1983 Profile: George Frazier

"Once George Frazier settles in, he's all business on the hill, throwing his hard stuff and a devastating drop-curve that paralyzes opposing hitters.
Last year, the 6-5, 200-pound right-hander put together a 4-4 record with a 3.47 ERA in 111 innings, as he saw more action than any other Yankee reliever. But what's most valuable about Frazier is his willingness to take on any task without complaint.
'I don't really care if I get a win,' says the 27-year-old who pitched at the University of Oklahoma with new Yankee teammate Bob Shirley. 'If I do, fine. But as long as the Yankees win, that's all I care about.'
Frazier's job usually demands that he hold the opposition until the later innings- because that's when Goose Gossage is summoned to record the save. 'With Goose behind me, I'm much more secure,' says Frazier. 'I can challenge the hitters, give them everything I've got.'
That's what George does with every appearance."

-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook

"Frazier spent his first full year in the major leagues in 1982 and established career highs in all pitching categories. He led the Yankee pitching staff with 63 appearances and led the Yankee bullpen corps with 111.2 innings pitched. George finished the season tied for sixth in the AL in games pitched and his 63 appearances equals Gossage (1978) for the eighth most appearances in a season by a Yankee pitcher. George earned his only save of the season in his last appearance on September 29 at Cleveland.
He did not allow a run in his first 13.1 innings with the Yankees in 1981, and only one run through his first 19.2 innings. George was the winning pitcher in Game 2 of the '81 ALCS but a hard-luck pitcher in the World Series, absorbing three losses to set a record despite pitching well.
George had a combined 36-25 minor league record with 48 saves in six minor league seasons. He won his first major league game with a 5-4 decision over Atlanta on July 6, 1979, and allowed only one run over his first seven appearances with the Cardinals in '79.
Frazier grew up in Springfield, Missouri where he attended Hillcrest High. He was All-State in baseball (7-0 with a 0.14 ERA in his senior year) and also competed in basketball and in track as a high jumper and pole vaulter, and was offered scholarships in all three sports. He attended Oklahoma University, playing baseball and appearing in the College World Series four consecutive seasons. He teamed at O.U. with Keith Drumwright, Jackson Todd, Joe Simpson and new Yankee teammate Bob Shirley.
George enjoys fishing."

-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide