"Griffey did not prove to be the great steal the Yankees thought he would be when the prospective free agent was acquired from the Reds for practically nothing after the 1981 season. He had an up-and-down season but finally straightened himself out in the final six weeks.
Ken played right field but could be moved to center or even first this year, depending on what moves the Yankees make. He's been slowed down by sore legs and stole only 10 bases.
Born in Donora, PA, the birthplace of Stan Musial, Griffey had a lifetime .307 average before last year. He was not picked by Cincinnati until the 29th round of the 1969 draft."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"On November 4, 1981, the date Ken Griffey became a New York Yankee, club executives knew what they were doing. They had obtained a proven winner. Wrapped in the package that is Ken Griffey comes a combination of hitting, speed and defense that had entertained Cincinnati Reds fans for nine season. The luggage he bore on his arrival in the Bronx Ballyard contained a lifetime .307 batting average and 150 stolen bases.
In 1982, Yankees fans were treated to a glimpse of the real Ken Griffey. Over his last 38 games Ken hit .341 with seven homers and 29 RBI. Also, his 13 game hitting streak was the longest by any Yankee during the 1982 campaign. Numbers such as these have Yankee executives looking pretty good.
Ken Griffey anxiously awaits his second season in pinstripes. His outstanding ability and all-around good nature are welcome in the Yankee clubhouse. Consistency with the bat, prowess on the base paths, and agility in the outfield have Yankees fans reeling in anticipation for his contributions towards championships yet to come."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Griffey batted .277 in his first season in pinstripes, 30 points below his previous major league average. He turned things around at the plate in his last 38 games, however, batting .341 (47-for-138) with seven home runs and 29 RBIs, raising his average from .251 on August 17. On August 18, Ken started on a 13 game hitting streak in which he raised his average 20 points, the 13 game streak being the longest by a Yankee in 1982. His 12 homers were just one shy of his previous major league high (13 in 1980).
In the last five years (1978-82) Ken is the eighth leading hitter in the major leagues with a .307 average; during the last ten years (1973-82), he's also the eighth leading batter in the major leagues with an identical .307 average. In 1980 Ken was the Reds' MVP and MVP of the All-Star Game. He missed the end of the 1979 season with a mid-August operation on his left knee and his thigh bone. In 1972 Ken was named to the Eastern League All-Star team and in 1973 to the American Association All-Star team.
Griffey was born and grew up in Donora, Pennsylvania, birthplace of Stan Musial."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Monday, May 25, 2015
1983 Profile: Butch Wynegar
"Butch's value to the Yankees was immediately apparent when he subbed for catcher Rick Cerone, who suffered a broken thumb a month into the '82 season.
Only 26 years old, the switch-hitting Wynegar joined the Yankees from Minnesota, where he had spent six impressive seasons with the Twins.
But his heart has always belonged to the Yankees. 'My dad lived and died with the Yankees,' says Butch. 'Our family always followed the Yankees, especially Mickey Mantle. In fact, I became a switch-hitter because I wanted to be just like Mantle.'
Last season, in 63 games as a Yankee, Wynegar hit a very respectable .293 and handled his catching chores capably. With Wynegar and Cerone behind the plate, the Yankees' catching ranks among the finest in baseball."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"His trade to the Yankees on May 12 coincided with Rick Cerone's broken thumb on May 11, but the trade had been worked out with Minnesota in advance of Cerone's injury. Wynegar was the Yankees' No. 1 catcher with Cerone on the disabled list and split the catching duties with Cerone upon Rick's return on July 15 until Butch was disabled on July 25 with a viral infection; he was activated on September 1 but saw limited duty the rest of the season.
Butch batted .417 (15-for-36) with men in scoring position to lead the Yankees. He ended the season batting .267 overall, but was batting only .209 at the time of his trade from Minnesota to the Yankees.
He was an All-Star selection each of his first four seasons as a professional. In 1976 Wynegar became the youngest player (20 years, 121 days) to appear in a major league All-Star Game. He hit his first career home run off Catfish Hunter. Coming into 1983, Butch has thrown out 38% of runners trying to steal on him. He also starts '83 with a .258 average batting left-handed and a .251 average batting right-handed. He missed the first month and a half of the 1981 season because of a bone chip that was found in his throwing elbow and which required surgery to remove.
Wynegar played third base until he was moved to catcher his junior year at Red Lion High in York, PA. He was a four-year letterman in baseball and also lettered in football, basketball and wrestling."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Only 26 years old, the switch-hitting Wynegar joined the Yankees from Minnesota, where he had spent six impressive seasons with the Twins.
But his heart has always belonged to the Yankees. 'My dad lived and died with the Yankees,' says Butch. 'Our family always followed the Yankees, especially Mickey Mantle. In fact, I became a switch-hitter because I wanted to be just like Mantle.'
Last season, in 63 games as a Yankee, Wynegar hit a very respectable .293 and handled his catching chores capably. With Wynegar and Cerone behind the plate, the Yankees' catching ranks among the finest in baseball."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"His trade to the Yankees on May 12 coincided with Rick Cerone's broken thumb on May 11, but the trade had been worked out with Minnesota in advance of Cerone's injury. Wynegar was the Yankees' No. 1 catcher with Cerone on the disabled list and split the catching duties with Cerone upon Rick's return on July 15 until Butch was disabled on July 25 with a viral infection; he was activated on September 1 but saw limited duty the rest of the season.
Butch batted .417 (15-for-36) with men in scoring position to lead the Yankees. He ended the season batting .267 overall, but was batting only .209 at the time of his trade from Minnesota to the Yankees.
He was an All-Star selection each of his first four seasons as a professional. In 1976 Wynegar became the youngest player (20 years, 121 days) to appear in a major league All-Star Game. He hit his first career home run off Catfish Hunter. Coming into 1983, Butch has thrown out 38% of runners trying to steal on him. He also starts '83 with a .258 average batting left-handed and a .251 average batting right-handed. He missed the first month and a half of the 1981 season because of a bone chip that was found in his throwing elbow and which required surgery to remove.
Wynegar played third base until he was moved to catcher his junior year at Red Lion High in York, PA. He was a four-year letterman in baseball and also lettered in football, basketball and wrestling."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Saturday, May 23, 2015
1983 Profile: Dave Winfield
1983 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Winfield was third in the league in home runs and became the greatest single-season right-handed home run hitter in club history, with the exception of Joe DiMaggio. He really came into his own in the second year of a 10-year, $15-million contract. Dave was also second in the league in slugging percentage and among the leaders in RBI and total bases, and might even hit more homers this year if the owner makes good on his threat to move in the left field fence at Yankee Stadium. He picked up the slack left by the departure of Reggie Jackson and earned his sixth straight All-Star Game appearance.
Dave won a Gold Glove in left field, yet could be shifted to center if the Yankees get in a bind. He pitched at Minnesota, where he compiled a 13-1 record in his senior year. He also played basketball in college and was drafted in baseball (San Diego), in football (Minnesota) and in basketball (Atlanta in the NBA, Utah in the ABA).
Winfield started his career with the Padres without ever playing in a minor league game. He established the David M. Winfield Foundation, which works with youth groups and was at the center of a money dispute with Yankee owner George Steinbrenner last season."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"Heart. Dave Winfield has captured the hearts of Yankee fans by displaying his own on playing fields throughout the American League. His second season with the Yankees saw this 10-year major league veteran ranked among league leaders in five major offensive categories- second to AL MVP Robin Yount in slugging percentage (.560), third in home runs (37), fifth in game winning RBI (15), and seventh in both RBI and total bases (105 and 300 respectively).
Consistency. The lumbering left fielder says of himself, 'I'm like the stock market. Sometimes I'm way up and sometimes I'm down. But overall, I'm going to do pretty well.' He has averaged 145 games, 80 RBI and boasts a lifetime batting average of .284 for nine full seasons of major league ball. In 1982, Dave started his second All-Star Game as a Yankee- it was his sixth appearance overall in the mid-summer classic. If only your stock portfolio contained a blue chipper as consistent as number 31.
Hustle. Yankee fans never know what to expect next from this bona-fide superstar. With cat-like precision, he paws familiar turf, and in a flash his 6'6", 220 lb. body will be extended high over the left field wall, robbing yet another would-be home run. He will use his long stride to leg out a perfectly placed bunt, or to turn a single into a double. No matter what the situation calls for, Dave uses his natural instincts and talent to perform to his best.
Dave Winfield wears his pinstripes proudly and he takes them very seriously. His quiet confidence, coupled with inborn ability and a desire to win, will enable this big man to lead the Yankees back to their accustomed pinnacle in 1983."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"An outstanding second season in pinstripes, finishing second in the AL with a .560 slugging percentage and third in the league with 37 homers. In addition to his homers and slugging percentage, Winfield led the Yankees with 106 RBIs and his 37 home runs were a career high. Joe DiMaggio is the only right-handed Yankee batter to hit more homers in a season (46 in 1937, 39 in 1948). Winfield is the ninth player to hit 30 or more home runs in a season in both leagues (Dick Allen, Bobby Bonds, Jeff Burroughs, Frank Howard, Frank Robinson, Reggie Smith, Dick Stuart, Jason Thompson).
Dave hit 11 homers in September (most in the AL) and was named AL Player of the Month for September (.294, 11HR, 22 RBI, .661 slugging percentage). He hit a grand slam on September 13 at Baltimore off Dennis Martinez for his 200th career home run.
Winfield hit two homers in a game on four occasions, hit seven homers in nine games from June 29-July 7 and hit 13 homers in 21 games from August 29-September 18; the Yankees were 19-14 in games that he homered. Dave had four hits in a game on two occasions and led the Yankees with 15 game winning RBI, his career high.
Dave was disabled from May 20-June 4 with a pulled left hamstring, yet appeared in his sixth consecutive All-Star Game. He was named to the AP Major League All-Star team as an outfielder and to the UPI and Sporting News American League All-Star teams as an outfielder. Dave won an American League Silver Bat Award (his second straight Silver Bat Award) from the Sporting News as an outfielder. He led all American League outfielders with 17 assists and was awarded an American League Gold Glove as an outfielder by the Sporting News.
In 1981,his first season for the Yankees, Winfield led the team in games, at bats, hits, total bases, doubles, RBI, game winning RBI and sacrifice flies. He hit his first home run as a Yankee on April 29 in Detroit off Jack Morris, and his first Yankee Stadium homer on May 23 off Rick Waits. He made his first appearance in postseason competition and was named to the UPI AL All-Star team.
Dave went to the major leagues off the campus of the University of Minnesota in 1973, hit safely in his first six major league games, and never played in the minor leagues. He played eight seasons with San Diego and holds many Padre batting and outfield defense records. In 1979 Dave finished third in the NL MVP voting behind co-winners Willie Stargell and Keith Hernandez. He was also voted by the 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.
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."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
"Winfield was third in the league in home runs and became the greatest single-season right-handed home run hitter in club history, with the exception of Joe DiMaggio. He really came into his own in the second year of a 10-year, $15-million contract. Dave was also second in the league in slugging percentage and among the leaders in RBI and total bases, and might even hit more homers this year if the owner makes good on his threat to move in the left field fence at Yankee Stadium. He picked up the slack left by the departure of Reggie Jackson and earned his sixth straight All-Star Game appearance.
Dave won a Gold Glove in left field, yet could be shifted to center if the Yankees get in a bind. He pitched at Minnesota, where he compiled a 13-1 record in his senior year. He also played basketball in college and was drafted in baseball (San Diego), in football (Minnesota) and in basketball (Atlanta in the NBA, Utah in the ABA).
Winfield started his career with the Padres without ever playing in a minor league game. He established the David M. Winfield Foundation, which works with youth groups and was at the center of a money dispute with Yankee owner George Steinbrenner last season."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"Heart. Dave Winfield has captured the hearts of Yankee fans by displaying his own on playing fields throughout the American League. His second season with the Yankees saw this 10-year major league veteran ranked among league leaders in five major offensive categories- second to AL MVP Robin Yount in slugging percentage (.560), third in home runs (37), fifth in game winning RBI (15), and seventh in both RBI and total bases (105 and 300 respectively).
Consistency. The lumbering left fielder says of himself, 'I'm like the stock market. Sometimes I'm way up and sometimes I'm down. But overall, I'm going to do pretty well.' He has averaged 145 games, 80 RBI and boasts a lifetime batting average of .284 for nine full seasons of major league ball. In 1982, Dave started his second All-Star Game as a Yankee- it was his sixth appearance overall in the mid-summer classic. If only your stock portfolio contained a blue chipper as consistent as number 31.
Hustle. Yankee fans never know what to expect next from this bona-fide superstar. With cat-like precision, he paws familiar turf, and in a flash his 6'6", 220 lb. body will be extended high over the left field wall, robbing yet another would-be home run. He will use his long stride to leg out a perfectly placed bunt, or to turn a single into a double. No matter what the situation calls for, Dave uses his natural instincts and talent to perform to his best.
Dave Winfield wears his pinstripes proudly and he takes them very seriously. His quiet confidence, coupled with inborn ability and a desire to win, will enable this big man to lead the Yankees back to their accustomed pinnacle in 1983."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"An outstanding second season in pinstripes, finishing second in the AL with a .560 slugging percentage and third in the league with 37 homers. In addition to his homers and slugging percentage, Winfield led the Yankees with 106 RBIs and his 37 home runs were a career high. Joe DiMaggio is the only right-handed Yankee batter to hit more homers in a season (46 in 1937, 39 in 1948). Winfield is the ninth player to hit 30 or more home runs in a season in both leagues (Dick Allen, Bobby Bonds, Jeff Burroughs, Frank Howard, Frank Robinson, Reggie Smith, Dick Stuart, Jason Thompson).
Dave hit 11 homers in September (most in the AL) and was named AL Player of the Month for September (.294, 11HR, 22 RBI, .661 slugging percentage). He hit a grand slam on September 13 at Baltimore off Dennis Martinez for his 200th career home run.
Winfield hit two homers in a game on four occasions, hit seven homers in nine games from June 29-July 7 and hit 13 homers in 21 games from August 29-September 18; the Yankees were 19-14 in games that he homered. Dave had four hits in a game on two occasions and led the Yankees with 15 game winning RBI, his career high.
Dave was disabled from May 20-June 4 with a pulled left hamstring, yet appeared in his sixth consecutive All-Star Game. He was named to the AP Major League All-Star team as an outfielder and to the UPI and Sporting News American League All-Star teams as an outfielder. Dave won an American League Silver Bat Award (his second straight Silver Bat Award) from the Sporting News as an outfielder. He led all American League outfielders with 17 assists and was awarded an American League Gold Glove as an outfielder by the Sporting News.
In 1981,his first season for the Yankees, Winfield led the team in games, at bats, hits, total bases, doubles, RBI, game winning RBI and sacrifice flies. He hit his first home run as a Yankee on April 29 in Detroit off Jack Morris, and his first Yankee Stadium homer on May 23 off Rick Waits. He made his first appearance in postseason competition and was named to the UPI AL All-Star team.
Dave went to the major leagues off the campus of the University of Minnesota in 1973, hit safely in his first six major league games, and never played in the minor leagues. He played eight seasons with San Diego and holds many Padre batting and outfield defense records. In 1979 Dave finished third in the NL MVP voting behind co-winners Willie Stargell and Keith Hernandez. He was also voted by the 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.
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."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Friday, May 22, 2015
1983 Profile: Rick Cerone
"Cerone missed more than two months with a broken left thumb. The injury occurred May 11 and he didn't return until July 15. He was expected to share catching duties with Butch Wynegar upon his return, but ended up as a regular when Wynegar got sick. Cerone caught 64 games after the All-Star break.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Cerone attended Seton Hall, where he was a two-time All-American and also was on the fencing team. He holds a B.S. degree in education.
Rick spurned the re-entry draft to re-sign with the Yankees."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"When Rick Cerone is the topic of conversation, you often hear mention of 'determiniation ... fierce competitor ... leader ... winner.' The Yankees recognized these attributes and were delighted when the 28-year-old catcher signed a multi-year contract that would keep the 'Italian Stallion' in the Pinstripes that he has worn proudly for the Yankees over the last three seasons.
A genuine fan favorite, Rick is rebounding from a relatively disappointing season. Although the last 13 games of the season saw Cerone bat .319 with two homers and eight RBI, for the second consecutive season he was plagued by the injury bug. On May 11, Rick suffered a broken left thumb that left him on the sidelines for two months, forcing him to miss a total of 53 games.
The Yankees are looking to turn things around in 1983 and Rick Cerone is no exception. A Newark, New Jersey native and Seton Hall University graduate, Cerone has the confidence he will return to the form he displayed in 1980 when he won the hearts of Yankee fans everywhere with his timely hitting and solid defense ... and equally important, Cerone has the confidence that 1983 will find the Yankees in the fall classic. What could be more enjoyable than to hear the strains of Oui Marie echoing throughout Yankee Stadium in October?"
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"For a second consecutive season, Cerone suffered a major injury. He broke his left thumb on a tag play at home plate in California on May 11 and spent two months on the disabled list, missing 53 games. His production at the plate was off because of the injury, but he finally put it together as the season ended, batting .319 (15-for-47) with two home runs and eight RBI in his last 13 games.
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 AL 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. Rick's 1981 production was off slightly from the 1980 season because of a broken right thumb causing him to miss 32 games, yet he topped the Yankees with five RBIs in the Division Series against Milwaukee.
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 had a .362 career batting average at Seton Hall, made Academic All-American in '75 and was also 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."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Cerone attended Seton Hall, where he was a two-time All-American and also was on the fencing team. He holds a B.S. degree in education.
Rick spurned the re-entry draft to re-sign with the Yankees."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"When Rick Cerone is the topic of conversation, you often hear mention of 'determiniation ... fierce competitor ... leader ... winner.' The Yankees recognized these attributes and were delighted when the 28-year-old catcher signed a multi-year contract that would keep the 'Italian Stallion' in the Pinstripes that he has worn proudly for the Yankees over the last three seasons.
A genuine fan favorite, Rick is rebounding from a relatively disappointing season. Although the last 13 games of the season saw Cerone bat .319 with two homers and eight RBI, for the second consecutive season he was plagued by the injury bug. On May 11, Rick suffered a broken left thumb that left him on the sidelines for two months, forcing him to miss a total of 53 games.
The Yankees are looking to turn things around in 1983 and Rick Cerone is no exception. A Newark, New Jersey native and Seton Hall University graduate, Cerone has the confidence he will return to the form he displayed in 1980 when he won the hearts of Yankee fans everywhere with his timely hitting and solid defense ... and equally important, Cerone has the confidence that 1983 will find the Yankees in the fall classic. What could be more enjoyable than to hear the strains of Oui Marie echoing throughout Yankee Stadium in October?"
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"For a second consecutive season, Cerone suffered a major injury. He broke his left thumb on a tag play at home plate in California on May 11 and spent two months on the disabled list, missing 53 games. His production at the plate was off because of the injury, but he finally put it together as the season ended, batting .319 (15-for-47) with two home runs and eight RBI in his last 13 games.
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 AL 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. Rick's 1981 production was off slightly from the 1980 season because of a broken right thumb causing him to miss 32 games, yet he topped the Yankees with five RBIs in the Division Series against Milwaukee.
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 had a .362 career batting average at Seton Hall, made Academic All-American in '75 and was also 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."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
1983 Profile: Shane Rawley
"His stint in the major leagues began in 1978, and through 1981 he had been the most successful relief pitcher in the history of the Seattle Mariners- and that good fortune followed him to the Yankees. After all, he was 4-4 with three saves in the first half of '82. However, on July 5, upon suggestion from coach Jeff Torborg to then manager Gene Michael, Shane was asked to do something he had rarely done in his four-year major league career- and not since 1979- start. By season's end his response was a gritty 7-7 record, with three complete games in 17 starting appearances.
Shane has the type of smooth, effortless motion that makes pitching look easy. And after the ball is released, control is the trademark of this 27-year-old left-hander. Shane's strikeouts outnumbered his walks by a 2 to 1 ratio in 1982. Moreover, he averaged just one gopher ball for every 16.4 innings pitched. Being around the plate, without being taken downtown, pleases the manager, teammates and fans alike.
Shane is entering his prime years as a pitcher and the Yankees are lucky to have him in Pinstripes. His transition to a starter was so successful that he figures to have a lock on a spot in Billy Martin's starting rotation. If 'Great Expectations' were written today about any 1983 Yankee, it would have to be Shane Rawley."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Rawley was acquired by the Yankees on April 1 from Seattle in exchange for Gene Nelson, Bill Caudill and Bobby Brown. He spent the first half of the season in the bullpen with a 4-4 record and three saves, then made a start on July 5 and remained in the rotation for the rest of the season, winning seven and losing seven. Shane won five of his last seven decisions and completed six full innings in all but three of his 17 starts. The Yankees were shut out in three of his losses.
Used primarily as a starter in the minors, starting 79 of 85 minor league appearances, Shane was used primarily as a reliever in the majors for his first five seasons until the middle of last season. He missed the final two weeks of the 1980 season with a severely strained muscle behind his left shoulder, then suffered a broken left foot in late January 1981 and underwent surgery. Shane missed most of spring training that year and opened the season with Seattle on the DL, yet was named AL Player of the Week September 21-27 (2-0, four saves, eight innings, no earned runs).
Shane graduated from William Horlick (WI) High in 1973. He was a three-time MVP in baseball while also earning honors in basketball. He attended Indian Hills C.C. (Centerville, IA) where he pitched for coach Pat Daugherty, also his first manager in pro ball. Signed to his first pro contract by the Expos' Bob Oldis, Shane earned his pilot's license in 1980."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Shane has the type of smooth, effortless motion that makes pitching look easy. And after the ball is released, control is the trademark of this 27-year-old left-hander. Shane's strikeouts outnumbered his walks by a 2 to 1 ratio in 1982. Moreover, he averaged just one gopher ball for every 16.4 innings pitched. Being around the plate, without being taken downtown, pleases the manager, teammates and fans alike.
Shane is entering his prime years as a pitcher and the Yankees are lucky to have him in Pinstripes. His transition to a starter was so successful that he figures to have a lock on a spot in Billy Martin's starting rotation. If 'Great Expectations' were written today about any 1983 Yankee, it would have to be Shane Rawley."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Rawley was acquired by the Yankees on April 1 from Seattle in exchange for Gene Nelson, Bill Caudill and Bobby Brown. He spent the first half of the season in the bullpen with a 4-4 record and three saves, then made a start on July 5 and remained in the rotation for the rest of the season, winning seven and losing seven. Shane won five of his last seven decisions and completed six full innings in all but three of his 17 starts. The Yankees were shut out in three of his losses.
Used primarily as a starter in the minors, starting 79 of 85 minor league appearances, Shane was used primarily as a reliever in the majors for his first five seasons until the middle of last season. He missed the final two weeks of the 1980 season with a severely strained muscle behind his left shoulder, then suffered a broken left foot in late January 1981 and underwent surgery. Shane missed most of spring training that year and opened the season with Seattle on the DL, yet was named AL Player of the Week September 21-27 (2-0, four saves, eight innings, no earned runs).
Shane graduated from William Horlick (WI) High in 1973. He was a three-time MVP in baseball while also earning honors in basketball. He attended Indian Hills C.C. (Centerville, IA) where he pitched for coach Pat Daugherty, also his first manager in pro ball. Signed to his first pro contract by the Expos' Bob Oldis, Shane earned his pilot's license in 1980."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
1983 Profile: Dave Righetti
"Righetti got off to a slow start and was unceremoniously sent to Columbus in late June. He was recalled after the All-Star break and Sammy Ellis came along as his personal pitching coach. Dave still managed to finish third in the AL in strikeouts. He fanned the first five against Minnesota and had a no-hitter for six and two thirds innings against Boston.
Born in San Jose, California, Righetti was a teammate of Blue Jays pitcher Dave Steib at San Jose City College. His father was a minor league shortstop in the Yankees organization. Dave was stolen from Texas in a one-sided trade that sent Sparky Lyle to the Rangers in 1978, when always-persuadable Brad Corbett was still running Texas."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"There's no doubting the vast potential of this flame-throwing lefty as he begins his third Yankee season. After a sensational Rookie of the Year campaign campaign in '81, Righetti had his ups and downs last season. But he'll bounce back strong in '83 as an older, wiser and more experienced major league hurler.
'I look on 1983 as a new beginning for me,' says the 6-3, 200-pounder from San Jose, California. 'I know I'm ready to have the kind of season I had a few years ago.'
It's no exaggeration to say that Righetti, now 24, has the potential- one look at his 90-plus MPH fastball and his right-off-the-table drop curve tell you he's been blessed with loads of natural talent.
Together with the Yankees' other portside starters- Ron Guidry, Shane Rawley and Bob Shirley- Righetti is unmistakably a pitching force to be dealt with around the American League."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Righetti suffered the sophomore jinx but still posted a career high 11 wins. He led the Yankee pitching staff with 163 strikeouts, finishing third behind Floyd Bannister (209) and Len Barker (187), and was the toughest Yankee left-handed pitcher to hit, allowing only 155 hits in 677 at-bats for a .229 average. Dave also led the Yankee pitching staff with nine wins following a Yankee loss; his biggest win came in the second game of a doubleheader against Cleveland on September 22 to break a nine-game losing streak for the Yankees.
Dave started the season with the Yankees winning his first game but was bothered by control problems and was optioned to Columbus on June 27 with a 5-5 record. He started the game of May 30 at Minnesota by striking out the first five batters (Gary Ward, Ron Washington, Tom Brunansky, Ken Hrbek and Dave Engle). On June 10 at Boston he pitched a no-hitter for the first 6.1 innings. Dave made four relief appearances following his recall from Columbus and ended the season completing seven full innings in his last six starts, winning his last three decisions.
Righetti was named American League Rookie of the Year in 1981. After a disappointing 1980 season at AAA, he solved his control problems. He was 5-0 with a 1.00 ERA at Columbus when recalled by the Yankees on May 21 and won his first major league game with an impressive performance against Cleveland on May 23. He also won at Cleveland and Kansas City for a 3-0 first half record with a 1.50 ERA. Rags had a strikeout to walk ratio of better than 2:1 and opposing hitters had only a combined average of .196 against him (lowest in the AL). He struck out a career high of 11 Boston batters on September 11. Dave narrowly missed winning the AL ERA crown with a 2.06 ERA- he fell just 1.2 innings short of qualifying.
In the postseason, Dave started Game 2 of the Eastern Division Series against Milwaukee and combined with Ron Davis and Goose Gossage for a 3-0 shutout. He came in to relieve Guidry in Game 5 of the Division Series in New York and earned the win. Rags also won the clinching game of the ALCS, Game 3 in Oakland, but started and got a no-decision in Game 3 of the World Series in Los Angeles.
Righetti made his major league debut on September 16, 1979 against Detroit at Yankee Stadium on Catfish Hunter Day with no decision. He was named to the Topps National Association Class AAA All-Star team in 1979. On July 16, 1978 for Tulsa, he struck out 21 batters at Midland, striking out the side four times and having a stretch of seven straight K's.
Dave grew up in San Jose where he was All-League in baseball at Pioneer High School, and also played basketball. A Giants and A's fan growing up, he played against A's third baseman Carney Lansford in American Legion ball. He attended San Jose City College where he was a teammate of Blue Jay pitcher Dave Stieb, and won JC Player of the Year honors in 1977. His brother Steve is in the Texas organization. His father is a former minor league shortstop, and the first time he saw Dave pitch professionally was in the clinching game of the ALCS in Oakland."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Born in San Jose, California, Righetti was a teammate of Blue Jays pitcher Dave Steib at San Jose City College. His father was a minor league shortstop in the Yankees organization. Dave was stolen from Texas in a one-sided trade that sent Sparky Lyle to the Rangers in 1978, when always-persuadable Brad Corbett was still running Texas."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"There's no doubting the vast potential of this flame-throwing lefty as he begins his third Yankee season. After a sensational Rookie of the Year campaign campaign in '81, Righetti had his ups and downs last season. But he'll bounce back strong in '83 as an older, wiser and more experienced major league hurler.
'I look on 1983 as a new beginning for me,' says the 6-3, 200-pounder from San Jose, California. 'I know I'm ready to have the kind of season I had a few years ago.'
It's no exaggeration to say that Righetti, now 24, has the potential- one look at his 90-plus MPH fastball and his right-off-the-table drop curve tell you he's been blessed with loads of natural talent.
Together with the Yankees' other portside starters- Ron Guidry, Shane Rawley and Bob Shirley- Righetti is unmistakably a pitching force to be dealt with around the American League."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Righetti suffered the sophomore jinx but still posted a career high 11 wins. He led the Yankee pitching staff with 163 strikeouts, finishing third behind Floyd Bannister (209) and Len Barker (187), and was the toughest Yankee left-handed pitcher to hit, allowing only 155 hits in 677 at-bats for a .229 average. Dave also led the Yankee pitching staff with nine wins following a Yankee loss; his biggest win came in the second game of a doubleheader against Cleveland on September 22 to break a nine-game losing streak for the Yankees.
Dave started the season with the Yankees winning his first game but was bothered by control problems and was optioned to Columbus on June 27 with a 5-5 record. He started the game of May 30 at Minnesota by striking out the first five batters (Gary Ward, Ron Washington, Tom Brunansky, Ken Hrbek and Dave Engle). On June 10 at Boston he pitched a no-hitter for the first 6.1 innings. Dave made four relief appearances following his recall from Columbus and ended the season completing seven full innings in his last six starts, winning his last three decisions.
Righetti was named American League Rookie of the Year in 1981. After a disappointing 1980 season at AAA, he solved his control problems. He was 5-0 with a 1.00 ERA at Columbus when recalled by the Yankees on May 21 and won his first major league game with an impressive performance against Cleveland on May 23. He also won at Cleveland and Kansas City for a 3-0 first half record with a 1.50 ERA. Rags had a strikeout to walk ratio of better than 2:1 and opposing hitters had only a combined average of .196 against him (lowest in the AL). He struck out a career high of 11 Boston batters on September 11. Dave narrowly missed winning the AL ERA crown with a 2.06 ERA- he fell just 1.2 innings short of qualifying.
In the postseason, Dave started Game 2 of the Eastern Division Series against Milwaukee and combined with Ron Davis and Goose Gossage for a 3-0 shutout. He came in to relieve Guidry in Game 5 of the Division Series in New York and earned the win. Rags also won the clinching game of the ALCS, Game 3 in Oakland, but started and got a no-decision in Game 3 of the World Series in Los Angeles.
Righetti made his major league debut on September 16, 1979 against Detroit at Yankee Stadium on Catfish Hunter Day with no decision. He was named to the Topps National Association Class AAA All-Star team in 1979. On July 16, 1978 for Tulsa, he struck out 21 batters at Midland, striking out the side four times and having a stretch of seven straight K's.
Dave grew up in San Jose where he was All-League in baseball at Pioneer High School, and also played basketball. A Giants and A's fan growing up, he played against A's third baseman Carney Lansford in American Legion ball. He attended San Jose City College where he was a teammate of Blue Jay pitcher Dave Stieb, and won JC Player of the Year honors in 1977. His brother Steve is in the Texas organization. His father is a former minor league shortstop, and the first time he saw Dave pitch professionally was in the clinching game of the ALCS in Oakland."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Sunday, May 17, 2015
1983 Profile: Omar Moreno
"Moreno's decline as a hitter the last three years suggests his .282 of 1979 was a fluke. He's still a skilled center fielder and base stealer, though, which makes him perfect for the Astros, who signed the ex-Pirate as a free agent last winter. A backache made him miss a game on September 5, snapping a 503-game streak.
Born in Puerto Armuelles, Panama, Moreno stole 96 bases in 1980, one of the highest totals of all time, and won stolen base titles in 1978 and 1979. He began playing pro ball at age 16, batting .290 for Bradenton in 1969, and won two minor league stolen base championships."
-Nick Peters, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
-Nick Peters, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
Saturday, May 16, 2015
1983 Profile: Rich Gossage
"Even during an off year, this overpowering reliever managed 30 saves to finish second in the league to the Royals' Dan Quisenberry (35). No telling how many more Goose would have piled up had it not been for his sore arm; he pitched only three times from August 23 to the end of the season. During one stretch of 21 games, he allowed earned runs in only two games. Goose never looses any speed off his blazing fastball.
Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he majored in forestry at Colorado State. He came up with the White Sox and was unsuccessful as a starter (9-17 in 1976). The Yankees' top selection in the 1977 re-entry draft after he pitched one season for the Pirates, Goose has a career total of 174 saves."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"Awesome ...
That's the best way to describe Goose when he cranks up his whirling delivery and lets loose with one of his blazing fastballs.
Yankees fans have come to depend on The Great Gossage for his rally-snuffing heroics, and last season he appeared in 90 innings and compiled a 4-5 record and a 2.33 ERA, numbers which indicate just how valuable he is to the Yankees.
Now 31 years old, Gossage is the yardstick used to compare baseball's finest in his chosen specialty- saves. He racked up 30 in '82, tops on the Yankee staff. Entering this season, he's notched an amazing 184 saves in his 11-year major league career.
By the time the seventh, eighth or ninth inning rolls around, the bullpen cart delivers Goose for another of his spine-tingling dates with destiny.
And when Goose is on target, he's virtually unhittable ... leaving a trail of 'goose eggs' in his wake. Zero, zip, nada.
Simply awesome."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Named to his seventh major league All-Star team in '82, Gossage has been an All-Star in four of his five seasons with the Yankees. He recorded 30 saves in 39 save situations and was the toughest Yankee pitcher to hit, allowing only 63 hits in 322 at-bats for a .196 average. His 30 saves ranked as the third most in a season by a Yankee reliever. The Yankees suffer when Gossage is injured- he did not pitch from August 24 through September 20, a period during which the Yankees suffered their longest losing streak (nine games) of the season.
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 AL 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 in Los Angeles, the 1981 Division Series clincher against Milwaukee and the '81 ALCS clincher in 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.
Gossage suffered through an injury marked season in 1981 but had a super first half, earning his sixth All-Star Game selection. He finished the first half with a 2-1 record, 17 saves and an 0.56 ERA, his 17 saves coming in 18 possible save situations, though he missed most of the second half. Goose was healthy for the playoffs, however, appearing in eight games, saving six and pitching 14.1 innings with 15 strikeouts and no earned runs for a 0.00 ERA.
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, was captain of his basketball team and is a member of the Hall of Fame at Wasson High (Colorado Springs, CO). He played against Cullen Bryant of the Los Angeles Rams. Gossage attended Colorado State where he majored in forestry.
Goose enjoys hunting, fishing, golf and racquetball."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he majored in forestry at Colorado State. He came up with the White Sox and was unsuccessful as a starter (9-17 in 1976). The Yankees' top selection in the 1977 re-entry draft after he pitched one season for the Pirates, Goose has a career total of 174 saves."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"Awesome ...
That's the best way to describe Goose when he cranks up his whirling delivery and lets loose with one of his blazing fastballs.
Yankees fans have come to depend on The Great Gossage for his rally-snuffing heroics, and last season he appeared in 90 innings and compiled a 4-5 record and a 2.33 ERA, numbers which indicate just how valuable he is to the Yankees.
Now 31 years old, Gossage is the yardstick used to compare baseball's finest in his chosen specialty- saves. He racked up 30 in '82, tops on the Yankee staff. Entering this season, he's notched an amazing 184 saves in his 11-year major league career.
By the time the seventh, eighth or ninth inning rolls around, the bullpen cart delivers Goose for another of his spine-tingling dates with destiny.
And when Goose is on target, he's virtually unhittable ... leaving a trail of 'goose eggs' in his wake. Zero, zip, nada.
Simply awesome."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Named to his seventh major league All-Star team in '82, Gossage has been an All-Star in four of his five seasons with the Yankees. He recorded 30 saves in 39 save situations and was the toughest Yankee pitcher to hit, allowing only 63 hits in 322 at-bats for a .196 average. His 30 saves ranked as the third most in a season by a Yankee reliever. The Yankees suffer when Gossage is injured- he did not pitch from August 24 through September 20, a period during which the Yankees suffered their longest losing streak (nine games) of the season.
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 AL 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 in Los Angeles, the 1981 Division Series clincher against Milwaukee and the '81 ALCS clincher in 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.
Gossage suffered through an injury marked season in 1981 but had a super first half, earning his sixth All-Star Game selection. He finished the first half with a 2-1 record, 17 saves and an 0.56 ERA, his 17 saves coming in 18 possible save situations, though he missed most of the second half. Goose was healthy for the playoffs, however, appearing in eight games, saving six and pitching 14.1 innings with 15 strikeouts and no earned runs for a 0.00 ERA.
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, was captain of his basketball team and is a member of the Hall of Fame at Wasson High (Colorado Springs, CO). He played against Cullen Bryant of the Los Angeles Rams. Gossage attended Colorado State where he majored in forestry.
Goose enjoys hunting, fishing, golf and racquetball."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Thursday, May 14, 2015
1983 Profile: Roy Smalley
"Smalley came from the Twins at the beginning of the season as part of the deal for Ron Davis. He hit 20 homers to set the Yankee record for a shortstop, and all but four of his homers came from the left side of the plate.
He had a problem off and on with his bad back, but still managed to play in 142 games for the Yankees. Roy played mostly shortstop and some third base but could be the first baseman this year.
Born in Los Angeles, Smalley attended Southern Cal. He was drafted No. 1 by Texas in the January 1974 draft and is entering the third year of a four-year contract
Roy is the nephew of former major league manager Gene Mauch. His father, Roy Jr., played shortstop with the Cubs and Phillies."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"On April 10, 1982 a dream came true for Roy Frederick Smalley III. After playing six seasons playing for the Minnesota Twins mainly under his uncle, Manager Gene Mauch, Smalley became a member of the New York Yankees- the team he described as 'the quintessence of major league baseball.' With that in mind, the 30-year-old native of Los Angeles joined his teammates in New York.
For the first time in many years, the Yankees have found a shortstop who can hit home runs. The record of 15 homers in one season by a Yankee shortstop which was previously shared by Tom Tresh and Frank Crosetti, now belongs to Smalley. A switch-hitter, he hit 16 of his 20 homers in games he played at short. Additionally, Smalley hit two homers in one game three times last season, including September 5 when he hit one batting left-handed and one batting right-handed. Only three other Yankees in history have performed such a feat- Mickey Mantle, Roy White and Tom Tresh.
A versatile fielder whose father Roy Smalley Jr. was a National League infielder in the '50s, Smalley played both short and third for the Yankees last season. No matter which position Billy Martin asks him to play in 1983, Yankee fans can be sure that Roy Smalley will play it with the intensity and drive that motivates a perfectionist."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Smalley joined the team before the Yankees' '82 season opener, being traded from Minnesota on April 10. He hit 16 of his 20 home runs as a shortstop, setting the Yankee single season shortstop home run record previously held by Frankie Crosetti (15 in 1936) and Tom Tresh (15 in 1962).
Roy hit a grand slam at Yankee Stadium on May 1 off Bill Caudill and hit eight home runs in a 10-day period in September. He hit two homers in a game three times, September 5, September 13 and September 15, including switch-hit homers on September 5 at Kansas City, joining Tresh, Mickey Mantle and Roy White as the only Yankees to hit switch homers. Smalley split his playing time with the Yankees between shortstop (89 games) and third base (53 games).
In 1978 he was named the Twins' most improved player and MVP, breaking Rod Carew's six-year monopoly on the Twins MVP title. Smalley won the Twins MVP honors again in 1979, setting the Twins shortstop single season records with 162 games, 24 home runs, 95 RBI and 80 walks, and his 24 homers were the most in organized professional baseball by a shortstop that year. In 1981 Roy was bothered by lower back pains in spring training, a condition diagnosed as congenital spondylolysis, which had not bothered him since his college days.
Roy has a career batting average of .308 (37-for-120) with 11 home runs in Seattle's Kingdome. In 1974 he was named to the Eastern League All-Star team.
Smalley starred in baseball at Los Angeles' Westchester High. He was a philosophy major at USC where he played on two national championship teams, earning All-American and two-time All-Pac 8 honors. Roy played with a U.S. collegiate all-star squad that played in Japan in 1972.
He's the son of Roy Smalley, Jr., who was an infielder with the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Braves and Philadelphia Phillies from 1948-55, and is the nephew of Gene Mauch, his former manager at Minnesota."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
He had a problem off and on with his bad back, but still managed to play in 142 games for the Yankees. Roy played mostly shortstop and some third base but could be the first baseman this year.
Born in Los Angeles, Smalley attended Southern Cal. He was drafted No. 1 by Texas in the January 1974 draft and is entering the third year of a four-year contract
Roy is the nephew of former major league manager Gene Mauch. His father, Roy Jr., played shortstop with the Cubs and Phillies."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"On April 10, 1982 a dream came true for Roy Frederick Smalley III. After playing six seasons playing for the Minnesota Twins mainly under his uncle, Manager Gene Mauch, Smalley became a member of the New York Yankees- the team he described as 'the quintessence of major league baseball.' With that in mind, the 30-year-old native of Los Angeles joined his teammates in New York.
For the first time in many years, the Yankees have found a shortstop who can hit home runs. The record of 15 homers in one season by a Yankee shortstop which was previously shared by Tom Tresh and Frank Crosetti, now belongs to Smalley. A switch-hitter, he hit 16 of his 20 homers in games he played at short. Additionally, Smalley hit two homers in one game three times last season, including September 5 when he hit one batting left-handed and one batting right-handed. Only three other Yankees in history have performed such a feat- Mickey Mantle, Roy White and Tom Tresh.
A versatile fielder whose father Roy Smalley Jr. was a National League infielder in the '50s, Smalley played both short and third for the Yankees last season. No matter which position Billy Martin asks him to play in 1983, Yankee fans can be sure that Roy Smalley will play it with the intensity and drive that motivates a perfectionist."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Smalley joined the team before the Yankees' '82 season opener, being traded from Minnesota on April 10. He hit 16 of his 20 home runs as a shortstop, setting the Yankee single season shortstop home run record previously held by Frankie Crosetti (15 in 1936) and Tom Tresh (15 in 1962).
Roy hit a grand slam at Yankee Stadium on May 1 off Bill Caudill and hit eight home runs in a 10-day period in September. He hit two homers in a game three times, September 5, September 13 and September 15, including switch-hit homers on September 5 at Kansas City, joining Tresh, Mickey Mantle and Roy White as the only Yankees to hit switch homers. Smalley split his playing time with the Yankees between shortstop (89 games) and third base (53 games).
In 1978 he was named the Twins' most improved player and MVP, breaking Rod Carew's six-year monopoly on the Twins MVP title. Smalley won the Twins MVP honors again in 1979, setting the Twins shortstop single season records with 162 games, 24 home runs, 95 RBI and 80 walks, and his 24 homers were the most in organized professional baseball by a shortstop that year. In 1981 Roy was bothered by lower back pains in spring training, a condition diagnosed as congenital spondylolysis, which had not bothered him since his college days.
Roy has a career batting average of .308 (37-for-120) with 11 home runs in Seattle's Kingdome. In 1974 he was named to the Eastern League All-Star team.
Smalley starred in baseball at Los Angeles' Westchester High. He was a philosophy major at USC where he played on two national championship teams, earning All-American and two-time All-Pac 8 honors. Roy played with a U.S. collegiate all-star squad that played in Japan in 1972.
He's the son of Roy Smalley, Jr., who was an infielder with the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Braves and Philadelphia Phillies from 1948-55, and is the nephew of Gene Mauch, his former manager at Minnesota."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
1983 Profile: Ron Guidry
1983 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"For any other pitcher, a 14-8 record, 3.81 ERA and 162 strikeouts would be considered a good year. But this Yankee southpaw's efforts are always compared to that incredible 1978 campaign when he compiled a 25-3 mark. Guidry never lost more than three in a row in '82 and won six straight early in the year to boost his record to 8-1. He had re-signed with the Yankees in the winter of 1981 after going through the re-entry draft.
Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, Guidry starred in track in high school because the school had no baseball team. An avid hunter, he struck out 18 in a game against California in 1978 and won a Gold Glove in '82."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"Louisiana Lightnin' ... or Gator. By whatever nickname, Ron Guidry ranks among the top left-handers in baseball.
A Yankee through and through, this 5-11, 175-pounder slightly altered his pitching style last season, adding a dose of finesse to his familiar barrage of one fastball after another.
'I've learned I don't have to overpower everybody in the lineup,' explains the 32-year-old Guidry. 'I've cut down on my velocity, plus I added to my pitches. And I learned to throw my fastball at different speeds.'
What a combination it proved to be for Guidry in '82. He was so hot through the first half of '82 that comparisons were being made with his phenomenal 25-3 campaign of 1978.
'Every time out, I'm looking for a win,' explains Guidry. 'All I want to do is continue to do my job. If I win the majority of my starts, I feel I've had a good season.'
With his lifetime mark of 101-42, Guidry ranks among the greatest pitchers of all time."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Another excellent year for Guidry. He jumped off to a fast start, posting an 8-1 record by June 14 and won six straight decisions from May 2 to June 14. Named to his third AL All-Star team, Ron won his 100th career decision on August 31 at Minnesota. He completed six full innings in 26 of his 33 starts and won the Gold Glove for AL pitchers (his first) with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.
He has the second best all-time won-lost percentage (.706, 101-42) among pitchers with 100 or more wins; Spud Chandler had a .727 won-lost percentage (109-43). In the last five years (since the start of '78), Guidry is the winningest pitcher in the AL with 85 wins and also leads the league with 882 strikeouts and a 2.88 ERA. He's 93-35 (.727) since August 24, 1977.
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 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 a pitcher's first 100 career decisions. In 1981 he was 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.
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."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
"For any other pitcher, a 14-8 record, 3.81 ERA and 162 strikeouts would be considered a good year. But this Yankee southpaw's efforts are always compared to that incredible 1978 campaign when he compiled a 25-3 mark. Guidry never lost more than three in a row in '82 and won six straight early in the year to boost his record to 8-1. He had re-signed with the Yankees in the winter of 1981 after going through the re-entry draft.
Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, Guidry starred in track in high school because the school had no baseball team. An avid hunter, he struck out 18 in a game against California in 1978 and won a Gold Glove in '82."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"Louisiana Lightnin' ... or Gator. By whatever nickname, Ron Guidry ranks among the top left-handers in baseball.
A Yankee through and through, this 5-11, 175-pounder slightly altered his pitching style last season, adding a dose of finesse to his familiar barrage of one fastball after another.
'I've learned I don't have to overpower everybody in the lineup,' explains the 32-year-old Guidry. 'I've cut down on my velocity, plus I added to my pitches. And I learned to throw my fastball at different speeds.'
What a combination it proved to be for Guidry in '82. He was so hot through the first half of '82 that comparisons were being made with his phenomenal 25-3 campaign of 1978.
'Every time out, I'm looking for a win,' explains Guidry. 'All I want to do is continue to do my job. If I win the majority of my starts, I feel I've had a good season.'
With his lifetime mark of 101-42, Guidry ranks among the greatest pitchers of all time."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Another excellent year for Guidry. He jumped off to a fast start, posting an 8-1 record by June 14 and won six straight decisions from May 2 to June 14. Named to his third AL All-Star team, Ron won his 100th career decision on August 31 at Minnesota. He completed six full innings in 26 of his 33 starts and won the Gold Glove for AL pitchers (his first) with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.
He has the second best all-time won-lost percentage (.706, 101-42) among pitchers with 100 or more wins; Spud Chandler had a .727 won-lost percentage (109-43). In the last five years (since the start of '78), Guidry is the winningest pitcher in the AL with 85 wins and also leads the league with 882 strikeouts and a 2.88 ERA. He's 93-35 (.727) since August 24, 1977.
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 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 a pitcher's first 100 career decisions. In 1981 he was 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.
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."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Monday, May 11, 2015
1983 Profile: Willie Randolph
"Cynics keep whispering he sits out too often with minor hurts, but the second baseman led the Yankees in games played with 144. Willie hit a solid .280 but his RBI production was his lowest in a full season since joining the Yankees in '76.
Born in Holly Hill, South Carolina, Willie grew up in Brooklyn, and played stick ball in the streets of Canarsie and baseball at Tilden High. Originally drafted by Pittsburgh, he was traded to the Yankees along with pitchers Dock Ellis and Ken Brett for Doc Medich in 1975. Willie's brother, Terry, was drafted by the Green Bay Packers and also played for the New York Jets."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"Tony Lazzeri, Billy Martin, Bobby Richardson and now Willie Randolph. The Yankees have always been known for their tradition of outstanding second basemen and Willie Randolph is no exception. Upon his arrival in 1976, the Yankees found themselves in postseason play for the first time since 1964. As a matter of fact, the Yankees have failed to make the playoffs only twice since Willie's first season here.
Although you can't credit a team's success to only one of its members, Willie has truly been a mark of consistency over the last seven seasons. In the midst of a disappointing 1982 season for the Yankees, the ever popular Randolph was a tower of strength. He finished the season with a .280 batting average, the second highest of his career. He tied the Yankees in games played (144) as well in four offensive categories including hits (155) and walks (75).
A native of the Brownsville section of Brooklyn (although born in South Carolina), Randolph is eagerly awaiting the 1983 season. A four-time All-Star second baseman, Willie Randolph has always known for his speed and base stealing ability. It is very evident that Willie will fit right in Manager Billy Martin's game plan ... hopefully right into the 1983 World Series. After all, that's how Willie Randolph has become accustomed to spending his Octobers."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Randolph jumped off to a fast start, hitting safely in his first nine games and ending April with a .348 average, keeping his average over the .300 mark through June 9. He ended the season strongly, batting .398 in his last 23 games (37-for-93) and his .280 batting average was the second highest of his career. Willie led the Yankees in games played (144), at-bats (553), runs scored (85), hits (155) and walks (75).
Willie has been on four All-Star teams in his seven full seasons. '79 and '82 were the only years 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. Willie's homer in Game 3 of the 1981 ALCS was the game winner to win the AL pennant.
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."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Born in Holly Hill, South Carolina, Willie grew up in Brooklyn, and played stick ball in the streets of Canarsie and baseball at Tilden High. Originally drafted by Pittsburgh, he was traded to the Yankees along with pitchers Dock Ellis and Ken Brett for Doc Medich in 1975. Willie's brother, Terry, was drafted by the Green Bay Packers and also played for the New York Jets."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"Tony Lazzeri, Billy Martin, Bobby Richardson and now Willie Randolph. The Yankees have always been known for their tradition of outstanding second basemen and Willie Randolph is no exception. Upon his arrival in 1976, the Yankees found themselves in postseason play for the first time since 1964. As a matter of fact, the Yankees have failed to make the playoffs only twice since Willie's first season here.
Although you can't credit a team's success to only one of its members, Willie has truly been a mark of consistency over the last seven seasons. In the midst of a disappointing 1982 season for the Yankees, the ever popular Randolph was a tower of strength. He finished the season with a .280 batting average, the second highest of his career. He tied the Yankees in games played (144) as well in four offensive categories including hits (155) and walks (75).
A native of the Brownsville section of Brooklyn (although born in South Carolina), Randolph is eagerly awaiting the 1983 season. A four-time All-Star second baseman, Willie Randolph has always known for his speed and base stealing ability. It is very evident that Willie will fit right in Manager Billy Martin's game plan ... hopefully right into the 1983 World Series. After all, that's how Willie Randolph has become accustomed to spending his Octobers."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Randolph jumped off to a fast start, hitting safely in his first nine games and ending April with a .348 average, keeping his average over the .300 mark through June 9. He ended the season strongly, batting .398 in his last 23 games (37-for-93) and his .280 batting average was the second highest of his career. Willie led the Yankees in games played (144), at-bats (553), runs scored (85), hits (155) and walks (75).
Willie has been on four All-Star teams in his seven full seasons. '79 and '82 were the only years 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. Willie's homer in Game 3 of the 1981 ALCS was the game winner to win the AL pennant.
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."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Sunday, May 10, 2015
1983 Profile: Jerry Mumphrey
"Jerry's hallmark- a quiet consistency that goes unnoticed until you check the box score- led him to another .300 year in '82. Plus, his outfield play improved noticeably throughout the season as he flagged down many an extra-base hit in Death Valley.
The all-around skills of this 6-2, 185-pound native of Tyler, Texas should never be overlooked, even though Mumphrey isn't the flashy type.
'I don't hit for a lot of power,' he says, 'and you won't catch me going for the fences. But I get my base hits.' Indeed, Mumphrey's 143 hits last season placed him third only to Dave Winfield and Willie Randolph for the team lead in that department.
Last season, September was especially productive for Jerry, who averaged around the .370 mark for the month. That hot streak boosted his RBI total to 68, not bad for someone who missed nearly two months of the campaign with a fractured thumb.
No, unobtrusive Jerry may not be a superstar like Dave Winfield, but together, they have left and center fields locked up. And that's the way the Yankees like it."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"For the second consecutive season Mumphrey missed time with a major injury. He fractured his left thumb on May 9 in Seattle attempting a diving catch in the outfield. Despite missing 39 games, Jerry finished second on the club with 11 game winning RBIs and batted .300 for the second consecutive season. He hit .336 (44-for-131) with men in scoring position, third best on the club behind Wynegar and Piniella.
Jerry did not hit a home run in the first half of the season, then hit four homers from July 17-27 and finished the season with nine homers and 68 RBI, personal season career highs. He had two hitting streaks of more than 10 games, hitting in 12 straight from May 4- June 27 (sandwiched around his time on the disabled list) and in 11 straight from September 5-14 and had 42 multi-hit games, with three hits in a game nine times. A consistent batter at the plate, his batting average remained between .280 and .310 for most of the season.
Jerry was named to the Gulf Coast League All-Star team in 1971. In 1980 with San Diego, he finally became a regular center fielder and established a Padre record with 27 consecutive stolen bases from June 3 until caught by Bob Boone in Philadelphia on August 21. Jerry finished that season with 52 steals in 57 tries, joining Gene Richards (61) and Ozzie Smith (57) as the first trio from one team in National League history to steal over 50 bases in one season. He would have had a better 1981 season for the Yankees, but was slowed by two injuries. He missed 13 games with a pulled left thigh muscle and 15 games with a sprained left ankle. Jerry played well in the '81 ALCS, batting .500.
He has a lifetime stolen base percentage of .71% (142-for-201) and lifetime is a .300 hitter left-handed and .264 right-handed. 20 of his 27 lifetime homers have been hit left-handed.
Mumphrey earned 12 letters at Chapel High in Tyler, Texas. He was named all-district in baseball, football and basketball and was also on the track team. His hobbies are hunting and fishing."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
The all-around skills of this 6-2, 185-pound native of Tyler, Texas should never be overlooked, even though Mumphrey isn't the flashy type.
'I don't hit for a lot of power,' he says, 'and you won't catch me going for the fences. But I get my base hits.' Indeed, Mumphrey's 143 hits last season placed him third only to Dave Winfield and Willie Randolph for the team lead in that department.
Last season, September was especially productive for Jerry, who averaged around the .370 mark for the month. That hot streak boosted his RBI total to 68, not bad for someone who missed nearly two months of the campaign with a fractured thumb.
No, unobtrusive Jerry may not be a superstar like Dave Winfield, but together, they have left and center fields locked up. And that's the way the Yankees like it."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"For the second consecutive season Mumphrey missed time with a major injury. He fractured his left thumb on May 9 in Seattle attempting a diving catch in the outfield. Despite missing 39 games, Jerry finished second on the club with 11 game winning RBIs and batted .300 for the second consecutive season. He hit .336 (44-for-131) with men in scoring position, third best on the club behind Wynegar and Piniella.
Jerry did not hit a home run in the first half of the season, then hit four homers from July 17-27 and finished the season with nine homers and 68 RBI, personal season career highs. He had two hitting streaks of more than 10 games, hitting in 12 straight from May 4- June 27 (sandwiched around his time on the disabled list) and in 11 straight from September 5-14 and had 42 multi-hit games, with three hits in a game nine times. A consistent batter at the plate, his batting average remained between .280 and .310 for most of the season.
Jerry was named to the Gulf Coast League All-Star team in 1971. In 1980 with San Diego, he finally became a regular center fielder and established a Padre record with 27 consecutive stolen bases from June 3 until caught by Bob Boone in Philadelphia on August 21. Jerry finished that season with 52 steals in 57 tries, joining Gene Richards (61) and Ozzie Smith (57) as the first trio from one team in National League history to steal over 50 bases in one season. He would have had a better 1981 season for the Yankees, but was slowed by two injuries. He missed 13 games with a pulled left thigh muscle and 15 games with a sprained left ankle. Jerry played well in the '81 ALCS, batting .500.
He has a lifetime stolen base percentage of .71% (142-for-201) and lifetime is a .300 hitter left-handed and .264 right-handed. 20 of his 27 lifetime homers have been hit left-handed.
Mumphrey earned 12 letters at Chapel High in Tyler, Texas. He was named all-district in baseball, football and basketball and was also on the track team. His hobbies are hunting and fishing."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Saturday, May 9, 2015
1983 Profile: Lou Piniella
"Watch Sweet Lou take batting practice: he's like a pitching machine operating in reverse. Line drive bullets explode from his bat, veering off in every direction. And with each 'Crack!' Piniella, the Hitting Professional, know he's doing what he does best.
'I think I work harder at batting than most people,' says this prideful Yankee who now carries the title of batting instructor. 'I've always watched my hitting stroke carefully because hitting has never been easy for anybody.'
Now as he approaches 40, the sometimes fiery, sometimes patient Piniella looks forward to his new role.
'I still enjoy playing much,' says this elder statesman. 'I'm glad I didn't retire a few years ago because I'm playing for a team and for a city I really enjoy playing for.'
The feeling is mutual, Lou."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Piniella reaffirmed the well known fact that he can hit, batting over .300 for the sixth time in his major league career. He kept his batting average over .300 for all except four days of the season and batted .361 (22-for-61) with men in scoring position. Lou led all AL designated hitters (50 or more games as a DH) in batting average, .344, and was second in the league as a pinch hitter (25 or more at-bats) with a .360 average. On August 24 he was asked to help the Yankee coaching staff as a batting instructor, working with his teammates on the fine art of hitting.
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 .295 lifetime batting average with the Yankees ranks him 10th all-time as a Yankee, and in 1980 for the first time in his career had more walks than strikeouts, a trend he has continued since.
In November 1980 Lou was admitted to a Tampa hospital complaining of chest pain and congestion. Doctors described his condition as 'simple fatigue' and released him several days later. Lou showed no after effects in 1981. He missed most of 1975 with an inner ear problem 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 '77 he hit safely in all five ALCS games and in '78 hit safely in all six World Series games. Lou hit in the first three games of the 1981 World Series to extend his personal World Series hitting streak to nine games, and led all Yankee hitters in the '81 World Series with a .438 average.
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, Florida area and is of Spanish ancestry. He enjoys the stock market and last winter opened two restaurants in the New York metropolitan area."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
'I think I work harder at batting than most people,' says this prideful Yankee who now carries the title of batting instructor. 'I've always watched my hitting stroke carefully because hitting has never been easy for anybody.'
Now as he approaches 40, the sometimes fiery, sometimes patient Piniella looks forward to his new role.
'I still enjoy playing much,' says this elder statesman. 'I'm glad I didn't retire a few years ago because I'm playing for a team and for a city I really enjoy playing for.'
The feeling is mutual, Lou."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Piniella reaffirmed the well known fact that he can hit, batting over .300 for the sixth time in his major league career. He kept his batting average over .300 for all except four days of the season and batted .361 (22-for-61) with men in scoring position. Lou led all AL designated hitters (50 or more games as a DH) in batting average, .344, and was second in the league as a pinch hitter (25 or more at-bats) with a .360 average. On August 24 he was asked to help the Yankee coaching staff as a batting instructor, working with his teammates on the fine art of hitting.
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 .295 lifetime batting average with the Yankees ranks him 10th all-time as a Yankee, and in 1980 for the first time in his career had more walks than strikeouts, a trend he has continued since.
In November 1980 Lou was admitted to a Tampa hospital complaining of chest pain and congestion. Doctors described his condition as 'simple fatigue' and released him several days later. Lou showed no after effects in 1981. He missed most of 1975 with an inner ear problem 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 '77 he hit safely in all five ALCS games and in '78 hit safely in all six World Series games. Lou hit in the first three games of the 1981 World Series to extend his personal World Series hitting streak to nine games, and led all Yankee hitters in the '81 World Series with a .438 average.
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, Florida area and is of Spanish ancestry. He enjoys the stock market and last winter opened two restaurants in the New York metropolitan area."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Thursday, May 7, 2015
1983 Profile: Graig Nettles
"Graig Nettles has the awesome responsibility of being the captain of the most recognized and successful team in sports. No team, in any sport, is as rich as the Yankees in pride and tradition. The man chosen to lead the Yankees of today must exemplify those attributes, and in Graig there is no question. He is only the sixth man in the 80-year history of the Yankees to be so honored. Veteran Yankees, as well as rookies, see in this star of 16 major league campaigns a quick-witted family man, with a powerful bat and magical glove.
Defensively, pinstripe partisans have been treated to Graig's artistry for the past ten seasons. He combines hard work, instinct and intelligence in a formula that has made him one of the best third sackers in the history of the game. Offensively, he moved closer to the top on three all-time Yankee lists: 6th in home runs (behind Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig, DiMaggio and Berra) with 230; 11th in RBI with 759; and tied with Hank Bauer for 16th with 1,406 games played. Additionally, this native of San Diego, CA owns the American League record for most home runs hit by a third baseman with 300.
Graig Nettles is the senior member of an experienced Yankees team laced with fine young prospects. On the field, he anchors the defense. At bat he strikes fear in the hearts of opposing pitchers. A star as a man and between the chalk lines, the Yankees realize how valuable Graig Nettles is. His combination of talent and professionalism blend well in a mix that will surely result in another Yankees championship."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Nettles got off to a poor start, breaking his thumb on April 26, the same thumb he injured in the '81 World Series. Finally activated on May 18, he hit a grand slam home run off former teammate Ron Davis on May 28 in Minnesota. Graig hit his 300th career homer on June 26 at Yankee Stadium off Cleveland's Rick Waits. From July 25 through August 10 he hit safely in 16 of 17 games with four home runs and six RBIs for a .352 batting average (19-for-54). The Yankees were 13-3 in games in which Graig homered.
Graig was named Yankee captain on January 29, 1982, only the sixth Yankee captain, and 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.
His first full year was 1969 and he was a member of the AL West Champion Twins. Graig was Cleveland's Man of the Year in 1971 when he hit .261 with 28 homers and set AL records for most assists and double plays by a third baseman. He hit 32 home runs in 1976 to lead the league, the first Yankee to do so since Roger Maris hit 61 in '61. Graig finished second in 1977 with a career high of 37 and finished 5th in the MVP voting; he was also named to the Sporting News and UPI All-Star teams and was voted the All-Time Yankee third baseman in a special poll of sportswriters.
In 1978 Graig set a Yankee fielding record with a .975 average, tied Reggie for the club lead with 27 homers and led with 14 game winning RBIs. He was named to the AP, UPI, Sporting News and Baseball Bulletin All-Star teams. Graig turned around the '78 World Series with his spectacular fielding in Game 3 and finally earned nationwide recognition for his fielding
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 home run leader among third basemen (he now has 300). Graig also hit his first career inside-the-park homer in Game 2 of the ALCS. For the '81 ALCS, his .500 (6-for-12) with a home run and nine RBIs against Oakland earned him MVP honors.
Graig holds the records for most home runs and RBIs by a Yankee third baseman in a single season and has hit the most home runs at the 'new' Yankee Stadium, 95. In the last ten years (1973-82) he ranks seventh in the majors with 230 home runs, also his Yankee career total and sixth on the all-time Yankee list behind Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig, DiMaggio and Berra.
Graig was a baseball and basketball star at San Diego State before signing with the Twins. An accomplished golfer and tennis player, he's nicknamed 'Puff' by his teammates. His brother Jim has played in the major leagues for the Twins, Tigers, Indians and Royals."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Defensively, pinstripe partisans have been treated to Graig's artistry for the past ten seasons. He combines hard work, instinct and intelligence in a formula that has made him one of the best third sackers in the history of the game. Offensively, he moved closer to the top on three all-time Yankee lists: 6th in home runs (behind Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig, DiMaggio and Berra) with 230; 11th in RBI with 759; and tied with Hank Bauer for 16th with 1,406 games played. Additionally, this native of San Diego, CA owns the American League record for most home runs hit by a third baseman with 300.
Graig Nettles is the senior member of an experienced Yankees team laced with fine young prospects. On the field, he anchors the defense. At bat he strikes fear in the hearts of opposing pitchers. A star as a man and between the chalk lines, the Yankees realize how valuable Graig Nettles is. His combination of talent and professionalism blend well in a mix that will surely result in another Yankees championship."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Nettles got off to a poor start, breaking his thumb on April 26, the same thumb he injured in the '81 World Series. Finally activated on May 18, he hit a grand slam home run off former teammate Ron Davis on May 28 in Minnesota. Graig hit his 300th career homer on June 26 at Yankee Stadium off Cleveland's Rick Waits. From July 25 through August 10 he hit safely in 16 of 17 games with four home runs and six RBIs for a .352 batting average (19-for-54). The Yankees were 13-3 in games in which Graig homered.
Graig was named Yankee captain on January 29, 1982, only the sixth Yankee captain, and 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.
His first full year was 1969 and he was a member of the AL West Champion Twins. Graig was Cleveland's Man of the Year in 1971 when he hit .261 with 28 homers and set AL records for most assists and double plays by a third baseman. He hit 32 home runs in 1976 to lead the league, the first Yankee to do so since Roger Maris hit 61 in '61. Graig finished second in 1977 with a career high of 37 and finished 5th in the MVP voting; he was also named to the Sporting News and UPI All-Star teams and was voted the All-Time Yankee third baseman in a special poll of sportswriters.
In 1978 Graig set a Yankee fielding record with a .975 average, tied Reggie for the club lead with 27 homers and led with 14 game winning RBIs. He was named to the AP, UPI, Sporting News and Baseball Bulletin All-Star teams. Graig turned around the '78 World Series with his spectacular fielding in Game 3 and finally earned nationwide recognition for his fielding
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 home run leader among third basemen (he now has 300). Graig also hit his first career inside-the-park homer in Game 2 of the ALCS. For the '81 ALCS, his .500 (6-for-12) with a home run and nine RBIs against Oakland earned him MVP honors.
Graig holds the records for most home runs and RBIs by a Yankee third baseman in a single season and has hit the most home runs at the 'new' Yankee Stadium, 95. In the last ten years (1973-82) he ranks seventh in the majors with 230 home runs, also his Yankee career total and sixth on the all-time Yankee list behind Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig, DiMaggio and Berra.
Graig was a baseball and basketball star at San Diego State before signing with the Twins. An accomplished golfer and tennis player, he's nicknamed 'Puff' by his teammates. His brother Jim has played in the major leagues for the Twins, Tigers, Indians and Royals."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
1983 New York Yankees Manager and Coaches Profiles
BILLY MARTIN (Manager)
"One more time.
'We've had the experience twice,' said George Steinbrenner. 'That's a plus, not a negative. I'd rather take my chances with someone I've been down the road with before rather than someone new.' So fiery, combative Billy, hired for the first time as Yank manager in 1975 and second time in 1979, starts anew on a five-year contract after being fired at Oakland, where he piloted the A's into the playoffs in 1981.
On the field, Martin has been a winner everywhere, going back to his playing days on seven Yankee World Series teams. He won division titles with the Twins in 1969 and Tigers in 1972 before winning AL pennants with the Yankees in '76 and '77. His '77 club won the World Series over the Dodgers.
Billy batted .257 lifetime for his 12-year career as an infielder, but had a .333 mark in the World Series."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"Brash, irrepressible, unpredictable ... a winner!
Long one of the most popular Yankees to wear the pinstripes, Billy has returned for 1983 with one goal in mind ...
'We will be happy with nothing less than a World Championship,' says Billy, who promises to bring the best out of the Yankees this season. 'It will take a lot of hard work, but we'll make a good showing. The fans of New York deserve another championship.'
The legacy of Billy Martin's career with the Yankees spans generations, dating back to the '50s when Martin played his heart out at second base, 1950-53, and later on, 1955-57. But it's his World Series play that lives forever in the minds of Yankee fans everywhere. Remember his famous desperation catch of Jackie Robinson's infield pop-up that clinched the '52 World Series? And how about Billy's .333 batting average in five World Series as a Yankee? And, of course, Billy led the Yankees to two World Series, with a World Championship in 1977.
After three years at the Oakland helm, Billy returns home, thanks to a long-term agreement with the Yankees. Always a winner, always a crowd pleaser ... and a Yankee through and through.
Welcome home, Billy! It's great to have you back again!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Known for his fiery and exciting managerial style, Martin is considered a master of baseball strategy and, more than most managers, is able to dictate the tempo of his team and the game. He's a four-time Manager of the Year award winner (1974, '76, '80 and '81) and one of the few active major league managers with a winning record, .544 (1,031-863).
Billy is a former Yankee player and one of 25 men to have managed the Yankees, but one of only seven to have led the Yankees to a World Championship (1977), joining Huggins, McCarthy, Harris, Stengel, Houk and Lemon. He's the first to have managed the Yankees on three different occasions.
He first joined the Yankees as manager in mid-1975, and the next season led the team to their first AL pennant in 12 years. Martin guided the Yankees to a another pennant in 1977 and a World Series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers for the first Yankee World Championship since 1962. He began his second term as Yankee skipper in June 1979, replacing Bob Lemon. Martin has managed five different American League clubs, taking four of them to postseason play (1969 Twins, 1972 Tigers, 1976 and '77 Yankees, 1981 A's) and the other club to a second place finish (1974 Rangers).
Billy was an outstanding major player and a member of six Yankee pennant winners (1950-53, 1955-56) playing for Casey Stengel. He was a favorite of Casey, with whom he had a father-son type of relationship. Billy had a .333 lifetime World Series batting average, made a famous catch in the 1952 Series off Jackie Robinson and batted .500 in the 1953 Series, winning the Babe Ruth Award. He was named to the 1956 AL All-Star team and during his 12-year major league career also played for the A's, Tigers, Indians, Reds, Braves and Twins.
Born and raised in Berkeley, California, Billy graduated from Berkeley High School in 1946 and maintains his permanent residence in Blackhawk, California."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
YOGI BERRA (Coach)
"There isn't a baseball fan alive who doesn't recognize the name 'Yogi Berra.' He's long been a living Yankee legend- first, as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history, then later as a coach and manager.
For those interested in Yogi's accomplishments as a player, try these: he caught in more than 2,000 games, collected more than 2,000 base hits, blasted more than 350 home runs and participated in more World Series (21) than anyone who's ever played the game. Plus, of course, he was named Most Valuable Player three times, played in 15 All-Star Games and is rightfully a member of baseball's Hall of Fame.
From the more personal view, Yogi is, well, Yogi ... a much respected, loyal Yankee employee who has countless friends in and out of the game. Sure, the many 'Yogi-isms' he's supposed to have uttered add a certain luster to his public image, but there's more to Lawrence Peter Berra, much more- and Yankee fans love him for all he's done for their favorite team."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"One of baseball'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 Series, a record 14 as a player, four as a Yankee coach, one as a Mets coach and one each managing the Yankees and Mets. Yogi holds Series playing records for games, at-bats, hits, singles, consecutive errorless games (30) and he hit a grand slam (1956). A three-time AL MVP (1951, 1954, 1955) and 15 times an All-Star, his 313 homers are the second most ever by a catcher, behind Johnny Bench who passed Yogi in 1980. His 30 homers in a season in two different years was an American League record, being surpassed only last season by Detroit's Lance Parrish. 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.
His son Dale is an infielder with the Pirates, Larry Jr. played in the Mets organization, and Tim was a wide receiver for the football Giants and Colts. Yogi and his sons run a racquetball club in New Jersey."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
DON ZIMMER (Coach)
"Remember the Yankees' pulsating playoff victory over the Red Sox back in 1978? Don Zimmer certainly does, and not at all fondly because he happened to be managing the Red Sox at the time.
Still, he's willing to let bygones be bygones- enough so that he willingly accepted the Yankees' offer to serve as coach starting this season.
'If you can't beat'em, join'em,' Zimmer joked as he accepted the post, which followed a managerial stint with the Texas Rangers.
Zimmer brings considerable coaching and managing experience to the Bronx. In addition to managing the Padres, Red Sox and Rangers, he's also served as a coach for the Expos, the Padres and the Red Sox, plus several seasons of managing in the minors.
A shortstop during his playing career, Zimmer spent 12 years in the majors, mostly with the Brooklyn-Los Angeles Dodgers."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Zimmer joins the Yankee coaching staff, replacing Joe Altobelli, and has nine years of major league managing experience. He managed the Red Sox and narrowly missed winning the 1978 AL East, losing the famous play-off game at Fenway to the Yankees.
Don played in the major leagues for 12 seasons, mainly as a shortstop, and during his professional career has played every position on the field. Two serious injuries hampered his career, being hit in the head by a pitch while playing for St. Paul in 1953, and being struck in the face by a pitch while playing for Brooklyn in 1956. Both times Don was hitting .300 at the time of the injury and was forced out of action for the remainder of the season.
Zim married his high school sweetheart at home plate in Elmira, New York on August 16, 1951."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
JEFF TORBORG (Coach)
"You'll always see a smile on the face of this handsome, well-spoken Yankee coach, who is a former major league catcher and manager.
Now serving as bullpen coach, Torborg enters his fifth season on the Yankee staff. In addition to his baseball acumen, he's also the holder of a BA degree in education from Rutgers University and a Master's degree from Montclair State.
During his Dodger playing career, Torborg caught no-hitters tossed by Bill Singer and Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax. Later he caught a no-hitter thrown by Nolan Ryan (with the Angels). Torborg spent 10 seasons in the majors and was always highly regarded for his backstop abilities.
A native of northern New Jersey, Torborg once hit .537 for Rutgers, setting an NCAA record that still stands. Now 41 years old, Torborg still keeps himself in prime shape and takes his coaching role seriously.
In all ways, Jeff Torborg is an asset to the Yankee coaching staff."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 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 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 Masters 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."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
ROY WHITE (Coach)
"As much as anyone who's ever worn the pinstripes, Roy White bridges several distinct eras of Yankees history. First, he was scouted and signed in 1961, the height of the dynasty. He then played left field in his smooth, distinguished style for the Yankees from 1965 through the championship years of the late '70s.
And now, of course, he's back- this time as a coach- and the likable silken-voiced gentleman who wore jersey No. 6 for so long couldn't be happier.
'Just as I felt 1979 was the right time to leave the Yankees, I feel this is the right time to be coming back,' he says. For the past three seasons, he had continued his playing career with the Yorimuri Giants of Tokyo, where he became one of the most popular Americans in Japanese pro baseball. 'I'm looking forward to wearing those pinstripes again,' says Roy.
And all Yankee fans- dating back to White's years as a coolly efficient performer- welcome him back."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"One of the all-time Yankee favorites, White returns to the Yankees as coach after a three-year 'second career' in Japan. He ranks among the all-time top 20 Yankees in stolen bases (2nd with 233), games played (6th with 1,881), runs scored (8th with 964), hits (8th with 1,803), doubles (10th with 300), RBIs (11th with 758) and home runs (16th with 160).
Roy's career spans several distinct eras of Yankee history. He was scouted and signed by the Yankee organization in 1961 at the height of the Yankee dynasty. After several impressive minor league seasons, Roy received his first taste of the major leagues in 1965, the beginning of the 'lean years' for the Yankees. His career matured and blossomed as the Yankees were rebuilding and developing into the AL pennant winners of '76, '77 and '78 and World Series champions of '77 and '78. Roy then played three years with the Yorimuri Giants of Japan's Central League.
The only Yankee outfielder ever to field 1.000 for a season, Roy was originally signed as an infielder, but Bobby Richardson's presence brought about the switch. He switch-hit home runs in a game five times and also switch-hit triples in a game once.
Roy was raised in Compton, California with such future big leaguers as Reggie Smith, Dock Ellis, Dave Nelson, Don Wilson and Bobby Tolan."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
ART FOWLER (Coach)
"Billy Martin has said, 'you couldn't pay Art Fowler enough to leave me.' That's how much the Yankee manager respects and appreciates Fowler's loyalty. Art has worked for Martin in Minnesota, Detroit, Texas, New York and Oakland before returning to the Yankees for a second time. It is interesting to note that Ron Guidry enjoyed his three best seasons while Fowler was the Yankees pitching coach in 1977-79.
Art pitched until he was 48 years old and saw service with 12 different minor league teams, winning 205 games in his minor league career. Fowler also pitched in 57 games for the Los Angeles Angels in 1963 at the age of 41. He started his pro career in 1944 with Bristol (Tennessee) of the Appalachian League."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Fowler joins the Yankees as pitching coach for the second time. He has worked under Martin in Minnesota, Detroit, Texas, New York and Oakland.
His professional playing career spanned 25 years, starting in 1944 in Bristol of the Appalachian League, and he won 54 games in his nine major league seasons. At the age of 41 in 1963, Art pitched in 57 games for the Angels for a 5-3 record and 2.43 ERA, being used in relief.
Art joined forces with Billy Martin for the first time in 1968 when Billy was sent to manage Denver for the Twins, and coached at Minnesota for Billy in 1969. He then went back to Denver as a player-coach in 1970 and was still pitching at age 48. Art then joined Billy as pitching coach at Detroit in 1971-73, went to Texas with Billy in 1974-75, New York in 1977-79 and Oakland in 1980-82.
Art won 205 games in his minor league career."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
"One more time.
'We've had the experience twice,' said George Steinbrenner. 'That's a plus, not a negative. I'd rather take my chances with someone I've been down the road with before rather than someone new.' So fiery, combative Billy, hired for the first time as Yank manager in 1975 and second time in 1979, starts anew on a five-year contract after being fired at Oakland, where he piloted the A's into the playoffs in 1981.
On the field, Martin has been a winner everywhere, going back to his playing days on seven Yankee World Series teams. He won division titles with the Twins in 1969 and Tigers in 1972 before winning AL pennants with the Yankees in '76 and '77. His '77 club won the World Series over the Dodgers.
Billy batted .257 lifetime for his 12-year career as an infielder, but had a .333 mark in the World Series."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"Brash, irrepressible, unpredictable ... a winner!
Long one of the most popular Yankees to wear the pinstripes, Billy has returned for 1983 with one goal in mind ...
'We will be happy with nothing less than a World Championship,' says Billy, who promises to bring the best out of the Yankees this season. 'It will take a lot of hard work, but we'll make a good showing. The fans of New York deserve another championship.'
The legacy of Billy Martin's career with the Yankees spans generations, dating back to the '50s when Martin played his heart out at second base, 1950-53, and later on, 1955-57. But it's his World Series play that lives forever in the minds of Yankee fans everywhere. Remember his famous desperation catch of Jackie Robinson's infield pop-up that clinched the '52 World Series? And how about Billy's .333 batting average in five World Series as a Yankee? And, of course, Billy led the Yankees to two World Series, with a World Championship in 1977.
After three years at the Oakland helm, Billy returns home, thanks to a long-term agreement with the Yankees. Always a winner, always a crowd pleaser ... and a Yankee through and through.
Welcome home, Billy! It's great to have you back again!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Known for his fiery and exciting managerial style, Martin is considered a master of baseball strategy and, more than most managers, is able to dictate the tempo of his team and the game. He's a four-time Manager of the Year award winner (1974, '76, '80 and '81) and one of the few active major league managers with a winning record, .544 (1,031-863).
Billy is a former Yankee player and one of 25 men to have managed the Yankees, but one of only seven to have led the Yankees to a World Championship (1977), joining Huggins, McCarthy, Harris, Stengel, Houk and Lemon. He's the first to have managed the Yankees on three different occasions.
He first joined the Yankees as manager in mid-1975, and the next season led the team to their first AL pennant in 12 years. Martin guided the Yankees to a another pennant in 1977 and a World Series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers for the first Yankee World Championship since 1962. He began his second term as Yankee skipper in June 1979, replacing Bob Lemon. Martin has managed five different American League clubs, taking four of them to postseason play (1969 Twins, 1972 Tigers, 1976 and '77 Yankees, 1981 A's) and the other club to a second place finish (1974 Rangers).
Billy was an outstanding major player and a member of six Yankee pennant winners (1950-53, 1955-56) playing for Casey Stengel. He was a favorite of Casey, with whom he had a father-son type of relationship. Billy had a .333 lifetime World Series batting average, made a famous catch in the 1952 Series off Jackie Robinson and batted .500 in the 1953 Series, winning the Babe Ruth Award. He was named to the 1956 AL All-Star team and during his 12-year major league career also played for the A's, Tigers, Indians, Reds, Braves and Twins.
Born and raised in Berkeley, California, Billy graduated from Berkeley High School in 1946 and maintains his permanent residence in Blackhawk, California."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
YOGI BERRA (Coach)
"There isn't a baseball fan alive who doesn't recognize the name 'Yogi Berra.' He's long been a living Yankee legend- first, as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history, then later as a coach and manager.
For those interested in Yogi's accomplishments as a player, try these: he caught in more than 2,000 games, collected more than 2,000 base hits, blasted more than 350 home runs and participated in more World Series (21) than anyone who's ever played the game. Plus, of course, he was named Most Valuable Player three times, played in 15 All-Star Games and is rightfully a member of baseball's Hall of Fame.
From the more personal view, Yogi is, well, Yogi ... a much respected, loyal Yankee employee who has countless friends in and out of the game. Sure, the many 'Yogi-isms' he's supposed to have uttered add a certain luster to his public image, but there's more to Lawrence Peter Berra, much more- and Yankee fans love him for all he's done for their favorite team."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"One of baseball'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 Series, a record 14 as a player, four as a Yankee coach, one as a Mets coach and one each managing the Yankees and Mets. Yogi holds Series playing records for games, at-bats, hits, singles, consecutive errorless games (30) and he hit a grand slam (1956). A three-time AL MVP (1951, 1954, 1955) and 15 times an All-Star, his 313 homers are the second most ever by a catcher, behind Johnny Bench who passed Yogi in 1980. His 30 homers in a season in two different years was an American League record, being surpassed only last season by Detroit's Lance Parrish. 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.
His son Dale is an infielder with the Pirates, Larry Jr. played in the Mets organization, and Tim was a wide receiver for the football Giants and Colts. Yogi and his sons run a racquetball club in New Jersey."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
DON ZIMMER (Coach)
"Remember the Yankees' pulsating playoff victory over the Red Sox back in 1978? Don Zimmer certainly does, and not at all fondly because he happened to be managing the Red Sox at the time.
Still, he's willing to let bygones be bygones- enough so that he willingly accepted the Yankees' offer to serve as coach starting this season.
'If you can't beat'em, join'em,' Zimmer joked as he accepted the post, which followed a managerial stint with the Texas Rangers.
Zimmer brings considerable coaching and managing experience to the Bronx. In addition to managing the Padres, Red Sox and Rangers, he's also served as a coach for the Expos, the Padres and the Red Sox, plus several seasons of managing in the minors.
A shortstop during his playing career, Zimmer spent 12 years in the majors, mostly with the Brooklyn-Los Angeles Dodgers."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Zimmer joins the Yankee coaching staff, replacing Joe Altobelli, and has nine years of major league managing experience. He managed the Red Sox and narrowly missed winning the 1978 AL East, losing the famous play-off game at Fenway to the Yankees.
Don played in the major leagues for 12 seasons, mainly as a shortstop, and during his professional career has played every position on the field. Two serious injuries hampered his career, being hit in the head by a pitch while playing for St. Paul in 1953, and being struck in the face by a pitch while playing for Brooklyn in 1956. Both times Don was hitting .300 at the time of the injury and was forced out of action for the remainder of the season.
Zim married his high school sweetheart at home plate in Elmira, New York on August 16, 1951."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
JEFF TORBORG (Coach)
"You'll always see a smile on the face of this handsome, well-spoken Yankee coach, who is a former major league catcher and manager.
Now serving as bullpen coach, Torborg enters his fifth season on the Yankee staff. In addition to his baseball acumen, he's also the holder of a BA degree in education from Rutgers University and a Master's degree from Montclair State.
During his Dodger playing career, Torborg caught no-hitters tossed by Bill Singer and Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax. Later he caught a no-hitter thrown by Nolan Ryan (with the Angels). Torborg spent 10 seasons in the majors and was always highly regarded for his backstop abilities.
A native of northern New Jersey, Torborg once hit .537 for Rutgers, setting an NCAA record that still stands. Now 41 years old, Torborg still keeps himself in prime shape and takes his coaching role seriously.
In all ways, Jeff Torborg is an asset to the Yankee coaching staff."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 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 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 Masters 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."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
ROY WHITE (Coach)
"As much as anyone who's ever worn the pinstripes, Roy White bridges several distinct eras of Yankees history. First, he was scouted and signed in 1961, the height of the dynasty. He then played left field in his smooth, distinguished style for the Yankees from 1965 through the championship years of the late '70s.
And now, of course, he's back- this time as a coach- and the likable silken-voiced gentleman who wore jersey No. 6 for so long couldn't be happier.
'Just as I felt 1979 was the right time to leave the Yankees, I feel this is the right time to be coming back,' he says. For the past three seasons, he had continued his playing career with the Yorimuri Giants of Tokyo, where he became one of the most popular Americans in Japanese pro baseball. 'I'm looking forward to wearing those pinstripes again,' says Roy.
And all Yankee fans- dating back to White's years as a coolly efficient performer- welcome him back."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"One of the all-time Yankee favorites, White returns to the Yankees as coach after a three-year 'second career' in Japan. He ranks among the all-time top 20 Yankees in stolen bases (2nd with 233), games played (6th with 1,881), runs scored (8th with 964), hits (8th with 1,803), doubles (10th with 300), RBIs (11th with 758) and home runs (16th with 160).
Roy's career spans several distinct eras of Yankee history. He was scouted and signed by the Yankee organization in 1961 at the height of the Yankee dynasty. After several impressive minor league seasons, Roy received his first taste of the major leagues in 1965, the beginning of the 'lean years' for the Yankees. His career matured and blossomed as the Yankees were rebuilding and developing into the AL pennant winners of '76, '77 and '78 and World Series champions of '77 and '78. Roy then played three years with the Yorimuri Giants of Japan's Central League.
The only Yankee outfielder ever to field 1.000 for a season, Roy was originally signed as an infielder, but Bobby Richardson's presence brought about the switch. He switch-hit home runs in a game five times and also switch-hit triples in a game once.
Roy was raised in Compton, California with such future big leaguers as Reggie Smith, Dock Ellis, Dave Nelson, Don Wilson and Bobby Tolan."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
ART FOWLER (Coach)
"Billy Martin has said, 'you couldn't pay Art Fowler enough to leave me.' That's how much the Yankee manager respects and appreciates Fowler's loyalty. Art has worked for Martin in Minnesota, Detroit, Texas, New York and Oakland before returning to the Yankees for a second time. It is interesting to note that Ron Guidry enjoyed his three best seasons while Fowler was the Yankees pitching coach in 1977-79.
Art pitched until he was 48 years old and saw service with 12 different minor league teams, winning 205 games in his minor league career. Fowler also pitched in 57 games for the Los Angeles Angels in 1963 at the age of 41. He started his pro career in 1944 with Bristol (Tennessee) of the Appalachian League."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Fowler joins the Yankees as pitching coach for the second time. He has worked under Martin in Minnesota, Detroit, Texas, New York and Oakland.
His professional playing career spanned 25 years, starting in 1944 in Bristol of the Appalachian League, and he won 54 games in his nine major league seasons. At the age of 41 in 1963, Art pitched in 57 games for the Angels for a 5-3 record and 2.43 ERA, being used in relief.
Art joined forces with Billy Martin for the first time in 1968 when Billy was sent to manage Denver for the Twins, and coached at Minnesota for Billy in 1969. He then went back to Denver as a player-coach in 1970 and was still pitching at age 48. Art then joined Billy as pitching coach at Detroit in 1971-73, went to Texas with Billy in 1974-75, New York in 1977-79 and Oakland in 1980-82.
Art won 205 games in his minor league career."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Monday, May 4, 2015
1983 New York Yankees Management Profiles
GENE MCHALE (President)
"In naming Gene McHale as President of the New York Yankees on January 5, 1983, Principal Owner George M. Steinbrenner said, 'In filling this key position, there was no need to look anywhere else but within the Yankee organization. Gene has a solid and proven administrative, business and financial background and has been a longtime employee of the Yankees.
'Much of the progress the Yankees have made in the areas of television, radio, publications, merchandising and ticketing is due to the efforts of him. The Yankees are proud to have employees of the caliber of Gene McHale and to promote from within the organization to fill this position.'
Eugene J. 'Gene' McHale, 44, has been with the Yankees since December 1972. As an employee of CBS, who then owned the Yankees, he was assigned to supervise the Yankee accounting department. When George Steinbrenner and associates purchased the Yankees from CBS in January 1973, McHale remained with the team as controller. He was named administrative vice-president in 1977. Before coming to the Yankees, he worked for seven years at CBS with responsibilities in financial and business affairs in their radio division.
A native of the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, McHale graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School several blocks away from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. He is a graduate of Fordham University and also served three years in the U.S. Navy. Gene is a resident of Locust Valley, New York."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
CEDRIC TALLIS (Executive Vice-President)
"Cedric Tallis, Executive Vice-President of the New York Yankees, is in his 35th 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 1975-76. 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."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
BILL BERGESCH (Vice-President of Baseball Operations)
"As the Yankees Vice-President of Baseball Operations, Bill Bergesch works closely with Clyde King, Gene Michael and Cedric Tallis in providing Manager Billy Martin the talent he needs on the field to produce another AL 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, GA and also worked in Winston Salem, NC, Columbus, GA and Omaha, NB. 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."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
"In naming Gene McHale as President of the New York Yankees on January 5, 1983, Principal Owner George M. Steinbrenner said, 'In filling this key position, there was no need to look anywhere else but within the Yankee organization. Gene has a solid and proven administrative, business and financial background and has been a longtime employee of the Yankees.
'Much of the progress the Yankees have made in the areas of television, radio, publications, merchandising and ticketing is due to the efforts of him. The Yankees are proud to have employees of the caliber of Gene McHale and to promote from within the organization to fill this position.'
Eugene J. 'Gene' McHale, 44, has been with the Yankees since December 1972. As an employee of CBS, who then owned the Yankees, he was assigned to supervise the Yankee accounting department. When George Steinbrenner and associates purchased the Yankees from CBS in January 1973, McHale remained with the team as controller. He was named administrative vice-president in 1977. Before coming to the Yankees, he worked for seven years at CBS with responsibilities in financial and business affairs in their radio division.
A native of the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, McHale graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School several blocks away from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. He is a graduate of Fordham University and also served three years in the U.S. Navy. Gene is a resident of Locust Valley, New York."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
CEDRIC TALLIS (Executive Vice-President)
"Cedric Tallis, Executive Vice-President of the New York Yankees, is in his 35th 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 1975-76. 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."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
BILL BERGESCH (Vice-President of Baseball Operations)
"As the Yankees Vice-President of Baseball Operations, Bill Bergesch works closely with Clyde King, Gene Michael and Cedric Tallis in providing Manager Billy Martin the talent he needs on the field to produce another AL 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, GA and also worked in Winston Salem, NC, Columbus, GA and Omaha, NB. 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."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Friday, May 1, 2015
1983 Profile: 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 which 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."
-1983 New York Yankees Information 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 which 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."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
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