"Green represents the 16th managerial change in 16 years during the wild reign of principal owner George Steinbrenner and is only the fourth Yankee manager in the past 20 years never to have played for the team. Named October 7 to replace Lou Piniella, he was given a two-year contract.
Green is emphasizing discipline and team play to the star-studded Yankees. His favorite slogan is 'We, not I.' He used that theme in managing Philadelphia to the World Championship in 1980, the franchise's first such triumph in 97 years. In 1983, Phillies fans chose Green as manager of the Centennial Team.
He had worked extensively in the Phillies' farm system since 1967 after spending most of his pitching career in the Phillies organization. Green compiled a lifetime major league record of 20-22, and his major league managerial mark stands at 169-30.
Named Executive of the Year in 1984 after rebuilding the Cubs into NL East champions as general manager, Green served in that capacity from 1982-87 before clashes with officials of the Tribune Company, which owns the Cubs, led to his dismissal.
Born in Newport, Delaware, Green is considered a great judge of young talent. This strong-willed individual figures to have more than a few battles with meddling Steinbrenner."
-Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1989 Edition
"The Yankees organization wants to do something different in 1989. With one fell swoop, the club has brought in an entirely new coaching staff, headed by new manager Dallas Green. And while Green may be the 10th different manager since George Steinbrenner became owner in 1973, he is only the fourth manager in 20 years never to have played for the club. He is the first manager to have come from outside the organization since 1975.
'I'm coming in here as a new guy,' Green says, 'because everybody who supposedly knew all about these guys hadn't gotten the job done.' What the Yankees want in 1989 is an experienced baseball man, one who can revamp this club. That's exactly what they have in Green, a man who has viewed the game from many different levels. As a pitcher he spent eight seasons in the majors. He later managed the Phillies to a World Championship in 1980, and as Cubs General Manager assembled a team that won the NL East in 1984.
This is the type of experience and success the Yankees were looking for. 'We settled on Dallas Green right off the bat,' says Yankee GM Bob Quinn. 'We didn't even have a list of other possibilities.' Green has the ability to help mold a winning team and lead it to a championship.
Known in baseball circles as a tough man, Green showed that reputation immediately after first donning the Pinstripes. He's been part of drastic changes, including dropping longtime Yankee Willie Randolph, the trading of big names Jack Clark and Rich Rhoden and the signing of many new free agents. 'There's been a lot of talent here, but they haven't been together, it's been a group of individuals,' Green explains. 'We can do a lot better this year if the players work as a team.'
Baseball's Executive of the Year in 1984, Green is tough, experienced, successful and ready for the challenges as Yankee manager in 1989.
'In me you've got a guy who will work his butt off to accomplish something that hasn't happened here since 1978. My job is to convince the players that it can be done.'"
-New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook
"Named Yankee manager on October 7, 1988, replacing Lou Piniella, Green joins the Yankees with a great deal of experience on all levels of baseball, as a player, manager and front office executive. He becomes the 27th individual ever to manage the Yankees. He becomes only the fourth Yankee manager in the last 20 years never to have played for the club (the others were Bill Virdon, Bob Lemon and Clyde King).
Dallas spent six years (1982-87) as General Manager of the Chicago Cubs, with additional responsibilities as the team's President for his last three years there. He built the 1984 National League Eastern Division Champions, the first Cubs team since 1945 to compete in postseason play. Among his many acquisitions were his trades for Ryne Sandberg, who went on to win the National League Most Valuable Player award in 1984, and Rick Sutcliffe, who won the 1984 National League Cy Young Award. Dallas was named Executive of the Year by the Sporting News, United Press International and ESPN. That same season he was named Chicago's Man of the Year by the Chicago Press Club. In addition to rejuvenating the parent team's success, Green also bolstered the Cubs' minor league operation. He originally joined the Cubs in October of 1981.
Before joining the Cubs, Green worked his way up the Philadelphia Phillies organization following his retirement as an active player, culminating in 1980 when he managed the Phillies to a World Championship. He started serving in the Phillies' farm system as a player-coach at Reading (AA) in 1967. In 1968 he managed Huron of the Northern League (A) and the following year he piloted Pulaski to the Appalachian League (Rookie) championship. In 1970 he became the assistant to Paul Owens, Philadelphia's Director of Minor Leagues, and Green became head of that department in June 1972.
Green held that position until August 31, 1979, when he replaced Danny Ozark as the Phillies' manager, leading the team to a 19-11 record the remainder of the season. The following year, Green's first full season as a major league manager, the Phillies finished with a 91-71 mark and won the NL Eastern Division title. The Phillies defeated Houston in the League Championship Series in five games before winning the World Series over Kansas City in six games. That World Series title was the first for the franchise in 97 years.
The following season, 1981, Green led the Phillies to the first-half NL East title with a record of 34-24 and a berth in the Divison Championship Series where they eventually were defeated 3-2 by the Montreal Expos. He managed the National League to a 5-4 win in the 1981 All-Star Game at Cleveland. Overall that season the Phillies posted a 59-48 record, the third best record in the NL East.
Dallas was recognized for his achievements in 1983 when Phillies fans named him the manager of the Philadelphia Centennial Team.
Before joining the Phillies' front office, Dallas played five and a half years in Philadelphia's farm system, beginning in 1955 before spending six years (1960-64 and 1967) with the parent team. He also made short stops with the Washington Senators (1965) and New York Mets (1966). He retired after the 1967 season with a major league record of 20-22.
Dallas was born in Newport, Delaware and attended the University of Delaware, where he received a Bachelor's degree in 1981. He married the former Sylvia Taylor in 1958 and they have four children: Dana, John, Kim and Douglas. Dallas was awarded the 1988 Class Act Award by the Philadelphia Baseball Writers' Association."
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
MEET THE MANAGER: DALLAS GREEN LEADS THE WAY
"Dallas Green has met the challenge as a manager with Philadelphia and as general manager with the Chicago Cubs.
The New York Yankees' newest manager, the 10th different skipper since 1973, has climbed the baseball mountain of peaks and valleys before. He is no stranger to motivating players when needed, rebuilding teams when required, and demanding results when seen fit.
Players and managers come and go, but few individuals leave impressions as indelible as those left by Green. Hard working, tough-nosed and intense are all adjectives used to describe this man who commands respect and earns it.
Green's managerial approach is laden with the utmost desire to succeed.
In three years with the Phillies, Green produced a 169-130 record, two first places and a World Championship in 1980.
The former Philadelphia manager arrived in New York at the request of Yankees Principal Owner George Steinbrenner, who was saddled with a talented team lost in direction. A core of Don Mattingly, Rickey Henderson and Dave Winfield is a firm foundation on which to build any organization. But even these great talents could not overcome a pitching staff lacking in depth and whose inconsistency spelled doom down the stretch.
The hiring of Green became a two-fold process.
First, the Yankees loved the fact that he led the Phillies to glory with guts and guile and an intensity level that summoned the optimum effort from each player.
'He is the most intense manager I've ever played for, and is into winning as much as anyone I've ever known,' said Larry Bowa, who played for Green and whose intensity level neared combustible proportions while managing the San Diego Padres.
It was clear that Green had the ability as a manager to drive individuals to their unknown potential.
Secondly, as general manager of the Cubs, Green helped the 1984 National League Eastern Division champions, the first Cubs team since 1945 to compete in postseason play. His ability to spot talent (i.e. the acquisitions of Ryne Sandberg and Rick Sutcliffe) helped play a major role in the team's success and renewed power in the NL.
By season's end last year, general manager Bob Quinn and Steinbrenner decided a new turn had to be taken and Green would lead the way.
'I've known Dallas for 20 years and have always thought very highly of him,' Quinn said. 'We settled on Dallas right off the bat. We did not entertain a list of names.'
Faced with the task of rebuilding a pitching corps that compiled just 16 complete games, whose top winner recorded 13 victories and was void of a 200-inning pitcher, Quinn and Green acted fast.
The new manager pitched eight years in the majors and has a penchant for spotting strong arms. The search was on.
'That's my expertise,' Green explained [about pitching]. 'I think I know something about pitching. I handled a pitching staff that was very difficult to handle in Philadelphia in 1980 when the Phillies won.'
DH Jack Clark was shipped off to San Diego for pitchers Jimmy Jones, 25, Lance McCullers, 26, and outfielder Stanley Jefferson.
Jones and free agent signee Dave LaPoint (217 IP) represent a trend toward fresh arms [sic] who can combine quality innings with quantity in innings.
Lacking a true ace, the Yankees plucked right-hander and 14-game winner Andy Hawkins from the free agent market and immediately tabbed the 29-year-old the staff's anchor.
Never ones to back down from a tough decision, Green and Quinn tossed sentiment aside and signed former Los Angeles Dodger Steve Sax, 29, to replace 13-year Yankee Willie Randolph at second base. With Henderson and Sax 1-2 in the lineup, New York will create havoc for opposing pitchers.
Green's duties will entail much more than placing the best nine players on the field.
'I think I bring something to the table that brings us over the hump,' added Green. 'I intend to install team discipline to get things done. If that doesn't work, I'll probably go the way of all Yankee managers.'
Green made it very clear he will not compromise on the effort exerted by his players. His ability to generate a concept of team unity will go a long way in the success of the '89 Yankees.
Green added, 'One thing I'll guarantee and that is we'll win more games as a team than we will as individuals.'
It is this notion that most excites the Yankee family and all interested parties. Looked upon as division favorites the past several seasons, the Yankees' prospectus this season is a team searching for its own identity, a new look.
What better place to start than with a manager who faces perhaps his most demanding professional challenge, whose track record chronicles success when success is least expected.
It is no coincidence that the baseball life of George Dallas Green is dotted with more peaks than valleys.
'I have never backed away from a tough decision,' he says, 'and I don't plan on doing that here.'"
-Gregg Mazzola, Yankees Magazine (New York Yankees 1989 Scorebook and Souvenir Program)
BUCKY DENT (Manager)
"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 World Championship 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 [Babe Ruth Award] for the Series.
He 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 managed Ft. Lauderdale from 1985-86 and his 1986 club narrowly missed the playoffs, by a .005 margin. His '87 Clippers swept through the International League playoffs (6-0) to capture the Governor's Cup.
1989 will be Dent's third consecutive season as manager of Columbus."
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
MEET THE COACHES: THE VOICES OF EXPERIENCE
"The Yankees have not won a pennant since 1981, plain and simple. So this season, after years of frequent player changes, the organization has gone a different route. The team has a new manager for 1989, Dallas Green, and an entirely new set of coaches.
Green has assembled an all-star staff to match the Yankees' talented lineup. They are bench coach Charlie Fox, third base coach Lee Elia, first base coach Pat Corrales, pitching coach Billy Connors, hitting coach Frank Howard and bullpen coach John Stearns. This unit is one of the most experienced coaching staffs in baseball.
The six-man boasts four ex-major league managers (Fox, Elia, Corrales and Howard) and a former GM (Fox); five of the six have big league coaching experience, and every one of the coaches has played in the majors.
'These guys know how to win, and that's why I brought them in here,' praised the manager. 'I really believe that every member of the staff has what it takes to manage the Yankees.'
But perhaps the biggest compliment from Green came in the swiftness of his coaching selections. After being named Yankees manager on October 7, 1988, Green took only 10 days to name his staff. This alone is testimony to the confidence he has in the men who will help lead the Yankees to a championship.
Five of the six coaches have previously worked either for or with Green.
'I'm coming in here as a new guy, with all new coaches, because everybody who supposedly knew all about these guys hadn't gotten the job done,' said Green.
With the Yankees' past pitching problems, Green wanted to be sure of his choice for 1989 pitching coach. A member of the Cubs staff when Green was general manager, Connors was the pitching coach on two championship teams, the Kansas City Royals in 1980 and the 1984 Cubs. What Green likes most about Connors is his ability to cajole pitchers, while at the same time tapping their potential. His ability to handle pitchers may stem from his experience as a pitcher and a catcher. In fact, after starting his playing career in 1961, he played four positions: catcher, second base, outfield and pitcher. In 1963 he [began pitching] exclusively and is now having a fine career as a coach.
In joining the Yankees, Elia continues his longtime affiliation with Green. The two attended the University of Delaware, then faced each other in the minors. Elia was the third base coach for Green when the Phillies won the 1980 World Series and lost the 1981 Divisional Championship Series. When Green became GM of the Cubs in 1982, he tabbed Elia as the team's manager.
Corrales was the man who replaced Green as the manager of the Phillies after the 1981 season when Green moved to the Cubs front office. The new Yankee manager holds no grudges. Why? Because Corrales, with nine years of managing experience in the majors, can help the club in a number of ways. Besides his duties as first base coach, Corrales will work closely with the Yankees' catchers. He spent eight years in the majors as a catcher. And throughout his baseball career, he has displayed a dynamic personality, strong-mindedness and dedication to winning. Corrales' attitude will bring a positive influence to the Yankee clubhouse.
Fox served as a special assistant to Green when he was GM of the Cubs. For Fox, this was one stop in a long and outstanding baseball career. At 67, and with nearly 50 years experience in professional baseball, Fox is the ideal bench coach. He was a catcher in the Giants organization back in 1942, [beginning] a more than 30-year association with both New York and San Francisco. He has been a manager with San Francisco, Montreal and the Cubs. A former GM and president of Montreal, Fox will offer a calming existence [sic] to the chaotic atmosphere that envelops an entire season.
Howard may be the only coach not to have worked with Green, but you can bet the manager was more than happy to welcome him as the 1989 hitting instructor. There was no questioning his ability to swing the bat, as he proved during 15 productive years in the bigs. His experience as manager of the Padres and of the Mets proved he was a skillful teacher. But, even more importantly, Green praises his coach as being a hard worker and a lover of the game, two qualities the manager wants passed on to his players.
Stearns joins the staff without any previous major league coaching experience, but Green had his reasons for hiring him. Green was the Phillies' farm director when they made Stearns a first round choice in June 1973. He was young, energetic and very hard working. This former All-Star catcher with the Mets is now a Yankee coach for the same reasons. After giving him his first shot as a pro player, Green is now giving Stearns his first big league coaching job. The manager knows his youngest coach will approach this new opportunity with that same spirit and determination. He hopes these characteristics will rub off on the 1989 New York Yankees.
Experience, enthusiasm, and a will to win. That's what this coaching staff offers in 1989. An entirely new set of faces, they know have what it takes to succeed."
-Charles J. Alfaro, Yankees Magazine (New York Yankees 1989 Scorebook and Souvenir Program)
PAT CORRALES (Coach)
"Fiery, determined. These are two of the nicer adjectives used to describe the Yankees' new first base coach Pat Corrales. He is committed to winning and excellence and has not made a habit of letting things get in his way.
His nine years of managing in the majors have gone almost unnoticed, as he is seemingly always in the position of having to make a lot from very little. This was typified by his taking over a struggling Cleveland team in 1983. In 1986 he guided the Tribe to their best record since 1968 and the closest they had finished to first since 1959. Taking a team from mediocre to respectable may not earn Pat Corrales any manager of the year awards, but it goes a long way in exemplifying his vibrant character.
In his one opportunity with a winner, Corrales came out on top. As a player he was a catcher with Cincinnati, helping the Big Red Machine to a pennant in 1970. This year Pat Corrales is with another winner, ready to show what he can do with the Yankees."
-New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook
"Corrales was named as Yankee first base coach on October 17, 1988. He spent the 1988 season as manager of the Toledo Mud Hens, the AAA International League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, compiling a record of 58-84. Corrales has nine years of experience managing in the major leagues, compiling an overall record of 572-634 (.474).
He began his big league managerial career in 1978 with the Texas Rangers and compiled a 160-164 record in two-plus seasons there. He was named manager of the Philadelphia Phillies in 1982 and guided them to a second place finish in the National League East with an 89-73 record. The following season Pat was replaced at the halfway point, despite leading the East with a 43-42 record.
He became manager of the Cleveland Indians later in the 1983 season and remained there through July 15, 1987. In 1986, he guided the Indians to their best record (84-78) since 1968 and they finished 11.5 games out of first place, the closest the Indians had finished to first since 1959.
Pat spent three seasons as a coach for the Rangers under Frank Lucchesi, beginning in 1976. He also managed Alexandria in the Texas League in 1975.
As a player, Pat spent eight seasons as a catcher in the major leagues. He made his major league debut in 1964 with the Phillies and hit the big leagues to stay in 1968 with the Cincinnati Reds, helping the Big Red Machine to the National League pennant in 1970.
Pat was signed out of Fresno High School in 1959."
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
JOHN STEARNS (Coach)
"So much for that imaginary line, between the Bronx and Flushing, which cuts this baseball town in half. A standout catcher for more than 10 years with the Mets, John Stearns had made that fateful journey crosstown, to become the Yankees' bullpen coach in 1989. The Yankees were more than glad to get him and the coach is equally happy to now be wearing the original Pinstripes.
As a four-time National League All-Star, Stearns has proven his ability to handle pitchers. He gained [valuable] experience during the past two seasons. He served in 1987 as a scout with the Milwaukee Brewers and in 1988 as a roving minor league hitting instructor with the Houston Astros. Now the good-natured and personable John Stearns is awaiting another big year in New York."
-New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook
"Stearns was named Yankee bullpen coach on October 17, 1988. He served as a minor league hitting and catching instructor for the Houston Astros in 1988 and was an advance scout for the Milwaukee Brewers in 1987.
He batted .260 in his 11-year major league career with 46 home runs and 312 RBIs. Ten of those seasons were spent as a catcher with the New York Mets (1975-84), and he ranked among the Mets career leaders in games (809), at-bats (2,679), runs (334), hits (695), RBIs and stolen bases (91). He had his career cut short due to elbow problems.
John was a four-time National League All-Star selection (1977, 1979, 1980, 1982). He had perhaps his best season in 1978 when he set career marks in home runs (15) and RBIs (73) while batting .264 and setting a modern National League record for stolen bases in a season by a catcher (25).
He was the first selection of the Philadelphia Phillies in the June 1973 free agent draft, the second player picked in the country. Stearns appeared in one game with the Phillies in 1974 before being traded to the Mets on December 3, 1974 along with Del Unser and Mac Scarce in exchange for Tug McGraw, Don Hahn and Dave Schneck.
Stearns attended the University of Colorado for four years, playing varsity football and baseball. In 1973, his senior year, he led all NCAA Division I players in home runs (15) and slugging percentage (.819) and batted .413 to earn NCAA All-American first team honors. John was an All-Big Eight Conference choice as a safety in football and set the Colorado record for most career interceptions (16). He played in the 1970 Liberty Bowl, the 1971 Astro-Blue Bonnet Bowl, the 1972 Gator Bowl and was chosen to play in the Hula Bowl in Honolulu in 1973. He was a 17th round draft pick of the Buffalo Bills in 1973.
John earned letters in baseball, basketball and football at Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver. During his playing career with the Mets, he was involved in a number of local charitable causes and in 1982 was selected the winner of the Joan Payson Award by the New York Baseball Writers' Association for his humanitarian services."
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
Selected to the National League All-Star team, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1982.
Led International League catchers in assists with 61, 1976.
Tied for Carolina League lead in double plays, catcher (9), 1974.
Selected by Buffalo Bills in 17th Round of 1973 NFL Draft.
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
CHARLIE FOX (Coach)
"When you talk about experience in a coach, you just mention the name Charlie Fox and that says it all. The Yankees are very fortunate to have such a respected baseball man on their side, sitting by manager Dallas Green as dugout coach in 1989. A knowledgeable veteran, the elder statesman of the staff at age 67, Fox will offer a calming [influence] to the otherwise chaotic atmosphere of a baseball season.
Fox returns to the field, where his many years in the game will be beneficial for everyone. Why? Simply because he's been there before, seeing baseball at many different levels during more than 40 years in the game. A brief stint as a catcher in the Giants organization back in 1942 began a 33-year association with the New York and San Francisco Giants. Fox has been a manager with San Francisco, Montreal and the Cubs. A former GM and president in Montreal, and Special Consultant for Green with the Cubs, he will help make champions of the Yankees."
-New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook
"Fox was named Yankee dugout coach on October 17, 1988. He is a former major league manager with the San Francisco Giants, Montreal Expos and Chicago Cubs, compiling an overall record of 377-369 (.505). Fox joined the Yankees from the Cubs where he had served as a Special Player Consultant since March of 1983. He also served as manager of the Cubs in 1983, compiling a record of 17-22 after taking over for Lee Elia.
Before joining the Cubs, Fox had been the Director of Minor Leagues and Scouting for the Montreal Expos since 1979. He joined the Expos following a 33-year association with the New York and San Francisco Giants organization, including spending almost five seasons (1970-74) as the team's manager.Fox was originally named manager of the Giants on May 24, 1970 and posted a 67-51 record the rest of the year. In his first full season as manager, he led the Giants to the National League Western Division title with a record of 90-72 and was named the National League's Manager of the Year for that effort. Overall with the Giants, he was 348-325 (.517).
He began the 1976 season as an Expos scout before taking over as the team's manager for Karl Kuehl, going 12-22 the remainder of the season. He also served as the Expos' Vice-President and General Manager in 1977 and 1978.
Charlie began his managerial career in 1947 as a player-manager with the Giants' Bristol affiliate in the Appalachian League. After ten seasons as a minor league player-manager (including eight years at St. Cloud), he was given scouting duties with the Giants organization in 1957. Charlie returned to the dugout in 1964 with the Tacoma AAA affiliate in the Pacific Coast League. He spent another four seasons as a Giants coach under Herman Franks and another season and a half as a Triple-A manager (Phoenix) before taking over as Giants manager in 1970.
During his playing career, Charlie was a catcher in the Giants organization. In 1942, his first season of professional baseball, he appeared briefly with New York, going 3-for-7 (.429) in a late-season trial, his only major league action. His major league career was interrupted by three years of service in the U.S. Navy (1943-45). One year after his return to baseball, Charlie began his stint as a player-manager.
Charlie is a graduate of James Monroe High School in the Bronx where was an all-around athlete. He also excelled in the American Legion baseball program at New York's Eddie Grant Post."
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
LEE ELIA (Coach)
"You can never have too much good help these days, especially when it comes from a man with a wealth of major league managerial experience. Lee Elia will be putting his knowledge on the line, the third base line to be exact, as the signal-flasher for the Yankees in 1989.
There's no doubt manager Dallas Green likes what he sees in his third base coach. Elia was a third base coach under Green in Philadelphia when the Phillies won the World Series in 1980. When Green became General Manager of the Cubs in 1982, he quickly tabbed Elia as the team's manager. And it's no wonder why.
He has playing experience as a big league infielder, was a very successful manager at the minor league level and has demonstrated his ability to make it in the bigs. With this type of experience, Elia will be a valuable member of the Yankees' 1989 coaching staff."
-New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook
"Elia was named Yankee third base coach on October 17, 1988. He has been a major league manager with the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies, compiling an overall record of 238-300 (.442).
He spent the 1988 season as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, compiling a record of 60-92 until he was replaced by John Vukovich on September 23. He became Phillies manager on June 18, 1987, taking over for John Felske in the midst of a six-game losing streak. The Phillies lost six of their first seven games under Elia but turned things around, the club going 50-44 the rest of the year to finish with an overall 51-50 record under their new manager. In all, he compiled a record of 111-142 in his tenure as Phillies manager. Lee was only the third native-born Philadelphian ever to manage the Phillies.
He had served as dugout assistant to Felske beginning in 1985 and had managed the Phillies' AAA team in Portland in 1984. Lee managed the Chicago Cubs in 1982 and part of the 1983 season, compiling a record of 127-56.
Lee was a player-coach for Eugene (Pacific Coast League) in 1973 and a minor league coach for the Phillies at Toledo in 1974. He spent five years managing in the Phillies, beginning in 1975, and led his clubs to the playoffs three times, winning the Western Carolinas championship in 1975, but losing it in 1978 and 1979. Lee was named Manager of the Year twice, for Spartanburg of the Western Carolinas League in 1975 and for Reading of the Eastern League in 1978. He coached third base Phillies in 1980, their World Championship season, and in 1981.
As a player, Elia spent six years in the Phillies' farm system (1959-64) before going over to the White Sox organization in 1965. His best season was in 1965 when he hit 29 home runs and drove in 75 runs at Indianapolis of the American Association. He made his major league debut with the White Sox in 1966. Lee also played in the majors with the 1968 Cubs as a reserve infielder. He batted .203 in 95 big league games.
Lee is a graduate of Olney High School. He attended the University of Delaware where he was a star halfback in football, the freshman team's leading scorer, passer, runner, and punter. He dislocated his hip in the spring of his freshman year and never played football again.
Lee's hobbies are golf and fishing."
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
BILLY CONNORS (Coach)
"The Yankees have had their pitching problems the past few years, so you can bet the choice for 1989 pitching coach was not a hasty decision. To complement Dallas Green's experience in handling a pitching staff will be coach Billy Connors.
A member of the staff Green helped assemble for the Cubs, Connors brings some impressive credentials to the Yankees. He was the pitching coach on two playoff teams: the Kansas City Royals in 1980 and the 1984 Cubs. Before getting his first big league coaching job in 1980, he spent six years as a minor league pitching instructor, four with the Mets and two with the Phillies. Now he's looking to do the same thing for the Yankees.
A member of the Little League World Series Champions with Schenectady in 1954, the 47-year-old Connors is looking to add another title to his shelf in 1989."
-New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook
"Connors was named as Yankee pitching coach on October 17, 1988. He worked with championship teams in 1980 (Kansas City) and 1984 (Chicago).
After working in the Mets front office (1971-72), Billy began his coaching career by serving six years as a minor league pitching instructor (four with the Mets from 1973-76 and two with the Phillies from 1977-78) before joining the Kansas City Royals' major league staff under Jim Frey in 1980. After two seasons with the Royals, he joined the Cubs' staff (managed by Lee Elia) in 1982. Billy served as the Cubs' pitching coach for five seasons before being named as the Mariners' pitching coach in November of 1986. He remained with the Mariners for two seasons before joining the Yankees.
His 10-year playing career began in 1961. In 1963, Connors enjoyed his finest pro season (12-11, 3.22 ERA in 30 appearances) for Wenatchee, Washington (Cubs affiliate in the Northwest League). He made his major league debut with the Cubs in 1966, going 0-1 with a 7.31 ERA in 11 games, all in relief. He pitched two seasons in Tacoma (Pacific Coast League) before being sold to the Mets in August 1967, and in two brief stays with the Mets (1967-68) went 0-1 in 15 games. Connors overall pitched in 26 major league games, going 0-2 with a 7.53 ERA. Prior to 1963, he played four different positions (catcher, second base, outfield and pitcher). He served as a player-coach in his final playing season (1970 at Pompano Beach).
Born in Schenectady, New York, Billy played in the Little League World Series in 1953 and 1954, with Schenectady winning in 1954. He attended Linton High School in Schenectady and was named Player of the Year in both baseball and basketball in 1959. He was a two-sport star at Syracuse University (baseball and basketball).
Billy underwent a successful hip replacement surgery during the 1986-87 off-season. His hobbies are golf and training his pet parrot, Lucy."
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
FRANK HOWARD (Coach)
"When he was a player, the Yankees dreaded seeing big Frank Howard. Now that he's retired, the organization was more than happy to welcome him aboard as the hitting instructor in 1989.
If this guy can get these Yankees to swing the bat anywhere near the way he did during his 15 productive years in the bigs, there'll be plenty of fireworks at Yankee Stadium this summer. In Howard the Yankees have a coach who in his day hit for average and power and is now willing to share his knowledge and experience with today's Bronx Bombers. And you can bet they'll listen, as Hondo is still a commanding presence at 6'8". When his playing days were over Howard gained valuable coaching experience at several stops, including managing duties with the San Diego Padres and New York Mets.
A former two-sport star at Ohio State University, Howard set two ECAC Holiday Festival Tournament basketball records at Madison Square Garden- most rebounds in a game (32) and most rebounds in three games (77)- back in 1956. He is back in New York in 1989, looking to set a few more records uptown."
-New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook
"Howard was named Yankee hitting/outfield coach on October 17, 1988. He is a former major league manager with the San Diego Padres and New York Mets, compiling a record of 93-113 (.412) with those two clubs.
Following his retirement as a player in 1973, Hondo originally went into private business but was hired by the Milwaukee Brewers as a minor league instructor in 1975. He managed the Brewers' AAA Spokane club in 1976, joined the club's major league coaching staff in 1977 and served as first base coach for four seasons.
Frank was named manager of the San Diego Padres following the 1980 season, replacing Jerry Coleman. He led the Padres to an overall 41-69 record in 1981 (25-33 in the first half of that year's split season and 18-36 in the second half, with two sixth place finishes). Frank was replaced by Dick Williams at the end of the 1981 campaign.
He joined the Mets' coaching staff as third base coach under George Bamberger prior to the 1982 season and was named interim manager on June 3, 1983 following Bamberger's resignation. He managed the Mets to a 52-64 record for the remainder of the season and a sixth place finish. Frank was replaced by Davey Johnson as manager following the conclusion of that season and moved to first base coaching duties in 1984.
He rejoined the Brewers' staff in October 1984 and worked two years there as the club's batting coach. In November of 1986 he was named the first base coach of the Seattle Mariners, where he remained until joining the Yankees.
Hondo enjoyed a playing career that spanned 15 major league seasons, compiling a batting average of .273 with 382 home runs and 1,119 RBIs. He was named National League Rookie of the Year in 1960 with the Los Angeles Dodgers (.268 BA, 23 HRs, 77 RBIs). In five-plus seasons with Los Angeles, Howard batted .268 with 123 homers and 382 RBIs in 624 games.
His top seasons came as a member of the Washington Senators (1965-71), averaging 34 home runs and 96 RBIs per season. In 1968-70 with the Senators, Howard hit 44, 48 and 44 home runs with 106, 111 and 126 RBIs, respectively. His career highs were: batting- .296 (in 1961 & 62 with Los Angeles and 1969 with Washington), home runs- 48 (in 1969 with Washington) and RBIs- 126 (in 1970 with Washington).
Named to the American League All-Star team four consecutive years (1968-71), Frank still holds the major league mark for most home runs in a week (10), most homers in five consecutive games (8) and most homers in six consecutive games (10). He finished his pro career with a brief stint in Japan in 1974.
A two-sport star at [the] Ohio State University (1956-58), Frank lettered three times in baseball and twice in basketball (1,047 career points). He still holds two ECAC Holiday Festival Tournament records at Madison Square Garden (most rebounds in a game- 32, and most rebounds in three games- 77, with both marks set in 1956)."
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
Named Minor League Player of the Year by The Sporting News, 1959.
Named National League Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers' Association, 1960.
Named National League Rookie of the Year by The Sporting News, 1960.
Established the following major league records: most home runs in a week (10), 1968; most home runs, six consecutive games (10), May 12 through May 18, 1968; most home runs, five consecutive games (8), May 12 through May 17, 1968; most years 100 or more strikeouts, lifetime (10).
Tied the following major league records: most consecutive strikeouts, nine-inning game (5), September 19, 1970, first game; most consecutive strikeouts, two consecutive games (7), July 9, 1965 (doubleheader); most unassisted putouts, first baseman, inning (3), September 9, 1972 (first inning).
Tied American League record for most home runs, four consecutive games (7), May 12 through May 16, 1968.
Tied American League record for most consecutive games, hitting a homer each game (6), 1968.
Led American League batters in strikeouts (155), 1967.
Led American League in home runs (44), 1968.
Led American League in total bases (330), 1968.
Led American League in slugging percentage (.552), 1968.
Named outfielder on The Sporting News American League All-Star Team, 1968.
Led American League in total bases (340), 1969.
Led American League in grounding into double plays (29), 1969.
Named outfielder on The Sporting News American League All-Star Team, 1969.
Led American League in home runs (44), 1970.
Led American League in RBIs (126), 1970.
Led American League in walks (132), 1970.
Named outfielder on The Sporting News American League All-Star Team, 1970.
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
CHAMP SUMMERS (Coach)
"Champ graduated from Southern Illinois-Edwardsville with a B.S. degree in education in 1972. He played four years of college basketball but played only 35 games of college baseball in his senior year before signing with the Oakland A's in 1971. Champ did not play football but was offered a tryout with the Dallas Cowboys.
In 1974 he was the first player to pinch-hit for Reggie Jackson. Named American Association Player of the Year in 1978, Summers hit 20 homers in only 246 at-bats (1 HR every 12.3 at-bats) in 1979. He homered (career homer No. 50) in his first at-bat for San Francisco on April 14, 1982.
Champ will serve as the hitting instructor for Columbus again in 1989."
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
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