Other 1986 Yankee Profiles

BRITT BURNS
"The lefty pitcher the Yankees had sought since the end of the '85 season, Burns came from the White Sox with minor leaguers Mike Soper and Glen Braxton in a deal for Joe Cowley and Ron Hassey. He fell two wins short of 20 victories when he lost his last three starts, allowing 17 earned runs in 11 innings. His 18 wins still represented a career high.
Burns had four shutouts, tying him for the second spot in the AL in that department. He had three shutouts against Cleveland and combined for another against [them]. He went 21 1/3 without giving up a run during one stretch. Burns was bothered by a sore hip most of the season, though he did not miss any starts because of the injury.
Born in Houston, Burns was selected by the White Sox in the third round of the June 1978 draft. The Sox learned about him when a former Chicago Tribune book critic read an article about his high school heroics in Birmingham, Alabama and mailed it to White Sox president Bill Veeck; Burns was 35-2 with a 0.12 ERA in high school. He pitched in only 37 minor league games before sticking with the White Sox for good in 1980."

-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition

"Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, will sideline Britt Burns for the entire 1986 season.
'The worst part was that I was given the opportunity to play for this club, and now I don't have it,' said Britt after learning the news. 'You come to a new team, and you have the feeling that you're welcome and needed. There is a feeling of anticipation, and my presence helped contribute to that feeling. I'm disappointed I won't be able to do my part.'
In a much celebrated seven-player trade with the White Sox last winter, Burns became a Yankee. The 6'5" left-hander brought with him 70 wins in six-plus big league seasons. The medical experts will work this season at relieving the pain in Britt's right hip, and hopefully he'll be ready to pitch again next year.
Burns, who will be just 27 years old this season, says, 'I think I can be successful coming back. It's not completely over yet, but it's definitely a setback. The fat lady hasn't sung yet.'"

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Burns finished tied for third in the AL in victories with a team leading and personal high 18. He tied for second in the league with four shutouts, three of which were 4-hitters, the fourth being a 5-hit performance, and finished sixth in strikeouts with a career high 172.
Britt started a career high 34 games, appearing only twice in relief. He had four outings in which he achieved double figures in strikeouts, setting a personal single game high with 12 at Baltimore on July 1. Burns had three shutouts against Cleveland, ending the season with 33.2 consecutive scoreless innings against the Indians.
He volunteered to start the 1984 season in the bullpen due to the quality of White Sox starting pitching. Britt was placed back in the starting rotation six weeks into the season, his first start a May 13 8-1 win over Texas. He then went 0-8 in his next 11 starts and was returned to the bullpen on July 5. Britt returned to the starting rotation on September 7 and snapped a 10-game losing streak on September 12 with a 4-2 win at Oakland; his 10-game losing streak was the longest in the AL in 1984. His best game was on September 23 at Comiskey when he beat Seattle 4-0, allowing three hits in 8.2 innings. He recorded three seven-strikeout games in '84.
Burns began the 1983 season on the DL after being sidelined in spring training with a viral infection in his pitching arm. He didn't pitch in a game until May 9 and was inconsistent early. Burns returned to form late in the year and won several key games in the Sox' pennant chase. He pitched a 1-hit shutout against the Angels on September 9 in Chicago and followed that with a 2-hit blanking of the Angels in California on September 24. Despite only 26 starts, his four shutouts were second best in the AL. In 1982, Britt led the Sox in wins (13) and win-loss percentage (.722) despite missing the final weeks of the season with a shoulder injury.
Britt won six straight mid-season games in 1981 and was named to the AL All-Star team, but didn't appear in the game. His success was tempered when his father was struck by an automobile near Birmingham, Alabama on July 16 and passed away without regaining consciousness on September 12. Over his father's two-month fight for life, Britt commuted between his father's bedside and his starts in the rotation. He hurled 30 consecutive scoreless innings in August.
In 1980 he struck out 133 batters in his rookie season, second best in his career. Burns had a 15-13 record with a 2.84 ERA in only 32 starts and was named Sporting News rookie pitcher of the year.
He was 'discovered' by former Chicago Tribune book critic Robert Cromie, who read an article about Burns' high school heroics while in Birmingham on business. Cromie clipped the article and mailed it to White Sox president Bill Veeck, a friend of Cromie. Burns' sensational prep career included an 0.12 ERA and a 35-2 record with 30 hits, 30 walks and 292 strikeouts in 139 innings; included was an 18-game winning streak."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


DALE BERRA
"It was not an easy first year in pinstripes for the young infielder with the legendary last name. Dale Berra started the 1985 season platooning at third base, only to see limited playing time at that position after May.
The lack of playing time certainly didn't dampen Berra's spirits as me made the most of every opportunity. In the field he saw action at both third base and shortstop. As a baserunner, his aggressive style of play broke up several possible double plays, with Dale knocking opposing middle infielders to the dirt. His only homer of the year was a clutch ninth inning game-tying shot against Toronto. His only at-bat after August 31 was a September 15 pinch-hit RBI single, also against Toronto.
'I was certainly glad to play and contribute in any way I could,' says Berra."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Dale was used primarily at third base against left-handed pitchers in 1985, playing in 28 games through May. From June on, he totaled just 20 games played; he played four games in July, going 1-for-9, played three games in August, going 0-for-3, and had only one at-bat from August 31 on, getting a pinch-hit RBI single on September 15 against Toronto.
Dale was caught at home plate on August 2 against Chicago along with teammate Bobby Meacham on the same play. His only home run came on June 11 against Toronto- a ninth inning solo shot off Gary Lavelle tying the game- and his only game winning RBI came on June 8 at Milwaukee.
In 1975 Dale led the New York-Penn league with 49 RBI, making the league's All-Star team, and in 1976 led the Western Carolinas League (A) in games, was sixth in batting and made the WCL All-Star team. He made his major league debut on August 22, 1977 against San Diego and had his first big league hit and RBI on September 4 at Los Angeles. At Columbus [in '77], Dale tied for the team lead with 18 homers.
Dale was recalled from Columbus on July 29, 1978 and hit his first major league home run on August 20 off Houston's Tom Dixon. With Columbus that year, he tied for the club lead in homers and in stolen bases and was the top vote-getter for the International League All-Star team. Dale came north with the Pirates in April 1979 and saw action at both short and third. Sent to Portland (AAA) in mid-season, he was recalled on September 1 and hit .286 down the stretch run.
1980 was Dale's first full season in the majors. He hit his first career grand slam off the Mets' Mark Bomback on June 1, and filled in at shortstop for Tim Foli (injured) and third base for Bill Madlock (suspended). He opened the 1981 season as the regular second baseman due to an injury to Phil Garner. Dale filled in at second, short and third for the remainder of that year and stole 11 bases in 12 attempts.
In 1982 Dale became the full time Pirate shortstop, playing 153 games at the position, and combined with Johnny Ray to give Pittsburgh the best offensive double play combination in the league. In 1983, he set career highs for games, at-bats and walks, and tied career highs for doubles and home runs. He started all but two games and was the Pirate shortstop in all but 29 innings, playing more than other NL shortstop. Dale batted .333 with 10 doubles in his final 29 games, and [in '83] also established a new major league record by reaching first on catcher's interference seven times (his career total through '84 is 18). In 1984, Dale hit safely in a career high 11 [straight] games from July 13 to July 21. He hit his second career grand slam on August 8 at St. Louis, driving in a career high five runs [in a game] for the third time.
Dale is a graduate of Montclair (NJ) High School where he was twice All-State at shortstop, and was All-State and captain of both the football and hockey teams. He played Little League, American Legion and semi-pro ball in Montclair.
The son of Hall of Fame catcher and former Yankee manager Yogi Berra, Dale and his dad formed the first significant father-son/manager-player combination in baseball history. His brother Tim played NFL football and his brother Larry was a catcher in the Mets organization for two years."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


AL HOLLAND
"Not many ballplayers moved around as much as Al Holland did in 1985. In February [1986] he signed with the Yankees, the fourth team he's been with in the past year. The husky left-hander spent 1985 with the Phillies, Pirates and Angels, but he should have no worries about leaving the Yankees.
His career 2.72 ERA and knack for getting the big out coming out of the bullpen is exactly what the Yankees signed him for. Holland may not possess the stopper quality of a Dave Righetti, but he's a proven reliever. An 8-4 record and 24 saves in 1983 earned him the National League's Rolaids Fireman of the Year Award. A year later he picked up another 29 saves for Philadelphia.
Last year, however, he spent as much time packing as he did pitching. Consequently, he never got the opportunity to settle into a groove. Now, in New York, he's ready to regain the form that made him one of the game's best relievers just a short time ago."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


MARTY BYSTROM
"Trying to come back from off-season elbow surgery made the 1985 season generally an inactive and frustrating one for right-hander Marty Bystrom. He spent most of the year on the disabled list and pitched in only eight games for the Yankees, tallying a 3-2 record and 5.71 ERA. The arm never felt quite right, however, and he made his last start in early September. Good bye, 1985.
'There's not much you can do about injuries,' Bystrom says. 'But I'm thankful the Yankees have stuck by me. I worked hard to rehabilitate myself because I knew they were counting on me and I wanted to prove to them that the money they had spent on me would someday pay off.' Shaking off an injury-prone reputation is difficult for any athlete, but especially for a pitcher. His arm is his livelihood. It has to work. In 1986, Bystrom will make sure his does- and often."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"After undergoing ulnar nerve surgery on his right elbow in November 1984, Marty spent most of '85 rehabilitating. He was placed on the 60-day Emergency DL on April 8, remaining at Ft. Lauderdale to work, and was assigned to Columbus on injury rehab on June 16 where he remained until being brought to New York in July to continue his rehab. The right-hander was reinstated from the DL on July 23, making his first of '85 on July 28 at Texas and allowing seven runs (four earned) in 1.2 innings pitched. He won his next three decisions (in five starts), August 2-24, giving up eight homers in 41 innings pitched while allowing two homers in three of his eight starts. Elbow tenderness prevented him from pitching after his September 9 start.
In 1984 Bystrom was traded to the Yankees on June 30, joining the team on July 2 in Arlington where he won his first AL start on July 3. He was put on the disabled list on August 3 with a tender right elbow. Activated on September 3, Marty made only one appearance the remainder of he season. He underwent the elbow surgery on November 11.
Marty threw a shutout in his first major league start on September 10, 1980 at New York. He was 5-0 in the month of September, winning Pitcher of the Month honors, and the Phillies won every game he started, including Game 5 of the World Series. He had started the '80 season on the DL at Oklahoma City with a hamstring pull and did not pitch until May 18.
Bothered by a shoulder injury in 1981, Marty appeared in only 11 games between Philadelphia and Reading. He also began 1982 on the DL, this time due to the recurring shoulder problem carried over from 1981, and was activated on June 7. He was used primarily as a starter but made three relief appearances, missing two starts in July with shoulder stiffness. Marty then began the 1983 season on the DL with a strained rib cage muscle and was activated on May 3. He was sidelined again on August 21 with a tender right elbow and pitched one game at Peninsula as part of his injury rehabilitation program. Marty threw his second career shutout after returning from the DL, blanking Montreal 5-0.
In 1978 Marty led the Carolina League in innings pitched and shutouts while sharing the league lead with 15 wins. He pitched a 3-0 perfect game victory against Winston-Salem on August 12. In 1979, he jumped from Single-A to AAA where he tied for the American Association lead in games and was ninth in ERA.
Marty graduated from Killian (Miami) High School. He played American Legion baseball, played baseball at Miami-Dade Junior College and was originally signed by scouts Hugh Alexander and Catfish Smith."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


MIKE ARMSTRONG
"Mike Armstrong is on the rise, and not a minute too soon for the Yankees. During the 1985 off-season the team lost two right-handed relievers via the trade route, and Armstrong could be called onto fill that void.
Dealing with the pressure of big game situations is nothing new for Armstrong. In 1983, while with the Kansas City Royals, Mike was used as the all-important setup man for Dan Quisenberry, who set a then major league record with 45 saves.
After suffering arm and shoulder problems through much of 1984, Mike spent most of last season working his way back while pitching for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers. He wants to complete his comeback this year in New York."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Mike was assigned to Columbus on April 6, two days before Opening Day. He appeared in 13 games, going 1-0 with a save and 23 strikeouts in 20.2 innings. Recalled to the Yankees on June 3, Mike made his first Yankee appearance of the year on June 6 at Minnesota. He pitched in six games before being optioned to Columbus on July 17, and was again recalled on August 5. He made no appearances before another tip to the club's AAA affiliate on August 16 where he remained until September 5. He made just three appearances in September, allowing one run in eight innings pitched. Mike threw five innings on September 24 against Detroit, his longest outing as a Yankee.
Opposing batters hit just .173 against him. His nine games were the fewest of his [major league] career.
Mike began his career with the Reds organization as a 1st round selection in January 1974. He was traded to the Padres in 1979 and to the Royals in 1982. He made his major league debut with the Padres against Cincinnati on August 12, 1980, pitching one inning and allowing a walk. Mike made his AL debut on May 19, 1982 against the Yankees, allowing only two hits over three scoreless innings; he posted his first major league win on May 23 against Texas and his first major league save on June 29 against Oakland.
He had his first full major league season in 1983 and finished 32 of the 58 games he appeared in. He was the number two man in the Kansas City bullpen, often working in advance of Dan Quisenberry, who set a major league record with 45 saves (tied in 1984 by Bruce Sutter). In 1984, used primarily in middle inning relief, Mike notched his first Yankee win on July 16.
A native of Long Island, Mike played his college ball at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


VIC MATA
"An outstanding outfielder in waiting is the best way to describe the status of 24-year-old Vic Mata. He's traveled between New York and Triple-A Columbus the past two years, filling in where needed, but has yet to find a lasting spot on the Yankee bench. Mata's consistent bat, excellent range and strong arm make him a candidate for the Yankees' major league roster, but he's in the precarious position of playing behind some hefty talent in the Yankees outfield.
But the youngster from the Dominican Republic is in no hurry. Time is on his side, as they say. He'll contribute to the 1986 Yankees' pennant drive as a late-inning defensive replacement or pinch hitter. A talent like Mata's won't have to wait forever."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Mata came north with the Yankees at the outset of the '85 season due to the injury to Rickey Henderson. He made just two appearances (in right field on April 10 at Boston, and as a pinch hitter and in center on April 16 against Chicago) before being optioned to Columbus on April 22 to make room for Henderson's return. Vic was recalled from Columbus on June 2, when Ken Griffey was placed on the 15-day DL with a sprained left wrist, and played four games, going 1-for-5 with a run. He made only one start, June 11 at Toronto, before being optioned to Columbus on June 12 to make room for Griffey. He played in 104 games at Columbus in '85, 103 in the outfield, and hit .261. Vic was fourth on the team with 375 at-bats and 98 hits.
Now entering his ninth season in the Yankees organization, Vic progressed at each minor league level. Strictly an outfielder in his first three pro seasons, he played first, second and third base in addition to his outfield chores the following three years (playing 56 games at 2B in 1983 while in 74 as an outfielder). Signed by scout Willie Calvino for the 1978 season, Vic was named to the 1982 South Atlantic League All-Star team as an outfielder. He made his major league debut on July 22, 1984 against Minnesota, going 2-for-4.
What Vic remembers most about his first major league game is his first error (on the first ball hit to him) and his first hit. One of eight children, he graduated in 1977 from San Pablo High School in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


HENRY COTTO
"Henry Cotto has a problem. It's not an insurmountable problem but at times it can be troublesome. It's his glove. It's so good you never get around to noticing his potent bat. Cotto, a 25-year-old from Puerto Rico, came to New York from the Cubs before the 1985 season with the reputation of being an excellent outfielder with a strong arm. It was all true and still is.'
But many people don't realize he hit .304 in 34 games with the Yankees a year ago. A surplus of veteran outfielders squeezed Cotto off the Yankee bench and back to Triple-A Columbus for a good deal of the 1985 season. But when Cotto had the chance to swing the lumber in New York, he came through.
If he's given the opportunity to get his swings in this year he may develop a new problem- like having his bat overshadow his glove. He probably wouldn't mind dealing with that situation."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"He opened 1985 with the Yankees due to Rickey Henderson's injured ankle. After Henderson's late-April return, Henry was used as a late inning defensive replacement in both left and center fields. He went 8-for-26 (.286) in 21 games before being optioned to Columbus. He played 75 games in the Columbus outfield, hitting .257 and making just two errors. Recalled to New York on September 3, Henry played in 13 games through the season's end, starting his last six in left field. He went 2-for-4 with four RBIs in the final game of the season on October 6 at Toronto, hitting his first major league home run off Bill Caudill.
In 1984 Cotto earned his reputation as an excellent outfielder, appearing in 88 games in the Cubs' outfield, and his .984 fielding average was the team high for Cubs who appeared in more than 50 games. Inserted into three games of the NLCS against the Padres as a late inning defensive replacement, he went 1-for-1 in his only official at-bat in Game 1. Cotto appeared in Game 4 as a pinch runner and scored a run. He showed good speed on the bases as well as in the outfield in 1984, stealing nine bases in 12 attempts. Henry was traded to the Yankees in December of '84.
Henry displayed a good arm in 1981, leading Midwest League outfielders in assists, and in 1982 led Texas League outfielders in total chances (333) and putouts (310) while leading the league in stolen bases with 52. In 1983, he tied for the American Association lead in caught stealing with 17.
Henry has a perfect 1.000 percentage in both batting (1-for-1) and fielding (2-for-2) in postseason play."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


JUAN ESPINO
"In 1985 Juan had his contract purchased from Columbus on June 21. He played in six games between June 23 and July 2, all at catcher, starting three games, then was outrighted to Columbus on July 3. Juan went 2-for-4 on June 23 at Detroit and 2-for-3 on June 26 at Baltimore- the only games in which he hit safely, as he had only four at-bats the rest of the season.
Juan's contract was again purchased from Columbus on August 30. He appeared in only three games [more] games through October. At Columbus he hit .250 in 74 games, catching 73.
Juan had been in the Yankee organization for nine seasons before being sold to the Cleveland Indians organization in March of 1984. He was named to the International League All-Star team as a catcher for Maine.
Signed by Epy Guerrero for the 1975 season, Juan had his first major league hit on May 24, 1983 at California and his first major league homer on September 7 at Milwaukee off Jaime Cocanower."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


MIKE EASLER
"'The Hit Man' missed a lot in 1985. His average went from .313 in 1984 to .262 last year, his homers declined from 27 to 16 and his RBI total dropped from 91 to 74. Easler played 130 games as a designated hitter and 20 games as an outfielder. He hit 16 homers at Fenway in 1984, but managed only four at home in 1985.
Easler was a sixth round pick by the Astros in the June 1969 draft. A classic late bloomer, he spent 10 years in the minors with four organizations before finally spending an entire year in the big leagues with Pittsburgh in 1979. He hit for the cycle in 1980. Born in Cleveland, Easler played in the 1981 All-Star Game in his hometown.
He was acquired by the Red Sox by Pittsburgh for John Tudor after the 1983 season. His wife Brenda is the sister of the Blue Jays' Cliff Johnson."

-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition


RON KITTLE
"Kittle suffered through a miserable first half after injuring his right shoulder by running into the left field wall on the first weekend of the season. He tried to play with the injury before the White Sox finally put him on the disabled list on July 4. On August 8, he was hitting .191 with eight homers and 17 RBI; from that point on he hit 18 homers, drove in 41 runs and raised his average to .230. Kittle hit two homers in a game five times.
Born in Gary, Indiana, Kittle was signed by the Dodgers as a free agent in 1977. He underwent a spinal fusion after his first pro season and was released in 1978. He was signed by the White Sox after a special tryout in September 1978 that was arranged by former Chicago pitcher Billy Pierce. Kittle was an iron construction worker at the time. He was chosen Minor League Player of the Year in 1982, when he hit .345 with 50 homers and 144 RBI for Edmonton (AAA)."

-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition


WAYNE TOLLESON
"The White Sox acquired this second baseman from the Rangers along with Dave Schmidt for Scott Fletcher and Ed Correa during the off-season. In 123 games in 1985, Tolleson batted .313, a full 100 points higher than his 1984 average, and boasted the fifth highest average in the AL among players with 200 or more at-bats. He improved tremendously against right-handed pitching, hitting .333 from the left side in 1985, a big improvement over his .189 mark in 1984. Tolleson stole 21 bases, marking his third straight season in which he had at least 20.
Selected by Texas in the eighth round of the June 1978 draft, Tolleson was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He was a high school teammate of NFL quarterback Steve Fuller and was the wide receiver who led the NCAA in pass receptions in his senior year at Western Carolina."

-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition


CLAUDELL WASHINGTON
"Limited to 122 games by injuries, but this right fielder still enjoyed a consistent season. Washington had only one poor month, batting .257 in August. He batted .294 against right-handers. Washington has the distinction of being one of three men with three-homer games in each league, joining Babe Ruth and Johnny Mize.
Born in Los Angeles, he didn't play prep baseball, but was discovered on the sandlots and signed as a free agent by the A's in 1972. He reached the majors to stay in his third year as a pro and batted .308 for Oakland in his first full season.
Washington batted .571 in the 1974 World Series as a rookie and has two hits in three All-Star Game trips. He signed with the Braves as a free agent in 1981 and batted .333 for Atlanta in the 1982 NLCS."

-Nick Peters, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition


DR. JOHN J. BONAMO (Team Physician)
"Dr. John J. Bonamo is in his eighth season as the Yankees team doctor. He is a clinical associate professor of orthopedic surgery at New York University Hospital in Manhattan."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Dr. John J. Bonamo enters his eighth year as the Yankees team physician. He is an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Staten Island and NYU Hospitals, and is a graduate of Boston College and New York Medical College."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


GENE MONAHAN (Trainer)
"Gene Monahan is in his 15th season as Yankees trainer. He has spent 24 years in pro baseball and is a certified member of N.A.T.A."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Gene was born in Rolla, Missouri and received a B.S. in physical education at Indiana University in 1969. A certified member of NATA [National Athletic Trainers Association] and a member of PBATS [Professional Baseball Athletics Trainers Society], serving as chairman of the grants and scholarships committee, he has 24 years of service in professional baseball. Gene started in 1962 at Ft. Lauderdale and is entering his 14th year at the helm of the Yankee training duties."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


STEVE DONOHUE (Assistant Trainer)
"Steve Donohue is in his first year as the Yankees assistant trainer. He has been in the Yankees organization since 1979. Steve graduated the University of Louisville."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Steve was born in Bronxville, New York and received a B.S. in physical education from the University of Louisville. A certified member of NATA and a certified member of New York State EMT [Emergency Medical Technicians], Steve is in his first season as the Yankees' assistant trainer. He has been a member of the Yankees organization since 1979 working at West Haven (1979), Nashville (1980-81) and Columbus (1982-85).
Steve was also assistant trainer for the New York Jets (1974-78) and assistant trainer for the University of Louisville's NCAA Championship basketball team in 1980."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


JEFF MANGOLD (Strength and Conditioning Coach)
"Jeff Mangold is in his third year as the Yankees strength and conditioning coach. He supervises in-season and off-season weight and conditioning programs."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


NICK PRIORE (Clubhouse Manager)
"Nick Priore has worked in the Yankees clubhouse for over 20 years. He was Pete Sheehy's assistant."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Nick Priore, who was Pete Sheehy's assistant in the Yankees clubhouse for over 20 years, is joined this year by Bob Fleming."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


BOB FLEMING (Assistant Clubhouse Manager)
"Bob Fleming is in his first year as the Yankees clubhouse man. He works closely with Nick Priore."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


LOU CUCUZZA (Visitors Clubhouse Manager)
"Lou Cucuzza is in his 11th season of hosting the visiting teams at Yankee Stadium."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Lou Cucuzza is in his 11th year running the visitors clubhouse at the Stadium."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


STEVE GREGORY (Umpires' Room Attendant)
"Steve Gregory is in charge of the umpires locker room for the eighth season."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


BOB SHEPPARD (Public Address Announcer)
"Bob Sheppard has been the public address Voice of the Yankees for 35 years. He also teaches speech at St. John's University."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


EDDIE LAYTON (Stadium Organist)
"Eddie Layton is the Yankee Stadium organist and has recorded over 25 albums. He also records commercials, and plays at Radio City and other New York entertainment centers."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


JIMMY ESPOSITO (Head Groundskeeper)
"Jimmy Esposito has been working on the Yankee Stadium field for over 26 years. He first started 40 years ago at Ebbets Field and also worked for the Los Angeles Dodgers."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Jimmy Esposito, chief of the Yankee ground crew, began his role in 1960 after 14 seasons with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


DOM SCALA (Bullpen Catcher)
"Dom Scala, former All-American from St. John's University, is the Yankees bullpen catcher and works closely with the coaching staff."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Dom Scala, the Yankees' bullpen catcher, is in his ninth season in that capacity. He is a graduate of St. John's University and played in the Oakland organization."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


JIM OGLE (Yankees Alumni Association)
"Jim Ogle heads the Yankees Alumni Association and coordinates Old Timers' Day. He was a New York sportswriter for over 20 years."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


MARSH SAMUEL (Spring Training Coordinator)
"Marsh Samuel began his baseball career as a publicist with the 1946 White Sox. He developed the first press guide."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


MIKE BATCHKO (Batting Practice Pitcher)
"Mark Batchko is in his second season as batting practice pitcher. He also charts the Yankee defense and is in charge of the Yankees' computer statistics."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


MIKE BARNETT (Video Coordinator)
"Mike Barnett is in his fifth year coordinating the Yankees' videotape operations."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide