Other 1984 Yankee Profiles

TOBY HARRAH
"Harrah had played in 476 consecutive games before a pitch by the Orioles' Dennis Martinez broke a bone in his hand on April 18, limiting him to 138 games. One of only four former Washington Senators who began last season as active major leaguers (Jim Kaat, Jeff Burroughs and Aurelio Rodriguez were the others), Harrah has averaged 17 stolen bases per season in his 13 full major league seasons.
He was an All-Star in 1982 but was the only non-pitcher who didn't see action for the AL. Harrah had made the All-Star team three previous times, but all as a shortstop- he moved to third base in 1977. In 1982, he became the first Indian to score 100 runs in a season since Dick Howser in 1963.
Born in Sissonville, West Virginia, Toby played football at Ohio Northern before signing his first pro contract with Philadelphia in 1966. He came to the Indians from Texas for Buddy Bell after the 1978 season."

-Tracy Ringolsby, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1984 Edition

"This man is as solid as the Rock of Gibralter and is one of the best 'unknown' stars in baseball. A four-time All-Star selection as both a shortstop and third baseman, Harrah makes things quite facile for a manager because you spell his name forward or backward on the lineup card and send him out to do his job- and he'll do it.
Before this year is over, Harrah will have scored his 1,000th major league run, drawn his 1,000th major league walk, and will creep closer to the 2,000 hit plateau and 300 double milestones. He was virtually hidden with pitiful Cleveland Indian teams, but he invariably got the key hits against teams battling for first place. This year, he has a chance to do damage to other teams and not to the Yankees.
'My record shows that I like to play,' Harrah says, 'but when you put things in perspective, you can see I'm finally with a team that has a chance to win it all. I've always been a Yankee at heart, and if there's anyone in baseball I would run through a wall for, it's Yogi. I'll do whatever he asks me to.'
Yogi may ask a lot because Harrah has a batting average of close to .340 against left-handed pitching, and anybody who reads box scores knows that the American League has 95 per cent of the top lefty starters in the majors.
'People say there might be trouble because I have both Graig (Nettles) and Toby at third,' Berra says simply. 'Well, would you rather have only one of them, or would you rather have both of them on your team?'
That's easy to answer, isn't it, no matter how you spell B-O-T-H."

-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook

"Another consistent season for Toby in 1983 as he was ninth in the AL in walks, won fielding honors at third base with a league leading .971 fielding percentage and led the Indians in runs scored for the fifth straight year.
Harrah played in all 161 Ranger games in 1974 and was named the top shortstop in the American League by UPI and the Sporting News. On August 27, 1977 at New York he hit the first of successive pitch inside-the-park homers off Ken Clay, Bump Wills following with his home run. On August 8 of that year against Oakland, Harrah started a 5-4-3 triple play fielding Manny Sanguillen's grounder, stepping on third and firing around the horn- 1977 saw him make the switch to third full time. Toby collected his 1,000th major league hit in September 1978.
Toby had seven RBI against Minnesota on June 15, 1980 and was named AL Player of the Week June 9-15, collecting 10 hits in 21 at-bats (.476) including four doubles, a homer and eight RBI. He played in every game of the 1981 season (103) and stole home against Kansas City on August 16.
Toby began the '82 campaign on fire, hitting safely in his first 14 games and his first 24 of 25 games. He led the Indians in games (162), at-bats, runs, hits, average (304), doubles and slugging percentage (.490), becoming a .300 hitter for the first time in his career. On June 23 he collected his 1,500th career hit, a single off Jim Palmer. Harrah shared the Cleveland Baseball Writers Man of the Year Award with Andre Thornton.
Harrah is a graduate of Elgin (Ohio) High School, lettering in football, baseball, basketball and track. He attended Ohio Northern University on a football scholarship. He pitched for his Marion, Ohio Legion team in 1966 and turned in a no-hitter. Toby missed part of the '69 season due to military duty.
Toby is one of nine children- five brothers and three sisters- and his hobbies include antiques, basketball, horseback riding and motorcycles."

-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide


MATT KEOUGH
"There's no law that says you can't win Comeback Player of the Year twice in a career, is there? Who's to say that Matt Keough can't do it again? In 1979, this converted infielder lost his first 14 games, tying a major league record. Give up? Not on your life. In 1980, Keough went 16-13 and won the Comeback award with the Oakland A's.
He has had arm troubles since, but he is quick to point out one factor. 'I'm 28 years old,' he reminds us, 'but I've only been pitching for seven years. That means my arm is only seven years old- something like Tommy John.'
Keough was caught in the shuffle game of 1983, but on September 27 he threw a 7-2 masterpiece against the Boston Red Sox.
'I think,' he said after the game, 'that I can still pitch. If I get the chance, I believe I can help this team.' His curve and change are excellent, and pitching in a big ballpark like Yankee Stadium is a plus for him. This year, with the team's acquisition of veteran Phil Niekro and the plan to use John Montefusco in the starting rotation, Keough's chances of becoming yet another righty starter seem limited.
But don't try and tell Matt Keough that because he knows how to come back.
Doesn't he!"

-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook

"Keough began 1983 at Oakland where he was 2-3 with no saves at the time of his trade to the Yankees on June 19- he won his first game as a Yankee that day, beating Milwaukee 8-3. He didn't win again until July 27 in Texas when he beat the Rangers 4-3. One of his best outings of the season was his last when he beat the Red Sox 7-2 on September 27.
Matt began his career as an infielder for his first three seasons, being named a California League All-Star infielder in 1975. He converted to pitching full-time in 1977 and was called up to the major leagues with Oakland that September. In 1978 Matt was the lone A's representative at the All-Star Game but in 1979 he lost his first 14 starts, tying a major league record for most consecutive losses at the start of the season. He finally picked up a win on September 5 beating Milwaukee 5-1.
Keough turned things around by winning 16 games with a 2.92 ERA and completed 20 games to win the Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year Award. He won his first five starts of 1981, four of those complete games with two shutouts, and was named AL Pitcher of the Month for April 1981. Matt was the losing pitcher to the Yankees (4-0) in the clinching game of the 1981 ALCS.
Matt is the son of Marty Keough, former outfielder with Boston, Cleveland, Washington, Cincinnati, Atlanta and the Chicago Cubs, and a nephew of Joe Keough, former outfielder with the A's, Royals and White Sox. Matt graduated from Corona Del Mar (CA) High School where he played baseball, basketball and golf. He hit .407 as a senior and was an All-League shortstop; as a pitcher, he was 2-2 with a 0.84 ERA that year.
His high school pitching career ended when he tore a muscle in his elbow during his senior year. Matt played center field for the South team in California's North-South High School All-Star game at Candlestick Park. In basketball, he led his school to consecutive league championships. He attended UCLA as a pre-law major."

-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide


OSCAR GAMBLE
"The negotiations went down to the wire but when the smoke cleared, Oscar was still a Yankee for 1984. Was it just coincidence that as soon as he signed, the Yankees rattled off three straight spring wins? Perhaps, but it's no coincidence that in '83 the 'Big O' smacked 19 of his 47 hits for extra bases.
Although a popular figure in the Yankee clubhouse, his presence in the batter's box intimidates opposing right-handers. They see Oscar's familiar crouch and remember his short, compact, power-driven swing- perfectly suited for the short right field porch at the Stadium.
'O.G.' gives the Yankees the security and luxury of a deep bench. This veteran of 15 major league seasons hit .300 as a pinch hitter last year, and his 28 pinch-hit plate appearances led the team.
He had already played for seven major league teams, including the Yankees, and he had no desire to make it eight. His career includes stops with the Cubs, Phillies and Padres of the National League and the junior circuit's Indians, White Sox and Rangers. As much as Gamble is proud to again be wearing Pinstripes, the Yankees are happy to have him on their side."

-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook


LARRY MILBOURNE
"Milbourne began 1983 with the Phillies, seeing limited action. He was sold to the Yankees on July 17 when Randolph was injured and went 3-for-5 in his first game back with the Yankees against Texas.
In 1982, he split the season with three different American League clubs but in 1981 filled a big utility role for the Yankees. Larry played in only 20 games in the first half of that season but appeared in 41 in the second half, filling in at second and short because of injuries to Willie Randolph and Bucky Dent. He played shortstop for the final month of the season and through postseason play since Dent was out for the year with a torn ligament in his right ring finger. Milbourne hit .327 in postseason play and had the game-winning RBI in Game 2 of the World Series against the Dodgers.
Milbourne was the toughest to strike out in the AL in 1978, only six times in 234 at-bats. He holds Seattle Mariner single-season records for most pinch hits (12) and highest pinch-hit average (.400), both set in 1979. On June 15, 1978 Larry hit two home runs in the Kingdome against Cleveland, a left-handed grand slam off Mike Paxton and a right-handed solo shot off Don Hood in his first two at-bats- at the time he was only the eighth American League player to accomplish that feat."

-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide


BOB SHIRLEY
"When a man can start more than 20 games and relieve in more than 20 games in the same season, it means he has a live arm.
Bob Shirley did exactly that with the 1982 Cincinnati Reds, and the New York Yankees were quick to realize his potential value. He was penciled in to start the second game of the season in the Seattle Kingdome, but one bad pitch to Todd Cruz did him in. He spent the next few weeks on the bench, but on April 27 he blanked the KC Royals at Yankee Stadium.
'I've been around,' the stocky lefty said afterward. 'I know the problems a manager has. Any manager tries to evaluate his staff, to see who can help and who can't. I don't think that sitting the bench was punishment, or anything like that. A manager is trying to win at all costs.
'When I'm called upon to pitch, I'll do my best.'
Bob had an in-and-out year but he did go 4-1 at Yankee Stadium. He is faster than most people think he is, but he uses a sharp slider and curve as his out pitches. Given the proper offensive and defensive support, Bob can play an important part in this year's attempt to unseat the Baltimore Orioles, because he can- as mentioned- start or relieve.
He may not spell his name like a certain stomach antacid, but it is always a relief to have Bob Shirley hanging around."

-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook

"Bob recorded his first Yankee and first American League win with an 8-hit shutout at Yankee Stadium against the Royals on April 27. He had a 4-1 record at Yankee Stadium and was used as both a starter and reliever during the season.
A versatile and consistent performer, Bob has split his time between starting and relieving in the big leagues. In his rookie season with San Diego (1977), he posted career highs with 12 wins, 25 starts, 214 innings pitched and 146 strikeouts. Bob made his major league debut beating Cincinnati 12-4 with all runs against him unearned, pitching eight and two-thirds innings while allowing only four hits and striking out 11. On April 23 of '77, he retired the first 25 batters in a game at Houston in registering a 4-2 victory. In 1976, Bob split time between Hawaii and Amarillo, both teams winning championships.
Bob grew up in Cushing, Oklahoma. He had a fine collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma, was an All-American in 1975, and a teammate of George Frazier."

-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide


DR. JOHN J. BONAMO (Team Physician)
"A leader in the field of sports medicine, Dr. Bonamo enters his sixth season as the Yankees' official team physician. On year-round call, Bonamo is a clinical associate professor of orthopedic surgery at New York University Hospital in Manhattan."

-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook

"Dr. John J. Bonamo enters his sixth year as the Yankees team physician. He is an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Staten Island and NYU Hospitals and is a graduate of Boston College and New York Medical College."

-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide 


GENE MONAHAN (Trainer)
"The awesome day-to-day responsibility of minimizing injury to the 1984 Yankees will, for the 13th year, fall to Gene Monahan. He holds a B.S. in physical education from Indiana University and is a certified member of N.A.T.A."

-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook

"Gene was born in Rolla, Missouri and received a B.S. in physical education at the University of Indiana in 1969. A certified member of NATA [National Athletic Trainers Association] and a member of the NATA grants and scholarships committee, he has 22 years of service in professional baseball. Gene started in 1962 at Ft. Lauderdale and is entering his 12th year at the helm of the Yankee training duties."

-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide 


MARK LETENDRE (Assistant Trainer)
"Mark is now in his third year as the Yankees' assistant trainer. A product of the Yankees' minor league system, Mark got his chance in the 'bigs' after serving as a trainer with West Haven and Columbus. He holds a B.S. degree in physical education from the University of Maine."

-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook

"Mark was born in Manchester, New Hampshire and received a B.S. in physical education health from the University of Maine at Orono in 1978. A certified member of NATA, he started at West Haven in 1978 and was the trainer at Columbus from 1979-81. 1984 will be Mark's third season with the Yankees.
During the off-season he is the assistant trainer of the Rutgers University football team."

-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide


BOB SHEPPARD (Public Address Announcer)
"In a stadium full of tradition, few are more special than the lilting enunciations of Bob Sheppard. He has treated Yankee fans with his unmistakable 'NOW BATTING' for over 30 years, and is considered by many to be the best in his field. But it is a labor of love for Bob, who also teaches at St. John's University."

-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook


JIMMY ESPOSITO (Head Groundskeeper)
"Jimmy Esposito, with over 25 years of experience in the Bronx, and his ground crew take meticulous care of the playing field and ballpark- a science he began 38 years ago at Ebbets Field."

-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook

"Jimmy Esposito, chief of the Yankee ground crew, began his role in 1960 after 14 seasons with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers."

-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide 


JIM OGLE (Yankees Alumni Association)
"A former sportswriter for the Newark Star-Ledger, Jim had 25 years experience covering the Yankees. Retired now, he continues to be director of the Yankees Alumni Association.
Jim also writes for Yankees Magazine, edits 'Pinstripes,' a quarterly publication for past players, and organizes the annual Old Timers Day celebration."

-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook


EDDIE LAYTON (Stadium Organist)
"If 'Up, Always Up' was the name of a song, it would be Eddie's theme. Through the magic of the ivories, he inspires both crowd and team with his organ jingles. Eddie has recorded more than 25 albums and uses the winter months to psych up patrons of Madison Square Garden."

-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook


PETE SHEEHY (Clubhouse Man and Equipment Manager)
"The veteran clubhouse man of 58, that's right, 58 Bomber seasons is as much a member of the 1984 Yankees as anyone on the 25-man roster.
He began his career in 1927 and remembers all the greats. And never was more respect shown Pete than to have the Yankees clubhouse renamed 'The Pete Sheehy Clubhouse.'"

-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook

"Pete Sheehy, after whom the Yankee clubhouse is named, is now in his 58th season as equipment man and clubhouse attendant. The likeable Pete was among those specially honored at Opening Day of the 'new' Yankee Stadium."

-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide


LOU CUCUZZA (Visitors Clubhouse Manager)
"In the visitor's clubhouse, American League veterans all know Lou- and Lou knows them. He remembers certain players like things just so, and Lou, with help from his son Lou Jr., does his best to comply. 1984 is Lou's ninth year on the visitor's side, and he has enjoyed every one."

-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook

"Lou Cucuzza is in his ninth year running the visitors clubhouse at the Stadium."

-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide


DOM SCALA (Bullpen Catcher)
"A bullpen catcher has the task of knowing each pitcher and being able to judge which pitches are going to work on that particular day. Dom uses his experience from several years in the Athletics' minor league system and the All-American status he earned at St. John's University to relay this information to the Yankee coaching staff."

-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook

"Dom Scala, the Yankees' bullpen catcher, is in his seventh season in that capacity. He is a graduate of St. John's University and played in the Oakland organziation."

-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide


MARSH SAMUEL (Spring Training Coordinator)
"A major league club executive for many years, Marsh has been the Yankees' spring training coordinator since 1981. His public relations career took him to stops with the White Sox in 1946, where he was credited with developing the first press guide, the Indians from 1947-53 and the NFL's Cleveland Browns from 1961-64."

-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook


STEVE GREGORY (Umpires' Room Attendant)
"Steve enters his sixth season as the umpires' room attendant at Yankee Stadium. Steve will see to it that the umpires' uniforms are clean, that they have sufficient game balls to rub up prior to the first pitch, and to anything else an ump might need."

-The New York Yankees Official 1984 Yearbook


DOUG MELVIN (Batting Practice Pitcher)
"Doug Melvin begins his fifth season as a batting practice pitcher. Doug, who pitched in the Yankee organization for six years, also charts the Yankee defense. He is also in charge of the Yankees' baseball computer operations."

-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide


MIKE BARNETT (Video Coordinator)
"Mike Barnett is in his third year coordinating the Yankees' videotape operations."

-1984 New York Yankees Information Guide