1985 Profile: Ron Hassey

"Veteran catcher Ron Hassey may be one of the new Yankee faces in 1985, but he shouldn't be a stranger to Yankees fans. Hassey played for the Indians for over six years before being traded to the Cubs in mid-season last year.
Ron wasn't in the Windy City long, but while there he batted .333 in 19 games. His role with the Yankees will be to spell starter Butch Wynegar when needed and to provide Yogi Berra with a dependable left-handed pinch hitter. Hassey excels as a pinch hitter, having batted .327 (18-for-55) with 16 RBI in his career. And Hassey's broad knowledge of A.L. batters will be a big plus for the Yankees pitching staff.
As you can see, whether Ron Hassey is standing in the batter's box or instructing a young pitcher on how to pitch to a home run king, things will be that much easier for the Yankees in 1985."

-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook


"Hassey began the 1984 season with Cleveland, but was part of the June 13 deal that sent Rick Sutcliffe to the Cubs. He twisted his left knee on July 4 and was disabled the next day, requiring arthroscopic surgery. Ron wasn't reactivated until September 1 and was ineligible for postseason play. He played in 12 games in September, mainly as a pinch hitter.
Ron had the highest batting average among all major league catchers in 1980, hitting .318, and was behind the plate on May 15, 1981 against Toronto when Len Barker hurled his perfect game. He excels as a pinch hitter, batting .327 (18-for-55) with 16 RBI. On May 12, 1978 he hit his first major league home run off the Angels' Nolan Ryan.
Hassey was a graduate of Tucson (AZ) High in 1972 where he lettered in baseball and basketball and played on the Arizona state champion club in '72. He has a degree in public administration from the University of Arizona where he was an All-American on the 1976 NCAA baseball champions and earned All-American honors at both third base and catcher. Ron also played on the 1974 and 1975 USA teams and in the '76 Pan Am Games. His father, Bill, was an outfielder in the Yankees organization, 1949-52."

-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide