"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
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