LOU PINIELLA (Manager)
"Piniella stepped into the most difficult job in baseball as a rookie manager and did well, piloting the Yankees to a 90-72 record. Despite minimal contact with George Steinbrenner over a long stretch and uncertainty over whether he'd be retained, he received a two-year contract and a substantial raise over his $200,000 first-year salary in October.
He showed more patience with starting pitchers as the year progressed. Injuries to the pitching staff forced him to start five rookies at one time or another. He went through six shortstops and four catchers. He got effort from his players to the end as the Yanks swept a season-ending four-game series in Boston to secure a second straight second-place finish. Piniella didn't go to a set lineup until early August and admitted that was too late.
Piniella retired as a player on June 17, 1984 with a .291 [batting] average in 1,747 games. He was named AL Rookie of the Year for Kansas City in 1969. An outfielder, he was traded to the Yankees with Ken Wright for Lindy McDaniel before the 1974 season and spent his last 11 years with New York, batting .295. Piniella hit .305 in five AL Championship Series and .319 in four World Series.
He was known as 'Sweet Lou' by fans, who responded to his fiery nature. He was born in Tampa, Florida."
-Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1987 Edition
"Lou Piniella's name has become synonymous with Yankees pride and tradition. As a player his trademark was a fiery intensity and a strong desire to win, an attitude which helped him to develop into one of the toughest hitters in the history of the game. This same intensity and work ethic also made Piniella a winner as a coach and a manager.
In his first year as a player, Piniella was named Rookie of the Year, and he would go on to become one the most respected hitters in baseball. His .295 career Yankees average places him in the top ten on the team's all-time list, and his best performances seemed to come in clutch situations- like a .438 [batting] average in the six-game World Series in 1981.
To continue listing all of Piniella's playing accomplishments would be both endless and fruitless, as Sweet Lou moved up the company ladder and now rests on his accomplishments as a major league manager.
'I think Lou Piniella did a fantastic job,' praised former skipper Billy Martin. 'The way he kept the team in the race, with all the pitching problems he faced, I think he deserved to be Manager of the Year.' While the rookie manager didn't capture the prestigious first-year distinction he did as a player (he was one of five managers to receive votes), Piniella did receive a reward for his accomplishments, a new two-year contract.
'We are pleased with Lou's performance as the club's manager this past season, and the experience he gained last year should make him even better,' said General Manager Woody Woodward. 'We are happy he will be returning for the next two seasons.'
Working with a much maligned pitching staff, Piniella guided the Yankees to a second place finish in the A.L. East, with the fifth best record (90-72) in the majors. Being determined and hard working worked for Piniella and it's working for him as a manager. When he accepted the job he said it was up to him to make the most of the opportunity, and he sure did.
'First as a player and then as a manager, I grew to understand and appreciate the Yankees' tradition of success, and I'm looking forward to beginning my second year as the club's manager."
-The New York Yankees Official 1987 Yearbook
"Entering his second season as manager of the Yankees, Lou was re-signed to a two-year contract on October 10, 1986. He guided the Yankees to a 90-72 record last year, the fifth best record in the major leagues. Under his direction, the Yankees finished strongly, posting an 18-7 record over the season's final 25 games, including a four-game sweep of the Red Sox, to finish second in the American League Eastern Division. Lou was one of five managers to receive votes from the BBWAA for AL Manager of the Year.
Lou received three ejections- on April 26 against Cleveland by Tim Tschida for arguing a called third strike, on July 9 at Texas by Rick Reed resulting from an argument begun earlier at third base, and on August 2 at Cleveland by Rocky Roe for arguing a strike call. He served a two-game suspension in Chicago on May 5-6 as a result of bumping Tschida prior to his April 26 ejection.
He originally was named as the Yankees manager on October 17, 1985. Lou retired officially on June 17, 1984 and was named a Yankee coach, the position he held until named as Yankee manager. He was honored with Lou Piniella Day on August 5, 1984.
Lou was a consistent player, recognized as one of baseball's most professional hitters, and was always extremely tough for the Yankees in the clutch. His .295 lifetime batting average with the Yankees ranks him 11th among the team's all-time leaders. He was originally signed by Cleveland scout and former Yankee Spud Chandler. Lou was named by the BBWAA as the American League Rookie of the Year while a member of the Kansas City Royals in 1969.
He missed most of 1975 with an inner ear problem that required mid-season surgery. Lou returned to regular duty in 1976 and was runner-up to teammate Dock Ellis for Comeback Player of the Year.
Lou was always an excellent postseason performer. In 1977 he hit safely in all five ALCS games and in 1978 hit safely in all six World Series games. Lou hit safely in the first three games of the 1981 World Series to extend his personal World Series hitting streak to nine games; he led all Yankee hitters with a .438 average that Series.
In 1981 he led all American League designated hitters (50 or more games as a DH) in batting average (.344) and was second in the league as a pinch hitter (25 or more at-bats) with a .360 average. On August 24, 1981 Lou was asked to help the Yankee coaching staff as a batting instructor, working with his teammates on the fine art of hitting.
Lou was always one of the Yankees' most exciting players and fans welcomed each of his at-bats with chants of 'Lou, Lou.' He's a native of the Tampa, Florida area and is of Spanish ancestry. He enjoys the stock market and operates restaurants in the New York area as well as in the Kansas City suburbs."
-1987 New York Yankees Information Guide
JAY WARD (Coach)
"When Jay Ward joined the Yankees as the team's hitting instructor, he provided one fine job reference- Lou Piniella, considered one of the finest hitters in the game. Piniella was a teammate of Ward's in 1967 with Portland, and the manager is excited about having Ward on his staff in 1987.
Jay's playing career spanned fifteen years, and while his term in the majors lasted for only 27 games, he added another 1,000 contests as a minor leaguer.
His coaching experience includes two years of managing in the Phillies' system and the last two seasons with the Reds, where he piloted their Class-A club to a second place finish in 1985 and their Double-A club to the league championship a year ago. Now Ward will be looking to make winners of the Bronx Bombers."
-The New York Yankees Official 1987 Yearbook
"Ward joined the Yankees as the club's hitting coach on October 30, 1986. He served the past two seasons as a manager in the Cincinnati Reds' farm system. In 1986 he led the Vermont Reds to a 77-62 record and the Class-AA Eastern League Championship; in 1985 he led the Class-A Midwest League Cedar Rapids Reds to a 78-61 mark and a second place Central Division finish.
In the previous two seasons he managed in the Philadelphia Phillies' farm system, at Spartanburg in the Class-A South Atlantic League in 1984 and at Bend (Oregon) in the Class-A Northwest League in 1983. Jay also managed in the Minnesota Twins organization in 1972 before spending the next 10 years in private business.
Jay played professionally as an infielder and outfielder for 15 years, including brief major league service with Minnesota (1963-64) and Cincinnati (1970), playing a total of 27 games with those clubs. He spent most of his playing career with various teams in the Pacific Coast League, including the 1967 season when he was a teammate of Lou Piniella's at Portland, and played in over 1,000 minor league contests before his retirement in 1971. He hit 20 or more home runs five times in the minor leagues and hit 241 home runs during his pro career. Jay hit grand slams in two successive innings against Holdrege on June 30, 1956 while with Kearney in the Nebraska State League. His .966 fielding percentage was tops among PCL third basemen in 1967 and he led the PCL with 35 doubles in 1969. He spent one season (1966) playing in the Japanese Central League.
He signed his first professional contract with the Yankees after graduating from Highland (IL) High School where he was an all-state basketball player and four-sport star. Jay played college basketball."
-1987 New York Yankees Information Guide
STUMP MERRILL (Coach)
"Yankees tradition is built on winning, and Carl Merrill fits that mold. Since joining the Yankees in 1978, Carl has been a proven winner at every level of the organization.
From 1978 through 1984 Stump managed four different farm clubs with the Yankees, finishing first in five out of those seven seasons. In 1985 he took over a struggling Columbus club in May and led that team to a fourth place finish and a spot in the playoffs. Last season manager Lou Piniella promoted Merrill to his major league staff where he served as administrative coach, positioning the team's defense from a press box location.
This year Stump will have a more hands-on experience, serving as the team's first base coach."
-The New York Yankees Official 1987 Yearbook
"Stump begins the 1987 season as Yankee first base coach. He spent 1986 as the club's administrative coach, with special emphasis on positioning the team's defense from his press box location as well as well as working with manager Lou Piniella on a variety of day-to-day responsibilities. Stump started the 1985 campaign as the Yankee first coach, then switched positions with Doug Holmquist on May 7, going to Columbus when Billy Martin returned as manager.
After spending his entire six-year playing career as a catcher in the Phillies farm system, Stump joined the Yankees organization in 1977 as pitching coach at West Haven. Prior to the beginning of his professional coaching and managing career, he spent time at his college alma mater [University of Maine, Orono] as assistant baseball coach under the late Jack Butterfield.
Stump joined the managerial ranks in 1978 at West Haven and led his clubs to the playoffs or to outright championships [five times in seven years]. He guided his 1978 and 1982 teams to league championships and was named manager of the Eastern League All-Star team in 1978. In 1980 Stump was Southern League Manager of the Year and All-Star Manager and led Nashville to a league record 97 wins.
He spends the fall and winter months as offensive backfield coach for the Bowdoin College football team in Brunswick and also enjoys officiating high school basketball."
-1987 New York Yankees Information Guide
MIKE FERRARO (Coach)
"They say you can never go back, but somehow Mike Ferraro keeps making his way back to the Yankees. Mike is rejoining the team as third base coach in 1987, the post he held with the Yankees from 1979 through 1982.
He played four years in the majors, including his rookie year with the Yankees in 1966 and a return to Pinstripes for part of the 1968 season. During that year he tied a major league record for most assists by a third baseman in one game with 11.
His success in the organization continued when he managed five seasons (1974-78) in the Yankees' farm system, where he enjoyed a 331-221 record (.600); he never had a losing record. Following the 1982 season, Mike spent two and a half seasons as Dick Howser's third base coach in Kansas City before being named interim manager of the Royals [last] July.
So again in 1987, Ferraro returns to the Yankees, where he hopes to continue years of Pinstripe success."
-The New York Yankees Official 1987 Yearbook
"Ferraro rejoined the Yankees as the club's third base coach on October 21, 1986. He previously served as a Yankee coach for four seasons, from 1979 through 1982, and then was named manager of the Cleveland Indians in 1983. Ferraro posted a record of 40-60 with the Tribe through July 31, 1983 before being relieved of his duties.
He spent two and a half seasons as Dick Howser's third base coach with the Kansas City Royals until being named their interim manager on July 17, 1986. He continued in that role through the completion of the 1986 season.
Prior to his major league coaching and managing experience, he managed five seasons (1974-78) in the Yankee farm system, compiling a 331-221 (.600) record and never had a losing year. Mike led Oneonta (Class-A) to the New York-Penn League title in 1974 and concluded his minor league managing career with a Pacific Coast League championship at Tacoma in 1978.
Mike was the 1964 Player of the Year in the Florida State League (.317, 158 hits, 77 RBIs in 139 games). He played four seasons in the majors, including parts of the 1966 and 1968 seasons with the Yankees. Mike has a career .232 batting average with a pair of home runs and 30 RBIs in 162 games. He tied a major league record on September 14, 1968 for most assists by a third baseman, 11, while playing for the Yankees against the Washington Senators. Mike retired in 1972 following a season with Milwaukee.
A standout high school athlete, Mike scored a school record 53 points, shooting 24-for-30 from the floor, for the Kingston (NY) High School basketball team in 1961."
-1987 New York Yankees Information Guide
JEFF TORBORG (Coach)
"Led by Dave Righetti's save record, the Yankees bullpen captured the award for the best pen in baseball on the Rolaids relief system in 1986. It was an important accomplishment in light of the problems with the starters, and just as steady with the relievers was bullpen coach Jeff Torborg.
As the faces of the coaching staff continue to change, he goes seemingly unnoticed, quietly and confidently going about his job. Having been with the Yankees since 1979, the coach offers a wide variety of experience to the team's relief corps. As manager of the Indians from 1977-79, and having played in the majors as a catcher for ten years, Torborg offers a wealth of varied experience and knowledge to today's players. One important lesson he teaches his bullpen pitchers is how to win. In his day, Torborg played on a World Champion and a N.L. pennant winner, caught three no-hitters and two single-season strikeout records. He knows what it takes to be a winner."
-The New York Yankees Official 1987 Yearbook
"Torborg serves as Yankee bullpen coach. He joined the Yankee coaching staff on August 1, 1979 after his dismissal as manager of the Indians on July 23. He had managed the Tribe since June 19, 1977, compiling a record of 157-201, and prior to that was a coach for the Indians beginning with the 1975 season, serving under Frank Robinson.
He played 10 years in the majors, seven with the Dodgers and three with the Angels. He played on the World Champion Dodgers in 1965 and on their NL pennant winner in 1966. Jeff caught two no-hitters with the Dodgers, by Sandy Koufax in 1965 and Bill Singer in 1970, and also caught a Nolan Ryan no-hitter with the Angels in 1973; the major league record for no-hitters caught is four by Ray Schalk. He was also behind the plate when Don Drysdale threw his fifth consecutive shutout in 1968, and caught Koufax and Ryan when they set single season strikeout records. Jeff retired after the 1973 season.
A native of northern Jersey, Jeff earned a B.S. in education from Rutgers and has a Masters degree in athletic administration from Montclair State. His thesis was on the effects of platooning in baseball. In his senior year at Rutgers, Jeff hit .537 to lead the NCAA in batting and set a record that still stands.
He is a contributing author to a variety of baseball publications and recently was appointed to the New Jersey Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports."
-1987 New York Yankees Information Guide
MARK CONNOR (Coach)
"The Yankees have been known for changing pitching coaches almost as often as they change managers, so the fact that Mark Connor will be holding that job again in 1987 is a tribute to the way he molded the pitching staff last season. Mark had the unenviable task of keeping the Yankees pitching steady despite injuries, slumps and the arrival of several young and inexperienced pitchers, and he came through like the winner he has been.
After joining the Yankees organization in 1978, Mark climbed the company ladder to the major leagues, going from being the pitching coach at Paintsville in 1978 to Columbus in 1982. His first stint as a major league pitching instructor began in June 1984 and lasted for over a year, until he assumed his duties as the roving organizational coach. Connor joined Piniella's staff in May 1986 and, after achieving miraculous results last year, is back with the team again in 1987."
-The New York Yankees Official 1987 Yearbook
"Mark begins the season as the Yankees' pitching coach, a role he assumed on May 17, 1986 after starting the '86 campaign as the club's minor league pitching coach. This is his second stint as the Yankees' pitching coach, having previously been named to that position on June 18, 1984. Mark served in that capacity for over a year before assuming other organizational responsibilities.
Prior to his promotion to the Yankees mid-way through the '84 season he was in his second year as pitching coach for the club's AAA farm team at Columbus. Mark also served as pitching coach at Greensboro for three seasons (1980-82), as a Yankee scout in 1979 (his first year with the organization) and as a pitching coach at Paintsville (1978). He was pitching coach at the University of Tennessee from 1974-78.
Mark graduated from Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York in 1967. He attended Belmont Abbey College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Manhattan College, where he received the Topps Award as a college All-Star in 1970. He struck out 20 Columbia University batters in a 1971 game.
He spent two seasons in the Twins' minor league system. Mark attended graduate school for his Master's degree at the University of Tennessee in 1974-75 before beginning his coaching career."
-1987 New York Yankees Information Guide
STAN WILLIAMS (Coach)
"You may not have heard his name in recent years, but he's been around. Stan Williams rejoins the Yankees coaching ranks in 1987, continuing his long-term affiliation with the organization.
Since he joined the club in 1979 as a pitching coach for the International League Columbus Clippers, Williams has been with the Yankees in all but one season (1984). During his tenure he has served as a major league pitching coach, a scout, and for the past two seasons as a special assignment scout.
In 1958 he began his [major league] playing days with a 2-hit, 1-0 shutout for the Dodgers at Wrigley Field. He would go on to have a 21-year pitching career, including two years in Pinstripes (1963-64).
Williams brings his wealth of experience back to the playing field as he splits his duties as a pitching coach and administration coach in 1987."
-The New York Yankees Official 1987 Yearbook
"Stan continues his association with the Yankees in 1987, this year splitting his coaching responsibilities between pitching and administration. He has been a member of the Yankee organization for all but one year since 1979 (in 1984 he was pitching coach at Cincinnati under Vern Rapp, and held that position until Pete Rose took over as manager). Upon leaving the Reds, Stan rejoined the Yankees wearing the hats of major league scout, special assignment scout and advance scout- positions held through the '85 and '86 seasons.
He originally joined the Yankee organization in 1979 as pitching coach for Gene Michael's International League Champion Columbus Clippers. Stan was the Yankee pitching coach in 1980 when the Yankees were second in the A.L. in ERA and led the league in shutouts, saves and fewest home runs allowed. In 1981 he began the year as Yankee coach, but was delegated other responsibilities just prior to the All-Star Game. In 1982 he was a major league scout during spring training, then pitching coach when Gene Michael was named manager. After Clyde King replaced Michael as manager on August 3, Stan became an advance scout before ending the season as pitching coach at Columbus.
Stan was Bob Lemon's pitching coach with the White Sox in 1977 and '78. He previously served as the Red Sox pitching coach in 1975 and '76.
He pitched for 21 years, finishing as a player-manager at Bristol in 1974. He came up to the majors with the Dodgers in 1958 and pitched a 2-hit, 1-0 shutout in Wrigley Field in his debut. He made a relief appearance against the White Sox in the 1959 World Series. Stan spent five years with the Dodgers, winning 57 games, and then was traded to the Yankees for Bill Skowron in November of 1962.
He pitched with the Yankees for two years, then was traded to Cleveland where he remained from 1965 through 1969. He went to the Twins after '69 along with Luis Tiant in exchange for Dean Chance, Bob Miller, Ted Uhlander and Graig Nettles. Stan appeared in 68 games for Minnesota in 1970, going 10-1 with a 1.99 ERA. He finished up [his major league career] with Boston in 1972, and on June 29, 1974 pitched a seven inning, 9-0 no-hit victory [for Bristol] against Quebec City in the second game of a doubleheader. Stan has also managed in the Puerto Rican Winter League.
In a 10-day span last September, Stan turned 50, celebrated the birth of his first grandchild, notched a hole-in-one at the Hartwell Golf Course in Long Beach and hit a 'pick-six' at Hollywood Park."
-1987 New York Yankees Information Guide
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