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