Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Manager - Lou Piniella 14
No. Coaches
52 Mark Connor
34 Mike Ferraro
42 Stump Merrill
44 Jeff Torborg
50 Jay Ward
40 Stan Williams
No. Pitchers
68 Brad Arnsberg (R-R)
38 Pat Clements (R-L)
57 Pete Filson (S-L)
64 Bill Fulton (R-R)
54 Cecilio Guante (R-R)
41 Charles Hudson (R-R)
25 Tommy John (R-L)
56 Al Leiter (L-L)
39 Joe Niekro (R-R)
47 Alfonso Pulido (L-L)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
26 Rick Rhoden (R-R)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
28 Rod Scurry (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
43 Tim Stoddard (R-R)
35 Bob Tewksbury (R-R)
No. Catchers
58 Juan Espino (R-R)
27 Phil Lombardi (R-R)
59 Mitch Lyden (R-R)
12 Joel Skinner (R-R)
No. Infielders
61 Orestes Destrade (S-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
13 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
11 Lenn Sakata (R-R)
2 Wayne Tolleson (S-R)
60 Paul Zuvella (R-R)
No. Outfielders
51 Jay Buhner (R-R)
46 Henry Cotto (R-R)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
53 Keith Hughes (L-L)
57 Roberto Kelly (R-R)
33 Ron Kittle (R-R)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
22 Gary Ward (R-R)
18 Claudell Washington (L-L)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Steve Donohue
Friday, January 29, 2016
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
1986 New York Yankees September Roster
Manager - Lou Piniella 14
No. Coaches
48 Joe Altobelli
52 Mark Connor
42 Stump Merrill
44 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
40 Don Zimmer
No. Pitchers
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R)
68 Brad Arnsberg (R-R)
34 Doug Drabek (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
25 Tommy John (R-L) *
53 John Montefusco (R-R) *
39 Joe Niekro (R-R)
41 Scott Nielsen (R-R)
47 Alfonso Pulido (L-L)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
28 Rod Scurry (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
43 Tim Stoddard (R-R)
35 Bob Tewksbury (R-R)
No. Catchers
58 Juan Espino (R-R)
50 Phil Lombardi (R-R)
12 Joel Skinner (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R) *
No. Infielders
22 Mike Fischlin (R-R)
38 Leo Hernandez (R-R)
26 Bryan Lyttle (S-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
13 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
2 Wayne Tolleson (S-R)
No. Outfielders
46 Henry Cotto (R-R)
17 Mike Easler (L-R)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
33 Ron Kittle (R-R)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Gary Roenicke (R-R)
18 Claudell Washington (L-L)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Steve Donohue
Strength and Conditioning Coach - Jeff Mangold
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko (57), John Moller (60)
Batting Practice Catcher - Mike Barnett (59)
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala (51)
* not on active roster
1986 New York Yankees Team Photo
Joe Altobelli (coach)
Mike Barnett (video coordinator)
Mark Connor (coach)
Steve Donohue (trainer)
Doug Drabek
Mike Easler
Juan Espino
Mike Fischlin
Brian Fisher
Bob Fleming (equipment manager)
Daniel Fosina (batboy)
Anthony Furia (batboy)
Ron Guidry
Tommy John
Bill Kane (traveling secretary)
Ron Kittle
Kenneth Lackey (batboy)
Jeff Mangold (strength and conditioning coach)
Don Mattingly
Stump Merrill (coach)
John Moller (batting practice pitcher)
Gene Monahan (trainer)
Joe Niekro
Mike Pagliarulo
Dan Pasqua
Lou Piniella (manager)
Willie Randolph
Dave Righetti
Gary Roenicke
Dom Scala (bullpen catcher)
Rod Scurry
Bob Shirley
Joel Skinner
Tim Stoddard
Wayne Tolleson
Jeff Torborg (coach)
Roy White (coach)
Don Zimmer (coach)
No. Coaches
48 Joe Altobelli
52 Mark Connor
42 Stump Merrill
44 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
40 Don Zimmer
No. Pitchers
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R)
68 Brad Arnsberg (R-R)
34 Doug Drabek (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
25 Tommy John (R-L) *
53 John Montefusco (R-R) *
39 Joe Niekro (R-R)
41 Scott Nielsen (R-R)
47 Alfonso Pulido (L-L)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
28 Rod Scurry (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
43 Tim Stoddard (R-R)
35 Bob Tewksbury (R-R)
No. Catchers
58 Juan Espino (R-R)
50 Phil Lombardi (R-R)
12 Joel Skinner (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R) *
No. Infielders
22 Mike Fischlin (R-R)
38 Leo Hernandez (R-R)
26 Bryan Lyttle (S-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
13 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
2 Wayne Tolleson (S-R)
No. Outfielders
46 Henry Cotto (R-R)
17 Mike Easler (L-R)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
33 Ron Kittle (R-R)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Gary Roenicke (R-R)
18 Claudell Washington (L-L)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Steve Donohue
Strength and Conditioning Coach - Jeff Mangold
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko (57), John Moller (60)
Batting Practice Catcher - Mike Barnett (59)
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala (51)
* not on active roster
1986 New York Yankees Team Photo
Joe Altobelli (coach)
Mike Barnett (video coordinator)
Mark Connor (coach)
Steve Donohue (trainer)
Doug Drabek
Mike Easler
Juan Espino
Mike Fischlin
Brian Fisher
Bob Fleming (equipment manager)
Daniel Fosina (batboy)
Anthony Furia (batboy)
Ron Guidry
Tommy John
Bill Kane (traveling secretary)
Ron Kittle
Kenneth Lackey (batboy)
Jeff Mangold (strength and conditioning coach)
Don Mattingly
Stump Merrill (coach)
John Moller (batting practice pitcher)
Gene Monahan (trainer)
Joe Niekro
Mike Pagliarulo
Dan Pasqua
Lou Piniella (manager)
Willie Randolph
Dave Righetti
Gary Roenicke
Dom Scala (bullpen catcher)
Rod Scurry
Bob Shirley
Joel Skinner
Tim Stoddard
Wayne Tolleson
Jeff Torborg (coach)
Roy White (coach)
Don Zimmer (coach)
1986 New York Yankees August 1 Roster
Manager - Lou Piniella 14
No. Coaches
48 Joe Altobelli
52 Mark Connor
42 Stump Merrill
44 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
40 Don Zimmer
No. Pitchers
34 Doug Drabek (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
36 Al Holland (R-L)
25 Tommy John (R-L) *
53 John Montefusco (R-R) *
39 Joe Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
28 Rod Scurry (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
43 Tim Stoddard (R-R)
No. Catchers
58 Juan Espino (R-R)
12 Joel Skinner (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R) *
No. Infielders
22 Mike Fischlin (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
13 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
2 Wayne Tolleson (S-R)
No. Outfielders
17 Mike Easler (L-R)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
33 Ron Kittle (R-R)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Gary Roenicke (R-R)
18 Claudell Washington (L-L)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Steve Donohue
Strength and Conditioning Coach - Jeff Mangold
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko (57), John Moller (60)
Batting Practice Catcher - Mike Barnett (59)
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala (51)
* not on active roster
No. Coaches
48 Joe Altobelli
52 Mark Connor
42 Stump Merrill
44 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
40 Don Zimmer
No. Pitchers
34 Doug Drabek (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
36 Al Holland (R-L)
25 Tommy John (R-L) *
53 John Montefusco (R-R) *
39 Joe Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
28 Rod Scurry (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
43 Tim Stoddard (R-R)
No. Catchers
58 Juan Espino (R-R)
12 Joel Skinner (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R) *
No. Infielders
22 Mike Fischlin (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
13 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
2 Wayne Tolleson (S-R)
No. Outfielders
17 Mike Easler (L-R)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
33 Ron Kittle (R-R)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Gary Roenicke (R-R)
18 Claudell Washington (L-L)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Steve Donohue
Strength and Conditioning Coach - Jeff Mangold
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko (57), John Moller (60)
Batting Practice Catcher - Mike Barnett (59)
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala (51)
* not on active roster
1986 New York Yankees June 1 and July 1 Rosters
Manager - Lou Piniella 14
No. Coaches
48 Joe Altobelli
52 Mark Connor
42 Stump Merrill
1 Gene Michael
44 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
No. Pitchers
43 Britt Burns (R-L) *
34 Doug Drabek (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
36 Al Holland (R-L)
25 Tommy John (R-L)
26 John Montefusco (R-R) *
39 Joe Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
28 Rod Scurry (L-L) *
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
35 Bob Tewksbury (R-R)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
12 Ron Hassey (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
22 Mike Fischlin (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
13 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
No. Outfielders
17 Mike Easler (L-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Gary Roenicke (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Steve Donohue
Strength and Conditioning Coach - Jeff Mangold
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko (57), John Moller (58)
Batting Practice Catcher - Mike Barnett (59)
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala (51)
* not on active roster
JULY 1
Manager - Lou Piniella 14
No. Coaches
48 Joe Altobelli
52 Mark Connor
42 Stump Merrill
44 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
40 Don Zimmer
No. Pitchers
43 Britt Burns (R-L) *
34 Doug Drabek (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
36 Al Holland (R-L)
25 Tommy John (R-L) *
53 John Montefusco (R-R) *
39 Joe Niekro (R-R) *
47 Alfonso Pulido (L-L)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
28 Rod Scurry (L-L) *
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
35 Bob Tewksbury (R-R)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
12 Ron Hassey (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
22 Mike Fischlin (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
13 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
26 Paul Zuvella (R-R)
No. Outfielders
17 Mike Easler (L-R)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Gary Roenicke (R-R)
18 Claudell Washington (L-L)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Steve Donohue
Strength and Conditioning Coach - Jeff Mangold
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko (57), John Moller (58)
Batting Practice Catcher - Mike Barnett (59)
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala (51)
* not on active roster
No. Coaches
48 Joe Altobelli
52 Mark Connor
42 Stump Merrill
1 Gene Michael
44 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
No. Pitchers
43 Britt Burns (R-L) *
34 Doug Drabek (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
36 Al Holland (R-L)
25 Tommy John (R-L)
26 John Montefusco (R-R) *
39 Joe Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
28 Rod Scurry (L-L) *
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
35 Bob Tewksbury (R-R)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
12 Ron Hassey (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
22 Mike Fischlin (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
13 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
No. Outfielders
17 Mike Easler (L-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Gary Roenicke (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Steve Donohue
Strength and Conditioning Coach - Jeff Mangold
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko (57), John Moller (58)
Batting Practice Catcher - Mike Barnett (59)
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala (51)
* not on active roster
JULY 1
Manager - Lou Piniella 14
No. Coaches
48 Joe Altobelli
52 Mark Connor
42 Stump Merrill
44 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
40 Don Zimmer
No. Pitchers
43 Britt Burns (R-L) *
34 Doug Drabek (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
36 Al Holland (R-L)
25 Tommy John (R-L) *
53 John Montefusco (R-R) *
39 Joe Niekro (R-R) *
47 Alfonso Pulido (L-L)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
28 Rod Scurry (L-L) *
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
35 Bob Tewksbury (R-R)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
12 Ron Hassey (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
22 Mike Fischlin (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
13 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
26 Paul Zuvella (R-R)
No. Outfielders
17 Mike Easler (L-R)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Gary Roenicke (R-R)
18 Claudell Washington (L-L)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Steve Donohue
Strength and Conditioning Coach - Jeff Mangold
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko (57), John Moller (58)
Batting Practice Catcher - Mike Barnett (59)
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala (51)
* not on active roster
1986 Albany-Colonie Yankees Roster
New York Yankees AA Farm Club (Eastern League)
Manager - Jim Saul
Coaches - John Kennedy, Bill Monbouquette
Trainer - Mike Heifferon
No. Pitchers
42 Brent Blum (R-L)
31 Mike Christopher (R-R)
41 Bob Davidson (R-R)
11 Eric Dersin (R-R)
25 Logan Easley (R-R)
26 Steve Frey (R-L)
12 Maurice Guercio (R-R)
27 Matt Harrison (L-L)
44 John Johnson (R-R)
23 Chuck Yaeger (L-L)
No. Catchers
29 Fredi Gonzalez (R-R)
43 Bill Lindsey (R-R)
No. Infielders
10 Tom Barrett (S-R)
35 Carson Carroll (R-R)
20 Mark Manering (L-L)
39 Carlos Martinez (R-R)
24 Jim Riggs (L-R)
1 Miguel Sosa (R-R)
No. Outfielders
9 Doug Carpenter (R-R)
32 Keith Hughes (L-L)
34 Roberto Kelly (R-R)
18 Tony Russell (R-R)
Manager - Jim Saul
Coaches - John Kennedy, Bill Monbouquette
Trainer - Mike Heifferon
No. Pitchers
42 Brent Blum (R-L)
31 Mike Christopher (R-R)
41 Bob Davidson (R-R)
11 Eric Dersin (R-R)
25 Logan Easley (R-R)
26 Steve Frey (R-L)
12 Maurice Guercio (R-R)
27 Matt Harrison (L-L)
44 John Johnson (R-R)
23 Chuck Yaeger (L-L)
No. Catchers
29 Fredi Gonzalez (R-R)
43 Bill Lindsey (R-R)
No. Infielders
10 Tom Barrett (S-R)
35 Carson Carroll (R-R)
20 Mark Manering (L-L)
39 Carlos Martinez (R-R)
24 Jim Riggs (L-R)
1 Miguel Sosa (R-R)
No. Outfielders
9 Doug Carpenter (R-R)
32 Keith Hughes (L-L)
34 Roberto Kelly (R-R)
18 Tony Russell (R-R)
Monday, January 25, 2016
1986 Albany-Colonie Yankees Program and Yearbook Notes
New York Yankees AA Farm Club (Eastern League)
Welcome Yankee Fans!
Once again I am pleased that our Double-A affiliate is located at Heritage Park in Albany County. The Albany area has been a long time supporter of Yankee Baseball, and we are happy to showcase our stars of the future at Heritage Park.
Congratulations to Ben Bernard and his staff, and to you the Albany-Colonie Yankee fans for setting the Eastern League attendance record last season. I trust this fine will support will continue.
Once again we plan to send a very representative team to you. One that closely identifies with the long standing Yankee tradition of excellence. We feel Jim Saul, Bill Monbouquette and John Kennedy are the men to lead the Albany-Colonie Yankees to a second straight Eastern League Pennant.
Hope to see you at Heritage Park and Yankee Stadium this season.
Sincerely,
George Steinbrenner [Principal Owner]
Dear Fans:
Records are made to be broken, and in 1985, you, the fans broke an Eastern League record that had stood for 46 years, as 324,003 of you attended Yankee games at Heritage Park.
Whether 1986 proves to be another record breaking year at the gate or not, Albany County, the Town of Colonie, the Yankees, and you the fans have a great deal to be proud of. In three short years the Albany-Colonie franchise has become one of the best in minor league baseball.
The Eastern League has provided fans throughout the northeast with exciting professional baseball for 63 years. This the league's 64th season will be no exception, as the Glens Falls Tigers, Nashua Pirates, New Britain Red Sox, Pittsfield Cubs, Reading Phillies, Vermont Reds, and Waterbury Indians vie to end Albany-Colonie's two-year reign as the Eastern League's regular season champion.
Best of luck in 1986.
Sincerely,
Charles Esbach [Eastern League President]
BEN BERNARD (Owner)
"Ben Bernard, the owner of the Albany-Colonie Yankees, had a couple of dreams come true. First, his franchise became associated with the New York Yankees organization. Ben is a long-time Yankee fan. After a record-breaking season in which the Double-A Yankees won the regular season Eastern League pennant and set the league attendance record, Ben was named by the Sporting News as baseball's Double-A Executive of the Year.
Bernard started his professional baseball career in 1980 as promotion director of the Glens Falls White Sox. By season's end, Ben was the team's general manager. In 1981 and '82, Ben and Glens Falls enjoyed considerable success at the gate and on the field. The Glen-Sox drew more than 100,000 fans those seasons, and the team won three of four divisional pennants (in those years the E.L. had a split-season format). Those teams were remembered as the ones with Ron Kittle and Greg Walker, both now with the parent Chicago White Sox. As a result, Ben was named Eastern League Executive of the Year.
After the 1982 season, Bernard started on a quest for his own Eastern League franchise, bought the West Haven A's and transferred that team to Albany.
The franchise had a difficult time getting out of the gate that first season in 1983. The weather played havoc with the early schedule, with snow the main culprit, and the team played the first half of the season at small Bleecker Stadium. For the final two months of the season, Heritage Park was open, the team drew 200, 126. In 1984, the A's won the regular season pennant while drawing 199,534, and Ben won another Eastern League Executive of the Year Award.
Then came 1985, the first year the Yankees were in town. The fans responded in droves, setting the Eastern League all-time attendance record of 324,003 and broke a record that had stood since 1939.
'This proves that this area was starving for professional sports and an affiliation (the Yankees) that fans could relate to,' says Bernard, who won another Eastern League Executive of the Year Award for 1985. 'The Albany-Colonie organization is dedicated to keeping baseball a top-flight family attraction in the Capital District.'
As far as 1986 goes, Ben says, 'We are looking forward to bigger and better things. You, the fan, have proven to us you want our brand of baseball, and we will continue to provide exciting Yankee baseball.'"
-1986 Season Albany Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
BERNARD SPORTING NEWS AA EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
"Without a doubt, the showcase franchise in all of AA baseball in 1985 was the Albany-Colonie Yankees of the Eastern League. The master showman [was] President and General Manager Ben Bernard, this year's winner of the Sporting News AA Executive of the Year Award.
All that the Yankees did was to erase the 46-year-old Eastern League attendance record. No fewer than 324,003 crammed into Heritage Park to see the young Yanks play. The previous attendance record, by the way, was 16 years older than Bernard.
Bernard became General Manager of the Glens Falls White Sox in 1981, and he was named Eastern League Executive of the Year one year later.
While the [Albany-Colonie] franchise flourished during their relationship with the Oakland A's in 1983 and 1984, one move put them over the top. Bernard signed a working agreement with the New York Yankees. The Albany area is strong Yankee country, so Bernard feels that having the name 'Yankees' on the uniform was a big boon.
'Having the Yankees in here gives us the easiest thing to market that I've ever had,' he told Paul Schwartz.
At the root of most successful operations is a bevy of promotions. The Albany-Colonie Yankees are no exception. Heritage Park is a fun place to be.
Just ask 324,003."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
1986 ALBANY-COLONIE YANKEES DIRECTORY
Vice-President, Baseball Operations - Jack Tracz
Vice-President, Public Relations - Rip Rowan
Vice-President, Concessions - Steve Bernard
Vice-President, Finance - Kathy Obst
Sales/Official Scorer - Gary Rigley
Sales/Marketing - Paula Segal
Team Photographer - Fritz Walker
Heritage Park Administrator - Gary Holle
Head Groundskeeper - John Liburdi
Grounds Crew - Jim Light
Assistant, Baseball Operations - Mark Levine
1986 Albany-Colonie Yankees Advisory Committee
Bishop Howard Hubbard (Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany)
John Strachan (Pepsi Cola)
Steve Fahey (Pepsi Cola)
William Keis (Keis Distributors)
Gary Lansing (Marine Midland)
Walter Otto (Otto Oldsmobile-Cadillac-Isuzu)
Frank Staucett (Provident Mutual)
Robert Unger (Pyramid-Crossgates Mall Corp.)
Salvadore DiCarlo (September's)
MIKE HEIFFERON (Trainer)
"The 1986 Eastern League season will truly be an exciting one for A-C trainer Mike Heifferon. It is his first professional training job.
Heifferon is a 24-year-old graduate of Ohio State University where he is currently working toward a Masters degree in strength training. The Rochester native was an intern with the New York triple-A club at Columbus last season. This experience led to his hiring by the Yankees for the Albany job.
Mike also attended Monroe Community College in Rochester and played two years of collegiate tennis there. In high school, Heifferon lettered in basketball and tennis.
For three years at Ohio State, Heifferon was an undergraduate trainer."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
ADVERTISERS NIGHTS
"This season there will be two advertisers nights. The first one is April 28, a Monday night game with the Glens Falls Tigers. All participating advertisers in this program and on our fence signs around Heritage Park will give out free tickets to the game. Also, prizes will be awarded on game night. The same holds true for Tuesday, June 10, our second advertisers night, when the Nashua Pirates are in town."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
SENIOR CITIZENS DAYS
"This year, the Albany-Colonie Yankees have added ten Senior Citizens Days to our schedule. In addition to our regular reduced Senior Citizen ticket of $2.50 at all home games, the price for a ticket for senior citizens will be reduced to a dollar on those ten dates. All seniors 60 of age or older will be admitted for just one dollar. Those dates are April 15 and 29, May 13 and 22, June 9 and 30, July 8 and 22, and August 12 and 27.
In addition, any senior citizen who brings a youngster, 16 and younger, on those ten dates also gets the youngster in for a dollar. Take your grandchildren to an Albany-Colonie Yankees game. It's a family affair."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
NAPA PRESENTS WHITEY FORD DAY
"Whitey Ford, former Yankee pitching great, will make his first ever venture to Heritage Park this season on May 3, prior to the Albany-Colonie Yankees' game with the Vermont Reds. Ford's appearance is sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts.
Whitey played his entire career (1950-67) with the Bronx Bombers, compiling a lifetime won-lost mark of 236-106. The left-hander's career winning percentage of .690 is the second highest in the history of the game, and this helped him gain election to baseball's Hall of Fame in 1974.
Nicknamed 'The Chairman of the Board,' Ford was at his best in the 11 World Series in which he played. He holds lifetime World Series records for games pitched (22), innings pitched (146), wins (10) and strikeouts (94). His performances helped the Pinstripers capture seven Fall Classics.
This event will mark the first time that a Yankee Hall of Famer has visited Heritage Park."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
FELLER RETURNS
"On Tuesday, June 17, Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller returns to Heritage Park to face some area softball players who will take a crack at trying to hit the former Cleveland Indian great.
Feller compiled a major league record of 266 wins and just 162 losses, striking out 2,581 batters. He was elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame in 1962. He will again pitch the home run hitting contest and sign autographs."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
EHRLICH AUTO PRESENTS THE CLOWN PRINCE OF BASEBALL
"The Clown Prince of Baseball, Max Patkin, will come back for his special brand of entertainment Thursday, August 14 when the Yankees host the Vermont Reds on Ehrlich Auto Parts Night. Tickets will be available at all area Ehrlich Auto Parts stores.
Patkin was a minor league pitcher, but an injury to his elbow ended that career, and he went on to become one of the game's premier performers in the field of comedy. Columnist Jim Murray once wrote, 'Patkin is 6'3"; 30 percent of that is neck,' adding 'he looked like the world's biggest hunk of bubble gum.'
Patkin is now 66, but age certainly has not slowed Max down as he keeps the fans laughing with his zany antics. Max says he still works with a handicap: 'I have no talent.' Nothing could be farther from the truth, as you will see on August 14, when the rubber-faced Clown Prince of Baseball makes another Heritage Park appearance."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
1986 ALBANY-COLONIE YANKEES PROGRAM/YEARBOOK PORTRAIT PHOTOS
Tom Barrett (2B)
Brent Blum (P)
Jay Buhner (OF)
Carson Carroll (IF)
Ron Chapman (2B)
Mo Ching (1B)
Clay Christiansen (P)
Bob Davidson (P)
Eric Dersin (P)
Logan Easley (P)
Welcome Yankee Fans!
Once again I am pleased that our Double-A affiliate is located at Heritage Park in Albany County. The Albany area has been a long time supporter of Yankee Baseball, and we are happy to showcase our stars of the future at Heritage Park.
Congratulations to Ben Bernard and his staff, and to you the Albany-Colonie Yankee fans for setting the Eastern League attendance record last season. I trust this fine will support will continue.
Once again we plan to send a very representative team to you. One that closely identifies with the long standing Yankee tradition of excellence. We feel Jim Saul, Bill Monbouquette and John Kennedy are the men to lead the Albany-Colonie Yankees to a second straight Eastern League Pennant.
Hope to see you at Heritage Park and Yankee Stadium this season.
Sincerely,
George Steinbrenner [Principal Owner]
Dear Fans:
Records are made to be broken, and in 1985, you, the fans broke an Eastern League record that had stood for 46 years, as 324,003 of you attended Yankee games at Heritage Park.
Whether 1986 proves to be another record breaking year at the gate or not, Albany County, the Town of Colonie, the Yankees, and you the fans have a great deal to be proud of. In three short years the Albany-Colonie franchise has become one of the best in minor league baseball.
The Eastern League has provided fans throughout the northeast with exciting professional baseball for 63 years. This the league's 64th season will be no exception, as the Glens Falls Tigers, Nashua Pirates, New Britain Red Sox, Pittsfield Cubs, Reading Phillies, Vermont Reds, and Waterbury Indians vie to end Albany-Colonie's two-year reign as the Eastern League's regular season champion.
Best of luck in 1986.
Sincerely,
Charles Esbach [Eastern League President]
BEN BERNARD (Owner)
"Ben Bernard, the owner of the Albany-Colonie Yankees, had a couple of dreams come true. First, his franchise became associated with the New York Yankees organization. Ben is a long-time Yankee fan. After a record-breaking season in which the Double-A Yankees won the regular season Eastern League pennant and set the league attendance record, Ben was named by the Sporting News as baseball's Double-A Executive of the Year.
Bernard started his professional baseball career in 1980 as promotion director of the Glens Falls White Sox. By season's end, Ben was the team's general manager. In 1981 and '82, Ben and Glens Falls enjoyed considerable success at the gate and on the field. The Glen-Sox drew more than 100,000 fans those seasons, and the team won three of four divisional pennants (in those years the E.L. had a split-season format). Those teams were remembered as the ones with Ron Kittle and Greg Walker, both now with the parent Chicago White Sox. As a result, Ben was named Eastern League Executive of the Year.
After the 1982 season, Bernard started on a quest for his own Eastern League franchise, bought the West Haven A's and transferred that team to Albany.
The franchise had a difficult time getting out of the gate that first season in 1983. The weather played havoc with the early schedule, with snow the main culprit, and the team played the first half of the season at small Bleecker Stadium. For the final two months of the season, Heritage Park was open, the team drew 200, 126. In 1984, the A's won the regular season pennant while drawing 199,534, and Ben won another Eastern League Executive of the Year Award.
Then came 1985, the first year the Yankees were in town. The fans responded in droves, setting the Eastern League all-time attendance record of 324,003 and broke a record that had stood since 1939.
'This proves that this area was starving for professional sports and an affiliation (the Yankees) that fans could relate to,' says Bernard, who won another Eastern League Executive of the Year Award for 1985. 'The Albany-Colonie organization is dedicated to keeping baseball a top-flight family attraction in the Capital District.'
As far as 1986 goes, Ben says, 'We are looking forward to bigger and better things. You, the fan, have proven to us you want our brand of baseball, and we will continue to provide exciting Yankee baseball.'"
-1986 Season Albany Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
BERNARD SPORTING NEWS AA EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
"Without a doubt, the showcase franchise in all of AA baseball in 1985 was the Albany-Colonie Yankees of the Eastern League. The master showman [was] President and General Manager Ben Bernard, this year's winner of the Sporting News AA Executive of the Year Award.
All that the Yankees did was to erase the 46-year-old Eastern League attendance record. No fewer than 324,003 crammed into Heritage Park to see the young Yanks play. The previous attendance record, by the way, was 16 years older than Bernard.
Bernard became General Manager of the Glens Falls White Sox in 1981, and he was named Eastern League Executive of the Year one year later.
While the [Albany-Colonie] franchise flourished during their relationship with the Oakland A's in 1983 and 1984, one move put them over the top. Bernard signed a working agreement with the New York Yankees. The Albany area is strong Yankee country, so Bernard feels that having the name 'Yankees' on the uniform was a big boon.
'Having the Yankees in here gives us the easiest thing to market that I've ever had,' he told Paul Schwartz.
At the root of most successful operations is a bevy of promotions. The Albany-Colonie Yankees are no exception. Heritage Park is a fun place to be.
Just ask 324,003."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
1986 ALBANY-COLONIE YANKEES DIRECTORY
Vice-President, Baseball Operations - Jack Tracz
Vice-President, Public Relations - Rip Rowan
Vice-President, Concessions - Steve Bernard
Vice-President, Finance - Kathy Obst
Sales/Official Scorer - Gary Rigley
Sales/Marketing - Paula Segal
Team Photographer - Fritz Walker
Heritage Park Administrator - Gary Holle
Head Groundskeeper - John Liburdi
Grounds Crew - Jim Light
Assistant, Baseball Operations - Mark Levine
1986 Albany-Colonie Yankees Advisory Committee
Bishop Howard Hubbard (Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany)
John Strachan (Pepsi Cola)
Steve Fahey (Pepsi Cola)
William Keis (Keis Distributors)
Gary Lansing (Marine Midland)
Walter Otto (Otto Oldsmobile-Cadillac-Isuzu)
Frank Staucett (Provident Mutual)
Robert Unger (Pyramid-Crossgates Mall Corp.)
Salvadore DiCarlo (September's)
MIKE HEIFFERON (Trainer)
"The 1986 Eastern League season will truly be an exciting one for A-C trainer Mike Heifferon. It is his first professional training job.
Heifferon is a 24-year-old graduate of Ohio State University where he is currently working toward a Masters degree in strength training. The Rochester native was an intern with the New York triple-A club at Columbus last season. This experience led to his hiring by the Yankees for the Albany job.
Mike also attended Monroe Community College in Rochester and played two years of collegiate tennis there. In high school, Heifferon lettered in basketball and tennis.
For three years at Ohio State, Heifferon was an undergraduate trainer."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
ADVERTISERS NIGHTS
"This season there will be two advertisers nights. The first one is April 28, a Monday night game with the Glens Falls Tigers. All participating advertisers in this program and on our fence signs around Heritage Park will give out free tickets to the game. Also, prizes will be awarded on game night. The same holds true for Tuesday, June 10, our second advertisers night, when the Nashua Pirates are in town."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
SENIOR CITIZENS DAYS
"This year, the Albany-Colonie Yankees have added ten Senior Citizens Days to our schedule. In addition to our regular reduced Senior Citizen ticket of $2.50 at all home games, the price for a ticket for senior citizens will be reduced to a dollar on those ten dates. All seniors 60 of age or older will be admitted for just one dollar. Those dates are April 15 and 29, May 13 and 22, June 9 and 30, July 8 and 22, and August 12 and 27.
In addition, any senior citizen who brings a youngster, 16 and younger, on those ten dates also gets the youngster in for a dollar. Take your grandchildren to an Albany-Colonie Yankees game. It's a family affair."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
NAPA PRESENTS WHITEY FORD DAY
"Whitey Ford, former Yankee pitching great, will make his first ever venture to Heritage Park this season on May 3, prior to the Albany-Colonie Yankees' game with the Vermont Reds. Ford's appearance is sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts.
Whitey played his entire career (1950-67) with the Bronx Bombers, compiling a lifetime won-lost mark of 236-106. The left-hander's career winning percentage of .690 is the second highest in the history of the game, and this helped him gain election to baseball's Hall of Fame in 1974.
Nicknamed 'The Chairman of the Board,' Ford was at his best in the 11 World Series in which he played. He holds lifetime World Series records for games pitched (22), innings pitched (146), wins (10) and strikeouts (94). His performances helped the Pinstripers capture seven Fall Classics.
This event will mark the first time that a Yankee Hall of Famer has visited Heritage Park."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
FELLER RETURNS
"On Tuesday, June 17, Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller returns to Heritage Park to face some area softball players who will take a crack at trying to hit the former Cleveland Indian great.
Feller compiled a major league record of 266 wins and just 162 losses, striking out 2,581 batters. He was elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame in 1962. He will again pitch the home run hitting contest and sign autographs."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
EHRLICH AUTO PRESENTS THE CLOWN PRINCE OF BASEBALL
"The Clown Prince of Baseball, Max Patkin, will come back for his special brand of entertainment Thursday, August 14 when the Yankees host the Vermont Reds on Ehrlich Auto Parts Night. Tickets will be available at all area Ehrlich Auto Parts stores.
Patkin was a minor league pitcher, but an injury to his elbow ended that career, and he went on to become one of the game's premier performers in the field of comedy. Columnist Jim Murray once wrote, 'Patkin is 6'3"; 30 percent of that is neck,' adding 'he looked like the world's biggest hunk of bubble gum.'
Patkin is now 66, but age certainly has not slowed Max down as he keeps the fans laughing with his zany antics. Max says he still works with a handicap: 'I have no talent.' Nothing could be farther from the truth, as you will see on August 14, when the rubber-faced Clown Prince of Baseball makes another Heritage Park appearance."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
1986 ALBANY-COLONIE YANKEES PROGRAM/YEARBOOK PORTRAIT PHOTOS
Tom Barrett (2B)
Brent Blum (P)
Jay Buhner (OF)
Carson Carroll (IF)
Ron Chapman (2B)
Mo Ching (1B)
Clay Christiansen (P)
Bob Davidson (P)
Eric Dersin (P)
Logan Easley (P)
Steve Frey (P)
Bill Fulton (P)
Steve George (P)
Fredi Gonzalez (C)
Matthew Harrison (P)
Keith Hughes (OF)
Roberto Kelly (OF)
Bill Lindsey (C)
Mitch Lyden (C)
Carlos Martinez (SS)
Jeff Pries (P)
Jim Riggs (3B)
Darren Reed (OF)
Tony Russell (OF)
Norm Santiago (3B)
Eric Schmidt (P)
Miguel Sosa (2B)
Aris Tirado (P)
Chuck Yaeger (P)
Jim Saul (Manager)
John Kennedy (Coach)
Bill Monbouquette (Coach)
Mike Heifferon (Trainer)
Dr. Carl Wirth (Team Physician)
Erik Bernard (Batboy)
John Lemperle (Batboy)
Paul Marotta (Batboy)
LOCALS MAKE THEIR MARK IN THE BIGS
"On Monday, August 18, Glens Falls native Dave LaPoint, currently pitching for the Detroit Tigers, will have his night at Heritage Park. That's a day off for the Tigers, and we will honor the big left-hander with Dave LaPoint Night prior to the Yankees-Pittsfield Cubs game.
LaPoint grew up in Glens Falls and still calls that city home during the off-season. He starred at Glens Falls High School along with another major leaguer, David Palmer of the Atlanta Braves.
Dave LaPoint has pitched in the majors for seven seasons with a career record of 42 wins and 39 losses. His stint with San Francisco last season did the most damage to his record with a 7-17 log and a 3.57 ERA. Dave says of his days with the lowly Giants [that] his main concern was with Candlestick Park and not with the organization itself. Candlestick is well known as a cold place all season long and not helpful to pitchers.
LaPoint is thrilled at being in Detroit. 'Anytime you go from a last place club to a potential first place club, especially at this stage of my career, I have to think it's the best thing that's happened to me in my career.' Dave added, 'I have never pitched on a team with a player who has hit 20 or more homers, and the Tigers have six guys capable of doing that.'
Of Detroit manager Sparky Anderson, LaPoint stated, 'I like him a lot. He's very positive and fun to be around.' Of Tiger catcher Lance Parrish, LaPoint said, 'As big as he is, he gives you confidence on the mound. If you should brush someone back at the plate, they have to get through Parrish before they get to me.'
Originally signed by Milwaukee in 1977, LaPoint has spent most of his career in the National League, four of those seasons with St. Louis. With the Cards, Dave was a member of the 1982 World Champions, appeared in two World Series games and sports a big championship ring on his right hand.
LaPoint says if he pitches as well as he has in the past, he should be 'a big winner in Detroit.
1986 marks another comeback year for Glens Falls native David Palmer, who has been on the disabled list six times and twice has had his right pitching elbow operated on. David went the free agent route this year and signed with the Atlanta Braves. Last season with Montreal, he was 7-10 but pitched a career high 135 innings.
David says that everything is fine with his arm. His feelings on leaving Montreal: 'None. I'm happy to be with Atlanta. It was time for a change. Every once in a while a change of scenery does a lot of good.'
David is looking forward to a good and healthy year.
Randy St. Claire is another product of the cold north, born in Glens Falls and raised in Whitehall. The right-handed reliever with the Montreal Expos is the son of a former major leaguer, the late Ebba St. Claire. Randy had a fine season with Montreal last year, going 5-3 as a middle reliever for the Expos. He spent most of 1985 with Montreal after spending the final 21 days of the 1984 season with the Expos.
During the winter months, Randy worked on a new pitch, a curve ball. 'I've never thrown a curve before, and hopefully, it will complement my slider.' He also has worked to get more velocity on his slider.
Randy's brother, Steve, is a Montreal farmhand who was an outfielder for Jamestown of the New York-Penn League last season. He's hoping for more at-bats this season to move up the ladder in the Montreal system.
Another area product, John Cerutti of Albany, got his feet wet last season with the Toronto Blue Jays. In fact, he is already the answer to a trivia question, as he was the losing pitcher when Phil Niekro of the Yankees won his 300th game on the last day of the regular season in 1985.
Cerutti was 0-2 with the Blue Jays last season after posting an 11-9 record at Syracuse of the International League. The former CBA star feels that being a left-handed pitcher will help him stick with Toronto this season. John adds, 'I'm ready to pitch in the big leagues full time. I'm determined to make it.'
The 26-year-old product of Amherst College in Massachusetts is in his sixth pro season. During the off-seasons he has been residing in Arizona.
We'll update you throughout the season on the progress of area major leaguers. Their stats will be included in game inserts into this program."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
ALBANY-COLONIE GRADS MAKING MARK
"Throw out the wins and losses. Disregard the playoff finishes. The name of the game in minor league baseball is to develop talent for the major leagues.
To that end, Albany-Colonie has served its two masters well. A number of former Albany-Colonie A's are now key members of the Oakland A's, including catchers Mickey Tettleton and Charlie O'Brien, and pitcher Steve Ontiveros. By the end of the 1986 season, two members of the 1985 Albany-Colonie Yankees could be pitching in Yankee Stadium.
Tettleton, the Eastern League's All-Star catcher in 1984, first made the jump to the American League during that season. He was sent back to Double-A in '84 but stuck with Oakland for the entire 1985 season. Now, with Mike Heath traded away, Tettleton inherits the regular starting job.
'His job is to catch and handle the pitching staff,' says Oakland manager Jackie Moore. 'He is very gifted along those lines. Obviously we feel he can fill the role or we wouldn't have made the deal we made, sending Heath to St. Louis for Joaquin Andujar.'
The Oklahoma native hit .211 in 78 games last year, including three home runs. Oakland also expects his batting average to improve with regular duty.
Tettleton's backup in Oakland will be another former Albany-Colonie player, Charlie O'Brien. O'Brien spent time at all four levels of the Oakland organization last year as he recovered from a back injury. He hit .273 in 16 games with the parent club.
Left-hander Jeff Kaiser got into 15 games with Oakland last year and was 4-2, 1.75 in 27 games for Keith Lieppman's Tacoma Tigers. Fireballing right-hander Tim Belcher was 11-10 in Double-A, and if he keeps improving, he should be ready for the big leagues soon.
Infielder Steve Kiefer is a valuable backup for Oakland, spelling shortstop Alfredo Griffin and third baseman Carney Lansford. Kiefer hit .197 in 40 games with Oakland last year.
Three former Albany-Colonie standouts will be performing with three different teams this season. Right-hander Mike Warren, who threw a [major league] no-hitter at the end of the 1983 season, was released by Oakland and signed by Kansas City. Outfielder Tom Romano went to Montreal and Phil Stephenson to the Chicago Cubs in off-season minor league transactions.
Two more players will be trying to remain on the roster of the San Francisco Giants. Infielders Mike Woodard and Luis Quinones, the first player to go from Albany to the major leagues, are both fighting for spots with the National League team. Woodard was eighth in batting in the Pacific Coast League last year and hit .244 in 24 games with the NL team. Quinones came over to the Giants after from Oakland to Cleveland.
On the East Coast, two of last year's outstanding pitchers for Barry Foote's A-C Yankees could be in major league pinstripes by season's end. Bob Tewksbury (6-5, 3.54 at Albany, 3-0, 1.62 in six games with Columbus) was given every opportunity to make the roster of the American League team during spring training. Fellow righty Doug Drabek (13-7, 2.99 and 153 strikeouts) also got a long look in spring training. Even if he failed to stick with the Bronx Bombers before the season, he could be back by the end of the year.
Catcher Phil Lombardi, who is coming off a knee injury, and first baseman Orestes Destrade were also on the Yanks' 40-man roster. Destrade turned in a solid season in the Dominican League after leading Albany-Colonie with 23 home runs and 72 RBIs.
Tettleton and O'Brien will be handling a pitching staff that could have as many as six former A-C players by season's end. Reliever Steve Ontiveros was the most pleasant surprise on the Oakland staff last season. Ontiveros, another original 1983 Albany-Colonie player, put together another outstanding rookie season with a 1-3 record, eight saves and a 1.93 ERA in 39 appearances in short and long relief.
Stan Kyles, Tom Dozier and Tim Lambert, all members of the regular season championship team, were protected by the A's over the winter. Dozier was 0-0 with a 4.24 ERA with Tacoma at the end of the season, after spending much of the season at Huntsville. Kyles posted 11 saves in 43 games with Tacoma, while Lambert was 10-10 with Tacoma and pitched well in the winter leagues.
In just four years, Albany-Colonie fans have seen a number of future major leaguers display their talents at Heritage Park. Who will be next? No one can say. But watch carefully!"
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
HAZEL CHORNYAK MEMORIAL AWARD
"The second annual Hazel Chornyak Memorial Award went to Yankee first baseman Orestes Destrade in 1985. The award is given to the Albany-Colonie player who is the most inspirational to his teammates. It is named in the honor of Ben Bernard's aunt whose help and guidance were inspirational to Ben as he sought a franchise for this area."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
YANKS MUSIC MAN: TOMMY IPPOLITO
"Music always adds something, and this is surely the case at Heritage Park as the Yanks Music Man, Tommy Ippolito, returns for his fourth season- welcome news to fans who attend games at Heritage!
Ippolito is a native Albanian and started playing the accordion at the age of five. His professional music career has lasted some 36 years, with appearances on the Mike Douglas and Arthur Godfrey Shows.
Tommy doesn't limit his music activities to Heritage. He plays at Sienna basketball games and entertains at many weddings, banquets and special events throughout the Capital District.
His love affair with baseball doesn't come by accident. He once had a tryout with the New York Baseball Giants, and he combines his love of the game and music with his rousing tunes at Heritage. Tommy and his wife reside in Colonie.
You'll see Tommy often at the Yankee games this summer as he entertains the whole family and adds to the fun of 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame.'"
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
MEET THE PRESS
Bob McNamara (WNYT-TV)
Jim Brennan (WRGB-TV)
John Graney (WQBK)
Pete Cioffi (Times Record)
Bob Weiner (Schenectady Gazette)
Paul Schwartz (Capital Newspapers)
Bill Palmer (Schenectady Gazette)
Joe Hennessy (WWCN)
Chris Martin (WMVI)
John Thomas (WGY)
Sandy Taylor (WGNA)
Richard Hill (WROW)
George LeZotte (WTRY)
Bill Iannone (Times Record)
Steve Hart (South End Scene)
YANKEE BROADCASTS
"WTRY Radio, 980 AM will again provide coverage of the Albany-Colonie Yankees. WTRY will broadcast home and away games Monday through Friday for the entire season.
Heading the broadcast crew will be WTRY Sports Director Mike Smith. No stranger to the play-by-play mike (pardon the pun), Smith [covered] Albany Patroons basketball action and this past winter was the voice of Sienna basketball. From 6 to 7 p.m. each night, Mike hosts 'Smitty and Company,' a sports talk show on WTRY.
Smith is a native of Montrose, New York and lives now in Colonie with his wife, Cindy, and his son Matt. He graduated from Albany State University and joined the sports departments of the Owensboro (KY) Messenger and the Miami (FL) News before coming back to Albany to join the sports staff of the Times Union and WQBK Radio.
The other half of our broadcast team is Troy native Dan Murphy. Dan is 26 years old and a graduate of Albany State. He is also a graduate of Catholic High in Troy, where he played varsity soccer.
Murphy's broadcast credentials include baseball play-by-play with the Glens Falls White Sox in 1984. He also has worked at radio stations in Albany (WWCN) and Amsterdam (WKOL).
Dan will be our road man on WTRY, primarily on weekends. Dan will update Yankee action on WTRY and work on some of the home games.
The format for airing games this season will be Monday through Friday, and updates on the weekends."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
ADVERTISEMENTS
-A to Z Rental: Everything You Need to Make Your Party a Memorable One
-Airpage: Airpage beepers are for everyone.
-Albany Hilton: From our team to yours ... all the best.
-Albany Patroons Professional Basketball: Building a Tradition
-Altamont Fair: New York State's Capital Region Hometown Fair
-Avis: Cars You Can Trust
-The Barnsider
-Barry, Bette & Led Duke: Contractors, Engineers, Construction Management. We build better.
-Barry S. Scott Insurance Agency: No Turndowns
-Baseball America: For Baseball News You Can't Get Anywhere Else
-B & D Paint & Wallpaper
-Big Dom's: Stop by after the game. Enjoy a sub.
-Boardman Ltd.: It's a hit every time at Boardman's!
-Bob & Ron's Fish Fry: Fried Seafood Our Specialty
-The Body Works: Your future is you!
-Broadway Sporting Goods
-Buick Northway-Toyota
-Business Interiors: This office brings people and ideas together.
-Campbell Kids Night: Free Admission for Kids 14 and Under with Five Campbell's Soup Labels
-Capital District Dairy: Milk and Dairy Products For You
-Carvel: America's Freshest Ice Cream
-Central Business Equipment
-Chase Lincoln First
-Cloud 9: Today's Look for the Fashion-Conscious Woman
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-Colonie Athletic Club: Build a Great Body
-Communications Workers of America Local No. 1121: A Community-Minded Union
-Condos Floor Covering: The Best Floor Shows Anywhere
-Cooper, Erving & Savage: Counsellors at Law
-Cottage Agway: For All Your Spring and Summer Needs
-Coulson's: Albany's Original Convenience Store
-Council 82 Security and Law Enforcement Employees: From one winning team to another ... Go Albany-Colonie Yankees in '86.
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-Davies Office Refurbishing: The New Look ... Without the New Cost!
-DePaula Chevrolet: Performance and Power
-D'Raynonds: Italian-American Cuisine
-Dunne-Burke Insurance
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-Edw. Dott's Garage: Dash to Dott's for Service
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-Hedley New and Used Cars
-Hoffman's Playland: For 34 Years ... Traditionally Your Family Fun Park
-Home & City Savings Bank: Your Financial Partner
-Hot Dog Charlie's: Voted #1 Hot Dog by Metroland Magazine
-Howard Johnson
-Hudson Valley Paper Company
-John F. Schermerhorn: Insurance Specialist Since 1954
-Judge Sign Co.: Serving the Capital District's Sign Needs For 45 Years
-Kelly Clothes: A Home Run In Menswear
-Kirby Sales & Service: Free Rug Shampoo with Preview
-Kool-Aid: Meet Mr. Kool-Aid Man. Kool-Aid Man Day - Saturday, July 13
-The Lamp Post: Featuring Daily Luncheon Specials
-The Langan Group: A Total Transportation Company
-Lazare Lincoln-Mercury: The Capital Leader in Sales and Service
-Lexington Grill: After the game join today's action crowd at the Lexington Grill.
-Liberty: Coal-Ice-Oil-Kerosene-Soda-Dry Ice-Charcoal Products
-Little Anthony's: Any way you slice it, we've got the best pizza around.
-Litz Auto Body'n Repairs
-Lobster Pound: Complete Dinners-Create Your Own Light Menus-Shipping Service-Gift Certificates
-Loyal Supply Corporation
-Luigi's: You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy Mike 'Luigi' Rosenberg's real Italian Cuisine.
-LP's Dance Club: Walk down to the hottest sound in town.
-Main-Care: The energy experts with the most home runs for Tri-City service.
-Manufacturers Hanover: Make your singles double and triple. Our facts make your money worth more.
-Marshall Ray Clothing Outlet: We cover all the bases.
-Martin Nemer VW Corp.: Home of the Exciting Golf & Jetta
-Metroland: The Street Weekly of the Capital Region
-Micro League Baseball: The Top-Rated Computer Simulation Game!
-Miller: Purity You Can See. Quality You Can Taste.
-Mohawk Paper Mills: When You Want to Look Good on Paper
-Mr. B's Best: Hungry? After the game, visit one of our area locations for submarines, pizza or roast beef sandwiches. They're always the best ... it's what you deserve!
-NAPA: All the Right Parts in All the Right Places
-National Car Rental: You deserve National attention.
-Nemith Lincoln-Mercury-Nissan-Volvo: One Mile North of the Latham Circle
-New York Army National Guard: The Best Part-Time Job in New York State
-New York Life
-New York Sports Bar: The Best Baseball Bar & Restaurant in America
-Norstar Auto Lease
-Norstar Bank
-Northway Inn: Our name speaks for our reputation.
-The Orchard: Tavern & Restaurant
-OTB Teleplex: The Place To Be After The Game
-Otto: Otto-Isuzu. The official vehicle of the Albany-Colonie Yankees.
-Owens Corning Fiberglas
-Peat Marwick: Providing Audit, Tax and Management Consulting Services to the Capital District for Over 30 Years
-Pepsi: Fielder's Choice
-Ponderosa: Charbroiled Chicken Breast Dinner $4.99 with Beverage
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-R. Kelly Freedman & Son: Paying Highest Cash Prices for All Grades of Scrap
-Ralph's Restaurant & Tavern
-Real Seafood Co.: A Moderately Priced Seafood Tavern
-Robert Thomas Inc.: A Full-Service Investment Firm with a Competitive Commission Schedule
-Romac: The Professional Temporary People For Accounting And Data Processing
-Roy Matthews: TV-Video-Stereo-Microwave Appliance
-Sabatino's Liquor Store: Stop by and see Philly.
-Say It With Balloons!: Capitaland's Original Fun Service
-Schenectady Gazette: Not Just Another Newspaper ... Distinctly Different
-Schenectady Trust: The Capital Region's Home Town Bank
-Scubber's Hot Wings: Our Specialty - Original 'Buffalo Style' Hot Wings
-Semco: A good printing job, like a good sandwich, takes the right ingredients.
-September's
-Sheraton Airport Inn: Where the Home Team Meets
-Spector's: One store fits all.
-Sperry Supply & Warehouse, Inc.
-Sportsclub USA: Nautilus-Racquetball-Aerobics
-Steel Pier: Train with the best!
-Stork Diaper Service
-Stuyvesant Plaza: A Collection Of Sixty Two Unique Stores & Dining Spots
-Sunshine Chemical & Supply Co.: Industrial Chemical & Cleaning Supplies
-Sweet Tooth Gourmet Specialties
-Taylor Made Awnings: Your Best Defense Against Summer Heat
-Ted's Fish Fry: An Ocean of Flavor
-Tehan's Premiums & Incentives: Imprinted Sportswear & Promotional Items
-Thacher's: Join us for our late night menu after the game.
-The Times Record: Monday is marvelous for sports news!
-Tobin's First Prize Franks: Holy Cow! What a catch.
-Tri-City Refrigeration: Heating-Cooling-Heat Pumps-Gas Furnaces-Air Conditioning
-The Trolley: Enjoy a Trolley dinner and save.
-Turf Inn: The Fine Art of Eating
-Victoria Station: Here's your ticket for a half-priced dinner!
-The Video Connection: Finally, the right price has a quality name behind it.
-Video Environment Plus: The Northeast's Most Complete Home Video Store
-Want Ad Digest: Buyer's and Seller's Handbook
-Watkins Spring Co.: Auto, Truck, Bus Parts
-Woodside Dorp Travel: We meet all your travel needs.
-WROW AM59: The Only Place to Hear the New York Yankees
-WTRY, 980 AM: Listen to the classic hits, runs & errors.
-Ye Ole Locksmith Shoppe: Emergency Service - Anyday Any Hour
-Zales Jewelers
-Zing-a-Gram: Singing Telegrams
Bill Fulton (P)
Steve George (P)
Fredi Gonzalez (C)
Matthew Harrison (P)
Keith Hughes (OF)
Roberto Kelly (OF)
Bill Lindsey (C)
Mitch Lyden (C)
Carlos Martinez (SS)
Jeff Pries (P)
Jim Riggs (3B)
Darren Reed (OF)
Tony Russell (OF)
Norm Santiago (3B)
Eric Schmidt (P)
Miguel Sosa (2B)
Aris Tirado (P)
Chuck Yaeger (P)
Jim Saul (Manager)
John Kennedy (Coach)
Bill Monbouquette (Coach)
Mike Heifferon (Trainer)
Dr. Carl Wirth (Team Physician)
Erik Bernard (Batboy)
John Lemperle (Batboy)
Paul Marotta (Batboy)
LOCALS MAKE THEIR MARK IN THE BIGS
"On Monday, August 18, Glens Falls native Dave LaPoint, currently pitching for the Detroit Tigers, will have his night at Heritage Park. That's a day off for the Tigers, and we will honor the big left-hander with Dave LaPoint Night prior to the Yankees-Pittsfield Cubs game.
LaPoint grew up in Glens Falls and still calls that city home during the off-season. He starred at Glens Falls High School along with another major leaguer, David Palmer of the Atlanta Braves.
Dave LaPoint has pitched in the majors for seven seasons with a career record of 42 wins and 39 losses. His stint with San Francisco last season did the most damage to his record with a 7-17 log and a 3.57 ERA. Dave says of his days with the lowly Giants [that] his main concern was with Candlestick Park and not with the organization itself. Candlestick is well known as a cold place all season long and not helpful to pitchers.
LaPoint is thrilled at being in Detroit. 'Anytime you go from a last place club to a potential first place club, especially at this stage of my career, I have to think it's the best thing that's happened to me in my career.' Dave added, 'I have never pitched on a team with a player who has hit 20 or more homers, and the Tigers have six guys capable of doing that.'
Of Detroit manager Sparky Anderson, LaPoint stated, 'I like him a lot. He's very positive and fun to be around.' Of Tiger catcher Lance Parrish, LaPoint said, 'As big as he is, he gives you confidence on the mound. If you should brush someone back at the plate, they have to get through Parrish before they get to me.'
Originally signed by Milwaukee in 1977, LaPoint has spent most of his career in the National League, four of those seasons with St. Louis. With the Cards, Dave was a member of the 1982 World Champions, appeared in two World Series games and sports a big championship ring on his right hand.
LaPoint says if he pitches as well as he has in the past, he should be 'a big winner in Detroit.
1986 marks another comeback year for Glens Falls native David Palmer, who has been on the disabled list six times and twice has had his right pitching elbow operated on. David went the free agent route this year and signed with the Atlanta Braves. Last season with Montreal, he was 7-10 but pitched a career high 135 innings.
David says that everything is fine with his arm. His feelings on leaving Montreal: 'None. I'm happy to be with Atlanta. It was time for a change. Every once in a while a change of scenery does a lot of good.'
David is looking forward to a good and healthy year.
Randy St. Claire is another product of the cold north, born in Glens Falls and raised in Whitehall. The right-handed reliever with the Montreal Expos is the son of a former major leaguer, the late Ebba St. Claire. Randy had a fine season with Montreal last year, going 5-3 as a middle reliever for the Expos. He spent most of 1985 with Montreal after spending the final 21 days of the 1984 season with the Expos.
During the winter months, Randy worked on a new pitch, a curve ball. 'I've never thrown a curve before, and hopefully, it will complement my slider.' He also has worked to get more velocity on his slider.
Randy's brother, Steve, is a Montreal farmhand who was an outfielder for Jamestown of the New York-Penn League last season. He's hoping for more at-bats this season to move up the ladder in the Montreal system.
Another area product, John Cerutti of Albany, got his feet wet last season with the Toronto Blue Jays. In fact, he is already the answer to a trivia question, as he was the losing pitcher when Phil Niekro of the Yankees won his 300th game on the last day of the regular season in 1985.
Cerutti was 0-2 with the Blue Jays last season after posting an 11-9 record at Syracuse of the International League. The former CBA star feels that being a left-handed pitcher will help him stick with Toronto this season. John adds, 'I'm ready to pitch in the big leagues full time. I'm determined to make it.'
The 26-year-old product of Amherst College in Massachusetts is in his sixth pro season. During the off-seasons he has been residing in Arizona.
We'll update you throughout the season on the progress of area major leaguers. Their stats will be included in game inserts into this program."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
ALBANY-COLONIE GRADS MAKING MARK
"Throw out the wins and losses. Disregard the playoff finishes. The name of the game in minor league baseball is to develop talent for the major leagues.
To that end, Albany-Colonie has served its two masters well. A number of former Albany-Colonie A's are now key members of the Oakland A's, including catchers Mickey Tettleton and Charlie O'Brien, and pitcher Steve Ontiveros. By the end of the 1986 season, two members of the 1985 Albany-Colonie Yankees could be pitching in Yankee Stadium.
Tettleton, the Eastern League's All-Star catcher in 1984, first made the jump to the American League during that season. He was sent back to Double-A in '84 but stuck with Oakland for the entire 1985 season. Now, with Mike Heath traded away, Tettleton inherits the regular starting job.
'His job is to catch and handle the pitching staff,' says Oakland manager Jackie Moore. 'He is very gifted along those lines. Obviously we feel he can fill the role or we wouldn't have made the deal we made, sending Heath to St. Louis for Joaquin Andujar.'
The Oklahoma native hit .211 in 78 games last year, including three home runs. Oakland also expects his batting average to improve with regular duty.
Tettleton's backup in Oakland will be another former Albany-Colonie player, Charlie O'Brien. O'Brien spent time at all four levels of the Oakland organization last year as he recovered from a back injury. He hit .273 in 16 games with the parent club.
Left-hander Jeff Kaiser got into 15 games with Oakland last year and was 4-2, 1.75 in 27 games for Keith Lieppman's Tacoma Tigers. Fireballing right-hander Tim Belcher was 11-10 in Double-A, and if he keeps improving, he should be ready for the big leagues soon.
Infielder Steve Kiefer is a valuable backup for Oakland, spelling shortstop Alfredo Griffin and third baseman Carney Lansford. Kiefer hit .197 in 40 games with Oakland last year.
Three former Albany-Colonie standouts will be performing with three different teams this season. Right-hander Mike Warren, who threw a [major league] no-hitter at the end of the 1983 season, was released by Oakland and signed by Kansas City. Outfielder Tom Romano went to Montreal and Phil Stephenson to the Chicago Cubs in off-season minor league transactions.
Two more players will be trying to remain on the roster of the San Francisco Giants. Infielders Mike Woodard and Luis Quinones, the first player to go from Albany to the major leagues, are both fighting for spots with the National League team. Woodard was eighth in batting in the Pacific Coast League last year and hit .244 in 24 games with the NL team. Quinones came over to the Giants after from Oakland to Cleveland.
On the East Coast, two of last year's outstanding pitchers for Barry Foote's A-C Yankees could be in major league pinstripes by season's end. Bob Tewksbury (6-5, 3.54 at Albany, 3-0, 1.62 in six games with Columbus) was given every opportunity to make the roster of the American League team during spring training. Fellow righty Doug Drabek (13-7, 2.99 and 153 strikeouts) also got a long look in spring training. Even if he failed to stick with the Bronx Bombers before the season, he could be back by the end of the year.
Catcher Phil Lombardi, who is coming off a knee injury, and first baseman Orestes Destrade were also on the Yanks' 40-man roster. Destrade turned in a solid season in the Dominican League after leading Albany-Colonie with 23 home runs and 72 RBIs.
Tettleton and O'Brien will be handling a pitching staff that could have as many as six former A-C players by season's end. Reliever Steve Ontiveros was the most pleasant surprise on the Oakland staff last season. Ontiveros, another original 1983 Albany-Colonie player, put together another outstanding rookie season with a 1-3 record, eight saves and a 1.93 ERA in 39 appearances in short and long relief.
Stan Kyles, Tom Dozier and Tim Lambert, all members of the regular season championship team, were protected by the A's over the winter. Dozier was 0-0 with a 4.24 ERA with Tacoma at the end of the season, after spending much of the season at Huntsville. Kyles posted 11 saves in 43 games with Tacoma, while Lambert was 10-10 with Tacoma and pitched well in the winter leagues.
In just four years, Albany-Colonie fans have seen a number of future major leaguers display their talents at Heritage Park. Who will be next? No one can say. But watch carefully!"
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
HAZEL CHORNYAK MEMORIAL AWARD
"The second annual Hazel Chornyak Memorial Award went to Yankee first baseman Orestes Destrade in 1985. The award is given to the Albany-Colonie player who is the most inspirational to his teammates. It is named in the honor of Ben Bernard's aunt whose help and guidance were inspirational to Ben as he sought a franchise for this area."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
YANKS MUSIC MAN: TOMMY IPPOLITO
"Music always adds something, and this is surely the case at Heritage Park as the Yanks Music Man, Tommy Ippolito, returns for his fourth season- welcome news to fans who attend games at Heritage!
Ippolito is a native Albanian and started playing the accordion at the age of five. His professional music career has lasted some 36 years, with appearances on the Mike Douglas and Arthur Godfrey Shows.
Tommy doesn't limit his music activities to Heritage. He plays at Sienna basketball games and entertains at many weddings, banquets and special events throughout the Capital District.
His love affair with baseball doesn't come by accident. He once had a tryout with the New York Baseball Giants, and he combines his love of the game and music with his rousing tunes at Heritage. Tommy and his wife reside in Colonie.
You'll see Tommy often at the Yankee games this summer as he entertains the whole family and adds to the fun of 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame.'"
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
MEET THE PRESS
Bob McNamara (WNYT-TV)
Jim Brennan (WRGB-TV)
John Graney (WQBK)
Pete Cioffi (Times Record)
Bob Weiner (Schenectady Gazette)
Paul Schwartz (Capital Newspapers)
Bill Palmer (Schenectady Gazette)
Joe Hennessy (WWCN)
Chris Martin (WMVI)
John Thomas (WGY)
Sandy Taylor (WGNA)
Richard Hill (WROW)
George LeZotte (WTRY)
Bill Iannone (Times Record)
Steve Hart (South End Scene)
YANKEE BROADCASTS
"WTRY Radio, 980 AM will again provide coverage of the Albany-Colonie Yankees. WTRY will broadcast home and away games Monday through Friday for the entire season.
Heading the broadcast crew will be WTRY Sports Director Mike Smith. No stranger to the play-by-play mike (pardon the pun), Smith [covered] Albany Patroons basketball action and this past winter was the voice of Sienna basketball. From 6 to 7 p.m. each night, Mike hosts 'Smitty and Company,' a sports talk show on WTRY.
Smith is a native of Montrose, New York and lives now in Colonie with his wife, Cindy, and his son Matt. He graduated from Albany State University and joined the sports departments of the Owensboro (KY) Messenger and the Miami (FL) News before coming back to Albany to join the sports staff of the Times Union and WQBK Radio.
The other half of our broadcast team is Troy native Dan Murphy. Dan is 26 years old and a graduate of Albany State. He is also a graduate of Catholic High in Troy, where he played varsity soccer.
Murphy's broadcast credentials include baseball play-by-play with the Glens Falls White Sox in 1984. He also has worked at radio stations in Albany (WWCN) and Amsterdam (WKOL).
Dan will be our road man on WTRY, primarily on weekends. Dan will update Yankee action on WTRY and work on some of the home games.
The format for airing games this season will be Monday through Friday, and updates on the weekends."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
ADVERTISEMENTS
-A to Z Rental: Everything You Need to Make Your Party a Memorable One
-Airpage: Airpage beepers are for everyone.
-Albany Hilton: From our team to yours ... all the best.
-Albany Patroons Professional Basketball: Building a Tradition
-Altamont Fair: New York State's Capital Region Hometown Fair
-Avis: Cars You Can Trust
-The Barnsider
-Barry, Bette & Led Duke: Contractors, Engineers, Construction Management. We build better.
-Barry S. Scott Insurance Agency: No Turndowns
-Baseball America: For Baseball News You Can't Get Anywhere Else
-B & D Paint & Wallpaper
-Big Dom's: Stop by after the game. Enjoy a sub.
-Boardman Ltd.: It's a hit every time at Boardman's!
-Bob & Ron's Fish Fry: Fried Seafood Our Specialty
-The Body Works: Your future is you!
-Broadway Sporting Goods
-Buick Northway-Toyota
-Business Interiors: This office brings people and ideas together.
-Campbell Kids Night: Free Admission for Kids 14 and Under with Five Campbell's Soup Labels
-Capital District Dairy: Milk and Dairy Products For You
-Carvel: America's Freshest Ice Cream
-Central Business Equipment
-Chase Lincoln First
-Cloud 9: Today's Look for the Fashion-Conscious Woman
-Cohoes: Worth a Trip from Anywhere
-Colonie Athletic Club: Build a Great Body
-Communications Workers of America Local No. 1121: A Community-Minded Union
-Condos Floor Covering: The Best Floor Shows Anywhere
-Cooper, Erving & Savage: Counsellors at Law
-Cottage Agway: For All Your Spring and Summer Needs
-Coulson's: Albany's Original Convenience Store
-Council 82 Security and Law Enforcement Employees: From one winning team to another ... Go Albany-Colonie Yankees in '86.
-Crossgates Mall
-Cruise Lake George
-Davies Office Refurbishing: The New Look ... Without the New Cost!
-DePaula Chevrolet: Performance and Power
-D'Raynonds: Italian-American Cuisine
-Dunne-Burke Insurance
-Eastern League of Professional Baseball Clubs
-Edw. Dott's Garage: Dash to Dott's for Service
-Ehrlich Auto Parts: The Professional Auto Parts People
-Ellie Mae's Country Fixins': Hospitality ... Country Style!
-Empire Auto Radiator
-Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
-Executive Cleaning Services: Specialists in Office and Industrial Cleaning
-Fay's Drugs
-First Jersey Securities: Come grow with us.
-Fort Orange Press: Quality Printing
-Freihofer's: MVP (MMM ... Very Pleasing!)
-Galesi Group
-Geier & Blum: Authorized Service & Repairs
-Genesee Beer & Ale: The Great Outdoors in a Glass!
-Gentile's: Quality Carpets & Vinyl Flooring
-Grandma's Country Restaurant: Famous For Good Old-Fashioned Home Cookin'
-Hannay Reels: The Reels of Progress
-Hedley New and Used Cars
-Hoffman's Playland: For 34 Years ... Traditionally Your Family Fun Park
-Home & City Savings Bank: Your Financial Partner
-Hot Dog Charlie's: Voted #1 Hot Dog by Metroland Magazine
-Howard Johnson
-Hudson Valley Paper Company
-John F. Schermerhorn: Insurance Specialist Since 1954
-Judge Sign Co.: Serving the Capital District's Sign Needs For 45 Years
-Kelly Clothes: A Home Run In Menswear
-Kirby Sales & Service: Free Rug Shampoo with Preview
-Kool-Aid: Meet Mr. Kool-Aid Man. Kool-Aid Man Day - Saturday, July 13
-The Lamp Post: Featuring Daily Luncheon Specials
-The Langan Group: A Total Transportation Company
-Lazare Lincoln-Mercury: The Capital Leader in Sales and Service
-Lexington Grill: After the game join today's action crowd at the Lexington Grill.
-Liberty: Coal-Ice-Oil-Kerosene-Soda-Dry Ice-Charcoal Products
-Little Anthony's: Any way you slice it, we've got the best pizza around.
-Litz Auto Body'n Repairs
-Lobster Pound: Complete Dinners-Create Your Own Light Menus-Shipping Service-Gift Certificates
-Loyal Supply Corporation
-Luigi's: You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy Mike 'Luigi' Rosenberg's real Italian Cuisine.
-LP's Dance Club: Walk down to the hottest sound in town.
-Main-Care: The energy experts with the most home runs for Tri-City service.
-Manufacturers Hanover: Make your singles double and triple. Our facts make your money worth more.
-Marshall Ray Clothing Outlet: We cover all the bases.
-Martin Nemer VW Corp.: Home of the Exciting Golf & Jetta
-Metroland: The Street Weekly of the Capital Region
-Micro League Baseball: The Top-Rated Computer Simulation Game!
-Miller: Purity You Can See. Quality You Can Taste.
-Mohawk Paper Mills: When You Want to Look Good on Paper
-Mr. B's Best: Hungry? After the game, visit one of our area locations for submarines, pizza or roast beef sandwiches. They're always the best ... it's what you deserve!
-NAPA: All the Right Parts in All the Right Places
-National Car Rental: You deserve National attention.
-Nemith Lincoln-Mercury-Nissan-Volvo: One Mile North of the Latham Circle
-New York Army National Guard: The Best Part-Time Job in New York State
-New York Life
-New York Sports Bar: The Best Baseball Bar & Restaurant in America
-Norstar Auto Lease
-Norstar Bank
-Northway Inn: Our name speaks for our reputation.
-The Orchard: Tavern & Restaurant
-OTB Teleplex: The Place To Be After The Game
-Otto: Otto-Isuzu. The official vehicle of the Albany-Colonie Yankees.
-Owens Corning Fiberglas
-Peat Marwick: Providing Audit, Tax and Management Consulting Services to the Capital District for Over 30 Years
-Pepsi: Fielder's Choice
-Ponderosa: Charbroiled Chicken Breast Dinner $4.99 with Beverage
-Public Adjusters Corporation: Private Adjusters for the Policy Holder
-Preferred Transportation: Baseball Fans! Travel First Class!
-Price Chopper: People sharing more than a store.
-The Professional Golfers' Association of America: Good Luck, Yankees!
-PYX 106.5: Your Rock and Roll Authority
-R. Kelly Freedman & Son: Paying Highest Cash Prices for All Grades of Scrap
-Ralph's Restaurant & Tavern
-Real Seafood Co.: A Moderately Priced Seafood Tavern
-Robert Thomas Inc.: A Full-Service Investment Firm with a Competitive Commission Schedule
-Romac: The Professional Temporary People For Accounting And Data Processing
-Roy Matthews: TV-Video-Stereo-Microwave Appliance
-Sabatino's Liquor Store: Stop by and see Philly.
-Say It With Balloons!: Capitaland's Original Fun Service
-Schenectady Gazette: Not Just Another Newspaper ... Distinctly Different
-Schenectady Trust: The Capital Region's Home Town Bank
-Scubber's Hot Wings: Our Specialty - Original 'Buffalo Style' Hot Wings
-Semco: A good printing job, like a good sandwich, takes the right ingredients.
-September's
-Sheraton Airport Inn: Where the Home Team Meets
-Spector's: One store fits all.
-Sperry Supply & Warehouse, Inc.
-Sportsclub USA: Nautilus-Racquetball-Aerobics
-Steel Pier: Train with the best!
-Stork Diaper Service
-Stuyvesant Plaza: A Collection Of Sixty Two Unique Stores & Dining Spots
-Sunshine Chemical & Supply Co.: Industrial Chemical & Cleaning Supplies
-Sweet Tooth Gourmet Specialties
-Taylor Made Awnings: Your Best Defense Against Summer Heat
-Ted's Fish Fry: An Ocean of Flavor
-Tehan's Premiums & Incentives: Imprinted Sportswear & Promotional Items
-Thacher's: Join us for our late night menu after the game.
-The Times Record: Monday is marvelous for sports news!
-Tobin's First Prize Franks: Holy Cow! What a catch.
-Tri-City Refrigeration: Heating-Cooling-Heat Pumps-Gas Furnaces-Air Conditioning
-The Trolley: Enjoy a Trolley dinner and save.
-Turf Inn: The Fine Art of Eating
-Victoria Station: Here's your ticket for a half-priced dinner!
-The Video Connection: Finally, the right price has a quality name behind it.
-Video Environment Plus: The Northeast's Most Complete Home Video Store
-Want Ad Digest: Buyer's and Seller's Handbook
-Watkins Spring Co.: Auto, Truck, Bus Parts
-Woodside Dorp Travel: We meet all your travel needs.
-WROW AM59: The Only Place to Hear the New York Yankees
-WTRY, 980 AM: Listen to the classic hits, runs & errors.
-Ye Ole Locksmith Shoppe: Emergency Service - Anyday Any Hour
-Zales Jewelers
-Zing-a-Gram: Singing Telegrams
Thursday, January 21, 2016
1986 New York Yankees Scorecard and Program Notes
WELCOME
"Welcome to another exciting year of Yankee baseball.
This is the 84th season for the most dominant team in the history of professional sports. The Yankees have 22 World Championships and 33 American League pennants in 83 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.
Yankee greatness was sprouted by the combined talents of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. From Ruth's arrival in New York in 1920 to his departure from the Yankees in 1935, the Pinstripers 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 added 10 more World Series victories and 11 more pennants.
Mickey Mantle picked up the torch from there, contributing to six additional World Championships and another 11 league pennants 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 A.L. titles.
Now the team has been reshaped and regrouped and is ready to add to the Yankees' rich tradition. We don't know which Yankees in today's lineup will become legends. 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 1986 the 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 84th season of Yankee baseball ... be a part of it ... as the Bronx Bombers and their fans strive for yet another world title."
-New York Yankees 1986 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
SCOREBOOK & SOUVENIR PROGRAM PORTRAIT PHOTOS
Dale Berra (3B) 2
Britt Burns (P) 43
Henry Cotto (OF) 46
Mike Easler (DH) 17
Mike Fischlin (IF) 22
Brian Fisher (P) 54
Ken Griffey (LF) 33
Ron Guidry (P) 49
Ron Hassey (C) 12
Rickey Henderson (CF) 24
Don Mattingly (1B) 23
Bobby Meacham (SS) 20
John Montefusco (P) 26
Joe Niekro (P) 47
Mike Pagliarulo (3B) 13
Willie Randolph (2B) 30
Dennis Rasmussen (P) 45
Dave Righetti (P) 19
Gary Roenicke (OF) 11
Rod Scurry (P) 28
Bob Shirley
Bob Tewksbury (P) 35
Ed Whitson (P) 38
Dave Winfield (RF) 31
Butch Wynegar (C) 27
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 1986 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
AMERICAN LEAGUE UMPIRES
2 Bremigan
3 Evans
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
30 Welke
31 Reilly
33 Merrill
34 Morrison
35 Hendry
36 McClellan
37 Coble
WHERE THE YANKEES STAY ON THE ROAD
Baltimore- Baltimore Plaza
Boston- Boston Sheraton
California (Anaheim)- Anaheim Marriott
Chicago- Westin-Chicago
Cleveland- Stouffer's Inn on the Square
Detroit- Pontchartrain
Kansas City- Westin Crown Centre
Milwaukee- Pfister Hotel
Minnesota (Minneapolis-St. Paul)- Radisson Metrodome
Oakland- Oakland Hyatt House
Seattle- Crown Plaza
Texas (Arlington)- Arlington Hilton
Toronto- Sheraton Centre
1986 NEW YORK YANKEES HOME OF CHAMPIONS RADIO NETWORK
NEW YORK
New York City (WABC) (flagship station)
Albany (WROW)
Batavia (WBTA)
Binghamton (WNBF)
Buffalo (WWKB)
Corning (WCLI)
Dansville (WDNY)
Dunkirk (WDOE)
Geneva (WGVA)
Gloversville (WENT)
Ithaca (WTKO)
Jamestown (WKSN)
Kingston (WKNY)
Massena (WMSA)
Olean (WBJZ)
Plattsburgh (WIRY)
Rochester (WHAM)
Syracuse (WSYR)
Tupper Lake (WTPL)
Utica (WIBX)
Walton (WDLA)
Watertown (WTNY)
CONNECTICUT
Hartford (WPOP)
New London (WNLC)
Waterbury (WATR)
FLORIDA
Miami (WIOD)
LOUISIANA
Lafayette (KPEL)
MASSACHUSETTS
East Longmeadow (WIXY)
Pittsfield (WBEC)
PENNSYLVANIA
Easton (WEEX)
Sayre (WATS)
Scranton (WBQW)
Williamsport (WWPA)
VERMONT
Montpelier (WSKI)
Rutland (WHWB)
1986 NEW YORK YANKEES TELEVISION NETWORK
New York, New York (WPIX) (originating station)
Albuquerque, New Mexico (KGSW)
Buffalo, New York (WUTV)
Cape Coral, Florida (WFTX)
Miami, Florida (WBFS)
Rochester, New York (WUHF)
Tampa, FL (WFTS)
West Palm Beach, Florida (WFLX)
ADVERTISEMENTS
-1986 Official New York Yankees Publications
-Alka-Seltzer: Don't count on the bullpen for all the relief.
-Arm & Hammer: The Winner's Circle
-Beck's: The most famous German word in the English language.
-Bic: Only Bic makes a shaver for both kinds of skin.
-Budweiser: Baseball Fans ... this Bud's for you.
-Busch: Head for the Mountains.
-Canon T70: Touch the future.
-Citibank Yankee Bat Day
-Clarion: Because you wouldn't want to drive without your music.
-Dollar Dry Dock: Nothing feels better than money in the bank.
-Easton Sports: Easton and Mizuno: Your Winning Lineup for '86!
-Equitable: Equitable brings the old-timers home.
-Gatorade: For That Deep Down Body Thirst
-GMC Trucks: Anything cars can do ... OUR TRUCKS CAN DO BETTER!
-Herr's Potato Chips: The Yankee Chipper
-J & B: Scotch Of A Rare Character
-JCPenney: JCPenney salutes the NY Yankees. We're two great American traditions.
-Jim Beam: When it's time to stop playing the field. Jim Beam.
-The Long Island Savings Bank: Build your future on our strength.
-Manufacturers Hanover: The Financial Source For The Growing Business
-Marlboro
-Maxell: No one has done more to save the game.
-National Westminster Bank USA: It's easy, convenient and free!
-NCR PC6: It's so fast, you'll fly through your work.
-Newport: Alive With Pleasure
-New York Bus Service Yankee Mitt Day
-New York Life. New York Life's finest. The professionals who can help you reach your financial goals.
-Norelco: We put quality first.
-Old Milwaukee Beer: It doesn't get any better.
-Piemonte: Pre-Baked Pizza Crust
-Renault
-Roche: Good Nutrition For A Healthier Life
-Rolaids: In 1985 the Yankees spelled relief D-A-V-E R-I-G-H-E-T-T-I.
-Rums of Puerto Rico: Find the spirit you've been looking for.
-Scholastic-Lorimar Home Video
-Speedy: At Speedy you're a somebody.
-Sportschannel
-Steinbrenner's Bay Harbor Inn: Tampa's Unique Reflection Of Your Good Taste
-Telecall Sports Updates
-Toyota Celica: Who could ask for anything more.
-Tri-State Chevrolet Dealers: How to get to the old ball game.
-WABC Talkradio 77AM: Full Color Sports
-WPIX 11
-Xerox
-Yankees Video Library
"Welcome to another exciting year of Yankee baseball.
This is the 84th season for the most dominant team in the history of professional sports. The Yankees have 22 World Championships and 33 American League pennants in 83 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.
Yankee greatness was sprouted by the combined talents of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. From Ruth's arrival in New York in 1920 to his departure from the Yankees in 1935, the Pinstripers 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 added 10 more World Series victories and 11 more pennants.
Mickey Mantle picked up the torch from there, contributing to six additional World Championships and another 11 league pennants 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 A.L. titles.
Now the team has been reshaped and regrouped and is ready to add to the Yankees' rich tradition. We don't know which Yankees in today's lineup will become legends. 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 1986 the 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 84th season of Yankee baseball ... be a part of it ... as the Bronx Bombers and their fans strive for yet another world title."
-New York Yankees 1986 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
SCOREBOOK & SOUVENIR PROGRAM PORTRAIT PHOTOS
Dale Berra (3B) 2
Britt Burns (P) 43
Henry Cotto (OF) 46
Mike Easler (DH) 17
Mike Fischlin (IF) 22
Brian Fisher (P) 54
Ken Griffey (LF) 33
Ron Guidry (P) 49
Ron Hassey (C) 12
Rickey Henderson (CF) 24
Don Mattingly (1B) 23
Bobby Meacham (SS) 20
John Montefusco (P) 26
Joe Niekro (P) 47
Mike Pagliarulo (3B) 13
Willie Randolph (2B) 30
Dennis Rasmussen (P) 45
Dave Righetti (P) 19
Gary Roenicke (OF) 11
Rod Scurry (P) 28
Bob Shirley
Bob Tewksbury (P) 35
Ed Whitson (P) 38
Dave Winfield (RF) 31
Butch Wynegar (C) 27
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 1986 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
AMERICAN LEAGUE UMPIRES
2 Bremigan
3 Evans
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
30 Welke
31 Reilly
33 Merrill
34 Morrison
35 Hendry
36 McClellan
37 Coble
WHERE THE YANKEES STAY ON THE ROAD
Baltimore- Baltimore Plaza
Boston- Boston Sheraton
California (Anaheim)- Anaheim Marriott
Chicago- Westin-Chicago
Cleveland- Stouffer's Inn on the Square
Detroit- Pontchartrain
Kansas City- Westin Crown Centre
Milwaukee- Pfister Hotel
Minnesota (Minneapolis-St. Paul)- Radisson Metrodome
Oakland- Oakland Hyatt House
Seattle- Crown Plaza
Texas (Arlington)- Arlington Hilton
Toronto- Sheraton Centre
1986 NEW YORK YANKEES HOME OF CHAMPIONS RADIO NETWORK
NEW YORK
New York City (WABC) (flagship station)
Albany (WROW)
Batavia (WBTA)
Binghamton (WNBF)
Buffalo (WWKB)
Corning (WCLI)
Dansville (WDNY)
Dunkirk (WDOE)
Geneva (WGVA)
Gloversville (WENT)
Ithaca (WTKO)
Jamestown (WKSN)
Kingston (WKNY)
Massena (WMSA)
Olean (WBJZ)
Plattsburgh (WIRY)
Rochester (WHAM)
Syracuse (WSYR)
Tupper Lake (WTPL)
Utica (WIBX)
Walton (WDLA)
Watertown (WTNY)
CONNECTICUT
Hartford (WPOP)
New London (WNLC)
Waterbury (WATR)
FLORIDA
Miami (WIOD)
LOUISIANA
Lafayette (KPEL)
MASSACHUSETTS
East Longmeadow (WIXY)
Pittsfield (WBEC)
PENNSYLVANIA
Easton (WEEX)
Sayre (WATS)
Scranton (WBQW)
Williamsport (WWPA)
VERMONT
Montpelier (WSKI)
Rutland (WHWB)
1986 NEW YORK YANKEES TELEVISION NETWORK
New York, New York (WPIX) (originating station)
Albuquerque, New Mexico (KGSW)
Buffalo, New York (WUTV)
Cape Coral, Florida (WFTX)
Miami, Florida (WBFS)
Rochester, New York (WUHF)
Tampa, FL (WFTS)
West Palm Beach, Florida (WFLX)
ADVERTISEMENTS
-1986 Official New York Yankees Publications
-Alka-Seltzer: Don't count on the bullpen for all the relief.
-Arm & Hammer: The Winner's Circle
-Beck's: The most famous German word in the English language.
-Bic: Only Bic makes a shaver for both kinds of skin.
-Budweiser: Baseball Fans ... this Bud's for you.
-Busch: Head for the Mountains.
-Canon T70: Touch the future.
-Citibank Yankee Bat Day
-Clarion: Because you wouldn't want to drive without your music.
-Dollar Dry Dock: Nothing feels better than money in the bank.
-Easton Sports: Easton and Mizuno: Your Winning Lineup for '86!
-Equitable: Equitable brings the old-timers home.
-Gatorade: For That Deep Down Body Thirst
-GMC Trucks: Anything cars can do ... OUR TRUCKS CAN DO BETTER!
-Herr's Potato Chips: The Yankee Chipper
-J & B: Scotch Of A Rare Character
-JCPenney: JCPenney salutes the NY Yankees. We're two great American traditions.
-Jim Beam: When it's time to stop playing the field. Jim Beam.
-The Long Island Savings Bank: Build your future on our strength.
-Manufacturers Hanover: The Financial Source For The Growing Business
-Marlboro
-Maxell: No one has done more to save the game.
-National Westminster Bank USA: It's easy, convenient and free!
-NCR PC6: It's so fast, you'll fly through your work.
-Newport: Alive With Pleasure
-New York Bus Service Yankee Mitt Day
-New York Life. New York Life's finest. The professionals who can help you reach your financial goals.
-Norelco: We put quality first.
-Old Milwaukee Beer: It doesn't get any better.
-Piemonte: Pre-Baked Pizza Crust
-Renault
-Roche: Good Nutrition For A Healthier Life
-Rolaids: In 1985 the Yankees spelled relief D-A-V-E R-I-G-H-E-T-T-I.
-Rums of Puerto Rico: Find the spirit you've been looking for.
-Scholastic-Lorimar Home Video
-Speedy: At Speedy you're a somebody.
-Sportschannel
-Steinbrenner's Bay Harbor Inn: Tampa's Unique Reflection Of Your Good Taste
-Telecall Sports Updates
-Toyota Celica: Who could ask for anything more.
-Tri-State Chevrolet Dealers: How to get to the old ball game.
-WABC Talkradio 77AM: Full Color Sports
-WPIX 11
-Xerox
-Yankees Video Library
Monday, January 18, 2016
R.I.P. Luis Arroyo
"Joe Page, Johnny Sain, Ryne Duren, Sparky Lyle, Goose Gossage.
Along with providing instant R-E-L-E-I-F, all of these pitchers added up to a long line of P-E-N-N-A-N-T-S. They were the Yankees' own SWAT team, the troubleshooters who left the bullpen to face dangerous situations, douse last minute fires- and to make the Bronx the home of champions.
On equal footing with any of these aces, Luis 'Yo-Yo' Arroyo was another Mission Impossible specialist. While his own stay in New York was a short one (1960-63), the pudgy little left-hander from Puerto Rico carried the Yankees to two pennants, in 1960 and '61. Throwing nothing but screwballs or curves, he went 20-6 over those two seasons, with thirty-six saves and a razor-sharp 2.53 ERA. Arroyo was such a soothing sight jumping over the bullpen fence, Whitey Ford called him 'my personal bodyguard, the guy who kept me in the big leagues.' (Over half of Arroyo's twenty-nine saves in 1961 came after Ford pitched.) The fans, equally enthusiastic, signaled their respect by making LUIS-LUIS security blankets the hottest item at Yankee Stadium concession stands.
Arroyo first joined the Yankees halfway through the 1960 season, after four rather disappointing seasons in the majors (with the Cards, Pirates and Reds in quick succession). The Yankees were then six games out (on July 22) and, to complicate matters, one-time star reliever Ryne Duren was becoming progressively less effective. In desperation, the Yankees brought Arroyo up from the minors. Now manager Stengel had no choice. He had to rely on this relatively untested junk-throwing pitcher.
'Man, I couldn't believe it, none of it,' exclaims the fifty-six-year-old Arroyo, shaking his head until his Yankee cap falls off. Now a scout for New York in Puerto Rico, he dusts off his pride and joy and continues, 'Only a few months earlier I'd been pitching for a Reds' farm team in Jersey City; now I was with the champs. Man, I'll never forget. I was told to go to Yankee Stadium. I looked in the paper to see who was in town, and saw the White Sox were there. I never thought of the Yankees. I couldn't believe it. Nope. I could only think, 'Here we go again. Damn, why couldn't it be the Yankees?'
'Imagine my surprise. Especially when I was told I had to get to the Yankee locker room than night. I didn't know how to get there, so I took a taxi. It cost me sixty dollars, but it was worth it. I took out a cigar, walked up to the players' entrance, and the guard said, 'Who the hell are you?' The next thing I knew, I was walking into the clubhouse, puffing away, and there was Mantle and Maris, looking at me kind of funny.'
Poor Baltimore.
Pity the White Sox.
And goodbye to the rest of the league.
Casey's experiment immediately worked. Arroyo was hot. He won five games and saved seven, as the Yankees went on a tear. They won sixteen of their last eighteen games, and Arroyo had the honor of nailing down the pennant-clincher, by getting the Red Sox' Pete Runnels to pop up to Clete Boyer. No one laughed now at Arroyo's name (Stengel couldn't pronounce it, hence the Yo-Yo). For little Luis, it was big cigar time.
Arroyo had fantasized about becoming a Yankee since childhood, when he worked on his father's farm outside Ponce. He once saw Johnny Mize, Joe DiMaggio and Cliff Mapes at a local stadium, and the image of the flannel pinstripe never left him. It didn't matter where, or what he was doing- milking the cows, cutting sugar cane, or feeding the chickens- Arroyo carried his glove around with him, dreaming of playing on the same field with his heroes.
Only attending school until the eighth grade, the squat, five-foot-seven lefty signed his first pro contract with a Ponce team, and then it was, 'a lot of banging around, hamburgers, and bad buses.' As he pointedly says, 'I really got a chance to learn English. I saw every small town in America ... the smallest places you could imagine, that didn't even have sidewalks.' Making about $250 a month (in the early 1950s), he spent six years in the minors, moving from one team to another as rapidly as kids trade baseball cards. The struggle to make it often seemed futile. But despite feeling depressed at times, he was more worried about adjusting to America. 'The first few years in the minors were the toughest. I didn't want to make a fool of myself in restaurants. I had to learn how to eat hamburgers, french fries, shakes, to really be one of the guys.'
Forced to overcome various arm or shoulder injuries, Yo-Yo didn't make it to the biggies until 1955. He then broke in with St. Louis as a starter, and dazzled the league by winning his first nine games. Leo Durocher selected him for the All-Star Game, and Arroyo seemed headed for a brilliant career. But, inexplicably, he soon flip-flopped, going 2-8 the rest of the year.
'I still don't know what happened,' says Arroyo, who only won three games the following year, and then had a disastrous 3-11 mark in 1957. 'Nothing was bothering me; I felt fine. I was a fastball pitcher then, and I guess the batters caught up with me. Nothing worked. I couldn't even fool a rookie. I soon knew I had to come up with another pitch, or it would be back to the sugar cane fields.'
Consequently, it was screwball-screwball-screwball. Except for an occasional curve or slider, batters saw nothing else. And today, Arroyo's two middle fingers are permanently bent, seemingly wedged together in a question mark-like shape. They're also painfully arthritic. But the tricky pitch did keep Arroyo in the majors. In fact, the difference between the two phases of his career can only be described by one of Phil Rizzuto's Holy Cows. From that 3-11 record, Arroyo screwballed his way to 5-1 in 1960, and then a sensational 15-5 mark with a 2.19 ERA in '61. Those latter totals made him the Sporting News Fireman of the Year- and for a little icing on the proverbial cake, he won the third game of the World Series that year by retiring six straight Cincinnati batters. Oh, what sweet revenge.
Twisting his left arm, as if throwing a screwball could magically recreate 1961, Arroyo says, 'The Yankees did a super job of taking care of me that year. Houk never pitched me more than three innings. I was once in nine straight games, but other than that everything was super. What an organization. We had speed, defense, power. Going to the ballpark was better than being at home. At least six or seven times, Mantle or Maris hit a homer in the ninth to win the game for me. I couldn't do anything wrong. Even my batting average was good (.280).'
In two years time, however, Arroyo was out of baseball. A candidate for the Cy Young Award in 1961, he would have had trouble getting his grandmother out the following season. His screwball no longer danced or fluttered; and as for his curve, some of those are still in orbit. Statistically, he was 1-3 in 1962, with a 4.81 ERA, while the next season his 13.5 ERA (in six games) put him on a train to the minors with a one-way ticket.
Why the nosedive? Why did he become totally ineffective?
He had always played winter ball, but the Yankees convinced him not to that year, and that led to a lot of eating and drinking on the banquet circuit. Even though the Yankees strongly influenced his decision by giving a him check for what he would have would have earned in Puerto Rico ($6000), Arroyo shows now signs of being bitter. Instead, he talks glowingly about manager Ralph Houk, pre-Steinbrenner Yankee management, and the team's giving him a full 1963 World Series share.
'The Yankees are class. They did everything they could to get me through a tough time,' says Arroyo, sitting in a cafe near a stadium in Ponce.
'It bothers me a little that I didn't get more years in (he played eight) for my pension. I should have continued to play winter ball. It never hurt me to do that. But that's all in the past. When I quit, the Yankees made me a scout. I used to have the whole Caribbean. Just recently I signed a kid. It's getting tough, though. While kids used to sign for four to five thousand, now they're looking for twenty to twenty-five thousand. It's unbelievable.'
Taking out a long black cigar, Arroyo flashes an equally big smile and concludes, 'Not only am I proud of what I did in baseball, but it's also the best sport around. It treats people good. When I hear guys complaining about baseball I really get ticked off. It did so much for me. Right now my son's going to dental school at the University of Michigan. He's getting a great education, thanks to the Yankees and me screwball.'"
-Edward Kiersch, Yankees Magazine (May 12, 1983)
Along with providing instant R-E-L-E-I-F, all of these pitchers added up to a long line of P-E-N-N-A-N-T-S. They were the Yankees' own SWAT team, the troubleshooters who left the bullpen to face dangerous situations, douse last minute fires- and to make the Bronx the home of champions.
On equal footing with any of these aces, Luis 'Yo-Yo' Arroyo was another Mission Impossible specialist. While his own stay in New York was a short one (1960-63), the pudgy little left-hander from Puerto Rico carried the Yankees to two pennants, in 1960 and '61. Throwing nothing but screwballs or curves, he went 20-6 over those two seasons, with thirty-six saves and a razor-sharp 2.53 ERA. Arroyo was such a soothing sight jumping over the bullpen fence, Whitey Ford called him 'my personal bodyguard, the guy who kept me in the big leagues.' (Over half of Arroyo's twenty-nine saves in 1961 came after Ford pitched.) The fans, equally enthusiastic, signaled their respect by making LUIS-LUIS security blankets the hottest item at Yankee Stadium concession stands.
Arroyo first joined the Yankees halfway through the 1960 season, after four rather disappointing seasons in the majors (with the Cards, Pirates and Reds in quick succession). The Yankees were then six games out (on July 22) and, to complicate matters, one-time star reliever Ryne Duren was becoming progressively less effective. In desperation, the Yankees brought Arroyo up from the minors. Now manager Stengel had no choice. He had to rely on this relatively untested junk-throwing pitcher.
'Man, I couldn't believe it, none of it,' exclaims the fifty-six-year-old Arroyo, shaking his head until his Yankee cap falls off. Now a scout for New York in Puerto Rico, he dusts off his pride and joy and continues, 'Only a few months earlier I'd been pitching for a Reds' farm team in Jersey City; now I was with the champs. Man, I'll never forget. I was told to go to Yankee Stadium. I looked in the paper to see who was in town, and saw the White Sox were there. I never thought of the Yankees. I couldn't believe it. Nope. I could only think, 'Here we go again. Damn, why couldn't it be the Yankees?'
'Imagine my surprise. Especially when I was told I had to get to the Yankee locker room than night. I didn't know how to get there, so I took a taxi. It cost me sixty dollars, but it was worth it. I took out a cigar, walked up to the players' entrance, and the guard said, 'Who the hell are you?' The next thing I knew, I was walking into the clubhouse, puffing away, and there was Mantle and Maris, looking at me kind of funny.'
Poor Baltimore.
Pity the White Sox.
And goodbye to the rest of the league.
Casey's experiment immediately worked. Arroyo was hot. He won five games and saved seven, as the Yankees went on a tear. They won sixteen of their last eighteen games, and Arroyo had the honor of nailing down the pennant-clincher, by getting the Red Sox' Pete Runnels to pop up to Clete Boyer. No one laughed now at Arroyo's name (Stengel couldn't pronounce it, hence the Yo-Yo). For little Luis, it was big cigar time.
Arroyo had fantasized about becoming a Yankee since childhood, when he worked on his father's farm outside Ponce. He once saw Johnny Mize, Joe DiMaggio and Cliff Mapes at a local stadium, and the image of the flannel pinstripe never left him. It didn't matter where, or what he was doing- milking the cows, cutting sugar cane, or feeding the chickens- Arroyo carried his glove around with him, dreaming of playing on the same field with his heroes.
Only attending school until the eighth grade, the squat, five-foot-seven lefty signed his first pro contract with a Ponce team, and then it was, 'a lot of banging around, hamburgers, and bad buses.' As he pointedly says, 'I really got a chance to learn English. I saw every small town in America ... the smallest places you could imagine, that didn't even have sidewalks.' Making about $250 a month (in the early 1950s), he spent six years in the minors, moving from one team to another as rapidly as kids trade baseball cards. The struggle to make it often seemed futile. But despite feeling depressed at times, he was more worried about adjusting to America. 'The first few years in the minors were the toughest. I didn't want to make a fool of myself in restaurants. I had to learn how to eat hamburgers, french fries, shakes, to really be one of the guys.'
Forced to overcome various arm or shoulder injuries, Yo-Yo didn't make it to the biggies until 1955. He then broke in with St. Louis as a starter, and dazzled the league by winning his first nine games. Leo Durocher selected him for the All-Star Game, and Arroyo seemed headed for a brilliant career. But, inexplicably, he soon flip-flopped, going 2-8 the rest of the year.
'I still don't know what happened,' says Arroyo, who only won three games the following year, and then had a disastrous 3-11 mark in 1957. 'Nothing was bothering me; I felt fine. I was a fastball pitcher then, and I guess the batters caught up with me. Nothing worked. I couldn't even fool a rookie. I soon knew I had to come up with another pitch, or it would be back to the sugar cane fields.'
Consequently, it was screwball-screwball-screwball. Except for an occasional curve or slider, batters saw nothing else. And today, Arroyo's two middle fingers are permanently bent, seemingly wedged together in a question mark-like shape. They're also painfully arthritic. But the tricky pitch did keep Arroyo in the majors. In fact, the difference between the two phases of his career can only be described by one of Phil Rizzuto's Holy Cows. From that 3-11 record, Arroyo screwballed his way to 5-1 in 1960, and then a sensational 15-5 mark with a 2.19 ERA in '61. Those latter totals made him the Sporting News Fireman of the Year- and for a little icing on the proverbial cake, he won the third game of the World Series that year by retiring six straight Cincinnati batters. Oh, what sweet revenge.
Twisting his left arm, as if throwing a screwball could magically recreate 1961, Arroyo says, 'The Yankees did a super job of taking care of me that year. Houk never pitched me more than three innings. I was once in nine straight games, but other than that everything was super. What an organization. We had speed, defense, power. Going to the ballpark was better than being at home. At least six or seven times, Mantle or Maris hit a homer in the ninth to win the game for me. I couldn't do anything wrong. Even my batting average was good (.280).'
In two years time, however, Arroyo was out of baseball. A candidate for the Cy Young Award in 1961, he would have had trouble getting his grandmother out the following season. His screwball no longer danced or fluttered; and as for his curve, some of those are still in orbit. Statistically, he was 1-3 in 1962, with a 4.81 ERA, while the next season his 13.5 ERA (in six games) put him on a train to the minors with a one-way ticket.
Why the nosedive? Why did he become totally ineffective?
He had always played winter ball, but the Yankees convinced him not to that year, and that led to a lot of eating and drinking on the banquet circuit. Even though the Yankees strongly influenced his decision by giving a him check for what he would have would have earned in Puerto Rico ($6000), Arroyo shows now signs of being bitter. Instead, he talks glowingly about manager Ralph Houk, pre-Steinbrenner Yankee management, and the team's giving him a full 1963 World Series share.
'The Yankees are class. They did everything they could to get me through a tough time,' says Arroyo, sitting in a cafe near a stadium in Ponce.
'It bothers me a little that I didn't get more years in (he played eight) for my pension. I should have continued to play winter ball. It never hurt me to do that. But that's all in the past. When I quit, the Yankees made me a scout. I used to have the whole Caribbean. Just recently I signed a kid. It's getting tough, though. While kids used to sign for four to five thousand, now they're looking for twenty to twenty-five thousand. It's unbelievable.'
Taking out a long black cigar, Arroyo flashes an equally big smile and concludes, 'Not only am I proud of what I did in baseball, but it's also the best sport around. It treats people good. When I hear guys complaining about baseball I really get ticked off. It did so much for me. Right now my son's going to dental school at the University of Michigan. He's getting a great education, thanks to the Yankees and me screwball.'"
-Edward Kiersch, Yankees Magazine (May 12, 1983)
Sunday, January 17, 2016
1986 New York Yankees Opening Day Roster
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York (April 8)
Manager - Lou Piniella 14
No. Coaches
48 Joe Altobelli
41 Sammy Ellis
42 Stump Merrill
1 Gene Michael
44 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
No. Pitchers
43 Britt Burns (R-L) *
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
26 John Montefusco (R-R)
39 Joe Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
28 Rod Scurry (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
35 Bob Tewksbury (R-R)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
12 Ron Hassey (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
22 Mike Fischlin (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
13 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
No. Outfielders
46 Henry Cotto (R-R)
17 Mike Easler (L-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
11 Gary Roenicke (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Steve Donohue
Strength and Conditioning Coach - Jeff Mangold
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko (57), John Moller (58)
Batting Practice Catcher - Mike Barnett (59)
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala (51)
* not on active roster
1986 New York Yankees Spring Training Team Photo
Joe Altobelli (coach)
Mike Armstrong
Don Baylor
Dale Berra
Britt Burns
Marty Bystrom
Henry Cotto
Orestes Destrade
Steve Donohue (trainer)
Doug Drabek
Sammy Ellis (coach)
Juan Espino
Mike Fischlin
Brian Fisher
Bill Fulton
Steve George
Ken Griffey
Ron Guidry
Ron Hassey
Rickey Henderson
Al Holland
Tommy John
Phil Lombardi
Mitch Lyden
Vic Mata
Don Mattingly
Bobby Meacham
Stump Merrill (coach)
Gene Michael (coach)
Gene Monahan (trainer)
John Montefusco
Joe Niekro
Phil Niekro
Mike Pagliarulo
Dan Pasqua
Lou Piniella (manager)
Willie Randolph
Dennis Rasmussen
Dave Righetti
Andre Robertson
Gary Roenicke
Dom Scala (bullpen catcher)
Rod Scurry
Bob Shirley
Mike Soper
Bob Tewksbury
Jeff Torborg (coach)
Roy White (coach)
Dave Winfield
Butch Wynegar
Manager - Lou Piniella 14
No. Coaches
48 Joe Altobelli
41 Sammy Ellis
42 Stump Merrill
1 Gene Michael
44 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
No. Pitchers
43 Britt Burns (R-L) *
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
26 John Montefusco (R-R)
39 Joe Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
28 Rod Scurry (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
35 Bob Tewksbury (R-R)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
12 Ron Hassey (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
22 Mike Fischlin (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
13 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
No. Outfielders
46 Henry Cotto (R-R)
17 Mike Easler (L-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
11 Gary Roenicke (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Steve Donohue
Strength and Conditioning Coach - Jeff Mangold
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko (57), John Moller (58)
Batting Practice Catcher - Mike Barnett (59)
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala (51)
* not on active roster
1986 New York Yankees Spring Training Team Photo
Joe Altobelli (coach)
Mike Armstrong
Don Baylor
Dale Berra
Britt Burns
Marty Bystrom
Henry Cotto
Orestes Destrade
Steve Donohue (trainer)
Doug Drabek
Sammy Ellis (coach)
Juan Espino
Mike Fischlin
Brian Fisher
Bill Fulton
Steve George
Ken Griffey
Ron Guidry
Ron Hassey
Rickey Henderson
Al Holland
Tommy John
Phil Lombardi
Mitch Lyden
Vic Mata
Don Mattingly
Bobby Meacham
Stump Merrill (coach)
Gene Michael (coach)
Gene Monahan (trainer)
John Montefusco
Joe Niekro
Phil Niekro
Mike Pagliarulo
Dan Pasqua
Lou Piniella (manager)
Willie Randolph
Dennis Rasmussen
Dave Righetti
Andre Robertson
Gary Roenicke
Dom Scala (bullpen catcher)
Rod Scurry
Bob Shirley
Mike Soper
Bob Tewksbury
Jeff Torborg (coach)
Roy White (coach)
Dave Winfield
Butch Wynegar
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
1986 Yankees Yearbook Roster, Taxi Squad and Prospects
Manager - Lou Piniella 14
First Base Coach/Batting Coach - Roy White 6
Third Base Coach - Gene Michael 40
Pitching Coach - Sammy Ellis 41
Bench Coach - Joe Altobelli 48
Bullpen Coach/Pitching Coach - Jeff Torborg 44
Administrative Coach - Stump Merrill 42
ROSTER
Catcher - Butch Wynegar 27, Ron Hassey 12, Scott Bradley 34
First Base - Don Mattingly 23
Second Base - Willie Randolph 30
Third Base - Mike Pagliarulo 13, Andre Robertson 18 (SS)
Shortstop - Bobby Meacham 20, Mike Fischlin 22 (2B)
Left Field - Dan Pasqua 21, Gary Roenicke 11
Center Field - Rickey Henderson 24, Ken Griffey 33
Right Field - Dave Winfield 31
Designated Hitter - Don Baylor 25
Starting Pitchers:
Ron Guidry 49
Phil Niekro 35
Joe Niekro 39
Ed Whitson 38
Dennis Rasmussen 45
Neil Allen 53
Relief Pitchers:
Dave Righetti 19
Brian Fisher 54
Rod Scurry 28
Al Holland 29*
TAXI SQUAD
Catcher - Juan Espino 58
Second Base - Wayne Tolleson 26* (SS)
Third Base - Dale Berra 2 (SS)
Outfield - Claudell Washington 51*, Ron Kittle 55*, Henry Cotto 46, Vic Mata 17
Designated Hitter - Mike Easler 47* (OF)
Starting Pitchers:
Britt Burns 43
Marty Bystrom 50
Relief Pitchers:
Mike Armstrong 36
Bob Shirley 56*
PROSPECTS
Catcher - Phil Lombardi, Mitch Lyden
First Base - Orestes Destrade
Second Base - Miguel Sosa
Shortstop - Carlos Martinez, Mike Soper
Outfield - Jay Buhner, Darren Reed
Starting Pitchers:
Bob Tewksbury
Doug Drabek
Brad Arnsberg
Alfonso Pulido
Steve George
Bill Fulton
Rick Balabon
* unofficial uniform number
First Base Coach/Batting Coach - Roy White 6
Third Base Coach - Gene Michael 40
Pitching Coach - Sammy Ellis 41
Bench Coach - Joe Altobelli 48
Bullpen Coach/Pitching Coach - Jeff Torborg 44
Administrative Coach - Stump Merrill 42
ROSTER
Catcher - Butch Wynegar 27, Ron Hassey 12, Scott Bradley 34
First Base - Don Mattingly 23
Second Base - Willie Randolph 30
Third Base - Mike Pagliarulo 13, Andre Robertson 18 (SS)
Shortstop - Bobby Meacham 20, Mike Fischlin 22 (2B)
Left Field - Dan Pasqua 21, Gary Roenicke 11
Center Field - Rickey Henderson 24, Ken Griffey 33
Right Field - Dave Winfield 31
Designated Hitter - Don Baylor 25
Starting Pitchers:
Ron Guidry 49
Phil Niekro 35
Joe Niekro 39
Ed Whitson 38
Dennis Rasmussen 45
Neil Allen 53
Relief Pitchers:
Dave Righetti 19
Brian Fisher 54
Rod Scurry 28
Al Holland 29*
TAXI SQUAD
Catcher - Juan Espino 58
Second Base - Wayne Tolleson 26* (SS)
Third Base - Dale Berra 2 (SS)
Outfield - Claudell Washington 51*, Ron Kittle 55*, Henry Cotto 46, Vic Mata 17
Designated Hitter - Mike Easler 47* (OF)
Starting Pitchers:
Britt Burns 43
Marty Bystrom 50
Relief Pitchers:
Mike Armstrong 36
Bob Shirley 56*
PROSPECTS
Catcher - Phil Lombardi, Mitch Lyden
First Base - Orestes Destrade
Second Base - Miguel Sosa
Shortstop - Carlos Martinez, Mike Soper
Outfield - Jay Buhner, Darren Reed
Starting Pitchers:
Bob Tewksbury
Doug Drabek
Brad Arnsberg
Alfonso Pulido
Steve George
Bill Fulton
Rick Balabon
* unofficial uniform number
1986 New York Yankees Player Development
Vice-President, Baseball Administration - Woody Woodward
Director of Player Development - Bobby Hofman
Assistant Player Development Director - Peter Jameson
Assistant Scouting Director - Roy Krasik
Computer Statistics Director - Mark Batchko
Video Coordination Director - Mike Barnett
YANKEES NAMED 1985 ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
"Building through your farm system has again become good business sense for major league clubs, especially the Yankees. And as a result of keeping its minor league system strong, the Yankees were recently named 1985 Baseball Organization of the Year by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc.
The Yankees, who edged the second place New York Mets, now have won the award a record five times. The trophy has been presented annually since 1966 to a major league team based upon the number of players in the organization who have received Topps awards during the past season. A specific number of points is given for each award.
In winning the award, the Yankees had one player, reliever Brian Fisher, on the Topps Major League Rookie All-Star team, three Minor League Players of the Month, five players selected for the Topps Minor League All-Star teams, and two players (Columbus' Dan Pasqua and Sarasota's Rob Lambert) as Players of the Year in their leagues. Other Yankee minor league standouts included Albany-Colonie pitcher Brad Arnsberg, Fort Lauderdale outfielder Jay Buhner and Sarasota outfielder Ted Higgins.
'The Yankees are very proud to receive this award,' said Woody Woodward, Vice-President of Baseball Operations. 'This award is recognized in the baseball world as a way of acknowledging what an organization does not only at the major league level, but at the scouting and player development levels. It means you're doing a good job throughout your system.'
The Yankees' minor league system enjoyed a tremendous season by recording a collective winning percentage of .596, the highest in baseball. The Yankees were also the only organization in baseball to have all five of their affiliates qualify for postseason play.
Woodward congratulated Director of Player Development Bobby Hofman and said: 'Our biggest thanks should go to Mr. Steinbrenner, who has totally supported a strong scouting and player development system. Without his total backing, the Yankees would not have been able to receive this award five times.'
The Yankees scouting department made pitching its main priority in last June's free agent draft and their selections played a major role in leading Oneonta (Class-A) to the New York-Penn League Championship. The staff finished with a miraculous 1.87 ERA and struck out 691 batters in 668 1/3 innings. Number two pick Troy Evers, a right-hander, went 11-1 in 13 starts and finished with a 1.35 ERA behind 97 strikeouts.
Mike Christopher, another right-hander, selected in the seventh round, compiled a 6-1 record (1.35 ERA) and struck out 68. After losing his first two decisions, number one pick Rick Balabon went on to win his next five games. The hard-throwing righty fanned 68 and recorded a 1.74 ERA.
The organization featured several no-hitters in 1985. Fort Lauderdale's Bill Fulton pitched a seven-inning no-hitter (minor league doubleheaders are seven-inning games) in the first game of a twin bill against Lakeland. Fulton struck out seven and walked only one in his July 2 masterpiece.
Teammate Steve George came back to pitch a no-hitter in the second game of an August 14 doubleheader with Miami. The game lasted only five innings before being rained out, but the no-hitter stood. In those five innings George struck out six and walked none. The only Miami baserunner reached on an error.
Evers pitched the organization's only postseason no-hitter. He threw his nine-inning gem in a one-game sudden death playoff win over Geneva.
Offensively, the organization featured two batting champions. Columbus' Juan Bonilla won the title in the International League (Triple-A) with a .330 batting average. Rob Lambert paced the Sarasota Yankees of the Rookie Gulf Coast League by winning the league batting title with a .350 mark.
Performances like this have the entire organization excited about its farm system once again.
Columbus was the only affiliate that did not win its regular season title. But the Clippers made up for it by reaching the finals of the International League playoffs. After finishing in a tie for third, the Clippers knocked out league champion Syracuse in the first round, but fell to Tidewater in the finals.
'Columbus ended up in a tie for third, but they had a lot of injuries and a lot of their players were taken away by the big club,' explains Bobby Hofman. 'They came on strong in the playoffs and showed that they could play winning baseball.'
The Clippers qualified for the playoffs on the last day of the season when Bob Tewksbury pitched a shutout over Toledo. Tewksbury was promoted to the Clippers from Double-A Albany on August 6, and in his six starts with Columbus went 3-0 with a 1.02 ERA. Alfonso Pulido led the team with 11 wins, and Clay Christiansen added 10.
In their first year of affiliation with the Yankees, the Albany-Colonie Yankees broke a 46-year-old Eastern League attendance record. The old mark of 317,249 set by Scranton way back in 1939 was erased when the 1985 Yankees drew 324,003. Despite being upset in the first round of the playoffs, the record-breaking crowds got their money's worth as the Yankees won the regular season title by seven games, racing to an 82-57 record under first-year manager Barry Foote.
The key for the Yankees was pitcher Brad Arnsberg, who posted a 14-2 record with a 1.59 ERA. Arnsberg won his first nine decisions before he dropped a 2-1 game on July 27. Doug Drabek led the league in strikeouts with 151, en route to a 13-7 record and a 2.99 ERA. Drabek had nine complete games and won his last seven decisions to help pace the Yankees.
'The pitching that the Yankees need on the major league level is on the way in the next few years,' says Hofman. In light of the pitching success throughout the organization he added, 'We believe that the kids who had surprisingly excellent first years will carry their success over to next year, and that they will be able to help the big club in a few years time.'
Switch-hitting Orestes Destrade provided Albany with power at the plate, hitting 23 homers and driving in 71 runs. Keith Hughes was second on the team in homers with 10 and was also second with 22 doubles. Hughes had seven RBI in one game in May against Waterbury.
Bucky Dent, in his first year as a manager, led the Class-A Fort Lauderdale Yankees to a 77-63 mark and a first place finish in the Southern Division of the Florida State League. After winning the opening round of the playoffs, the Yanks lost in the F.S.L. finals.
Steve George led the team with 13 wins, led the league in complete games (12) and shutouts (5), and was second in strikeouts with 141. Bill Fulton was second on the team with 11 wins and led Lauderdale with a 1.61 ERA.
The Fort Lauderdale offense was led by its outfield corps of Darren Reed, Roberto Kelly and Jay Buhner. Reed's .317 batting average was second in the league. The second-year pro from California also had 21 doubles, four triples, 10 homers and 61 RBI.
Left fielder Kelly led the F.S.L. in triples (13) and was third in runs (86) and stolen bases (49). In his first year in the Yankee system, Buhner led the team in both home runs (11) and RBI (76). The center fielder batted .296 with 18 doubles and 10 triples.
'We'll be keeping an eye on that unit in the years to come,' says Peter Jameson, the Yankees' Assistant Player Development Director. 'They all appear to be excellent prospects.'
Led by their lethal pitching staff, Oneonta set a new record for wins in the New York-Penn League. Their 55 victories clipped the old mark of 53, also set by the Oneonta Yankees back in 1974. After winning the regular season title with a 55-23 record, the Yankees, behind first-year manager Buck Showalter, captured the league title by sweeping through three straight playoff games. Oneonta won 42 of its last 50 games and led the league in hitting (.256).
Eleventh-round pick Scott Shaw posted impressive offensive numbers in his first year of pro ball. The third baseman from High Bridge, New Jersey led the club with a .293 batting average and was second with 37 RBI. Jason Maas, a left-handed hitting outfielder, was second with a .286 average.
Another Yankee club finished with an outstanding season in Florida [last] summer. Sarasota of the Rookie Gulf Coast League won 37 of its last 47 games to capture the league championship with a 43-18 record.
Sarasota used a talented mix of hitting and pitching to capture their crown. The team's .275 average was best in the G.C.L. and featured five .300 hitters: Rob Lambert (.350), Darren Mandel (.317), Art Calvert (.316), Yanko Hauradou (.309) and Ted Higgins (.306).
Ric Sisler paced the pitching staff with seven wins. Brent Blum was 6-0 with a 1.38 ERA and was promoted to Fort Lauderdale on August 12. Jeff Hellman went 4-0 with an ERA of only 0.87 in 41 innings. Mike McClear was the stopper, posting a 6-3 record with two saves coming out of the pen. McClear also fanned 48 batters in 40 innings."
-Charles J. Alfaro New York Yankees 1986 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
YANKEE FARM CLUBS
AAA
Columbus, Ohio
International League
Manager - Barry Foote
Coach - Dave LaRoche
AA
Albany-Colonie, New York
Eastern League
Manager - Jim Saul
Coaches - John Kennedy, Bill Monboquette
A
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Florida State League
Manager - Bucky Dent
Coaches - Jerry McNertney, Hoyt Wilhelm
A
Oneonta, New York
New York-Penn League
Manager - Buck Showalter
Coaches - Jack Gillis, Russ Meyer
Rookie
Sarasota, Florida
Gulf Coast League
Manager - Fred Ferreira
Coaches - Brian Butterfield, Carlos Lezcano, Carlos Tosca
SCOUTING
Major League Scouts:
Hank Bauer
Al Cuccinello
Bob Lemon
Eddie Lopat
Charlie Silvera
Mickey Vernon
Stan Williams
Free Agent Scouts:
National Crosschecker - Bill Livesey
Latin American Supervisor & Special Assignment - Fred Ferreira
East Coast Crosschecker - Jack Gillis
West Coast Crosschecker - Don Lindeberg
Luis Arroyo (Puerto Rico)
Joe DiCarlo (New York, New Jersey, Delaware)
Orrin Freeman (Southern California, New Mexico)
Jack Gillis (Mississippi, Alabama)
Ray Goodman (Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC)
Dick Groch (Michigan, Indiana, Ohio)
Jim Gruzdis (North Carolina, South Carolina)
Don Lindeberg (Southern California, New Mexico, Arizona)
Russ Meyer (Northern Illinois)
Jim Naples (Upstate New York)
Ramon Naranjo (Dominican Republic)
Dick Newberg (Connecticut, Rhode Island)
Greg Orr (Northern California, Nevada)
Meade Palmer (Pennsylvania)
Roberto Rivera (Puerto Rico)
Joe Robison (designated Texas areas, Louisiana)
Lou Saban (North Carolina)
Brian Sabean (Florida, Georgia)
Stan Saleski (Texas, Oklahoma)
Rudy Santin (Miami area)
Tommy Thompson (Kentucky, Tennessee)
Dick Tidrow (Iowa, Missouri, Southern Illinois)
Jerry Zimmerman (Washington, Oregon)
1986 Yankee Spring Training Scout Signings
JOE BEGANI: Greg Iavarone (1985), Robbie Robinson (1984), Jon Shane (1985)
WILLIE CALVINO: Vic Mata (1978)
VINCE CAPECE: Chris Lombardozzi (1985)
HOP CASSADY: Jeff Hellman (1985)
MURRAY COOK: Bill Fulton (1983)
AL CUCCINELLO: Tim Byron (1982), Dan Pasqua (1982)
WHITEY DEHART: Mitch Lyden (1983), Corey Viltz (1984)
JOE DICARLO: Maurice Guercio (1984), Matthew Harrison (1984), Al Leiter (1984)
ATLEY DONALD: Ron Guidry (1971)
SAMMY ELLIS: Ric Sisler (1985)
FRED FERREIRA: Oscar Azocar (1983), Casanova Brito (1985), Dennis Brow (1985), Ozzie Canseco (1983), Doug Carpenter (1983), Amalio Carreno (1983), Mo Ching (1982), Roberto Cuadrado (1984), Orestes Destrade (1981), Ray Didder (1985), Reynaldo Fernandez (1985), Fernando Figueroa (1985), Steve George (1982), Ysidro Giron (1985), Andres Gonzalez (1983), Fredi Gonzalez (1982), Jose Guzman (1985), Rafael Guzman (1985), Yanko Haurado (1985), William Hernandez (1985), Roberto Kelly (1982), Jose Laboy (1983), Duane Lawhon (1985), Harvey Lee (1984), Bill Lindsey (1981), Darren Mandel (1984), Ramon Manon (1985), Carlos Martinez (1983), Ricardo Martinez (1985), Hensley Meulens (1985), Edgar Morales (1985), Roberto Morales (1985), Mike Pagliarulo (1981), Julio Ramon (1985), Tim Reker (1985), Manny Rivas (1983), Gabriel Rodriguez (1984), Ricky Torres (1984), Hector Vargas (1985), Bernie Williams (1985)
ORRIN FREEMAN: Art Calvert (1984), Rob Lambert (1985), Jason Maas (1985), Darren Reed (1984)
JACK GILLIS: Gary Cathcart (1984), Bob Tewksbury (1981)
ROY GOODMAN: Ed Stanko (1985)
DICK GROCH: Mark Manering (1986), Michael McClear (1984)
JIM GRUZDIS: Scott Bradley (1981), Neal Cargile (1985), Mike Christopher (1985), Bob Davidson (1984), Scott Gay (1985)
EPY GUERRERO: Juan Espino (1975)
GARY HUGHES: Brad Arnsberg (1983), Mark Blaser (1981), Pete Dalena (1982), Randy Graham (1982)
JOHN KENNEDY: Tim Doyle (1985), Todd Ezold (1985), Dick Scott (1981)
DON LINDEBERG: Tom Barrett (1982), Phil Lombardi (1981), Joey Mackay (1982), Derwin McNealy (1985), Jeffrey Pries (1984), Mark Silva (1981), Keith Smith (1979), Shane Turner (1985)
BILL LIVESEY: Chris Carroll (1985), Jim Leyritz (1985)
GREG ORR: David Clark (1985), Ted Higgins (1985), Dino Johnson (1985), Tod Marston (1984)
MEADE PALMER: Rick Balabon (1985), Bill Englehart (1983), Steve Frey (1983)
GUST POULOS: Dennis Chastain (1984), Johnny Hawkins (1981), Don Mattingly (1979), Tony Russell (1982), Kelly Scott (1980)
JAX ROBERTSON: Don Mattingly (1979)
BRIAN SABEAN: Rick Bernaldo (1985), Bob Green (1985), Darryl Horton (1985), Matt Mainini (1985), Johnny Pleicones (1985), Scott Shaw (1985)
STAN SALESKI: Ken Patterson (1985)
STAN SANDERS: Jim Riggs (1982)
RUSS SEHON: Clay Christiansen (1980)
CHARLIE SILVERA: Brent Blum (1985)
CEDRIC TALLIS: Brad Winkler (1983)
TOMMY THOMPSON: David Banks (1985)
DICK TIDROW: Troy Evers (1985)
CARLOS TOSCA: Mitch Seone (1983)
DICK WILSON: Kevin Trudeau (1984)
JERRY ZIMMERMAN: Logan Easley (1981)
1986 YANKEES YEARBOOK "ON THE WAY UP"
Brad Arnsberg (RHP)
Rick Balabon (RHP)
Jay Buhner (OF)
Orestes Destrade (1B)
Doug Drabek (RHP)
Bill Fulton (RHP)
Steve George (LHP)
Phil Lombardi (C)
Mitch Lyden (C)
Carlos Martinez (SS)
Darren Reed (OF)
Miguel Sosa (2B)
Bob Tewksbury (RHP)
ALBANY-COLONIE GRADS MAKING MARK
"Throw out the wins and losses. Disregard the playoff finishes. The name of the game in minor league baseball is to develop talent for the major leagues.
To that end, Albany-Colonie has served its two masters well. A number of former Albany-Colonie A's are now key members of the Oakland A's, including catchers Mickey Tettleton and Charlie O'Brien, and pitcher Steve Ontiveros. By the end of the 1986 season, two members of the 1985 Albany-Colonie Yankees could be pitching in Yankee Stadium.
Tettleton, the Eastern League's All-Star catcher in 1984, first made the jump to the American League during that season. He was sent back to Double-A in '84, but stuck with Oakland for the entire 1985 season. Now, with Mike Heath traded away, Tettleton inherits the regular starting job.
'His job is to catch and handle the pitching staff,' says Oakland manager Jackie Moore. 'He is very gifted along those lines. Obviously we feel he can fill the role or we wouldn't have made the deal we made, sending Heath to St. Louis for Joaquin Andujar.'
The Oklahoma native hit .211 in 78 games last year, including three home runs. Oakland also expects his batting average to improve with regular duty.
Tettleton's backup in Oakland will be another former Albany-Colonie player, Charlie O'Brien. O'Brien spent time at all four levels of the Oakland organization last year as he recovered from a back injury. He hit .273 in 16 games with the parent club.
Left-hander Jeff Kaiser got into 15 games with Oakland last year and was 4-2, 1.75 in 27 games for Keith Lieppman's Tacoma Tigers. Fireballing right-hander Tim Belcher was 11-10 in Double-A, and if he keeps improving, he should be ready for the big leagues soon.
Infielder Steve Kiefer is a valuable backup for Oakland, spelling shortstop Alfredo Griffin and third baseman Carney Lansford. Kiefer hit .197 in 40 games with Oakland last year.
Three former Albany-Colonie standouts will be performing with three different teams this season. Right-hander Mike Warren, who threw a [major league] no-hitter at the end of the 1983 season, was released by Oakland and signed by Kansas City. Outfielder Tom Romano went to Montreal and Phil Stephenson to the Chicago Cubs in off-season minor league transactions.
Two more players will be trying to remain on the roster of the San Francisco Giants. Infielders Mike Woodard and Luis Quinones, the first player to go from Albany to the major leagues, are both fighting for spots with the National League team. Woodard was eighth in batting in the Pacific Coast League last year and hit .244 in 24 games with the NL team. Quinones came over to the Giants after from Oakland to Cleveland.
On the East Coast, two of last year's outstanding pitchers for Barry Foote's A-C Yankees could be in major league pinstripes by season's end. Bob Tewksbury (6-5, 3.54 at Albany, 3-0, 1.62 in six games with Columbus) was given every opportunity to make the roster of the American League team during spring training. Fellow righty Doug Drabek (13-7, 2.99 and 153 strikeouts) also got a long look in spring training. Even if he failed to stick with the Bronx Bombers before the season, he could be back by the end of the year.
Catcher Phil Lombardi, who is coming off a knee injury, and first baseman Orestes Destrade were also on the Yanks' 40-man roster. Destrade turned in a solid season in the Domincan League after leading Albany-Colonie with 23 home runs and 72 RBIs.
Tettleton and O'Brien will handling a pitching staff that could have as many as six former A-C players by season's end. Reliever Steve Ontiveros was the most pleasant surprise on the Oakland staff last season. Ontiveros, another original 1983 Albany-Colonie player, put together another outstanding rookie season with a 1-3 record, eight saves and a 1.93 ERA in 39 appearances in short and long relief.
Stan Kyles, Tom Dozier and Tim Lambert, all members of the regular season championship team, were protected by the A's over the winter. Dozier was 0-0 with a 4.24 ERA with Tacoma at the end of the season, after spending much of the season at Huntsville. Kyles posted 11 saves in 43 games with Tacoma, while Lambert was 10-10 with Tacoma and pitched well in the winter leagues.
In just four years, Albany-Colonie fans have seen a number of future major leaguers display their talents at Heritage Park. Who will be next? No one can say. But watch carefully!"
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
Director of Player Development - Bobby Hofman
Assistant Player Development Director - Peter Jameson
Assistant Scouting Director - Roy Krasik
Computer Statistics Director - Mark Batchko
Video Coordination Director - Mike Barnett
YANKEES NAMED 1985 ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
"Building through your farm system has again become good business sense for major league clubs, especially the Yankees. And as a result of keeping its minor league system strong, the Yankees were recently named 1985 Baseball Organization of the Year by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc.
The Yankees, who edged the second place New York Mets, now have won the award a record five times. The trophy has been presented annually since 1966 to a major league team based upon the number of players in the organization who have received Topps awards during the past season. A specific number of points is given for each award.
In winning the award, the Yankees had one player, reliever Brian Fisher, on the Topps Major League Rookie All-Star team, three Minor League Players of the Month, five players selected for the Topps Minor League All-Star teams, and two players (Columbus' Dan Pasqua and Sarasota's Rob Lambert) as Players of the Year in their leagues. Other Yankee minor league standouts included Albany-Colonie pitcher Brad Arnsberg, Fort Lauderdale outfielder Jay Buhner and Sarasota outfielder Ted Higgins.
'The Yankees are very proud to receive this award,' said Woody Woodward, Vice-President of Baseball Operations. 'This award is recognized in the baseball world as a way of acknowledging what an organization does not only at the major league level, but at the scouting and player development levels. It means you're doing a good job throughout your system.'
The Yankees' minor league system enjoyed a tremendous season by recording a collective winning percentage of .596, the highest in baseball. The Yankees were also the only organization in baseball to have all five of their affiliates qualify for postseason play.
Woodward congratulated Director of Player Development Bobby Hofman and said: 'Our biggest thanks should go to Mr. Steinbrenner, who has totally supported a strong scouting and player development system. Without his total backing, the Yankees would not have been able to receive this award five times.'
The Yankees scouting department made pitching its main priority in last June's free agent draft and their selections played a major role in leading Oneonta (Class-A) to the New York-Penn League Championship. The staff finished with a miraculous 1.87 ERA and struck out 691 batters in 668 1/3 innings. Number two pick Troy Evers, a right-hander, went 11-1 in 13 starts and finished with a 1.35 ERA behind 97 strikeouts.
Mike Christopher, another right-hander, selected in the seventh round, compiled a 6-1 record (1.35 ERA) and struck out 68. After losing his first two decisions, number one pick Rick Balabon went on to win his next five games. The hard-throwing righty fanned 68 and recorded a 1.74 ERA.
The organization featured several no-hitters in 1985. Fort Lauderdale's Bill Fulton pitched a seven-inning no-hitter (minor league doubleheaders are seven-inning games) in the first game of a twin bill against Lakeland. Fulton struck out seven and walked only one in his July 2 masterpiece.
Teammate Steve George came back to pitch a no-hitter in the second game of an August 14 doubleheader with Miami. The game lasted only five innings before being rained out, but the no-hitter stood. In those five innings George struck out six and walked none. The only Miami baserunner reached on an error.
Evers pitched the organization's only postseason no-hitter. He threw his nine-inning gem in a one-game sudden death playoff win over Geneva.
Offensively, the organization featured two batting champions. Columbus' Juan Bonilla won the title in the International League (Triple-A) with a .330 batting average. Rob Lambert paced the Sarasota Yankees of the Rookie Gulf Coast League by winning the league batting title with a .350 mark.
Performances like this have the entire organization excited about its farm system once again.
Columbus was the only affiliate that did not win its regular season title. But the Clippers made up for it by reaching the finals of the International League playoffs. After finishing in a tie for third, the Clippers knocked out league champion Syracuse in the first round, but fell to Tidewater in the finals.
'Columbus ended up in a tie for third, but they had a lot of injuries and a lot of their players were taken away by the big club,' explains Bobby Hofman. 'They came on strong in the playoffs and showed that they could play winning baseball.'
The Clippers qualified for the playoffs on the last day of the season when Bob Tewksbury pitched a shutout over Toledo. Tewksbury was promoted to the Clippers from Double-A Albany on August 6, and in his six starts with Columbus went 3-0 with a 1.02 ERA. Alfonso Pulido led the team with 11 wins, and Clay Christiansen added 10.
In their first year of affiliation with the Yankees, the Albany-Colonie Yankees broke a 46-year-old Eastern League attendance record. The old mark of 317,249 set by Scranton way back in 1939 was erased when the 1985 Yankees drew 324,003. Despite being upset in the first round of the playoffs, the record-breaking crowds got their money's worth as the Yankees won the regular season title by seven games, racing to an 82-57 record under first-year manager Barry Foote.
The key for the Yankees was pitcher Brad Arnsberg, who posted a 14-2 record with a 1.59 ERA. Arnsberg won his first nine decisions before he dropped a 2-1 game on July 27. Doug Drabek led the league in strikeouts with 151, en route to a 13-7 record and a 2.99 ERA. Drabek had nine complete games and won his last seven decisions to help pace the Yankees.
'The pitching that the Yankees need on the major league level is on the way in the next few years,' says Hofman. In light of the pitching success throughout the organization he added, 'We believe that the kids who had surprisingly excellent first years will carry their success over to next year, and that they will be able to help the big club in a few years time.'
Switch-hitting Orestes Destrade provided Albany with power at the plate, hitting 23 homers and driving in 71 runs. Keith Hughes was second on the team in homers with 10 and was also second with 22 doubles. Hughes had seven RBI in one game in May against Waterbury.
Bucky Dent, in his first year as a manager, led the Class-A Fort Lauderdale Yankees to a 77-63 mark and a first place finish in the Southern Division of the Florida State League. After winning the opening round of the playoffs, the Yanks lost in the F.S.L. finals.
Steve George led the team with 13 wins, led the league in complete games (12) and shutouts (5), and was second in strikeouts with 141. Bill Fulton was second on the team with 11 wins and led Lauderdale with a 1.61 ERA.
The Fort Lauderdale offense was led by its outfield corps of Darren Reed, Roberto Kelly and Jay Buhner. Reed's .317 batting average was second in the league. The second-year pro from California also had 21 doubles, four triples, 10 homers and 61 RBI.
Left fielder Kelly led the F.S.L. in triples (13) and was third in runs (86) and stolen bases (49). In his first year in the Yankee system, Buhner led the team in both home runs (11) and RBI (76). The center fielder batted .296 with 18 doubles and 10 triples.
'We'll be keeping an eye on that unit in the years to come,' says Peter Jameson, the Yankees' Assistant Player Development Director. 'They all appear to be excellent prospects.'
Led by their lethal pitching staff, Oneonta set a new record for wins in the New York-Penn League. Their 55 victories clipped the old mark of 53, also set by the Oneonta Yankees back in 1974. After winning the regular season title with a 55-23 record, the Yankees, behind first-year manager Buck Showalter, captured the league title by sweeping through three straight playoff games. Oneonta won 42 of its last 50 games and led the league in hitting (.256).
Eleventh-round pick Scott Shaw posted impressive offensive numbers in his first year of pro ball. The third baseman from High Bridge, New Jersey led the club with a .293 batting average and was second with 37 RBI. Jason Maas, a left-handed hitting outfielder, was second with a .286 average.
Another Yankee club finished with an outstanding season in Florida [last] summer. Sarasota of the Rookie Gulf Coast League won 37 of its last 47 games to capture the league championship with a 43-18 record.
Sarasota used a talented mix of hitting and pitching to capture their crown. The team's .275 average was best in the G.C.L. and featured five .300 hitters: Rob Lambert (.350), Darren Mandel (.317), Art Calvert (.316), Yanko Hauradou (.309) and Ted Higgins (.306).
Ric Sisler paced the pitching staff with seven wins. Brent Blum was 6-0 with a 1.38 ERA and was promoted to Fort Lauderdale on August 12. Jeff Hellman went 4-0 with an ERA of only 0.87 in 41 innings. Mike McClear was the stopper, posting a 6-3 record with two saves coming out of the pen. McClear also fanned 48 batters in 40 innings."
-Charles J. Alfaro New York Yankees 1986 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
YANKEE FARM CLUBS
AAA
Columbus, Ohio
International League
Manager - Barry Foote
Coach - Dave LaRoche
AA
Albany-Colonie, New York
Eastern League
Manager - Jim Saul
Coaches - John Kennedy, Bill Monboquette
A
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Florida State League
Manager - Bucky Dent
Coaches - Jerry McNertney, Hoyt Wilhelm
A
Oneonta, New York
New York-Penn League
Manager - Buck Showalter
Coaches - Jack Gillis, Russ Meyer
Rookie
Sarasota, Florida
Gulf Coast League
Manager - Fred Ferreira
Coaches - Brian Butterfield, Carlos Lezcano, Carlos Tosca
SCOUTING
Major League Scouts:
Hank Bauer
Al Cuccinello
Bob Lemon
Eddie Lopat
Charlie Silvera
Mickey Vernon
Stan Williams
Free Agent Scouts:
National Crosschecker - Bill Livesey
Latin American Supervisor & Special Assignment - Fred Ferreira
East Coast Crosschecker - Jack Gillis
West Coast Crosschecker - Don Lindeberg
Luis Arroyo (Puerto Rico)
Joe DiCarlo (New York, New Jersey, Delaware)
Orrin Freeman (Southern California, New Mexico)
Jack Gillis (Mississippi, Alabama)
Ray Goodman (Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC)
Dick Groch (Michigan, Indiana, Ohio)
Jim Gruzdis (North Carolina, South Carolina)
Don Lindeberg (Southern California, New Mexico, Arizona)
Russ Meyer (Northern Illinois)
Jim Naples (Upstate New York)
Ramon Naranjo (Dominican Republic)
Dick Newberg (Connecticut, Rhode Island)
Greg Orr (Northern California, Nevada)
Meade Palmer (Pennsylvania)
Roberto Rivera (Puerto Rico)
Joe Robison (designated Texas areas, Louisiana)
Lou Saban (North Carolina)
Brian Sabean (Florida, Georgia)
Stan Saleski (Texas, Oklahoma)
Rudy Santin (Miami area)
Tommy Thompson (Kentucky, Tennessee)
Dick Tidrow (Iowa, Missouri, Southern Illinois)
Jerry Zimmerman (Washington, Oregon)
1986 Yankee Spring Training Scout Signings
JOE BEGANI: Greg Iavarone (1985), Robbie Robinson (1984), Jon Shane (1985)
WILLIE CALVINO: Vic Mata (1978)
VINCE CAPECE: Chris Lombardozzi (1985)
HOP CASSADY: Jeff Hellman (1985)
MURRAY COOK: Bill Fulton (1983)
AL CUCCINELLO: Tim Byron (1982), Dan Pasqua (1982)
WHITEY DEHART: Mitch Lyden (1983), Corey Viltz (1984)
JOE DICARLO: Maurice Guercio (1984), Matthew Harrison (1984), Al Leiter (1984)
ATLEY DONALD: Ron Guidry (1971)
SAMMY ELLIS: Ric Sisler (1985)
FRED FERREIRA: Oscar Azocar (1983), Casanova Brito (1985), Dennis Brow (1985), Ozzie Canseco (1983), Doug Carpenter (1983), Amalio Carreno (1983), Mo Ching (1982), Roberto Cuadrado (1984), Orestes Destrade (1981), Ray Didder (1985), Reynaldo Fernandez (1985), Fernando Figueroa (1985), Steve George (1982), Ysidro Giron (1985), Andres Gonzalez (1983), Fredi Gonzalez (1982), Jose Guzman (1985), Rafael Guzman (1985), Yanko Haurado (1985), William Hernandez (1985), Roberto Kelly (1982), Jose Laboy (1983), Duane Lawhon (1985), Harvey Lee (1984), Bill Lindsey (1981), Darren Mandel (1984), Ramon Manon (1985), Carlos Martinez (1983), Ricardo Martinez (1985), Hensley Meulens (1985), Edgar Morales (1985), Roberto Morales (1985), Mike Pagliarulo (1981), Julio Ramon (1985), Tim Reker (1985), Manny Rivas (1983), Gabriel Rodriguez (1984), Ricky Torres (1984), Hector Vargas (1985), Bernie Williams (1985)
ORRIN FREEMAN: Art Calvert (1984), Rob Lambert (1985), Jason Maas (1985), Darren Reed (1984)
JACK GILLIS: Gary Cathcart (1984), Bob Tewksbury (1981)
ROY GOODMAN: Ed Stanko (1985)
DICK GROCH: Mark Manering (1986), Michael McClear (1984)
JIM GRUZDIS: Scott Bradley (1981), Neal Cargile (1985), Mike Christopher (1985), Bob Davidson (1984), Scott Gay (1985)
EPY GUERRERO: Juan Espino (1975)
GARY HUGHES: Brad Arnsberg (1983), Mark Blaser (1981), Pete Dalena (1982), Randy Graham (1982)
JOHN KENNEDY: Tim Doyle (1985), Todd Ezold (1985), Dick Scott (1981)
DON LINDEBERG: Tom Barrett (1982), Phil Lombardi (1981), Joey Mackay (1982), Derwin McNealy (1985), Jeffrey Pries (1984), Mark Silva (1981), Keith Smith (1979), Shane Turner (1985)
BILL LIVESEY: Chris Carroll (1985), Jim Leyritz (1985)
GREG ORR: David Clark (1985), Ted Higgins (1985), Dino Johnson (1985), Tod Marston (1984)
MEADE PALMER: Rick Balabon (1985), Bill Englehart (1983), Steve Frey (1983)
GUST POULOS: Dennis Chastain (1984), Johnny Hawkins (1981), Don Mattingly (1979), Tony Russell (1982), Kelly Scott (1980)
JAX ROBERTSON: Don Mattingly (1979)
BRIAN SABEAN: Rick Bernaldo (1985), Bob Green (1985), Darryl Horton (1985), Matt Mainini (1985), Johnny Pleicones (1985), Scott Shaw (1985)
STAN SALESKI: Ken Patterson (1985)
STAN SANDERS: Jim Riggs (1982)
RUSS SEHON: Clay Christiansen (1980)
CHARLIE SILVERA: Brent Blum (1985)
CEDRIC TALLIS: Brad Winkler (1983)
TOMMY THOMPSON: David Banks (1985)
DICK TIDROW: Troy Evers (1985)
CARLOS TOSCA: Mitch Seone (1983)
DICK WILSON: Kevin Trudeau (1984)
JERRY ZIMMERMAN: Logan Easley (1981)
1986 YANKEES YEARBOOK "ON THE WAY UP"
Brad Arnsberg (RHP)
Rick Balabon (RHP)
Jay Buhner (OF)
Orestes Destrade (1B)
Doug Drabek (RHP)
Bill Fulton (RHP)
Steve George (LHP)
Phil Lombardi (C)
Mitch Lyden (C)
Carlos Martinez (SS)
Darren Reed (OF)
Miguel Sosa (2B)
Bob Tewksbury (RHP)
ALBANY-COLONIE GRADS MAKING MARK
"Throw out the wins and losses. Disregard the playoff finishes. The name of the game in minor league baseball is to develop talent for the major leagues.
To that end, Albany-Colonie has served its two masters well. A number of former Albany-Colonie A's are now key members of the Oakland A's, including catchers Mickey Tettleton and Charlie O'Brien, and pitcher Steve Ontiveros. By the end of the 1986 season, two members of the 1985 Albany-Colonie Yankees could be pitching in Yankee Stadium.
Tettleton, the Eastern League's All-Star catcher in 1984, first made the jump to the American League during that season. He was sent back to Double-A in '84, but stuck with Oakland for the entire 1985 season. Now, with Mike Heath traded away, Tettleton inherits the regular starting job.
'His job is to catch and handle the pitching staff,' says Oakland manager Jackie Moore. 'He is very gifted along those lines. Obviously we feel he can fill the role or we wouldn't have made the deal we made, sending Heath to St. Louis for Joaquin Andujar.'
The Oklahoma native hit .211 in 78 games last year, including three home runs. Oakland also expects his batting average to improve with regular duty.
Tettleton's backup in Oakland will be another former Albany-Colonie player, Charlie O'Brien. O'Brien spent time at all four levels of the Oakland organization last year as he recovered from a back injury. He hit .273 in 16 games with the parent club.
Left-hander Jeff Kaiser got into 15 games with Oakland last year and was 4-2, 1.75 in 27 games for Keith Lieppman's Tacoma Tigers. Fireballing right-hander Tim Belcher was 11-10 in Double-A, and if he keeps improving, he should be ready for the big leagues soon.
Infielder Steve Kiefer is a valuable backup for Oakland, spelling shortstop Alfredo Griffin and third baseman Carney Lansford. Kiefer hit .197 in 40 games with Oakland last year.
Three former Albany-Colonie standouts will be performing with three different teams this season. Right-hander Mike Warren, who threw a [major league] no-hitter at the end of the 1983 season, was released by Oakland and signed by Kansas City. Outfielder Tom Romano went to Montreal and Phil Stephenson to the Chicago Cubs in off-season minor league transactions.
Two more players will be trying to remain on the roster of the San Francisco Giants. Infielders Mike Woodard and Luis Quinones, the first player to go from Albany to the major leagues, are both fighting for spots with the National League team. Woodard was eighth in batting in the Pacific Coast League last year and hit .244 in 24 games with the NL team. Quinones came over to the Giants after from Oakland to Cleveland.
On the East Coast, two of last year's outstanding pitchers for Barry Foote's A-C Yankees could be in major league pinstripes by season's end. Bob Tewksbury (6-5, 3.54 at Albany, 3-0, 1.62 in six games with Columbus) was given every opportunity to make the roster of the American League team during spring training. Fellow righty Doug Drabek (13-7, 2.99 and 153 strikeouts) also got a long look in spring training. Even if he failed to stick with the Bronx Bombers before the season, he could be back by the end of the year.
Catcher Phil Lombardi, who is coming off a knee injury, and first baseman Orestes Destrade were also on the Yanks' 40-man roster. Destrade turned in a solid season in the Domincan League after leading Albany-Colonie with 23 home runs and 72 RBIs.
Tettleton and O'Brien will handling a pitching staff that could have as many as six former A-C players by season's end. Reliever Steve Ontiveros was the most pleasant surprise on the Oakland staff last season. Ontiveros, another original 1983 Albany-Colonie player, put together another outstanding rookie season with a 1-3 record, eight saves and a 1.93 ERA in 39 appearances in short and long relief.
Stan Kyles, Tom Dozier and Tim Lambert, all members of the regular season championship team, were protected by the A's over the winter. Dozier was 0-0 with a 4.24 ERA with Tacoma at the end of the season, after spending much of the season at Huntsville. Kyles posted 11 saves in 43 games with Tacoma, while Lambert was 10-10 with Tacoma and pitched well in the winter leagues.
In just four years, Albany-Colonie fans have seen a number of future major leaguers display their talents at Heritage Park. Who will be next? No one can say. But watch carefully!"
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
Sunday, January 10, 2016
1986 Yankee Minor League Manager and Coaches Profiles
BRIAN BUTTERFIELD (Coach, Sarasota)
"Brian graduated from Florida Southern College with a B.S. in physical education in 1980. Signed as a free agent by the Yankees in June 1979, he coached at Eckerd College (1980-81) and Florida Southern (1979). He was named Most Valuable Player of the Ft. Lauderdale squad in 1981.
Brian is the son of the late Jack Butterfield, who was Yankees Vice-President of Player Development and Scouting."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
BUCKY DENT (Manager, Ft. Lauderdale)
"Drafted by the White Sox in the 1st round of the secondary phase of the June 1970 draft, Bucky played in the first major league game he ever saw in 1973. After four years in Chicago, he was acquired by the Yankees just prior to the start of the 1977 season.
In 1978, Dent won the Eastern Division playoff game for the Yankees at Boston with a dramatic three-run homer off Mike Torrez, erasing a two-run Red Sox lead. He went on to lead the Yankees in their six-game World Series victory over the Dodgers, hitting .417 while earning the Most Valuable Player award for the Series.
Bucky was traded to the Texas Rangers in August 1982 and played there through 1983. In 1984, he had a short stint with the Columbus Clippers before joining the Kansas City Royals for their stretch drive to the AL West title. Bucky will return to manage Ft. Lauderdale in 1986."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
BARRY FOOTE (Manager, Columbus)
"Barry was drafted in the first round by Montreal in the first round in June 1970. He was named [Sporting News] National League Rookie of the Year in 1974, leading NL catchers in assists with 83. He had an eight-RBI game against St. Louis in 1980 while playing for the Phillies. Barry homered in his first at-bat as a Yankee and hit five home runs in his first seven games as a Yankee.
He skippered Ft. Lauderdale to the Florida State League championship in 1984. Named Eastern League Manager of the Year in 1985, Barry will manage the Columbus Clippers in 1986."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
JACK GILLIS (Coach, Oneonta)
"Gillis did not play pro baseball but built a strong reputation as a college coach at two Florida schools- Eckerd and St. Leo. He joined the Yankees organization in 1980 as a coach at Oneonta. Jack managed the Sarasota Yankees in 1984. He returns to coach at Oneonta in 1986.
Jack also scouts high school and college talent for the Yankees in the off-season."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
JOHN KENNEDY (Coach, Albany-Colonie)
"John was originally signed by the Washington Senators in 1961. He was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers with pitcher Claude Osteen and cash for outfielder Frank Howard, infielder Ken McMullen and pitchers Phil Ortega and Pete Richert in December 1964; first baseman Dick Nen was transferred to the Senators later that month to complete the deal. John was traded to the Yankees for pitcher Jack Cullen, outfielder John Miller and $25,000 on April 3, 1967 and was sold to the Seattle Pilots in November 1968. He was purchased by the Boston Red Sox in June 1970 and retired after the 1974 season.
He managed in the Red Sox' system from 1975-77 and managed Jersey City [Oakland A's organization] in 1978, where Rickey Henderson played for him. John moved to the Yankees as a coach at Winter Haven in 1979, and scouted in the New England area for the Yankees from 1980-85.
John returns to coaching in 1986 for the Albany-Colonie Yankees."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
"The 44-year-old Chicago native played 11 seasons as an infielder in the major leagues.
John played for the Washington Senators, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Seattle Pilots and finished up his playing career with the Boston Red Sox in 1974. His career batting average was .226. Kennedy played in the World Series with the Dodgers.
In 1975, Kennedy managed at Winston-Salem and in 1976 and '77 at Bristol of the Eastern League.
He has been with the Yankee organization since 1979. He was a coach for West Haven of the Eastern League and was a Yankee scout form 1980 to 1985."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
DAVE LAROCHE (Pitching Coach, Columbus)
"Dave signed as a free agent with the California Angels organization in 1967. Originally an outfielder, he became a pitcher in 1968. Named the Indians' Man of the Year in 1975, tying the club record for saves with 17, he set the club record the following year with 21 saves. LaRoche came up with a 'trick' pitch, dubbed 'La Lob,' which stymied hitters and amused fans due to its unorthodox nature.
Pitching coach for Ft. Lauderdale in 1984 and serving in the same capacity for Albany-Colonie in 1985, Dave will move to Columbus with manager Barry Foote in 1986."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
CARLOS LEZCANO (Coach, Sarasota)
"Signed by the Cubs as a free agent in May 1977, Carlos signed as a six-year free agent with Oakland in January 1984 and was released in May of '84. He signed with Detroit as a free agent in June of '84 and was released that July. He worked as an outfield and hitting instructor for the Oneonta Yankees in 1985.
Carlos will coach at Sarasota in 1986."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
JERRY MCNERTNEY (Coach, Ft. Lauderdale)
"Jerry attended Iowa State University. His first 11 seasons in pro baseball were spent in the White Sox organization after signing with them in 1958. He began his career as a first baseman-outfielder, but switched to catching in 1961.
He caught four years in Chicago (1964-66-67-68), then went to the Seattle Pilots in the 1969 expansion draft. He wound up his playing career in the National League with the Cardinals and Pirates in 1971-72-73. Jerry joined the Yankees as a coach at West Haven in 1978 and has been coaching at Columbus since 1979.
Jerry's best year as a batter was 1960, when he hit .341 and drove in 125 runs for Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League. He tied for the Nebraska State League lead in doubles in 1958 with 16.
Jerry moves to Ft. Lauderdale in 1986."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
RUSS MEYER (Pitching Coach, Oneonta)
"Russ began his professional baseball career in 1942. He led 1946 Southern Association pitchers with 48 appearances. He made his major league debut in 1946 with the Cubs and played in the majors through 1959. Meyer was a member of the 1950 NL champion Philadelphia Phillies.
He coached at Illinois Valley Community College before joining the Yankees organization in 1981. Monk's 1985 Oneonta staff had a combined ERA of 1.87."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
BILL MONBOUQUETTE (Pitching Coach, Albany-Colonie)
"Bill set an American League record with 17 strikeouts in a night game on May 12, 1961, a mark later broken in 1974 by Nolan Ryan. He pitched a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox on August 1, 1962. He was named to the American League All-Star team in 1960, 1962 and 1963. In 1963, Bill won 20 games for the Red Sox.
He scouted for the Yankees in 1969-74. After scouting and doing instructional work for the Yankees in 1984, Monbo became the pitching coach at Ft. Lauderdale in 1985. Bill worked the last two months of '85 as the Yankees major league pitching coach.
Monbo will guide the Albany-Colonie hurlers in 1986."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
"The 49-year-old Massachusetts native had an illustrious major league pitching career.
In 1961, he set an American League record of 17 strikeouts in a single [night] game, that later broken by Nolan Ryan. Monbouquette pitched with the Boston Red Sox for eight seasons, highlighted in 1962 by a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox. In 1963, he won 20 and lost 10 for the Red Sox. He finished his career with Detroit, the New York Yankees and San Francisco. Monbouquette had a career pitching record of 114-112 in 11 seasons of major league action.
The three-time American League All-Star is the former pitching coach of the New York Mets, and joined the Yankee organization as a minor league coach in 1984."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
JIM SAUL (Manager, Albany-Colonie)
"Jim returns to the managing ranks in 1986 at the helm of the Albany-Colonie Yankees."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
"The new Albany-Colony Yankees manager is no stranger to Heritage Park. The 46-year-old career baseball man was the third base coach for the A-C Yankees last season.
The Bristol, Virginia played 14 seasons in professional baseball, 11 of those seasons at Triple-A.
Saul coached in the major leagues for three seasons. In 1975-76 he was with the Chicago Cubs, and in 1979 Jim coached with the Oakland A's. Albany will be his eighth minor league managerial stop. He managed in the Carolina League, Texas League, at Holyoke of the Eastern League in 1981, and at Portland of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 1982 before joining the Yankee organization as a coach in 1983."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
"Jim Saul returns for his second season at Albany-Colonie this summer, but he returns this time as manager of the New York Yankees' Class AA Eastern League club.
Saul, who has been a member of the Yankees organization since 1983, was the third base coach under manager Barry Foote in 1985. Saul has managed before, but this will be his first tour as the field skipper as a Yankee.
'The Yankees have given me a chance to do something I like to do,' said Saul. 'Being a coach the last three years has given me a lot of experience in the organization.'
Saul knows that winning is important in the Yankees' system, but he also recognizes the fact that one of his jobs is preparing the youngsters for the major leagues.
'I know that winning is stressed (in the Yankees organization), but we will do everything to help the young players,' said Saul.
'Hopefully we will do as well as last year and maybe even better,' he added. 'We will try to mold the club around the people we bring from spring training.'
The 46-year-old Saul, a native of Bristol, Va., played 14 years in the minor leagues, beginning with Daytona Beach in 1959. He played 11 of those seasons in Class AAA. He finished his career with a .246 average with 57 home runs and 338 RBI.
His best season as a player was in 1963, when he hit .251 with 12 home runs and 52 runs batted in for Portland and San Diego (when San Diego was still a minor league team).
Saul's last season as a player was 1972, when he hit .280 with one home run and seven RBI for Wichita while playing in 32 games.
He began his managerial career the next year, piloting Salinas to a 77-61 record (second place in the first half, fourth place in the second half) in the California League.
Saul managed Salinas again the next year (78-62, second- and third-place finishes) before being named a coach for the Chicago Cubs in 1975-76.
He returned to the minor leagues in 1977, managing Midland of the Texas League to a 70-60 record (second place) that season and a 70-65 record (third place) in 1978.
Saul returned to the major leagues in 1979, as a coach with the Oakland A's, but he was back in the minors in 1980 as manager of El Paso in the Texas League (50-86 record, fourth place).
He managed Holyoke in the Eastern League in 1981 (68-70, second- and fourth-place finishes) and piloted Portland in the Pacific Coast League in 1982 (65-79, fifth place).
Saul was a coach with the Nashville Sounds, the Yankees' Class AA affiliate in the Southern League in 1983-84, and stayed with the franchise when it was shifted to Albany-Colonie prior to the 1985 season.
His seven-year managerial career shows a 478-483 record (.497).
'A manager has got to give an individual the opportunity to prove himself at points in the ballgame,' he said, explaining his managing philosophy. 'He has to give him the opportunity to handle it and prove he can come through. You don't like to see them lose, but they're here to learn now for their future in the major leagues, things that are expected every day.'"
-Pete Cioffi, Assistant Sports Editor, Times Record (Albany, NY)
BUCK SHOWALTER (Manager, Oneonta)
"Buck graduated form Central (Florida) High School in 1975. He attended Chipola J.C. in Marianna, FL and graduated from Mississippi State University in 1979. Buck was named an All-American at both Chipola and Mississippi State.
In 1980 he led the Southern League in hits, finished second in batting and was named to the SL All-Star team. He also led the Southern League in hits in 1982.
Buck coached at Ft. Lauderdale in 1984, and in 1985 earned New York-Penn League Manager of the Year laurels in his inaugural campaign. The O-Yanks set a league record of 55 wins under Showalter's guidance.
He'll return to Oneonta in his second managerial season."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
CARLOS TOSCA (Manager, Sarasota)
"Carlos joined the Yankees organization as a coach in 1978. He made his debut as a manager at Bradenton in the Gulf Coast League in 1980. He managed the Greensboro Hornets to the first half division title in 1984. Carlos managed Sarasota to the Gulf Coast League Championship in 1985 and earned GCL Manager of the Year honors.
He will serve as a coach at Sarasota in 1986."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
HOYT WILHELM (Pitching Coach, Ft. Lauderdale)
"Hoyt began his pro career in 1942 for the independent Mooresville, North Carolina club near his hometown of Huntersville. He moved into the Giants' farm system in 1948 at Knoxville and reached the big leagues in 1952.
He remained in the majors for the next 21 years, retiring in 1972 at age 46- as baseball's all-time premier relief pitcher. He holds the following major league career records: most games pitched (1,070), most games in relief (1,018), most innings in relief (1,870), most games finished (651) and most wins in relief (124).
Hoyt was used as a starter in the middle of his career (1958-60) and hurled a no-hitter for the Orioles against the Yankees in 1958. He also holds the distinction of hitting a home run in his first major league at-bat (April 23, 1952). He participated in the 1954 World Series with the Giants and was named to the NL All-Star team in 1953 and 1970, and to the AL All-Star team in 1959, 1961 and 1962. Hoyt was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
"Brian graduated from Florida Southern College with a B.S. in physical education in 1980. Signed as a free agent by the Yankees in June 1979, he coached at Eckerd College (1980-81) and Florida Southern (1979). He was named Most Valuable Player of the Ft. Lauderdale squad in 1981.
Brian is the son of the late Jack Butterfield, who was Yankees Vice-President of Player Development and Scouting."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
BUCKY DENT (Manager, Ft. Lauderdale)
"Drafted by the White Sox in the 1st round of the secondary phase of the June 1970 draft, Bucky played in the first major league game he ever saw in 1973. After four years in Chicago, he was acquired by the Yankees just prior to the start of the 1977 season.
In 1978, Dent won the Eastern Division playoff game for the Yankees at Boston with a dramatic three-run homer off Mike Torrez, erasing a two-run Red Sox lead. He went on to lead the Yankees in their six-game World Series victory over the Dodgers, hitting .417 while earning the Most Valuable Player award for the Series.
Bucky was traded to the Texas Rangers in August 1982 and played there through 1983. In 1984, he had a short stint with the Columbus Clippers before joining the Kansas City Royals for their stretch drive to the AL West title. Bucky will return to manage Ft. Lauderdale in 1986."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
BARRY FOOTE (Manager, Columbus)
"Barry was drafted in the first round by Montreal in the first round in June 1970. He was named [Sporting News] National League Rookie of the Year in 1974, leading NL catchers in assists with 83. He had an eight-RBI game against St. Louis in 1980 while playing for the Phillies. Barry homered in his first at-bat as a Yankee and hit five home runs in his first seven games as a Yankee.
He skippered Ft. Lauderdale to the Florida State League championship in 1984. Named Eastern League Manager of the Year in 1985, Barry will manage the Columbus Clippers in 1986."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
JACK GILLIS (Coach, Oneonta)
"Gillis did not play pro baseball but built a strong reputation as a college coach at two Florida schools- Eckerd and St. Leo. He joined the Yankees organization in 1980 as a coach at Oneonta. Jack managed the Sarasota Yankees in 1984. He returns to coach at Oneonta in 1986.
Jack also scouts high school and college talent for the Yankees in the off-season."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
JOHN KENNEDY (Coach, Albany-Colonie)
"John was originally signed by the Washington Senators in 1961. He was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers with pitcher Claude Osteen and cash for outfielder Frank Howard, infielder Ken McMullen and pitchers Phil Ortega and Pete Richert in December 1964; first baseman Dick Nen was transferred to the Senators later that month to complete the deal. John was traded to the Yankees for pitcher Jack Cullen, outfielder John Miller and $25,000 on April 3, 1967 and was sold to the Seattle Pilots in November 1968. He was purchased by the Boston Red Sox in June 1970 and retired after the 1974 season.
He managed in the Red Sox' system from 1975-77 and managed Jersey City [Oakland A's organization] in 1978, where Rickey Henderson played for him. John moved to the Yankees as a coach at Winter Haven in 1979, and scouted in the New England area for the Yankees from 1980-85.
John returns to coaching in 1986 for the Albany-Colonie Yankees."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
"The 44-year-old Chicago native played 11 seasons as an infielder in the major leagues.
John played for the Washington Senators, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Seattle Pilots and finished up his playing career with the Boston Red Sox in 1974. His career batting average was .226. Kennedy played in the World Series with the Dodgers.
In 1975, Kennedy managed at Winston-Salem and in 1976 and '77 at Bristol of the Eastern League.
He has been with the Yankee organization since 1979. He was a coach for West Haven of the Eastern League and was a Yankee scout form 1980 to 1985."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
DAVE LAROCHE (Pitching Coach, Columbus)
"Dave signed as a free agent with the California Angels organization in 1967. Originally an outfielder, he became a pitcher in 1968. Named the Indians' Man of the Year in 1975, tying the club record for saves with 17, he set the club record the following year with 21 saves. LaRoche came up with a 'trick' pitch, dubbed 'La Lob,' which stymied hitters and amused fans due to its unorthodox nature.
Pitching coach for Ft. Lauderdale in 1984 and serving in the same capacity for Albany-Colonie in 1985, Dave will move to Columbus with manager Barry Foote in 1986."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
CARLOS LEZCANO (Coach, Sarasota)
"Signed by the Cubs as a free agent in May 1977, Carlos signed as a six-year free agent with Oakland in January 1984 and was released in May of '84. He signed with Detroit as a free agent in June of '84 and was released that July. He worked as an outfield and hitting instructor for the Oneonta Yankees in 1985.
Carlos will coach at Sarasota in 1986."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
JERRY MCNERTNEY (Coach, Ft. Lauderdale)
"Jerry attended Iowa State University. His first 11 seasons in pro baseball were spent in the White Sox organization after signing with them in 1958. He began his career as a first baseman-outfielder, but switched to catching in 1961.
He caught four years in Chicago (1964-66-67-68), then went to the Seattle Pilots in the 1969 expansion draft. He wound up his playing career in the National League with the Cardinals and Pirates in 1971-72-73. Jerry joined the Yankees as a coach at West Haven in 1978 and has been coaching at Columbus since 1979.
Jerry's best year as a batter was 1960, when he hit .341 and drove in 125 runs for Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League. He tied for the Nebraska State League lead in doubles in 1958 with 16.
Jerry moves to Ft. Lauderdale in 1986."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
RUSS MEYER (Pitching Coach, Oneonta)
"Russ began his professional baseball career in 1942. He led 1946 Southern Association pitchers with 48 appearances. He made his major league debut in 1946 with the Cubs and played in the majors through 1959. Meyer was a member of the 1950 NL champion Philadelphia Phillies.
He coached at Illinois Valley Community College before joining the Yankees organization in 1981. Monk's 1985 Oneonta staff had a combined ERA of 1.87."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
BILL MONBOUQUETTE (Pitching Coach, Albany-Colonie)
"Bill set an American League record with 17 strikeouts in a night game on May 12, 1961, a mark later broken in 1974 by Nolan Ryan. He pitched a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox on August 1, 1962. He was named to the American League All-Star team in 1960, 1962 and 1963. In 1963, Bill won 20 games for the Red Sox.
He scouted for the Yankees in 1969-74. After scouting and doing instructional work for the Yankees in 1984, Monbo became the pitching coach at Ft. Lauderdale in 1985. Bill worked the last two months of '85 as the Yankees major league pitching coach.
Monbo will guide the Albany-Colonie hurlers in 1986."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
"The 49-year-old Massachusetts native had an illustrious major league pitching career.
In 1961, he set an American League record of 17 strikeouts in a single [night] game, that later broken by Nolan Ryan. Monbouquette pitched with the Boston Red Sox for eight seasons, highlighted in 1962 by a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox. In 1963, he won 20 and lost 10 for the Red Sox. He finished his career with Detroit, the New York Yankees and San Francisco. Monbouquette had a career pitching record of 114-112 in 11 seasons of major league action.
The three-time American League All-Star is the former pitching coach of the New York Mets, and joined the Yankee organization as a minor league coach in 1984."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
JIM SAUL (Manager, Albany-Colonie)
"Jim returns to the managing ranks in 1986 at the helm of the Albany-Colonie Yankees."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
"The new Albany-Colony Yankees manager is no stranger to Heritage Park. The 46-year-old career baseball man was the third base coach for the A-C Yankees last season.
The Bristol, Virginia played 14 seasons in professional baseball, 11 of those seasons at Triple-A.
Saul coached in the major leagues for three seasons. In 1975-76 he was with the Chicago Cubs, and in 1979 Jim coached with the Oakland A's. Albany will be his eighth minor league managerial stop. He managed in the Carolina League, Texas League, at Holyoke of the Eastern League in 1981, and at Portland of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 1982 before joining the Yankee organization as a coach in 1983."
-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook
"Jim Saul returns for his second season at Albany-Colonie this summer, but he returns this time as manager of the New York Yankees' Class AA Eastern League club.
Saul, who has been a member of the Yankees organization since 1983, was the third base coach under manager Barry Foote in 1985. Saul has managed before, but this will be his first tour as the field skipper as a Yankee.
'The Yankees have given me a chance to do something I like to do,' said Saul. 'Being a coach the last three years has given me a lot of experience in the organization.'
Saul knows that winning is important in the Yankees' system, but he also recognizes the fact that one of his jobs is preparing the youngsters for the major leagues.
'I know that winning is stressed (in the Yankees organization), but we will do everything to help the young players,' said Saul.
'Hopefully we will do as well as last year and maybe even better,' he added. 'We will try to mold the club around the people we bring from spring training.'
The 46-year-old Saul, a native of Bristol, Va., played 14 years in the minor leagues, beginning with Daytona Beach in 1959. He played 11 of those seasons in Class AAA. He finished his career with a .246 average with 57 home runs and 338 RBI.
His best season as a player was in 1963, when he hit .251 with 12 home runs and 52 runs batted in for Portland and San Diego (when San Diego was still a minor league team).
Saul's last season as a player was 1972, when he hit .280 with one home run and seven RBI for Wichita while playing in 32 games.
He began his managerial career the next year, piloting Salinas to a 77-61 record (second place in the first half, fourth place in the second half) in the California League.
Saul managed Salinas again the next year (78-62, second- and third-place finishes) before being named a coach for the Chicago Cubs in 1975-76.
He returned to the minor leagues in 1977, managing Midland of the Texas League to a 70-60 record (second place) that season and a 70-65 record (third place) in 1978.
Saul returned to the major leagues in 1979, as a coach with the Oakland A's, but he was back in the minors in 1980 as manager of El Paso in the Texas League (50-86 record, fourth place).
He managed Holyoke in the Eastern League in 1981 (68-70, second- and fourth-place finishes) and piloted Portland in the Pacific Coast League in 1982 (65-79, fifth place).
Saul was a coach with the Nashville Sounds, the Yankees' Class AA affiliate in the Southern League in 1983-84, and stayed with the franchise when it was shifted to Albany-Colonie prior to the 1985 season.
His seven-year managerial career shows a 478-483 record (.497).
'A manager has got to give an individual the opportunity to prove himself at points in the ballgame,' he said, explaining his managing philosophy. 'He has to give him the opportunity to handle it and prove he can come through. You don't like to see them lose, but they're here to learn now for their future in the major leagues, things that are expected every day.'"
-Pete Cioffi, Assistant Sports Editor, Times Record (Albany, NY)
BUCK SHOWALTER (Manager, Oneonta)
"Buck graduated form Central (Florida) High School in 1975. He attended Chipola J.C. in Marianna, FL and graduated from Mississippi State University in 1979. Buck was named an All-American at both Chipola and Mississippi State.
In 1980 he led the Southern League in hits, finished second in batting and was named to the SL All-Star team. He also led the Southern League in hits in 1982.
Buck coached at Ft. Lauderdale in 1984, and in 1985 earned New York-Penn League Manager of the Year laurels in his inaugural campaign. The O-Yanks set a league record of 55 wins under Showalter's guidance.
He'll return to Oneonta in his second managerial season."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
CARLOS TOSCA (Manager, Sarasota)
"Carlos joined the Yankees organization as a coach in 1978. He made his debut as a manager at Bradenton in the Gulf Coast League in 1980. He managed the Greensboro Hornets to the first half division title in 1984. Carlos managed Sarasota to the Gulf Coast League Championship in 1985 and earned GCL Manager of the Year honors.
He will serve as a coach at Sarasota in 1986."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
HOYT WILHELM (Pitching Coach, Ft. Lauderdale)
"Hoyt began his pro career in 1942 for the independent Mooresville, North Carolina club near his hometown of Huntersville. He moved into the Giants' farm system in 1948 at Knoxville and reached the big leagues in 1952.
He remained in the majors for the next 21 years, retiring in 1972 at age 46- as baseball's all-time premier relief pitcher. He holds the following major league career records: most games pitched (1,070), most games in relief (1,018), most innings in relief (1,870), most games finished (651) and most wins in relief (124).
Hoyt was used as a starter in the middle of his career (1958-60) and hurled a no-hitter for the Orioles against the Yankees in 1958. He also holds the distinction of hitting a home run in his first major league at-bat (April 23, 1952). He participated in the 1954 World Series with the Giants and was named to the NL All-Star team in 1953 and 1970, and to the AL All-Star team in 1959, 1961 and 1962. Hoyt was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
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