"Enjoyed a successful comeback season after altering his pitching style to include more off-speed pitches. Guidry still has a good fastball at times, but it's not the consistently hard one that helped him to a unanimous selection as the AL Cy Young winner in 1978, when he was 25-3.
Guidry had the first losing season of his career in 1984, but rebounded with a 22-6 record last season. He led the AL in wins and winning percentage (.786), was fifth in innings pitched (259) and seventh in ERA (3.27) and reeled off 12 straight victories between May 4 and July 31.
He was 10-0 with a 2.42 ERA during the day and 12-6 with a 3.63 ERA at night. He went 13-2 with a 2.82 ERA at home and 12-6 with a 3.77 ERA on the road. Guidry flourished under Billy Martin, just as he has done his entire career; he has gone 84-25 under Martin and 70-43 under other Yankee managers.
Guidry became the first Yankee to win 20 games three times since Mel Stottlemyre in 1965, '68 and '69. Recognized as an outstanding athlete, he has won two Gold Gloves and plays a mean center field during batting practice.
'Louisiana Lightning' was born in Lafayette, La. and was the Yankees' third round pick in the June 1971 draft. He has a 5-2 record in postseason play and an extraordinary 154-68 career mark."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
"Never say never. That was the message sent out by Ron Guidry in 1985, as he left no doubt that he is still the ace of the Yankees' pitching staff. After an injury-plagued 1984 season left Guidry with his first sub-.500 major league season and left reporters asking if he was finished, Gator answered all questions by posting the second winningest season of his career.
'That's why the pitching staff centers around me every year, because I've always done my job,' the left-hander asserted. 'Louisiana Lightning' did his job in 1985, with his 22-6 record topping all A.L. pitchers and earning him the runner-up vote in the Cy Young balloting.
'Whenever we needed a big win,' said pitching coach Jeff Torborg, 'Guidry was the one we counted on.' They say Guidry will never win 25 games again, as he did in 1978. His 1985 season proves that you should never say never. Lightning does strike twice in the same place!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"In 1985 Guidry answered questions raised by his 10-11 season of '84 and re-established himself as the staff ace. He began the season with a 6-3 win at Cleveland on April 13, the first of '85 for the Yankees who had dropped a three-game series at Boston. Guidry lost his next three starts, but on May 4 against Kansas City pitched a complete game 5-2 win, starting him on a 12-game win streak that upped his record to 13-3 on July 20; over the win streak he pitched 123.2 innings with 94 hits, 16 walks, 58 strikeouts and a 2.18 ERA. The streak ended with a 6-5 loss at Cleveland on July 31. Ron would have been selected to the All-Star team but declined because he would have been unavailable to pitch in a game.
Ron won his 20th game on September 22 at Baltimore, the first in the AL in '85 [to reach 20], and became only the seventh Yankee to win 20 games three times. He won nine of his last 11 decisions and six of his last seven, including the last three straight. Guidry struck out a season high 10 on October 3 against Milwaukee- he struck out 100+ batters for the ninth straight year.
He made one relief appearance on May 17 at California, retiring Reggie Jackson, and was part of a combo shutout with Phil Niekro and Don Cooper. Ron pitched three 4-hitters: May 4 against Kansas City, June 22 at Detroit and July 14 against Texas.
On June 17 at Baltimore, Ron pitched his 25th career shutout, and in his next appearance on June 22 at Detroit threw another shutout. He pitched his 2,000th career inning on September 17 at Detroit and notched his 1,500th career strikeout on September 28 against Baltimore (Lee Lacy). On the Yankees all-time lists, Guidry moved into 12th with 304 games; eighth with 2,027 innings pitched; eighth with 154 wins; third with a .694 won-lost percentage; third with 1,510 strikeouts; tied for sixth with 26 shutouts; 18th with 88 games and 15th with a 3.17 ERA.
His best 1984 performance came on August 7 when he blanked the White Sox 7-0 on four hits, striking out a season high 13 (also the team high, later tied by Joe Cowley). This was was career win #132 for Gator, moving him up to eighth on the all-time Yankee list, and career shutout #24, which tied for seventh on the Yankee list. He ended this game of personal milestones by striking out the side on nine pitches, tying a major league record. Ron was placed on the disabled list for the first time in his career in '84, with an inflamed rib cartilage, and activated on September 3. He made his first relief appearance since July 1982 on September 17 against Baltimore.
1977 was his first full year with the Yankees; he was used in relief in six of his first seven appearances, then ended the year with 24 straight starts. Guidry had a dream season for any pitcher in 1978. He won the Cy Young Award, finished second in the MVP voting to Jim Rice and set numerous records. He set the Yankee record for most consecutive wins to start a season, winning his first 13 and breaking the record of Atley Donald, the scout who signed Guidry. His nine shutouts tied Babe Ruth's AL record for most by a lefty, set in 1916. The Yankees won 30 of the 35 games he started, scoring only seven runs in the five losses, and opposing hitters batted only .193.
Ron struck out 10 or more in a game eight times, including a club record 18 against California on June 17, breaking Bob Shawkey's record of 15 set in 1919. His 248 strikeouts for the season is a club record and his 1.74 ERA was the lowest by a major league lefty since Sandy Koufax's 1.73 in 1966. 15 of his 25 wins followed a Yankee loss.
He was the unanimous choice for the Cy Young Award (the only other unanimous winner was Denny McLain in 1968). He was also named Sporting News Man of the Year, Sporting News Player of the Year, Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year and Baseball Quarterly Performer of the Year. He was named to the United Press International, Associated Press and Sporting News and All-Star teams.
In 1979, Ron won his second straight ERA championship and was named to the UPI All-Star team. He played an inning in center field against Toronto on September 29 of that year. He reached his 100th career decision in 1980 (72-28), matching Sal Maglie, Vic Raschi, Spud Chandler and Ed Reulbach behind Whitey Ford's 74-26 for the second best record ever through a pitcher's first 100 career decisions. In 1981, Ron was AL Pitcher of the Month of August (4-0 and an 0.37 ERA); he broke the little finger on his right hand on a come-backer on August 23, but played with a splint, not missing any starts. He jumped off to a fast start in 1982, posting an 8-1 record by June 14, and notched his 100th major league win on August 31 at Minnesota.
In 1983, Guidry led the AL with 21 complete games (most of his career), was third with 21 wins, tied for fourth with three shutouts, tied for fifth with a .700 won-lost percentage, sixth with 156 strikeouts, seventh with 250.1 innings pitched and 12th with a 3.42 ERA. He was named to his fourth AL All-Star team, but did not play due to a lower back strain, yet won six straight starts from August 19 to September 14. Guidry won his second consecutive Gold Glove award for AL pitchers with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage and was also named to the 1983 Sporting News All-Star team. He played center field for a third of an inning on August 18 during the conclusion of the 'Pine Tar' game.
Guidry was named Outstanding Track Man for two years at Northside High where they had no baseball team. He hurled a no-hitter and was named to the Gulf States All-Stars at Southwestern Louisiana where he majored in architecture.
Ron was named the 1984 Roberto Clemente Award winner as the player who 'best exemplifies the game of baseball both on and off the field.' He points to his service to humanity as being the best work of his life.
Ron enjoys hunting, chess, and is quite proficient at playing the drums. His biggest thrill was his 18-strikeout game. He grew up as a Yankee and Whitey Ford fan."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Monday, October 26, 2015
1986 Profile: Willie Randolph
"The smooth second baseman enjoyed another consistent season, hitting .276. He finished sixth in the AL in on-base percentage and tied for seventh in walks. Willie hit five homers and drove in 40 runs, his best output in the production departments since 1980- he hit two of those homers in one game, against Oakland on September 5. He committed 11 errors, but none after July 30. He missed 13 games in September with a pulled hamstring.
One of the classiest acts in baseball, on the field and in the clubhouse, Willie was born in Holly Hill, South Carolina but grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He has a .158 average in 57 at-bats during three World Series [but with three homers and a .404 slugging percentage]. His brother Terry was drafted by the Green Bay Packers and played for the Jets."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
"Over the last ten years the Yankees have undergone a lot of changes, both in players and managers, but the one constant over the past decade in Yankees history has been Willie Randolph. Always a steady performer, Randolph has avoided controversy and free agent disputes in favor of focusing on his job on the field.
'I've become a little more vocal over the years,' Randolph admitted, 'but I try to do most of my talking on the field.' Willie's performance speaks for itself, both at the plate and in the field. 'He has been very, very steady,' added manager Lou Piniella. 'He has glued the infield and has done well offensively.'
He is the only everyday player left from the last Yankees World Championship club of 1978 and is ready to pace the team to the title again in 1986."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Willie had another consistent year in 1985. Among AL second basemen he was second with 739 total chances and 104 double plays and third with 425 assists. His 40 RBIs were his most since driving in 46 in 1980 and he had his most games played, game winning RBIs and stolen bases since 1982. Willie's five home runs were his most since smacking seven in 1980. His .382 on-base percentage was sixth in the AL, 14th in the majors, and his 85 walks tied for seventh in the AL, 13th in the majors. Willie also received the Good Guy Award from the New York Press Photographers Association.
He had his 5,000th career at-bat on September 29 against Baltimore, hit his 200th career double on October 3 off Milwaukee's Tim Leary and broke into the Yankee all-time lists in a big way: he's now 15th in runs scored with 812; 18th on the hit list with 1,365; 18th with 4,958 at-bats; 19th with 1,323 games played; and tied with Roger Peckinpaugh for 20th with 53 triples.
Randolph had a 10-game hitting streak, June 30-July 11, had three doubles in the first game of a July 30 doubleheader at Cleveland, scored four runs on July 27 at Texas and had his first career two-homer game on September 5 against Oakland, going 4-for-4. He had 36 multiple-hit games.
Willie has been on four All-Star teams in his nine full seasons. He was leading the International league in hitting when he was called up in 1975 to the Pirates. He was named the James P. Dawson Award winner as the top rookie in the 1976 Yankee camp and was on the All-Star ballot as a rookie. Randolph was named to the Topps All-Rookie team in 1976, though he was hampered by a right shoulder injury and an injury to the outside of the right knee that required minor surgery. In 1977, he was named to the AP, UPI and Sporting News All-Star teams.
He had a five-RBI game against Boston on September 7, 1978 and despite a bruised left knee and a pulled left hamstring, still made the AP and UPI All-Star teams. The hamstring kept him out of postseason play. In 1979, his 13 triples were third in the AL and the most by a Yankee since Henrich's 14 in 1948. He committed only 13 errors and his .985 percentage was just .003 behind league leader Duane Kuiper.
In 1980, as the Yankee leadoff hitter, Willie had his best season ever. He led the AL in walks with 119, the most by a Yankee since Mantle's 122 in 1962. He had a 13-game hitting streak in May, at that time the longest of his career, and was named to the UPI and Sporting News All-Star teams and won the Sporting News Silver Bat award for AL second basemen.
Willie's homer in Game 3 of the 1981 ALCS was the game winner to win the AL pennant and in 1982 he led the Yankees in games played (144), at-bats (553), runs scored (85), hits (155) and walks (75). In 1984, he flirted with a .300 average all season before finishing at .287, the second highest of his career, and stole the 200th base of his Yankee career on July 16 at Texas- Willie now ranks third on the all-time Yankee stolen base list.
Although born in South Carolina, Willie's family moved to the Brownsville section of Brooklyn when he was an infant. He played stickball in the streets and fields of Canarsie and baseball at Tilden High School. His brother Terry was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1977 and also played for the Jets."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
One of the classiest acts in baseball, on the field and in the clubhouse, Willie was born in Holly Hill, South Carolina but grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He has a .158 average in 57 at-bats during three World Series [but with three homers and a .404 slugging percentage]. His brother Terry was drafted by the Green Bay Packers and played for the Jets."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
"Over the last ten years the Yankees have undergone a lot of changes, both in players and managers, but the one constant over the past decade in Yankees history has been Willie Randolph. Always a steady performer, Randolph has avoided controversy and free agent disputes in favor of focusing on his job on the field.
'I've become a little more vocal over the years,' Randolph admitted, 'but I try to do most of my talking on the field.' Willie's performance speaks for itself, both at the plate and in the field. 'He has been very, very steady,' added manager Lou Piniella. 'He has glued the infield and has done well offensively.'
He is the only everyday player left from the last Yankees World Championship club of 1978 and is ready to pace the team to the title again in 1986."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Willie had another consistent year in 1985. Among AL second basemen he was second with 739 total chances and 104 double plays and third with 425 assists. His 40 RBIs were his most since driving in 46 in 1980 and he had his most games played, game winning RBIs and stolen bases since 1982. Willie's five home runs were his most since smacking seven in 1980. His .382 on-base percentage was sixth in the AL, 14th in the majors, and his 85 walks tied for seventh in the AL, 13th in the majors. Willie also received the Good Guy Award from the New York Press Photographers Association.
He had his 5,000th career at-bat on September 29 against Baltimore, hit his 200th career double on October 3 off Milwaukee's Tim Leary and broke into the Yankee all-time lists in a big way: he's now 15th in runs scored with 812; 18th on the hit list with 1,365; 18th with 4,958 at-bats; 19th with 1,323 games played; and tied with Roger Peckinpaugh for 20th with 53 triples.
Randolph had a 10-game hitting streak, June 30-July 11, had three doubles in the first game of a July 30 doubleheader at Cleveland, scored four runs on July 27 at Texas and had his first career two-homer game on September 5 against Oakland, going 4-for-4. He had 36 multiple-hit games.
Willie has been on four All-Star teams in his nine full seasons. He was leading the International league in hitting when he was called up in 1975 to the Pirates. He was named the James P. Dawson Award winner as the top rookie in the 1976 Yankee camp and was on the All-Star ballot as a rookie. Randolph was named to the Topps All-Rookie team in 1976, though he was hampered by a right shoulder injury and an injury to the outside of the right knee that required minor surgery. In 1977, he was named to the AP, UPI and Sporting News All-Star teams.
He had a five-RBI game against Boston on September 7, 1978 and despite a bruised left knee and a pulled left hamstring, still made the AP and UPI All-Star teams. The hamstring kept him out of postseason play. In 1979, his 13 triples were third in the AL and the most by a Yankee since Henrich's 14 in 1948. He committed only 13 errors and his .985 percentage was just .003 behind league leader Duane Kuiper.
In 1980, as the Yankee leadoff hitter, Willie had his best season ever. He led the AL in walks with 119, the most by a Yankee since Mantle's 122 in 1962. He had a 13-game hitting streak in May, at that time the longest of his career, and was named to the UPI and Sporting News All-Star teams and won the Sporting News Silver Bat award for AL second basemen.
Willie's homer in Game 3 of the 1981 ALCS was the game winner to win the AL pennant and in 1982 he led the Yankees in games played (144), at-bats (553), runs scored (85), hits (155) and walks (75). In 1984, he flirted with a .300 average all season before finishing at .287, the second highest of his career, and stole the 200th base of his Yankee career on July 16 at Texas- Willie now ranks third on the all-time Yankee stolen base list.
Although born in South Carolina, Willie's family moved to the Brownsville section of Brooklyn when he was an infant. He played stickball in the streets and fields of Canarsie and baseball at Tilden High School. His brother Terry was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1977 and also played for the Jets."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Saturday, October 24, 2015
1986 New York Yankees Manager and Coaches Profiles
LOU PINIELLA (Manager)
"Although he has no managerial experience, he took over the hottest seat in baseball when he replaced Billy Martin following a 97-64 finish last season. George Steinbrenner insisted that general manager Clyde King and vice-president Woody Woodward made the decision to hire this guy without consulting the Boss.
Piniella retired as a player on June 17, 1984. He hit .291 in 1,747 career games. Signed by Cleveland in 1962, he was drafted by the Senators later that year. Traded to Baltimore in 1964 and then to Cleveland in 1966, Lou was selected by the expansionist Seattle Pilots in 1968 and traded by the Pilots to the Royals in 1969. Finally, in his first full major league season, he won the AL Rookie of the Year award for KC in 1969.
An outfielder, Piniella was traded to the Yankees with Ken Wright for Lindy McDaniel prior to the 1974 season. He spent his last 11 years with New York and hit .295. 'Sweet Lou' won the hearts of Yankee fans with his animated play. He batted .305 in five ALCS and .319 in four World Series. Lou won Steinbrenner's admiration as a player, but can he keep it as Yankee manager?"
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
"Lou Piniella will be managing a major league club for the first time when he takes the top spot with the Yankees in 1986, but while the job is new for Sweet Lou, he is very familiar with the organization. After showing his talents and establishing himself as an organizational man for twelve seasons as a player and a coach with the Yankees, the popular Piniella is ready to accept the challenge of managing. 'This is one of the premiere jobs in sports in the premiere city in the country,' Piniella said.
During his playing days with the Yankees, Piniella proved himself to be a clutch player. His .295 average with the Yankees puts him in the top ten on their all-time list. In 1977 he hit safely in five ALCS games. Then in 1978 he hit in six consecutive World Series games. He extended his personal Fall Classic streak to nine straight by collecting hits in the first three games in 1981.
'He has been through all the pressure situations of pennant races, playoffs and World Series,' said Yankees General Manager Clyde King. 'Compound all these attributes with the fact that he is a very talented teacher, and we feel he is going to make quite a positive transition.' Piniella displayed this teaching ability when he accepted the role as batting instructor while [still] playing for the Yankees in 1981. He is now ready to take the final step, and the job as team manager.
'I've always wanted to manage, and I've always said so,' Piniella agreed. 'I know it's a tremendous challenge that will take hard work, but it's something I wanted and it's up to me to make the most of this opportunity.'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Lou was named as the Yankees manager on October 17, 1985. He retired officially on June 17, 1984 and was named a Yankee coach. He was honored with Lou Piniella Day on August 5.
A consistent player, recognized as one of baseball's most professional hitters, Piniella was always extremely tough for the Yankees in the clutch. His .295 lifetime batting average with the Yankees ranks him in the Yankee all-time top 10.
He was originally signed by Cleveland scout and former Yankee Spud Chandler. He missed most of 1975 with an inner ear problem that required mid-season surgery. Lou returned to regular duty in 1976 and was runner-up to teammate Dock Ellis for Comeback Player of the Year.
Lou was always an excellent postseason performer. In 1977 he hit safely in all five ALCS games and in 1978 hit safely in all six World Series games. Lou hit safely in the first three games of the 1981 World Series to extend his personal World Series hitting streak to nine games; he led all Yankee hitters with a .438 average in the '81 World Series.
In 1981 he led all American League designated hitters (50 or more games as a DH) in batting average (.344) and was second in the league as a pinch hitter (25 or more at-bats) with a .360 average. On August 24 [of '81] Lou was asked to help the Yankee coaching staff as a batting instructor, working with his teammates on the fine art of hitting.
Lou was always one of the Yankees' most exciting players and fans welcomed each of his at-bats with chants of 'Lou, Lou.' He's a native of the Tampa, Florida area and is of Spanish ancestry. He enjoys the stock market and operates two restaurants in the New York metropolitan area."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
LOU PINIELLA IS A ROOKIE AGAIN
"'I woke up this morning and wondered if everything is a dream. It hasn't sunk in yet,' said Lou Piniella the morning after he was appointed the Yankees manager for 1986. That was last October 29. By March it had all sunk in. 'It's time to stop talking and start playing,' he said at spring camp. 'We've got a job to do and that's to win a pennant.'
This is Lou Piniella, a man whose skills and winning attitude need no introduction. He is taking on his first job as a major league manager, yet he is as well known and respected as any manager in the game.
This respect was earned during a brilliant 16-year playing career, 11 of those with the Yankees. As a player he was a fiery competitor, best known for his precise style of hitting. He turned the act of batting a thrown ball into a science, and established himself as one of the game's premier clutch hitters. In 1981 he led all DHs with a .344 average, and was second in the league as a pinch hitter with a .360 average. He hit safely in all five games of the 1977 ALCS. Then in 1978 he hit safely in all six games of the World Series, and continued his personal streak in the Fall Classic by collecting hits in the first three games of the 1981 Series.
'He has been through all the pressure situations of pennant races, playoffs and World Series,' said Yankee General Manager Clyde King. 'Compound all these attributes with the fact that he is a very talented teacher, and we feel he is going to make quite a positive transition to manager.'
The transition process was started in 1981, when Piniella was asked to help some of his teammates with the mechanics of hitting. Soon he became the regular batting instructor, and served as a player/coach until his retirement in 1984.
Fans, disappointed by the premature retirement of the very popular Piniella on June 17, 1984, turned out to honor the slugger on August 5, Lou Piniella Day. Business continued as usual the next day for Piniella, as he concentrated on coaching full time. Piniella patiently waited in the wings as he was highly touted as the Yankees' next manager.
'I didn't like those types of situations,' Piniella said. 'I talked to George (Steinbrenner) and told him I was uncomfortable with what transpired. I said, 'Look, the only time I want to see my name as manager of this ballclub is when I actually get the opportunity to manage this club.''
Ironically, the Yankee owner stayed clear of the manager selection process for 1986. He passed the duty of choosing the new manager to King and Woody Woodward, Vice-President of Baseball Operations. And while much was made about Piniella's lack of managerial experience, King felt he was the right man for the job. 'Lou feels as strongly as we do about such things as discipline, dedication and sacrifice- things that are essential to winning on the field,' said King.
Their belief in Piniella was so strong, despite his never having managed before, he was still the Yankees' choice.
'We did not interview anyone else,' King added. 'We didn't really compile a list because Lou was our choice.'
The choice was made, and Piniella accepted the challenge of the new position. 'I've wanted to manage and I've said that before,' Piniella said. 'I know it's a tremendous challenge that will take hard work, but it's something I wanted and it's up to me to make the most of this opportunity.' Piniella expressed his joy at the new job by adding, 'This is one of the premier jobs in sports in the premier city in the county.'
One element that makes the job such an attractive one is the challenge involved, knowing that the Yankees have employed 14 managers in the past 14 years. This doesn't seem to bother number 14, though he's signed to only a one-year contract.
'We talked about the possibility of a two-year contract,' Piniella said. 'I played a long time with one-year contracts and had to prove myself, and I did that as a player. If I do a good job, I don't think I'll have to worry about anything.'
Piniella has been with the organization for a long time. He was a popular player, and much has been made of his positive relationship with Steinbrenner. But Lou isn't taking anything for granted. He will work hard, and use what he has learned in his years on the bench as a player and a coach to enhance his managing career. 'I'm going into this with open eyes. I've been here 11 or 12 years and have seen the different changes at the manager position,' he said. 'I'm certainly no fool. I realize if, for whatever reason, you don't do a good job, you get replaced. But with any team that happens. I plan on doing a good job and staying around for a while.'
Piniella doesn't think about losing, but when did he? Always a fierce competitor, he was known for his outbursts on the field. His skill and determination won him the praise of Yankee fans, who cheered him with chants of 'Lou, Lou, Lou!' As a player he fought hard, and took a great deal of pride in playing for the Yankees. As a manager he will accept nothing less from his players. 'The Pinstripes are special, and players who play for this team must have pride in that.'
In making the transition to manager, Piniella will maintain the winning attitude that made him successful as a player. He will bring the intensity he displayed on the field into the manager's office. As a manager he will be hard but fair. He will combine the positive elements of two former Yankee greats who have held the job before him- Yogi Berra and Billy Martin. While Lou will instill Martin's fiery desire for victory in his players, he will also use Berra's quiet charm. 'I'll come out to argue with the umpires when I feel they do something wrong, but off the field I'm a quiet man who likes people and treats them well,' he explained.
Piniella is a man who has always treated Yankee fans very well. As a player, his .295 career Yankee average places him in the top ten on the all-time Yankee list, and his clutch hitting played an important role in the Yankees' back-to-back world titles in 1977-78 and A.L. pennant in 1981. As a coach, he has been invaluable as a teacher of hitting- for both youngsters and veterans- and has been credited with the quick development of many young Yankee hitters. As a manager? While the jury is still out, Piniella has already issued his verdict: 'Our goal is to win the championship!'
Strong words by a man who will be managing a major league team for the first time ever. 'I know what I'm getting into,' he admits. 'I have a good feeling about managing the Yankees. No team can win in the Eastern Division without the horses to get the job done, no matter who calls the shots. This year's club has the personnel to win it all, and as a manager, I think my players are going to respect me.'
Players, fans, and everyone associated with the game of baseball have learned to respect Lou Piniella. It was 17 years ago, 1969, when Piniella entered the ranks of major league baseball as a rookie with the Kansas City Royals. He wasted no time in establishing himself, capturing the honor of 1969 A.L. Rookie of the Year. He has been proving himself to be a winner ever since, and looks to keep the trend going in his first season as the field general of the Yankees. 'In my first year as a player I won the Rookie of the Year award, so being a rookie manager should not hinder the chances of this club.'
That it shouldn't. He knows the players, he knows this organization, and he knows how to win. That's why he was hired to manage the 1986 Yankees, experienced or not. As Piniella put it, 'If it were just numbers and math, then a computer could manage the Yankees. Managing is all I feel.'
If that holds true, then everyone close to the Yankees must be feeling pretty good about this team's chances with Lou Piniella at the helm. History has already proven that when Piniella is involved, it can mean only good things for the Yankees.
'We're going to have fun this season,' says Sweet Lou. 'All the way from spring training to October.' All the way to the top with the people's choice, Lou Piniella."
-Charles J. Alfaro, New York Yankees 1986 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
MEET THE COACHES
"The Yankees manager in 1986, Lou Piniella, certainly has a lot of baseball knowledge, but what he lacks is managerial experience. Should the capable Piniella have any trouble in his first job as a major league manager, he will have a wealth of experience to rely on in his 1986 coaching staff.
Piniella's staff boasts a wide array of baseball experience. All six of the coaches have previous major league coaching experience. Three of them have managed a major league team, one other has managed in the minors, and two have worked in the Yankees front office.
Not only do the coaches know baseball, they are all familiar with the Yankee organization. Returning to the staff from last year are veterans Gene Michael, who has been with the team since 1977,and Jeff Torborg, who has been here since 1979. Carl 'Stump' Merrill, who has been with the organization since 1977, will be back again, having been with the big club for a brief stint early last season.
The other coaches this year are by no means new to the Yankees. Joe Altobelli will be returning to the team he was with from 1980-82, the last two years as a major league coach. Roy White will rejoin the staff after having been a coach in 1983 and the early part of '84. Sammy Ellis has been with the organization since 1978, and has seen much action with the Yankees at the major league level.
Serving Piniella as the all-important bench coach will be Altobelli, whose credentials include 34 years of major league experience. Joe has the distinction of being named Manager of the Year in both leagues, once by the AP in 1978 during three years (1977-79) with the San Francisco Giants, and by UPI in 1983 after leading the Baltimore Orioles to the World Championship in only his first year as their manager. He also was named the International League's top manager three times, the last in 1980 with the Yanks' Triple-A Columbus Clippers.
White will be donning the Pinstripes again, leaving his post as Assistant General Manager. He will have the tough task of replacing Piniella as team batting instructor. With a .271 career average during his 15 years with the Yankees, the switch-hitting White seems a logical choice for the job. The former left fielder spent three years playing in Japan before coming home to the team he thrived with for so many years. White will also coach at first base.
Michael will once again be handling the chores as third base coach. The versatile Michael has served the Yankees as a player for seven years, a general manager, a manager and a coach. The Stick has truly been an organizational man, and his many experiences will be invaluable to Piniella.
Back as bullpen/pitching coach will be Torborg, who has been an excellent teacher to Yankee pitchers and catchers. Torborg speaks from experience, having been a catcher with the World Champion Dodgers in 1965 and their pennant winners in 1966. He also caught three no-hitters, and caught for two pitchers who would set single-season strikeout records. Combine this with his coaching and managerial experience (he managed the Cleveland Indians from 1977-79) and it's no wonder he'll be back for his eighth year in Pinstripes.
Helping Torborg with the pitchers will be Ellis, who has been Mr. Everything as an organizational pitching coach. For the past several seasons, the Yankees have made the most of Ellis' talents. As a floating instructor, he has worked with Yankee pitchers on all levels of the organization, and now brings his expertise back to the big club.
Rounding out the staff is Merrill, who will be Piniella's administrative coach. Before games he will work as a field coach, and then will adjourn to a bird's eye view from the press box. From that spot he will serve the manager as a scout, helping to direct play from a different level. Stump demonstrated his ability to set strategy as a manager in the Yankees' farm system, where he accumulated a .600 winning percentage in eight seasons.
These six coaches have become familiar with the organization. Through the years, they have had first hand involvement in the development of present Yankee players. Now these young players have become team leaders, and six familiar faces will again be guiding them."
-Charles J. Alfaro, New York Yankees 1986 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
STUMP MERRILL (Coach)
"Carl 'Stump' Merrill is re-joining the Yankees as administrative coach in 1986, and seems to be the perfect man for the job. His duties will include field coaching before games, but during games he will serve manager Lou Piniella as a voice from above, helping to coordinate plays from the press box. Merrill's wealth of experience will be a great help to the first-year manager.
From 1978-84, as a manager in the Yankees' farm system, his teams finished first five years and second twice, and though his team finished fourth in 1985 they rallied to the runner-up spot in the playoffs. As a minor league manager he has racked up a .600 winning percentage. His keen eye and knowledge of the game will serve as a big plus for the Yankees in '86."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Stump began the 1985 season as Yankee first base coach. He switched positions with Doug Holmquist, going to Columbus on May 7 when Billy Martin returned as manager.
After spending his entire six-year playing career as a catcher in the Phillies farm system, Stump joined the Yankees organization in 1977 as pitching coach at West Haven. Prior to the beginning of his professional coaching and managing career, he spent time at his college alma mater (University of Maine, Orono) as assistant baseball coach under the late Jack Butterfield.
Stump joined the managerial ranks in 1978 at West Haven and led his clubs to the playoffs or to outright championships [five times in seven years]. He guided his 1978 and 1982 teams to league championships and was named manager of the Eastern League All-Star team in 1978. In 1980 Stump was Southern League Manager of the Year and All-Star Manager and led Nashville to a league record 97 wins.
He spends the fall and winter months as offensive backfield coach for the Bowdoin College football team in Brunswick and also enjoys officiating high school basketball."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
GENE MICHAEL (Coach)
"The managers have changed over the years, but the third base coach has remained the same. Each new manager of the Yankees has realized the importance of a quality coach such as Gene Micheal, including Lou Piniella. Stick will be returning as the Yanks third base coach in 1986.
Just as he was a team player during his seven-year career as a Yankees shortstop, he has been an organizational man since retiring in 1976. Since that time he has served the team as general manager, manager and coach.
With a rookie manager leading the team in 1986, Stick will be asked to lend a helping hand to Piniella. His hands will also be busy waiving home Yankees runners from his box at third base!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Stick will be third base coach again this year. He has been the field manager twice.
Gene was originally named Yankee manager on November 21, 1980. In 1981, the Yankees were 34-22 and leading the AL Eastern Division by two games on June 12 when the players' strike occurred. The Yankees were eventually declared first half winners, qualifying for the Division Series in October. Gene was replaced by Bob Lemon as manager on September 6, 1981, yet was named manager of the Yankees for a second time on April 25, 1982, replacing Lemon; under Gene the team was 44-42 when Clyde King was named manager on August 3 of that year.
Stick had previously been Yankees general manager, being named to that post on November 1, 1979 after serving as the field manager of the AAA Columbus Clippers in 1979. He guided the Clippers to regular season and postseason International League titles after starting the season with 10 straight wins. The Clippers finished 85-54.
Upon his retirement as a player in 1976, Gene was hired as a Yankee coach. He coached first base for the Yankees in 1978 after he had been a front office Administrative Assistant in 1977.
One of the most popular Yankees during his playing career, Gene was the regular shortstop from 1969-1973. He mastered the hidden ball trick, pulling it off five times with the Yankees. Gene was a close friend and roommate of the late Thurman Munson.
Gene graduated with a B.S. in education from Kent State where he played basketball. He was pursued by the New York Knicks to play pro basketball."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
SAMMY ELLIS (Coach)
"The Yankees kept it 'in the family' when they selected Lou Piniella as their 1986 manager, and Piniella did the same when he brought up Sammy Ellis as his pitching coach. Ellis has been doing it all for the Yankees in his eight-year career in the organization.
Ellis joined the Yankees as the pitching coach at Ft. Lauderdale. He moved to Columbus in 1980, and after three successful seasons with the Clippers he became the organization's roving pitching instructor, working with all of the clubs. The Yankees have made the most of Ellis' many talents to help pitchers at all levels of the organization. This season, he is back with the big club in New York keeping Yankees pitchers in winning form."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Ellis is back again as Yankee as Yankee pitching coach. For the last several seasons he has served the Yankees in many roles: as major league pitching coach, Columbus pitching coach and as an organizational pitching instructor.
Highly touted from Mississippi State University, Ellis received a large bonus. He broke in with the Reds organization in 1961 as a young fireballer at Columbia, South Carolina. He joined the Cincinnati staff as a regular in 1964 and had his biggest season in 1965, winning 22 games. Sammy also played for the Angels and White Sox and had his six-year big league career cut short by arm problems.
Sammy joined the Yankees organization as the pitching coach at Ft. Lauderdale in 1978. He's largely credited with much of Dave Righetti's success."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
JEFF TORBORG (Coach)
"It's no surprise that Lou Piniella will retain the services of Jeff Torborg, who has become an institution as the Yankees bullpen/pitching coach.
Jeff came to the Yankees in 1979 and has been a stable force over the past seven seasons. Prior to his joining the Yankees he served as manager of the Cleveland Indians for two years, but [since] his dismissal from the Tribe, Jeff seems to have found his niche with the Yankees.
As a catcher he was part of the World Champion Dodgers of 1965, who were also pennant winners in '66, caught three no-hitters and caught two pitchers who set single-season strikeout records. Torborg now offers that experience to Yankees pitchers and catchers, which is why he will be back for his eighth season in 1986."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Torborg joined the Yankee coaching staff on August 1, 1979 after his dismissal as manager of the Indians on July 23. He had managed the Tribe since June 19, 1977 and prior to that was a coach for the Indians beginning with the 1975 season, serving under Frank Robinson.
Jeff played 10 years in the majors, seven with the Dodgers and three with the Angels. He played on the World Champion Dodgers in 1965 and on their NL pennant winner in 1966. He caught two no-hitters with the Dodgers, by Sandy Koufax in 1965 and Bill Singer in 1970, and also caught a Nolan Ryan no-hitter with the Angels in 1973; the major league record for no-hitters caught is four by Ray Schalk. Jeff was also behind the plate when Don Drysdale threw his fifth consecutive shutout in 1968, and caught Koufax and Ryan when they set single season strikeout records. Jeff retired after the '73 season.
A native of northern Jersey, Jeff earned a B.S. in education from Rutgers and has a Masters degree in athletic administration from Montclair State. His thesis was on the effects of platooning in baseball. In his senior year at Rutgers, Jeff hit .537 to lead the NCAA in batting and set a record that still stands."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
ROY WHITE (Coach)
"Roy White will be filling some very big shoes when he assumes his duties as a coach with the Yankees in 1986. White will be replacing the talented Lou Piniella as the team's hitting instructor. Piniella can fully concentrate on the duties of his new managerial job knowing that he has a very capable man to replace him as batting coach.
The switch-hitting White compiled a .271 career average during his 15 years with the Yankees. Then, after playing three years in Tokyo, he came back to the Yankees as a coach in 1983 and for part of 1984. The former left fielder served as an assistant general manager for the Yankees before again donning the pinstripes as a coach for 1986. White, who was Piniella's teammate on the Yanks from 1974-79, will also serve as first base coach under the new manager."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Roy returns to the coaching lines after one and a half years in the front office. One of the all-time Yankee favorites, he returned to the Yankees in 1983 after a three-year 'second career' in Japan.
He ranks among the all-time top 20 Yankees in stolen bases (2nd with 233), games played (6th with 1,881), runs scored (8th with 964), hits (8th with 1,803), doubles (10th with 300), RBIs (12th with 758) and home runs (16th with 160).
Roy's career spans several distinct eras of Yankee history. He was scouted and signed by the Yankee organization in 1961 at the height of the Yankee dynasty. After several impressive minor league seasons, Roy received his first taste of the major leagues in 1965, the beginning of the 'lean years' for the Yankees. His career matured and blossomed as the Yankees were rebuilding and developing into the AL pennant winners of '76, '77 and '78 and World Series champions of '77 and '78. Roy then played three years with the Yorimuri Giants of Tokyo in Japan's Central League.
The only Yankee outfielder ever to field 1.000 for a season, he was originally signed as [a second baseman], but Bobby Richardson's presence brought about the switch. Roy switch-hit home runs in a game five times and also once switch-hit triples in a game.
Roy was raised in Compton, California with such future big leaguers as Reggie Smith, Dock Ellis, Dave Nelson, Don Wilson and Bobby Tolan."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
JOE ALTOBELLI (Coach)
"When Lou Piniella accepted his first job as a major league manager, he wanted an experienced managerial hand next to him on the bench. The man he got is the knowledgeable Joe Altobelli, who two years ago told Piniella that he would one day be a coach on Manager Lou's staff!
Joe's smarts come from 34 years of baseball experience, including nearly three seasons as manager of the San Francisco Giants during which he was named the 1978 Manager of the Year by the Associated Press. As manager of the Baltimore Orioles, he was named Manager of the Year in 1983 by UPI after leading the Orioles to the World Championship in only his first year as their field general.
'I'm fortunate to have Joe,' Piniella said. 'He's an experienced manager who's won a World Championship and, most importantly, he knows the league.'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Altobelli returns to the Yankees organization in 1986 as Lou Piniella's bench coach. He originally joined [the Yankees] for the 1980 season, taking Gene Michael's position as Columbus manager. Joe guided the Clippers to the league championship and was named International League Manager of the Year for a third time. In 1981 and 1982 he served as Yankees third base coach.
In 1983 as Baltimore Oriole manager, Joe led the team to the World Championship, becoming just the ninth manager to win a World Series in his first year as manager of a club. He had replaced the legendary Earl Weaver, who retired after the 1982 season after managing the Orioles for 14 and a half seasons. Ironically, Earl was called out of retirement to replace Joe last summer.
Joe played professionally for 15 seasons as a first baseman/outfielder. In 1951 he set a Florida State League record that still stands, hitting safely in 36 consecutive games. He was a manager in the Oriole system for 11 seasons, including six years at AAA Rochester where he won four pennants, finished second once and averaged 84 wins."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
"Although he has no managerial experience, he took over the hottest seat in baseball when he replaced Billy Martin following a 97-64 finish last season. George Steinbrenner insisted that general manager Clyde King and vice-president Woody Woodward made the decision to hire this guy without consulting the Boss.
Piniella retired as a player on June 17, 1984. He hit .291 in 1,747 career games. Signed by Cleveland in 1962, he was drafted by the Senators later that year. Traded to Baltimore in 1964 and then to Cleveland in 1966, Lou was selected by the expansionist Seattle Pilots in 1968 and traded by the Pilots to the Royals in 1969. Finally, in his first full major league season, he won the AL Rookie of the Year award for KC in 1969.
An outfielder, Piniella was traded to the Yankees with Ken Wright for Lindy McDaniel prior to the 1974 season. He spent his last 11 years with New York and hit .295. 'Sweet Lou' won the hearts of Yankee fans with his animated play. He batted .305 in five ALCS and .319 in four World Series. Lou won Steinbrenner's admiration as a player, but can he keep it as Yankee manager?"
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
"Lou Piniella will be managing a major league club for the first time when he takes the top spot with the Yankees in 1986, but while the job is new for Sweet Lou, he is very familiar with the organization. After showing his talents and establishing himself as an organizational man for twelve seasons as a player and a coach with the Yankees, the popular Piniella is ready to accept the challenge of managing. 'This is one of the premiere jobs in sports in the premiere city in the country,' Piniella said.
During his playing days with the Yankees, Piniella proved himself to be a clutch player. His .295 average with the Yankees puts him in the top ten on their all-time list. In 1977 he hit safely in five ALCS games. Then in 1978 he hit in six consecutive World Series games. He extended his personal Fall Classic streak to nine straight by collecting hits in the first three games in 1981.
'He has been through all the pressure situations of pennant races, playoffs and World Series,' said Yankees General Manager Clyde King. 'Compound all these attributes with the fact that he is a very talented teacher, and we feel he is going to make quite a positive transition.' Piniella displayed this teaching ability when he accepted the role as batting instructor while [still] playing for the Yankees in 1981. He is now ready to take the final step, and the job as team manager.
'I've always wanted to manage, and I've always said so,' Piniella agreed. 'I know it's a tremendous challenge that will take hard work, but it's something I wanted and it's up to me to make the most of this opportunity.'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Lou was named as the Yankees manager on October 17, 1985. He retired officially on June 17, 1984 and was named a Yankee coach. He was honored with Lou Piniella Day on August 5.
A consistent player, recognized as one of baseball's most professional hitters, Piniella was always extremely tough for the Yankees in the clutch. His .295 lifetime batting average with the Yankees ranks him in the Yankee all-time top 10.
He was originally signed by Cleveland scout and former Yankee Spud Chandler. He missed most of 1975 with an inner ear problem that required mid-season surgery. Lou returned to regular duty in 1976 and was runner-up to teammate Dock Ellis for Comeback Player of the Year.
Lou was always an excellent postseason performer. In 1977 he hit safely in all five ALCS games and in 1978 hit safely in all six World Series games. Lou hit safely in the first three games of the 1981 World Series to extend his personal World Series hitting streak to nine games; he led all Yankee hitters with a .438 average in the '81 World Series.
In 1981 he led all American League designated hitters (50 or more games as a DH) in batting average (.344) and was second in the league as a pinch hitter (25 or more at-bats) with a .360 average. On August 24 [of '81] Lou was asked to help the Yankee coaching staff as a batting instructor, working with his teammates on the fine art of hitting.
Lou was always one of the Yankees' most exciting players and fans welcomed each of his at-bats with chants of 'Lou, Lou.' He's a native of the Tampa, Florida area and is of Spanish ancestry. He enjoys the stock market and operates two restaurants in the New York metropolitan area."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
LOU PINIELLA IS A ROOKIE AGAIN
"'I woke up this morning and wondered if everything is a dream. It hasn't sunk in yet,' said Lou Piniella the morning after he was appointed the Yankees manager for 1986. That was last October 29. By March it had all sunk in. 'It's time to stop talking and start playing,' he said at spring camp. 'We've got a job to do and that's to win a pennant.'
This is Lou Piniella, a man whose skills and winning attitude need no introduction. He is taking on his first job as a major league manager, yet he is as well known and respected as any manager in the game.
This respect was earned during a brilliant 16-year playing career, 11 of those with the Yankees. As a player he was a fiery competitor, best known for his precise style of hitting. He turned the act of batting a thrown ball into a science, and established himself as one of the game's premier clutch hitters. In 1981 he led all DHs with a .344 average, and was second in the league as a pinch hitter with a .360 average. He hit safely in all five games of the 1977 ALCS. Then in 1978 he hit safely in all six games of the World Series, and continued his personal streak in the Fall Classic by collecting hits in the first three games of the 1981 Series.
'He has been through all the pressure situations of pennant races, playoffs and World Series,' said Yankee General Manager Clyde King. 'Compound all these attributes with the fact that he is a very talented teacher, and we feel he is going to make quite a positive transition to manager.'
The transition process was started in 1981, when Piniella was asked to help some of his teammates with the mechanics of hitting. Soon he became the regular batting instructor, and served as a player/coach until his retirement in 1984.
Fans, disappointed by the premature retirement of the very popular Piniella on June 17, 1984, turned out to honor the slugger on August 5, Lou Piniella Day. Business continued as usual the next day for Piniella, as he concentrated on coaching full time. Piniella patiently waited in the wings as he was highly touted as the Yankees' next manager.
'I didn't like those types of situations,' Piniella said. 'I talked to George (Steinbrenner) and told him I was uncomfortable with what transpired. I said, 'Look, the only time I want to see my name as manager of this ballclub is when I actually get the opportunity to manage this club.''
Ironically, the Yankee owner stayed clear of the manager selection process for 1986. He passed the duty of choosing the new manager to King and Woody Woodward, Vice-President of Baseball Operations. And while much was made about Piniella's lack of managerial experience, King felt he was the right man for the job. 'Lou feels as strongly as we do about such things as discipline, dedication and sacrifice- things that are essential to winning on the field,' said King.
Their belief in Piniella was so strong, despite his never having managed before, he was still the Yankees' choice.
'We did not interview anyone else,' King added. 'We didn't really compile a list because Lou was our choice.'
The choice was made, and Piniella accepted the challenge of the new position. 'I've wanted to manage and I've said that before,' Piniella said. 'I know it's a tremendous challenge that will take hard work, but it's something I wanted and it's up to me to make the most of this opportunity.' Piniella expressed his joy at the new job by adding, 'This is one of the premier jobs in sports in the premier city in the county.'
One element that makes the job such an attractive one is the challenge involved, knowing that the Yankees have employed 14 managers in the past 14 years. This doesn't seem to bother number 14, though he's signed to only a one-year contract.
'We talked about the possibility of a two-year contract,' Piniella said. 'I played a long time with one-year contracts and had to prove myself, and I did that as a player. If I do a good job, I don't think I'll have to worry about anything.'
Piniella has been with the organization for a long time. He was a popular player, and much has been made of his positive relationship with Steinbrenner. But Lou isn't taking anything for granted. He will work hard, and use what he has learned in his years on the bench as a player and a coach to enhance his managing career. 'I'm going into this with open eyes. I've been here 11 or 12 years and have seen the different changes at the manager position,' he said. 'I'm certainly no fool. I realize if, for whatever reason, you don't do a good job, you get replaced. But with any team that happens. I plan on doing a good job and staying around for a while.'
Piniella doesn't think about losing, but when did he? Always a fierce competitor, he was known for his outbursts on the field. His skill and determination won him the praise of Yankee fans, who cheered him with chants of 'Lou, Lou, Lou!' As a player he fought hard, and took a great deal of pride in playing for the Yankees. As a manager he will accept nothing less from his players. 'The Pinstripes are special, and players who play for this team must have pride in that.'
In making the transition to manager, Piniella will maintain the winning attitude that made him successful as a player. He will bring the intensity he displayed on the field into the manager's office. As a manager he will be hard but fair. He will combine the positive elements of two former Yankee greats who have held the job before him- Yogi Berra and Billy Martin. While Lou will instill Martin's fiery desire for victory in his players, he will also use Berra's quiet charm. 'I'll come out to argue with the umpires when I feel they do something wrong, but off the field I'm a quiet man who likes people and treats them well,' he explained.
Piniella is a man who has always treated Yankee fans very well. As a player, his .295 career Yankee average places him in the top ten on the all-time Yankee list, and his clutch hitting played an important role in the Yankees' back-to-back world titles in 1977-78 and A.L. pennant in 1981. As a coach, he has been invaluable as a teacher of hitting- for both youngsters and veterans- and has been credited with the quick development of many young Yankee hitters. As a manager? While the jury is still out, Piniella has already issued his verdict: 'Our goal is to win the championship!'
Strong words by a man who will be managing a major league team for the first time ever. 'I know what I'm getting into,' he admits. 'I have a good feeling about managing the Yankees. No team can win in the Eastern Division without the horses to get the job done, no matter who calls the shots. This year's club has the personnel to win it all, and as a manager, I think my players are going to respect me.'
Players, fans, and everyone associated with the game of baseball have learned to respect Lou Piniella. It was 17 years ago, 1969, when Piniella entered the ranks of major league baseball as a rookie with the Kansas City Royals. He wasted no time in establishing himself, capturing the honor of 1969 A.L. Rookie of the Year. He has been proving himself to be a winner ever since, and looks to keep the trend going in his first season as the field general of the Yankees. 'In my first year as a player I won the Rookie of the Year award, so being a rookie manager should not hinder the chances of this club.'
That it shouldn't. He knows the players, he knows this organization, and he knows how to win. That's why he was hired to manage the 1986 Yankees, experienced or not. As Piniella put it, 'If it were just numbers and math, then a computer could manage the Yankees. Managing is all I feel.'
If that holds true, then everyone close to the Yankees must be feeling pretty good about this team's chances with Lou Piniella at the helm. History has already proven that when Piniella is involved, it can mean only good things for the Yankees.
'We're going to have fun this season,' says Sweet Lou. 'All the way from spring training to October.' All the way to the top with the people's choice, Lou Piniella."
-Charles J. Alfaro, New York Yankees 1986 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
MEET THE COACHES
"The Yankees manager in 1986, Lou Piniella, certainly has a lot of baseball knowledge, but what he lacks is managerial experience. Should the capable Piniella have any trouble in his first job as a major league manager, he will have a wealth of experience to rely on in his 1986 coaching staff.
Piniella's staff boasts a wide array of baseball experience. All six of the coaches have previous major league coaching experience. Three of them have managed a major league team, one other has managed in the minors, and two have worked in the Yankees front office.
Not only do the coaches know baseball, they are all familiar with the Yankee organization. Returning to the staff from last year are veterans Gene Michael, who has been with the team since 1977,and Jeff Torborg, who has been here since 1979. Carl 'Stump' Merrill, who has been with the organization since 1977, will be back again, having been with the big club for a brief stint early last season.
The other coaches this year are by no means new to the Yankees. Joe Altobelli will be returning to the team he was with from 1980-82, the last two years as a major league coach. Roy White will rejoin the staff after having been a coach in 1983 and the early part of '84. Sammy Ellis has been with the organization since 1978, and has seen much action with the Yankees at the major league level.
Serving Piniella as the all-important bench coach will be Altobelli, whose credentials include 34 years of major league experience. Joe has the distinction of being named Manager of the Year in both leagues, once by the AP in 1978 during three years (1977-79) with the San Francisco Giants, and by UPI in 1983 after leading the Baltimore Orioles to the World Championship in only his first year as their manager. He also was named the International League's top manager three times, the last in 1980 with the Yanks' Triple-A Columbus Clippers.
White will be donning the Pinstripes again, leaving his post as Assistant General Manager. He will have the tough task of replacing Piniella as team batting instructor. With a .271 career average during his 15 years with the Yankees, the switch-hitting White seems a logical choice for the job. The former left fielder spent three years playing in Japan before coming home to the team he thrived with for so many years. White will also coach at first base.
Michael will once again be handling the chores as third base coach. The versatile Michael has served the Yankees as a player for seven years, a general manager, a manager and a coach. The Stick has truly been an organizational man, and his many experiences will be invaluable to Piniella.
Back as bullpen/pitching coach will be Torborg, who has been an excellent teacher to Yankee pitchers and catchers. Torborg speaks from experience, having been a catcher with the World Champion Dodgers in 1965 and their pennant winners in 1966. He also caught three no-hitters, and caught for two pitchers who would set single-season strikeout records. Combine this with his coaching and managerial experience (he managed the Cleveland Indians from 1977-79) and it's no wonder he'll be back for his eighth year in Pinstripes.
Helping Torborg with the pitchers will be Ellis, who has been Mr. Everything as an organizational pitching coach. For the past several seasons, the Yankees have made the most of Ellis' talents. As a floating instructor, he has worked with Yankee pitchers on all levels of the organization, and now brings his expertise back to the big club.
Rounding out the staff is Merrill, who will be Piniella's administrative coach. Before games he will work as a field coach, and then will adjourn to a bird's eye view from the press box. From that spot he will serve the manager as a scout, helping to direct play from a different level. Stump demonstrated his ability to set strategy as a manager in the Yankees' farm system, where he accumulated a .600 winning percentage in eight seasons.
These six coaches have become familiar with the organization. Through the years, they have had first hand involvement in the development of present Yankee players. Now these young players have become team leaders, and six familiar faces will again be guiding them."
-Charles J. Alfaro, New York Yankees 1986 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
STUMP MERRILL (Coach)
"Carl 'Stump' Merrill is re-joining the Yankees as administrative coach in 1986, and seems to be the perfect man for the job. His duties will include field coaching before games, but during games he will serve manager Lou Piniella as a voice from above, helping to coordinate plays from the press box. Merrill's wealth of experience will be a great help to the first-year manager.
From 1978-84, as a manager in the Yankees' farm system, his teams finished first five years and second twice, and though his team finished fourth in 1985 they rallied to the runner-up spot in the playoffs. As a minor league manager he has racked up a .600 winning percentage. His keen eye and knowledge of the game will serve as a big plus for the Yankees in '86."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Stump began the 1985 season as Yankee first base coach. He switched positions with Doug Holmquist, going to Columbus on May 7 when Billy Martin returned as manager.
After spending his entire six-year playing career as a catcher in the Phillies farm system, Stump joined the Yankees organization in 1977 as pitching coach at West Haven. Prior to the beginning of his professional coaching and managing career, he spent time at his college alma mater (University of Maine, Orono) as assistant baseball coach under the late Jack Butterfield.
Stump joined the managerial ranks in 1978 at West Haven and led his clubs to the playoffs or to outright championships [five times in seven years]. He guided his 1978 and 1982 teams to league championships and was named manager of the Eastern League All-Star team in 1978. In 1980 Stump was Southern League Manager of the Year and All-Star Manager and led Nashville to a league record 97 wins.
He spends the fall and winter months as offensive backfield coach for the Bowdoin College football team in Brunswick and also enjoys officiating high school basketball."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
GENE MICHAEL (Coach)
"The managers have changed over the years, but the third base coach has remained the same. Each new manager of the Yankees has realized the importance of a quality coach such as Gene Micheal, including Lou Piniella. Stick will be returning as the Yanks third base coach in 1986.
Just as he was a team player during his seven-year career as a Yankees shortstop, he has been an organizational man since retiring in 1976. Since that time he has served the team as general manager, manager and coach.
With a rookie manager leading the team in 1986, Stick will be asked to lend a helping hand to Piniella. His hands will also be busy waiving home Yankees runners from his box at third base!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Stick will be third base coach again this year. He has been the field manager twice.
Gene was originally named Yankee manager on November 21, 1980. In 1981, the Yankees were 34-22 and leading the AL Eastern Division by two games on June 12 when the players' strike occurred. The Yankees were eventually declared first half winners, qualifying for the Division Series in October. Gene was replaced by Bob Lemon as manager on September 6, 1981, yet was named manager of the Yankees for a second time on April 25, 1982, replacing Lemon; under Gene the team was 44-42 when Clyde King was named manager on August 3 of that year.
Stick had previously been Yankees general manager, being named to that post on November 1, 1979 after serving as the field manager of the AAA Columbus Clippers in 1979. He guided the Clippers to regular season and postseason International League titles after starting the season with 10 straight wins. The Clippers finished 85-54.
Upon his retirement as a player in 1976, Gene was hired as a Yankee coach. He coached first base for the Yankees in 1978 after he had been a front office Administrative Assistant in 1977.
One of the most popular Yankees during his playing career, Gene was the regular shortstop from 1969-1973. He mastered the hidden ball trick, pulling it off five times with the Yankees. Gene was a close friend and roommate of the late Thurman Munson.
Gene graduated with a B.S. in education from Kent State where he played basketball. He was pursued by the New York Knicks to play pro basketball."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
SAMMY ELLIS (Coach)
"The Yankees kept it 'in the family' when they selected Lou Piniella as their 1986 manager, and Piniella did the same when he brought up Sammy Ellis as his pitching coach. Ellis has been doing it all for the Yankees in his eight-year career in the organization.
Ellis joined the Yankees as the pitching coach at Ft. Lauderdale. He moved to Columbus in 1980, and after three successful seasons with the Clippers he became the organization's roving pitching instructor, working with all of the clubs. The Yankees have made the most of Ellis' many talents to help pitchers at all levels of the organization. This season, he is back with the big club in New York keeping Yankees pitchers in winning form."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Ellis is back again as Yankee as Yankee pitching coach. For the last several seasons he has served the Yankees in many roles: as major league pitching coach, Columbus pitching coach and as an organizational pitching instructor.
Highly touted from Mississippi State University, Ellis received a large bonus. He broke in with the Reds organization in 1961 as a young fireballer at Columbia, South Carolina. He joined the Cincinnati staff as a regular in 1964 and had his biggest season in 1965, winning 22 games. Sammy also played for the Angels and White Sox and had his six-year big league career cut short by arm problems.
Sammy joined the Yankees organization as the pitching coach at Ft. Lauderdale in 1978. He's largely credited with much of Dave Righetti's success."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
JEFF TORBORG (Coach)
"It's no surprise that Lou Piniella will retain the services of Jeff Torborg, who has become an institution as the Yankees bullpen/pitching coach.
Jeff came to the Yankees in 1979 and has been a stable force over the past seven seasons. Prior to his joining the Yankees he served as manager of the Cleveland Indians for two years, but [since] his dismissal from the Tribe, Jeff seems to have found his niche with the Yankees.
As a catcher he was part of the World Champion Dodgers of 1965, who were also pennant winners in '66, caught three no-hitters and caught two pitchers who set single-season strikeout records. Torborg now offers that experience to Yankees pitchers and catchers, which is why he will be back for his eighth season in 1986."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Torborg joined the Yankee coaching staff on August 1, 1979 after his dismissal as manager of the Indians on July 23. He had managed the Tribe since June 19, 1977 and prior to that was a coach for the Indians beginning with the 1975 season, serving under Frank Robinson.
Jeff played 10 years in the majors, seven with the Dodgers and three with the Angels. He played on the World Champion Dodgers in 1965 and on their NL pennant winner in 1966. He caught two no-hitters with the Dodgers, by Sandy Koufax in 1965 and Bill Singer in 1970, and also caught a Nolan Ryan no-hitter with the Angels in 1973; the major league record for no-hitters caught is four by Ray Schalk. Jeff was also behind the plate when Don Drysdale threw his fifth consecutive shutout in 1968, and caught Koufax and Ryan when they set single season strikeout records. Jeff retired after the '73 season.
A native of northern Jersey, Jeff earned a B.S. in education from Rutgers and has a Masters degree in athletic administration from Montclair State. His thesis was on the effects of platooning in baseball. In his senior year at Rutgers, Jeff hit .537 to lead the NCAA in batting and set a record that still stands."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
ROY WHITE (Coach)
"Roy White will be filling some very big shoes when he assumes his duties as a coach with the Yankees in 1986. White will be replacing the talented Lou Piniella as the team's hitting instructor. Piniella can fully concentrate on the duties of his new managerial job knowing that he has a very capable man to replace him as batting coach.
The switch-hitting White compiled a .271 career average during his 15 years with the Yankees. Then, after playing three years in Tokyo, he came back to the Yankees as a coach in 1983 and for part of 1984. The former left fielder served as an assistant general manager for the Yankees before again donning the pinstripes as a coach for 1986. White, who was Piniella's teammate on the Yanks from 1974-79, will also serve as first base coach under the new manager."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Roy returns to the coaching lines after one and a half years in the front office. One of the all-time Yankee favorites, he returned to the Yankees in 1983 after a three-year 'second career' in Japan.
He ranks among the all-time top 20 Yankees in stolen bases (2nd with 233), games played (6th with 1,881), runs scored (8th with 964), hits (8th with 1,803), doubles (10th with 300), RBIs (12th with 758) and home runs (16th with 160).
Roy's career spans several distinct eras of Yankee history. He was scouted and signed by the Yankee organization in 1961 at the height of the Yankee dynasty. After several impressive minor league seasons, Roy received his first taste of the major leagues in 1965, the beginning of the 'lean years' for the Yankees. His career matured and blossomed as the Yankees were rebuilding and developing into the AL pennant winners of '76, '77 and '78 and World Series champions of '77 and '78. Roy then played three years with the Yorimuri Giants of Tokyo in Japan's Central League.
The only Yankee outfielder ever to field 1.000 for a season, he was originally signed as [a second baseman], but Bobby Richardson's presence brought about the switch. Roy switch-hit home runs in a game five times and also once switch-hit triples in a game.
Roy was raised in Compton, California with such future big leaguers as Reggie Smith, Dock Ellis, Dave Nelson, Don Wilson and Bobby Tolan."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
JOE ALTOBELLI (Coach)
"When Lou Piniella accepted his first job as a major league manager, he wanted an experienced managerial hand next to him on the bench. The man he got is the knowledgeable Joe Altobelli, who two years ago told Piniella that he would one day be a coach on Manager Lou's staff!
Joe's smarts come from 34 years of baseball experience, including nearly three seasons as manager of the San Francisco Giants during which he was named the 1978 Manager of the Year by the Associated Press. As manager of the Baltimore Orioles, he was named Manager of the Year in 1983 by UPI after leading the Orioles to the World Championship in only his first year as their field general.
'I'm fortunate to have Joe,' Piniella said. 'He's an experienced manager who's won a World Championship and, most importantly, he knows the league.'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Altobelli returns to the Yankees organization in 1986 as Lou Piniella's bench coach. He originally joined [the Yankees] for the 1980 season, taking Gene Michael's position as Columbus manager. Joe guided the Clippers to the league championship and was named International League Manager of the Year for a third time. In 1981 and 1982 he served as Yankees third base coach.
In 1983 as Baltimore Oriole manager, Joe led the team to the World Championship, becoming just the ninth manager to win a World Series in his first year as manager of a club. He had replaced the legendary Earl Weaver, who retired after the 1982 season after managing the Orioles for 14 and a half seasons. Ironically, Earl was called out of retirement to replace Joe last summer.
Joe played professionally for 15 seasons as a first baseman/outfielder. In 1951 he set a Florida State League record that still stands, hitting safely in 36 consecutive games. He was a manager in the Oriole system for 11 seasons, including six years at AAA Rochester where he won four pennants, finished second once and averaged 84 wins."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
1986 New York Yankees Management Profiles
GENE MCHALE (President)
"In naming Gene McHale as President of the New York Yankees on January 5, 1983, Principal Owner George M. Steinbrenner said, 'In filling this key position, there was no need to look anywhere else but within the Yankee organization. Gene has a solid and proven administrative, business and financial background and has been a longtime employee of the Yankees.
'Much of the progress the Yankees have made in the areas of television, radio, publications, merchandising and ticketing is due to the efforts of him. The Yankees are proud to have employees of the caliber of Gene McHale and to promote from within the organization to fill this position.'
Eugene J. 'Gene' McHale, 47, has been with the Yankees since December 1972. As an employee of CBS, who then owned the Yankees, he was assigned to supervise the Yankee accounting department. When George Steinbrenner and associates purchased the Yankees from CBS in January 1973, McHale remained with the team as controller. He was named administrative vice-president in 1977. Before coming to the Yankees, he worked for seven years at CBS with responsibilities in financial and business affairs in their radio division.
A native of the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, McHale graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School several blocks away from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. He is a graduate of Fordham University and also served three years in the U.S. Navy. Gene is a resident of Locust Valley, New York."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
CLYDE KING (Vice-President and General Manager)
"On April 9, 1984 Clyde King was named Vice-President and General Manager of the New York Yankees. In making the announcement, Yankees Principal Owner George Steinbrenner said, 'Clyde is a great company man and is highly respected in the baseball community, both on and off the field. He is a man who has served the Yankees for nine years as a manager, coach and scout. He has been a total friend and confidant, and I think that he will be an outstanding general manager.'
King, 60, has been a member of the Yankee organization since 1975 in a variety of roles. He originally joined the Yankees as a special assignment scout, and his duties have included working and traveling with the team in 1978 and 1980. He served as interim Yankee manager from August 3, 1982 until the end of that season, compiling a 29-33 record. He began the 1982 season as an advance scout before being named pitching coach on June 11. He served in that capacity until being shifted to the front office on special assignments on July 19.
He managed the San Francisco Giants in 1969 and 1970, and the Atlanta Braves in 1974 and 1975. He also served for five years as a coach with the Reds, Cardinals and Pirates.
As a player, Clyde pitched in the majors for a total of seven years with the Brooklyn Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds. His best season was 1951 when he was 14-7 for the Dodgers. Clyde is a graduate of the University of North Carolina where he played basketball and baseball. In 1983 he was named to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
WOODY WOODWARD (Vice-President of Baseball Administration)
"Woody Woodward was named the Yankees' Vice-President of Baseball Administration on October 22, 1984.
Woody came to the Yankees from the Cincinnati Reds where he was the assistant general manager. While with the Reds he handled player contract negotiations and was involved in all areas of player personnel work. He assumed his former position in November 1980 after two and half years as the Reds' minor league field coordinator.
A former coach and All-America player at Florida State University, Woodward earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in education. He coached his alma mater from 1975 to 1978, recording the second best winning percentage in Seminole history (170-57, .749 percentage).
As a professional player, Woodward spent eight and a half seasons in the major leagues as an infielder with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
"In naming Gene McHale as President of the New York Yankees on January 5, 1983, Principal Owner George M. Steinbrenner said, 'In filling this key position, there was no need to look anywhere else but within the Yankee organization. Gene has a solid and proven administrative, business and financial background and has been a longtime employee of the Yankees.
'Much of the progress the Yankees have made in the areas of television, radio, publications, merchandising and ticketing is due to the efforts of him. The Yankees are proud to have employees of the caliber of Gene McHale and to promote from within the organization to fill this position.'
Eugene J. 'Gene' McHale, 47, has been with the Yankees since December 1972. As an employee of CBS, who then owned the Yankees, he was assigned to supervise the Yankee accounting department. When George Steinbrenner and associates purchased the Yankees from CBS in January 1973, McHale remained with the team as controller. He was named administrative vice-president in 1977. Before coming to the Yankees, he worked for seven years at CBS with responsibilities in financial and business affairs in their radio division.
A native of the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, McHale graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School several blocks away from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. He is a graduate of Fordham University and also served three years in the U.S. Navy. Gene is a resident of Locust Valley, New York."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
CLYDE KING (Vice-President and General Manager)
"On April 9, 1984 Clyde King was named Vice-President and General Manager of the New York Yankees. In making the announcement, Yankees Principal Owner George Steinbrenner said, 'Clyde is a great company man and is highly respected in the baseball community, both on and off the field. He is a man who has served the Yankees for nine years as a manager, coach and scout. He has been a total friend and confidant, and I think that he will be an outstanding general manager.'
King, 60, has been a member of the Yankee organization since 1975 in a variety of roles. He originally joined the Yankees as a special assignment scout, and his duties have included working and traveling with the team in 1978 and 1980. He served as interim Yankee manager from August 3, 1982 until the end of that season, compiling a 29-33 record. He began the 1982 season as an advance scout before being named pitching coach on June 11. He served in that capacity until being shifted to the front office on special assignments on July 19.
He managed the San Francisco Giants in 1969 and 1970, and the Atlanta Braves in 1974 and 1975. He also served for five years as a coach with the Reds, Cardinals and Pirates.
As a player, Clyde pitched in the majors for a total of seven years with the Brooklyn Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds. His best season was 1951 when he was 14-7 for the Dodgers. Clyde is a graduate of the University of North Carolina where he played basketball and baseball. In 1983 he was named to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
WOODY WOODWARD (Vice-President of Baseball Administration)
"Woody Woodward was named the Yankees' Vice-President of Baseball Administration on October 22, 1984.
Woody came to the Yankees from the Cincinnati Reds where he was the assistant general manager. While with the Reds he handled player contract negotiations and was involved in all areas of player personnel work. He assumed his former position in November 1980 after two and half years as the Reds' minor league field coordinator.
A former coach and All-America player at Florida State University, Woodward earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in education. He coached his alma mater from 1975 to 1978, recording the second best winning percentage in Seminole history (170-57, .749 percentage).
As a professional player, Woodward spent eight and a half seasons in the major leagues as an infielder with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Monday, October 19, 2015
1986 Profile: George Steinbrenner
Principal Owner
"Every young man searching for his own place in today's world would be well advised to heed the advice and example of sportsman, business executive and civic leader George M. Steinbrenner.
Steinbrenner, a national figure before he was 40, offers a succinct basic formula for success. 'Work as hard as you ask others to. Strive for what you believe is right, no matter the odds. Learn that mistakes can be the best teacher of all.' Certainly the meteoric career of this energetic son of a distinguished Great Lakes shipping family bears out the practical results of these simple beliefs.
In 1963, he entered the business world in earnest. In a way, it was a difficult adjustment for a man who had already been an assistant football coach at two Big Ten universities, Northwestern and Purdue, and put together national championship teams in both the National Industrial and American Basketball Leagues.
In the business world, Steinbrenner is Chairman of the American Shipbuilding Company which he and associates took over and revitalized in 1967. Under his early leadership American Ship tripled its annual revenues and since has climbed to the $200 million mark in annual sales.
In 1973, Steinbrenner put together the group which purchased the New York Yankees from CBS. As the Principal Owner, it took only five years for his keen foresight and aggressive leadership to turn the Yankees, once again, into World Champions.
Apart from corporate business and civic involvements, he devotes a great deal of time to his extensive interest in thoroughbred breeding and racing which includes his 800 acre stud farm in Florida, The Florida Breeders Sales Company and Florida Horse Magazine. In 1983 he was honored as the Industrialist of the Year in Florida."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
"Every young man searching for his own place in today's world would be well advised to heed the advice and example of sportsman, business executive and civic leader George M. Steinbrenner.
Steinbrenner, a national figure before he was 40, offers a succinct basic formula for success. 'Work as hard as you ask others to. Strive for what you believe is right, no matter the odds. Learn that mistakes can be the best teacher of all.' Certainly the meteoric career of this energetic son of a distinguished Great Lakes shipping family bears out the practical results of these simple beliefs.
In 1963, he entered the business world in earnest. In a way, it was a difficult adjustment for a man who had already been an assistant football coach at two Big Ten universities, Northwestern and Purdue, and put together national championship teams in both the National Industrial and American Basketball Leagues.
In the business world, Steinbrenner is Chairman of the American Shipbuilding Company which he and associates took over and revitalized in 1967. Under his early leadership American Ship tripled its annual revenues and since has climbed to the $200 million mark in annual sales.
In 1973, Steinbrenner put together the group which purchased the New York Yankees from CBS. As the Principal Owner, it took only five years for his keen foresight and aggressive leadership to turn the Yankees, once again, into World Champions.
Apart from corporate business and civic involvements, he devotes a great deal of time to his extensive interest in thoroughbred breeding and racing which includes his 800 acre stud farm in Florida, The Florida Breeders Sales Company and Florida Horse Magazine. In 1983 he was honored as the Industrialist of the Year in Florida."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Sunday, October 18, 2015
1986 Tribute: Pete Sheehy
"The memory of Michael Joseph 'Pete' Sheehy will always have a special place in the Yankees family. As Yankees clubhouse man for over 58 years, Pete was as dedicated to his job as any Yankees great was to playing baseball. He began working for the Yankees as a 16-year-old and little did he know he would continue work at Yankee Stadium until his death in August of 1985.
Pete was a classy guy and a complete pro at his job. As keeper of the Pinstripes, he earned the respect of generations of ballplayers from Ruth to DiMaggio to Mattingly. In his own way Pete represented a special kind of Yankees excellence. He'll always be with us."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Like pennants and great ballplayers, Yankee equipment manager Michael Joseph 'Pete' Sheehy had been part of the Yankee scene since, as a boy of sixteen, he appeared outside the Yankee players' gate one day in 1927.
He was asked inside to lend a hand in the Yankee clubhouse. He was asked back the next day after that. Before long Pete spent every working day for the next 59 years in the Yankee clubhouse. From that unexpected start, not only did the man and the job find each other but yet another Yankee legend was born.
Before Pete's death last August 13, he witnessed an amazing parade of ballplayers and events: Babe Ruth's 60 home runs, the decline of Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio's 56-game streak, Mickey Mantle's injuries, Don Larsen's perfect game, Roger Maris' 61 home runs, the greatest comeback ever in 1978 and everything in between.
In 1976, the Yankee Stadium clubhouse was officially designated The Pete Sheehy Clubhouse, a singularly appropriate honor for a man who was a unique link with the Yankee past. A quiet, classy guy who was a complete pro at his job, Pete earned the affection and respect of generations of ballplayers. In his own way he represented a special kind of Yankee excellence."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Pete was a classy guy and a complete pro at his job. As keeper of the Pinstripes, he earned the respect of generations of ballplayers from Ruth to DiMaggio to Mattingly. In his own way Pete represented a special kind of Yankees excellence. He'll always be with us."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Like pennants and great ballplayers, Yankee equipment manager Michael Joseph 'Pete' Sheehy had been part of the Yankee scene since, as a boy of sixteen, he appeared outside the Yankee players' gate one day in 1927.
He was asked inside to lend a hand in the Yankee clubhouse. He was asked back the next day after that. Before long Pete spent every working day for the next 59 years in the Yankee clubhouse. From that unexpected start, not only did the man and the job find each other but yet another Yankee legend was born.
Before Pete's death last August 13, he witnessed an amazing parade of ballplayers and events: Babe Ruth's 60 home runs, the decline of Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio's 56-game streak, Mickey Mantle's injuries, Don Larsen's perfect game, Roger Maris' 61 home runs, the greatest comeback ever in 1978 and everything in between.
In 1976, the Yankee Stadium clubhouse was officially designated The Pete Sheehy Clubhouse, a singularly appropriate honor for a man who was a unique link with the Yankee past. A quiet, classy guy who was a complete pro at his job, Pete earned the affection and respect of generations of ballplayers. In his own way he represented a special kind of Yankee excellence."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Friday, October 16, 2015
1986 Tribute: Roger Maris
"One of the most feared power hitters in baseball in the early 1960s, Maris was a complete ballplayer who was a tremendous defensive right fielder, possessing a cannon arm. His above average speed enabled him to be a daring baserunner who often made heads-up plays on the basepaths.
His career was frequently interrupted by a succession on injuries. Roger reached the big leagues with Cleveland after four seasons in the minors. He broke into the majors with a nine-game hitting streak, and his first major league home run was an 11th inning grand slam (4/18/57). Roger suffered the first of many career injuries in a base path collision in which he fractured two ribs, hindering his rookie season. Traded to Kansas City in mid-season 1958, he posted career highs in games and at-bats in '58. In 1959, Maris was leading the American League in hitting before an appendix operation weakened him, yet he appeared in the first of seven All-Star Games in '59.
Maris was the key man in the big Yankees-Athletics seven-player in the winter of '59. Once again off to a fast start in 1960, he had 27 home runs, 69 RBI and a .320 average at the midway point of the season. Maris excelled against Boston in '60, hitting .361. He drove in 100 runs for the first of three consecutive seasons.
1961 was the season that made Roger the new single-season home run king. He hit 61 homers but struck out only 67 times for a fine home run-strikeout ratio. Roger hit 30 homers at Yankee Stadium, tying the Stadium record. In June he hit 15 homers, the most ever hit in that month in major league history. He hit 13 homers against the White Sox, the most ever hit against one club since the majors expanded in 1961. He hit his 50th home run on August 22, becoming the first player ever to hit his 50th home run in August. His 61st home run also gave Maris the RBI title 142 to 141 over Oriole Jim Gentile.
In 1962 he topped the Yankees in homers for the second straight season and posted a career high 34 doubles. In 1963, a series of injuries limited Roger to only 90 games. He rebounded for a good season in 1964 and was especially tough on the Red Sox again, hitting .410 with five home runs and 15 RBI. His 1964 fielding average (.996) is the highest ever recorded by a Yankee right fielder.
Injuries hit Roger hard in 1965- first a hamstring muscle, and then a fractured hand in May idled him for most of the campaign. Traded in December of 1966 to the St. Louis Cardinals, Roger closed out his career with two solid seasons for the Cardinals. His veteran leadership led the Cardinals to World Series appearances in 1967 and 1968. He was one of the stars of St. Louis' World Series victory in '67.
Roger was a high school standout in football and baseball. Easily distinguishable by his crew cut hairstyle, he served as 1962 Multiple Sclerosis Society volunteer national co-chairman and appeared with Mickey Mantle in Columbia Pictures' motion picture 'Safe at Home.' He also authored (with writer Jim Ogle) 'Roger Maris at Bat,' the story of his 61 home run season.
Maris ran a Budweiser beer distributorship in Gainesville, Florida after his retirement. He enjoyed golf and hunting in his spare time."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
His career was frequently interrupted by a succession on injuries. Roger reached the big leagues with Cleveland after four seasons in the minors. He broke into the majors with a nine-game hitting streak, and his first major league home run was an 11th inning grand slam (4/18/57). Roger suffered the first of many career injuries in a base path collision in which he fractured two ribs, hindering his rookie season. Traded to Kansas City in mid-season 1958, he posted career highs in games and at-bats in '58. In 1959, Maris was leading the American League in hitting before an appendix operation weakened him, yet he appeared in the first of seven All-Star Games in '59.
Maris was the key man in the big Yankees-Athletics seven-player in the winter of '59. Once again off to a fast start in 1960, he had 27 home runs, 69 RBI and a .320 average at the midway point of the season. Maris excelled against Boston in '60, hitting .361. He drove in 100 runs for the first of three consecutive seasons.
1961 was the season that made Roger the new single-season home run king. He hit 61 homers but struck out only 67 times for a fine home run-strikeout ratio. Roger hit 30 homers at Yankee Stadium, tying the Stadium record. In June he hit 15 homers, the most ever hit in that month in major league history. He hit 13 homers against the White Sox, the most ever hit against one club since the majors expanded in 1961. He hit his 50th home run on August 22, becoming the first player ever to hit his 50th home run in August. His 61st home run also gave Maris the RBI title 142 to 141 over Oriole Jim Gentile.
In 1962 he topped the Yankees in homers for the second straight season and posted a career high 34 doubles. In 1963, a series of injuries limited Roger to only 90 games. He rebounded for a good season in 1964 and was especially tough on the Red Sox again, hitting .410 with five home runs and 15 RBI. His 1964 fielding average (.996) is the highest ever recorded by a Yankee right fielder.
Injuries hit Roger hard in 1965- first a hamstring muscle, and then a fractured hand in May idled him for most of the campaign. Traded in December of 1966 to the St. Louis Cardinals, Roger closed out his career with two solid seasons for the Cardinals. His veteran leadership led the Cardinals to World Series appearances in 1967 and 1968. He was one of the stars of St. Louis' World Series victory in '67.
Roger was a high school standout in football and baseball. Easily distinguishable by his crew cut hairstyle, he served as 1962 Multiple Sclerosis Society volunteer national co-chairman and appeared with Mickey Mantle in Columbia Pictures' motion picture 'Safe at Home.' He also authored (with writer Jim Ogle) 'Roger Maris at Bat,' the story of his 61 home run season.
Maris ran a Budweiser beer distributorship in Gainesville, Florida after his retirement. He enjoyed golf and hunting in his spare time."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
1986 New York Yankees Outlook
HITTING
"With the legs of Rickey Henderson and the bats of Don Mattingly and Dave Winfield, no team can beat you in more ways than the Yankees. Henderson (.314, 24 homers, 80 stolen bases) is the catalyst, a leadoff hitter with that rare combination of speed and power. Mattingly (.324, 35 homers, 145 RBI) is merely the best overall hitter in the game. Another AL MVP season is not out of the question for the hard-working first baseman. Winfield (.275, 26 homers, 114 RBI) is still going strong at 34.
The Yankees pose a terrific lineup on paper, but still have some questions to answer. Can Mike Pagliarulo develop into a full-time third baseman by learning how to hit left-handers? Is Dan Pasqua (nine homers in 148 at-bats) ready for a full season in the big leagues? Can new manager Lou Piniella keep his overstocked bench happy? Piniella has to find time for Ken Griffey and former Oriole Gary Roenicke, among others."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
PITCHING
"Left-handed pitching has always been important in Yankee Stadium, where the deep dimensions in left center frustrate right-handed hitters. That was one of the reasons the Yankees were so intent on acquiring Britt Burns from the White Sox. Burns (18-11, 3.96) and Ron Guidry (22-6, 3.27) were two of the winningest left-handers in the AL last year. Guidry has learned how to mix in off-speed pitches with his fastball, which he can still pop at times. Phil Niekro (16-12, 4.09) and Joe Niekro (13-11 with the Astros and Yanks) can still make hitters knuckle under.
One of Piniella's first moves as manager will be to give Dave Righetti a more clearly defined role out of the bullpen. Righetti (12-7, 2.78 ERA, 29 saves) was used for as much as four innings and as little as one batter by Billy Martin last year. Righetti will pitch no more than two innings per outing in 1986. If Brian Fisher (4-4, 2.38 ERA, 14 saves) continues to develop, the Yankees will have the best lefty-righty relief tandem in the AL."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
FIELDING
"Mattingly gained deserved recognition for his outstanding defense, winning the first of what will be many Gold Gloves for the first baseman. Second baseman Willie Randolph may have lost a step, but he still turns one the smoothest double plays you'll ever see. Shortstop Bobby Meacham has great range, but tends to be erratic with his sidearm throws. Pagliarulo has soft hands and a good arm at third.
Winfield remains one of the premier outfielders in the game and his arm is rarely challenged. Henderson can outrun a lot of his mistakes in center, but teams do not hesitate to run on his arm. Butch Wynegar, plagued by injuries last season, is only adequate behind the plate."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
OUTLOOK
"The Yankees' story is a familiar one. They have the talent to win the division, based on the fact that they are slightly better than last year, when they won 97 games. But can they avoid self-destructing? No one knows how good a manager Piniella will be in his first managerial try. He is blessed with a talented club in his first year, but cursed by the pressures imposed by the club's owner and its fans."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
"It's Lou Piniella's turn to be dipped into George Steinbrenner's bubbling cauldron at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees owner has made 14 managerial changes since taking over the team in 1973, including bringing in and releasing Billy Martin four times.
Martin, who set a major league record for most different times managing one club, did an excellent job, as he usually does, with the Yankees last season. But his off-the field actions, including the well-publicized bout with pitcher Ed Whitson, and Steinbrenner's dissatisfaction with anything but a world title (remember, this is the man who fired Dick Howser in 1980 after he led the Yanks to 103 wins but lost in the AL playoffs) led to yet another change of bench bosses.
Martin, of course, was hired 16 games into the 1985 season when the Yankees stumbled out of the gate under Yogi Berra. Leave it Steinbrenner to besmirch a Yankee legend in the name of the almighty winning record.
And Martin was hired, in essence, as a caretaker until Piniella was ready was ready to assume his first managerial duties. Piniella, who retired in June 1984 with a .291 lifetime batting average, served as the team's batting coach last season and must have done a good job: New York scored 21 more runs than anyone in the league. He also managed five games in Cleveland when Martin was recuperating from a collapsed lung.
'I've wanted to manage, I've said that before,' says Piniella. 'I know it's a tremendous challenge that will take hard work, but it's something I wanted and it's up to me to make the most of this opportunity.
'I'm going into this with open eyes. I've been here 11 or 12 years and seen the different changes at the position. I'm no fool. I realize if, for whatever reason, you don't do a good job, you get replaced. I plan on doing a good job and staying around for a while.'
Seems like Bob Lemon, Gene Michael, Martin, Berra and Howser said something similar.
At least Piniella has the bats to keep him in runs. But the Yankees need more pitching after being forced to use Bob Shirley and acquire Joe Niekro late last season to try to keep pace with the Blue Jays.
Enter Britt Burns, a lefty who went 18-11 with a 3.96 ERA for the White Sox last year. He joins Ron Guidry and Dave Righetti, the aces of the staff. Guidry was 22-6 with a 3.27 ERA and 11 complete games, two shutouts and 143 strikeouts in 259 innings. It was an impressive comeback from Guidry's worst major league season, in which he was 10-11 while suffering through financial problems. To top '85 off, Guidry finished second in the Cy Young voting and copped a Gold Glove for his defensive work.
At 47, Phil Niekro can still make a knuckler dance and he won his 300th game on the final day of the '85 schedule. The Yankees looked like they would invite both Phil (16-12, 4.09 ERA, 149 K's in 220 innings) and Joe Niekro (2-1 in New York) back. Dennis Rasmussen, a powerful lefty, seems to have the tools despite a 3-5, 3.98 ERA in '85.
Whitson had the right to demand a trade and, even with Martin gone, figured to do so. Big question marks surround the careers of Marty Bystrom and the aging Niekros, and John Montefusco will attempt a comeback.
Righetti (12-7, 2.78, 29 SV) will stay in the bullpen, along with Brian Fisher, who was 4-4 and 2.38 with 14 saves as a rookie. They make for a dynamic duo and Piniella has a decent long reliever in southpaw Shirley (5-5, 2.64, 8 SV). As for Neil Allen (1-0, 1 SV in 17 games), he might be worth one more season of reclamation.
Rod Scurry and Mike Armstrong will have trouble staying in the majors while Alfonso Pulido also looks for more mound work.
On offense, the Yankees are strong and deep. Any lineup featuring Don Mattingly, Dave Winfield, Rickey Henderson and Willie Randolph is in good shape.
Mattingly is one of three best pure hitters in the AL. Taking into account the New York first baseman, KC's George Brett and Boston's Wade Boggs, every league batting crown for a decade might be taken.
Mattingly's numbers in '85 were .324, 35 homers 145 RBI, 211 hits, 107 runs and 48 doubles. He ranked first in the AL in RBI (tops in the majors), two-base hits and game winning RBI (21), and was second in hits and slugging percentage (.567), third in average and fourth in homers. He also was nearly flawless in the field, earning a Gold Glove.
Winfield's production was down slightly from '84 when he battled Mattingly to the final at-bat for the batting crown. He hit .275 with 26 homers, 114 RBI, 105 runs, 174 hits and 34 doubles. Winfield also earned a Gold Glove from The Sporting News and was superb afield.
Henderson, who is the speedy leadoff man the team needs to spark it, batted .314 with 146 runs and 80 stolen bases. He was first in the AL in runs and steals and fourth in walks (99) and on-base percentage (.419). But his fielding was erratic and his attitude inconsistent.
The steady second baseman Randolph hit .276 and has been a solid citizen for 10 seasons. Other fine bats in the lineup include Ken Griffey (.274), who had a fine fielding campaign as well. With Butch Wynegar a free agent, New York may need another backstop, though Juan Espino will get a shot and Scott Bradley is available. The Yanks were trying hard to keep Wynegar in New York.
Mike Pagliarulo (.239, 19 HR, 62 RBI) will handle third and Bobby Meacham (.218, 25 SB) will go at shortstop, with Andre Robertson (.328 in 50 games) pushing them. If DH Don Baylor (.231) is allowed to take his 23 homers and 91 RBI elsewhere, Don Pasqua (.209, 9, 25 in 60 games) will have to show he can hit in the majors. The Yankees acquired ex-Oriole slugger Gary Roenicke just in case. Infield support will be supplied by Mike Fischlin, Dale Berra, Miguel Sosa, Juan Bonilla and Leo Hernandez.
Piniella figures to give Henry Cotto a shot in the outfield and the umpires a hard time.
With a bit more pitching, he also could keep the Yankee ship in the Eastern regatta."
-Barry Wilner, Baseball Forecast 1986
"PROBLEMS: New skipper Lou Piniella now has two of the top southpaws in the league on his starting staff, with Britt Burns joining Ron Guidry. But the 3, 4 and 5 spots in the rotation are strict question marks. The bullpen needs a couple of solid long men to help in setting up Dave Righetti and Brian Fisher.
Catching depth is a major trouble, with Butch Wynegar still a free agent at the turn of the year and Ron Hassey gone in the swap for Burns.
When Billy Martin took the helm from Yogi Berra last year, the club spurted into contention. Martin again fell into disfavor when the team misfired in its final series [of the season] against Toronto, and Billy became involved in a barroom tussle with hurler Ed Whitson.
The Martin/Steinbrenner personalities have completely turned off designated hitter Don Baylor, and have left Dave Winfield somewhat disenchanted. Whether Piniella will be able to smooth these burbling waters is a major question.
PITCHING: Can the 40 and 46-year-old Niekros hold up a very shallow rotation? After Guidry and Burns, the Yanks are left with unsatisfactory Dennis Rasmussen, Ed Whitson (if he is not traded as he has requested) and some fairly bright-looking kids. Martin had indicated he wanted to remake Righetti into a starter, but apparently Lou will keep Dave in the bullpen with Fisher.
The short relief is highly effective, but veteran Bob Shirley was the only effective middle man. A right-hander to replace the departed Rich Bordi will have to discovered this spring.
One final question concerns the health of newcomer Burns. Although Britt has had some big winning years, there are rumors he suffers twinges of hip pain. Hurts have caused him to have two non-productive years during his career in Chicago.
HITTING: The Bronx Bombers scored a major league leading 839 runs a year ago, led by MVP Don Mattingly, Winfield, Baylor and sparkplug Rickey Henderson. Owner Steinbrenner, however, is critical of the clutch hitting of some of the big thumpers and is anxious to see his club acquire another solid right-handed bat since the New Yorkers did not fare well against southpaw hurling in '85. In all of the Yankee platoon positions, the left-handed hitters far outperformed those swinging from the right.
Willie Randolph is steady, though slowing down in the field. But shortstop Bobby Meacham and third baseman Mike Pagliarulo, who is expected to be asked to play every day in '86, have dismal averages. The addition of Gary Roenicke from Baltimore helps a little, but Gary is not expected to be a regular. Mike Fischlin comes in from Cleveland as infield backup; Mike carries a light bat, however.
Regardless of who catches, the Yankees will miss the steady plate work of Ron Hassey, who had a lot of pop.
INFIELD: Randolph is still among the league leaders in turning the double play, but his range is down a bit and he is being given more and more rest each year. Meacham is a defensive gem at short, and Fischlin is good bench protection for short and the keystone in case Andre Robertson is included in any deal for pitching.
Mattingly is as good with the glove as he is with the stick, which is saying a lot. Pagliarulo is no Clete Boyer at third, but he does journeyman work afield and has good thump in his low-average bat. Dale Berra is still around for protection.
The hole is behind the plate, and it will be a month or two into the season before the management learns how the changes will affect run production from whoever catches, and how the defense and pitcher-handling capability of the backstop affects the slim starting staff.
OUTFIELD: Henderson and Winfield are at the top of the class for their respective positions. Rickey has proven he can play defense with the best of the league's center fielders despite not having a great arm.
In left, Roenicke and Griffey may platoon if Ken stays in pinstripes. This could bring back memories of the Roenicke/Lowenstein tandem in left which helped to bring a couple of titles to Baltimore a few years back. Yet even hitting only against left-handers, Gary produced only a .218 average to go with his 15 homers in 225 at-bats.
Henry Cotto and Dan Pasqua are two youngsters highly coveted by other clubs in trade talks last winter. Both may be ready to become important contributors to the New York cause in '86.
PROGNOSIS: The pitching thinness is glaring, and it cost the club last year's pennant. Additionally, some of the key figures in the organization are past their baseball primes (Randolph, Griffey, Baylor, the Niekros and Guidry).
New manager, some wild off-season dealing by Steinbrenner and a bench very weak in several spots- are the Yankees as bad as the tail-enders of last April under Berra, or the Martin-driven contenders?
This is an explosive yet temperamental squad which could wind up next October anywhere from first to sixth in the tough East Division (no one looks worse then Milwaukee). The feeling is that winter deals have resulted in New York giving up more than they gained. A finish no better than fourth is likely, although the title fight could result in three, four, five or even six clubs still having a good shot at the East crown in early September."
-Tommy Kay's Big Book of Baseball 1986
"With the legs of Rickey Henderson and the bats of Don Mattingly and Dave Winfield, no team can beat you in more ways than the Yankees. Henderson (.314, 24 homers, 80 stolen bases) is the catalyst, a leadoff hitter with that rare combination of speed and power. Mattingly (.324, 35 homers, 145 RBI) is merely the best overall hitter in the game. Another AL MVP season is not out of the question for the hard-working first baseman. Winfield (.275, 26 homers, 114 RBI) is still going strong at 34.
The Yankees pose a terrific lineup on paper, but still have some questions to answer. Can Mike Pagliarulo develop into a full-time third baseman by learning how to hit left-handers? Is Dan Pasqua (nine homers in 148 at-bats) ready for a full season in the big leagues? Can new manager Lou Piniella keep his overstocked bench happy? Piniella has to find time for Ken Griffey and former Oriole Gary Roenicke, among others."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
PITCHING
"Left-handed pitching has always been important in Yankee Stadium, where the deep dimensions in left center frustrate right-handed hitters. That was one of the reasons the Yankees were so intent on acquiring Britt Burns from the White Sox. Burns (18-11, 3.96) and Ron Guidry (22-6, 3.27) were two of the winningest left-handers in the AL last year. Guidry has learned how to mix in off-speed pitches with his fastball, which he can still pop at times. Phil Niekro (16-12, 4.09) and Joe Niekro (13-11 with the Astros and Yanks) can still make hitters knuckle under.
One of Piniella's first moves as manager will be to give Dave Righetti a more clearly defined role out of the bullpen. Righetti (12-7, 2.78 ERA, 29 saves) was used for as much as four innings and as little as one batter by Billy Martin last year. Righetti will pitch no more than two innings per outing in 1986. If Brian Fisher (4-4, 2.38 ERA, 14 saves) continues to develop, the Yankees will have the best lefty-righty relief tandem in the AL."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
FIELDING
"Mattingly gained deserved recognition for his outstanding defense, winning the first of what will be many Gold Gloves for the first baseman. Second baseman Willie Randolph may have lost a step, but he still turns one the smoothest double plays you'll ever see. Shortstop Bobby Meacham has great range, but tends to be erratic with his sidearm throws. Pagliarulo has soft hands and a good arm at third.
Winfield remains one of the premier outfielders in the game and his arm is rarely challenged. Henderson can outrun a lot of his mistakes in center, but teams do not hesitate to run on his arm. Butch Wynegar, plagued by injuries last season, is only adequate behind the plate."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
OUTLOOK
"The Yankees' story is a familiar one. They have the talent to win the division, based on the fact that they are slightly better than last year, when they won 97 games. But can they avoid self-destructing? No one knows how good a manager Piniella will be in his first managerial try. He is blessed with a talented club in his first year, but cursed by the pressures imposed by the club's owner and its fans."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
"It's Lou Piniella's turn to be dipped into George Steinbrenner's bubbling cauldron at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees owner has made 14 managerial changes since taking over the team in 1973, including bringing in and releasing Billy Martin four times.
Martin, who set a major league record for most different times managing one club, did an excellent job, as he usually does, with the Yankees last season. But his off-the field actions, including the well-publicized bout with pitcher Ed Whitson, and Steinbrenner's dissatisfaction with anything but a world title (remember, this is the man who fired Dick Howser in 1980 after he led the Yanks to 103 wins but lost in the AL playoffs) led to yet another change of bench bosses.
Martin, of course, was hired 16 games into the 1985 season when the Yankees stumbled out of the gate under Yogi Berra. Leave it Steinbrenner to besmirch a Yankee legend in the name of the almighty winning record.
And Martin was hired, in essence, as a caretaker until Piniella was ready was ready to assume his first managerial duties. Piniella, who retired in June 1984 with a .291 lifetime batting average, served as the team's batting coach last season and must have done a good job: New York scored 21 more runs than anyone in the league. He also managed five games in Cleveland when Martin was recuperating from a collapsed lung.
'I've wanted to manage, I've said that before,' says Piniella. 'I know it's a tremendous challenge that will take hard work, but it's something I wanted and it's up to me to make the most of this opportunity.
'I'm going into this with open eyes. I've been here 11 or 12 years and seen the different changes at the position. I'm no fool. I realize if, for whatever reason, you don't do a good job, you get replaced. I plan on doing a good job and staying around for a while.'
Seems like Bob Lemon, Gene Michael, Martin, Berra and Howser said something similar.
At least Piniella has the bats to keep him in runs. But the Yankees need more pitching after being forced to use Bob Shirley and acquire Joe Niekro late last season to try to keep pace with the Blue Jays.
Enter Britt Burns, a lefty who went 18-11 with a 3.96 ERA for the White Sox last year. He joins Ron Guidry and Dave Righetti, the aces of the staff. Guidry was 22-6 with a 3.27 ERA and 11 complete games, two shutouts and 143 strikeouts in 259 innings. It was an impressive comeback from Guidry's worst major league season, in which he was 10-11 while suffering through financial problems. To top '85 off, Guidry finished second in the Cy Young voting and copped a Gold Glove for his defensive work.
At 47, Phil Niekro can still make a knuckler dance and he won his 300th game on the final day of the '85 schedule. The Yankees looked like they would invite both Phil (16-12, 4.09 ERA, 149 K's in 220 innings) and Joe Niekro (2-1 in New York) back. Dennis Rasmussen, a powerful lefty, seems to have the tools despite a 3-5, 3.98 ERA in '85.
Whitson had the right to demand a trade and, even with Martin gone, figured to do so. Big question marks surround the careers of Marty Bystrom and the aging Niekros, and John Montefusco will attempt a comeback.
Righetti (12-7, 2.78, 29 SV) will stay in the bullpen, along with Brian Fisher, who was 4-4 and 2.38 with 14 saves as a rookie. They make for a dynamic duo and Piniella has a decent long reliever in southpaw Shirley (5-5, 2.64, 8 SV). As for Neil Allen (1-0, 1 SV in 17 games), he might be worth one more season of reclamation.
Rod Scurry and Mike Armstrong will have trouble staying in the majors while Alfonso Pulido also looks for more mound work.
On offense, the Yankees are strong and deep. Any lineup featuring Don Mattingly, Dave Winfield, Rickey Henderson and Willie Randolph is in good shape.
Mattingly is one of three best pure hitters in the AL. Taking into account the New York first baseman, KC's George Brett and Boston's Wade Boggs, every league batting crown for a decade might be taken.
Mattingly's numbers in '85 were .324, 35 homers 145 RBI, 211 hits, 107 runs and 48 doubles. He ranked first in the AL in RBI (tops in the majors), two-base hits and game winning RBI (21), and was second in hits and slugging percentage (.567), third in average and fourth in homers. He also was nearly flawless in the field, earning a Gold Glove.
Winfield's production was down slightly from '84 when he battled Mattingly to the final at-bat for the batting crown. He hit .275 with 26 homers, 114 RBI, 105 runs, 174 hits and 34 doubles. Winfield also earned a Gold Glove from The Sporting News and was superb afield.
Henderson, who is the speedy leadoff man the team needs to spark it, batted .314 with 146 runs and 80 stolen bases. He was first in the AL in runs and steals and fourth in walks (99) and on-base percentage (.419). But his fielding was erratic and his attitude inconsistent.
The steady second baseman Randolph hit .276 and has been a solid citizen for 10 seasons. Other fine bats in the lineup include Ken Griffey (.274), who had a fine fielding campaign as well. With Butch Wynegar a free agent, New York may need another backstop, though Juan Espino will get a shot and Scott Bradley is available. The Yanks were trying hard to keep Wynegar in New York.
Mike Pagliarulo (.239, 19 HR, 62 RBI) will handle third and Bobby Meacham (.218, 25 SB) will go at shortstop, with Andre Robertson (.328 in 50 games) pushing them. If DH Don Baylor (.231) is allowed to take his 23 homers and 91 RBI elsewhere, Don Pasqua (.209, 9, 25 in 60 games) will have to show he can hit in the majors. The Yankees acquired ex-Oriole slugger Gary Roenicke just in case. Infield support will be supplied by Mike Fischlin, Dale Berra, Miguel Sosa, Juan Bonilla and Leo Hernandez.
Piniella figures to give Henry Cotto a shot in the outfield and the umpires a hard time.
With a bit more pitching, he also could keep the Yankee ship in the Eastern regatta."
-Barry Wilner, Baseball Forecast 1986
"PROBLEMS: New skipper Lou Piniella now has two of the top southpaws in the league on his starting staff, with Britt Burns joining Ron Guidry. But the 3, 4 and 5 spots in the rotation are strict question marks. The bullpen needs a couple of solid long men to help in setting up Dave Righetti and Brian Fisher.
Catching depth is a major trouble, with Butch Wynegar still a free agent at the turn of the year and Ron Hassey gone in the swap for Burns.
When Billy Martin took the helm from Yogi Berra last year, the club spurted into contention. Martin again fell into disfavor when the team misfired in its final series [of the season] against Toronto, and Billy became involved in a barroom tussle with hurler Ed Whitson.
The Martin/Steinbrenner personalities have completely turned off designated hitter Don Baylor, and have left Dave Winfield somewhat disenchanted. Whether Piniella will be able to smooth these burbling waters is a major question.
PITCHING: Can the 40 and 46-year-old Niekros hold up a very shallow rotation? After Guidry and Burns, the Yanks are left with unsatisfactory Dennis Rasmussen, Ed Whitson (if he is not traded as he has requested) and some fairly bright-looking kids. Martin had indicated he wanted to remake Righetti into a starter, but apparently Lou will keep Dave in the bullpen with Fisher.
The short relief is highly effective, but veteran Bob Shirley was the only effective middle man. A right-hander to replace the departed Rich Bordi will have to discovered this spring.
One final question concerns the health of newcomer Burns. Although Britt has had some big winning years, there are rumors he suffers twinges of hip pain. Hurts have caused him to have two non-productive years during his career in Chicago.
HITTING: The Bronx Bombers scored a major league leading 839 runs a year ago, led by MVP Don Mattingly, Winfield, Baylor and sparkplug Rickey Henderson. Owner Steinbrenner, however, is critical of the clutch hitting of some of the big thumpers and is anxious to see his club acquire another solid right-handed bat since the New Yorkers did not fare well against southpaw hurling in '85. In all of the Yankee platoon positions, the left-handed hitters far outperformed those swinging from the right.
Willie Randolph is steady, though slowing down in the field. But shortstop Bobby Meacham and third baseman Mike Pagliarulo, who is expected to be asked to play every day in '86, have dismal averages. The addition of Gary Roenicke from Baltimore helps a little, but Gary is not expected to be a regular. Mike Fischlin comes in from Cleveland as infield backup; Mike carries a light bat, however.
Regardless of who catches, the Yankees will miss the steady plate work of Ron Hassey, who had a lot of pop.
INFIELD: Randolph is still among the league leaders in turning the double play, but his range is down a bit and he is being given more and more rest each year. Meacham is a defensive gem at short, and Fischlin is good bench protection for short and the keystone in case Andre Robertson is included in any deal for pitching.
Mattingly is as good with the glove as he is with the stick, which is saying a lot. Pagliarulo is no Clete Boyer at third, but he does journeyman work afield and has good thump in his low-average bat. Dale Berra is still around for protection.
The hole is behind the plate, and it will be a month or two into the season before the management learns how the changes will affect run production from whoever catches, and how the defense and pitcher-handling capability of the backstop affects the slim starting staff.
OUTFIELD: Henderson and Winfield are at the top of the class for their respective positions. Rickey has proven he can play defense with the best of the league's center fielders despite not having a great arm.
In left, Roenicke and Griffey may platoon if Ken stays in pinstripes. This could bring back memories of the Roenicke/Lowenstein tandem in left which helped to bring a couple of titles to Baltimore a few years back. Yet even hitting only against left-handers, Gary produced only a .218 average to go with his 15 homers in 225 at-bats.
Henry Cotto and Dan Pasqua are two youngsters highly coveted by other clubs in trade talks last winter. Both may be ready to become important contributors to the New York cause in '86.
PROGNOSIS: The pitching thinness is glaring, and it cost the club last year's pennant. Additionally, some of the key figures in the organization are past their baseball primes (Randolph, Griffey, Baylor, the Niekros and Guidry).
New manager, some wild off-season dealing by Steinbrenner and a bench very weak in several spots- are the Yankees as bad as the tail-enders of last April under Berra, or the Martin-driven contenders?
This is an explosive yet temperamental squad which could wind up next October anywhere from first to sixth in the tough East Division (no one looks worse then Milwaukee). The feeling is that winter deals have resulted in New York giving up more than they gained. A finish no better than fourth is likely, although the title fight could result in three, four, five or even six clubs still having a good shot at the East crown in early September."
-Tommy Kay's Big Book of Baseball 1986
Monday, October 12, 2015
1986 New York Yankees Spring Training Roster
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Manager - Lou Piniella 14
No. Coaches
48 Joe Altobelli
41 Sammy Ellis
42 Stump Merrill
40 Gene Michael
44 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
No. Pitchers
53 Neil Allen (R-R)
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R)
43 Britt Burns (R-L)
50 Marty Bystrom (R-R)
62 Doug Drabek (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
64 Bill Fulton (R-R)
52 Steve George (S-L)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
47 Joe Niekro (R-R)
35 Phil Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
28 Rod Scurry (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
75 Bob Tewksbury (R-R)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
34 Scott Bradley (L-R)
58 Juan Espino (R-R)
63 Phil Lombardi (R-R)
59 Mitch Lyden (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
61 Orestes Destrade (S-R)
22 Mike Fischlin (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
12 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
55 Mike Soper (R-R)
56 Miguel Sosa (R-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
46 Henry Cotto (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
17 Vic Mata (R-R)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Gary Roenicke (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainer - Gene Monahan
Manager - Lou Piniella 14
No. Coaches
48 Joe Altobelli
41 Sammy Ellis
42 Stump Merrill
40 Gene Michael
44 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
No. Pitchers
53 Neil Allen (R-R)
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R)
43 Britt Burns (R-L)
50 Marty Bystrom (R-R)
62 Doug Drabek (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
64 Bill Fulton (R-R)
52 Steve George (S-L)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
47 Joe Niekro (R-R)
35 Phil Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
28 Rod Scurry (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
75 Bob Tewksbury (R-R)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
34 Scott Bradley (L-R)
58 Juan Espino (R-R)
63 Phil Lombardi (R-R)
59 Mitch Lyden (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
61 Orestes Destrade (S-R)
22 Mike Fischlin (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
12 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
55 Mike Soper (R-R)
56 Miguel Sosa (R-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
46 Henry Cotto (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
17 Vic Mata (R-R)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Gary Roenicke (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainer - Gene Monahan
Sunday, October 11, 2015
1985 New York Yankees September Roster
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
42 Doug Holmquist
48 Willie Horton
40 Gene Michael
28 Bill Monbouquette
14 Lou Piniella
44 Jeff Torborg
No. Pitchers
39 Neil Allen (R-R)
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R)
43 Rich Bordi (R-R)
50 Marty Bystrom (R-R)
41 Joe Cowley (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
53 John Montefusco (R-R) *
26 Joe Niekro (R-R)
35 Phil Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
47 Rod Scurry (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
34 Scott Bradley (L-R)
52 Juan Espino (R-R)
12 Ron Hassey (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
55 Juan Bonilla (R-R)
56 Rex Hudler (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
6 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
13 Keith Smith (S-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
46 Henry Cotto (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Billy Sample (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko 57, John Moller 58
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
* not on active roster
No. Coaches
42 Doug Holmquist
48 Willie Horton
40 Gene Michael
28 Bill Monbouquette
14 Lou Piniella
44 Jeff Torborg
No. Pitchers
39 Neil Allen (R-R)
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R)
43 Rich Bordi (R-R)
50 Marty Bystrom (R-R)
41 Joe Cowley (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
53 John Montefusco (R-R) *
26 Joe Niekro (R-R)
35 Phil Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
47 Rod Scurry (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
34 Scott Bradley (L-R)
52 Juan Espino (R-R)
12 Ron Hassey (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
55 Juan Bonilla (R-R)
56 Rex Hudler (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
6 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
13 Keith Smith (S-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
46 Henry Cotto (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Billy Sample (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko 57, John Moller 58
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
* not on active roster
1985 New York Yankees July 1 Roster
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
52 Mark Connor
42 Doug Holmquist
48 Willie Horton
40 Gene Michael
14 Lou Piniella
44 Jeff Torborg
No. Pitchers
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R)
43 Rich Bordi (R-R)
50 Marty Bystrom (R-R) *
41 Joe Cowley (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
26 John Montefusco (R-R) *
35 Phil Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
34 Scott Bradley (L-R)
58 Juan Espino (R-R)
12 Ron Hassey (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R) *
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
6 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
22 Omar Moreno (L-L)
11 Billy Sample (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko 57, John Moller 59
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
* not on active roster
No. Coaches
52 Mark Connor
42 Doug Holmquist
48 Willie Horton
40 Gene Michael
14 Lou Piniella
44 Jeff Torborg
No. Pitchers
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R)
43 Rich Bordi (R-R)
50 Marty Bystrom (R-R) *
41 Joe Cowley (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
26 John Montefusco (R-R) *
35 Phil Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
34 Scott Bradley (L-R)
58 Juan Espino (R-R)
12 Ron Hassey (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R) *
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
6 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
22 Omar Moreno (L-L)
11 Billy Sample (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko 57, John Moller 59
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
* not on active roster
1985 New York Yankees June 1 Roster
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
52 Mark Connor
42 Doug Holmquist
48 Willie Horton
40 Gene Michael
14 Lou Piniella
44 Jeff Torborg
No. Pitchers
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R) *
43 Rich Bordi (R-R)
50 Marty Bystrom (R-R) *
39 Don Cooper (R-R)
41 Joe Cowley (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
26 John Montefusco (R-R) *
35 Phil Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
34 Scott Bradley (L-R) *
12 Ron Hassey (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
56 Rex Hudler (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
6 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
46 Henry Cotto (R-R) *
33 Ken Griffey (L-L) *
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
22 Omar Moreno (L-L)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Billy Sample (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko 57, John Moller 58
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
* not on active roster
1985 New York Yankees Team Photo
Mike Armstrong
Mike Barnett (video coordinator)
Mark Batchko (batting practice pitcher)
Don Baylor
Dale Berra
Rich Bordi
Scott Bradley
Marty Bystrom
Mark Connor (coach)
Joe Cowley
Thomas DiSimone (batboy)
Brian Fisher
Michael Greco (batboy)
Ken Griffey
Ron Guidry
Ron Hassey
Rickey Henderson
Doug Holmquist (coach)
Willie Horton (coach)
Bill Kane (traveling secretary)
Mark Letendre (trainer)
Jeff Mangold (strength and conditioning coach)
Billy Martin (manager)
Don Mattingly
Bobby Meacham
Gene Michael (coach)
John Moller (batting practice pitcher)
Gene Monahan (trainer)
Omar Moreno
Phil Niekro
Mike Pagliarulo
Brian Perry (batboy)
Lou Piniella (coach)
Willie Randolph
Dennis Rasmussen
Dave Righetti
Andre Robertson
Billy Sample
Dom Scala (bullpen catcher)
Pete Sheehy (equipment manager)
Bob Shirley
Jeff Torborg (coach)
Ed Whitson
Dave Winfield
Butch Wynegar
No. Coaches
52 Mark Connor
42 Doug Holmquist
48 Willie Horton
40 Gene Michael
14 Lou Piniella
44 Jeff Torborg
No. Pitchers
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R) *
43 Rich Bordi (R-R)
50 Marty Bystrom (R-R) *
39 Don Cooper (R-R)
41 Joe Cowley (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
26 John Montefusco (R-R) *
35 Phil Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
34 Scott Bradley (L-R) *
12 Ron Hassey (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
56 Rex Hudler (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
6 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
46 Henry Cotto (R-R) *
33 Ken Griffey (L-L) *
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
22 Omar Moreno (L-L)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Billy Sample (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko 57, John Moller 58
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
* not on active roster
1985 New York Yankees Team Photo
Mike Armstrong
Mike Barnett (video coordinator)
Mark Batchko (batting practice pitcher)
Don Baylor
Dale Berra
Rich Bordi
Scott Bradley
Marty Bystrom
Mark Connor (coach)
Joe Cowley
Thomas DiSimone (batboy)
Brian Fisher
Michael Greco (batboy)
Ken Griffey
Ron Guidry
Ron Hassey
Rickey Henderson
Doug Holmquist (coach)
Willie Horton (coach)
Bill Kane (traveling secretary)
Mark Letendre (trainer)
Jeff Mangold (strength and conditioning coach)
Billy Martin (manager)
Don Mattingly
Bobby Meacham
Gene Michael (coach)
John Moller (batting practice pitcher)
Gene Monahan (trainer)
Omar Moreno
Phil Niekro
Mike Pagliarulo
Brian Perry (batboy)
Lou Piniella (coach)
Willie Randolph
Dennis Rasmussen
Dave Righetti
Andre Robertson
Billy Sample
Dom Scala (bullpen catcher)
Pete Sheehy (equipment manager)
Bob Shirley
Jeff Torborg (coach)
Ed Whitson
Dave Winfield
Butch Wynegar
Saturday, October 10, 2015
1985 New York Yankees and Albany-Colonie Yankees Scorecard and Program Notes
WELCOME
"Welcome to a 'New Era in Yankee Baseball.'
This is the 83rd season for the most dominant team in the history of professional sports. The Yankees have won 22 World Championships and 33 American League pennants in 82 years.
While most teams are still looking for their first championship or can only point to one standout period in their history, the Yankees can boast several distinct eras within their overall dominance of major league baseball.
The first era of Yankee greatness was led by the combined talents of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. From Babe Ruth's arrival in New York in 1920 to his departure from the Yankees in 1935, the Yankee pinstripes won four World Championships and seven American League pennants.
Joe DiMaggio's arrival in 1936 started the tradition of great Yankee center fielders, and with his retirement in 1951 the Yankees had added 10 more World Series victories and 11 more A.L. pennants.
Mickey Mantle picked up the torch from there, contributing to six additional World Championships and another 11 league championships that were won before he retired in 1969.
After a dry spell of several years, Thurman Munson and Reggie Jackson had the Yankees back on track in the late '70s winning two more World Championships and three [more] A.L. titles.
Now the team has been reshaped and regrouped and is ready to begin a 'New Era in Yankee Baseball.' Who tomorrow will look back on as today's legends no one knows for sure, but already names like Don Mattingly, Rickey Henderson, Dave Righetti, Dave Winfield and a host of others are beginning to leave their mark in the Yankee record book.
The Yankees originally joined the American League in 1903 and were known as the 'Highlanders.' Around 1913 the nickname 'Yankees' was adopted and a couple of years later pinstripes appeared on their uniforms. Their first American League pennant was won in 1921 and they claimed their first World Championship in 1923. In 1929, the Yankees were the first team to add numbers to the backs of their uniforms. The 'Yankee Pride and Tradition' was on its way.
Now in 1985 Yankees proudly wear the same uniforms, play in the same ballpark, in the same great city and carry on the same traditions established when they won their first World Championship.
We take great pride in welcoming you to the 83rd season of Yankee baseball ... be a part of it as we begin a 'New Era in Yankee Baseball.' There is none better."
-New York Yankees 1985 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
YANKEE STADIUM GROUND RULES
"Foul poles are outside the playing field. Any batted ball hitting a foul pole above the fence line is a home run. Bat racks are within the dugouts.
Any thrown ball hitting a dugout railing or foundation and rebounding on the field is in play. A ball going into the dugout or hitting other parts of the dugout- out of play."
-New York Yankees 1985 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
AMERICAN LEAGUE UMPIRES
2 Bremigan
3 Evans
4 Springstead
6 Neudecker
7 Phillips
8 McKean
10 McCoy
11 Denkinger
12 Cooney
13 Cousins
14 Palermo
15 Brinkman
17 Hirschbeck
18 Kosc
19 Garcia
20 Ford
21 Kaiser
22 Barnett
23 Reed
24 Clark
25 Johnson
26 Voltaggio
27 Roe
28 Young
29 Shulock
31 Reilly
33 Merrill
34 Morrison
35 Hendry
36 McClellan
37 Coble
WHERE THE YANKEES STAY ON THE ROAD
Baltimore- Cross Keys Inn
Boston- Sheraton Boston
California (Anaheim)- Anaheim Marriott
Chicago- Westin-Chicago
Cleveland- Bond Court
Detroit- Hotel Pontchartrain
Kansas City- Hilton Plaza
Milwaukee- Pfister Hotel
Minnesota (Minneapolis-St. Paul)- Radisson Metrodome
Oakland- Oakland Hyatt House
Seattle- Crown Plaza
Texas (Arlington)- Arlington Hilton
Toronto- Sheraton Centre
1985 NEW YORK YANKEES HOME OF CHAMPIONS RADIO NETWORK
NEW YORK
New York City (WABC) (flagship station)
Albany (WROW)
Binghamton (WKOP)
Corning (WCLI)
Dansville (WDNY)
Dunkirk (WDOE)
Geneva (WGVA)
Gloversville (WENT)
Ithaca (WTKO)
Jamestown (WKSN)
Lockport (WLVL)
Kingston (WKNY)
Newark (WACK)
Olean (WBJZ)
Plattsburgh (WIRY)
Syracuse (WSYR)
Tupper Lake (WTPL)
Utica (WIBX)
Walton (WDLA)
Watertown (WTNY)
Waverly (WAVR)
CONNECTICUT
Hartford (WPOP)
Meriden (WMMW)
New London (WNLC)
Waterbury (WATR)
FLORIDA
Miami (WIOD)
LOUISIANA
Lafayette (KPEL)
MASSACHUSETTS
East Longmeadow (WIXY)
Pittsfield (WBEC)
PENNSYLVANIA
Allentown (WEEX)
Sayre (WATS/WAVR)
Scranton (WBQW)
Williamsport (WWPA)
VERMONT
Montpelier (WSKI)
1985 NEW YORK YANKEES TELEVISION NETWORK
New York, New York (WPIX) (originating station)
Albuquerque, New Mexico (KGSW)
Buffalo, New York (WUTV)
Miami, Florida (WBFS)
Tampa, FL (WFTS)
West Palm Beach, Florida (WFLX)
ADVERTISEMENTS
-1985 Official New York Yankees Publications
-Alka-Seltzer: Take it out to the ball game.
-American Cancer Society
-Bacardi: Bacardi rum mixes with everything. Except driving.
-Beck's: Beck's. The most famous German word in the English language.
-Bic: Our new Bic for sensitive skin, or our regular Bic for normal skin. Or in the words of John McEnroe, "Gentlemen, pick your Bic."
-Budweiser: Baseball Fans ... this Bud's for you.
-Busch: Head for the Mountains.
-Canon T70: The Canon T70 makes the great shots possible.
-Certified Autographs
-Circle Line: The only way to see New York, CIRCLE IT!
-Citibank: Pride Of The Citi
-Continental: Better By Design
-Easton and Mizuno: Your Winning Lineup for '85!
-Gatorade: Gatorade is thirst aid for that deep down body thirst.
-Grand Slam Sports Collectibles Inc.
-Jim Beam: Enjoy the taste of victory.
-Long Island Savings Bank: Build your future on our strength.
-Long Island Trust: We respond to speed your business growth.
-Madison Square Garden Network: Play By Play By Play By Play Every Day!
-Manufacturers Hanover
-Marlboro
-Maxell: Maxell takes compact disc quality out of the living room.
-Micro League Baseball: The ultimate strategy computer game!
-Nestle: Major League Chocolate
-New York Life. Business life insurance that can keep up with your business.
-Norelco: We put quality first.
-Nynex: It'll even help you find a Bronx chair.
-The Playing Field: Authentic Sports Apparel
-Roche: Good Nutrition For A Healthier Life
-Rolaids: In 1984 the Yankees spelled relief D-A-V-E R-I-G-H-E-T-T-I.
-Skoal Bandits: When you can't smoke, but you want to enjoy tobacco, try Skoal Bandits.
-Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Centennial Commission: Keep the torch lit.
-Steidl's Wine Cooler: Coolest Kid On The Block
-Steinbrenner's Bay Harbor Inn: Tampa's Unique Reflection Of Your Good Taste
-Stroh's and Stroh Light: Fire-Brewed For Smoother Taste
-Team Nabisco: Nabisco just re-invented the concept of team sports!
-Ticket World: A short stop away to the best hits in town!
-Toyota: Oh what a feeling!
-TWA: Leading The Way. TWA.
-Valvoline: Because your car is special.
-Virga: Food Products
-WABC Talkradio 77AM: For more than just the score, listen to Art Rust, Jr., Steve Malzberg and Steve Albert, and catch every Yankee game on WABC Talkradio 77AM.
-Xerox: Behind every great victory is a great team.
-Yankees Cruise: Come join your favorite Yankee players aboard the magnificent Cunard Countess.
-Yankees Magazine
-Yankees Postcards
-Yankees Video Library
"Welcome to a 'New Era in Yankee Baseball.'
This is the 83rd season for the most dominant team in the history of professional sports. The Yankees have won 22 World Championships and 33 American League pennants in 82 years.
While most teams are still looking for their first championship or can only point to one standout period in their history, the Yankees can boast several distinct eras within their overall dominance of major league baseball.
The first era of Yankee greatness was led by the combined talents of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. From Babe Ruth's arrival in New York in 1920 to his departure from the Yankees in 1935, the Yankee pinstripes won four World Championships and seven American League pennants.
Joe DiMaggio's arrival in 1936 started the tradition of great Yankee center fielders, and with his retirement in 1951 the Yankees had added 10 more World Series victories and 11 more A.L. pennants.
Mickey Mantle picked up the torch from there, contributing to six additional World Championships and another 11 league championships that were won before he retired in 1969.
After a dry spell of several years, Thurman Munson and Reggie Jackson had the Yankees back on track in the late '70s winning two more World Championships and three [more] A.L. titles.
Now the team has been reshaped and regrouped and is ready to begin a 'New Era in Yankee Baseball.' Who tomorrow will look back on as today's legends no one knows for sure, but already names like Don Mattingly, Rickey Henderson, Dave Righetti, Dave Winfield and a host of others are beginning to leave their mark in the Yankee record book.
The Yankees originally joined the American League in 1903 and were known as the 'Highlanders.' Around 1913 the nickname 'Yankees' was adopted and a couple of years later pinstripes appeared on their uniforms. Their first American League pennant was won in 1921 and they claimed their first World Championship in 1923. In 1929, the Yankees were the first team to add numbers to the backs of their uniforms. The 'Yankee Pride and Tradition' was on its way.
Now in 1985 Yankees proudly wear the same uniforms, play in the same ballpark, in the same great city and carry on the same traditions established when they won their first World Championship.
We take great pride in welcoming you to the 83rd season of Yankee baseball ... be a part of it as we begin a 'New Era in Yankee Baseball.' There is none better."
-New York Yankees 1985 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
YANKEE STADIUM GROUND RULES
"Foul poles are outside the playing field. Any batted ball hitting a foul pole above the fence line is a home run. Bat racks are within the dugouts.
Any thrown ball hitting a dugout railing or foundation and rebounding on the field is in play. A ball going into the dugout or hitting other parts of the dugout- out of play."
-New York Yankees 1985 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
AMERICAN LEAGUE UMPIRES
2 Bremigan
3 Evans
4 Springstead
6 Neudecker
7 Phillips
8 McKean
10 McCoy
11 Denkinger
12 Cooney
13 Cousins
14 Palermo
15 Brinkman
17 Hirschbeck
18 Kosc
19 Garcia
20 Ford
21 Kaiser
22 Barnett
23 Reed
24 Clark
25 Johnson
26 Voltaggio
27 Roe
28 Young
29 Shulock
31 Reilly
33 Merrill
34 Morrison
35 Hendry
36 McClellan
37 Coble
WHERE THE YANKEES STAY ON THE ROAD
Baltimore- Cross Keys Inn
Boston- Sheraton Boston
California (Anaheim)- Anaheim Marriott
Chicago- Westin-Chicago
Cleveland- Bond Court
Detroit- Hotel Pontchartrain
Kansas City- Hilton Plaza
Milwaukee- Pfister Hotel
Minnesota (Minneapolis-St. Paul)- Radisson Metrodome
Oakland- Oakland Hyatt House
Seattle- Crown Plaza
Texas (Arlington)- Arlington Hilton
Toronto- Sheraton Centre
1985 NEW YORK YANKEES HOME OF CHAMPIONS RADIO NETWORK
NEW YORK
New York City (WABC) (flagship station)
Albany (WROW)
Binghamton (WKOP)
Corning (WCLI)
Dansville (WDNY)
Dunkirk (WDOE)
Geneva (WGVA)
Gloversville (WENT)
Ithaca (WTKO)
Jamestown (WKSN)
Lockport (WLVL)
Kingston (WKNY)
Newark (WACK)
Olean (WBJZ)
Plattsburgh (WIRY)
Syracuse (WSYR)
Tupper Lake (WTPL)
Utica (WIBX)
Walton (WDLA)
Watertown (WTNY)
Waverly (WAVR)
CONNECTICUT
Hartford (WPOP)
Meriden (WMMW)
New London (WNLC)
Waterbury (WATR)
FLORIDA
Miami (WIOD)
LOUISIANA
Lafayette (KPEL)
MASSACHUSETTS
East Longmeadow (WIXY)
Pittsfield (WBEC)
PENNSYLVANIA
Allentown (WEEX)
Sayre (WATS/WAVR)
Scranton (WBQW)
Williamsport (WWPA)
VERMONT
Montpelier (WSKI)
1985 NEW YORK YANKEES TELEVISION NETWORK
New York, New York (WPIX) (originating station)
Albuquerque, New Mexico (KGSW)
Buffalo, New York (WUTV)
Miami, Florida (WBFS)
Tampa, FL (WFTS)
West Palm Beach, Florida (WFLX)
ADVERTISEMENTS
-1985 Official New York Yankees Publications
-Alka-Seltzer: Take it out to the ball game.
-American Cancer Society
-Bacardi: Bacardi rum mixes with everything. Except driving.
-Beck's: Beck's. The most famous German word in the English language.
-Bic: Our new Bic for sensitive skin, or our regular Bic for normal skin. Or in the words of John McEnroe, "Gentlemen, pick your Bic."
-Budweiser: Baseball Fans ... this Bud's for you.
-Busch: Head for the Mountains.
-Canon T70: The Canon T70 makes the great shots possible.
-Certified Autographs
-Circle Line: The only way to see New York, CIRCLE IT!
-Citibank: Pride Of The Citi
-Continental: Better By Design
-Easton and Mizuno: Your Winning Lineup for '85!
-Gatorade: Gatorade is thirst aid for that deep down body thirst.
-Grand Slam Sports Collectibles Inc.
-Jim Beam: Enjoy the taste of victory.
-Long Island Savings Bank: Build your future on our strength.
-Long Island Trust: We respond to speed your business growth.
-Madison Square Garden Network: Play By Play By Play By Play Every Day!
-Manufacturers Hanover
-Marlboro
-Maxell: Maxell takes compact disc quality out of the living room.
-Micro League Baseball: The ultimate strategy computer game!
-Nestle: Major League Chocolate
-New York Life. Business life insurance that can keep up with your business.
-Norelco: We put quality first.
-Nynex: It'll even help you find a Bronx chair.
-The Playing Field: Authentic Sports Apparel
-Roche: Good Nutrition For A Healthier Life
-Rolaids: In 1984 the Yankees spelled relief D-A-V-E R-I-G-H-E-T-T-I.
-Skoal Bandits: When you can't smoke, but you want to enjoy tobacco, try Skoal Bandits.
-Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Centennial Commission: Keep the torch lit.
-Steidl's Wine Cooler: Coolest Kid On The Block
-Steinbrenner's Bay Harbor Inn: Tampa's Unique Reflection Of Your Good Taste
-Stroh's and Stroh Light: Fire-Brewed For Smoother Taste
-Team Nabisco: Nabisco just re-invented the concept of team sports!
-Ticket World: A short stop away to the best hits in town!
-Toyota: Oh what a feeling!
-TWA: Leading The Way. TWA.
-Valvoline: Because your car is special.
-Virga: Food Products
-WABC Talkradio 77AM: For more than just the score, listen to Art Rust, Jr., Steve Malzberg and Steve Albert, and catch every Yankee game on WABC Talkradio 77AM.
-Xerox: Behind every great victory is a great team.
-Yankees Cruise: Come join your favorite Yankee players aboard the magnificent Cunard Countess.
-Yankees Magazine
-Yankees Postcards
-Yankees Video Library
New York Yankees AA Farm Club (Eastern League)
Welcome Yankee Fans!
I am very pleased about the new home for our Double A affiliate and the return of the Yankees to the Eastern League. Albany has long been a source of Yankee loyalty and we are glad that we can show you some of the stars of tomorrow at Heritage Park.
Over the past two years, your enthusiastic support has been one of the reasons why Albany has evolved into one of the finest cities in Minor League Baseball. I trust this support will flourish.
We plan to send a very representative team to you. One that closely identifies with the long-standing Yankee tradition of excellence. In Barry Foote, Dave LaRoche and Jim Saul, we feel that these men are just the people to lead the Albany-Colonie Yankees to the Eastern League Pennant.
I look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with Ben Bernard and his staff, as well as the county of Albany and the town of Colonie.
Hope to see you at Heritage Park and Yankee Stadium this year.
Sincerely,
George Steinbrenner [Principal Owner]
GREETINGS FROM THE OWNERS-
Welcome to Heritage Park, home of the Albany-Colonie Yankees.
Without the backing of this community over the past two years we would not have been able to bring the Yankees to the Capital District. You the fans are the game and your support and patience are directly responsible for the return of professional baseball to our area.
This year we intend to continue to fulfill our responsibilities to baseball and to the community. Involvement in fund raising for the area groups, and bringing in the best caliber of promotions available anywhere is our highest priority. We may not win every game but we promise YOU will be the winner with good wholesome family fun on each visit you make to Heritage Park.
"We're a new addition to the Yankee tradition." We hope that Albany-Colonie continues to carry on the greatest name in baseball, and that Yankee tradition will become your tradition as well.
Yours in baseball,
Ben R. Bernard
President
BEN BERNARD (Owner and General Manager)
"Ben Bernard has been a New York Yankees fan all his life. And since getting involved in professional baseball in 1980 with Glens Falls, he had hoped he could one day work with the Yankees.
With the arrival of the Albany-Colonie Yankees, Bernard will get to combine his two interests, as the Eastern League club owner and general manager.
'It's like a dream come true for me,' the Granville native said of getting the Yankees to place their Double-A players at Heritage Park.
'My father has always been a Yankee fan and I've always been a Yankee fan.
'When we signed that contract, it was a great moment for me. And I'm sure it will be great for the Yankee fans in the Capital District.'
Bernard, a frustrated pitcher, got started in professional baseball with the Glens Falls White Sox in their initial season in 1980. He came aboard to handle promotions, and at the end of the year was given the general manager's job by the team's co-owners.
Bernard saw the Glensox draw better than 100,000 fans to East Field during both of his two years as the team's GM, with future major leaguers such as Ron Kittle and Greg Walker helping the Sox take three of four division pennants (the Eastern League employed a split-season schedule in 1981 and 1982).
The success on the field and at the gate manifested itself in an Eastern League Executive of the Year Award for Bernard, but he wanted more direct control of the daily operation of the club, so he bought the struggling West Haven A's following the 1982 season, moving the franchise to Albany and signing what turned out to be a two-year contract with the Oakland A's.
The first year in Albany had its share of headaches, though, with the team playing at small Bleecker Stadium the first half of the season. Despite a slate of late afternoon starts, a dearth of parking and the cramped quarters of Bleecker, the team drew well.
Heritage Park was completed in time for the A's to play the final two months of the season, and crowds of 5,000 or better were the norm rather than the exception at the new ball park.
The A's enjoyed another successful year at the gate (199,534 paid attendance) in 1984 and combined that with a regular-season pennant on the field with Bernard earning a second EL Executive Award.
Bernard and another EL executive lobbied for and eventually secured an exhibition game for Heritage Park pitting the EL All-Stars against the Columbus Clippers, the Yankees' Triple-A farm team. That game drew an announced crowd of 6,753 and helped Bernard successfully negotiate with the Yankees when they left Nashville, Tenn., in the Southern League after the season.
'I had always hoped to be able to get the Yankees here, not just for myself, but because there are so many die-hard Yankees fans in the area,' Bernard says. 'They seem to be more than happy to be here, and we'd be happy to have them for as long as they want to stay.
'To me, the New York Yankees have always been the top franchise in sports. When you say the New York Yankees, people all over the world know who you are talking about. The Yankees emblem and Yankee Stadium are probably the two most recognizable things in sports.'
Bernard foresees a happy arrangement between local fans and the Yankees and hopes the relationship thrives for many years to come.
'I'm sure the fans in the area will support Yankee baseball at Heritage Park,' says Bernard. 'For years, people have been driving the two hours or so to go Yankee Stadium. Now they can the future Yankees' major league players right here.
'That will help tremendously with the identity of the Yankees with the fans here, when we can watch a Yankees game or listen to one and know we've watched some of those players with us at Heritage Park.
'I'm just very excited about the 1985 season, and I hope the fans will come to the park to see Yankee baseball.' "
-1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book
1985 ALBANY-COLONIE YANKEES DIRECTORY
Vice-President - Ralph Bernard, Sr.
Vice-President, Baseball Operations - Ray Ross
Vice-President, Public Relations - Phil Pivnick
Team Physician - Dr. Carl Wirth
Stadium Operations- Ralph Bernard, Jr.
Administrative Assistant - Steve Bernard
Merchandise Manager - Dan Bernard
Office Administrator - Beth Harbour
Marketing - Rick Kuczynski
Marketing - Paula Segal
Stadium Maintenance - Ron Roberts
Team Photographer - Steve Twardzik
Heritage Park Administrator - Gary Holle
Head Groundskeeper - John Liburdi
Grounds Crew - Jim Light
Grounds Crew- Tim Anatrello
Public Address Announcer- Jay Silverman
Videotape Operator - Fritz Walker
Official Scorer - Biff Fischer
1985 Albany-Colonie Yankees Advisory Committee
Steve Fahey (Pepsi Cola)
Gary Lansing (Marine Midland)
William Keis (Keis Distributors)
Walter Otto (Otto Oldsmobile-Cadillac-Isuzu)
Bishop Howard Hubbard (Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany)
Robert Unger (Pyramid-Crossgates Mall Corp.)
KEVIN RAND (Trainer)
"Promotions come not only for players, but trainers as well. Kevin Rand advances a step with Barry Foote and Dave LaRoche from Ft. Lauderdale to Albany-Colonie.
Rand, 25, is starting his fourth season in the Yankee organization. He is an associate member of the National Athletic Trainers Association and is working towards full certification.
A native of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Kevin owns an A.B. in classics from Bowdoin College. He was an assistant trainer before going to Bowdoin in 1982.
Kevin kept a busy calendar this past off-season. He was the trainer for the Yankees' Instructional League entry in the fall. He spent the winter in Maine where he is an accomplished basketball referee."
-1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book
1985 ALBANY-COLONIE YANKEES SCORE/PROGRAM BOOK PORTRAIT PHOTOS
Brad Arnsberg (P)
Mark Blaser (3B)
Tim Byron (P)
Gary Cathcart (OF)
Ron Chapman (2B)
Orestes Destrade (1B)
Doug Drabek (P)
Mark Ferguson (P)
Matt Gallegos (IF)
Randy Graham (P)
Kevin Hickey (P)
Keith Hughes (OF)
Bill Lindsey (C)
Phil Lombardi (C)
Scott Nielsen (P)
Scott Patterson (P)
Jim Riggs (IF)
Tony Russell (OF)
Dick Scott (IF)
Mitch Seone (IF)
Bob Tewksbury (P)
Stefan Wever (P)
Gary Wex (P)
Brad Winkler (OF)
1984 EASTERN LEAGUE ALL-STAR GAME: A HIT!
"Albany-Colonie fans got their first chance to see a New York Yankee minor league affiliate in action at last year's Eastern League All-Star Game and they came away hoping for more. When the Columbus Clippers of the International League bested the EL All-Stars, 7-3, before well over 10,000 boisterous fans at Heritage Park on July 9, it proved that Yankee fans would show up in droves to see any type of Yankee team in action- even if it was of the minor league variety.
The success of the game (it drew the most fans in Heritage Park history) gave Albany-Colonie A's President and General Manager Ben Bernard hope that someday the Yankees would call Heritage Park home. Several months later they announced that they would indeed place their Class AA team in Colonie and Bernard would later cite the All-Star Game as one of the reasons why.
It was the first Eastern League All-Star Game since 1977 when the all-stars used to play the defending champion from the year before. The team was chosen by Eastern League managers, administrators and media.
Nobody from the host Albany-Colonie A's started the game. A's catcher Mickey Tettleton was originally voted the starting catcher for the special event but he was called up to Oakland.
The Eastern League starting lineup included pitcher Scott Terry of Vermont, New Britain catcher Dan Schaffer in place of Tettleton behind the plate, first baseman Pat Adams of Glens Falls, third baseman Rick Stromer of Waterbury, shortstop Jeff Moronko of Buffalo, second baseman Rich Renteria of Nashua and outfielders Ken Ford of Nashua, Pookie Bernstine of Buffalo and Kal Daniels of Vermont.
The A's were represented by pitcher Tim Lambert, first baseman-outfielder Jim Eppard and utility man Thad Reece, who went on to lead the league in hitting.
Rounding out the team that was managed by Buffalo's Jack Aker were pitchers Rafael Lugo of Waterbury, Craig Pippin of Nashua, Mitch Johnson of New Britain, Rocky Childress of Reading, Rich Thompson of Buffalo and Bert Geiger of Glens Falls along with the other reserves: catcher Mike Lavalliere of Reading, designated hitter Tim Glass of Buffalo, first baseman Wally Joyner of Waterbury, second baseman Glenn Franklin of Vermont and outfielder John Cangelosi of Glens Falls.
Columbus, managed by Carl 'Stump' Merrill was armed with many former major leaguers in its lineup including former Yankees Andre Robertson and Butch Hobson. Each would play a part in the Clippers' victory.
Columbus got on the board in the first inning to the delight of Yankee fans. Kelly Heath singled to center field but Rex Hudler grounded into a double play, clearing the bases. Danny Briggs started things up again with a single, however, and outfielder Matt Winters, who would become the hero of the game, brought Briggs home with a booming double to center field.
Three more Clippers rounded the bases in the third to give Columbus a 4-0 lead. Robertson, who was the busiest Clipper signing autographs before the game, blasted a triple off the top of the fence in left field. When Moronko couldn't handle the relay throw, Robertson pranced home. Clipper third baseman Heath got his second single of the game before Winters, a 24-year-old outfielder, showed his strength by powering a home run off the scoreboard in right field.
The Eastern League wouldn't give up, however, and the All-Stars stormed back with three runs in the fifth inning to get within a run of the Class AAA Clippers. Back-to-back doubles by Lavalliere and Glass scored one run and Glass came home on a wild pitch. After Reece walked, teammate Eppard doubled to left to bring him home and draw the EL All-Stars within a run, 4-3.
Columbus clinched the game with three runs in the eighth inning. Three singles and a big two-run double by Hobson concluded the scoring.
Terry took the loss for the Eastern League. Kelly Scott got the win for Columbus.
Winters, who impressed the local crowd most with his three hits, including the mammoth homer, was happy the Clippers played in the special game. 'It's easier to hit when you don't have the pressure on in this kind of game,' he said. 'But it wouldn't have been half as much fun if it wasn't for the crowd. That many people get you motivated. I think it was the first game in my life that I didn't get yelled at in right field. The fans were very nice.'
Merrill was also enthusiastic about the game. 'This is a very nice AA facility,' said the former Eastern League (West Haven 1978-79) manager. 'I used to manage in the Eastern League and I know most of the parks. This is the best one in the league.'
It was truly a game to remember for Albany-Colonie fans who saw perhaps a one-of-a-kind contest. This year the Eastern League All-Star Game will have a different format with the National League affiliates, the Reds, Pirates and Phillies, against the American League affiliates, the Yankees, White Sox, Red Sox and Indians."
-Bob Weiner, Times Record (1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book)
YANKEES COMMITTED TO MINOR LEAGUES
"While the New York Yankees have improved tremendously from their poor seasons in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Yankee fans were still disappointed because they saw so few of the team's minor leaguers play for the American League club.
That trend has been reversed in the last few years, though, with players like Mike Pagliarulo, Don Mattingly and Scott Bradley getting more playing time and making contributions.
According to New York's Director of Minor League Operations, Bobby Hofman, that trend could be something that could turn into a regular occurrence, with the Yankees relying more and more on 'home grown' talent.
'Of course, we would like to see our minor leaguers eventually wear the Pintstripes,' said Hofman. 'You always hope you can get a number of minor league players to the major leagues every year. Last season worked out well for us, because we got a chance to see a number of our minor leaguers come up to New York and do well.'
New York's poor start in 1984, combined with Detroit's wire-to-wire occupancy of first place in the American League's Eastern Division, allowed the Bronx Bombers the luxury of calling up a number of players, who did the job over the second half of the season.
'But the main thing with Mr. Steinbrenner is to win,' Hofman pointed out. 'That's what he's most concerned about, winning the World Series. If playing rookies can help us win, that's all right.
'The kids came up and played well last season. We always knew Mike Pagliarulo could play, but he had a fellow named Graig Nettles ahead of him. I certainly would like to see more of our minor leaguers given the chance.'
Hofman's job is to see that those minor leaguers get the necessary instruction and make the yearly improvements that enable them to be ready when the call comes from the big leagues.
'We've been very successful at the minor league level the past five or six years,' Hofman said, pointing to players like Pagliarulo, Mattingly, Bradley, Brian Dayett, Clay Christiansen, and Vic Mata who have been ready when summoned the past few years. And there are others, like Rex Hudler, Matt Winters, Orestes Destrade, Dick Scott and Maurice Ching who Hofman feels are on the verge of being able to play in the major leagues.
The Yankees' farm teams have also done well on the field the past few years, which gives the players more recognition. And the players know that the major league club is looking more to its own farm system to fill holes on the major league roster.
Not too long ago, it seemed the only way a Yankee farmhand would get to the major leagues was by getting traded to another club. The Rickey Henderson trade last winter and the big trade with the Chicago Cubs earlier last fall did involve a good number of minor leaguers, but those deals do seem to be less common than they used to be.
The Yankee commitment to the minor leagues was one of the reasons they chose to set up shop in Heritage Park with their Double-A team after leaving Nashville. The Yankees know there is a large number of Yankee fans in the area, and they hope that seeing the minor league players will lead to a better identification with the American League team.
And with the Albany-Colonie Yankees in the Eastern League, the Yankees have a minor league team within two-and-a-half hours of driving time from Yankee Stadium.
Combine that with the Yankees' New York-Penn League team in Oneonta, and the Yankees have put a good deal of their promising talent in upstate New York.
And as area fans know, that really isn't all that far from the Bronx."
-Bill Palmer, Schenectady Gazette (1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book)
CHARLES ESHBACH (Eastern League President)
"Charlie Eshbach is entering his fourth year as president of the Eastern League. Eshbach, 33, was elected to the league presidency in 1981, after seven years as general manager of the Bristol Red Sox.
A 1974 graduate of the University of Connecticut, Charlie began his career in baseball in Elmira in May 1974. as Assistant General Manager of the New York-Penn League club. Following the 1974 season, he moved to Bristol (now the New Britain club), starting his 11-year association with the Eastern League.
The Plainville, Connecticut, resident is the seventh president in Eastern League history. League founder John H. Farrell was the circuit's first chief executive, serving from 1923 to 1929, when his son Perry B. Farrell assumed the post. Thomas H. Richardson was named the league's third prexy in 1937, serving until 1960 and then again from 1968 to his death in 1970. Rankin Johnson filled the office during Richardson's absence from 1960 until 1968. Roy Jackson was the fifth league president from 1970-74, and Pat McKernan served from 1974 until 1981.
In his three years as EL president, Charlie has seen league attendance double. In 1983, he was the recipient of the Wallace McKenna Award, presented by the Umpire Development Program of the National Association, for his excellence in the handling of umpires. This past December, at the winter meetings in Houston, Charlie was named the first winner of the Warren Giles Award, an annual award given to the Minor League President of the Year."
-1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book
THE MEN IN BLUE - EASTERN LEAGUE UMPIRES
"Eastern League fans will notice something different this year when they go to the ballpark. Instead of two umpires working the games as has been the practice in the past, there will be three umpires making the calls on the field.
Why the change? 'We feel it will make for a better game,' says Charlie Eshbach, president of the Eastern League. 'It's very difficult for two umpires to be in position to make the calls, and by going to three we should make it easier on the umpires and better for the players and the fans,' he added.
The umpires in the Eastern League have a similar goal as the players. They hope to work their way up to the major leagues. Twenty-six former Eastern League arbiters are now under contract or on option to the big leagues. Umpires such as Nick Bremigan, Fred Brocklander, Gerry Crawford, Steve Palermo, and Paul Runge are just a few of the EL alumni calling the plays in the American and National Leagues.
The Eastern League umpires are part of the Umpire Development Program. The UDP takes the top graduates of the umpire schools, takes them through the minor leagues with the best lot finally making it to the big leagues.
The Umpire Development Program was conceived at the 1964 Winter Meetings and born in 1965. Major league general managers sought a continuous pipeline of talent to the major leagues, thus strengthening the talent pool in the minor leagues.
Barney Deary, a fifteen-year veteran of professional umpiring, including a stint in the Eastern League, has been the top administrator of the Umpire Development Program since 1969."
-1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book
1985 EASTERN LEAGUE UMPIRES
Jeff Evans
Paul Gordon
Scott Kliment
Ed Kosiur
Steve Kriz
Robert Long
Dave Madsen
Bill McCallum
Paul McDougall
Cornelius O'Bannion
Frank Sylvester
Leonard Van Meter
HAZEL CHORNYAK MEMORIAL AWARD
"Owner Ben Bernard and Mary Villano presented A's outfielder Rodney Hobbs with the first annual Hazel Chornyak Memorial Award.
The award is given to the Albany-Colonie player who is most inspirational to his teammates. It is named in honor of Ben's aunt whose help and guidance he could not have gone without."
-1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book
ALBANY-COLONIE BASEBALL FAN CLUB
"The Albany-Colonie Baseball Fan Club makes trips to away games and has many social functions. See one of the members at the park on how you can join the fun."
-1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book
TOMMY IPPOLITO: THE YANKEES MUSIC MAN
"A summer at Heritage Park would not be the same if Yankees Music Man Tommy Ippolito was not present playing his lyrical tunes. Tommy returns to Heritage Park for his third season and that should be comforting news to all Yankees fans.
The Albany native began playing the accordion at the age of five. Professionally, his musical career has spanned over 35 years and includes appearances on the Arthur Godfrey and Mike Douglas Shows.
Besides performing for the Yankees, Tommy also entertains fans at Sienna basketball games as well as providing the music at numerous weddings, banquets and special events in the Albany area.
A former semi-pro baseball player who once had a tryout with the New York Giants, Tommy resides in Colonie with his wife. He is very happy to be a member of the Albany-Colonie Yankees family, for it enables him to combine his two loves- music and baseball.
Yankees baseball and the music of Tommy Ippolito- it's a combination of wholesome family entertainment that can't be beat."
-1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book
MEET THE PRESS
Paul Schwartz (Capital Newspapers)
Bill Palmer (Schenectady Gazette)
Bob Weiner (Times Record)
Al Viera (Capital Newspapers)
Jim Brennan (WRGB-TV)
Rip Rowan (WTEN-TV)
Bob McNamara (WNYT-TV)
Mark Cooper (WNYT-TV)
John Thomas (WGY)
Richard Hill (WROW)
Marc Lawrence Kaplan (WWCN)
John Graney (WQBK)
Rick James (WGNA)
Glen Brando (WTRY)
Chris Martin (WMVI)
Tom Gallagher (Eagle Newspapers)
Art Mitchell (South End Scene)
YANKEES ON THE AIR
"For the third straight season, WTRY, 980 AM will be your Albany-Colonie baseball station. Each and every game of the 1985 Albany-Colonie Yankee schedule will be broadcast on WTRY.
Coverage will begin 10 minutes prior to the start of every game with a pre-game show consisting of interviews, sports reports, and a preview of the night's action. The broadcast format will include updates of major league and Eastern League scores. The broadcasts will conclude with a post-game wrap-up featuring the Yankees Player of the Game.
Once again the broadcast crew that will describe all the action this season will be Phil Pivnick and Mike Smith.
Phil Pivnick, Yankees Director of Public Relations, returns for his third season behind the WTRY baseball microphone. The 23-year-old graduate of Albany State majored in communication, with a concentration in radio and television production. Phil's broadcast career began at the university's radio station where he served as sports director and was the voice of Great Dane basketball and football.
Prior to joining the A's in 1983, Phil served as an assistant sports producer at WCBS-TV in New York. He worked directly with a group of nationally known sportscasters that included Warner Wolf and Steve Albert. This past fall he was a Saturday sports producer for CBS Newsfeed.
Originally from Merrick, NY, Phil now lives in Latham.
Mike Smith, Sports Director of WTRY, is one of the area's most versatile sports announcers. 'Smitty' was the voice of the 1983-84 CBA champion Albany Patroons. This winter he broadcast Sienna College basketball.
Mike can be heard every Monday through Friday with his own show 'Smitty and Company,' an hour of lively talk and trivia from 6 to 7 PM, as well as throughout the day with sports reports and commentaries.
After graduating from Albany State, Mike was a member of the sports departments of the Owensboro (KY) Messenger and the Miami (FL) News before returning to Albany as a sportswriter for the Times Union and weekend host of WQBK's 'Sportstalk.'
A 29-year-old native of Montrose, NY, Mike now resides in Colonie with his wife Cindy and their newest addition, Matthew Patrick Smith, born this past January."
-1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book
ADVERTISEMENTS
-1st American: When it comes to financial services, think First.
-Adair's Crestwood Wine & Liquor
-Adirondack Dan Army-Navy Store
-Ajax Rent A Car
-Albany City Honda: It's HondaTime
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-Albany Patroons: We're building a tradition.
-Albany Young Men's Christian Association: Go Yankees!
-Athletic Attic: In The Latham Circle Mall
-Babyland: Because We Care ...
-Barry S. Scott Insurance Agency: No Turndowns
-Baseball America: For Baseball News You Can't Get Anywhere Else
-Ben & Jerry's
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-Bob & Ron's Fish Fry: Fried Seafood Our Specialty
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-Bud Light: Everything else is just a light.
-Budweiser: Baseball fans ... this Bud's for you.
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-C & R Insulation: The Contractors Choice
-Campbell Kids Night: Free Admission for Kids 14 and Under with Five Campbell's Soup Labels
-Capitol Cablevision: Yankees on WPIX-Mets on WOR-Red Sox on WSBK
-Capital District Dairy: Milk and Dairy Products For You
-Carvel: America's Freshest Ice Cream
-Chase Lincoln First
-Citibank: Get a custom-built mortage from Citibank.
-Clay's Seafood Restaurant
-Cohoes: Worth a Trip from Anywhere
-Colonie Center: Colonie Center centers around you!
-Communications Workers of America Local No. 1121
-The Computer Room: The Unbeatable Team
-Cooper, Erving & Savage: Counsellors at Law
-Coulson's: Albany's Original Convenience Store
-Crossgates Mall: We're touching all the bases.
-Cruise Lake George
-Earthworld Comics and Cards
-Eastern League of Professional Baseball Clubs
-Edw. Dott's Garage: Dash to Dott's for Service
-Empire Auto Radiator Co.
-Executive Cleaning Services: Specialists in Office and Industrial Cleaning
-Fasco Fans
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-The Fireside Shop: Add heat next winter ... without adding heat bills!
-First Jersey Securities: Come grow with us.
-Freihofer's: Casey at the Box
-Gabry's
-Genesee Beer: The Great Outdoors in a Glass
-Gentile's: Carpets, Draperies, Wallcoverings
-Grandma's Country Restaurant: Famous For Good Old-Fashioned Home Cookin'
-Hannay Reels: The Reels of Progress
-Hoffman's Playland: For 33 Years ... Traditionally Your Family Fun Park
-Home & City Savings Bank: Your Financial Partner
-Hudson Valley Paper Company: For Your Information
-Jerry Phibbs, Inc.
-Kelly Clothes: A Home Run In Menswear
-Kelly Tires
-King's Radiator Shop
-LaPalma Pizzeria & Restaurant
-Latham Bowl
-Lazare Lincoln-Mercury: The Capital Leader in Sales and Service
-Le Most
-Lexington Vacuum Cleaners
-Liberty: Coal-Ice-Oil-Kerosene-Soda-Dry Ice-Charcoal Products
-Lobster Pound: Seafood Restaurant And Markets
-Manufacturers Hanover: We make your singles double and triple.
-Martin Nemer VW Corp.: Home of the All New Golf & Jetta
-Memory's Garden: Serving Metroland Since 1940
-Metroland: The Capital District's Weekly Magazine
-Micro Office Supplies
-Midland General Services
-Miller: Made The American Way
-Mr. B's Best
-Nagengast Landscaping
-National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
-Neil's on Wheels: Sports Charters Our Specialty
-Nemith Lincoln-Mercury-Nissan-Volvo: One Mile North of the Latham Circle
-New York Army National Guard: When disasters strike close to home, you can be there to guard it.
-New York Auto Radiator: Cooling System Specialists
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-Northway Buick & Toyota
-Northway Inn: Our name speaks for our reputation.
-The Orchard: Tavern & Restaurant
-Otto: Oldsmobile-Cadillac-Isuzu: Performance You Can Count On
-Owens Corning Fiberglas
-Papa Gino's: Pizza and More
-Paragon Paint Corp.
-The Pastures
-Peat Marwick: Providing Audit, Tax and Management Consulting Services to the Capital District
-Pega Risk Managers, Inc.
-Pepsi: Fielder's Choice
-Pistol Parlor Inc.
-Pontiac Red Seal Dealers
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-Records, Etc.
-Red Lobster
-R. Kelly Freedman & Son: Paying Highest Cash Prices for All Grades of Scrap
-Roy Matthews
-Schaffer's
-Schenectady Gazette: Not Just Another Newspaper ... Distinctly Different
-Schenectady Trust: The Capital Region's Home Town Bank
-Semco Printing Center, Inc.
-Shaker Lumber and Hardware: Be sure to visit our new, expanded location.
-Sherman's Ltd.
-Specialized Audio: We put the sound where the action is.
-Spector's: Clothing of Quality and Taste for Men and Women
-Speedy Photo
-Sperry Supply & Warehouse, Inc.
-Spitzie's Motorcycle Center, Inc.
-State Street Centre
-Stork Diaper Service
-Stuyvesant Plaza
-Subway
-Sunshine Chemical & Supply Co.: Industrial Chemical & Cleaning Supplies
-Surpass Chemical Co. Inc.
-Sysco Cash & Carry Outlet
-Taylor Made Awnings: Your Best Defense Against Summer Heat
-Ted's Fish Fry: Fresh from the Boston Fish Pier
-Thacher's: Featuring Late Night Menu
-Toshiba Central Business Equipment, Inc.
-Towers of Colonie
-Turf Inn: After the 9th It's Time for Turf-Inning
-Tusang-Barhydt, Inc.: Your Quality Lightning Leader
-Urgent Care Medical Associates
-U.S. Coast Guard: A Service With A Peacetime Mission
-The Walters Co. Air Conditioning, Inc.
-Watkins Spring Co.: Auto, Truck, Bus Parts
-West Mall Office Plaza
-WTRY, 980 AM: The Yankees are here. Listen to all the action on WTRY 980 AM
-Ye Ole Locksmith Shoppe: Emergency Service - Anyday Any Hour.
-Yoo Hoo Chocolate Flavored Drink
-Zales Jewelers
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