leadership to turn the Yankees, once again, into World Champions.
Apart from corporate business and civic involvements, he devotes a great deal of time to his extensive interest in thoroughbred breeding and racing. This includes his 800-acre stud farm in Florida, the Florida Breeders Sales Company and Florida Horse Magazine, the latter two companies which he recently purchased with associates."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
LOU SABAN (President)
"After an outstanding career in professional football and coaching, Lou Saban became President of the New York Yankees in March 1981.
Having served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a First Lieutenant in the OSS as a Chinese interpreter in the China-Burma-India area, Mr. Saban continued his education, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from Baldwin-Wallace College in Ohio and his Master's Degree from Western University in Ohio.
An all-league linebacker with the Cleveland Browns in the late 1940s, Mr. Saban went on in his career to coach football at the college level at Case Institute of Technology, the University of Washington, Northwestern, Western Illinois, Maryland, the University of Miami and West Point. In professional football, he was the head coach of the Boston Patriots in 1960, and as head coach of the Buffalo Bills (1962-65), the team won the American Football League Championship twice, and he was voted Coach of the Year in both 1964 and 1965. As head coach of the Denver Broncos (1967-71), he reconstructed their entire business and physical programs, returning to the Bills in 1972. In eight years as their coach, he compiled an impressive 68-43-4 record.
Teacher, lecturer, athlete and coach- Lou Saban has been honored personally and professionally for his outstanding achievements throughout the United States."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
CEDRIC TALLIS (Executive Vice-President)
"Cedric Tallis, Executive Vice-President of the New York Yankees, is in his 34th season of professional baseball, although it took the highest honor an executive can achieve, The Sporting News Executive of the Year Award (1971), to make him nationally known among sports fans.
Tallis began his baseball career in 1948 with the Thomasville, Georgia franchise, and his minor league experience also carried him to Jamestown, New York; Flint, Michigan; Montgomery, Alabama; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Seattle, Washington. It was with Vancouver in 1957 that he was named Pacific Coast League Executive of the Year when his club drew 306,000 fans, a total unequalled in the minor leagues for the next decade. In 1961, he joined the new Los Angeles Angels, the American League expansion team, as Business Manager. In 1965, with the club moving to Anaheim as the California Angels, Cedric became Vice-President of Operations, helping to oversee the construction of beautiful Anaheim Stadium.
Tallis joined the Kansas City Royals in January 1968 during the formative season preceding their entry into the American League. Serving as Vice-President and General Manager, Tallis engineered a series of successful drafts and trades that molded the Royals into the winningest expansion franchise in history.
The opening of Royals Stadium was one of the highlights of Tallis' stay in Kansas City and he oversaw the refurbishing of the 'new' Yankee Stadium in 1975 and 1976. With those remarkable feats in hand, Tallis has had an association with the three most modern and beautiful new parks in the league.
Tallis, who attended Concord (New Hampshire) College, enlisted in the Army in 1940 and received a commission after Infantry Officer Candidate School in 1941, serving in the Aleutian Campaign and in the European Theatre. He left the army as a Major in 1948."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
BILL BERGESCH (Vice-President of Baseball Operations)
"As the Yankees Vice-President of Baseball Operations, Bill Bergesch works with Lou Saban and Cedric Tallis in providing Manager Bob Lemon the talent he needs on the field to produce another American League pennant and World Championship.
Bill is in his second stint with the Yankees. From 1963 through 1967 he served as traveling secretary and as stadium manager. From 1968 to 1977 he was president of Small Business Investment Company in Manhattan. He returned to the Yankees in 1978 as Director of Scouting and in 1980 was named Vice-President of Baseball Operations.
Bergesch began his career with the St. Louis Cardinals organization following his graduation from Washington University in St. Louis. He began as general manager in Albany, Georgia and also worked in Winston Salem, North Carolina; Columbus, Georgia; and Omaha, Nebraska. In 1959 and 1960 he served as scouting coordinator in St. Louis.
He moved to the Kansas City Athletics as assistant general manager in 1962 and worked with the New York Mets as the farm and scouting director, setting up farm clubs and hiring scouts for the new expansion team."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
1982 New York Yankees Outlook
HITTING
"If there has been one major deficiency evident about the Yankees since they last won in all in '78, it is hitting. Surprisingly, the additions of Ken Griffey and Dave Collins do not appear to strengthen the Yankees significantly here.
Their prime weakness has been at cleanup, where Reggie Jackson suffered through his worst season. The Yankees no longer have the long ball potential to merely crush their opposition. There is also some question now as to whether Dave Winfield can be a .300, 100-RBI hitter without a cleanup hitter to back him up.
The Yankees will rely more on timely hitting and speed, but somehow that pattern doesn't fit their image. Graig Nettles, at age 37, is suddenly the Yankees' chief home run threat. Further, they got little production out of their first base unit of Bob Watson and Dave Revering. It also remains to be seen how the defection of hitting coach Charlie Lau will affect Rick Cerone and Bucky Dent, his prize pupils."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
PITCHING
"Once again the Yankees' strong point and the reason they should hang close all year. The re-signing of Ron Guidry was a must, though, in that Tommy John (39 in May) and Rudy May (38 in July) are getting along in age. The Yankees may finally have to let youngsters Gene Nelson and Andy McGaffigan prove their worth a la Dave Righetti in '81.
The Yankees' biggest plus, of course, is the bullpen of Rich Gossage, Ron Davis, George Frazier and, possibly, veteran lefty Bob Sykes. With the virtually unhittable Gossage holding forth as the cleanup man, the Yankees need only to forge an early lead and take it into the seventh inning. That was their formula last year and it took them right into the World Series."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
FIELDING
"Always and still a Yankee strength. They seldom if ever beat themselves in the field. Bucky Dent and Willie Randolph are a sure-handed double play combo and Nettles is without question the master of his craft at third. Winfield, Griffey and Jerry Mumphrey comprise one of the fastest outfields in baseball. Cerone is solid defensively behind the plate.
The Yankees finished fourth in fielding overall and figure to do as well or better. No longer do opposing baserunners dare to take liberties on the Yankee outfield. If there is any weakness on defense it is at first, where Bob Watson covers little ground. Collins will get a shot here."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
OUTLOOK
"When the Yankees collapsed in the World Series, George Steinbrenner promised wholesale changes. The Yankee boss cited age and lack of speed as the prime reasons for his team's breakdown. In Griffey and Collins, Steinbrenner has added speed and Griffey should do a lot for the defense in the outfield.
But despite the presence of the Great Gossage in the bullpen and the expected base stealing boom from Griffey, Collins, Mumphrey and Randolph, there is a lot of age here. Among the candidates for the Opening Day starting lineup are Watson (36 in April), Nettles (37) and designated hitters Lou Piniella (38) and Oscar Gamble (33). Even Griffey will be 32 in April."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
"The Milwaukee Brewers have Rollie Fingers; the New York Yankees have Goose Gossage.
While Fingers used his wiles to win both MVP and Cy Young honors last season, Gossage had an equally remarkable season by using the power of intimidation against rival hitters.
The 30-year-old right-hander from Colorado depended on an eye-popping fastball to work out of late inning jams, and he was so effective that he had three wins, 20 saves and a 0.77 ERA for the season, followed by four saves in the two-tiered playoffs and two more in the World Series.
Gossage might have worked even more during the season except for a sore shoulder and a groin pull which sidelined him for much of the second half. Ron Davis, another flame-throwing righty, took over as late man and did well. Earlier in the year, Davis set a relief mark with eight straight strikeouts and whiffed 14 of 15 in one stretch.
The work of the bullpen gave Yankee starters confidence they would win even if they only worked six innings. Tommy John, Dave Righetti, Ron Guidry, Rudy May and Rick Reuschel- the lone right-hander- figure to start most of the games, though prospects Andy McGaffigan, Gene Nelson and Jamie Werly hope to impress this spring. Also in camp are southpaw Bob Sykes, acquired from St. Louis, and former Met John Pacella.
John, 39, is the ace of a staff that compiled a 2.90 ERA, best in the league, last summer. He could be challenged for leadership by Righetti, who won eight of 12 decisions and recorded a 2.06 ERA- a figure good enough to lead the American League had he worked enough innings and which earned him AL Rookie of the Year honors.
Catcher Rick Cerone, 28, is one of several regulars who must stage a comeback for the Yankees to be considered genuine contenders. He slipped to .244 in an injury-plagued season and squabbled with club owner George Steinbrenner twice- once after beating his boss in salary arbitration proceedings.
Also on the comeback trail are shortstop Bucky Dent, 30, and second baseman Willie Randolph, 27, whose averages fell sharply last season. Switch-hitter Larry Milbourne hit .313 in 61 games when he got a late-season shot at daily duty. He plays both short and second.
Third baseman Graig Nettles, a glove magician with home run power, will be 38 in August but still ranks as one of the best at his position. Another aging slugger, 36-year-old first baseman Bob Watson, may have saved his job with a .318 World Series average and team-leading seven RBIs but he'll have to hike his season's output of .212 and six homers.
If Watson falters, left-handed hitter Dave Revering, who once hammered 19 homers for Oakland, can play first base. Other reserve infielders will be Tucker Ashford at third, rookie Andre Robertson at short, and Milbourne wherever he is needed. Powerful Steve Balboni has a chance at first if he curbs his tendency to strike out.
Barry Foote, another possible first baseman, is the number one backup catcher. He had an explosive start after he was obtained from the Cubs last May. Dave Collins will add infield depth and liven things up on the basepaths.
Three more former National Leaguers- Dave Winfield, Jerry Mumphrey and Ken Griffey- make up a Yankee outfield that is solid both offensively and defensively. Despite his 1-for-22 showing in the World Series, Winfield comes off an impressive initial season in New York, though a six-point boost in his batting average could give the Yanks an all-.300 outfield.
Veterans Lou Piniella and Oscar Gamble, plus youngsters Bobby Brown and Mike Patterson, serve as outfield reserves, though Piniella and Gamble could form a right-left designated hitter platoon.
With a full season ahead and good health for all, the Yanks should shake their uncharacteristic weak offensive standing of a year ago. If that happens and the pitching holds, the team will be tough."
-Dan Schlossberg, Baseball Forecast 1982
"PROBLEMS: Age and a thin pitching staff are the two problem areas that confront the 1982 edition of the Bronx Bombers. Key performers Bob Watson (36), Graig Nettles (37), Lou Piniella (38), Tommy John (38) and Rudy May (37) are all in the twilight of their careers. When you add Rick Reuschel (31), Oscar Gamble (32) and newcomer Ken Griffey (32) to the over-thirty group, it's easy to see that the Yanks may soon fall prey to Father Time.
Pitching is also weak, but the staff was bolstered by the return of free agent Ron Guidry, who was 11-5 last year. The Yankee bench can also disappoint in '82, especially if Dave Revering continues to struggle at the plate.
But if you like experience in a pennant chase, you've still got to like New York's chances of again capturing the AL East title. It won't, however, be easy in this very tough division.
PITCHING: Veteran sinkerballer Tommy John will again be the staff ace. Last year he led the club with seven complete games. He's joined in the rotation by AL Rookie of the Year Dave Righetti, veteran workhorse Rudy May and the club's main right-handed starter, ex-Cub Rick Reuschel.
This group will be okay now that southpaw Guidry has returned to the fold. It would have been thin without him.
In the bullpen is the Goose, ace Rich Gossage. All he did in '81 was to save 20 games, notch a 3-2 win-loss record, and register an almost unbelievable 0.77 ERA. As if the hard throwing Gossage isn't enough, New York can also throw Ron Davis and young George Frazier at the opposition. Both have quality arms, even though Frazier was pinned with three World Series losses.
HITTING: Despite his bad World Series, Dave Winfield was the Bombers' most consistent performer during the trying '81 campaign. The multi-million dollar outfielder paced the club with nine game-winning hits and swiped 11 bases to go with his 13 homers and 68 RBIs.
Ken Griffey, picked up from the Reds, will add a lot of offensive punch at the plate and on the bases. Last year in Cincy, he hit .311 with 12 stolen bases. His speed and defense will be a big asset.
A couple other Yanks who can move on the basepaths are Jerry Mumphrey and Willie Randolph. In spite of his low batting average, Randolph is considered the offensive catalyst on the club due to his ability to get on base in some way or another.
Neither Rick Cerone nor Bucky Dent is known as a threat to capture a batting crown, but both can be potent at times with the stick. Larry Milbourne is also a factor.
Left-handed punch comes from third baseman Nettles, veteran Oscar Gamble and possibly Revering. From the right side, veteran slugger Bob Watson must rebound from a poor season. Lou Piniella can still hit but he is slow afield.
INFIELD: Nettles will again be at third. They talk about his age, but when healthy Graig still plays the hot corner masterfully. Dent will return at short, with Milbourne filling in very capably when needed. Veteran Randolph is still young and can turn the double play at second. Watson and Revering will get shots at the regular first base job, with Gamble available if neither hits.
The postseason problems with owner George Steinbrenner can be forgotten- Rick Cerone will be the everyday catcher. He is a star defensively and has occasional power.
OUTFIELD: The All ex-National League Yankee crew is probably the best in baseball today. Mumphrey in center is solid and covers a lot of ground. Griffey in right and Winfield in left have great arms and super range and are steady defensive performers. All can hit over .300 with good power.
Winfield is the best of the bunch and ranks with the best defensive performers in the game. Blessed with speed, a great arm and a solid glove, Dave has been known to chase balls into the stands in pursuit of an out.
Bobby Brown and the veterans Gamble and Piniella are around for backup duty.
PROGNOSIS: If age doesn't catch up with all the New York veterans at once, they will again be the team to beat in the AL East. Griffey will add a lot to this club.
Look for Ken to bat third with Winfield moving into the cleanup spot. This will be a swifter, more aggressive club with more than enough of everything to repeat as division winners."
-Tommy Kay's Big Book of Baseball, May 1982 Edition
"If there has been one major deficiency evident about the Yankees since they last won in all in '78, it is hitting. Surprisingly, the additions of Ken Griffey and Dave Collins do not appear to strengthen the Yankees significantly here.
Their prime weakness has been at cleanup, where Reggie Jackson suffered through his worst season. The Yankees no longer have the long ball potential to merely crush their opposition. There is also some question now as to whether Dave Winfield can be a .300, 100-RBI hitter without a cleanup hitter to back him up.
The Yankees will rely more on timely hitting and speed, but somehow that pattern doesn't fit their image. Graig Nettles, at age 37, is suddenly the Yankees' chief home run threat. Further, they got little production out of their first base unit of Bob Watson and Dave Revering. It also remains to be seen how the defection of hitting coach Charlie Lau will affect Rick Cerone and Bucky Dent, his prize pupils."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
PITCHING
"Once again the Yankees' strong point and the reason they should hang close all year. The re-signing of Ron Guidry was a must, though, in that Tommy John (39 in May) and Rudy May (38 in July) are getting along in age. The Yankees may finally have to let youngsters Gene Nelson and Andy McGaffigan prove their worth a la Dave Righetti in '81.
The Yankees' biggest plus, of course, is the bullpen of Rich Gossage, Ron Davis, George Frazier and, possibly, veteran lefty Bob Sykes. With the virtually unhittable Gossage holding forth as the cleanup man, the Yankees need only to forge an early lead and take it into the seventh inning. That was their formula last year and it took them right into the World Series."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
FIELDING
"Always and still a Yankee strength. They seldom if ever beat themselves in the field. Bucky Dent and Willie Randolph are a sure-handed double play combo and Nettles is without question the master of his craft at third. Winfield, Griffey and Jerry Mumphrey comprise one of the fastest outfields in baseball. Cerone is solid defensively behind the plate.
The Yankees finished fourth in fielding overall and figure to do as well or better. No longer do opposing baserunners dare to take liberties on the Yankee outfield. If there is any weakness on defense it is at first, where Bob Watson covers little ground. Collins will get a shot here."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
OUTLOOK
"When the Yankees collapsed in the World Series, George Steinbrenner promised wholesale changes. The Yankee boss cited age and lack of speed as the prime reasons for his team's breakdown. In Griffey and Collins, Steinbrenner has added speed and Griffey should do a lot for the defense in the outfield.
But despite the presence of the Great Gossage in the bullpen and the expected base stealing boom from Griffey, Collins, Mumphrey and Randolph, there is a lot of age here. Among the candidates for the Opening Day starting lineup are Watson (36 in April), Nettles (37) and designated hitters Lou Piniella (38) and Oscar Gamble (33). Even Griffey will be 32 in April."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
"The Milwaukee Brewers have Rollie Fingers; the New York Yankees have Goose Gossage.
While Fingers used his wiles to win both MVP and Cy Young honors last season, Gossage had an equally remarkable season by using the power of intimidation against rival hitters.
The 30-year-old right-hander from Colorado depended on an eye-popping fastball to work out of late inning jams, and he was so effective that he had three wins, 20 saves and a 0.77 ERA for the season, followed by four saves in the two-tiered playoffs and two more in the World Series.
Gossage might have worked even more during the season except for a sore shoulder and a groin pull which sidelined him for much of the second half. Ron Davis, another flame-throwing righty, took over as late man and did well. Earlier in the year, Davis set a relief mark with eight straight strikeouts and whiffed 14 of 15 in one stretch.
The work of the bullpen gave Yankee starters confidence they would win even if they only worked six innings. Tommy John, Dave Righetti, Ron Guidry, Rudy May and Rick Reuschel- the lone right-hander- figure to start most of the games, though prospects Andy McGaffigan, Gene Nelson and Jamie Werly hope to impress this spring. Also in camp are southpaw Bob Sykes, acquired from St. Louis, and former Met John Pacella.
John, 39, is the ace of a staff that compiled a 2.90 ERA, best in the league, last summer. He could be challenged for leadership by Righetti, who won eight of 12 decisions and recorded a 2.06 ERA- a figure good enough to lead the American League had he worked enough innings and which earned him AL Rookie of the Year honors.
Catcher Rick Cerone, 28, is one of several regulars who must stage a comeback for the Yankees to be considered genuine contenders. He slipped to .244 in an injury-plagued season and squabbled with club owner George Steinbrenner twice- once after beating his boss in salary arbitration proceedings.
Also on the comeback trail are shortstop Bucky Dent, 30, and second baseman Willie Randolph, 27, whose averages fell sharply last season. Switch-hitter Larry Milbourne hit .313 in 61 games when he got a late-season shot at daily duty. He plays both short and second.
Third baseman Graig Nettles, a glove magician with home run power, will be 38 in August but still ranks as one of the best at his position. Another aging slugger, 36-year-old first baseman Bob Watson, may have saved his job with a .318 World Series average and team-leading seven RBIs but he'll have to hike his season's output of .212 and six homers.
If Watson falters, left-handed hitter Dave Revering, who once hammered 19 homers for Oakland, can play first base. Other reserve infielders will be Tucker Ashford at third, rookie Andre Robertson at short, and Milbourne wherever he is needed. Powerful Steve Balboni has a chance at first if he curbs his tendency to strike out.
Barry Foote, another possible first baseman, is the number one backup catcher. He had an explosive start after he was obtained from the Cubs last May. Dave Collins will add infield depth and liven things up on the basepaths.
Three more former National Leaguers- Dave Winfield, Jerry Mumphrey and Ken Griffey- make up a Yankee outfield that is solid both offensively and defensively. Despite his 1-for-22 showing in the World Series, Winfield comes off an impressive initial season in New York, though a six-point boost in his batting average could give the Yanks an all-.300 outfield.
Veterans Lou Piniella and Oscar Gamble, plus youngsters Bobby Brown and Mike Patterson, serve as outfield reserves, though Piniella and Gamble could form a right-left designated hitter platoon.
With a full season ahead and good health for all, the Yanks should shake their uncharacteristic weak offensive standing of a year ago. If that happens and the pitching holds, the team will be tough."
-Dan Schlossberg, Baseball Forecast 1982
"PROBLEMS: Age and a thin pitching staff are the two problem areas that confront the 1982 edition of the Bronx Bombers. Key performers Bob Watson (36), Graig Nettles (37), Lou Piniella (38), Tommy John (38) and Rudy May (37) are all in the twilight of their careers. When you add Rick Reuschel (31), Oscar Gamble (32) and newcomer Ken Griffey (32) to the over-thirty group, it's easy to see that the Yanks may soon fall prey to Father Time.
Pitching is also weak, but the staff was bolstered by the return of free agent Ron Guidry, who was 11-5 last year. The Yankee bench can also disappoint in '82, especially if Dave Revering continues to struggle at the plate.
But if you like experience in a pennant chase, you've still got to like New York's chances of again capturing the AL East title. It won't, however, be easy in this very tough division.
PITCHING: Veteran sinkerballer Tommy John will again be the staff ace. Last year he led the club with seven complete games. He's joined in the rotation by AL Rookie of the Year Dave Righetti, veteran workhorse Rudy May and the club's main right-handed starter, ex-Cub Rick Reuschel.
This group will be okay now that southpaw Guidry has returned to the fold. It would have been thin without him.
In the bullpen is the Goose, ace Rich Gossage. All he did in '81 was to save 20 games, notch a 3-2 win-loss record, and register an almost unbelievable 0.77 ERA. As if the hard throwing Gossage isn't enough, New York can also throw Ron Davis and young George Frazier at the opposition. Both have quality arms, even though Frazier was pinned with three World Series losses.
HITTING: Despite his bad World Series, Dave Winfield was the Bombers' most consistent performer during the trying '81 campaign. The multi-million dollar outfielder paced the club with nine game-winning hits and swiped 11 bases to go with his 13 homers and 68 RBIs.
Ken Griffey, picked up from the Reds, will add a lot of offensive punch at the plate and on the bases. Last year in Cincy, he hit .311 with 12 stolen bases. His speed and defense will be a big asset.
A couple other Yanks who can move on the basepaths are Jerry Mumphrey and Willie Randolph. In spite of his low batting average, Randolph is considered the offensive catalyst on the club due to his ability to get on base in some way or another.
Neither Rick Cerone nor Bucky Dent is known as a threat to capture a batting crown, but both can be potent at times with the stick. Larry Milbourne is also a factor.
Left-handed punch comes from third baseman Nettles, veteran Oscar Gamble and possibly Revering. From the right side, veteran slugger Bob Watson must rebound from a poor season. Lou Piniella can still hit but he is slow afield.
INFIELD: Nettles will again be at third. They talk about his age, but when healthy Graig still plays the hot corner masterfully. Dent will return at short, with Milbourne filling in very capably when needed. Veteran Randolph is still young and can turn the double play at second. Watson and Revering will get shots at the regular first base job, with Gamble available if neither hits.
The postseason problems with owner George Steinbrenner can be forgotten- Rick Cerone will be the everyday catcher. He is a star defensively and has occasional power.
OUTFIELD: The All ex-National League Yankee crew is probably the best in baseball today. Mumphrey in center is solid and covers a lot of ground. Griffey in right and Winfield in left have great arms and super range and are steady defensive performers. All can hit over .300 with good power.
Winfield is the best of the bunch and ranks with the best defensive performers in the game. Blessed with speed, a great arm and a solid glove, Dave has been known to chase balls into the stands in pursuit of an out.
Bobby Brown and the veterans Gamble and Piniella are around for backup duty.
PROGNOSIS: If age doesn't catch up with all the New York veterans at once, they will again be the team to beat in the AL East. Griffey will add a lot to this club.
Look for Ken to bat third with Winfield moving into the cleanup spot. This will be a swifter, more aggressive club with more than enough of everything to repeat as division winners."
-Tommy Kay's Big Book of Baseball, May 1982 Edition
1982 Yankees Depth Chart
Manager - Bob Lemon
C Rick Cerone (.244-2-21)
1B Bob Watson (.212-6-12)
2B Willie Randolph (.232-2-24)
3B Graig Nettles (.244-15-46)
SS Bucky Dent (.238-7-27)
LF Dave Winfield (.294-13-68)
CF Jerry Mumphrey (.307-6-32)
RF Ken Griffey (.311-2-34)
Designated Hitter: Oscar Gamble (.238-10-27) or Lou Piniella (.277-5-18)
Starting Pitchers: Tommy John (9-8), Dave Righetti (8-4), Rudy May (6-11), Rick Reuschel (4-4), Ron Guidry (11-5)
Relief Pitchers: Rich Gossage (3-2, 20 saves), Ron Davis (4-5, 6 saves),
Key Reserves: Bobby Brown, Larry Milbourne, Dave Revering
-Tommy Kay's Big Book of Baseball, May 1982
Sunday, March 1, 2015
1982 New York Yankees Spring Training Roster
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Manager - Bob Lemon 21
No. Coaches
48 Joe Altobelli
8 Yogi Berra
33 Mike Ferraro
41 Jeff Torborg
40 Mickey Vernon
42 Jerry Walker
No. Pitchers
39 Ron Davis (R-R)
57 Pete Filson (L-L)
43 George Frazier (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
25 Tommy John (R-L)
71 Curt Kaufman (R-R)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
58 Andy McGaffigan (R-R)
63 Mike Morgan (R-R)
46 Gene Nelson (R-R)
50 John Pacella (R-R)
36 Rick Reuschel (R-R)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
53 Bob Sykes (S-L)
52 Jamie Werly (R-R)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
23 Barry Foote (R-R)
38 Brad Gulden (L-R)
No. Infielders
24 Tucker Ashford (R-R)
66 Steve Balboni (R-R)
61 Todd Demeter (R-R)
20 Bucky Dent (R-R)
62 Don Mattingly (L-L)
18 Larry Milbourne (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
47 Otis Nixon (R-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
12 Dave Revering (L-R)
55 Andre Robertson (R-R)
28 Bob Watson (R-R)
No. Outfielders
13 Bobby Brown (S-R)
29 Dave Collins (S-L)
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
6 Ken Griffey (L-L)
22 Jerry Mumphrey (S-R)
56 Mike Patterson (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
59 Ted Wilborn (S-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
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