"Cowley started the 1984 season at Columbus (AAA) but finished it as the best pitcher on the Yankee staff in the second half. He won eight decisions in a row including six at Yankee Stadium. Joe pitched a complete game against Cleveland in August and struck out a season high 13 batters against California in August, his only other complete game for the Yanks.
Signed by the Yankees prior the 1984 season as a minor league free agent, Cowley spent eight years in the Atlanta organization, getting the chance to pitch in just 17 games in the majors in 1982. He was signed by the Braves as an undrafted player in 1976 and had only two losing records at the minor league level. Atlanta pitching coach Johnny Sain credits this free spirit's improvement to maturity.
Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Cowley is a hard thrower who may turn into quite a find for the Yankees or, in the words of Phil Rizzuto, 'Holy Cow-ley.'"
-Tracy Ringolsby, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1985 Edition
"Joe Cowley, considered footloose and fancy free by those around him, indeed may love a good time but he also knows when to go to work. He proved that last year with a 9-2 record after spending the first half of the season at Columbus (Triple-A).
The Yankees decision to sign Cowley (in November 1983 after he spent eight years in the Braves' farm system) turned out to be a wise one. The 26-year-old right-hander can start or relieve, making him a fine bullpen complement to lefty Dave Righetti.
In 1985, Cowley simply wants to continue what he started last year. 'You can't stand around admiring what you've done when there is so much more to do,' Joe says. 'There are records to set, All-Star games to play in and World Series rings to get.'
Now that's a party Cowley would really enjoy."
-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook
"Cowley began the 1984 season at Columbus and was second in complete games (6) and strikeouts (96) while tying for second in wins (10) and shutouts (2). He had his contract purchased on July 10 when Jose Rijo was promoted. He made an inauspicious AL debut on July 16 at Texas, allowing four runs in five innings pitched while gaining a no-decision.
He was sent to the bullpen, working well in four outings, allowing one run in seven and a third innings pitched and gaining his first Yankee win on July 22 against Minnesota. Having earned his way into the rotation, Joe went on to win eight consecutive decisions in nine starts- the longest Yankee winning streak of '84- August 3 though September 19, allowing 23 earned runs in 67.1 innings pitched for a 3.17 ERA.
That streak began with his first major league shutout (and complete game) against Cleveland, a 3-hitter which was the team's low-hit game of the season. Joe struck out 13 Angels (tying the team season high), including Reggie Jackson three times, on August 20 in his second career complete game, winning 8-4. He combined with Righetti for a 2-0 shutout of Toronto on September 3. Joe allowed three home runs on September 19 against Baltimore, but finished '84 with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.29:1.
Joe was originally signed at a Major League Scouting Bureau tryout camp on July 22, 1976 at the age of 17 by Paul Snyder. He spent a total of eight years in the Braves' minor league system, accumulating a record of 54-39 with a 4.32 ERA.
He started 1981 at Savannah, going 6-0 and earning a move up to Richmond. Joe began the 1982 season with the parent Braves and made his first major league appearance in a start at Cincinnati on April 13, allowing one run in three innings pitched. He pulled a muscle behind his right shoulder blade on May 9 and was put on the DL for five weeks. Sent to Richmond due to the injury, he was recalled on July 6, taking over the role of middle reliever. Joe earned his first major league win on July 20 at St. Louis but was again optioned to Richmond where he finished the season. In 1983, he both started and relieved at Richmond and led the International League in shutouts (4).
Joe lettered in baseball, basketball and football at Lafayette High School in Lexington (KY), graduating in 1976, and played first base when not pitching. He played Valley Little League, South Lexington Babe Ruth and Metro Connie Mack baseball. Joe's an avid fan of University of Kentucky football and basketball."
-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide
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