"Baylor's only problem in his first year as a Yankee was his disgust with not playing every day. He wound up as the most consistent Yankee, posting the highest average of his career. The strongest personality on the club, Baylor was signed as a free agent to fill the void left by the departure of Reggie Jackson. Ironically, Baltimore had traded him to Oakland as part of the package for Jackson prior to the 1976 season.
When manager Billy Martin asked each player to submit a list of five pitchers who gave him problems, this designated hitter turned in a blank slip. Baylor won the AL MVP award in 1979, when he played in 162 games for California despite suffering a pulled hamstring, a separated shoulder, a sprained right wrist and a dislocated right thumb. He's the all-time Angel home run leader with 141 in six years.
Born in Austin, Texas, Baylor suffered a dislocated shoulder playing high school football, and the injury has affected his ability to throw and hurt his value as an outfielder. He turned down a football scholarship to the University of Texas to sign with Baltimore in 1967. Baylor was selected Minor League Player of the Year (.327, 22 homers, 107 RBI) with Rochester in 1970."
-Tracy Ringolsby, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1984 Edition
"They once asked a famous thoroughbred trainer if his horse had the stamina to run a mile and a half. 'He sure does,' replied the canny trainer, 'if you give him enough time.'
When you talk about Don Baylor, you are talking about a thoroughbred of a player, one who can run short, middle or long. His muscular body seems to belie speed, but Baylor led the Yankees with 17 stolen bases in 1983. His home run total was in double figures for the 12th time in his career. This year, you can hock your house and bet the mortgage that he will knock in 95 runs to give him an even 1,000 for his career.
'When you acquired a player like Don Baylor,' said Dave Winfield, 'you get more than a guy who can put the good numbers up on the board. You get a solid player who can help you win games by mere presence, on the field, on the bus, on the plane or in the clubhouse.'
Baylor exudes the qualities of leadership that many players never seem to acquire. He is in every game. He does not give up. He is the kind of guy you want behind you, in a fight, in the lineup, anyplace. Pitchers throw at his head, arms, legs and feet, but he hangs over home plate, unafraid. He was hit 13 more times in 1983, easily leading the team, but he batted over .300 and hit in 15 of 16 games in the stretch run in August and September.
'Some teams always start slowly,' Baylor says, 'but you can count on seeing them near the top in September. There is never a need to panic with a veteran team. I never panic- and I think the players on this team feel the same way.'
Give Donnie Baylor enough time and he may even beat a horse running a mile and a half."
-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook
"Baylor enjoyed a successful debut as a Yankee. Used mainly as a designated hitter, he played one game at first base on May 27 and five games in the outfield late in the season. Don led the team in doubles, stolen bases and hit by pitch, and hit his first Yankee home run at Yankee Stadium on April 26 off Larry Gura. He had a five-RBI game on June 16, including a grand slam off Bert Blyleven; he also hit a grand slam off Dennis Lamp on July 31. Don batted over .300 for the first time in his career and won an American League Silver Bat as a DH.
Don enjoyed his best season in 1979 when he was named the American League's MVP, leading the league with 139 RBI, 120 runs and 162 games while batting a career high of .296 with career highs of 186 hits, 33 doubles and 36 homers. During his six seasons with California, he hit 141 home runs, becoming the Angels all-time career home run leader; he ranks among the Angels top 10 in 10 different offensive categories.
Following his 1979 MVP season he played in only 90 games in 1980, being slowed by a fractured left wrist and a dislocated middle toe on his left foot. In 1982 he helped lead California to the AL West Division title and led the AL with 21 game-winning RBI.
Baylor was originally signed by the Orioles in 1967, and in 1970 was named Minor League Player of the Year. After four full seasons with the Orioles he was traded to Oakland as part of a trade which included Reggie Jackson. Don played out his option with the A's in 1976, signing a six-year contract with the Angels that fall. He served as the Angels player representative for three seasons.
A native of Austin, Texas, he attended Miami Dade Junior College and Blinn Junior College (Brenham, TX). For the last six seasons Don has been instrumental in raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Monday, June 29, 2015
1984 New York Yankees Manager and Coaches Profiles
YOGI BERRA (Manager)
"One of baseball's most storied celebrities, that master of malapropisms, Berra begins his second stint as Yankee manager, succeeding Billy Martin. Owner George Steinbrenner hopes Yogi will be more disposed toward following his suggestions than was Martin.
Yogi managed the Yankees to a 99-win season and the American League pennant in 1964, but was fired after the club lost the World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals. He managed the Mets to the NL pennant in 1973, but again lost in a World Series, to Oakland. His overall major league managerial mark is 391-359.
Berra returned to the Yankees, with whom he appeared in a record 14 World Series as an active player. A pudgy catcher who was AL MVP in 1951, 1954 and 1955 and a 15-time All-Star, his 313 career homers as a catcher rank second to Johnny Bench among catchers. Yogi has the most hits in World Series history (71). His No. 8 was one of eight uniform numbers retired by the Yankees and he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1972 after posting a career mark of .285 with 358 homers and 1,430 RBI from 1946-63 plus a cameo as a Met in 1965.
His son Dale is a Pirates shortstop. Yogi is legendary for his 'It's not over 'til it's over' observation, among others; of course, for Yankee managers, sometimes it's over before it's over."
-Tracy Ringolsby, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1984 Edition
"In 1964, the St. Louis Cardinals had an entire infield that made the All-Star team- Bill White, Julian Javier, Dick Groat and Ken Boyer. They won the NL pennant and were taken to the seventh game of the World Series by the New York Yankees- managed by Yogi Berra.
In 1973, the Oakland Athletics had Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter, Joe Rudi et al, won the AL pennant and were taken to the seventh game of the World Series by the New York Mets- managed by Yogi Berra.
'Yup,' says Yogi, 'that's one of the many reasons I took the job as manager. I guess everybody knows I got all kinds of World Series records, MVPs and that stuff, but I never won a World Series as a manager. Now, I got the chance- and I expect to win it, the Good Lord willing.'
Good old Yogi, with the most recognizable face on Planet Earth. They make jokes about him, kid him about his language, but nobody doubts his brilliance as a man- and a tough one- as well as his managerial skills.
He won't do it all this year. He has an extremely able staff of coaches, and he is smart enough to know he isn't smart enough to do everything by himself. His job is to placate, to manage and to set an example. But how about players who grumble if they don't play?
'Crazy,' Yogi says. 'Sure they want to play, but I ain't never seen a team win without 25 guys pitching in. Besides, some guys make more in a year than I made in 18. Things work themselves out, you wait and see.'
And you, wait and see if Lawrence Peter (Yogi) Berra doesn't cap his ultra-brilliant career with yet another World Series ring."
-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook
"One of baseball's most beloved and recognized celebrities, Yogi was named Yankee manager on December 16, 1983, his second time as Yankee manager. In his first stint, 1964, he guided the Yankees to the AL pennant, losing the World Series in seven games to St. Louis. Yogi was a coach and a manager with the Mets from 1965 to 1975 and 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 in 1982 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, his son Larry Jr. played in the Mets organization, and his son Tim was a wide receiver for the football Giants and Colts. Yogi and his sons run a racquetball club in New Jersey."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
MEET THE COACHES
"A knowledgeable and well balanced coaching staff is fundamental to a winning baseball team.
In that regard, the Yankees and Manager Yogi Berra are quite fortunate to have Sammy Ellis, Gene Michael, Jeff Torborg and Roy White as coaches in 1984.
The four coaches have 61 years of professional playing experience between them, and they have all the positions covered. Sammy Ellis was a pitcher, Jeff Torborg worked behind the plate, Gene Michael was an infielder and Roy White completes the team having spent his career in the outfield.
Ellis and Torborg will team up once again in '84 as Yankee pitching coaches. Ellis is in his seventh year as a pitching coach in the Yankee organization and he gets much of the credit for the development of the Yankees' young pitchers like Dave Righetti.
Torborg, who has previously managed the Cleveland Indians, is in his sixth season on the coaching staff. In addition to his tutoring of the pitching staff, Jeff will also work with the Yankee catching corps.
Roy White will take over Yogi's chores in the first base coaching box this season. White, the only Yankee outfielder to field 1.000 for season, will also be called on to work with the outfielders.
Gene Michael is the new man on the staff in '84. Gene, however, is quite accustomed to the Yankee ways having played for, coached, scouted and managed the team in the past. Stick returns to uniform this season as third base coach.
Finally, continuing the role he assumed in August 1982, Lou Piniella will assist the Yankee staff as a batting instructor. Piniella, one of baseball's most consistent players, has hit over .300 six times in his career.
In spring training the Yankees used a small army of instructors and teachers, which is especially helpful to the young players in camp. This past spring, for example, there were 14 members of the 'faculty' of whom nine are with minor league clubs this season.
The New York Yankees coaching staff is the best in the business. They've got their bases covered."
-New York Yankees 1984 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
"A knowledgeable and well balanced coaching staff is fundamental to a winning baseball team.
In that regard, the Yankees and Manager Yogi Berra are quite fortunate to have Mark Connor, Doug Holmquist, Gene Michael, Lou Piniella and Jeff Torborg as coaches in 1984.
The five coaches have 58 years of professional playing experience between them, and they have all the positions covered. Mark Connor was a pitcher, Jeff Torborg and Doug Holmquist worked behind the plate, Gene Michael was an infielder and Lou Piniella completes the team having spent his career in the outfield.
Connor and Torborg team up in '84 as Yankee co-pitching coaches. Connor is in his fifth year as a pitching coach in the Yankee organization and he gets much of the credit for the development of the Yankee pitching prospects like Dennis Rasmussen and Clay Christiansen.
Torborg, who has previously managed the Cleveland Indians, is in his sixth season on the coaching staff. He has served in the past as the Yankees first base and bullpen coach, but this season will concentrate on the pitchers.
Lou Piniella, who played his final game as an active player on June 16, takes over the first base coaching chores. Piniella, a lifetime .291 hitter, will also continue in his role as batting instructor, teaching the technique that made him one of baseball's most consistent hitters for 16 seasons.
Gene Michael is the new man on the staff in '84. Gene, however, is quite accustomed to the Yankee ways having played for, coached, scouted and managed the team in the past. Stick returns to uniform this season as third base coach.
Doug Holmquist is one of the new additions to the coaching staff in 1984. The 42-year-old Holmquist played four years as a catcher in the Houston Colt 45 and Detroit Tiger organizations from 1962 through 1965. He is no stranger to the Yankee organization, having managed the Fort Lauderdale team from 1978-81, producing three first place finishes there. In 1982, Holmquist managed the Yankees' Class-A club in Greensboro and last year managed their Class-AA Nashville team. This year he will man the Yankees bullpen and will be responsible for guiding the Yankee relievers.
In spring training the Yankees used a small army of instructors and teachers, which is especially helpful to the young players in camp, speeding along the progress of young players such as Jose Rijo and Stan Javier. This past spring, for example, there were 14 members of the 'faculty,' nine of whom are with minor league clubs this season continuing their work.
The New York Yankees coaching staff is the best in the business. They've got their bases covered."
-New York Yankees 1984 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
GENE MICHAEL (Coach)
"In the song 'That's Life,' Frank Sinatra brags that he's been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king.
Is that all? Old Blue Eyes has nothing on Yankee coach Gene Michael. Although it may not rhyme, and not have the same alliteration that Sinatra's words have, Michael can boast of being a major league player, coach, scout, administrative assistant, general manager, major league manager and a highly successful minor league manager.
This year we find the man called 'Stick' returning to uniform as Yogi Berra's third base coach. In 1978, Michael had been Billy Martin's and Bob Lemon's first base coach. Michael brings a solid background of nearly 25 years in organized baseball to the box at third. He has been a success everywhere he has been, and this year he would gladly trade most of his triumphs for one single ailment- a very tired left arm, from waving Yankee runners around third and towards home plate.
Michael has an uncanny sense as a coach. He knows who can run, and who can't. You can be sure he will never forget how many outs there are in an inning, who's running and who's the next batter when he makes his decisions at third. He will not embarrass himself or Berra.
Michael is also valuable because he knows the composition of the team. He can help any infielder who may be in a fielding slump, can help the players learn how to bunt when they have to, and is a more-than-competent 'second manager' on he field."
-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook
"Stick will be Yogi's third base coach this year. He's been working for the New York Yankees as a consultant and scout and has been the field manager twice.
Gene was originally named Yankee manager on November 21, 1980. In 1981, the Yankees were 34-22 and leading the AL Eastern Division by two games on June 12 when the players' strike occurred. The Yankees were eventually declared first half winners, qualifying for the Division Series in October. Gene was replaced by Bob Lemon as manager on September 6, 1981, yet was named manager of the Yankees for a second time on April 25, 1982, replacing Lemon; under Stick the team was 44-42 when Clyde King was named manager on August 3 of that year.
Stick had previously been Yankees General Manager, being named to that post on November 1, 1979 after serving as the field manager of the AAA Columbus Clippers in 1979. He guided the Clippers to regular season and postseason International League titles after starting the season with 10 straight wins. The Clippers finished 85-54.
Upon his retirement, Gene was hired as a Yankee coach. He coached first base for the Yankees in 1978 after he had been a front office Administrative Assistant in 1977.
One of the most popular Yankees during his playing career, Gene was the club's regular shortstop from 1969-1973. He mastered the hidden ball trick, pulling it off five times with the Yankees. Gene was a close friend and roommate of the late Thurman Munson.
Gene graduated with a B.S. in education from Kent State where he played basketball. He was pursued by the New York Knicks to play pro basketball."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
ROY WHITE (Coach)
"Yankee fans will not be cheated this year. In 1983, when Roy White re-joined the Yankees after his playing days in Japan were over, he was supposed to coach first base, but a change in strategy had White on the bench. This year fans will get a chance to welcome the man who brought so much class to every Yankee team he played for.
Coach Roy White is a such a proud man that the one championship ring he wears is the 1977 one, simply because he contributed so much to that team. In 1978 he felt he did not do enough to merit wearing the ring, so he does not wear it. Pride such as that does not go unnoticed by players, management and fans, and this year White will be an integral part of Yogi Berra's excellent braintrust.
Always a heady player, White will surely keep Yankee baserunners alert, relay signs and be an important cog in the annual Yankee drive towards first place. He is a true pro, and while in Japan, he taught himself Japanese and had his family do the same. He was not like other American-born players who went to Japan, 'stole' their salary and gave nothing back. White was part of the culture, representing his country and himself.
That is why Roy White will always be a Yankee wherever he goes. In 1984, we are lucky to have him where he belongs- in his familiar uniform number six, coaching first base. It's funny, but White hit .296 and poled 12 homers with the 1982 Yorimuri Giants. Those are statistics that seem to say he was just beginning, rather than ending, a brilliant career. But Roy Hilton White, gentleman, had to come back home to Yankee Stadium ... thankfully."
-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook
"One of the all-time Yankee favorites, White is in his second year back with the Yankees as a 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 (12th 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 Tokyo in Japan's Central League.
The only Yankee outfielder ever to field 1.000 for a season, he was originally signed as an infielder, but Bobby Richardson's presence brought about the switch. Roy 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."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
SAMMY ELLIS (Coach)
"Dave Righetti has a stock answer for anyone who brings up his seemingly inexplicable demotion to Columbus during the 1982 season.
'It didn't make me a better pitcher,' he says, 'but it might have made a better man.'
Part of that education came from Sammy Ellis, a 22-game winner with the 1965 Cincinnati Reds. Ellis is the fourth ace in Manager Yogi Berra's hand, along with Jeff Torborg, Roy White and Gene Michael. Each coach has a specific job. Ellis and Torborg, of course, are responsible for the pitchers. To say that Ellis is responsible only for Righetti is ridiculous, although Ellis did have a hand in the development of the most valuable young lefty in baseball.
Ellis knows the mechanics of pitching, and he is particularly adept at spotting flaws in young pitchers who try to overthrow. Like Torborg, Ellis tries his best to instill confidence in pitchers who have been mistreated, unwanted or discarded. Like all good baseball men, he realizes that no one player, coach or manager can win a title by himself. So Sammy Ellis sits and watches and quietly talks to pitchers after the game.
A former pro golfer, Ellis spends time on the links whenever he can ... but his biggest kick comes when the pitcher pitches a masterpiece.
A shutout by a Yankee pitcher, to Sammy Ellis, is more satisfying than a round of four under par."
-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook
"Highly touted from Mississippi State University, Ellis received a large bonus. He broke in with the Reds organization as a young fireballer at their Columbia, South Carolina farm club in 1961.
Ellis joined the Cincinnati staff as a regular in 1964 and had his biggest season in 1965 winning 22 games. He also played for the Angels and White Sox and had his six-year big league career cut short by arm problems.
Sammy joined the Yankees organization as the pitching coach at Ft. Lauderdale in 1978. He's largely credited with much of Dave Righetti's success."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
JEFF TORBORG (Coach)
"Yogi Berra claims he wants to manage a team into, and beyond, the World Series. His pitching coach- Jeff Torborg- has also reached baseball prominence as a player and coach, but he, too, has dreams.
In 1983, when the pitching coach's job on the Yankees seemed just a bit more defined, Torborg was extremely pleased by at least one fact. 'I had the privilege of coaching a pitcher who won 20 games. I had never done that before. With a little luck this year, I may get more than one.'
Ron Guidry was the pitcher who won 21 games, aided by Torborg's watchful eye. If Dave Righetti had been given some support, he might have won 20 last year. Shane Rawley's start seemed to stamp him as yet another 20-game winner, but he settled into a win-lose-win-lose routine.
Torborg doesn't miss much when he watches his staff warm up. For the veterans, he knows enough to leave them alone, but to be sure they stay in shape and have the proper mental and physical well-being to do their best on the mound. No pitcher wins every game he pitches. We all know that. Torborg knows that. But the seemingly mild-mannered Torborg, like Yankee scout Jim Hegan, is no one to mess with. Torborg can- and has in the past- challenged players whom he felt were not putting out as professionals on and/or off the field. Every pitcher who has come to New York has expressed admiration for Torborg."
-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook
"Torborg joined the Yankee coaching 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. Jeff 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."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
JERRY MCNERTNEY (Coach)
"Jerry attended Iowa State University. His first 11 seasons in pro baseball were spent in the White Sox organization after signing with them in 1958. He began his career as a first baseman-outfielder but switched to catching in 1961.
He caught four years in Chicago (1964-66-67-68), then went to the Seattle Pilots in the 1969 expansion draft. He wound up his playing career in the National League with the Cardinals and Pirates in 1971-72-73. Jerry joined the Yankees as a coach at West Haven in 1978 and has been coaching at Columbus since 1979.
Jerry's best year as a batter was 1960 when he hit .341 and drove in 125 runs for Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League. He tied for the Nebraska State League lead in doubles in 1958 with 16."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
MARK CONNOR (Coach)
"Connor graduated from Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York in 1967 and attended Manhattan College and Belmont Abbey College. He played most of his college baseball at Manhattan and received a Topps Award as a collegiate All-Star in 1970. Mark struck out 20 Columbia University batters in 1971.
He spent two seasons in the Minnesota Twins' minor league system."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
LOU PINIELLA
"'I think I'll just leave it up to Lou.'
So declared Yankee manager Yogi Berra when asked about his 1984 plans for 'Sweet' Lou Piniella.
Hasn't it always been that way when the Yankees need a clutch hit? Don't they always seem to 'leave it up to Lou?' This 40-year-old man of pride never does anything gracefully- except get hits that count and take the extra base that is needed and catch the line drive that must be caught. His .295 average (10 years) with the Yankees makes him one of the top Yankee hitters of all time.
Shoulder problems and a recurrence of an inner ear infection plagued him in 1983, a year that saw him play and act as hitting instructor. This year, he is expected to do the same. As Berra so wisely said, it will be up to Sweet Lou to decide if he can help the team in the field, at bat, or as a hitting instructor.
But deep down, this man whose ancestors once ruled the seas and explored most of the known world has a burning desire to end his playing career on a championship team.
'There seems to be no secret about that,' he says, his Spanish eyes retaining the gleam of a gunfighter ready for yet another challenger. 'I've had so many fond memories, and I think to the day I die I'll never forget that playoff game in 1978. That game seemed to reflect life and death itself. It had everything. I don't know if I'd like to have another playoff game this year, but I sure would like to go out a winner.'
Heck, the guy IS a winner. In August, in every single year of the five Eastern titles, the call went out: 'Hey Lou, we need your bat in the lineup.'
And Sweet Lou Piniella has never failed his teammates and the fans ... so let's 'leave it up to Lou' in 1984."
-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook
"Piniella began the 1984 season on the disabled list with a sore left shoulder and was activated on April 22. He hit his 100th major league homer on May 6 in Minnesota off Jack O'Connor. His pinch-hit single on June 8 beat Cleveland and on June 19 against Milwaukee he had three hits and five RBI. Lou kept his batting average over .300 for most of the season. He suffered dizzy spells in the second half of the season and played his final game of '83 on September 9, yet continued aiding his teammates in his dual role as player and batting instructor.
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 in the top 10 all-time as a Yankee.
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 1976 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 safely in the first three games of the 1981 World Series to extend his personal World Series hitting streak to nine games; he led all Yankee hitters with a .438 average in the '81 World Series.
In 1981 he led all American League 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 Lou was asked to help the Yankee coaching staff as a batting instructor, working with his teammates on the fine art of hitting.
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 has opened two restaurants in the New York metropolitan area."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
"One of baseball's most storied celebrities, that master of malapropisms, Berra begins his second stint as Yankee manager, succeeding Billy Martin. Owner George Steinbrenner hopes Yogi will be more disposed toward following his suggestions than was Martin.
Yogi managed the Yankees to a 99-win season and the American League pennant in 1964, but was fired after the club lost the World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals. He managed the Mets to the NL pennant in 1973, but again lost in a World Series, to Oakland. His overall major league managerial mark is 391-359.
Berra returned to the Yankees, with whom he appeared in a record 14 World Series as an active player. A pudgy catcher who was AL MVP in 1951, 1954 and 1955 and a 15-time All-Star, his 313 career homers as a catcher rank second to Johnny Bench among catchers. Yogi has the most hits in World Series history (71). His No. 8 was one of eight uniform numbers retired by the Yankees and he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1972 after posting a career mark of .285 with 358 homers and 1,430 RBI from 1946-63 plus a cameo as a Met in 1965.
His son Dale is a Pirates shortstop. Yogi is legendary for his 'It's not over 'til it's over' observation, among others; of course, for Yankee managers, sometimes it's over before it's over."
-Tracy Ringolsby, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1984 Edition
"In 1964, the St. Louis Cardinals had an entire infield that made the All-Star team- Bill White, Julian Javier, Dick Groat and Ken Boyer. They won the NL pennant and were taken to the seventh game of the World Series by the New York Yankees- managed by Yogi Berra.
In 1973, the Oakland Athletics had Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter, Joe Rudi et al, won the AL pennant and were taken to the seventh game of the World Series by the New York Mets- managed by Yogi Berra.
'Yup,' says Yogi, 'that's one of the many reasons I took the job as manager. I guess everybody knows I got all kinds of World Series records, MVPs and that stuff, but I never won a World Series as a manager. Now, I got the chance- and I expect to win it, the Good Lord willing.'
Good old Yogi, with the most recognizable face on Planet Earth. They make jokes about him, kid him about his language, but nobody doubts his brilliance as a man- and a tough one- as well as his managerial skills.
He won't do it all this year. He has an extremely able staff of coaches, and he is smart enough to know he isn't smart enough to do everything by himself. His job is to placate, to manage and to set an example. But how about players who grumble if they don't play?
'Crazy,' Yogi says. 'Sure they want to play, but I ain't never seen a team win without 25 guys pitching in. Besides, some guys make more in a year than I made in 18. Things work themselves out, you wait and see.'
And you, wait and see if Lawrence Peter (Yogi) Berra doesn't cap his ultra-brilliant career with yet another World Series ring."
-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook
"One of baseball's most beloved and recognized celebrities, Yogi was named Yankee manager on December 16, 1983, his second time as Yankee manager. In his first stint, 1964, he guided the Yankees to the AL pennant, losing the World Series in seven games to St. Louis. Yogi was a coach and a manager with the Mets from 1965 to 1975 and 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 in 1982 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, his son Larry Jr. played in the Mets organization, and his son Tim was a wide receiver for the football Giants and Colts. Yogi and his sons run a racquetball club in New Jersey."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
MEET THE COACHES
"A knowledgeable and well balanced coaching staff is fundamental to a winning baseball team.
In that regard, the Yankees and Manager Yogi Berra are quite fortunate to have Sammy Ellis, Gene Michael, Jeff Torborg and Roy White as coaches in 1984.
The four coaches have 61 years of professional playing experience between them, and they have all the positions covered. Sammy Ellis was a pitcher, Jeff Torborg worked behind the plate, Gene Michael was an infielder and Roy White completes the team having spent his career in the outfield.
Ellis and Torborg will team up once again in '84 as Yankee pitching coaches. Ellis is in his seventh year as a pitching coach in the Yankee organization and he gets much of the credit for the development of the Yankees' young pitchers like Dave Righetti.
Torborg, who has previously managed the Cleveland Indians, is in his sixth season on the coaching staff. In addition to his tutoring of the pitching staff, Jeff will also work with the Yankee catching corps.
Roy White will take over Yogi's chores in the first base coaching box this season. White, the only Yankee outfielder to field 1.000 for season, will also be called on to work with the outfielders.
Gene Michael is the new man on the staff in '84. Gene, however, is quite accustomed to the Yankee ways having played for, coached, scouted and managed the team in the past. Stick returns to uniform this season as third base coach.
Finally, continuing the role he assumed in August 1982, Lou Piniella will assist the Yankee staff as a batting instructor. Piniella, one of baseball's most consistent players, has hit over .300 six times in his career.
In spring training the Yankees used a small army of instructors and teachers, which is especially helpful to the young players in camp. This past spring, for example, there were 14 members of the 'faculty' of whom nine are with minor league clubs this season.
The New York Yankees coaching staff is the best in the business. They've got their bases covered."
-New York Yankees 1984 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
"A knowledgeable and well balanced coaching staff is fundamental to a winning baseball team.
In that regard, the Yankees and Manager Yogi Berra are quite fortunate to have Mark Connor, Doug Holmquist, Gene Michael, Lou Piniella and Jeff Torborg as coaches in 1984.
The five coaches have 58 years of professional playing experience between them, and they have all the positions covered. Mark Connor was a pitcher, Jeff Torborg and Doug Holmquist worked behind the plate, Gene Michael was an infielder and Lou Piniella completes the team having spent his career in the outfield.
Connor and Torborg team up in '84 as Yankee co-pitching coaches. Connor is in his fifth year as a pitching coach in the Yankee organization and he gets much of the credit for the development of the Yankee pitching prospects like Dennis Rasmussen and Clay Christiansen.
Torborg, who has previously managed the Cleveland Indians, is in his sixth season on the coaching staff. He has served in the past as the Yankees first base and bullpen coach, but this season will concentrate on the pitchers.
Lou Piniella, who played his final game as an active player on June 16, takes over the first base coaching chores. Piniella, a lifetime .291 hitter, will also continue in his role as batting instructor, teaching the technique that made him one of baseball's most consistent hitters for 16 seasons.
Gene Michael is the new man on the staff in '84. Gene, however, is quite accustomed to the Yankee ways having played for, coached, scouted and managed the team in the past. Stick returns to uniform this season as third base coach.
Doug Holmquist is one of the new additions to the coaching staff in 1984. The 42-year-old Holmquist played four years as a catcher in the Houston Colt 45 and Detroit Tiger organizations from 1962 through 1965. He is no stranger to the Yankee organization, having managed the Fort Lauderdale team from 1978-81, producing three first place finishes there. In 1982, Holmquist managed the Yankees' Class-A club in Greensboro and last year managed their Class-AA Nashville team. This year he will man the Yankees bullpen and will be responsible for guiding the Yankee relievers.
In spring training the Yankees used a small army of instructors and teachers, which is especially helpful to the young players in camp, speeding along the progress of young players such as Jose Rijo and Stan Javier. This past spring, for example, there were 14 members of the 'faculty,' nine of whom are with minor league clubs this season continuing their work.
The New York Yankees coaching staff is the best in the business. They've got their bases covered."
-New York Yankees 1984 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
GENE MICHAEL (Coach)
"In the song 'That's Life,' Frank Sinatra brags that he's been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king.
Is that all? Old Blue Eyes has nothing on Yankee coach Gene Michael. Although it may not rhyme, and not have the same alliteration that Sinatra's words have, Michael can boast of being a major league player, coach, scout, administrative assistant, general manager, major league manager and a highly successful minor league manager.
This year we find the man called 'Stick' returning to uniform as Yogi Berra's third base coach. In 1978, Michael had been Billy Martin's and Bob Lemon's first base coach. Michael brings a solid background of nearly 25 years in organized baseball to the box at third. He has been a success everywhere he has been, and this year he would gladly trade most of his triumphs for one single ailment- a very tired left arm, from waving Yankee runners around third and towards home plate.
Michael has an uncanny sense as a coach. He knows who can run, and who can't. You can be sure he will never forget how many outs there are in an inning, who's running and who's the next batter when he makes his decisions at third. He will not embarrass himself or Berra.
Michael is also valuable because he knows the composition of the team. He can help any infielder who may be in a fielding slump, can help the players learn how to bunt when they have to, and is a more-than-competent 'second manager' on he field."
-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook
"Stick will be Yogi's third base coach this year. He's been working for the New York Yankees as a consultant and scout and has been the field manager twice.
Gene was originally named Yankee manager on November 21, 1980. In 1981, the Yankees were 34-22 and leading the AL Eastern Division by two games on June 12 when the players' strike occurred. The Yankees were eventually declared first half winners, qualifying for the Division Series in October. Gene was replaced by Bob Lemon as manager on September 6, 1981, yet was named manager of the Yankees for a second time on April 25, 1982, replacing Lemon; under Stick the team was 44-42 when Clyde King was named manager on August 3 of that year.
Stick had previously been Yankees General Manager, being named to that post on November 1, 1979 after serving as the field manager of the AAA Columbus Clippers in 1979. He guided the Clippers to regular season and postseason International League titles after starting the season with 10 straight wins. The Clippers finished 85-54.
Upon his retirement, Gene was hired as a Yankee coach. He coached first base for the Yankees in 1978 after he had been a front office Administrative Assistant in 1977.
One of the most popular Yankees during his playing career, Gene was the club's regular shortstop from 1969-1973. He mastered the hidden ball trick, pulling it off five times with the Yankees. Gene was a close friend and roommate of the late Thurman Munson.
Gene graduated with a B.S. in education from Kent State where he played basketball. He was pursued by the New York Knicks to play pro basketball."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
ROY WHITE (Coach)
"Yankee fans will not be cheated this year. In 1983, when Roy White re-joined the Yankees after his playing days in Japan were over, he was supposed to coach first base, but a change in strategy had White on the bench. This year fans will get a chance to welcome the man who brought so much class to every Yankee team he played for.
Coach Roy White is a such a proud man that the one championship ring he wears is the 1977 one, simply because he contributed so much to that team. In 1978 he felt he did not do enough to merit wearing the ring, so he does not wear it. Pride such as that does not go unnoticed by players, management and fans, and this year White will be an integral part of Yogi Berra's excellent braintrust.
Always a heady player, White will surely keep Yankee baserunners alert, relay signs and be an important cog in the annual Yankee drive towards first place. He is a true pro, and while in Japan, he taught himself Japanese and had his family do the same. He was not like other American-born players who went to Japan, 'stole' their salary and gave nothing back. White was part of the culture, representing his country and himself.
That is why Roy White will always be a Yankee wherever he goes. In 1984, we are lucky to have him where he belongs- in his familiar uniform number six, coaching first base. It's funny, but White hit .296 and poled 12 homers with the 1982 Yorimuri Giants. Those are statistics that seem to say he was just beginning, rather than ending, a brilliant career. But Roy Hilton White, gentleman, had to come back home to Yankee Stadium ... thankfully."
-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook
"One of the all-time Yankee favorites, White is in his second year back with the Yankees as a 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 (12th 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 Tokyo in Japan's Central League.
The only Yankee outfielder ever to field 1.000 for a season, he was originally signed as an infielder, but Bobby Richardson's presence brought about the switch. Roy 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."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
SAMMY ELLIS (Coach)
"Dave Righetti has a stock answer for anyone who brings up his seemingly inexplicable demotion to Columbus during the 1982 season.
'It didn't make me a better pitcher,' he says, 'but it might have made a better man.'
Part of that education came from Sammy Ellis, a 22-game winner with the 1965 Cincinnati Reds. Ellis is the fourth ace in Manager Yogi Berra's hand, along with Jeff Torborg, Roy White and Gene Michael. Each coach has a specific job. Ellis and Torborg, of course, are responsible for the pitchers. To say that Ellis is responsible only for Righetti is ridiculous, although Ellis did have a hand in the development of the most valuable young lefty in baseball.
Ellis knows the mechanics of pitching, and he is particularly adept at spotting flaws in young pitchers who try to overthrow. Like Torborg, Ellis tries his best to instill confidence in pitchers who have been mistreated, unwanted or discarded. Like all good baseball men, he realizes that no one player, coach or manager can win a title by himself. So Sammy Ellis sits and watches and quietly talks to pitchers after the game.
A former pro golfer, Ellis spends time on the links whenever he can ... but his biggest kick comes when the pitcher pitches a masterpiece.
A shutout by a Yankee pitcher, to Sammy Ellis, is more satisfying than a round of four under par."
-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook
"Highly touted from Mississippi State University, Ellis received a large bonus. He broke in with the Reds organization as a young fireballer at their Columbia, South Carolina farm club in 1961.
Ellis joined the Cincinnati staff as a regular in 1964 and had his biggest season in 1965 winning 22 games. He also played for the Angels and White Sox and had his six-year big league career cut short by arm problems.
Sammy joined the Yankees organization as the pitching coach at Ft. Lauderdale in 1978. He's largely credited with much of Dave Righetti's success."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
JEFF TORBORG (Coach)
"Yogi Berra claims he wants to manage a team into, and beyond, the World Series. His pitching coach- Jeff Torborg- has also reached baseball prominence as a player and coach, but he, too, has dreams.
In 1983, when the pitching coach's job on the Yankees seemed just a bit more defined, Torborg was extremely pleased by at least one fact. 'I had the privilege of coaching a pitcher who won 20 games. I had never done that before. With a little luck this year, I may get more than one.'
Ron Guidry was the pitcher who won 21 games, aided by Torborg's watchful eye. If Dave Righetti had been given some support, he might have won 20 last year. Shane Rawley's start seemed to stamp him as yet another 20-game winner, but he settled into a win-lose-win-lose routine.
Torborg doesn't miss much when he watches his staff warm up. For the veterans, he knows enough to leave them alone, but to be sure they stay in shape and have the proper mental and physical well-being to do their best on the mound. No pitcher wins every game he pitches. We all know that. Torborg knows that. But the seemingly mild-mannered Torborg, like Yankee scout Jim Hegan, is no one to mess with. Torborg can- and has in the past- challenged players whom he felt were not putting out as professionals on and/or off the field. Every pitcher who has come to New York has expressed admiration for Torborg."
-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook
"Torborg joined the Yankee coaching 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. Jeff 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."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
JERRY MCNERTNEY (Coach)
"Jerry attended Iowa State University. His first 11 seasons in pro baseball were spent in the White Sox organization after signing with them in 1958. He began his career as a first baseman-outfielder but switched to catching in 1961.
He caught four years in Chicago (1964-66-67-68), then went to the Seattle Pilots in the 1969 expansion draft. He wound up his playing career in the National League with the Cardinals and Pirates in 1971-72-73. Jerry joined the Yankees as a coach at West Haven in 1978 and has been coaching at Columbus since 1979.
Jerry's best year as a batter was 1960 when he hit .341 and drove in 125 runs for Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League. He tied for the Nebraska State League lead in doubles in 1958 with 16."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
MARK CONNOR (Coach)
"Connor graduated from Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York in 1967 and attended Manhattan College and Belmont Abbey College. He played most of his college baseball at Manhattan and received a Topps Award as a collegiate All-Star in 1970. Mark struck out 20 Columbia University batters in 1971.
He spent two seasons in the Minnesota Twins' minor league system."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
LOU PINIELLA
"'I think I'll just leave it up to Lou.'
So declared Yankee manager Yogi Berra when asked about his 1984 plans for 'Sweet' Lou Piniella.
Hasn't it always been that way when the Yankees need a clutch hit? Don't they always seem to 'leave it up to Lou?' This 40-year-old man of pride never does anything gracefully- except get hits that count and take the extra base that is needed and catch the line drive that must be caught. His .295 average (10 years) with the Yankees makes him one of the top Yankee hitters of all time.
Shoulder problems and a recurrence of an inner ear infection plagued him in 1983, a year that saw him play and act as hitting instructor. This year, he is expected to do the same. As Berra so wisely said, it will be up to Sweet Lou to decide if he can help the team in the field, at bat, or as a hitting instructor.
But deep down, this man whose ancestors once ruled the seas and explored most of the known world has a burning desire to end his playing career on a championship team.
'There seems to be no secret about that,' he says, his Spanish eyes retaining the gleam of a gunfighter ready for yet another challenger. 'I've had so many fond memories, and I think to the day I die I'll never forget that playoff game in 1978. That game seemed to reflect life and death itself. It had everything. I don't know if I'd like to have another playoff game this year, but I sure would like to go out a winner.'
Heck, the guy IS a winner. In August, in every single year of the five Eastern titles, the call went out: 'Hey Lou, we need your bat in the lineup.'
And Sweet Lou Piniella has never failed his teammates and the fans ... so let's 'leave it up to Lou' in 1984."
-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook
"Piniella began the 1984 season on the disabled list with a sore left shoulder and was activated on April 22. He hit his 100th major league homer on May 6 in Minnesota off Jack O'Connor. His pinch-hit single on June 8 beat Cleveland and on June 19 against Milwaukee he had three hits and five RBI. Lou kept his batting average over .300 for most of the season. He suffered dizzy spells in the second half of the season and played his final game of '83 on September 9, yet continued aiding his teammates in his dual role as player and batting instructor.
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 in the top 10 all-time as a Yankee.
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 1976 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 safely in the first three games of the 1981 World Series to extend his personal World Series hitting streak to nine games; he led all Yankee hitters with a .438 average in the '81 World Series.
In 1981 he led all American League 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 Lou was asked to help the Yankee coaching staff as a batting instructor, working with his teammates on the fine art of hitting.
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 has opened two restaurants in the New York metropolitan area."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
1984 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, 45, 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."
-1984 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 the Yankees scouting and minor league departments in providing Manager Yogi Berra 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, NE. 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."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
MURRAY COOK (General Manager)
"With the naming of Murray Cook as the club's General Manager, the Yankees have signified a return to an emphasis on the development of winning major league personnel through a strong minor league system and an expanded scouting program. Cook, 43, has an extensive background in the areas of player development and evaluation.
Cook joined the Yankees originally as Director of Player Development on January 24, 1983. He was named to his present post by Principal Owner George Steinbrenner on June 30, 1983.
Cook brings 21 years of applicable experience to his new position. His professional baseball career began in 1962, when he spent three years as an infielder in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. In 1964, he became General Manager of Pittsburgh's Gastonia, North Carolina affiliate in the Western Carolinas League. In 1966, he joined the Pirates as Assistant Ticket Manager and was moved to Assistant Farm Director in 1968. He became Director of Minor Leagues and Scouting in 1976.
Cook is a 1962 graduate of Ohio University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree while attending on a baseball and basketball scholarship. He resides in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey."
-1984 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, 45, 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."
-1984 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 the Yankees scouting and minor league departments in providing Manager Yogi Berra 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, NE. 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."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
MURRAY COOK (General Manager)
"With the naming of Murray Cook as the club's General Manager, the Yankees have signified a return to an emphasis on the development of winning major league personnel through a strong minor league system and an expanded scouting program. Cook, 43, has an extensive background in the areas of player development and evaluation.
Cook joined the Yankees originally as Director of Player Development on January 24, 1983. He was named to his present post by Principal Owner George Steinbrenner on June 30, 1983.
Cook brings 21 years of applicable experience to his new position. His professional baseball career began in 1962, when he spent three years as an infielder in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. In 1964, he became General Manager of Pittsburgh's Gastonia, North Carolina affiliate in the Western Carolinas League. In 1966, he joined the Pirates as Assistant Ticket Manager and was moved to Assistant Farm Director in 1968. He became Director of Minor Leagues and Scouting in 1976.
Cook is a 1962 graduate of Ohio University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree while attending on a baseball and basketball scholarship. He resides in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
1984 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, as well as to Tampa Bay Monthly Magazine, the latter company purchased recently by Steinbrenner with associates. In 1983 he was honored as the Industrialist of the Year in Florida."
-1984 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, as well as to Tampa Bay Monthly Magazine, the latter company purchased recently by Steinbrenner with associates. In 1983 he was honored as the Industrialist of the Year in Florida."
-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
1984 New York Yankees Outlook
HITTING
"Steve Kemp (.241, 12 homers, 49 RBI) was supposed to give the Yankees the left-handed power threat they have lacked since Reggie Jackson's defection after the 1981 season. Nice idea, but it didn't work. As if Kemp's struggle with the bat wasn't enough, he had his cheekbone fractured by a batting practice liner and his eyesight makes him a question mark for this season.
There's no question about a middle-of-the-lineup combination of Dave Winfield (.283, 32 homers, 116 RBI) and Don Baylor (.303, 21 homers, 85 RBI) but Graig Nettles (20 homers, 75 RBI) is getting along in years and manager Yogi Berra could use another left-handed slugger who can take advantage of that short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium. Ken Griffey (.306), Butch Wynegar (.296) and Don Mattingly (.283) are coming off strong seasons. The Yanks might use versatile Roy Smalley (18 homers, 62 RBI) in the specialty role handled so capably by in the past by free agent defector Oscar Gamble. Fortunately Lou Piniella (.291) has put off retirement for one more season."
-Tracy Ringolsby, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1984 Edition
PITCHING
"The Yankees are well-stocked in left-handed starters with Ron Guidry (21-9), Dave Righetti (14-8), Shane Rawley (14-14) and Ray Fontenot (8-2). And now they have a righty in ex-Brave Phil Niekro (11-10) to with John Montefusco (14-4 overall), who had a 5-0 September and accounted for the bulk of the nine victories the Yankees got from right-handed starters last season.
Goose Gossage (13-5, 22 saves) blew 12 of his first 25 save opportunities last year, but losing him in the free agent market last winter was a devastating setback for the Yanks, because he was the only proven stopper they had. With the addition of Mike Armstrong (10-7) from Kansas City to go with George Frazier and Dale Murray, they are loaded with middle-inning relievers."
-Tracy Ringolsby, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1984 Edition
FIELDING
"The numbers don't lie in this case. The Yankees were 11th in the AL in fielding, committing 139 errors. And it's easy to see why. The only positions at which they can feel comfortable about their defense are left field, where Winfield won a Gold Glove, and third base, where Nettles' abilities haven't been significantly diminished by age.
Andre Robertson shows signs of being a classy shortstop- if he can come back from a fractured vertebra suffered in the August car wreck that ended his season. The center field situation has become such a jumbled mess that Griffey might be moved back there from first base or Winfield might be moved there from left. Even when he had good vision, Kemp wasn't much to watch in right field."
-Tracy Ringolsby, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1984 Edition
OUTLOOK
"A team in turmoil, the Yankees overcame constant clubhouse bickering to rebound from a 79-win disaster in 1982 to win 91 games in 1983. But a repetition will not be enough to win the tough AL East this year.
The Yankees need some help in the bullpen, from the left side on offense and at a lot of places on defense if they are going to improve in 1984."
-Tracy Ringolsby, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1984 Edition
"With his recent move of Yogi Berra to the manager's role, it's clear George Steinbrenner, the majority owner, wants to call the shots, but his recent shot-calling has not been good.
The Yankees ranked fourth in hitting (.273) and fifth in pitching (3.86) in the league in 1983. They should be in that vicinity again, which means about 85 or 90 wins in the East.
Much of New York's pitching potential depends on the whereabouts of one massive Goose. With Rich Gossage going to San Diego, Dale Murray (2-4/4.48/1 SV) will need help in the bullpen. Phil Niekro, the ex-Brave with 268 career wins, will push into the starting rotation, freeing one of the starters for relief work.
The starters performed as well as could be expected, and with the addition of John Montefusco (5-0 in a late-season stint in the Bronx) will probably keep New York in the race. Ron Guidry, no longer relying on Louisiana Lightning (his overpowering fastball which has backed up a bit), comes off his best year since winning the Cy Young Award in 1978. He was 21-9, 3.42 with 156 strikeouts and an AL high 21 complete games.
'Just a year ago, they said I could not finish a game,' Guidry obseved. 'I don't hear that any longer.'
Ex-Royal Mike Armstrong (10-7/3.86) and Montefusco are important in the Yankees' schemes because they're the only right-handed starting possibilities. Along with Guidry, the southpaws are Dave Righetti (14-8/3.44/169 strikeouts/and the first Yank no-hitter since Don Larsen's perfect game in the '56 World Series), second-year man Ray Fontenot (8-2/3.33) and vet Shane Rawley (14-14/3.78). Rawley, a former reliever, could wind up in the bullpen now that the Yanks are Goose-less. Reliever George Frazier (4-4/8 SV) joins right-handers Matt Keough and Jay Howell, and southpaws Bob Shirley and Rudy May in rounding out the staff.
New York hitting was paced by Ken Griffey (.306), Don Baylor (.303) and Dave Winfield (.283). Left fielder Winfield is a sparkling defensive player who uses his 6-6 height to advantage in climbing fences and has a bullet-throwing arm. He led the club with 32 homers, 116 RBI, 99 runs and 21 game-winners. Baylor, the designated hitter, had 21 homers and 85 RBI. Griffey, in his first season as a first baseman (he saw duty in the outfield as well), scored 60 runs.
The Yanks picked up Omar Moreno in the latter part of the '83 campaign, but he doesn't seem to be the answer in center. Winfield could see a lot of duty there and Griffey remains a possibility. The Yankees do have some versatility in the outfield if Steve Kemp (.241/12/49) rediscovers his swing. He saw time in 109 games before suffering an eye injury. Kemp starts as the regular right fielder, though he could find himself in left if Winfield is shifted to the middle. Don Mattingly (.283 in 91 rookie games) also will draw duty in the outfield as well as at first base.
Graig Nettles (.266/20/75) signed for two more seasons after putting together a fine season at age 38 and will man the hot corner with his terrific defense. Willie Randolph (.279/12 SB), the regular second baseman since 1976, still produces. Andre Robertson was the shortstop of record until he was in an auto accident following the infamous pine tar game completion, and his future is cloudy. Robertson is as smooth a fielder as you'll find. Vet Tim Foli comes over from the Angels to add depth. Switch-hitting Roy Smalley, who is not all that smooth, can play either short or third, and even first in an emergency. He hit 18 homers and drove in 62 runs to go with a .275 mark.
Butch Wynegar (.296), another switch-hitter, won the catching job from Rick Cerone. Mike O'Berry and Juan Espino are in reserve.
Sweet Lou Piniella (.291) returns for his last season and adds outfield depth with Otis Nixon and Brian Dayett. Switch-hitting Larry Milbourne will help in the infield.
Yogi led the Yanks (and Mets) to the pennant before. It will be interesting to watch the developments in the Bronx in 1984."
-Barry Wilner, Baseball Preview '84
"PROBLEMS: The Billy Martin soap opera is on hiatus with Yogi Berra handling this summer's re-run. Whether Yogi's calming presence can help restore credibility to what was once the 'best team money could buy' will have to be determined on the playing field. The club's shortstop of the future, Andre Robertson, may never recover his playing ability after last fall's bad traffic accident. The biggest trouble is that a once stout defense and a lot of aggressive baserunning have deserted Yankee Stadium. At press time, Goose Gossage was still a free agent, though owner George Steinbrenner was doing everything possible to re-sign his relief ace.
PITCHING: The staff leaders are excellent, but there's a lack of solid depth and the bullpen may be a mess in '84. Ron Guidry and no-hit Dave Righetti form a solid one-two punch. But Shane Rawley has been a .500 hurler since he was taken out of the Seattle bullpen to become a New York starter. John Montefusco, who performed well after coming over from the NL late last year, will vie with Ray Fontenot, Matt Keough and Rudy May for the other starting roles.
Berra picked up the services of reliever Mike Armstrong in the trade which sent Steve Balboni and Roger Erickson to Kansas City. Armstrong will help holdovers May and George Frazier as relievers, but neither is a Gossage-type stopper. If the Goose is not returned to the fold, look for Berra to move Rawley back into a relief role if the others can not do the job.
HITTING: A lot of power and talent, but the lineup could use some 'role hitters' for more efficiency. DH Don Baylor and outfielder Dave Winfield were highly productive in '83, but the high averages of Roy Smalley, Ken Griffey and Butch Wynegar were deceiving. Martin had trouble finding someone dependable to bat second behind offensive spark Willie Randolph, and the fifth and sixth spots in the order were far below the run production of the past few Yankee years.
Steve Kemp was a disappointment and even if he recovers fully from last September's injury, he may lose his regular job in left to young Don Mattingly. The addition of Tim Foli as shortstop depth will allow Smalley to play more at third until it's learned if Robertson can come back. Omar Moreno in center has speed but an erratic bat. Catcher Rick Cerone and veteran Graig Nettles add hitting depth. Oscar Gamble took a free agency exit and will be missed.
INFIELD: An undecided patchwork to be put together this spring. Roy Smalley's good bat helps in the lineup, but Steinbrenner thinks of him as a reserve. He'll fill in for the slugging Nettles and whoever plays short. Foli and Bobby Meacham will probably play the most shortstop until it's seen if Robertson can play. Cerone is the best defensive catcher, but must beat out Wynegar's bat to be able to regain the starting job. Randolph is still a whiz at second, while Griffey and Mattingly and even Kemp can handle first on a platoon basis. Griffey has the average but the brass wants power from the first baseman's spot in the batting order. There a ton of infield questions.
OUTFIELD: A regular garden crew of Mattingly, Moreno and Winfield will be excellent defensively. Only Winfield, however, is a proven bat. Baylor and Kemp are defensive liabilities, making the depth rather limited and shallow.
If Moreno or Winfield is hurt, there's a chance Berra may try to get Wynegar or Cerone, or even veteran infielder Nettles, to help in outfield relief play. Of course, with Steinbrenner's habit of trading and signing free agents, the club's make-up could change virtually overnight.
PROGNOSIS: Management change, pitching troubles and an inconsistent defense bode poorly for Yankee chances to contend. This a good club, but Baltimore, Detroit and Toronto probably belong in a league by themselves. Odds are long that the Yankees will finish better than fourth. And if dissension and the uncertain bullpen cause a slow start, the New Yorkers could even fall below Cleveland!
Wouldn't THAT make Big George's checkbook tremble?"
-Tommy Kay's Big Book of Baseball, May 1984
"Steve Kemp (.241, 12 homers, 49 RBI) was supposed to give the Yankees the left-handed power threat they have lacked since Reggie Jackson's defection after the 1981 season. Nice idea, but it didn't work. As if Kemp's struggle with the bat wasn't enough, he had his cheekbone fractured by a batting practice liner and his eyesight makes him a question mark for this season.
There's no question about a middle-of-the-lineup combination of Dave Winfield (.283, 32 homers, 116 RBI) and Don Baylor (.303, 21 homers, 85 RBI) but Graig Nettles (20 homers, 75 RBI) is getting along in years and manager Yogi Berra could use another left-handed slugger who can take advantage of that short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium. Ken Griffey (.306), Butch Wynegar (.296) and Don Mattingly (.283) are coming off strong seasons. The Yanks might use versatile Roy Smalley (18 homers, 62 RBI) in the specialty role handled so capably by in the past by free agent defector Oscar Gamble. Fortunately Lou Piniella (.291) has put off retirement for one more season."
-Tracy Ringolsby, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1984 Edition
PITCHING
"The Yankees are well-stocked in left-handed starters with Ron Guidry (21-9), Dave Righetti (14-8), Shane Rawley (14-14) and Ray Fontenot (8-2). And now they have a righty in ex-Brave Phil Niekro (11-10) to with John Montefusco (14-4 overall), who had a 5-0 September and accounted for the bulk of the nine victories the Yankees got from right-handed starters last season.
Goose Gossage (13-5, 22 saves) blew 12 of his first 25 save opportunities last year, but losing him in the free agent market last winter was a devastating setback for the Yanks, because he was the only proven stopper they had. With the addition of Mike Armstrong (10-7) from Kansas City to go with George Frazier and Dale Murray, they are loaded with middle-inning relievers."
-Tracy Ringolsby, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1984 Edition
FIELDING
"The numbers don't lie in this case. The Yankees were 11th in the AL in fielding, committing 139 errors. And it's easy to see why. The only positions at which they can feel comfortable about their defense are left field, where Winfield won a Gold Glove, and third base, where Nettles' abilities haven't been significantly diminished by age.
Andre Robertson shows signs of being a classy shortstop- if he can come back from a fractured vertebra suffered in the August car wreck that ended his season. The center field situation has become such a jumbled mess that Griffey might be moved back there from first base or Winfield might be moved there from left. Even when he had good vision, Kemp wasn't much to watch in right field."
-Tracy Ringolsby, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1984 Edition
OUTLOOK
"A team in turmoil, the Yankees overcame constant clubhouse bickering to rebound from a 79-win disaster in 1982 to win 91 games in 1983. But a repetition will not be enough to win the tough AL East this year.
The Yankees need some help in the bullpen, from the left side on offense and at a lot of places on defense if they are going to improve in 1984."
-Tracy Ringolsby, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1984 Edition
"With his recent move of Yogi Berra to the manager's role, it's clear George Steinbrenner, the majority owner, wants to call the shots, but his recent shot-calling has not been good.
The Yankees ranked fourth in hitting (.273) and fifth in pitching (3.86) in the league in 1983. They should be in that vicinity again, which means about 85 or 90 wins in the East.
Much of New York's pitching potential depends on the whereabouts of one massive Goose. With Rich Gossage going to San Diego, Dale Murray (2-4/4.48/1 SV) will need help in the bullpen. Phil Niekro, the ex-Brave with 268 career wins, will push into the starting rotation, freeing one of the starters for relief work.
The starters performed as well as could be expected, and with the addition of John Montefusco (5-0 in a late-season stint in the Bronx) will probably keep New York in the race. Ron Guidry, no longer relying on Louisiana Lightning (his overpowering fastball which has backed up a bit), comes off his best year since winning the Cy Young Award in 1978. He was 21-9, 3.42 with 156 strikeouts and an AL high 21 complete games.
'Just a year ago, they said I could not finish a game,' Guidry obseved. 'I don't hear that any longer.'
Ex-Royal Mike Armstrong (10-7/3.86) and Montefusco are important in the Yankees' schemes because they're the only right-handed starting possibilities. Along with Guidry, the southpaws are Dave Righetti (14-8/3.44/169 strikeouts/and the first Yank no-hitter since Don Larsen's perfect game in the '56 World Series), second-year man Ray Fontenot (8-2/3.33) and vet Shane Rawley (14-14/3.78). Rawley, a former reliever, could wind up in the bullpen now that the Yanks are Goose-less. Reliever George Frazier (4-4/8 SV) joins right-handers Matt Keough and Jay Howell, and southpaws Bob Shirley and Rudy May in rounding out the staff.
New York hitting was paced by Ken Griffey (.306), Don Baylor (.303) and Dave Winfield (.283). Left fielder Winfield is a sparkling defensive player who uses his 6-6 height to advantage in climbing fences and has a bullet-throwing arm. He led the club with 32 homers, 116 RBI, 99 runs and 21 game-winners. Baylor, the designated hitter, had 21 homers and 85 RBI. Griffey, in his first season as a first baseman (he saw duty in the outfield as well), scored 60 runs.
The Yanks picked up Omar Moreno in the latter part of the '83 campaign, but he doesn't seem to be the answer in center. Winfield could see a lot of duty there and Griffey remains a possibility. The Yankees do have some versatility in the outfield if Steve Kemp (.241/12/49) rediscovers his swing. He saw time in 109 games before suffering an eye injury. Kemp starts as the regular right fielder, though he could find himself in left if Winfield is shifted to the middle. Don Mattingly (.283 in 91 rookie games) also will draw duty in the outfield as well as at first base.
Graig Nettles (.266/20/75) signed for two more seasons after putting together a fine season at age 38 and will man the hot corner with his terrific defense. Willie Randolph (.279/12 SB), the regular second baseman since 1976, still produces. Andre Robertson was the shortstop of record until he was in an auto accident following the infamous pine tar game completion, and his future is cloudy. Robertson is as smooth a fielder as you'll find. Vet Tim Foli comes over from the Angels to add depth. Switch-hitting Roy Smalley, who is not all that smooth, can play either short or third, and even first in an emergency. He hit 18 homers and drove in 62 runs to go with a .275 mark.
Butch Wynegar (.296), another switch-hitter, won the catching job from Rick Cerone. Mike O'Berry and Juan Espino are in reserve.
Sweet Lou Piniella (.291) returns for his last season and adds outfield depth with Otis Nixon and Brian Dayett. Switch-hitting Larry Milbourne will help in the infield.
Yogi led the Yanks (and Mets) to the pennant before. It will be interesting to watch the developments in the Bronx in 1984."
-Barry Wilner, Baseball Preview '84
"PROBLEMS: The Billy Martin soap opera is on hiatus with Yogi Berra handling this summer's re-run. Whether Yogi's calming presence can help restore credibility to what was once the 'best team money could buy' will have to be determined on the playing field. The club's shortstop of the future, Andre Robertson, may never recover his playing ability after last fall's bad traffic accident. The biggest trouble is that a once stout defense and a lot of aggressive baserunning have deserted Yankee Stadium. At press time, Goose Gossage was still a free agent, though owner George Steinbrenner was doing everything possible to re-sign his relief ace.
PITCHING: The staff leaders are excellent, but there's a lack of solid depth and the bullpen may be a mess in '84. Ron Guidry and no-hit Dave Righetti form a solid one-two punch. But Shane Rawley has been a .500 hurler since he was taken out of the Seattle bullpen to become a New York starter. John Montefusco, who performed well after coming over from the NL late last year, will vie with Ray Fontenot, Matt Keough and Rudy May for the other starting roles.
Berra picked up the services of reliever Mike Armstrong in the trade which sent Steve Balboni and Roger Erickson to Kansas City. Armstrong will help holdovers May and George Frazier as relievers, but neither is a Gossage-type stopper. If the Goose is not returned to the fold, look for Berra to move Rawley back into a relief role if the others can not do the job.
HITTING: A lot of power and talent, but the lineup could use some 'role hitters' for more efficiency. DH Don Baylor and outfielder Dave Winfield were highly productive in '83, but the high averages of Roy Smalley, Ken Griffey and Butch Wynegar were deceiving. Martin had trouble finding someone dependable to bat second behind offensive spark Willie Randolph, and the fifth and sixth spots in the order were far below the run production of the past few Yankee years.
Steve Kemp was a disappointment and even if he recovers fully from last September's injury, he may lose his regular job in left to young Don Mattingly. The addition of Tim Foli as shortstop depth will allow Smalley to play more at third until it's learned if Robertson can come back. Omar Moreno in center has speed but an erratic bat. Catcher Rick Cerone and veteran Graig Nettles add hitting depth. Oscar Gamble took a free agency exit and will be missed.
INFIELD: An undecided patchwork to be put together this spring. Roy Smalley's good bat helps in the lineup, but Steinbrenner thinks of him as a reserve. He'll fill in for the slugging Nettles and whoever plays short. Foli and Bobby Meacham will probably play the most shortstop until it's seen if Robertson can play. Cerone is the best defensive catcher, but must beat out Wynegar's bat to be able to regain the starting job. Randolph is still a whiz at second, while Griffey and Mattingly and even Kemp can handle first on a platoon basis. Griffey has the average but the brass wants power from the first baseman's spot in the batting order. There a ton of infield questions.
OUTFIELD: A regular garden crew of Mattingly, Moreno and Winfield will be excellent defensively. Only Winfield, however, is a proven bat. Baylor and Kemp are defensive liabilities, making the depth rather limited and shallow.
If Moreno or Winfield is hurt, there's a chance Berra may try to get Wynegar or Cerone, or even veteran infielder Nettles, to help in outfield relief play. Of course, with Steinbrenner's habit of trading and signing free agents, the club's make-up could change virtually overnight.
PROGNOSIS: Management change, pitching troubles and an inconsistent defense bode poorly for Yankee chances to contend. This a good club, but Baltimore, Detroit and Toronto probably belong in a league by themselves. Odds are long that the Yankees will finish better than fourth. And if dissension and the uncertain bullpen cause a slow start, the New Yorkers could even fall below Cleveland!
Wouldn't THAT make Big George's checkbook tremble?"
-Tommy Kay's Big Book of Baseball, May 1984
Sunday, June 21, 2015
1984 New York Yankees Spring Training Roster
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Manager - Yogi Berra 8
No. Coaches
41 Sammy Ellis
40 Gene Michael
43 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
No. Pitchers
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R)
42 Clay Christiansen (R-R)
47 Ray Fontenot (L-L)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
50 Jay Howell (R-R)
34 Matt Keough (R-R)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
24 John Montefusco (R-R)
48 Dale Murray (R-R)
35 Phil Niekro (R-R)
26 Shane Rawley (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
38 Jose Rijo (R-R)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
58 Juan Espino (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Tim Foli (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
11 Toby Harrah (R-R)
56 Rex Hudler (R-R)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
39 Larry Milbourne (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
57 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
12 Roy Smalley (S-R)
13 Keith Smith (R-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
62 Brian Dayett (R-R)
23 Orestes Destrade (S-R)
55 Stan Javier (S-R)
21 Steve Kemp (L-L)
46 Don Mattingly (L-L)
22 Omar Moreno (L-L)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
53 Matt Winters (S-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Manager - Yogi Berra 8
No. Coaches
41 Sammy Ellis
40 Gene Michael
43 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
No. Pitchers
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R)
42 Clay Christiansen (R-R)
47 Ray Fontenot (L-L)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
50 Jay Howell (R-R)
34 Matt Keough (R-R)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
24 John Montefusco (R-R)
48 Dale Murray (R-R)
35 Phil Niekro (R-R)
26 Shane Rawley (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
38 Jose Rijo (R-R)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
58 Juan Espino (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Tim Foli (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
11 Toby Harrah (R-R)
56 Rex Hudler (R-R)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
39 Larry Milbourne (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
57 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
12 Roy Smalley (S-R)
13 Keith Smith (R-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
62 Brian Dayett (R-R)
23 Orestes Destrade (S-R)
55 Stan Javier (S-R)
21 Steve Kemp (L-L)
46 Don Mattingly (L-L)
22 Omar Moreno (L-L)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
53 Matt Winters (S-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Saturday, June 20, 2015
1983 New York Yankees September Roster
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
41 Sammy Ellis
14 Lou Piniella
11 Jeff Torborg
53 Lee Walls
6 Roy White
23 Don Zimmer
No. Pitchers
35 Roger Erickson (R-R)
47 Ray Fontenot (L-L)
43 George Frazier (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
50 Jay Howell (R-R)
38 Curt Kaufman (R-R)
34 Matt Keough (R-R)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
24 John Montefusco (R-R)
48 Dale Murray (R-R)
26 Shane Rawley (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
58 Juan Espino (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
28 Steve Balboni (R-R)
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
56 Bert Campaneris (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
46 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
39 Larry Milbourne (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R) *
12 Roy Smalley (S-R)
No. Outfielders
62 Brian Dayett (R-R)
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
21 Steve Kemp (L-L) *
22 Omar Moreno (L-L)
52 Otis Nixon (R-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R) *
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Wayne Harer, Doug Melvin
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala
* not on active roster
1983 NEW YORK YANKEES TEAM PHOTO
Steve Balboni
Mike Barnett (video operator)
Don Baylor
Yogi Berra (coach)
Bert Campaneris
Rick Cerone
Sammy Ellis (coach)
Ray Fontenot
George Frazier
Oscar Gamble
Rich Gossage
Ken Griffey
Ron Guidry
Wayne Harer (batting practice pitcher)
Jay Howell
Bill Kane (traveling secretary)
Steve Kemp
Matt Keough
Dave LaRoche
Mark Letendre (assistant trainer)
Billy Martin (manager)
Don Mattingly
Rudy May
Larry Milbourne
Gene Monahan (trainer)
Omar Moreno
Dale Murray
Graig Nettles
Brian Perry (batboy)
Lou Piniella
Willie Randolph
Shane Rawley
Dave Righetti
Merritt Riley (batboy)
Andre Robertson
Mike Rufino (batboy)
Dom Scala (bullpen catcher)
Pete Sheehy (equipment manager)
Bob Shirley
Roy Smalley
Jeff Torborg (coach)
Lee Walls (coach)
Roy White (coach)
Dave Winfield
Butch Wynegar
Don Zimmer (coach)
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
41 Sammy Ellis
14 Lou Piniella
11 Jeff Torborg
53 Lee Walls
6 Roy White
23 Don Zimmer
No. Pitchers
35 Roger Erickson (R-R)
47 Ray Fontenot (L-L)
43 George Frazier (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
50 Jay Howell (R-R)
38 Curt Kaufman (R-R)
34 Matt Keough (R-R)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
24 John Montefusco (R-R)
48 Dale Murray (R-R)
26 Shane Rawley (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
58 Juan Espino (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
28 Steve Balboni (R-R)
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
56 Bert Campaneris (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
46 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
39 Larry Milbourne (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R) *
12 Roy Smalley (S-R)
No. Outfielders
62 Brian Dayett (R-R)
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
21 Steve Kemp (L-L) *
22 Omar Moreno (L-L)
52 Otis Nixon (R-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R) *
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Wayne Harer, Doug Melvin
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala
* not on active roster
1983 NEW YORK YANKEES TEAM PHOTO
Steve Balboni
Mike Barnett (video operator)
Don Baylor
Yogi Berra (coach)
Bert Campaneris
Rick Cerone
Sammy Ellis (coach)
Ray Fontenot
George Frazier
Oscar Gamble
Rich Gossage
Ken Griffey
Ron Guidry
Wayne Harer (batting practice pitcher)
Jay Howell
Bill Kane (traveling secretary)
Steve Kemp
Matt Keough
Dave LaRoche
Mark Letendre (assistant trainer)
Billy Martin (manager)
Don Mattingly
Rudy May
Larry Milbourne
Gene Monahan (trainer)
Omar Moreno
Dale Murray
Graig Nettles
Brian Perry (batboy)
Lou Piniella
Willie Randolph
Shane Rawley
Dave Righetti
Merritt Riley (batboy)
Andre Robertson
Mike Rufino (batboy)
Dom Scala (bullpen catcher)
Pete Sheehy (equipment manager)
Bob Shirley
Roy Smalley
Jeff Torborg (coach)
Lee Walls (coach)
Roy White (coach)
Dave Winfield
Butch Wynegar
Don Zimmer (coach)
1983 New York Yankees July 1 Roster
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
41 Sammy Ellis
42 Art Fowler
11 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
23 Don Zimmer
No. Pitchers
57 Ray Fontenot (L-L)
43 George Frazier (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L) *
50 Jay Howell (R-R)
34 Matt Keough (R-R)
45 Rudy May (L-L) *
48 Dale Murray (R-R)
26 Shane Rawley (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
56 Bert Campaneris (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
46 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
12 Roy Smalley (S-R)
No. Outfielders
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
21 Steve Kemp (L-L)
22 Jerry Mumphrey (S-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Wayne Harer, Doug Melvin
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala
* not on active roster
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
41 Sammy Ellis
42 Art Fowler
11 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
23 Don Zimmer
No. Pitchers
57 Ray Fontenot (L-L)
43 George Frazier (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L) *
50 Jay Howell (R-R)
34 Matt Keough (R-R)
45 Rudy May (L-L) *
48 Dale Murray (R-R)
26 Shane Rawley (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
56 Bert Campaneris (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
46 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
12 Roy Smalley (S-R)
No. Outfielders
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
21 Steve Kemp (L-L)
22 Jerry Mumphrey (S-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Wayne Harer, Doug Melvin
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala
* not on active roster
1983 New York Yankees June 1 Roster
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
42 Art Fowler
11 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
23 Don Zimmer
No. Pitchers
43 George Frazier (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
50 Jay Howell (R-R)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
48 Dale Murray (R-R)
26 Shane Rawley (L-L)
36 Rick Reuschel (R-R) *
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
65 Juan Espino (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R) *
No. Infielders
66 Steve Balboni (R-R)
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
56 Bert Campaneris (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
12 Roy Smalley (S-R)
No. Outfielders
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
21 Steve Kemp (L-L)
22 Jerry Mumphrey (S-R)
2 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Wayne Harer, Doug Melvin
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala
* not on active roster
1983 New York Yankees Program and Scorecard Notes
"The Yankee pinstripes belong to New York like Central Park, like the Statue of Liberty, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, like the Metropolitan Opera, like the Stock Exchange, like the lights of Broadway, etc. Collectively they are 'The Big Apple.' Any loss represents a diminution of the quality of life here, a blow to the City's standing at the top, however narcissistic that perception may be."
-Judge Richard S. Lane, Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York Yankees 1983 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
WELCOME
"Welcome to an anniversary season of Yankees baseball.
80 years ago in 1903 New York joined the American League.
70 years in 1913 the nickname 'Yankees' was adopted.
60 years in 1923 the 'House that Ruth Built,' Yankee Stadium, first opened its doors and the Yankees won their first World Championship.
55 years ago in 1928 the Yankees won their first back-to-back World Championships.
50 years ago in 1933 the first All-Star Game was played and the Yankees have sent representatives to each 'mid-summer classic' since.
45 years ago in 1938 the Yankees won their third of four consecutive World Championships for manager Joe McCarthy.
40 years ago in 1943 the Yankees during the height of World War II won their last World Championship under Joe McCarthy.
35 years ago in 1948 the Yankees honor one of their greatest players, Babe Ruth, by retiring his uniform number (#3) and later in the season he dies.
30 years ago in 1953 the Yankees win a record fifth consecutive World Championship.
25 years ago in 1958 the Yankees overcome a 3-1 deficit in the World Series against the Milwaukee Braves to win their 18th World Championship.
20 years ago in 1963 the Yankees win their 28th American League pennant.
10 years ago in 1973 the Yankees play their final season in the 50-year-old original Yankee Stadium. At the end of the season the Stadium was closed for two years of renovations.
Five years ago in 1978 the Yankees staged a miracle comeback to overcome a 14-game deficit, beat the Red Sox in a one-game playoff, defeated the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS and then defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers for a 22nd World Championship.
The tradition of Yankees baseball continues today. The 1983 Yankees proudly wear the same uniforms, play in the same ballpark, in the same great city and carry on the same traditions established by the Yankee stars of the past.
We take great pride in welcoming you to the 81st season of Yankees baseball."
-New York Yankees 1983 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
GROUND RULES
"-Foul poles are outside the playing field. Any batted ball hitting a foul pole above the fence line is a home run. Bat racks are within the dugouts.
-Any thrown ball hitting a dugout railing or foundation and rebounding on the field is in play. A ball going into the dugout or hitting other parts of the dugout- out of play."
-New York Yankees 1983 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
AMERICAN LEAGUE UMPIRES
2 Bremigan
3 Evans
4 Springstead
5 Goetz
6 Neudecker
7 Phillips
8 McKean
9 Kunkel
10 McCoy
11 Denkinger
12 Cooney
13 Cousins
14 Palermo
15 Brinkman
18 Kosc
19 Garcia
20 Ford
21 Kaiser
22 Barnett
24 Clark
26 Voltaggio
27 Roe
28 Maloney
29 Shulock
31 Reilly
33 Merrill
35 Hendry
37 Coble
VISITING STARS
Buddy Bell (Texas Rangers)
George Brett (Kansas City Royals)
Carlton Fisk (Chicago White Sox)
Damaso Garcia (Toronto Blue Jays)
Kirk Gibson (Detroit Tigers)
Rickey Henderson (Oakland Athletics)
Kent Hrbek (Minnesota Twins)
Reggie Jackson (California Angels)
Eddie Murray (Baltimore Orioles)
Gaylord Perry (Seattle Mariners)
Andre Thornton (Cleveland Indians)
Carl Yastrzemski (Boston Red Sox)
Robin Yount (Milwaukee Brewers)
1983 NEW YORK YANKEES HOME OF CHAMPIONS RADIO NETWORK
NEW YORK
New York (WABC) (flagship station)
Albany (WROW)
Batavia (WBTA)
Binghamton (WKOP)
Brockport (WJBT)
Buffalo (WLVL)
Canadaigua (WFLC)
Corning (WCLI)
Cortland (WKRT)
Dansville (WDNY)
Dunkirk (WDOE)
Glens Falls (WBZA)
Gloversville (WENT)
Hudson (WHUC)
Jamestown (WKSN)
Olean (WBJZ)
Oneonta (WSRK)
Plattsburgh (WIRY)
Schenectady (WWWD)
Seneca Falls (WSFW)
Syracuse (WSYR)
Utica (WIBX)
Walton (WDLA)
Watertown (WTNY)
Waverly (WAVR)
CONNECTICUT
Ansonia (WADS)
Hartford (WPOP)
Meridan (WMMW)
New London (WNLC)
Waterbury (WATR)
FLORIDA
Miami (WIOD)
West Palm Beach (WEAT)
LOUISIANA
Lafayette (KPEL)
New Orleans (WWIW)
MASSACHUSETTS
Pittsfield (WBEC)
Springfield (WIXY)
NORTH CAROLINA
Raleigh (WPTF)
PENNSYLVANIA
Sayre (WATS)
Scranton (WBQW)
Wilkes-Barre (WBAX)
Williamsport (WWPA)
VERMONT
Burlington (WDOT)
Montpelier (WSKI)
Rutland (WHWB)
1983 NEW YORK YANKEES TELEVISION NETWORK
New York, NY (WPIX-TV) (originating station)
Adams, MA (WCDC-TV)
Albany, NY (WTEN-TV)
Elmira, NY (WETM-TV)
Hartford, CT (WFSB-TV)
Rochester, NY (WUHF)
Syracuse, NY (WSTM-TV)
Miami, FL (WCIX)
Tampa, FL (WTOG)
ADVERTISEMENTS
-American Express: The American Express Card. Don't leave home without it.
-B. Dalton Bookseller
-Bacardi: Love At First Sip
-Bay Harbor Inn
-Beck's: Beck's. The number one imported German beer.
-Budweiser: King of Beers
-Budweiser Light: Bring out your best.
-Canon AE-1: Nobody has been able to make fine photography this simple. Until now.
-Chemical Bank: The chemistry's just right at Chemical.
-Citibank: The Citi never sleeps.
-Datsun: We are driven.
-Eastern
-Exxon Extra: Quality You Can Count On
-French's Mustard: World's Best Selling Prepared Mustard
-Johnnie Walker Red: Tonight, lead off with red.
-Kent: When you know what counts.
-KICK 106.7 FM: We're the reason why the city is moving to the country.
-Kool Lights: There's only one way to play it.
-Lite: "Great ballplayers drink Lite because it's less filling. I know. I asked one." -Bob Uecker, Mr. Baseball
-Long Island Savings Bank: Performance. It makes a strong team and a strong bank.
-Manufacturers Hanover Trust: Our facts make your money worth more.
-Marlboro
-Maxell: It's worth it.
-Mitsubishi: Even if you can't have the best of everything, you can have the best of something.
-Motorcraft: Exceeds The Need
-Motocraft Car Care Center
-New York Life Agents: Ask me. Get your coaching tips on life insurance from a pro.
-New York Telephone Yellow Pages: The First Place to Turn
-Pepsi: Fielder's Choice
-Real Sports, Only from Atari: All the action,all the challenge,all the fun. The best sports programs on television are from Atari.
-Roche: Don't take chances. Take a supplement.
-Rolaids
-Rums of Puerto Rico
-Sportschannel: Welcome Home Billy. This time it's going to be different.
-Telecom Plus
-The Playing Field Authentic Sports Apparel: Touch base with us.
-Toyota: Oh what a feeling!
-V.O.: Break away from the ordinary. Discover the drink that stands apart.
-WABC Talkradio 77: Your Station For Every Yankee Game
-Western Airlines: We've got a name to live up to.
-Winston: Winston. America's Best.
-Xerox
-Yankees Beef Franks: Enjoy Yankees Franks at home, too!
-Judge Richard S. Lane, Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York Yankees 1983 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
WELCOME
"Welcome to an anniversary season of Yankees baseball.
80 years ago in 1903 New York joined the American League.
70 years in 1913 the nickname 'Yankees' was adopted.
60 years in 1923 the 'House that Ruth Built,' Yankee Stadium, first opened its doors and the Yankees won their first World Championship.
55 years ago in 1928 the Yankees won their first back-to-back World Championships.
50 years ago in 1933 the first All-Star Game was played and the Yankees have sent representatives to each 'mid-summer classic' since.
45 years ago in 1938 the Yankees won their third of four consecutive World Championships for manager Joe McCarthy.
40 years ago in 1943 the Yankees during the height of World War II won their last World Championship under Joe McCarthy.
35 years ago in 1948 the Yankees honor one of their greatest players, Babe Ruth, by retiring his uniform number (#3) and later in the season he dies.
30 years ago in 1953 the Yankees win a record fifth consecutive World Championship.
25 years ago in 1958 the Yankees overcome a 3-1 deficit in the World Series against the Milwaukee Braves to win their 18th World Championship.
20 years ago in 1963 the Yankees win their 28th American League pennant.
10 years ago in 1973 the Yankees play their final season in the 50-year-old original Yankee Stadium. At the end of the season the Stadium was closed for two years of renovations.
Five years ago in 1978 the Yankees staged a miracle comeback to overcome a 14-game deficit, beat the Red Sox in a one-game playoff, defeated the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS and then defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers for a 22nd World Championship.
The tradition of Yankees baseball continues today. The 1983 Yankees proudly wear the same uniforms, play in the same ballpark, in the same great city and carry on the same traditions established by the Yankee stars of the past.
We take great pride in welcoming you to the 81st season of Yankees baseball."
-New York Yankees 1983 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
GROUND RULES
"-Foul poles are outside the playing field. Any batted ball hitting a foul pole above the fence line is a home run. Bat racks are within the dugouts.
-Any thrown ball hitting a dugout railing or foundation and rebounding on the field is in play. A ball going into the dugout or hitting other parts of the dugout- out of play."
-New York Yankees 1983 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
AMERICAN LEAGUE UMPIRES
2 Bremigan
3 Evans
4 Springstead
5 Goetz
6 Neudecker
7 Phillips
8 McKean
9 Kunkel
10 McCoy
11 Denkinger
12 Cooney
13 Cousins
14 Palermo
15 Brinkman
18 Kosc
19 Garcia
20 Ford
21 Kaiser
22 Barnett
24 Clark
26 Voltaggio
27 Roe
28 Maloney
29 Shulock
31 Reilly
33 Merrill
35 Hendry
37 Coble
VISITING STARS
Buddy Bell (Texas Rangers)
George Brett (Kansas City Royals)
Carlton Fisk (Chicago White Sox)
Damaso Garcia (Toronto Blue Jays)
Kirk Gibson (Detroit Tigers)
Rickey Henderson (Oakland Athletics)
Kent Hrbek (Minnesota Twins)
Reggie Jackson (California Angels)
Eddie Murray (Baltimore Orioles)
Gaylord Perry (Seattle Mariners)
Andre Thornton (Cleveland Indians)
Carl Yastrzemski (Boston Red Sox)
Robin Yount (Milwaukee Brewers)
1983 NEW YORK YANKEES HOME OF CHAMPIONS RADIO NETWORK
NEW YORK
New York (WABC) (flagship station)
Albany (WROW)
Batavia (WBTA)
Binghamton (WKOP)
Brockport (WJBT)
Buffalo (WLVL)
Canadaigua (WFLC)
Corning (WCLI)
Cortland (WKRT)
Dansville (WDNY)
Dunkirk (WDOE)
Glens Falls (WBZA)
Gloversville (WENT)
Hudson (WHUC)
Jamestown (WKSN)
Olean (WBJZ)
Oneonta (WSRK)
Plattsburgh (WIRY)
Schenectady (WWWD)
Seneca Falls (WSFW)
Syracuse (WSYR)
Utica (WIBX)
Walton (WDLA)
Watertown (WTNY)
Waverly (WAVR)
CONNECTICUT
Ansonia (WADS)
Hartford (WPOP)
Meridan (WMMW)
New London (WNLC)
Waterbury (WATR)
FLORIDA
Miami (WIOD)
West Palm Beach (WEAT)
LOUISIANA
Lafayette (KPEL)
New Orleans (WWIW)
MASSACHUSETTS
Pittsfield (WBEC)
Springfield (WIXY)
NORTH CAROLINA
Raleigh (WPTF)
PENNSYLVANIA
Sayre (WATS)
Scranton (WBQW)
Wilkes-Barre (WBAX)
Williamsport (WWPA)
VERMONT
Burlington (WDOT)
Montpelier (WSKI)
Rutland (WHWB)
1983 NEW YORK YANKEES TELEVISION NETWORK
New York, NY (WPIX-TV) (originating station)
Adams, MA (WCDC-TV)
Albany, NY (WTEN-TV)
Elmira, NY (WETM-TV)
Hartford, CT (WFSB-TV)
Rochester, NY (WUHF)
Syracuse, NY (WSTM-TV)
Miami, FL (WCIX)
Tampa, FL (WTOG)
ADVERTISEMENTS
-American Express: The American Express Card. Don't leave home without it.
-B. Dalton Bookseller
-Bacardi: Love At First Sip
-Bay Harbor Inn
-Beck's: Beck's. The number one imported German beer.
-Budweiser: King of Beers
-Budweiser Light: Bring out your best.
-Canon AE-1: Nobody has been able to make fine photography this simple. Until now.
-Chemical Bank: The chemistry's just right at Chemical.
-Citibank: The Citi never sleeps.
-Datsun: We are driven.
-Eastern
-Exxon Extra: Quality You Can Count On
-French's Mustard: World's Best Selling Prepared Mustard
-Johnnie Walker Red: Tonight, lead off with red.
-Kent: When you know what counts.
-KICK 106.7 FM: We're the reason why the city is moving to the country.
-Kool Lights: There's only one way to play it.
-Lite: "Great ballplayers drink Lite because it's less filling. I know. I asked one." -Bob Uecker, Mr. Baseball
-Long Island Savings Bank: Performance. It makes a strong team and a strong bank.
-Manufacturers Hanover Trust: Our facts make your money worth more.
-Marlboro
-Maxell: It's worth it.
-Mitsubishi: Even if you can't have the best of everything, you can have the best of something.
-Motorcraft: Exceeds The Need
-Motocraft Car Care Center
-New York Life Agents: Ask me. Get your coaching tips on life insurance from a pro.
-New York Telephone Yellow Pages: The First Place to Turn
-Pepsi: Fielder's Choice
-Real Sports, Only from Atari: All the action,all the challenge,all the fun. The best sports programs on television are from Atari.
-Roche: Don't take chances. Take a supplement.
-Rolaids
-Rums of Puerto Rico
-Sportschannel: Welcome Home Billy. This time it's going to be different.
-Telecom Plus
-The Playing Field Authentic Sports Apparel: Touch base with us.
-Toyota: Oh what a feeling!
-V.O.: Break away from the ordinary. Discover the drink that stands apart.
-WABC Talkradio 77: Your Station For Every Yankee Game
-Western Airlines: We've got a name to live up to.
-Winston: Winston. America's Best.
-Xerox
-Yankees Beef Franks: Enjoy Yankees Franks at home, too!
Friday, June 19, 2015
1983 New York Yankees Home Opening Roster
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York (April 12)
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
42 Art Fowler
11 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
23 Don Zimmer
No. Pitchers
52 Doyle Alexander (R-R)
35 Roger Erickson (R-R)
43 George Frazier (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
50 Jay Howell (R-R)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
48 Dale Murray (R-R)
41 Shane Rawley (L-L)
36 Rick Reuschel (R-R) *
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
46 Don Mattingly (L-L)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
12 Roy Smalley (S-R)
No. Outfielders
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
21 Steve Kemp (L-L)
22 Jerry Mumphrey (S-R)
2 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R) *
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Doug Melvin, Tom White
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala
* not on active roster
SCOREBOOK & SOUVENIR PROGRAM PORTRAIT PHOTOS
Doyle Alexander (P) 52
Don Baylor (DH) 25
Bert Campaneris (IF) 56
Rick Cerone (C) 10
Roger Erickson (P) 35
George Frazier (P) 43
Oscar Gamble (PH-OF) 17
Rich Gossage (P) 54
Ken Griffey (1B) 33
Ron Guidry (P) 49
Jay Howell (P) 50
Steve Kemp (RF) 21
Don Mattingly (1B-OF) 46
Rudy May (P) 45
Jerry Mumphrey (CF) 22
Bobby Murcer (OF) 2
Dale Murray (P) 48
Graig Nettles (3B) 9
Lou Piniella (PH-OF) 14
Willie Randolph (2B) 30
Shane Rawley (P) 41
Dave Righetti (P) 19
Andre Robertson (SS) 18
Bob Shirley
Roy Smalley (SS-1B) 12
Dave Winfield (LF) 31
Butch Wynegar (C) 27
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
42 Art Fowler
11 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
23 Don Zimmer
No. Pitchers
52 Doyle Alexander (R-R)
35 Roger Erickson (R-R)
43 George Frazier (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
50 Jay Howell (R-R)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
48 Dale Murray (R-R)
41 Shane Rawley (L-L)
36 Rick Reuschel (R-R) *
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
46 Don Mattingly (L-L)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
12 Roy Smalley (S-R)
No. Outfielders
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
21 Steve Kemp (L-L)
22 Jerry Mumphrey (S-R)
2 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R) *
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Doug Melvin, Tom White
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala
* not on active roster
SCOREBOOK & SOUVENIR PROGRAM PORTRAIT PHOTOS
Doyle Alexander (P) 52
Don Baylor (DH) 25
Bert Campaneris (IF) 56
Rick Cerone (C) 10
Roger Erickson (P) 35
George Frazier (P) 43
Oscar Gamble (PH-OF) 17
Rich Gossage (P) 54
Ken Griffey (1B) 33
Ron Guidry (P) 49
Jay Howell (P) 50
Steve Kemp (RF) 21
Don Mattingly (1B-OF) 46
Rudy May (P) 45
Jerry Mumphrey (CF) 22
Bobby Murcer (OF) 2
Dale Murray (P) 48
Graig Nettles (3B) 9
Lou Piniella (PH-OF) 14
Willie Randolph (2B) 30
Shane Rawley (P) 41
Dave Righetti (P) 19
Andre Robertson (SS) 18
Bob Shirley
Roy Smalley (SS-1B) 12
Dave Winfield (LF) 31
Butch Wynegar (C) 27
1983 New York Yankees Opening Day Roster
The Kingdome, Seattle, Washington (April 5)
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
42 Art Fowler
41 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
40 Don Zimmer
No. Pitchers
52 Doyle Alexander (R-R)
35 Roger Erickson (R-R)
43 George Frazier (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
53 Jay Howell (R-R)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
48 Dale Murray (R-R)
26 Shane Rawley (L-L)
36 Rick Reuschel (R-R) *
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
46 Don Mattingly (L-L)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
12 Roy Smalley (S-R)
No. Outfielders
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
21 Steve Kemp (L-L)
22 Jerry Mumphrey (S-R)
2 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R) *
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Doug Melvin, Tom White
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala
* not on active roster
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
42 Art Fowler
41 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
40 Don Zimmer
No. Pitchers
52 Doyle Alexander (R-R)
35 Roger Erickson (R-R)
43 George Frazier (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
53 Jay Howell (R-R)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
48 Dale Murray (R-R)
26 Shane Rawley (L-L)
36 Rick Reuschel (R-R) *
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
46 Don Mattingly (L-L)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
12 Roy Smalley (S-R)
No. Outfielders
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
21 Steve Kemp (L-L)
22 Jerry Mumphrey (S-R)
2 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R) *
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Doug Melvin, Tom White
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala
* not on active roster
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
1983 Yankees Yearbook Roster, Taxi Squad and Prospects
Manager - Billy Martin 1
First Base Coach - Roy White 6
Third Base Coach - Don Zimmer 23
Pitching Coach - Art Fowler 42
Bench Coach - Yogi Berra 8
Bullpen Coach - Jeff Torborg 41
ROSTER
Catcher - Rick Cerone 10, Butch Wynegar 27
First Base - Don Mattingly 46, Ken Griffey 33 (CF)
Second Base - Willie Randolph 30
Third Base - Graig Nettles 9
Shortstop - Roy Smalley 12 (3B), Andre Robertson 18, Bert Campaneris 56 (2B)
Left Field - Dave Winfield 31
Center Field - Jerry Mumphrey 22, Bobby Murcer 2
Right Field - Steve Kemp 21
Designated Hitter - Don Baylor 25
Pinch Hitters - Lou Piniella 14 (OF), Oscar Gamble 17 (OF)
Starting Pitchers:
Ron Guidry 49
Dave Righetti 19
John Montefusco 24
Shane Rawley 26
Roger Erickson 35
Rudy May 45
Relief Pitchers:
Rich Gossage 54
Dale Murray 48
George Frazier 43
TAXI SQUAD
Catcher - Barry Foote 39*
First Base - John Mayberry 28, Butch Hobson 29* (3B)
Third Base - Barry Evans 13* (2B)
Outfield - Omar Moreno 20*
Starting Pitchers:
First Base Coach - Roy White 6
Third Base Coach - Don Zimmer 23
Pitching Coach - Art Fowler 42
Bench Coach - Yogi Berra 8
Bullpen Coach - Jeff Torborg 41
ROSTER
Catcher - Rick Cerone 10, Butch Wynegar 27
First Base - Don Mattingly 46, Ken Griffey 33 (CF)
Second Base - Willie Randolph 30
Third Base - Graig Nettles 9
Shortstop - Roy Smalley 12 (3B), Andre Robertson 18, Bert Campaneris 56 (2B)
Left Field - Dave Winfield 31
Center Field - Jerry Mumphrey 22, Bobby Murcer 2
Right Field - Steve Kemp 21
Designated Hitter - Don Baylor 25
Pinch Hitters - Lou Piniella 14 (OF), Oscar Gamble 17 (OF)
Starting Pitchers:
Ron Guidry 49
Dave Righetti 19
John Montefusco 24
Shane Rawley 26
Roger Erickson 35
Rudy May 45
Relief Pitchers:
Rich Gossage 54
Dale Murray 48
George Frazier 43
TAXI SQUAD
Catcher - Barry Foote 39*
First Base - John Mayberry 28, Butch Hobson 29* (3B)
Third Base - Barry Evans 13* (2B)
Outfield - Omar Moreno 20*
Starting Pitchers:
Doyle Alexander 52
Rick Reuschel 36
Dave Wehrmeister 58
Matt Keough 34
Relief Pitchers:
Dave LaRoche 38
Steve Comer 11
Gary Serum 47*
Bob Shirley 59*
PROSPECTS
Catcher - Scott Bradley, Brad Gulden
First Base - Steve Balboni, Todd Demeter
Second Base - Edwin Rodriguez
Third Base - Mike Pagliarulo, Jim Riggs
Shortstop - Otis Nixon, Bobby Meacham
Outfield - Matt Winters (1B)
Outfield - Brian Dayett
Outfield - Dan Pasqua
Starting Pitchers:
Jay Howell
Dennis Rasmussen
Bob Tewksbury
Ben Callahan
Clay Christiansen
Stefan Wever
Scott Patterson
Ray Fontenot
Jim Deshaies
Tim Birtsas
Dave Szymczak
Relief Pitchers:
Curt Kaufman
Bob Raftice
Guy Elston
* unofficial uniform number
Rick Reuschel 36
Dave Wehrmeister 58
Matt Keough 34
Relief Pitchers:
Dave LaRoche 38
Steve Comer 11
Gary Serum 47*
Bob Shirley 59*
PROSPECTS
Catcher - Scott Bradley, Brad Gulden
First Base - Steve Balboni, Todd Demeter
Second Base - Edwin Rodriguez
Third Base - Mike Pagliarulo, Jim Riggs
Shortstop - Otis Nixon, Bobby Meacham
Outfield - Matt Winters (1B)
Outfield - Brian Dayett
Outfield - Dan Pasqua
Starting Pitchers:
Jay Howell
Dennis Rasmussen
Bob Tewksbury
Ben Callahan
Clay Christiansen
Stefan Wever
Scott Patterson
Ray Fontenot
Jim Deshaies
Tim Birtsas
Dave Szymczak
Relief Pitchers:
Curt Kaufman
Bob Raftice
Guy Elston
* unofficial uniform number
1983 New York Yankees Player Development
Vice-President, Baseball Operations - Bill Bergesch
Director of Scouting- Bobby Hofman
Director of Player Development and Scouting - Murray Cook
Baseball Operations Assistants - Mike Barnett, John Dato, Roy Krasik, Doug Melvin
YANKEE FARM CLUBS
AAA
Columbus, Ohio
International League
Manager - Johnny Oates
Coaches - Jerry McNertney, Mickey Vernon, Mark Connor
AA
Nashville, Tennessee
Southern League
Manager - Doug Holmquist
Coach - Hoyt Wilhelm
A
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Florida State League
Manager - Stump Merrill
Coaches - Jack Gillis, Stan Saleski
A
Greensboro, North Carolina
South Atlantic League
Manager - Carlos Tosca
Coaches - Bill Evers, Q.V. Lowe
A
Oneonta, New York
New York-Penn League
Manager - Bill Livesey
Coaches - Stan Sanders, Mike Notaro, Russ Meyer
Minor League Outfield Instructor - Lee Walls
Minor League Pitching Instructor - Sammy Ellis
Minor League Hitting Instructor - Dick Sisler
SCOUTING
Major League Scouts
Clyde King (Goldsboro, North Carolina)
Bob Lemon (Long Beach, California)
Gene Michael (Closter, New Jersey)
Bob Nieman (Anaheim, California)
Eddie Robinson (Arlington, Texas)
Regular Scouts:
Luis Arroyo (Ponce, Puerto Rico)
Hank Bauer (Overland Park, Kansas)
Joe Begani (Chicago, Illinois)
Ollie Brown (Buna Park, California)
Howard Cassady (Tampa, Florida)
Al Cuccinello (Elmont, New York)
Whitey DeHart (Mollala, Oregon)
Dutch Dotterer (Syracuse, New York)
Fred Ferreira (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Whitey Ford (Lake Success, New York)
Jack Gillis (Worcester, Massachusetts)
Tom Greenwade (Willard, Missouri)
Dick Groch (Marysville, Michigan)
Jim Gruzdis (Thomasville, North Carolina)
Roy Hamey (Tucson, Arizona)
Jim Hegan (Swampscott, Massachusetts)
Gary Hughes (Novato, California)
Deacon Jones (Sugar Land, Texas)
John Kennedy (Peabody, Massachusetts)
Don Lindeberg (Anaheim, California)
Jack Llewellyn (Englewood, Florida)
Jim Naples, Sr. (Buffalo, New York)
Don Nichols (Atlanta, Georgia)
Frank O'Rourke (Hillside, New Jersey)
Meade Palmer (Wyncote, Pennsylvania)
Gust Poulos (Clearwater, Florida)
Robert Shaw (Westerville, Ohio)
Russ Sehon (Lawrence, Kansas)
1983 Yankee Spring Training Scout Signings
LUIS ARROYO: Vic Franceschi (1982), Edwin Rodriguez (1980)
JOE BEGANI: Herman Cunningham (1982), Joe Fletcher (1982), Gary Kempton (1981), Larry Lewis (1981), Rich Seidel (1980), Mike Siewiec (1981), Steve Swinney (1981), Mike York (1982)
JACK BUTTERFIELD: Rex Hudler (1978)
WILLIE CALVINO: Jesus Alcala (1980), Vic Mata (1978), Pedro Medina (1980), Jose Rijo (1981)
HOPALONG CASSADY: Pete Piskol (1982)
AL CUCCINELLO: Tim Byron (1982), Jim Deshaies (1982), Mike Fennell (1982), Steve Fingerlow (1983), Don Giordano (1982), Dan Pasqua (1982), Jamie Werly (1977), Matt Winters (1978)
WHITEY DEHART: Rich Carter (1982), Stacy Morgan (1982), Ron Troester (1982), Warren White (1982)
JOE DICARLO: Daryl Humphrey (1981),Craig Jobes (1982)
ATLEY DONALD: Ron Guidry (1971)
BUCK ELLIOTT: Sheldon Andrews (1980), Brent Gjesdal (1980)
FRED FERREIRA: Rory Brown (1982), Mike Browning (1981), Maurice Ching (1982), Orestes Destrade (1981), Steve George (1982), Fredi Gonzalez (1982), Luis Jiminez (1983), Diomedes Kaa (1983), Roberto Kelly (1982), Bill Lindsey (1981), Prescott Milton (1981), Shane O'Shea (1981), Mike Pagliarulo (1981), Marcellino Pitty (1983), Ed Post (1982), Mike Reddish (1981), Luis Reynoso (1982), Tomas Ubiera (1982)
JACK GILLIS: Mark Chestna (1982), Jim Corsi (1982), Rich Gumbert (1982), Paul LeSieur (1982), Andy Swope (1981), Bob Tewksbury (1981), Dave Woodworth (1981)
TOM GREENWADE: Bobby Murcer (1964)
DICK GROCH: Charles Westgard (1983)
JIM GRUZDIS: Kirk Bailey (1982), Johnny Baldwin (1982), Scott Bradley (1981), Ben Callahan (1980), Trent Grove (1981), Ron Inman (1982), Tom Jones (1981), Bill Ruffner (1982)
EPY GUERRERO: Juan Espino (1975)
GARY HUGHES: Mark Bersano (1981), Mark Blaser (1981), Steve Compagno (1982), Pete Dalena (1982), Paul Doty (1982), John Elway (1981), Jim Ferguson (1982), Matt Gallegos (1981), Randy Graham (1982), Rex Hudler (1978), Howard Maynor (1981), Mark Mendez (1980), Dave Niemiec (1981), Greg Unger (1982), Marvin White (1982), Bob Woodcock (1982)
JOHN KENNEDY: Pete Adams (1982), Dan Gasparino (1982), Bob Raftice (1980), Dick Scott (1981)
DON LINDEBERG: Tom Barrett (1982), Phil Lombardi (1981), Joey MacKay (1982), Derwin McNealy (1979), Eric Plunk (1981), Mark Silva (1981), Keith Smith (1979), Stefan Wever (1979), Stan Williams (1981)
BILL LIVESEY: Steve Balboni (1978), Brian Dayett (1978), Tom Dodd (1980), Guy Elston (1981), Tim Knight (1980), Chris Lein (1979), Ed Olwine (1980), Frank Ricci (1979)
RUSS MEYER: Randy Howard (1982)
TOM MORGAN: Herb Fauland (1980)
BOB NIEMAN: Dan Hanggie (1980)
ROGER OLSEN: Curt Kaufman (1979), Darnell Nelson (1982)
GUST POULOS: Boyce Bailey (1981), Brian Butterfield (1979), Huey Gayden (1979), Johnny Hawkins (1981), Chuck Hernandez (1979), Mike King (1982), Tim Knight (1980), Don Mattingly (1979), Tony Russell (1982), Kelly Scott (1980), Mark Shifflett (1981), Buck Showalter (1977), Rob Teegarden (1979), Charles Tomaselli (1982)
JAX ROBERTSON: Don Mattingly (1979), Dave Szymczak (1980)
STAN SANDERS: Tim Birtsas (1982), John Bryant (1982), Dan Cox (1982), Jim Hall (1983), Tim Kubacki (1982), Paul Peer (1982), Jim Riggs (1982), Clayton Stidham (1982), Jeff Wiley (1982)
RUSS SEHON: Clay Christiansen (1980)
JERRY WALKER: Todd Demeter (1979)
JERRY ZIMMERMAN: Logan Easley (1981),Trent Ferrin (1981), John Hughes (1981)
1983 YANKEES YEARBOOK "ON THE WAY UP"
Tim Birtsas (LHP)
Scott Bradley (C)
Ben Callahan (RHP)
Clay Christiansen (RHP)
Brian Dayett (OF)
Todd Demeter (1B)
Jim Deshaies (LHP)
Guy Elston (RHP)
Ray Fontenot (LHP)
Bobby Meacham (SS)
Mike Pagliarulo (3B)
Dan Pasqua (OF)
Bob Raftice (LHP)
Jim Riggs (3B)
Dave Szymczak (RHP)
Bob Tewksbury (RHP)
Stefan Wever (RHP)
Matt Winters (OF)
1983 Yankees Minor League Managers and Coaches
MARK CONNOR (Pitching Coach, Columbus)
"Connor graduated from Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York in 1967 and attended Manhattan College and Belmont Abbey College. He played most of his college baseball at Manhattan and received a Topps Award as a collegiate All-Star in 1970. Mark struck out 20 Columbia University batters in 1971.
He spent two seasons in the Minnesota Twins' minor league system."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
SAMMY ELLIS (Yankee Minor League Pitching Instructor)
"Ellis broke in with the Reds organization at Columbia, South Carolina in 1961. He had a 10-3 record and 1.89 ERA, hurled a no-hitter in the Pacific Coast League in 1962 (against Tacoma), led the PCL with a 2.63 ERA at San Diego in 1963 and joined the Cincinnati staff as a regular in 1964.
His big year was 1965- a 22-10 record and 183 strikeouts. Traded to the Angels in 1968, he wound up his six-year stay in the majors with the White Sox in 1969, his career cut short by arm problems.
Sammy joined the Yankee organization as pitching coach at Ft. Lauderdale in 1978."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
BILL EVERS (Coach, Greensboro)
"Bill graduated in 1972 from Island Trees High School in Levittown, New York. He received a B.A. degree in management and recreation from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida.
He caught and played first base for four years in the Cubs' farm system, hitting .300 in a partial season at Wichita of the American Association in 1979. He spent the 1980 season as a catching instructor in the Cubs' farm system and joined the Yankees in the same capacity in 1981. Bill will coach at Greensboro in 1983."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
JACK GILLIS (Coach, Ft. Lauderdale)
"Gillis did not play pro baseball but built a strong reputation as a college coach at two Florida schools- Eckerd and St. Leo. He joined the Yankees organization in 1980 as a coach at Oneonta."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
DOUG HOLMQUIST (Manager, Nashville)
"Doug played four years as a catcher in the Houston Colt .45 and Detroit Tiger organizations from 1962 through 1965. He joined the Yankees organization as manager at Ft. Lauderdale in 1978 and produced three first-place finishes there. In 1980, Holmquist's club won the Florida State League championship playoff series. He will manage at Nashville in 1983."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
BILL LIVESEY (Manager, Oneonta)
"Livesey graduated from Brown University. He returns to managing after a three-year hiatus during which he served as the Yankees' Director Player of Player Development.
In 1979, his one year as manager of the Paintsville Yankees, Bill engineered the best record in baseball, 52-13, leading the Appalachian League by 15 1/2 games."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Q.V. LOWE (Pitching Coach, Greensboro)
"Lowe attended Gulf Coast JUCO in Panama City, FL and Auburn University. He led the NCAA in earned run average at Auburn in 1967 (his senior season), then signed with the Cubs organization. He pitched for five seasons in the Cubs' farm system, the last two (1970-71) while also serving as pitching coach for San Antonio in the Texas League.
Elevated to the Chicago Cubs as pitching coach in 1972, Lowe then spent two seasons as a minor league manager, still in the Cubs organization. He joined the Yankees in 1978 as Oneonta pitching coach."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
JERRY MCNERTNEY (Coach, Columbus)
"Jerry attended Iowa State University. His first 11 seasons in pro baseball were spent in the White Sox organization after signing with them in 1958. He began his career as a first baseman-outfielder but switched to catching in 1961.
He caught four years in Chicago (1964-66-67-68), then went to the Seattle Pilots in the 1969 expansion draft. He wound up his playing career in the National League with the Cardinals and Pirates in 1971-72-73. Jerry joined the Yankees as a coach at West Haven in 1978 and has been coaching at Columbus since 1979.
Jerry's best year as a batter was 1960 when he hit .341 and drove in 125 runs for Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League. He tied for the Nebraska State League lead in doubles in 1958 with 16."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
STUMP MERRILL (Manager, Ft. Lauderdale)
"Merrill spent six years as a catcher in the Phillies' farm system. He joined the Yankees organization in 1978 as manager at West Haven in the Eastern League, and in two seasons there Stump produced second and first place finishes.
He was named the Eastern League's Manager of the Year in 1979 and repeated that honor in the Southern League in 1980. His Nashville clubs compiled the best overall records in the Southern League in 1980 and 1981 only to lose in the playoffs.
Stump will manage at Ft. Lauderdale in 1983."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
RUSS MEYER (Pitching Coach, Oneonta)
"Russ began his professional baseball career in 1942. He led 1946 Southern Association pitchers with 48 appearances. He made his major league debut in 1946 with the Cubs and played in the majors through 1959. Meyer was a member of the 1950 National League champion Philadelphia Phillies.
He has been a coach at Illinois Valley Community College since 1980 and joined the Yankees organization in 1981."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
MIKE NOTARO (Coach, Oneonta)
"Notaro graduated from the University of South Florida. He did not play professional baseball but proved his ability in working with young players in three seasons as a coach at Paintsville."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
JOHNNY OATES (Manager, Columbus)
"Johnny received a B.S. in health and physical education from Virginia Tech. He began his pro baseball career with the Orioles organization in 1967 and continued as an active player through the 1981 season. Johnny played with the Orioles, Braves, Phillies, Dodgers and Yankees during his major league career.
In 1972 he led American League catchers in fielding (.995), and in 1975 he tied for the National League lead among catchers in double plays (10). He participated in the 1976 National League Championship Series with the Phillies and in the 1977 and 1978 World Series with the Dodgers.
Johnny made his managerial debut with Nashville in 1982."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
STAN SALESKI (Pitching Coach, Ft. Lauderdale)
"Saleski pitched for three years in the Yankee organization before becoming a coach at Oneonta of the New York-Penn League in 1978. At the age of 27, he already has four years of coaching experience in professional baseball."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
STAN SANDERS (Coach, Oneonta)
"Stan has been the head baseball coach at the University of Toledo for the past 14 years. Prior to that he served for four years as an assistant coach at Ohio University.
He joined the Yankee scouting network in 1982."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
DICK SISLER (Minor League Hitting Instructor)
"Dick is the son of George Sisler, Hall of Fame first baseman; brother of George Sisler, Jr., President of the Yankees' Triple-A Columbus Clippers, and brother of Dave Sisler, a former pitcher in the major leagues.
He hit a 10th inning home run to beat the Brooklyn Dodgers in the final game of the 1950 season and give the Phillies their first pennant in 35 years."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
CARLOS TOSCA (Manager, Greensboro)
"Carlos joined the Yankees organization as a coach in 1978. He made his debut as a manager at Bradenton in the Gulf Coast League in 1980."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
MICKEY VERNON (Coach, Columbus)
"This season marks Vernon's 43rd in pro baseball. He broke in with the St. Louis Browns organization in 1937 but was released in 1938 and signed by the Senators.
Mickey was Washington's regular first baseman from 1941 through 1955 (except for two years during World War II and a one and a half year tour with the Indians in 1949-50). Traded to the Red Sox in 1956, he wound up his career with the Indians, Braves and Pirates in 1958-60.
He set the modern record for most games played at first base in a career in the major leagues- 2,237. He also won four Gold Gloves at first base- in 1950, '51, '52 and '54. Mickey was American League batting champion in 1946 (.353) and 1953 (.337) and also led in doubles three times- 1946, '53 and '54. He played in seven major league All-Star Games.
Vernon managed the Washington expansion team in 1961-63 and has coached or managed in eight organizations since then- the Pirates, Cardinals, A's, Braves, Yankees, Royals, Dodgers and Expos. He rejoined the Yankee system as minor league batting instructor in 1979 and joined the major league coaching staff in 1982."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
HOYT WILHELM (Pitching Coach, Nashville)
"Hoyt began his pro career in 1942 for the independent Mooresville, North Carolina club near his hometown of Huntersville. He moved into the Giants' farm system in 1948 at Knoxville and reached the big leagues in 1952.
He remained in the majors for the next 21 years, retiring in 1972 at age 46- as baseball's all-time premier relief pitcher. He holds the following major league career records: most games pitched (1,070), most games in relief (1,018), most innings in relief (1,870), most games finished (651) and most wins in relief (124).
Hoyt was used as a starter in the middle of his career (1958-60) and hurled a no-hitter for the Orioles against the Yankees in Baltimore on September 20, 1958. He also holds the distinction of hitting a home run in his first major league at-bat (April 23, 1952). He participated in the 1954 World Series with the Giants and was named to the NL All-Star team in 1953 and 1970, and to the AL All-Star team in 1959, 1961 and 1962."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
New York Yankees Organization Trainers
STEVE DONOHUE (Columbus Clippers)
"Steve was born in Bronxville, New York and received a B.S. in physical education from the University of Louisville. A certified member of NATA [National Athletic Trainers Association] and a certified member of New York State EMT [Emergency Medical Technicians], he was the trainer [in the Yankee organization] at West Haven (1979), Nashville (1980-81), Columbus (1982) and in the Instructional League (1982). He was assistant trainer for both the New York Jets (1974-78) and the University of Louisville's basketball team that was NCAA champion in 1980.
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
H. PAUL GRAYNER (Nashville Sounds)
"Grayner was born in Washington, D.C. and received a B.A. in physical education from St. Leo College (FL) and a Master's in physical education from American University (D.C.). He was the trainer at Little Falls (1977), Paintsville (1978), Ft. Lauderdale (1979-81) and Nashville (1982). Grayner was also the assistant trainer for Hofstra University football in 1982."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
KEVIN RAND (Ft. Lauderdale Yankees)
"Kevin was born in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, received an A.B. in classics from Bowdoin College and is an associate member of NATA, working towards his certification. The trainer at Ft. Lauderdale since 1982, he was assistant trainer at Bowdoin College (1982-83)."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
DONALD S. MCGANN, JR. (Greensboro Hornets)
"Donald was born in Groton, Connecticut and received a B.A. in sociology (with a minor in coaching) from North Adams (MA) State College. Currently studying for a Master's in sports medicine at North Adams State, he is also working for his [NATA] certification.
He was a trainer at Bradenton in 1981 and at Greensboro in 1982."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
MARK OWEN MEADOWS (Oneonta Yankees)
"Mark was born in Oneonta, New York and received a B.A. in physical education from the State University of New York at Cortland and also attended the State University of New York at Oneonta.
Certified in CPR and first aid, Mark has no previous baseball background."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Director of Scouting- Bobby Hofman
Director of Player Development and Scouting - Murray Cook
Baseball Operations Assistants - Mike Barnett, John Dato, Roy Krasik, Doug Melvin
YANKEE FARM CLUBS
AAA
Columbus, Ohio
International League
Manager - Johnny Oates
Coaches - Jerry McNertney, Mickey Vernon, Mark Connor
AA
Nashville, Tennessee
Southern League
Manager - Doug Holmquist
Coach - Hoyt Wilhelm
A
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Florida State League
Manager - Stump Merrill
Coaches - Jack Gillis, Stan Saleski
A
Greensboro, North Carolina
South Atlantic League
Manager - Carlos Tosca
Coaches - Bill Evers, Q.V. Lowe
A
Oneonta, New York
New York-Penn League
Manager - Bill Livesey
Coaches - Stan Sanders, Mike Notaro, Russ Meyer
Minor League Outfield Instructor - Lee Walls
Minor League Pitching Instructor - Sammy Ellis
Minor League Hitting Instructor - Dick Sisler
SCOUTING
Major League Scouts
Clyde King (Goldsboro, North Carolina)
Bob Lemon (Long Beach, California)
Gene Michael (Closter, New Jersey)
Bob Nieman (Anaheim, California)
Eddie Robinson (Arlington, Texas)
Regular Scouts:
Luis Arroyo (Ponce, Puerto Rico)
Hank Bauer (Overland Park, Kansas)
Joe Begani (Chicago, Illinois)
Ollie Brown (Buna Park, California)
Howard Cassady (Tampa, Florida)
Al Cuccinello (Elmont, New York)
Whitey DeHart (Mollala, Oregon)
Dutch Dotterer (Syracuse, New York)
Fred Ferreira (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Whitey Ford (Lake Success, New York)
Jack Gillis (Worcester, Massachusetts)
Tom Greenwade (Willard, Missouri)
Dick Groch (Marysville, Michigan)
Jim Gruzdis (Thomasville, North Carolina)
Roy Hamey (Tucson, Arizona)
Jim Hegan (Swampscott, Massachusetts)
Gary Hughes (Novato, California)
Deacon Jones (Sugar Land, Texas)
John Kennedy (Peabody, Massachusetts)
Don Lindeberg (Anaheim, California)
Jack Llewellyn (Englewood, Florida)
Jim Naples, Sr. (Buffalo, New York)
Don Nichols (Atlanta, Georgia)
Frank O'Rourke (Hillside, New Jersey)
Meade Palmer (Wyncote, Pennsylvania)
Gust Poulos (Clearwater, Florida)
Robert Shaw (Westerville, Ohio)
Russ Sehon (Lawrence, Kansas)
1983 Yankee Spring Training Scout Signings
LUIS ARROYO: Vic Franceschi (1982), Edwin Rodriguez (1980)
JOE BEGANI: Herman Cunningham (1982), Joe Fletcher (1982), Gary Kempton (1981), Larry Lewis (1981), Rich Seidel (1980), Mike Siewiec (1981), Steve Swinney (1981), Mike York (1982)
JACK BUTTERFIELD: Rex Hudler (1978)
WILLIE CALVINO: Jesus Alcala (1980), Vic Mata (1978), Pedro Medina (1980), Jose Rijo (1981)
HOPALONG CASSADY: Pete Piskol (1982)
AL CUCCINELLO: Tim Byron (1982), Jim Deshaies (1982), Mike Fennell (1982), Steve Fingerlow (1983), Don Giordano (1982), Dan Pasqua (1982), Jamie Werly (1977), Matt Winters (1978)
WHITEY DEHART: Rich Carter (1982), Stacy Morgan (1982), Ron Troester (1982), Warren White (1982)
JOE DICARLO: Daryl Humphrey (1981),Craig Jobes (1982)
ATLEY DONALD: Ron Guidry (1971)
BUCK ELLIOTT: Sheldon Andrews (1980), Brent Gjesdal (1980)
FRED FERREIRA: Rory Brown (1982), Mike Browning (1981), Maurice Ching (1982), Orestes Destrade (1981), Steve George (1982), Fredi Gonzalez (1982), Luis Jiminez (1983), Diomedes Kaa (1983), Roberto Kelly (1982), Bill Lindsey (1981), Prescott Milton (1981), Shane O'Shea (1981), Mike Pagliarulo (1981), Marcellino Pitty (1983), Ed Post (1982), Mike Reddish (1981), Luis Reynoso (1982), Tomas Ubiera (1982)
JACK GILLIS: Mark Chestna (1982), Jim Corsi (1982), Rich Gumbert (1982), Paul LeSieur (1982), Andy Swope (1981), Bob Tewksbury (1981), Dave Woodworth (1981)
TOM GREENWADE: Bobby Murcer (1964)
DICK GROCH: Charles Westgard (1983)
JIM GRUZDIS: Kirk Bailey (1982), Johnny Baldwin (1982), Scott Bradley (1981), Ben Callahan (1980), Trent Grove (1981), Ron Inman (1982), Tom Jones (1981), Bill Ruffner (1982)
EPY GUERRERO: Juan Espino (1975)
GARY HUGHES: Mark Bersano (1981), Mark Blaser (1981), Steve Compagno (1982), Pete Dalena (1982), Paul Doty (1982), John Elway (1981), Jim Ferguson (1982), Matt Gallegos (1981), Randy Graham (1982), Rex Hudler (1978), Howard Maynor (1981), Mark Mendez (1980), Dave Niemiec (1981), Greg Unger (1982), Marvin White (1982), Bob Woodcock (1982)
JOHN KENNEDY: Pete Adams (1982), Dan Gasparino (1982), Bob Raftice (1980), Dick Scott (1981)
DON LINDEBERG: Tom Barrett (1982), Phil Lombardi (1981), Joey MacKay (1982), Derwin McNealy (1979), Eric Plunk (1981), Mark Silva (1981), Keith Smith (1979), Stefan Wever (1979), Stan Williams (1981)
BILL LIVESEY: Steve Balboni (1978), Brian Dayett (1978), Tom Dodd (1980), Guy Elston (1981), Tim Knight (1980), Chris Lein (1979), Ed Olwine (1980), Frank Ricci (1979)
RUSS MEYER: Randy Howard (1982)
TOM MORGAN: Herb Fauland (1980)
BOB NIEMAN: Dan Hanggie (1980)
ROGER OLSEN: Curt Kaufman (1979), Darnell Nelson (1982)
GUST POULOS: Boyce Bailey (1981), Brian Butterfield (1979), Huey Gayden (1979), Johnny Hawkins (1981), Chuck Hernandez (1979), Mike King (1982), Tim Knight (1980), Don Mattingly (1979), Tony Russell (1982), Kelly Scott (1980), Mark Shifflett (1981), Buck Showalter (1977), Rob Teegarden (1979), Charles Tomaselli (1982)
JAX ROBERTSON: Don Mattingly (1979), Dave Szymczak (1980)
STAN SANDERS: Tim Birtsas (1982), John Bryant (1982), Dan Cox (1982), Jim Hall (1983), Tim Kubacki (1982), Paul Peer (1982), Jim Riggs (1982), Clayton Stidham (1982), Jeff Wiley (1982)
RUSS SEHON: Clay Christiansen (1980)
JERRY WALKER: Todd Demeter (1979)
JERRY ZIMMERMAN: Logan Easley (1981),Trent Ferrin (1981), John Hughes (1981)
1983 YANKEES YEARBOOK "ON THE WAY UP"
Tim Birtsas (LHP)
Scott Bradley (C)
Ben Callahan (RHP)
Clay Christiansen (RHP)
Brian Dayett (OF)
Todd Demeter (1B)
Jim Deshaies (LHP)
Guy Elston (RHP)
Ray Fontenot (LHP)
Bobby Meacham (SS)
Mike Pagliarulo (3B)
Dan Pasqua (OF)
Bob Raftice (LHP)
Jim Riggs (3B)
Dave Szymczak (RHP)
Bob Tewksbury (RHP)
Stefan Wever (RHP)
Matt Winters (OF)
1983 Yankees Minor League Managers and Coaches
MARK CONNOR (Pitching Coach, Columbus)
"Connor graduated from Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York in 1967 and attended Manhattan College and Belmont Abbey College. He played most of his college baseball at Manhattan and received a Topps Award as a collegiate All-Star in 1970. Mark struck out 20 Columbia University batters in 1971.
He spent two seasons in the Minnesota Twins' minor league system."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
SAMMY ELLIS (Yankee Minor League Pitching Instructor)
"Ellis broke in with the Reds organization at Columbia, South Carolina in 1961. He had a 10-3 record and 1.89 ERA, hurled a no-hitter in the Pacific Coast League in 1962 (against Tacoma), led the PCL with a 2.63 ERA at San Diego in 1963 and joined the Cincinnati staff as a regular in 1964.
His big year was 1965- a 22-10 record and 183 strikeouts. Traded to the Angels in 1968, he wound up his six-year stay in the majors with the White Sox in 1969, his career cut short by arm problems.
Sammy joined the Yankee organization as pitching coach at Ft. Lauderdale in 1978."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
BILL EVERS (Coach, Greensboro)
"Bill graduated in 1972 from Island Trees High School in Levittown, New York. He received a B.A. degree in management and recreation from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida.
He caught and played first base for four years in the Cubs' farm system, hitting .300 in a partial season at Wichita of the American Association in 1979. He spent the 1980 season as a catching instructor in the Cubs' farm system and joined the Yankees in the same capacity in 1981. Bill will coach at Greensboro in 1983."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
JACK GILLIS (Coach, Ft. Lauderdale)
"Gillis did not play pro baseball but built a strong reputation as a college coach at two Florida schools- Eckerd and St. Leo. He joined the Yankees organization in 1980 as a coach at Oneonta."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
DOUG HOLMQUIST (Manager, Nashville)
"Doug played four years as a catcher in the Houston Colt .45 and Detroit Tiger organizations from 1962 through 1965. He joined the Yankees organization as manager at Ft. Lauderdale in 1978 and produced three first-place finishes there. In 1980, Holmquist's club won the Florida State League championship playoff series. He will manage at Nashville in 1983."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
BILL LIVESEY (Manager, Oneonta)
"Livesey graduated from Brown University. He returns to managing after a three-year hiatus during which he served as the Yankees' Director Player of Player Development.
In 1979, his one year as manager of the Paintsville Yankees, Bill engineered the best record in baseball, 52-13, leading the Appalachian League by 15 1/2 games."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Q.V. LOWE (Pitching Coach, Greensboro)
"Lowe attended Gulf Coast JUCO in Panama City, FL and Auburn University. He led the NCAA in earned run average at Auburn in 1967 (his senior season), then signed with the Cubs organization. He pitched for five seasons in the Cubs' farm system, the last two (1970-71) while also serving as pitching coach for San Antonio in the Texas League.
Elevated to the Chicago Cubs as pitching coach in 1972, Lowe then spent two seasons as a minor league manager, still in the Cubs organization. He joined the Yankees in 1978 as Oneonta pitching coach."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
JERRY MCNERTNEY (Coach, Columbus)
"Jerry attended Iowa State University. His first 11 seasons in pro baseball were spent in the White Sox organization after signing with them in 1958. He began his career as a first baseman-outfielder but switched to catching in 1961.
He caught four years in Chicago (1964-66-67-68), then went to the Seattle Pilots in the 1969 expansion draft. He wound up his playing career in the National League with the Cardinals and Pirates in 1971-72-73. Jerry joined the Yankees as a coach at West Haven in 1978 and has been coaching at Columbus since 1979.
Jerry's best year as a batter was 1960 when he hit .341 and drove in 125 runs for Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League. He tied for the Nebraska State League lead in doubles in 1958 with 16."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
STUMP MERRILL (Manager, Ft. Lauderdale)
"Merrill spent six years as a catcher in the Phillies' farm system. He joined the Yankees organization in 1978 as manager at West Haven in the Eastern League, and in two seasons there Stump produced second and first place finishes.
He was named the Eastern League's Manager of the Year in 1979 and repeated that honor in the Southern League in 1980. His Nashville clubs compiled the best overall records in the Southern League in 1980 and 1981 only to lose in the playoffs.
Stump will manage at Ft. Lauderdale in 1983."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
RUSS MEYER (Pitching Coach, Oneonta)
"Russ began his professional baseball career in 1942. He led 1946 Southern Association pitchers with 48 appearances. He made his major league debut in 1946 with the Cubs and played in the majors through 1959. Meyer was a member of the 1950 National League champion Philadelphia Phillies.
He has been a coach at Illinois Valley Community College since 1980 and joined the Yankees organization in 1981."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
MIKE NOTARO (Coach, Oneonta)
"Notaro graduated from the University of South Florida. He did not play professional baseball but proved his ability in working with young players in three seasons as a coach at Paintsville."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
JOHNNY OATES (Manager, Columbus)
"Johnny received a B.S. in health and physical education from Virginia Tech. He began his pro baseball career with the Orioles organization in 1967 and continued as an active player through the 1981 season. Johnny played with the Orioles, Braves, Phillies, Dodgers and Yankees during his major league career.
In 1972 he led American League catchers in fielding (.995), and in 1975 he tied for the National League lead among catchers in double plays (10). He participated in the 1976 National League Championship Series with the Phillies and in the 1977 and 1978 World Series with the Dodgers.
Johnny made his managerial debut with Nashville in 1982."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
STAN SALESKI (Pitching Coach, Ft. Lauderdale)
"Saleski pitched for three years in the Yankee organization before becoming a coach at Oneonta of the New York-Penn League in 1978. At the age of 27, he already has four years of coaching experience in professional baseball."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
STAN SANDERS (Coach, Oneonta)
"Stan has been the head baseball coach at the University of Toledo for the past 14 years. Prior to that he served for four years as an assistant coach at Ohio University.
He joined the Yankee scouting network in 1982."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
DICK SISLER (Minor League Hitting Instructor)
"Dick is the son of George Sisler, Hall of Fame first baseman; brother of George Sisler, Jr., President of the Yankees' Triple-A Columbus Clippers, and brother of Dave Sisler, a former pitcher in the major leagues.
He hit a 10th inning home run to beat the Brooklyn Dodgers in the final game of the 1950 season and give the Phillies their first pennant in 35 years."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
CARLOS TOSCA (Manager, Greensboro)
"Carlos joined the Yankees organization as a coach in 1978. He made his debut as a manager at Bradenton in the Gulf Coast League in 1980."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
MICKEY VERNON (Coach, Columbus)
"This season marks Vernon's 43rd in pro baseball. He broke in with the St. Louis Browns organization in 1937 but was released in 1938 and signed by the Senators.
Mickey was Washington's regular first baseman from 1941 through 1955 (except for two years during World War II and a one and a half year tour with the Indians in 1949-50). Traded to the Red Sox in 1956, he wound up his career with the Indians, Braves and Pirates in 1958-60.
He set the modern record for most games played at first base in a career in the major leagues- 2,237. He also won four Gold Gloves at first base- in 1950, '51, '52 and '54. Mickey was American League batting champion in 1946 (.353) and 1953 (.337) and also led in doubles three times- 1946, '53 and '54. He played in seven major league All-Star Games.
Vernon managed the Washington expansion team in 1961-63 and has coached or managed in eight organizations since then- the Pirates, Cardinals, A's, Braves, Yankees, Royals, Dodgers and Expos. He rejoined the Yankee system as minor league batting instructor in 1979 and joined the major league coaching staff in 1982."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
HOYT WILHELM (Pitching Coach, Nashville)
"Hoyt began his pro career in 1942 for the independent Mooresville, North Carolina club near his hometown of Huntersville. He moved into the Giants' farm system in 1948 at Knoxville and reached the big leagues in 1952.
He remained in the majors for the next 21 years, retiring in 1972 at age 46- as baseball's all-time premier relief pitcher. He holds the following major league career records: most games pitched (1,070), most games in relief (1,018), most innings in relief (1,870), most games finished (651) and most wins in relief (124).
Hoyt was used as a starter in the middle of his career (1958-60) and hurled a no-hitter for the Orioles against the Yankees in Baltimore on September 20, 1958. He also holds the distinction of hitting a home run in his first major league at-bat (April 23, 1952). He participated in the 1954 World Series with the Giants and was named to the NL All-Star team in 1953 and 1970, and to the AL All-Star team in 1959, 1961 and 1962."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
New York Yankees Organization Trainers
STEVE DONOHUE (Columbus Clippers)
"Steve was born in Bronxville, New York and received a B.S. in physical education from the University of Louisville. A certified member of NATA [National Athletic Trainers Association] and a certified member of New York State EMT [Emergency Medical Technicians], he was the trainer [in the Yankee organization] at West Haven (1979), Nashville (1980-81), Columbus (1982) and in the Instructional League (1982). He was assistant trainer for both the New York Jets (1974-78) and the University of Louisville's basketball team that was NCAA champion in 1980.
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
H. PAUL GRAYNER (Nashville Sounds)
"Grayner was born in Washington, D.C. and received a B.A. in physical education from St. Leo College (FL) and a Master's in physical education from American University (D.C.). He was the trainer at Little Falls (1977), Paintsville (1978), Ft. Lauderdale (1979-81) and Nashville (1982). Grayner was also the assistant trainer for Hofstra University football in 1982."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
KEVIN RAND (Ft. Lauderdale Yankees)
"Kevin was born in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, received an A.B. in classics from Bowdoin College and is an associate member of NATA, working towards his certification. The trainer at Ft. Lauderdale since 1982, he was assistant trainer at Bowdoin College (1982-83)."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
DONALD S. MCGANN, JR. (Greensboro Hornets)
"Donald was born in Groton, Connecticut and received a B.A. in sociology (with a minor in coaching) from North Adams (MA) State College. Currently studying for a Master's in sports medicine at North Adams State, he is also working for his [NATA] certification.
He was a trainer at Bradenton in 1981 and at Greensboro in 1982."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
MARK OWEN MEADOWS (Oneonta Yankees)
"Mark was born in Oneonta, New York and received a B.A. in physical education from the State University of New York at Cortland and also attended the State University of New York at Oneonta.
Certified in CPR and first aid, Mark has no previous baseball background."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
1983 Yankee Prospect Profiles
STEVE BALBONI
"A mountain of a man, this minor league legend has yet to prove himself at the highest level. But it's a challenge Balboni is ready to face.
'I know this is an important season for me,' says this 6-3, 225-pound first baseman/DH from Manchester, New Hampshire. 'I think I'm ready for the majors.'
As fans throughout the Yankees' minor league system discovered the past six seasons, when Mr. Balboni connects- look out. Balboni means business every time he steps up to the dish and he's left a trail of roundtrippers from his stops in Fort Lauderdale (26 homers in 1979), Nashville (34 in '80) and Columbus (33 in '81).
Last season, his time was divided between the Clippers and the Yankees and he still led the International League with 32 homers.
'I know I can't hit a homer every time up, in any league,' says the 26-year-old. 'That's impossible. But when I do connect, I have a good chance of hitting one out of any stadium."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Balboni began 1982 at Columbus with seven home runs and 23 RBI through May 4 when he was recalled by the Yankees. He hit his first major league home run on May 13 at Oakland off Tom Underwood.
Steve was optioned back to Columbus on June 3 where he hit 10 more homers with 27 RBI in 21 games, was recalled by the Yankees on July 3 and was optioned back to Columbus on July 14. He was recalled from Columbus on September 7 but was unable to report until September 12 because of a high blood pressure condition which required hospitalization. Steve played the rest of the season as the Yankees regular first baseman.
Despite playing in only 83 games at Columbus, Steve still hit a total of 32 home runs to lead the International League, the fourth consecutive year he has led a league in homers. He was named the Yankees' minor league player of the week for June 25-July 1 (.368, 5 HR, 12 RBI, two grand slams) and named Yankees' minor league player of the month for June (.316, 6 2B, 10 HR, 27 RBI and three grand slams).
Steve made his pro debut in 1978, hitting just one home run in 60 games, but in 1979, 1980 and 1981 led in homers and RBI in each league he played in. In 1979 he was named a Florida State League All-Star, leading the league offensively and first basemen defensively. In 1980 Steve was named Yankee Minor League Player of the Year, Topps Southern League Player of the Year, Topps Class AA All-Star, Topps Southern League Player of the Month for May, Southern League MVP and All-Star first baseman. He led Southern League first basemen in fielding and his 122 RBIs were a league record. In 1981 he was named an International League All-Star as a DH and hit two home runs in the same inning on July 6 at Rochester
Balboni was a three-sport standout at Memorial High (Manchester, New Hampshire) where he played against Joe Lefebvre. He attended Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida and played for Bill Livesey, Yankee scout and manager of Oneonta, and teamed with Lefebvre. MVP at Eckerd, Steve helped lead them to a second place finish in the Division II College World Series in 1977."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
JAY HOWELL
"When Jay Howell says being with the Yankees is 'simply unbelievable,' he truly means it.
'If someone had told me at Des Moines [in '82] that I'd be with the Yankees by the end of the season, I'd have said he was crazy,' says the 26-year-old hard-throwing right-hander. 'I feel more than fortunate to be here.'
Howell joined the Yankees last August, after spending a few weeks with Columbus where he compiled a 2-0 mark and won raves for his combined 15-4 record and 167 strikeouts in 172 innings at Des Moines (Cubs' AAA) and Columbus (Yankees' AAA).
Despite his ability to throw fastballs at speeds exceeding 90 MPH, Howell barely made it to the pros as a 32nd and final round pick of the Reds five years ago. Now that he's more highly regarded, Howell, who's been overlooked throughout his career, just may prove to be a diamond in the rough for the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Howell began 1982 with Iowa (the Cubs' AAA club), posting his finest minor league stats. He was named the American Association's most valuable pitcher, leading the league in ERA (2.36) and finishing second in strikeouts (139), despite only pitching in the league until July 30 when he was acquired from the Cubs as the player to named later in the Pat Tabler trade of August 1981.
In his first game for Columbus, Jay pitched eight innings, allowing only one hit (a two-run homer) with no decision, and in his next outing shut out Rochester with a 3-hitter. He was called up by the Yankees on August 31 when Tommy John was traded to California. In six starts with the Yankees, Jay was 2-3, beating the Orioles and Indians.
Jay began his pro career in the Reds' farm system. He pitched a 1-hitter for Indianapolis in 1979, made his major league debut in 1980 with Cincinnati and won his first major league game on August 16, 1981 for the Cubs in Chicago, beating Pittsburgh.
Howell grew up in Boulder, Colorado where he was a football and baseball standout at Fairview High. He was a physical education major at the University of Colorado and was named All-Big 8 in baseball in 1976. Jay lists his hobbies and hiking and fishing."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
BRAD GULDEN
"It's been a few years since Bradley Lee Gulden was last a Yankee, but this reliable Triple-A catcher shouldn't be overlooked in the backup sweepstakes.
Gulden split the '82 campaign between Wichita and Montreal after dividing '81 between Spokane and Seattle. Although he's made a career of shifting between the high minors and the majors, this feisty 5-11, 180-pounder hopes to find a spot for himself on the Yankee roster.
If Gulden's name seems familiar to you, it's because he was thrust into the limelight after Thurman Munson's tragic death midway through the '79 season. Under those difficult circumstances, Gulden acquitted himself quite well.
Gulden rejoins the Yankees, strengthening an already solid receiving corps."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Gulden went to spring training with the Yankees in 1982, was traded to Montreal's AAA club on April 6, and played almost the entire season for Wichita in the American Association. He played briefly for Montreal in mid-season and was sold to the Yankees last fall.'
He's currently in his third stint with the Yankee organization. In 1979 Brad was named the International League All-Star catcher and was called up to the Yankees following the death of Thurman Munson on August 2.
The Minnesota native was a four-year starter at Choska (MN) High. He was a pitcher, catcher and outfielder, and also played basketball and football. Brad played Little League and Babe Ruth ball in Carver (MN), and as a youngster rooted for the Twins and Tony Oliva.
Brad enjoys hunting, bowling and fishing."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
CURT KAUFMAN
"The self-described 'Iowa farm boy' brings with him a superb minor league record as a late-inning reliever in his four years as a Yankee farmhand.
Last season, with Columbus, Kaufman compiled a 5-3 mark with a 3.67 ERA in 88.1 innings, along with 10 saves. But what impressed the Yankees most was his strikeout-to-walk ratio (98 K's and 46 walks). Overall, in his four seasons in the Yankee system, Kaufman has compiled a record of 29-12 and he's moved steadily upward.
The first time the 6-2, 175-pounder set eyes on Yankee Stadium came early last season when he was recalled for an exhibition game against the Mets. 'I was in complete awe of that place for the four innings or so,' he says. 'All I did was look around and keep quiet. I couldn't believe I was actually here.'
He's a quiet, hard worker and the Yankees, knowing full well what Kaufman can do, hope he makes himself feel at home at Yankee Stadium."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Kaufman had an outstanding year at Columbus, being named to the International League All-Star team as a reliever. He had a 6-3 record with 10 saves in 55 appearances and struck out 103 while walking only 47 batters in 91 innings pitched. Called up to the Yankees in September, Curt made his major league debut on September 10 against Milwaukee. Two days later, pitching in relief, he earned his first major league win, 9-8 with two scoreless innings against the Brewers.
Curt has been used primarily in relief and has a four-year minor league mark of 30-12 with 39 saves and a 2.70 ERA. He has strong strikeout-to-innings-pitched and strikeout-to-walk ratios.
Kaufman attended Harlan (Iowa) Community High where he played baseball and basketball, and played Little League and Babe Ruth ball in West Phalia, Iowa. At Iowa State he played against Paul Molitor, Steve Howe, Tim Lollar and Bob Shirley. He was signed as a free agent by Yankee scout Roger Olsen.
He enjoys hunting and autos. His father is a farmer and Curt plans a career in farming following baseball."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
DENNIS RASMUSSEN
"Remember the name.
A giant of a man at 6'7" and 230 pounds, Dennis Rasmussen is about ready to burst onto the major league scene.
He's only 24 but it won't be long until this overpowering hurler begins to dominate American League hitters.
He began his professional career in 1980 when he was the first round draft choice of the California Angels, coming off a fine collegiate career at Creighton University. In three minor league seasons he has impressed everyone with his blazing fastball, as this left-hander has struck out over 100 batters in each of the last two seasons for a three-year total of 350.
Dennis was acquired by the Yankees last winter as the player to be named later from California to complete the Tommy John trade.
Rasmussen, a native of Colorado like another hard-throwing Yankee- Rich Gossage, needs a little more experience to complete his fastball and then the Yankees hope he'll be able to intimidate opposing batters from the left side on the mound as Gossage does on the right."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Rasmussen pitched the entire 1982 season at Spokane winning 11 with a 5.03 ERA and finished second in the Pacific Coast League with 162 strikeouts. He was a first round pick of the Angels in June 1980. A fastball pitcher, Dennis has struck out a total of 350 batters in three minor league seasons.
Dennis grew up in Lakewood, Colorado where he was a baseball and basketball star at Bear Creek High School. He played college baseball at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
EDWIN RODRIGUEZ
"You may not know much about him yet, but keep a watchful eye on Mr. Rodriguez, who carries a 'can't-miss' tag from all who've seen him perform in his three years as a Yankee prospect.
The Puerto Rican-born Rodriguez doesn't quite command the Englis language as well as he fields (splendidly), but ask him how he made it to the Yankees this quickly at age 22 and clearly, he understands the question.
'I push myself to the limit,' says the 5-11,175-pounder who spent most of '82 with Greensboro. 'Thousands of ground balls, one after another, many hours a day.' Ask him what plans he has for his baseball future and he says, 'I want to do good here. I want to be a Yankee. I want people to notice me. I'm flashy, quick hands, lots of flair. I can play second base.'
Rodriguez studies pre-med biology at the University of Puerto Rico during the off-season. And he intends to 'operate' once he gets to the big time.
'I've never seen any place like this,' Rodriguez said after seeing Yankee Stadium for the first time last last year. 'I want to come back here soon.'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Rodriguez enjoyed a very successful 1982 season, being named to the South Atlantic League All-Star team as a second baseman. He batted .296 with 62 RBI and led Greensboro with 25 stolen bases.
Edwin was named Yankee Minor League Player of the Week, June 11-17 (.428 AVG, 8G, 28 AB, 12 H, 5 RBI) and was called up to the Yankees in late September because of several injuries to Yankee infielders. Edwin played in three games at Cleveland getting three hits in nine at-bats with an RBI. An outstanding defensive middle infielder, he has hit well everywhere he has played.
Rodriguez graduated from Alfred M. Aguayo High School and was originally signed by Yankee scout Luis Arroyo."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
OTIS NIXON
"Every baseball fan knows all about Oakland's Rickey Henderson and his base stealing heroics of 1982. But the Yankees point with pride at their own up-and-coming star of the basepaths, Otis Nixon.
With his 46 stolen bases at Columbus and his 61 thefts at Nashville later in the season, Nixon joined Henderson's exclusive company above the century mark.
Only 24 years old, Nixon has been burning up the basepaths throughout the Yankees' farm system and the 6-2, 180-pound shortstop with the flashy feet and sure hands figures to reach the big leagues soon.
He finished with a .280 average in 59 games last year at Nashville- another mark that has the Yankees excited about Otis' future."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Nixon had an outstanding 1982 season, splitting time between Nashville and Columbus. He did not lead either in any offensive categories, but his combined totals were awesome. Otis stole 107 bases and reached base via a walk 118 times, both totals being career highs.
In 1980 Otis was the South Atlantic League All-Star second baseman and in 1979 was selected to the Appalachian League All-Star team. He led his league in walks for three consecutive seasons (1979-81) and has stolen 245 bases in his last three seasons.
Nixon attended West Columbus High in Evergreen, North Carolina, played baseball, football and basketball, and was named MVP in baseball and in football his senior year. He played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion ball in Evergreen and was a Yankee fan and a Willie Mays fan as a youngster. His brother Robert plays in the Mariners organization."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
SCOTT PATTERSON
"This 6-2, 180-pound right-hander came to the Yankees a year ago in the Bob Watson trade with Atlanta. Now in his fourth year of pro baseball, keep your eye on him.
In his second pro year (Durham, Class A), Patterson was simply devastating as he was 9-0 in Carolina League play, with a 2.11 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 98 innings.
Last year, Patterson spent the first few weeks of the campaign with the Braves' Triple-A club at Richmond where he went 1-1 with a 6.94 ERA in 11 innings pitched. After the deal he was assigned to Columbus, where he spent the rest of the season. With the Clippers, Patterson was 6-11 with a 5.39 ERA.
Patterson hails from Haddonfield, New Jersey."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Patterson began the year with Richmond (Atlanta AAA) in the International League, was traded to the Yankees for Bob Watson on April 23 and finished the season with Columbus. Posting a 6-11 record with 96 strikeouts in 143.2 innings, Scott combined for 104 strikeouts during the season, the second time in his career with over 100 strikeouts in a season.
Scott played his first two seasons in the Atlanta Braves farm system before his trade to the Yankees. He's a hard thrower and has always posted excellent strikeout figures.
Patterson graduated from Haddonfield (NJ) Memorial High School and played baseball at Mesa (AZ) Community College and at the University of Southern California. He was selected by the Braves in the June 1980 free agent draft and signed to his first pro contract by Braves scout Herb Hippauf."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
MATT WINTERS (1982 Yankee Minor League Player of the Year)
"For Matt Winters, earning the Yankees 1982 Minor League Player of the Year honors carried special significance. 'I was very happy to receive it,' said the powerful 6-3, 200-pound first baseman/outfielder. 'And I'm even happier to know that the Yankees are thinking of me. I'm showing them what I can do.'
Except for a late-season promotion to Nashville in '82, Winters spent most of the past three campaigns with Greensboro, tearing the Sally League apart. Last season, for instance, he hit .325 with 20 homers and 93 RBI for the Hornets. Hitting has never been a problem for the 22-year-old who hails from Williamsville, New York.
Still young, still banging the cover off the baseball after four minor league seasons, Winters has hopes that he'll reach the majors some day. And when he does, he'll bring his bat, the same one that impressed the Yankees last season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
BOB TEWKSBURY (1982 Yankee Minor League Pitcher of the Year)
"After posting a 15-4 record with a 1.88 ERA in 182.1 innings for Fort Lauderdale last season, tall right-hander Bob Tewksbury certainly deserved to be named Yankees Minor League Pitcher of the Year. He gave notice that he's a prospect to be watched.
Yet Tewsbury, a substitute teacher in his hometown of Penacook, New Hampshire, was hardly a top round choice of the Yankees back in June 1981. He was the 19th round selection (493rd overall) as a junior at Florida's St. Leo College.
'I'm really happy for him,' says Yankee scout Jack Gillis, who coached the 6-4, 200-pounder at St. Leo and later signed him. 'But you know the greatest thing about him? He's the nicest young man you'd ever want to meet. He's the kid next door you always had the highest hopes for.'
Last year, Tewksbury tossed six shutouts for Fort Lauderdale and was named to the Florida State League All-Star team."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
STEFAN WEVER
"Wever led the Southern League in ERA (2.78), strikeouts (191), and tied for wins (16) with teammate Clay Christiansen. Since being selected in the sixth round of the June 1979 draft, the big right-hander has a 41-18 record with an impressive 2.68 ERA."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Wever enjoyed an outstanding season at AA Nashville, leading the Southern League in ERA (2.78) and strikeouts (191) and tying for the league lead in wins (16) with teammate Clay Christiansen. He was named to the Southern League All-Star team as the right-handed pitcher and to the Topps AA All-Star team.
He was named Yankees Minor League Player of the Week, May 14-20 (1-0, 1.00 ERA, 2 GS, 1 CG, 18 IP, 12 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 17 K), was called up to the Yankees in September and made his major league debut with a start against league champion Milwaukee.
Stefan led the New York-Penn League in ERA (1.77) in 1979. He has pitched consistently and progressed steadily through the Yankee minor league system, last year posting impressive numbers and winning many honors.
Wever graduated from Lowell High School in San Francisco in 1976. He attended the University of California at Santa Barbara and was named to the All-League team in his sophomore year. He was signed by Yankee scout Don Lindeberg."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
TIM BIRTSAS
"The Yankees' number one selection in the June 1982 draft, Birtsas was born and resides in Clarkson, Michigan and attended Michigan State. He's looking forward to his first full year in Baseball."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
BOB RAFTICE
"The Yankees' 39th selection in the June 1980 draft, Raftice compiled eight saves for Greensboro in 1982, striking out 103 batters in only 85.2 innings."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
SCOTT BRADLEY
"The Yankees' 2nd pick in the June 1981 draft, Bradley was named the All-Star catcher for the Florida State League in 1982. He's a contact hitter who has struck out only 28 times in over 700 at-bats during his two professional seasons."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
TODD DEMETER
"The Yankees number 1 selection in the June 1979 draft, Demeter is a slick fielder who in 1982 led the Florida State League with a .998 percentage and was also named as the Florida State League's All-Star first baseman."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
BEN CALLAHAN
"Selected by the Yankees in the 31st round of the June 1980 draft, Callahan struck out over 120 batters for Ft. Lauderdale in 1981 and for Nashville in 1982."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Callahan pitched at Class AA Nashville in 1982, his third year in professional baseball. He posted a 13-13 record and struck out over 100 batters for the third consecutive season. Converted from a first baseman to a pitcher as a pro, he led the Florida State League with 17 wins in 1981.
Ben graduated from Surry Central High School in 1975 and from Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina in 1980. He was All-American in baseball and basketball in high school and a two-time MVP in college. Ben was signed by Yankee scout Jim Gruzdis."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
CLAY CHRISTIANSEN
"Christiansen was selected by the Yankees in the 13th round of the June 1980 draft. Last season for Nashville he won 16 games for the second season in a row, tying Stefan Wever for the Southern League lead in wins, and also led the league with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Christiansen played the entire 1982 season, his third as a pro, at AA Nashville. He tied for the Southern League lead in wins (16) with teammate Stefan Wever and also tied for the league lead for fielding among pitchers with a perfect 1.000 percentage. Clay equalled his previous career high with 16 wins and posted career highs with 213.2 innings pitched and 155 strikeouts.
Clay has progressed steadily through the Yankee minor league system, moving up a classification each season. In 1981 he was second in the Florida State League in wins with 16, trailing teammate Ben Callahan's 17.
Christiansen graduated from Columbus (Kansas) Unified High School in 1976 where he participated in baseball, basketball, football and track. He attended the University of Kansas and was signed by Yankee scout Russ Sehon."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
GUY ELSTON
"For the second straight season this outstanding relief specialist continued to impress everyone with his combined 17 saves and 1.14 ERA for Greensboro and Nashville in '82. In his two professional seasons he has amassed a 16-1 record with 28 saves and a 1.07 ERA."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
JIM RIGGS
"The Yankees 4th selection in the June 1982 draft, Riggs batted .309 with six homers and 44 RBI for Oneonta while capping the year off by being named to the New York-Penn League All-Star team."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
JIM DESHAIES
"Deshaies led the New York-Penn League in strikeouts with 137 in only 108 innings pitched, getting 20 of those strikeouts in a nine inning game on August 26. The left-hander finished the year off by being aptly named the New York-Penn League's All-Star pitcher."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
MIKE PAGLIARULO
"The Yankees' 6th selection in the June 1981 draft, Pagliarulo was named to the 1982 South Atlantic League All-Star team for his .280 average, 22 homers and 79 RBI."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
BOBBY MEACHAM
"Meacham was obtained by the Yankees organization in December 1982 from the St. Louis Cardinals. Last season for St. Petersburg he used his outstanding speed to steal 21 bases and was named to the Florida State League All-Star team."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
BRIAN DAYETT
"Dayett had an outstanding season at Nashville in 1982 batting .280 with 34 homers and 96 RBI, leading to his selection as the Southern League's Most Valuable Player."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
DAVE SZYMCZAK
"Szymczak tied for the league lead in wins with 14, combined with only two losses, and was named as the South Atlantic League's right-handed pitcher of the year. In his three professional seasons he has compiled a 27-8 record."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
DAN PASQUA
"The Yankees' 3rd selection in the June 1982 draft, the Harrington Park, New Jersey native batted .301 at Painstville last season, hitting 16 homers and driving in 63 runs. This earned him the Appalachian League MVP."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"A mountain of a man, this minor league legend has yet to prove himself at the highest level. But it's a challenge Balboni is ready to face.
'I know this is an important season for me,' says this 6-3, 225-pound first baseman/DH from Manchester, New Hampshire. 'I think I'm ready for the majors.'
As fans throughout the Yankees' minor league system discovered the past six seasons, when Mr. Balboni connects- look out. Balboni means business every time he steps up to the dish and he's left a trail of roundtrippers from his stops in Fort Lauderdale (26 homers in 1979), Nashville (34 in '80) and Columbus (33 in '81).
Last season, his time was divided between the Clippers and the Yankees and he still led the International League with 32 homers.
'I know I can't hit a homer every time up, in any league,' says the 26-year-old. 'That's impossible. But when I do connect, I have a good chance of hitting one out of any stadium."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Balboni began 1982 at Columbus with seven home runs and 23 RBI through May 4 when he was recalled by the Yankees. He hit his first major league home run on May 13 at Oakland off Tom Underwood.
Steve was optioned back to Columbus on June 3 where he hit 10 more homers with 27 RBI in 21 games, was recalled by the Yankees on July 3 and was optioned back to Columbus on July 14. He was recalled from Columbus on September 7 but was unable to report until September 12 because of a high blood pressure condition which required hospitalization. Steve played the rest of the season as the Yankees regular first baseman.
Despite playing in only 83 games at Columbus, Steve still hit a total of 32 home runs to lead the International League, the fourth consecutive year he has led a league in homers. He was named the Yankees' minor league player of the week for June 25-July 1 (.368, 5 HR, 12 RBI, two grand slams) and named Yankees' minor league player of the month for June (.316, 6 2B, 10 HR, 27 RBI and three grand slams).
Steve made his pro debut in 1978, hitting just one home run in 60 games, but in 1979, 1980 and 1981 led in homers and RBI in each league he played in. In 1979 he was named a Florida State League All-Star, leading the league offensively and first basemen defensively. In 1980 Steve was named Yankee Minor League Player of the Year, Topps Southern League Player of the Year, Topps Class AA All-Star, Topps Southern League Player of the Month for May, Southern League MVP and All-Star first baseman. He led Southern League first basemen in fielding and his 122 RBIs were a league record. In 1981 he was named an International League All-Star as a DH and hit two home runs in the same inning on July 6 at Rochester
Balboni was a three-sport standout at Memorial High (Manchester, New Hampshire) where he played against Joe Lefebvre. He attended Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida and played for Bill Livesey, Yankee scout and manager of Oneonta, and teamed with Lefebvre. MVP at Eckerd, Steve helped lead them to a second place finish in the Division II College World Series in 1977."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
JAY HOWELL
"When Jay Howell says being with the Yankees is 'simply unbelievable,' he truly means it.
'If someone had told me at Des Moines [in '82] that I'd be with the Yankees by the end of the season, I'd have said he was crazy,' says the 26-year-old hard-throwing right-hander. 'I feel more than fortunate to be here.'
Howell joined the Yankees last August, after spending a few weeks with Columbus where he compiled a 2-0 mark and won raves for his combined 15-4 record and 167 strikeouts in 172 innings at Des Moines (Cubs' AAA) and Columbus (Yankees' AAA).
Despite his ability to throw fastballs at speeds exceeding 90 MPH, Howell barely made it to the pros as a 32nd and final round pick of the Reds five years ago. Now that he's more highly regarded, Howell, who's been overlooked throughout his career, just may prove to be a diamond in the rough for the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Howell began 1982 with Iowa (the Cubs' AAA club), posting his finest minor league stats. He was named the American Association's most valuable pitcher, leading the league in ERA (2.36) and finishing second in strikeouts (139), despite only pitching in the league until July 30 when he was acquired from the Cubs as the player to named later in the Pat Tabler trade of August 1981.
In his first game for Columbus, Jay pitched eight innings, allowing only one hit (a two-run homer) with no decision, and in his next outing shut out Rochester with a 3-hitter. He was called up by the Yankees on August 31 when Tommy John was traded to California. In six starts with the Yankees, Jay was 2-3, beating the Orioles and Indians.
Jay began his pro career in the Reds' farm system. He pitched a 1-hitter for Indianapolis in 1979, made his major league debut in 1980 with Cincinnati and won his first major league game on August 16, 1981 for the Cubs in Chicago, beating Pittsburgh.
Howell grew up in Boulder, Colorado where he was a football and baseball standout at Fairview High. He was a physical education major at the University of Colorado and was named All-Big 8 in baseball in 1976. Jay lists his hobbies and hiking and fishing."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
BRAD GULDEN
"It's been a few years since Bradley Lee Gulden was last a Yankee, but this reliable Triple-A catcher shouldn't be overlooked in the backup sweepstakes.
Gulden split the '82 campaign between Wichita and Montreal after dividing '81 between Spokane and Seattle. Although he's made a career of shifting between the high minors and the majors, this feisty 5-11, 180-pounder hopes to find a spot for himself on the Yankee roster.
If Gulden's name seems familiar to you, it's because he was thrust into the limelight after Thurman Munson's tragic death midway through the '79 season. Under those difficult circumstances, Gulden acquitted himself quite well.
Gulden rejoins the Yankees, strengthening an already solid receiving corps."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Gulden went to spring training with the Yankees in 1982, was traded to Montreal's AAA club on April 6, and played almost the entire season for Wichita in the American Association. He played briefly for Montreal in mid-season and was sold to the Yankees last fall.'
He's currently in his third stint with the Yankee organization. In 1979 Brad was named the International League All-Star catcher and was called up to the Yankees following the death of Thurman Munson on August 2.
The Minnesota native was a four-year starter at Choska (MN) High. He was a pitcher, catcher and outfielder, and also played basketball and football. Brad played Little League and Babe Ruth ball in Carver (MN), and as a youngster rooted for the Twins and Tony Oliva.
Brad enjoys hunting, bowling and fishing."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
CURT KAUFMAN
"The self-described 'Iowa farm boy' brings with him a superb minor league record as a late-inning reliever in his four years as a Yankee farmhand.
Last season, with Columbus, Kaufman compiled a 5-3 mark with a 3.67 ERA in 88.1 innings, along with 10 saves. But what impressed the Yankees most was his strikeout-to-walk ratio (98 K's and 46 walks). Overall, in his four seasons in the Yankee system, Kaufman has compiled a record of 29-12 and he's moved steadily upward.
The first time the 6-2, 175-pounder set eyes on Yankee Stadium came early last season when he was recalled for an exhibition game against the Mets. 'I was in complete awe of that place for the four innings or so,' he says. 'All I did was look around and keep quiet. I couldn't believe I was actually here.'
He's a quiet, hard worker and the Yankees, knowing full well what Kaufman can do, hope he makes himself feel at home at Yankee Stadium."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Kaufman had an outstanding year at Columbus, being named to the International League All-Star team as a reliever. He had a 6-3 record with 10 saves in 55 appearances and struck out 103 while walking only 47 batters in 91 innings pitched. Called up to the Yankees in September, Curt made his major league debut on September 10 against Milwaukee. Two days later, pitching in relief, he earned his first major league win, 9-8 with two scoreless innings against the Brewers.
Curt has been used primarily in relief and has a four-year minor league mark of 30-12 with 39 saves and a 2.70 ERA. He has strong strikeout-to-innings-pitched and strikeout-to-walk ratios.
Kaufman attended Harlan (Iowa) Community High where he played baseball and basketball, and played Little League and Babe Ruth ball in West Phalia, Iowa. At Iowa State he played against Paul Molitor, Steve Howe, Tim Lollar and Bob Shirley. He was signed as a free agent by Yankee scout Roger Olsen.
He enjoys hunting and autos. His father is a farmer and Curt plans a career in farming following baseball."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
DENNIS RASMUSSEN
"Remember the name.
A giant of a man at 6'7" and 230 pounds, Dennis Rasmussen is about ready to burst onto the major league scene.
He's only 24 but it won't be long until this overpowering hurler begins to dominate American League hitters.
He began his professional career in 1980 when he was the first round draft choice of the California Angels, coming off a fine collegiate career at Creighton University. In three minor league seasons he has impressed everyone with his blazing fastball, as this left-hander has struck out over 100 batters in each of the last two seasons for a three-year total of 350.
Dennis was acquired by the Yankees last winter as the player to be named later from California to complete the Tommy John trade.
Rasmussen, a native of Colorado like another hard-throwing Yankee- Rich Gossage, needs a little more experience to complete his fastball and then the Yankees hope he'll be able to intimidate opposing batters from the left side on the mound as Gossage does on the right."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Rasmussen pitched the entire 1982 season at Spokane winning 11 with a 5.03 ERA and finished second in the Pacific Coast League with 162 strikeouts. He was a first round pick of the Angels in June 1980. A fastball pitcher, Dennis has struck out a total of 350 batters in three minor league seasons.
Dennis grew up in Lakewood, Colorado where he was a baseball and basketball star at Bear Creek High School. He played college baseball at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
EDWIN RODRIGUEZ
"You may not know much about him yet, but keep a watchful eye on Mr. Rodriguez, who carries a 'can't-miss' tag from all who've seen him perform in his three years as a Yankee prospect.
The Puerto Rican-born Rodriguez doesn't quite command the Englis language as well as he fields (splendidly), but ask him how he made it to the Yankees this quickly at age 22 and clearly, he understands the question.
'I push myself to the limit,' says the 5-11,175-pounder who spent most of '82 with Greensboro. 'Thousands of ground balls, one after another, many hours a day.' Ask him what plans he has for his baseball future and he says, 'I want to do good here. I want to be a Yankee. I want people to notice me. I'm flashy, quick hands, lots of flair. I can play second base.'
Rodriguez studies pre-med biology at the University of Puerto Rico during the off-season. And he intends to 'operate' once he gets to the big time.
'I've never seen any place like this,' Rodriguez said after seeing Yankee Stadium for the first time last last year. 'I want to come back here soon.'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Rodriguez enjoyed a very successful 1982 season, being named to the South Atlantic League All-Star team as a second baseman. He batted .296 with 62 RBI and led Greensboro with 25 stolen bases.
Edwin was named Yankee Minor League Player of the Week, June 11-17 (.428 AVG, 8G, 28 AB, 12 H, 5 RBI) and was called up to the Yankees in late September because of several injuries to Yankee infielders. Edwin played in three games at Cleveland getting three hits in nine at-bats with an RBI. An outstanding defensive middle infielder, he has hit well everywhere he has played.
Rodriguez graduated from Alfred M. Aguayo High School and was originally signed by Yankee scout Luis Arroyo."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
OTIS NIXON
"Every baseball fan knows all about Oakland's Rickey Henderson and his base stealing heroics of 1982. But the Yankees point with pride at their own up-and-coming star of the basepaths, Otis Nixon.
With his 46 stolen bases at Columbus and his 61 thefts at Nashville later in the season, Nixon joined Henderson's exclusive company above the century mark.
Only 24 years old, Nixon has been burning up the basepaths throughout the Yankees' farm system and the 6-2, 180-pound shortstop with the flashy feet and sure hands figures to reach the big leagues soon.
He finished with a .280 average in 59 games last year at Nashville- another mark that has the Yankees excited about Otis' future."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Nixon had an outstanding 1982 season, splitting time between Nashville and Columbus. He did not lead either in any offensive categories, but his combined totals were awesome. Otis stole 107 bases and reached base via a walk 118 times, both totals being career highs.
In 1980 Otis was the South Atlantic League All-Star second baseman and in 1979 was selected to the Appalachian League All-Star team. He led his league in walks for three consecutive seasons (1979-81) and has stolen 245 bases in his last three seasons.
Nixon attended West Columbus High in Evergreen, North Carolina, played baseball, football and basketball, and was named MVP in baseball and in football his senior year. He played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion ball in Evergreen and was a Yankee fan and a Willie Mays fan as a youngster. His brother Robert plays in the Mariners organization."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
SCOTT PATTERSON
"This 6-2, 180-pound right-hander came to the Yankees a year ago in the Bob Watson trade with Atlanta. Now in his fourth year of pro baseball, keep your eye on him.
In his second pro year (Durham, Class A), Patterson was simply devastating as he was 9-0 in Carolina League play, with a 2.11 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 98 innings.
Last year, Patterson spent the first few weeks of the campaign with the Braves' Triple-A club at Richmond where he went 1-1 with a 6.94 ERA in 11 innings pitched. After the deal he was assigned to Columbus, where he spent the rest of the season. With the Clippers, Patterson was 6-11 with a 5.39 ERA.
Patterson hails from Haddonfield, New Jersey."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Patterson began the year with Richmond (Atlanta AAA) in the International League, was traded to the Yankees for Bob Watson on April 23 and finished the season with Columbus. Posting a 6-11 record with 96 strikeouts in 143.2 innings, Scott combined for 104 strikeouts during the season, the second time in his career with over 100 strikeouts in a season.
Scott played his first two seasons in the Atlanta Braves farm system before his trade to the Yankees. He's a hard thrower and has always posted excellent strikeout figures.
Patterson graduated from Haddonfield (NJ) Memorial High School and played baseball at Mesa (AZ) Community College and at the University of Southern California. He was selected by the Braves in the June 1980 free agent draft and signed to his first pro contract by Braves scout Herb Hippauf."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
MATT WINTERS (1982 Yankee Minor League Player of the Year)
"For Matt Winters, earning the Yankees 1982 Minor League Player of the Year honors carried special significance. 'I was very happy to receive it,' said the powerful 6-3, 200-pound first baseman/outfielder. 'And I'm even happier to know that the Yankees are thinking of me. I'm showing them what I can do.'
Except for a late-season promotion to Nashville in '82, Winters spent most of the past three campaigns with Greensboro, tearing the Sally League apart. Last season, for instance, he hit .325 with 20 homers and 93 RBI for the Hornets. Hitting has never been a problem for the 22-year-old who hails from Williamsville, New York.
Still young, still banging the cover off the baseball after four minor league seasons, Winters has hopes that he'll reach the majors some day. And when he does, he'll bring his bat, the same one that impressed the Yankees last season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
BOB TEWKSBURY (1982 Yankee Minor League Pitcher of the Year)
"After posting a 15-4 record with a 1.88 ERA in 182.1 innings for Fort Lauderdale last season, tall right-hander Bob Tewksbury certainly deserved to be named Yankees Minor League Pitcher of the Year. He gave notice that he's a prospect to be watched.
Yet Tewsbury, a substitute teacher in his hometown of Penacook, New Hampshire, was hardly a top round choice of the Yankees back in June 1981. He was the 19th round selection (493rd overall) as a junior at Florida's St. Leo College.
'I'm really happy for him,' says Yankee scout Jack Gillis, who coached the 6-4, 200-pounder at St. Leo and later signed him. 'But you know the greatest thing about him? He's the nicest young man you'd ever want to meet. He's the kid next door you always had the highest hopes for.'
Last year, Tewksbury tossed six shutouts for Fort Lauderdale and was named to the Florida State League All-Star team."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
STEFAN WEVER
"Wever led the Southern League in ERA (2.78), strikeouts (191), and tied for wins (16) with teammate Clay Christiansen. Since being selected in the sixth round of the June 1979 draft, the big right-hander has a 41-18 record with an impressive 2.68 ERA."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Wever enjoyed an outstanding season at AA Nashville, leading the Southern League in ERA (2.78) and strikeouts (191) and tying for the league lead in wins (16) with teammate Clay Christiansen. He was named to the Southern League All-Star team as the right-handed pitcher and to the Topps AA All-Star team.
He was named Yankees Minor League Player of the Week, May 14-20 (1-0, 1.00 ERA, 2 GS, 1 CG, 18 IP, 12 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 17 K), was called up to the Yankees in September and made his major league debut with a start against league champion Milwaukee.
Stefan led the New York-Penn League in ERA (1.77) in 1979. He has pitched consistently and progressed steadily through the Yankee minor league system, last year posting impressive numbers and winning many honors.
Wever graduated from Lowell High School in San Francisco in 1976. He attended the University of California at Santa Barbara and was named to the All-League team in his sophomore year. He was signed by Yankee scout Don Lindeberg."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
TIM BIRTSAS
"The Yankees' number one selection in the June 1982 draft, Birtsas was born and resides in Clarkson, Michigan and attended Michigan State. He's looking forward to his first full year in Baseball."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
BOB RAFTICE
"The Yankees' 39th selection in the June 1980 draft, Raftice compiled eight saves for Greensboro in 1982, striking out 103 batters in only 85.2 innings."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
SCOTT BRADLEY
"The Yankees' 2nd pick in the June 1981 draft, Bradley was named the All-Star catcher for the Florida State League in 1982. He's a contact hitter who has struck out only 28 times in over 700 at-bats during his two professional seasons."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
TODD DEMETER
"The Yankees number 1 selection in the June 1979 draft, Demeter is a slick fielder who in 1982 led the Florida State League with a .998 percentage and was also named as the Florida State League's All-Star first baseman."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
BEN CALLAHAN
"Selected by the Yankees in the 31st round of the June 1980 draft, Callahan struck out over 120 batters for Ft. Lauderdale in 1981 and for Nashville in 1982."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Callahan pitched at Class AA Nashville in 1982, his third year in professional baseball. He posted a 13-13 record and struck out over 100 batters for the third consecutive season. Converted from a first baseman to a pitcher as a pro, he led the Florida State League with 17 wins in 1981.
Ben graduated from Surry Central High School in 1975 and from Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina in 1980. He was All-American in baseball and basketball in high school and a two-time MVP in college. Ben was signed by Yankee scout Jim Gruzdis."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
CLAY CHRISTIANSEN
"Christiansen was selected by the Yankees in the 13th round of the June 1980 draft. Last season for Nashville he won 16 games for the second season in a row, tying Stefan Wever for the Southern League lead in wins, and also led the league with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Christiansen played the entire 1982 season, his third as a pro, at AA Nashville. He tied for the Southern League lead in wins (16) with teammate Stefan Wever and also tied for the league lead for fielding among pitchers with a perfect 1.000 percentage. Clay equalled his previous career high with 16 wins and posted career highs with 213.2 innings pitched and 155 strikeouts.
Clay has progressed steadily through the Yankee minor league system, moving up a classification each season. In 1981 he was second in the Florida State League in wins with 16, trailing teammate Ben Callahan's 17.
Christiansen graduated from Columbus (Kansas) Unified High School in 1976 where he participated in baseball, basketball, football and track. He attended the University of Kansas and was signed by Yankee scout Russ Sehon."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
GUY ELSTON
"For the second straight season this outstanding relief specialist continued to impress everyone with his combined 17 saves and 1.14 ERA for Greensboro and Nashville in '82. In his two professional seasons he has amassed a 16-1 record with 28 saves and a 1.07 ERA."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
JIM RIGGS
"The Yankees 4th selection in the June 1982 draft, Riggs batted .309 with six homers and 44 RBI for Oneonta while capping the year off by being named to the New York-Penn League All-Star team."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
JIM DESHAIES
"Deshaies led the New York-Penn League in strikeouts with 137 in only 108 innings pitched, getting 20 of those strikeouts in a nine inning game on August 26. The left-hander finished the year off by being aptly named the New York-Penn League's All-Star pitcher."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
MIKE PAGLIARULO
"The Yankees' 6th selection in the June 1981 draft, Pagliarulo was named to the 1982 South Atlantic League All-Star team for his .280 average, 22 homers and 79 RBI."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
BOBBY MEACHAM
"Meacham was obtained by the Yankees organization in December 1982 from the St. Louis Cardinals. Last season for St. Petersburg he used his outstanding speed to steal 21 bases and was named to the Florida State League All-Star team."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
BRIAN DAYETT
"Dayett had an outstanding season at Nashville in 1982 batting .280 with 34 homers and 96 RBI, leading to his selection as the Southern League's Most Valuable Player."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
DAVE SZYMCZAK
"Szymczak tied for the league lead in wins with 14, combined with only two losses, and was named as the South Atlantic League's right-handed pitcher of the year. In his three professional seasons he has compiled a 27-8 record."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
DAN PASQUA
"The Yankees' 3rd selection in the June 1982 draft, the Harrington Park, New Jersey native batted .301 at Painstville last season, hitting 16 homers and driving in 63 runs. This earned him the Appalachian League MVP."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
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