"Neil was acquired last year on July 17 in an attempt to bolster the bullpen. Making only one start in 17 games for St. Louis, he was 1-4 with two saves and a 5.59 ERA upon his arrival in New York. Neil was 1-0 with a save and a 2.76 ERA in 17 relief appearances with the Yankees, finishing 10 games. His only save as a Yankee came on August 23 at Seattle and his only win came on September 30 against Baltimore, pitching 1.1 perfect innings with two strikeouts. He did not allow an earned run in his last four outings (9.2 IP) and opposing batters hit just .234 against him.
In 1984, Neil was used as a late inning reliever, replacing Bruce Sutter as the closer for the Cardinals. He pitched 17 consecutive scoreless innings from May 7-25, allowing only five hits in seven appearances. His longest outing was 5.2 scoreless innings an an August 31 victory over Houston's Nolan Ryan.
He began the 1983 season as a reliever with the Mets and became a starter for the first time since his rookie year in 1979. Neil was moved back to the bullpen by the Mets and was later traded to the Cardinals in mid-season. He began his career with the Cardinals as a starter, posting a 5-1 record, but after four consecutive losses was again moved to the pen. His relief record was 3-0 with a 1.88 ERA in seven games with the Cardinals. In 1983 Neil became the first NL pitcher since 1976 to shut out the same club twice while pitching for two different teams, blanking the Dodgers 4-0 on May 20 while with the Mets and then 3-0 on July 24 while with the Cardinals.
Neil began the first five games of his career in 1979 as a starter, and after going 0-4 was converted to a reliever. He went on the DL on May 31 with an injured rib cage, and became the number one reliever after being activated on June 25. From that point he made 38 appearances, with a record of 5-5 with eight saves. Neil's first save was on July 28, 1979 against the Cubs in New York. In 1980, he finished fourth in the NL in saves (22) and didn't permit a run in 37 of his 59 appearances. Neil was third in the NL in saves in 1981, and from August 11-27 didn't allow a run in eight consecutive appearances (14 IP) and recorded a pair of wins and six saves. In 1982, he was sixth in the NL in saves despite missing much of the season with illness and injury. Neil recorded his 15th save on June 14, before being sidelined for 11 days with a bacterial infection of the colon. He appeared in only five games after August 1, and was diagnosed on August 8 as having a slight strain of the elbow.
Neil earned varsity letters in baseball, football and basketball at Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City. He had football scholarship [offers] from all Big Eight Conference schools, and signed a letter of intent with Kansas State, but concentrated on baseball after being signed by the Mets.
He is an active volunteer for Muscular Dystrophy."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Thursday, December 31, 2015
1986 Profile: Scott Bradley
"Bradley was voted the outstanding rookie in spring camp last year, when he made the Yankees because of his versatility and consistent hitting, but his season received a jolt when he broke a finger in a collision at home plate in May. He was put on a minor league rehabilitation program before being recalled by the Yankees late in the season. Bradley hit .163 in 19 games with the Yankees.
Primarily a catcher, he can play first base, third base and the outfield. Bradley was named International League MVP in 1984, when he hit .335 with 84 RBI for Columbus (AAA). He does not have home run power, but has a good, short stroke and rarely strikes out.
Born in Essex Fells, New Jersey, Bradley attended North Carolina and was a second round pick by the Yankees in the June 1981 draft."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
"Having survived the final spring training cuts, he began the season with the parent club. Scott made his first start on April 21 against Cleveland, suffering a fractured right pinky in a home plate collision with Brook Jacoby- it was first major league start as a backstop. Scott was placed on the 15-day DL on April 24 and transferred to the 21-day DL on May 6.
He was assigned to Sarasota for rehabilitation on June 5 and assigned to Albany on June 9 to continue his rehabilitation, playing in six games and hitting .125. Reinstated from the DL on June 17, Scott played in 14 games (starting nine as a DH) from June 28 to July 3, and had his first career three-hit game on June 18 at Baltimore. Optioned to Columbus on July 11 as Dan Pasqua was recalled, Scott was recalled to the big club on June 27, replacing the injured Butch Wynegar.
He played just four games, going 1-for-10 and starting twice at catcher, before being optioned to Columbus on August 2. Scott was again recalled to New York on September 14, making only one pinch-hit appearance (September 15 against Toronto) the remainder of the season. At Columbus he hit .301 in 43 games, catching 24 games and playing 17 games at third base.
At Columbus in 1984, Scott hit .335 to win the International League batting crown and was voted IL Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player. He made his major league debut on September 9 in Boston. His first hit in the majors was a single, at Toronto, off Luis Leal on September 13, and his first RBI was a game winner against Baltimore on September 19.
In 1983 he led the Southern League's Nashville Sounds (AA) in at-bats (525), runs (83), hits (142) and doubles (33) and was second in games (137) and RBI (76). With Ft. Lauderdale (A) in 1982, Scott tied for the Florida State League lead with 13 game winning RBI, led Ft. Lauderdale in batting (.296), at-bats (439), doubles (28) and RBI (66) and was the starting catcher on the FSL All-Star team. He led the 1981 Oneonta Yankees in hits (85) and RBI (54) and was named to the New York-Penn League All-Star team.
Scott was born and raised in Essex Fells, New Jersey and attended West Essex Regional High School (North Caldwell, NJ), where he played basketball and was All-State in football. He holds a BS in business administration from the University of North Carolina. Scott played for the USA National baseball team and was signed by Yankee scout Jim Gruzdis."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Primarily a catcher, he can play first base, third base and the outfield. Bradley was named International League MVP in 1984, when he hit .335 with 84 RBI for Columbus (AAA). He does not have home run power, but has a good, short stroke and rarely strikes out.
Born in Essex Fells, New Jersey, Bradley attended North Carolina and was a second round pick by the Yankees in the June 1981 draft."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
"Having survived the final spring training cuts, he began the season with the parent club. Scott made his first start on April 21 against Cleveland, suffering a fractured right pinky in a home plate collision with Brook Jacoby- it was first major league start as a backstop. Scott was placed on the 15-day DL on April 24 and transferred to the 21-day DL on May 6.
He was assigned to Sarasota for rehabilitation on June 5 and assigned to Albany on June 9 to continue his rehabilitation, playing in six games and hitting .125. Reinstated from the DL on June 17, Scott played in 14 games (starting nine as a DH) from June 28 to July 3, and had his first career three-hit game on June 18 at Baltimore. Optioned to Columbus on July 11 as Dan Pasqua was recalled, Scott was recalled to the big club on June 27, replacing the injured Butch Wynegar.
He played just four games, going 1-for-10 and starting twice at catcher, before being optioned to Columbus on August 2. Scott was again recalled to New York on September 14, making only one pinch-hit appearance (September 15 against Toronto) the remainder of the season. At Columbus he hit .301 in 43 games, catching 24 games and playing 17 games at third base.
At Columbus in 1984, Scott hit .335 to win the International League batting crown and was voted IL Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player. He made his major league debut on September 9 in Boston. His first hit in the majors was a single, at Toronto, off Luis Leal on September 13, and his first RBI was a game winner against Baltimore on September 19.
In 1983 he led the Southern League's Nashville Sounds (AA) in at-bats (525), runs (83), hits (142) and doubles (33) and was second in games (137) and RBI (76). With Ft. Lauderdale (A) in 1982, Scott tied for the Florida State League lead with 13 game winning RBI, led Ft. Lauderdale in batting (.296), at-bats (439), doubles (28) and RBI (66) and was the starting catcher on the FSL All-Star team. He led the 1981 Oneonta Yankees in hits (85) and RBI (54) and was named to the New York-Penn League All-Star team.
Scott was born and raised in Essex Fells, New Jersey and attended West Essex Regional High School (North Caldwell, NJ), where he played basketball and was All-State in football. He holds a BS in business administration from the University of North Carolina. Scott played for the USA National baseball team and was signed by Yankee scout Jim Gruzdis."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
1986 Profile: Gary Roenicke
"Gary Roenicke and Britt Burns, two of the newest Yankees, have met before. Their paths crossed July 13, 1985 when the former Orioles outfielder hit his 100th career home run off the ex-White Sox pitcher. This year, however, Burns doesn't have to worry about Roenicke teeing off him anymore, but other A.L. pitchers will.
A right-handed [hitting] left fielder with power was on the Yankees' off-season shopping list and Roenicke fit the bill. As a part-time player with Baltimore, he hit 15 homers last season in only 225 at-bats and has averaged over 16 dingers over his last four campaigns. The veteran is well-adjusted to platooning which is what the Yankees have in store for him and his left-handed counterpart Dan Pasqua.
Roenicke not only tags the long ball, he also runs them down in the outfield. A power hitter who can field- it sounds like Burns has found a new friend."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Gary hit for his lowest professional average (.218) playing his fewest games since the strike-shortened 1981. He had his lowest single season totals in hits (49) and doubles (9), yet hit five home runs more than his 1984 total of 10.
He hit career home run No. 100 on July 13 in Baltimore off new teammate Britt Burns. Gary scored three runs (for the sixth time in his career) on May 5 at Minnesota, and hit two home runs in a game (for the fourth time in his career) and set a career single game RBI mark with six in the July 13 game against Chicago. He homered off Ron Guidry on September 28 in New York.
Roenicke made only one error in 88 games played in the outfield and was second on the Orioles with 43 pinch-hit appearances (3-for-29 for a .103 average with two sacrifice flies and nine walks). He played 17 games as a DH, going 6-for-25 (.240) and went 3-for-14 (.214) against the Yankees. He has nine career homers off Yankee pitching and is 56-for-232 (.241 BA) with 34 RBIs against New York, his 232 at-bats his most against any American League opponent.
In 1984 Roenicke platooned in left field mostly with John Lowenstein, but also shared the position with three other Orioles. He saw action at all three outfield positions and was third among AL outfielders in fielding with a .995 mark. Roenicke hit an eighth inning grand slam at Yankee Stadium on June 17, his fourth career grand slam (all four were hit on the road). He was hit by four pitches in 1984, second most on the Orioles.
In 1983, Gary was the second busiest pinch hitter in the AL behind Chicago's Jerry Hairston. He batted .211 as a pinch hitter (8-for-38), and finished third on the Orioles with 19 homers and was fourth with 64 RBIs. Gary reached base nine times in 10 plate appearances in the ALCS against Chicago and hit a two-run homer off Floyd Bannister in Game 2. He set career highs in 1982 in batting (.270) and RBI (74) and finished second on the team in slugging (.499); of his 106 hits, 47 went for extra bases (44%). Gary also hit in a career high 16 straight games from August 7-27, also an Oriole team best.
Gary appeared in only 17 games in the first six weeks of the 1978 season and was optioned to Rochester in May. He rejoined Baltimore in September after hitting .366 in his last 34 games with the Red Wings. In 1979 Gary tied for second on the Orioles with a career high 25 homers. He was hit in the face by a pitch from the White Sox' Lerrin LaGrow on April 7, the second game of the '79 season, and 25 stitches were required to close the wound. Gary returned to action eight days later, using a helmet face guard which he would later discard before the start of the '81 season. He hit into a triple play against Oakland on May 7, and two days later got Baltimore's only hit off Oakland's Mike Norris. Gary had seven straight hits over two games, June 2 and 4.
In 1980 he hit .341 from May 28 through August 28, despite missing 30 games with a fractured wrist from June 9 through July 15. He hit just .103 in his last 30 games and underwent surgery that fall for removal of loose bone fragments from his right elbow. Gary batted .328 in the first half of the 1981 season, but only .191 after the strike. He was batting .293 on September 26 before a 1-for-21 slide in his last 14 games brought his average down to .269.
As an outfielder, Gary has a career fielding percentage of .989, making only 16 errors in 1,481 total chances. His brother Ron, two years younger, plays for the Padres.
Gary has attended both Cal Poly and UCLA in the off-seasons. His hobbies include water skiing, fishing, hunting and golf."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
A right-handed [hitting] left fielder with power was on the Yankees' off-season shopping list and Roenicke fit the bill. As a part-time player with Baltimore, he hit 15 homers last season in only 225 at-bats and has averaged over 16 dingers over his last four campaigns. The veteran is well-adjusted to platooning which is what the Yankees have in store for him and his left-handed counterpart Dan Pasqua.
Roenicke not only tags the long ball, he also runs them down in the outfield. A power hitter who can field- it sounds like Burns has found a new friend."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Gary hit for his lowest professional average (.218) playing his fewest games since the strike-shortened 1981. He had his lowest single season totals in hits (49) and doubles (9), yet hit five home runs more than his 1984 total of 10.
He hit career home run No. 100 on July 13 in Baltimore off new teammate Britt Burns. Gary scored three runs (for the sixth time in his career) on May 5 at Minnesota, and hit two home runs in a game (for the fourth time in his career) and set a career single game RBI mark with six in the July 13 game against Chicago. He homered off Ron Guidry on September 28 in New York.
Roenicke made only one error in 88 games played in the outfield and was second on the Orioles with 43 pinch-hit appearances (3-for-29 for a .103 average with two sacrifice flies and nine walks). He played 17 games as a DH, going 6-for-25 (.240) and went 3-for-14 (.214) against the Yankees. He has nine career homers off Yankee pitching and is 56-for-232 (.241 BA) with 34 RBIs against New York, his 232 at-bats his most against any American League opponent.
In 1984 Roenicke platooned in left field mostly with John Lowenstein, but also shared the position with three other Orioles. He saw action at all three outfield positions and was third among AL outfielders in fielding with a .995 mark. Roenicke hit an eighth inning grand slam at Yankee Stadium on June 17, his fourth career grand slam (all four were hit on the road). He was hit by four pitches in 1984, second most on the Orioles.
In 1983, Gary was the second busiest pinch hitter in the AL behind Chicago's Jerry Hairston. He batted .211 as a pinch hitter (8-for-38), and finished third on the Orioles with 19 homers and was fourth with 64 RBIs. Gary reached base nine times in 10 plate appearances in the ALCS against Chicago and hit a two-run homer off Floyd Bannister in Game 2. He set career highs in 1982 in batting (.270) and RBI (74) and finished second on the team in slugging (.499); of his 106 hits, 47 went for extra bases (44%). Gary also hit in a career high 16 straight games from August 7-27, also an Oriole team best.
Gary appeared in only 17 games in the first six weeks of the 1978 season and was optioned to Rochester in May. He rejoined Baltimore in September after hitting .366 in his last 34 games with the Red Wings. In 1979 Gary tied for second on the Orioles with a career high 25 homers. He was hit in the face by a pitch from the White Sox' Lerrin LaGrow on April 7, the second game of the '79 season, and 25 stitches were required to close the wound. Gary returned to action eight days later, using a helmet face guard which he would later discard before the start of the '81 season. He hit into a triple play against Oakland on May 7, and two days later got Baltimore's only hit off Oakland's Mike Norris. Gary had seven straight hits over two games, June 2 and 4.
In 1980 he hit .341 from May 28 through August 28, despite missing 30 games with a fractured wrist from June 9 through July 15. He hit just .103 in his last 30 games and underwent surgery that fall for removal of loose bone fragments from his right elbow. Gary batted .328 in the first half of the 1981 season, but only .191 after the strike. He was batting .293 on September 26 before a 1-for-21 slide in his last 14 games brought his average down to .269.
As an outfielder, Gary has a career fielding percentage of .989, making only 16 errors in 1,481 total chances. His brother Ron, two years younger, plays for the Padres.
Gary has attended both Cal Poly and UCLA in the off-seasons. His hobbies include water skiing, fishing, hunting and golf."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Sunday, December 27, 2015
1986 Profile: Al Holland
"Not many ballplayers moved around as much as Al Holland did in 1985. In February [1986] he signed with the Yankees, the fourth team he's been with in the past year. The husky left-hander spent 1985 with the Phillies, Pirates and Angels, but he should have no worries about leaving the Yankees.
His career 2.72 ERA and knack for getting the big out coming out of the bullpen is exactly what the Yankees signed him for. Holland may not possess the stopper quality of a Dave Righetti, but he's a proven reliever. An 8-4 record and 24 saves in 1983 earned him the National League's Rolaids Fireman of the Year Award. A year later he picked up another 29 saves for Philadelphia.
Last year, however, he spent as much time packing as he did pitching. Consequently, he never got the opportunity to settle into a groove. Now, in New York, he's ready to regain the form that made him one of the game's best relievers just a short time ago."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
His career 2.72 ERA and knack for getting the big out coming out of the bullpen is exactly what the Yankees signed him for. Holland may not possess the stopper quality of a Dave Righetti, but he's a proven reliever. An 8-4 record and 24 saves in 1983 earned him the National League's Rolaids Fireman of the Year Award. A year later he picked up another 29 saves for Philadelphia.
Last year, however, he spent as much time packing as he did pitching. Consequently, he never got the opportunity to settle into a groove. Now, in New York, he's ready to regain the form that made him one of the game's best relievers just a short time ago."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
1986 Profile: Dennis Rasmussen
"The 1985 season was a tough one for Dennis Rasmussen. For the first time in his career he began the year on a major league roster, but by June he had lost his effectiveness. He was consistently getting burned by the long ball, and his outings were getting shorter and shorter. By July he was optioned to Triple-A Columbus but returned to New York in September to finish at 3-5.
'It was that type of year- very disappointing,' the big left-hander admitted, 'and yet not disappointing from the point of view of how I threw the ball. I just never got the desired results in New York or Columbus.'
Desire and results. Rasmussen had those winning ingredients in 1984 when he was 9-6, and this year he's going to make sure he stirs them up once again."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Rasmussen started the season with a major league club for the first time in five years as a pro. He threw his second career complete game on May 3 against Kansas City, allowing one run on five hits while notching his first win, and his other complete game came in a 4-1 loss at Seattle on May 22. Dennis struck out a season high seven batters on July 10 against Kansas City.
He was hurt by the longball, yielding an average of one home run for every 10.1 innings pitched, and allowed four home runs on June 14 against Detroit. When optioned to Columbus on July 23, Dennis was 3-5 with a 3.87 ERA. He was 0-3 with a 3.80 ERA at Columbus and was recalled on September 1, making four relief appearances through the season's end, going 0-0 with a 6.75 ERA.
Dennis is known as a fastball pitcher, but gets many of his strikeouts with a big breaking curve ball. In 1982 he finished second in the Pacific Coast League with 162 strikeouts for Spokane, and in 1983 was the ace of the Columbus [Yankees' AAA] staff, leading the International League in strikeouts and tying for the league lead in both wins and starts; he struck out 14 batters in a game at Charleston. Dennis made his first major league start on May 23, 1983 striking out a career high 10 batters in eight innings of 2-hit shutout ball to gain his first major league win.
Dennis grew up in Lakewood, Colorado where he was a baseball and basketball star at Bear Creek High School. He played college baseball and basketball at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He played with Kevin McKenna (Indiana Pacers '83-'84) and against Larry Bird and Dave Corzine. Dennis is a grandson of Bill Brubaker, an infielder with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Braves, 1932-40 and 1943."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
'It was that type of year- very disappointing,' the big left-hander admitted, 'and yet not disappointing from the point of view of how I threw the ball. I just never got the desired results in New York or Columbus.'
Desire and results. Rasmussen had those winning ingredients in 1984 when he was 9-6, and this year he's going to make sure he stirs them up once again."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Rasmussen started the season with a major league club for the first time in five years as a pro. He threw his second career complete game on May 3 against Kansas City, allowing one run on five hits while notching his first win, and his other complete game came in a 4-1 loss at Seattle on May 22. Dennis struck out a season high seven batters on July 10 against Kansas City.
He was hurt by the longball, yielding an average of one home run for every 10.1 innings pitched, and allowed four home runs on June 14 against Detroit. When optioned to Columbus on July 23, Dennis was 3-5 with a 3.87 ERA. He was 0-3 with a 3.80 ERA at Columbus and was recalled on September 1, making four relief appearances through the season's end, going 0-0 with a 6.75 ERA.
Dennis is known as a fastball pitcher, but gets many of his strikeouts with a big breaking curve ball. In 1982 he finished second in the Pacific Coast League with 162 strikeouts for Spokane, and in 1983 was the ace of the Columbus [Yankees' AAA] staff, leading the International League in strikeouts and tying for the league lead in both wins and starts; he struck out 14 batters in a game at Charleston. Dennis made his first major league start on May 23, 1983 striking out a career high 10 batters in eight innings of 2-hit shutout ball to gain his first major league win.
Dennis grew up in Lakewood, Colorado where he was a baseball and basketball star at Bear Creek High School. He played college baseball and basketball at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He played with Kevin McKenna (Indiana Pacers '83-'84) and against Larry Bird and Dave Corzine. Dennis is a grandson of Bill Brubaker, an infielder with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Braves, 1932-40 and 1943."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Sunday, December 20, 2015
1986 Profile: Rod Scurry
"Not much was made about the Yankees' 1985 late-season acquisition of left-handed relief pitcher Rod Scurry. After all, he had come to the Yankees from the last place Pittsburgh Pirates, where he had an 0-1 record and made only 30 appearances. Lost in the shuffle of the pennant race, the acquisition went almost unnoticed.
People soon began to take notice of Rod Scurry, who suddenly became a big part of the Yankees' drive for the division title. While he pitched in only 47-plus innings for the Pirates in 1985, Scurry had struck out an impressive 43 opposing batters. He then improved on that awesome ratio when he joined the Yankees. In his brief stint with the team last year he struck out 17 batters in only 12-plus innings. Scurry appeared in only 12 games in 1985, and the Yankees hope he can produce the same results over the course of an entire season in 1986.
Rod Scurry spells relief with a 'K' and he just might be the remedy needed to cure Yankees pennant fever."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"The left-hander's contract was purchased from Pittsburgh for an undisclosed amount of cash last September 13. Rod made five appearances while a Yankee, going 1-0 with a save and a 2.84 ERA. In his 12.2 innings pitched in New York, he struck out 17 and walked 10 (four walks came on September 25 against Detroit). His Yankee save came on September 29 (second game) against Baltimore, while his win came on October 4 at Toronto with Rod pitching 3.1 innings and allowing one run on two hits and two walks with four strikeouts.
Before coming to New York he was 0-1 with two saves and a 3.21 ERA for Pittsburgh in 30 games, all in relief. Scurry had a .236 batting average-against with the Pirates, and his only loss with the Pirates came in his final outing on September 1 at Cincinnati. His saves came on June 1 against Atlanta and August 22 against Cincinnati.
Scurry made two relief appearances in 1984 before going on the DL on April 7 when he entered a drug rehabilitation program. He was activated on May 13 and returned to action the same day at Atlanta, striking out the only batter he faced. He appeared in 27 games before returning to the DL on August 5 with a tender left elbow. Rod appeared in 14 games after coming off the DL on August 27, notching two wins and two saves. In those 14 games he allowed only two earned runs (15.1 innings pitched) for a 1.17 ERA- opposing batters compiled a mere .175 against him. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on both knees on October 1 to remove loose fragments.
In 1983 Scurry started the year strong, picking up two wins and save in his first three appearances, but struggled most of the season, his 5.56 ERA the highest in his major league career. In 1982, he was third in the National League in appearances (76) and his 1.74 ERA was the lowest of any major league pitcher with 20+ appearances. Rod set a Pirate team record for appearances by a left-hander.
Rod enjoyed a good minor league career as a starter- in 1979 he finished second on the Portland staff in starts and strikeouts and was third in appearances and innings pitched- but was moved to full-time relief when he joined the major league club in 1980. His rookie season was hampered after he suffered a groin pull in the second half of the season. In 1981, after being used mainly in relief in 1980, Rod earned his first major league win as a starter on April 19 at Houston.
Rod grew up in Auburn, California but later moved to Sparks, Nevada. He was AAA Player of the Year in baseball as a senior at Proctor High in Reno, NV. Rod enjoys playing golf."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
People soon began to take notice of Rod Scurry, who suddenly became a big part of the Yankees' drive for the division title. While he pitched in only 47-plus innings for the Pirates in 1985, Scurry had struck out an impressive 43 opposing batters. He then improved on that awesome ratio when he joined the Yankees. In his brief stint with the team last year he struck out 17 batters in only 12-plus innings. Scurry appeared in only 12 games in 1985, and the Yankees hope he can produce the same results over the course of an entire season in 1986.
Rod Scurry spells relief with a 'K' and he just might be the remedy needed to cure Yankees pennant fever."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"The left-hander's contract was purchased from Pittsburgh for an undisclosed amount of cash last September 13. Rod made five appearances while a Yankee, going 1-0 with a save and a 2.84 ERA. In his 12.2 innings pitched in New York, he struck out 17 and walked 10 (four walks came on September 25 against Detroit). His Yankee save came on September 29 (second game) against Baltimore, while his win came on October 4 at Toronto with Rod pitching 3.1 innings and allowing one run on two hits and two walks with four strikeouts.
Before coming to New York he was 0-1 with two saves and a 3.21 ERA for Pittsburgh in 30 games, all in relief. Scurry had a .236 batting average-against with the Pirates, and his only loss with the Pirates came in his final outing on September 1 at Cincinnati. His saves came on June 1 against Atlanta and August 22 against Cincinnati.
Scurry made two relief appearances in 1984 before going on the DL on April 7 when he entered a drug rehabilitation program. He was activated on May 13 and returned to action the same day at Atlanta, striking out the only batter he faced. He appeared in 27 games before returning to the DL on August 5 with a tender left elbow. Rod appeared in 14 games after coming off the DL on August 27, notching two wins and two saves. In those 14 games he allowed only two earned runs (15.1 innings pitched) for a 1.17 ERA- opposing batters compiled a mere .175 against him. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on both knees on October 1 to remove loose fragments.
In 1983 Scurry started the year strong, picking up two wins and save in his first three appearances, but struggled most of the season, his 5.56 ERA the highest in his major league career. In 1982, he was third in the National League in appearances (76) and his 1.74 ERA was the lowest of any major league pitcher with 20+ appearances. Rod set a Pirate team record for appearances by a left-hander.
Rod enjoyed a good minor league career as a starter- in 1979 he finished second on the Portland staff in starts and strikeouts and was third in appearances and innings pitched- but was moved to full-time relief when he joined the major league club in 1980. His rookie season was hampered after he suffered a groin pull in the second half of the season. In 1981, after being used mainly in relief in 1980, Rod earned his first major league win as a starter on April 19 at Houston.
Rod grew up in Auburn, California but later moved to Sparks, Nevada. He was AAA Player of the Year in baseball as a senior at Proctor High in Reno, NV. Rod enjoys playing golf."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Thursday, December 17, 2015
1986 Profile: Mike Fischlin
"Quietly, ever so quietly, Mike Fischlin slipped into New York. During a time when the Yankees were making a flurry of off-season trades, the news of Fischlin's acquisition was buried in the sports pages. He doesn't, of course, have the name recognition like Burns or Roenicke, two other new Yankee additions, but he does have a role.
Fischlin, a Yankees farmhand a decade ago, plays all four infield positions and could become the Yankees' top utility infielder in 1986. The veteran had the same job with the Cleveland Indians the past five years where he built a reputation as an excellent late-inning defensive replacement. You might say he'll fill in just as Fred Stanley did for the Yankees World Championship teams of 1977 and '78.
Leave the noisemaking for someone else. Fischlin just wants to contribute."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"With Cleveland all year in 1985, Fischlin was used primarily as a utility infielder playing in 30 games at shortstop, 20 at second, four at third and two at first. Mike hit .571 in the month of July, going 4-for-7 with a double and a triple. He saw the most action in September, appearing in 17 games without committing an error.
Fischlin was originally signed by the Yankees in the 7th round of the June 1975 draft and has played with both the Houston and Cleveland organizations. A utility man, he has played first, second, third, shortstop and caught one game. He was the Indians starting second baseman for the final month of the 1984 season. Fischlin collected his first major league hit off Charlie Hough of the Dodgers in 1977. He has good speed and had a team high 40 steals for Charleston (AAA) in 1981.
Mike graduated in 1973 from Elk Grove High School (CA) where he played baseball and basketball. He was team captain and All-League second baseman his senior year. Mike graduated from Cosumnes River Junior College (Sacramento, CA) in 1975 where he was team captain and All-Conference shortstop. He was an Honor Roll student in both his years of junior college."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Fischlin, a Yankees farmhand a decade ago, plays all four infield positions and could become the Yankees' top utility infielder in 1986. The veteran had the same job with the Cleveland Indians the past five years where he built a reputation as an excellent late-inning defensive replacement. You might say he'll fill in just as Fred Stanley did for the Yankees World Championship teams of 1977 and '78.
Leave the noisemaking for someone else. Fischlin just wants to contribute."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"With Cleveland all year in 1985, Fischlin was used primarily as a utility infielder playing in 30 games at shortstop, 20 at second, four at third and two at first. Mike hit .571 in the month of July, going 4-for-7 with a double and a triple. He saw the most action in September, appearing in 17 games without committing an error.
Fischlin was originally signed by the Yankees in the 7th round of the June 1975 draft and has played with both the Houston and Cleveland organizations. A utility man, he has played first, second, third, shortstop and caught one game. He was the Indians starting second baseman for the final month of the 1984 season. Fischlin collected his first major league hit off Charlie Hough of the Dodgers in 1977. He has good speed and had a team high 40 steals for Charleston (AAA) in 1981.
Mike graduated in 1973 from Elk Grove High School (CA) where he played baseball and basketball. He was team captain and All-League second baseman his senior year. Mike graduated from Cosumnes River Junior College (Sacramento, CA) in 1975 where he was team captain and All-Conference shortstop. He was an Honor Roll student in both his years of junior college."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
1986 Profile: Ed Whitson
"It wasn't exactly the best of times for Ed Whitson in his first season with the Yankees. Coming to the Big Apple became an ugly situation for last year's free agent from San Diego after he got off to a slow 1-6 start.
That is all in the past. Relying on a live fastball and a tough palm ball, Whitson bounced back from the rough start and was able to turn his season around. "I wanted to prove to George Steinbrenner, the Yankees, the fans and everybody else that getting me was a good deal,' Whitson says.
The proof came in an excellent outing in a big game against Toronto, followed by eight wins in his next nine decisions. From July 29 to September 5, the Yankees won eight consecutive games that 'Whit' started.
'He came back to be one of our big starters,' says pitching coach Jeff Torborg. With a year of experience playing in New York behind him, Ed Whitson hopes to keep up the momentum from last year and continue with his winning form."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Ed's first year in pinstripes was plagued by inconsistency. He opened the season losing his first three decisions, then recorded his first win on May 1 at Texas. Ed lost his next three decisions (six starts) before turning the corner. Through June 6 he was 1-6 with a 6.23 ERA in 11 starts; in 47.2 innings pitched he allowed 76 hits with 15 walks and nine homers and struck out 21.
He pitched exceptionally well in his next six starts, beginning with a June 11 outing against Toronto in which he threw 9.1 innings while allowing one run on six hits with a walk and seven strikeouts. Whitson notched his fifth career shutout in his next start on June 19 at Baltimore and continued to roll by winning three of his next four starts, culminating with a 6-0 shutout of Texas on July 12. Over his six starts from June 11 through July 12, he was 4-0 with a 1.14 ERA; in 47.1 innings pitched he allowed 31 hits with seven walks and one homer and struck out 21. Whitson made 13 starts after the All-Star Game, going 5-2 with a 6.64 ERA; in 63.2 innings pitched he allowed 94 hits with 19 walks and nine homers and struck out 44.
Ed struck out a season high of seven three times: June 11 against Toronto, September 5 against Oakland and September 10 at Milwaukee. The Yanks went 19-11 in games he started, 10-3 after the break. His 9.1 inning performance against Toronto on June 11 was the longest by a [Yankee] starter. He was 6-6 with a 5.48 ERA on the road, 4-2 with a 4.08 ERA at Yankee Stadium, 2-4 with a 5.74 ERA during the day and 8-4 with a 4.44 ERA at night. Whitson had a .309 batting average against, the highest on the club, allowing better than 1.2 hits per inning.
Whitson set several new personal highs [with the San Diego Padres] in 1984 with 14 wins and 103 strikeouts. He pitched in two postseason games, [starting] against the Cubs for a win in the NLCS and against the Tigers in the World Series with a no-decision. He developed his palm ball pitch, necessitated by a cut finger on his pitching hand during the 1983 season. Ed suffered an injury plagued 1983 season: he had a muscle pull late in spring training and then in late April injured his left knee, requiring arthroscopic surgery. He struggled, then won his final three decisions of '83, giving indications of a strong '84.
He originally made it to the big leagues with the Pirates in 1977, defeating Montreal in his first big league start on September 17. Ed had his best season in 1980 for the Giants, winning 11 with a 3.10 ERA and being named to the National League All-Star team, and in 1981 was the NL's Pitcher of the Month for August. In 1982, he was used mainly in relief by the Indians in his only [other] American League season.
Whitson graduated from Unicoi County High School (Erwin, Tennessee) in 1974 where he played baseball, basketball and football. He was second team All-State in baseball and all-conference in baseball and basketball. One of nine children, he also played Little League and Babe Ruth ball as a youngster.
Ed enjoys hunting, fishing and Willie Nelson music."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
That is all in the past. Relying on a live fastball and a tough palm ball, Whitson bounced back from the rough start and was able to turn his season around. "I wanted to prove to George Steinbrenner, the Yankees, the fans and everybody else that getting me was a good deal,' Whitson says.
The proof came in an excellent outing in a big game against Toronto, followed by eight wins in his next nine decisions. From July 29 to September 5, the Yankees won eight consecutive games that 'Whit' started.
'He came back to be one of our big starters,' says pitching coach Jeff Torborg. With a year of experience playing in New York behind him, Ed Whitson hopes to keep up the momentum from last year and continue with his winning form."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Ed's first year in pinstripes was plagued by inconsistency. He opened the season losing his first three decisions, then recorded his first win on May 1 at Texas. Ed lost his next three decisions (six starts) before turning the corner. Through June 6 he was 1-6 with a 6.23 ERA in 11 starts; in 47.2 innings pitched he allowed 76 hits with 15 walks and nine homers and struck out 21.
He pitched exceptionally well in his next six starts, beginning with a June 11 outing against Toronto in which he threw 9.1 innings while allowing one run on six hits with a walk and seven strikeouts. Whitson notched his fifth career shutout in his next start on June 19 at Baltimore and continued to roll by winning three of his next four starts, culminating with a 6-0 shutout of Texas on July 12. Over his six starts from June 11 through July 12, he was 4-0 with a 1.14 ERA; in 47.1 innings pitched he allowed 31 hits with seven walks and one homer and struck out 21. Whitson made 13 starts after the All-Star Game, going 5-2 with a 6.64 ERA; in 63.2 innings pitched he allowed 94 hits with 19 walks and nine homers and struck out 44.
Ed struck out a season high of seven three times: June 11 against Toronto, September 5 against Oakland and September 10 at Milwaukee. The Yanks went 19-11 in games he started, 10-3 after the break. His 9.1 inning performance against Toronto on June 11 was the longest by a [Yankee] starter. He was 6-6 with a 5.48 ERA on the road, 4-2 with a 4.08 ERA at Yankee Stadium, 2-4 with a 5.74 ERA during the day and 8-4 with a 4.44 ERA at night. Whitson had a .309 batting average against, the highest on the club, allowing better than 1.2 hits per inning.
Whitson set several new personal highs [with the San Diego Padres] in 1984 with 14 wins and 103 strikeouts. He pitched in two postseason games, [starting] against the Cubs for a win in the NLCS and against the Tigers in the World Series with a no-decision. He developed his palm ball pitch, necessitated by a cut finger on his pitching hand during the 1983 season. Ed suffered an injury plagued 1983 season: he had a muscle pull late in spring training and then in late April injured his left knee, requiring arthroscopic surgery. He struggled, then won his final three decisions of '83, giving indications of a strong '84.
He originally made it to the big leagues with the Pirates in 1977, defeating Montreal in his first big league start on September 17. Ed had his best season in 1980 for the Giants, winning 11 with a 3.10 ERA and being named to the National League All-Star team, and in 1981 was the NL's Pitcher of the Month for August. In 1982, he was used mainly in relief by the Indians in his only [other] American League season.
Whitson graduated from Unicoi County High School (Erwin, Tennessee) in 1974 where he played baseball, basketball and football. He was second team All-State in baseball and all-conference in baseball and basketball. One of nine children, he also played Little League and Babe Ruth ball as a youngster.
Ed enjoys hunting, fishing and Willie Nelson music."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Sunday, December 13, 2015
1986 Profile: Ken Griffey
"His 1985 season will be remembered for his terrific, wall-climbing, game-saving robbery of an apparent home run off the bat of the Red Sox' Marty Barrett on August 19. The left fielder began last season by hitting in his first eight games and enjoyed a good May when his average reached .310 and he hit a grand slam on May 14.
Griffey's average tailed off to .274. He brooded at times and requested a trade. Bothered by sore knees, he drove in 69 runs, his best total since 1980.
He's a career .300 hitter, although he has failed to reach that mark in three of his four seasons as a Yankee. His impending free agency prior to the 1982 season prompted the Reds to deal him for Brian Ryder and Fred Toliver.
Griffey was not picked until the 29th round of the June 1969 draft, when the Reds nabbed him. He has played in two World Series, posting a .186 average in 11 games. Griffey was born in Donora, Pennsylvania, the birthplace of Stan Musial."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
"It was a Ken Griffey kind of year for No. 33, as he again quietly aided the Yankees cause with another complete performance in 1985. Seemingly unnoticed, Griffey just goes on doing his job. 'Whoever's going to get the media coverage is gonna get it,' says Griffey. 'Some may never get it, and that's why I don't worry about the press.'
Griffey is coming off his own headline season in 1985, both offensively and defensively. In the field he made several acrobatic catches, going high over the outfield wall to turn homers into outs. At the plate, he had an 11-game hitting streak, a six-RBI game and a grand slam. And, unknown to many, Griffey remains one of only twelve active lifetime .300 hitters, based on 10 seasons or 1,000 hits. 'I'm guess what you'd call a quiet .300 hitter,' he says.
Since joining the Yankees in 1982 this silent performer has played all three outfield positions and first base, and has been a designated hitter and a pinch hitter.
'When I go out there I do my best. I do what's asked of me.'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"His 1985 season was an overall improvement over '84, with Griffey posting better numbers in most offensive categories. Although his season batting average was .274, he remains one of only 12 active lifetime .300 hitters (with at least 10 seasons or 1,000 hits), now at .2996, or .300. His 1985 season may be best remembered for 'the catch of the year' robbing Boston's Marty Barrett of a game-tying, ninth inning home run on August 19 at Yankee Stadium, leaping high over the left field wall and landing in a somersault.
Griffey was placed on the 15-day DL with a sprained left wrist on June 1, retroactive to May 28, and activated on June 12. He played in his 1,500th career game on August 12 at Chicago. His final home run of the year, September 22 at Baltimore off Ken Dixon, was No. 100 of his career.
Five of his 10 homers were hit off Minnesota pitching. Griffey hit two three-run homers on July 7 (second game) against Minnesota- the six RBIs matched his career high and equalled Dave Winfield for the team single game high [for '85]. He also had five RBI on May 8 at Minnesota. Griffey hit his third career grand slam, his second as a Yankee, on May 14 off Minnesota's Curt Wardle.
Ken hit a sixth-inning pinch-hit homer on May 5 off Kansas City's Joe Beckwith. He had an 11-game hit streak, July 4-18, and had 35 multiple hit games, fifth high on the team.
In 1984 Ken recorded the 1,500th hit of his career on June 12 at Boston. In 1983, he was simply outstanding in his second year as a Yankee- he batted over .300 the entire year, ranking among the league leaders. In 1982, Ken batted .277 in his first season in pinstripes, 30 points below his previous major league average; he turned things around at the plate in his last 38 games, however, batting .341 (47-for-138) with seven home runs and 29 RBIs, raising his average from .251 on August 17. On August 18, Ken started on a 13 game hitting streak in which he raised his average 20 points, the hitting streak being the longest by a Yankee in 1982.
In 1980 he was the Reds' MVP and MVP of the All-Star Game. He missed the end of the 1979 season with a mid-August operation on his left knee and his thigh bone. In 1972 he was named to the Eastern League All-Star team and in 1973 to the American Association All-Star team.
Griffey was born and grew up in Donora, Pennsylvania, birthplace of Stan Musial."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Griffey's average tailed off to .274. He brooded at times and requested a trade. Bothered by sore knees, he drove in 69 runs, his best total since 1980.
He's a career .300 hitter, although he has failed to reach that mark in three of his four seasons as a Yankee. His impending free agency prior to the 1982 season prompted the Reds to deal him for Brian Ryder and Fred Toliver.
Griffey was not picked until the 29th round of the June 1969 draft, when the Reds nabbed him. He has played in two World Series, posting a .186 average in 11 games. Griffey was born in Donora, Pennsylvania, the birthplace of Stan Musial."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
"It was a Ken Griffey kind of year for No. 33, as he again quietly aided the Yankees cause with another complete performance in 1985. Seemingly unnoticed, Griffey just goes on doing his job. 'Whoever's going to get the media coverage is gonna get it,' says Griffey. 'Some may never get it, and that's why I don't worry about the press.'
Griffey is coming off his own headline season in 1985, both offensively and defensively. In the field he made several acrobatic catches, going high over the outfield wall to turn homers into outs. At the plate, he had an 11-game hitting streak, a six-RBI game and a grand slam. And, unknown to many, Griffey remains one of only twelve active lifetime .300 hitters, based on 10 seasons or 1,000 hits. 'I'm guess what you'd call a quiet .300 hitter,' he says.
Since joining the Yankees in 1982 this silent performer has played all three outfield positions and first base, and has been a designated hitter and a pinch hitter.
'When I go out there I do my best. I do what's asked of me.'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"His 1985 season was an overall improvement over '84, with Griffey posting better numbers in most offensive categories. Although his season batting average was .274, he remains one of only 12 active lifetime .300 hitters (with at least 10 seasons or 1,000 hits), now at .2996, or .300. His 1985 season may be best remembered for 'the catch of the year' robbing Boston's Marty Barrett of a game-tying, ninth inning home run on August 19 at Yankee Stadium, leaping high over the left field wall and landing in a somersault.
Griffey was placed on the 15-day DL with a sprained left wrist on June 1, retroactive to May 28, and activated on June 12. He played in his 1,500th career game on August 12 at Chicago. His final home run of the year, September 22 at Baltimore off Ken Dixon, was No. 100 of his career.
Five of his 10 homers were hit off Minnesota pitching. Griffey hit two three-run homers on July 7 (second game) against Minnesota- the six RBIs matched his career high and equalled Dave Winfield for the team single game high [for '85]. He also had five RBI on May 8 at Minnesota. Griffey hit his third career grand slam, his second as a Yankee, on May 14 off Minnesota's Curt Wardle.
Ken hit a sixth-inning pinch-hit homer on May 5 off Kansas City's Joe Beckwith. He had an 11-game hit streak, July 4-18, and had 35 multiple hit games, fifth high on the team.
In 1984 Ken recorded the 1,500th hit of his career on June 12 at Boston. In 1983, he was simply outstanding in his second year as a Yankee- he batted over .300 the entire year, ranking among the league leaders. In 1982, Ken batted .277 in his first season in pinstripes, 30 points below his previous major league average; he turned things around at the plate in his last 38 games, however, batting .341 (47-for-138) with seven home runs and 29 RBIs, raising his average from .251 on August 17. On August 18, Ken started on a 13 game hitting streak in which he raised his average 20 points, the hitting streak being the longest by a Yankee in 1982.
In 1980 he was the Reds' MVP and MVP of the All-Star Game. He missed the end of the 1979 season with a mid-August operation on his left knee and his thigh bone. In 1972 he was named to the Eastern League All-Star team and in 1973 to the American Association All-Star team.
Griffey was born and grew up in Donora, Pennsylvania, birthplace of Stan Musial."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Thursday, December 10, 2015
1986 Profile: Brian Fisher
"Fisher opened eyes in spring training with his 93-mph fastball and hard slider. Shipped to Columbus (AAA) to start the season, he was soon recalled and came through with an outstanding rookie year. He collected 14 saves and allowed only four homers in 98 1/3 innings as a Yankee.
He had control problems as a starter in the Atlanta organization, but they vanished when he was switched to the bullpen by the Yankees last season- Fisher struck out 85 and walked only 29. Opponents hit only .216 against him, the best mark among Yankee pitchers. In his last 14 games, he was 0-1 with seven saves, allowing only six runs in 23 2/3 innings; all those runs came in the ninth inning of a disastrous outing against Cleveland on September 16.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Fisher grew up in Colorado. He was obtained from the Braves for Rick Cerone prior to last season and became the first Yankee to wear uniform No. 54 since Rich Gossage- and it fit him nicely."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
"The Yankees knew they had made a good deal when they acquired Brian Fisher before the start of last season, but his performance in 1985 confirmed all beliefs and had the entire organization smiling. 'He came to New York and responded beautifully,' said pitching coach Jeff Torborg after Fisher came to the Yankees from the Atlanta organization.
Fisher did respond, and then some. The young, right-handed fireballer drew much praise during his first year in the Yankees bullpen. As a setup man for Dave Righetti, his work was compared to the job Ron Davis did setting up for Goose Gossage; and as a stopper, he and Righetti gave the Yankees their best lefty/righty combination since Gossage and Sparky Lyle.
The Fisher trademark is a blazing fastball, but No. 54 brings more than just a live arm to the mound. Young Fisher also has the right attitude needed to deal with the pressures of being a relief pitcher. 'Pressure affects everybody, but when I come to the mound I know I have a job to do and I try to do it to the best of my ability.'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"One of the Yankees' final cuts out of spring training where he made an impressive showing, the initial plans were for Fisher to be a middle reliever, but he quickly established himself as the Yankees' right-handed stopper.
At Columbus he relieved in seven games (11.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 7 BB, 12K, 2.38 ERA). Fisher was purchased by the Yankees on May 1 when Rich Bordi was disabled, and made his first major league appearance on May 7 at Minnesota. He earned his first win in relief of John Montefusco on May 14 against Minnesota and picked up his first save on May 18 at California. After May 25, Brian kept his ERA under three for the remainder of the season. He allowed just four home runs in 98.1 innings pitched- one homer every 89 at-bats- and opposing hitters batted a mere .216 against him.
Brian struck out a season high of six batters on three occasions (June 15 against Detroit, June 30 against Milwaukee and August 21 at California) and from August 24 at Seattle to September 14 against Toronto, he didn't allow any runs (10 games, 15.1 IP, 2 BB, 19 K), lowering his ERA from 2.41 to 2.00. From July 29 through the season's end, he made 29 appearances and was 2-2 with 10 saves with 47.2 innings pitched, 11 earned runs and a 2.08 ERA; six of those earned runs came in one appearance, September 16 against Cleveland with Fisher allowing seven hits in 1 1/3 innings pitched.
Fisher was strictly a starter in his five years with the Braves' minor league system; in 111 minor league games he relieved only once. He achieved 100-plus strikeouts four consecutive years, 1981-84. He tied a Carolina League record held by Rudy May by striking out 20 batters in one game against Salem in 1982, and issued no walks in the game. Brian was acquired from Atlanta for Rick Cerone in December 1984.
Brian graduated from Hinkley High School (Aurora, Colorado) in 1980. He was a high school All-American in baseball and was all-league in football."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
He had control problems as a starter in the Atlanta organization, but they vanished when he was switched to the bullpen by the Yankees last season- Fisher struck out 85 and walked only 29. Opponents hit only .216 against him, the best mark among Yankee pitchers. In his last 14 games, he was 0-1 with seven saves, allowing only six runs in 23 2/3 innings; all those runs came in the ninth inning of a disastrous outing against Cleveland on September 16.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Fisher grew up in Colorado. He was obtained from the Braves for Rick Cerone prior to last season and became the first Yankee to wear uniform No. 54 since Rich Gossage- and it fit him nicely."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
"The Yankees knew they had made a good deal when they acquired Brian Fisher before the start of last season, but his performance in 1985 confirmed all beliefs and had the entire organization smiling. 'He came to New York and responded beautifully,' said pitching coach Jeff Torborg after Fisher came to the Yankees from the Atlanta organization.
Fisher did respond, and then some. The young, right-handed fireballer drew much praise during his first year in the Yankees bullpen. As a setup man for Dave Righetti, his work was compared to the job Ron Davis did setting up for Goose Gossage; and as a stopper, he and Righetti gave the Yankees their best lefty/righty combination since Gossage and Sparky Lyle.
The Fisher trademark is a blazing fastball, but No. 54 brings more than just a live arm to the mound. Young Fisher also has the right attitude needed to deal with the pressures of being a relief pitcher. 'Pressure affects everybody, but when I come to the mound I know I have a job to do and I try to do it to the best of my ability.'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"One of the Yankees' final cuts out of spring training where he made an impressive showing, the initial plans were for Fisher to be a middle reliever, but he quickly established himself as the Yankees' right-handed stopper.
At Columbus he relieved in seven games (11.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 7 BB, 12K, 2.38 ERA). Fisher was purchased by the Yankees on May 1 when Rich Bordi was disabled, and made his first major league appearance on May 7 at Minnesota. He earned his first win in relief of John Montefusco on May 14 against Minnesota and picked up his first save on May 18 at California. After May 25, Brian kept his ERA under three for the remainder of the season. He allowed just four home runs in 98.1 innings pitched- one homer every 89 at-bats- and opposing hitters batted a mere .216 against him.
Brian struck out a season high of six batters on three occasions (June 15 against Detroit, June 30 against Milwaukee and August 21 at California) and from August 24 at Seattle to September 14 against Toronto, he didn't allow any runs (10 games, 15.1 IP, 2 BB, 19 K), lowering his ERA from 2.41 to 2.00. From July 29 through the season's end, he made 29 appearances and was 2-2 with 10 saves with 47.2 innings pitched, 11 earned runs and a 2.08 ERA; six of those earned runs came in one appearance, September 16 against Cleveland with Fisher allowing seven hits in 1 1/3 innings pitched.
Fisher was strictly a starter in his five years with the Braves' minor league system; in 111 minor league games he relieved only once. He achieved 100-plus strikeouts four consecutive years, 1981-84. He tied a Carolina League record held by Rudy May by striking out 20 batters in one game against Salem in 1982, and issued no walks in the game. Brian was acquired from Atlanta for Rick Cerone in December 1984.
Brian graduated from Hinkley High School (Aurora, Colorado) in 1980. He was a high school All-American in baseball and was all-league in football."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
1986 Profile: Ron Hassey
"Big Ron Hassey is not known for his speed on the bases, but in the 1985 off-season he helped the Yankees pull off a double steal. He went to the Chicago White Sox in the trade that brought Britt Burns to the Yankees, and before the ink was dry on that deal Hassey was back in pinstripes.
In only his first year with the Yankees, Hassey hit a career-high 13 home runs, most of which came after working on his stance with Lou Piniella. 'Lou showed me a few things and I began to hit the long ball,' said Hassey, who then started to show the league a few things. After a two-home run game against Baltimore, Orioles manager Earl Weaver squawked, 'Who the hell does Hassey think he is, Babe Ruth?' Yankees manager Lou Piniella knows. 'He did a very good job for us offensively. He hit close to .300 all year, certainly added power to the lineup and drove in some big runs.' The Babe is back!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
In only his first year with the Yankees, Hassey hit a career-high 13 home runs, most of which came after working on his stance with Lou Piniella. 'Lou showed me a few things and I began to hit the long ball,' said Hassey, who then started to show the league a few things. After a two-home run game against Baltimore, Orioles manager Earl Weaver squawked, 'Who the hell does Hassey think he is, Babe Ruth?' Yankees manager Lou Piniella knows. 'He did a very good job for us offensively. He hit close to .300 all year, certainly added power to the lineup and drove in some big runs.' The Babe is back!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
Friday, December 4, 2015
1986 Profile: Andre Robertson
"Talk about quality time. In 1985, Andre Robertson had plenty of it. He never played regularly last year, but when he did get playing time he made the most of it.
A spring training knee injury kept the personable Texan out until the end of May, but upon his return he homered in back-to-back games. He ended up batting .328 while appearing in 50 games, playing mostly at third base, which was something new for him. Robertson's play at third was as smooth as his time at shortstop, but his bat was a pleasant surprise.
'It's a good feeling to know that in limited playing time, you make the hits you get count, and help the team,' Robertson says. 'I certainly am glad to be playing and contributing any way I can. I don't think I've run away from too many balls at third, have I?'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Andre showed a good stick despite not playing regularly. He began 1985 by being placed on the 21-day disabled list on March 24 with torn cartilage in his left knee and was assigned to Columbus for rehabilitation on May 20.
He went 11-for-28 (.393) in nine games during his rehab and was recalled on May 29. Andre hit a home run in his first start on May 30 against California, and another in the following game on May 31 against Seattle, [hitting] homers in back-to-back games for the first time in his career. He went 7-for-15 (.467 BA) in his first six games, yet played in only five games in June. Andre 3-for-4 for the fifth time in his career (and first time since August 16, 1983) on June 1 against Seattle. He hit in 8 of 12 games in July, going 11-for-33 (.333), and had his third career two-RBI game on September 4 against Seattle.
Andre made his first major league start at third base on July 9 against Kansas City. He played 33 games at third, 14 at shortstop and two at second.
He began the 1984 season at Columbus, making a comeback from his August '83 car accident. He was recalled on April 16 and was the regular shortstop until being optioned back to Columbus on June 15. Andre was recalled to New York on September 9.
Andre anchored the Yankee infield in 1983 with his outstanding defense at shortstop. He hit in 10 straight games from June 8 to June 18, raising his batting average from .210 to .266. He was involved in a serious car accident on August 18 in which he suffered a broken neck, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season.
He began the 1982 season at Columbus and was called up to the Yankees on May 13. He hit his first major league home run on May 16 at Oakland off Steve McCatty. Andre was optioned to Columbus on July 8 and recalled to the Yankees on August 20. He played outstanding defense and showed potential and improvement at the plate.
Andre began in the Toronto Blue Jays organization in 1979. In 1980 with the Yankee organization, he progressed from A ball to AA and finally to AAA in just his second pro season. In 1981, Andre was named to the International League All-Star team as the shortstop. He was called up to the Yankees on September 2 when Bucky Dent was disabled with a torn hand ligament that required surgery. Andre singled in his first major league at-bat against Mike Jones at Kansas City on September 3 and played defensively in the 1981 ALCS and World Series.
Andre grew up in Orange, Texas where he attended West Orange High and played baseball, football, basketball and ran track. He was All-State twice and All-American once in baseball. He played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion ball in Orange and was a San Francisco Giant fan as a youngster, particularly [of] Willie Mays. Andre spent three years at the University of Texas in Austin where he teamed with Jerry Don Gleaton and played against Tim Lollar of Arkansas."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
A spring training knee injury kept the personable Texan out until the end of May, but upon his return he homered in back-to-back games. He ended up batting .328 while appearing in 50 games, playing mostly at third base, which was something new for him. Robertson's play at third was as smooth as his time at shortstop, but his bat was a pleasant surprise.
'It's a good feeling to know that in limited playing time, you make the hits you get count, and help the team,' Robertson says. 'I certainly am glad to be playing and contributing any way I can. I don't think I've run away from too many balls at third, have I?'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Andre showed a good stick despite not playing regularly. He began 1985 by being placed on the 21-day disabled list on March 24 with torn cartilage in his left knee and was assigned to Columbus for rehabilitation on May 20.
He went 11-for-28 (.393) in nine games during his rehab and was recalled on May 29. Andre hit a home run in his first start on May 30 against California, and another in the following game on May 31 against Seattle, [hitting] homers in back-to-back games for the first time in his career. He went 7-for-15 (.467 BA) in his first six games, yet played in only five games in June. Andre 3-for-4 for the fifth time in his career (and first time since August 16, 1983) on June 1 against Seattle. He hit in 8 of 12 games in July, going 11-for-33 (.333), and had his third career two-RBI game on September 4 against Seattle.
Andre made his first major league start at third base on July 9 against Kansas City. He played 33 games at third, 14 at shortstop and two at second.
He began the 1984 season at Columbus, making a comeback from his August '83 car accident. He was recalled on April 16 and was the regular shortstop until being optioned back to Columbus on June 15. Andre was recalled to New York on September 9.
Andre anchored the Yankee infield in 1983 with his outstanding defense at shortstop. He hit in 10 straight games from June 8 to June 18, raising his batting average from .210 to .266. He was involved in a serious car accident on August 18 in which he suffered a broken neck, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season.
He began the 1982 season at Columbus and was called up to the Yankees on May 13. He hit his first major league home run on May 16 at Oakland off Steve McCatty. Andre was optioned to Columbus on July 8 and recalled to the Yankees on August 20. He played outstanding defense and showed potential and improvement at the plate.
Andre began in the Toronto Blue Jays organization in 1979. In 1980 with the Yankee organization, he progressed from A ball to AA and finally to AAA in just his second pro season. In 1981, Andre was named to the International League All-Star team as the shortstop. He was called up to the Yankees on September 2 when Bucky Dent was disabled with a torn hand ligament that required surgery. Andre singled in his first major league at-bat against Mike Jones at Kansas City on September 3 and played defensively in the 1981 ALCS and World Series.
Andre grew up in Orange, Texas where he attended West Orange High and played baseball, football, basketball and ran track. He was All-State twice and All-American once in baseball. He played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion ball in Orange and was a San Francisco Giant fan as a youngster, particularly [of] Willie Mays. Andre spent three years at the University of Texas in Austin where he teamed with Jerry Don Gleaton and played against Tim Lollar of Arkansas."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
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