"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
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