1985 Profile: Vic Mata

"Outfielder Vic Mata is another example of the many fine young players emerging from the Yankees' farm system. After being promoted to the big club from Columbus (Triple-A) in late July of last year, Mata hit an unexpected .329 (23-for-70) and played sound defense. In fact, Mata was 2-for-4 in his Yankees debut against the Twins and he hit his first major league homer two weeks later against the Indians.
Since he signed in 1978, Mata has steadily progressed through the Yankees' farm system. In his last two full years in the minors, he hit .303 and .314.
Having shown he can play major league ball, Mata is making a case for manager Yogi Berra to use him as a backup for left fielder Ken Griffey. Being 23, the native of the Dominican Republic can bide his time until an everyday job opens in New York."

-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook

"Mata came up to the big club last year on July 19 when his contract was purchased from Columbus. He made his major league debut on July 22 against Minnesota, going 2-for-4; his first big league hit was a single off Frank Viola. Vic hit his first Yankee home run on August 5 off the Indians' Neal Heaton- the homer was also the game winning RBI in the Yankees' 4-0 victory.
In the four games in which he batted from August 14 to August 24, Vic went 10-for-14 including a 3-for-3 night against Oakland. He had 20 hits in his first 50 at-bats (.400 BA). The regular center fielder at Columbus before his promotion, he had already equalled his minor league career high of 10 home runs.
Now entering his eighth season in the Yankees organization, Vic has progressed at each minor league level. Strictly an outfielder in his first three pro seasons, he played first, second and third base in addition to his outfield chores the following three years (playing 56 games at 2B in 1983, 74 as an outfielder). Vic was named to the 1982 South Atlantic League All-Star team as an outfielder. He was signed by scout Willie Calvino for the 1978 season.
What Vic remembers most about his first major league game is his first error (on the first ball hit to him) and his first hit. One of eight children, he graduated in 1977 from San Pablo High School in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic."

-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide