1985 Profile: Mike Armstrong

"If the Yankees are going to make a run at the A.L. pennant in 1985, they're going to need a 'set up' man for number one reliever Dave Righetti, a middle-inning pitcher to keep the opposition at bay until late in the game when Rags can come in and shut the door for good. A prime candidate for that role is Long Island native Mike Armstrong.
Armstrong was the 'set up' man for Dan Quisenberry the year Quisenberry recorded a major league record 45 saves. The 31-year-old righty has the temperament and experience to flourish in that job. Last season, his first with the Yankees, Armstrong was 3-2 (3.48 ERA) in 36 appearances. Showing the sign of a good reliever, he also struck out 43 batters in 54 innings."

-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook

"Armstrong missed the latter part of 1984 spring training with a tender elbow and began the season on the 15-day disabled list. He was sent to Ft. Lauderdale on May 31 on a major league baseball rehabilitation program. Mike was placed on the active roster on June 16, making his Yankee debut that night against Baltimore, and notched his first Yankee win on July 16.
Mike excelled in relief from July 23 to August 18, appearing in 12 games, in 19 innings, allowing one run, and recording two victories and his only save (August 18 against Oakland). Used primarily in middle inning relief, he equalled a career long win streak of three games, July 16-August 3.
He began his career with the Reds organization as a 1st round selection in January 1974. He was traded to the Padres in 1979 and to the Royals in 1982. Armstrong made his major league debut with the Padres against Cincinnati on August 12, 1980, pitching one inning and allowing a walk. He made his AL debut on May 19, 1982 against the Yankees, allowing only two hits over three scoreless innings; he posted his first major league win on May 23 against Texas and his first major league save on June 29 against Oakland.
Mike had his first full major league season in 1983 and finished 32 of the 58 games he appeared in. He was the number two man in the Kansas City bullpen, often working in advance of Dan Quisenberry, who set a major league record with 45 saves (tied in 1984 by Bruce Sutter).
A native of Long Island, Mike played his college ball at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida."

-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide