"Mayberry did not have a good average in '81, but was again the Blue Jays' most productive and dangerous hitter, leading the club in homers and RBIs. He had an excellent season in '80 when he hit 30 homers and knocked in 82 runs. The Blue Jays got him from the Royals for 'future considerations' in April 1978.
John was originally signed by the Astros, the scout being Pat Gillick, who now serves as Blue Jays vice-president. The Royals acquired him in '72 and he was an integral part of their 1976 and '77 AL West champs. John would probably be even more dangerous if the Blue Jays had some quality hitters to protect him."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"This 6'3", 220-pound Michigan man has 248 home runs as of June 14 of this season. Add career RBIs, career hits and a gem of a glove at first base and you've got the makings of John Mayberry.
John began his baseball career with the Astro organization in 1967. He spent parts of the '68, '69', '70 and '71 seasons with Houston until his trade to the American League and the Kansas City Royals in time for the '72 season. Big John spent six productive seasons in K.C. which included being named to the All-Star team twice and playing in the 1976 and 1977 ALCS against the Yankees. After the '77 season, John crossed borders and found himself wearing a lighter shade of blue with the Toronto Blue Jays. In Toronto, Big John enjoyed four great years, averaging 22 home runs per season.
His presence in New York means more power from the left side and more runs scored for the Bronx Bombers. Manager Gene Michael likes his experience and his hunger- Big John is hungry for a visit to the Fall Classic!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
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