"A left-handed catcher is a rare commodity in baseball, especially one with the experience of a Jamie Quirk. That's why, at age 34, this 10-year veteran will get a chance to help the Yankees in 1989.
His presence can be a factor on a club for a number of reasons. The first is the age-old notion that the Yankees will depend on left-handed hitting to be successful. Well, Quirk has a swing that would be well suited for Yankee Stadium. He also has been involved in a number of pennant races, an important credential when it comes to playing in the pressure-packed environment surrounding these Yankees.
During his long-time affiliation with the Kansas City Royals, he played a part in that organization's winning of division titles, pennants, and a World Championship in 1985. Now he's trying to the same for the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook
"Jamie is a veteran of 17 years of professional baseball including over 10 seasons in the majors. He originally broke into the majors with the Royals in 1975 and has had three separate stints with Kansas City during his career. He has played for the Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians in his big league career.
As a member of the Kansas City Royals in 1988, Jamie matched his career batting average with a .240 mark in 84 games. He tied his single career high with eight home runs (he also had eight in 1986) and added 25 RBIs.
Jamie got off to a slow start, batting as low as .156 (7-for-45) over his first 17 games through May 8. His average was under .200 as late as August 5 when he was hitting .189 (20-for-106). The next day in Toronto he had a season high three RBIs including a home run. Jamie also homered in his next game, August 7 at Toronto. Beginning with the August 6 game through September 5, he batted .357 (20-for-56) in 23 games with five home runs and 15 RBIs to raise his average to .247.
He went 1-for-17 (.059) in his next nine games through August 20 to lower his overall average to .229 but from that point finished strongly, batting .353 (6-for-17) in his final six games to his raise his average to his final .240 mark.
Jamie had 12 multi-hit games, including a season high three hits on June 7 against Oakland when he went 3-for-3 with two doubles and a RBI. He had a season high three-game hitting streak four times, and his two game-winning RBIs came on June 29 against Chicago and September 26 against Seattle. Jamie had one stolen base, on April 12 at Baltimore, and was caught five times.
He played 79 games at catcher with a .982 fielding percentage (eight errors in 448 total chances) and threw out 18 of 71 would-be base stealers (25.4%). He also played one game at first base and one game at third base.
He signed a one-year contract for 1989 on December 20, 1988.
Jamie was Kansas City's first round selection in the 1972 June free agent draft, the 18th player taken overall. He batted .255 at Billings in his first professional season and led Pioneer League shortstops in fielding (.889), putouts (63), assists (162) and double plays (16). He was named to the league's All-Star team.
He played in 132 games at San Jose in 1973, hitting .231 with eight homers and 45 RBIs. Jamie split his 1974 season between Jacksonville, batting .227, and Omaha where he hit .281.
Jamie spent most of the 1975 season at Omaha, batting .274. He led American Association third basemen in fielding (.958), assists (254), total chances (363) and double plays (31). He made his major league debut with the Royals on September 4 as a ninth inning pinch hitter for George Brett against Chicago at Comiskey Park and drew a walk from pitcher Chris Knapp. Jamie's initial big league hit came on September 9 in his third career plate appearances (second official at-bat), singling in the top of the 14th off Oakland's Jim Todd. His first home run was hit as a pinch hitter off Oakland's Rollie Fingers on September 20 in the ninth inning at Royals Stadium.
In 1976 Jamie played in 64 games with Kansas City at four different positions and batted .246. He was obtained by the Brewers from the Royals in December of 1976 along with outfielder Jim Wohlford and a player to be named later (pitcher Bob McClure) in exchange for pitcher Jim Colborn and catcher Darrell Porter. Jamie spent the entire 1977 season with the Brewers, batting .217 in 93 games with three home runs and 13 RBIs.
He spent most of the 1978 season at AAA Spokane, where he batted .292 with 14 homers and 63 RBIs. Jamie was acquired by the Royals from the Brewers on August 3 in exchange for pitcher Gary Ako and batted .207 in 17 games with Kansas City.
In 1979 Jamie batted a career best .304 for Kansas City and was one of the Royals' biggest weapons coming off the bench. In 1980, he hit .278 for KC with five home runs and 21 RBIs. One of his top games as a Royal came in the first game of a doubleheader in Toronto on August 8, when he went 4-for-4 with two home runs and four RBIs to help the Royals to a 9-0 victory.
Jamie batted .250 in 46 games with Kansas City in 1981, and in 1982 batted .231 in 36 games with the Royals. Granted free agency in 1982, he signed with the Cardinals in February 1983. Jamie played the entire season with the Cardinals and hit .209 in 48 games with two home runs and 11 RBIs.
He contributed significantly to the Royals' 1984 American League West title- as a member of the Cleveland Indians. In his only at-bat with Cleveland, in the bottom of the ninth on September 27 against Minnesota, Jamie hit a two-out solo homer to defeat the Twins 1-0. Coupled with KC's victory at Oakland the next night, the Royals won the AL West title. He had been signed by the White Sox on May 23 but played only three games with them, going 0-for-2. He spent most of 1984 at AAA Denver where he batted .209 in 70 games with two home runs and 24 RBIs. He was purchased by the Indians on September 24, having just that one at-bat with the Indians in which he homered.
In 1985 Jamie was signed by the Royals as a free agent on February 25. At Omaha, he gunned down 22 of 39 would-be stealers (56.4%). With left-handed hitters Pat Sheridan and Dane Iorg out with hamstring injuries for part of the stretch drive, Jamie helped plug the gap. He hit safely in 12 of the 19 games he played after his contract was purchased from Omaha on August 20.
In 1986, his first full season in the majors since 1983, Jamie played in 80 games, the second highest single-season total of his career. He played three positions (41 games behind the plate, 24 games at third base, six at first base) and committed one error in 42 total chances at third, three errors in 280 chances as a catcher and no errors in 49 chances at first. Jamie led KC catchers in throwing out would-be base stealers with a 60% success rate (18-for-30).
Jamie also had a career eight home runs in 1986. After hitting three homers in his first 58 games (146 at-bats), he homered five times in his last 22 games (73 at-bats).
Completing his third separate stint with the Royals in 1987, Jamie set single-season bests in games played (109), at-bats (296), hits (70), doubles (17) and RBIs (33). He stroked two hits in his first three at-bats (against New York on April 10) then went 18 at-bats without a hit. He hit .308 in May (16-for-52) and put together a season high (and career best) 11-game hitting streak from May 22-June 3, batting .412 (14-for-34) in that span.
Jamie was on the disabled list from July 21-August 5 with a fractured right hand but batted .348 (23-for-66) in August along with 16 of his 33 RBIs for the season. On August 22 at Milwaukee, he hit his only career grand slam, off pitcher Mark Knudson. Jamie had a total of five RBIs in that game to set a new career high. He closed the season batting just (11-for-76) after August 30.
A 1972 graduate of St. Paul High School in Santa Fe Springs, CA, Jamie earned four letters in baseball and three each in football and basketball. He batted .410 as a junior and .416 as a senior, and in football was named to All-America teams by Prep Magazine and Athlete Magazine as a junior; that season (1970), against Bishop Amat High School which was led by quarterback Pat Haden, Jamie completed 13 of 17 passes for 280 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown pass, in leading St. Paul to a 34-14 victory. Jamie signed a National Letter of Intent to play football at Notre Dame before deciding to play professional baseball."
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
Led Pioneer League shortstops in double plays with 16 (1972).
Led American Association third basemen in double plays with 31 (1975).
Led American Association in passed balls with 23 (1985).
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
STAN JEFFERSON
"It's taken a long time, and it's come in a roundabout way, but Stanley Jefferson has finally gotten an opportunity to play at Yankee Stadium. This Bronx native is returning home at a time when the Yankees need him most. With the departure of Clauldell Washington, last year's starting center fielder, Jefferson puts on the Pinstripes not only with a chance to make the team but with an opportunity to earn a starting position.
While it wasn't with the Yankees, Jefferson was excited about the chance to play at home in New York after being drafted by the Mets in 1983. After going through the Mets system and making his major league debut at Shea Stadium in September 1986, he was traded to the San Diego Padres. A trade has brought Stanley Jefferson back to New York, with the right tea, and a chance to roam Death Valley."
-The New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook
"Jefferson spent the bulk of the 1988 season at Las Vegas (AAA Pacific Coast League) but in 49 games with the Padres batted .144 (16-for-111) with a home run and four RBIs along with five stolen bases in six attempts.
He began the season with San Diego and went hitless in his first six games (0-for-16). He was optioned to Las Vegas on April 20, and at the time of his option was hitting just .105 (4-for-38) with a RBI in 13 games. He played in 74 games at Las Vegas and hit .317 with four home runs, 33 RBIs and 19 stolen bases in 26 attempts.
Jefferson was recalled by the Padres on July 26, and after going 0-for-3 in his first game back put together a seven-game hitting streak from July 27-August 3, batting .308 (8-for-26) with four runs, a triple, a home run and two RBIs. The solo home run, his only circuit clout of the season, came on August 2 against Atlanta off John Smoltz. After that hitting streak, through the end of the season, Stan batted .091 (4-for-44) in his final 27 games. He had two stolen bases against Montreal on August 16.
Following the 1988 season, Stan played with Ponce of the Puerto Rican Winter League. He was traded to the Yankees along with pitchers Lance McCullers and Jimmy Jones on October 24 from the San Diego Padres in exchange for outfielder/designated hitter Jack Clark and pitcher Pat Clements. He signed a contract for the 1989 season.
Stan was selected by the New York Mets in the 1st round (20th player selected) of the June 1983 free agent draft. Playing in only 71 games for 'A' Little Falls, he led the New York-Penn League in steals with 35. He set a league record by collecting 10 consecutive hits from August 7-10, including a five-hit performance on August 9 against Oneonta. Stan was honored as the league's All-Star center fielder and was named to the Topps All-Short Season team.
While spending the 1984 season at 'A' Lynchburg, he led the Carolina League in runs (113) and triples (9) while finishing third in hits (142), third in walks (84) and fourth in stolen bases (45). He was named to the league's All-Star team.
In 1985 Jefferson led the AA Texas League in stolen bases (39) and was third in runs (97) while playing for Jackson. He was selected to play in the Texas League All-Star Game. He had only 96 at-bats from his natural right side and 428 from the left side; Stan batted .279 and hit all eight of his homers as a left-handed hitter while batting .260 right-handed. He finished the season with a 17-game hitting streak (.413) including the six Texas League playoff games that helped lead the Mets to the championship.
Jefferson played on both the AAA level and in the major leagues for the first time in 1986. He was hitting .290 for the Mets' Tidewater affiliate before being recalled to New York for the final month of the season. With Tidewater, he participated in only 95 games due to a hamstring pull in his right leg that left him sidelined for a month.
After returning to the lineup on August 15, Stan batted .355 before his promotion and stole 25 bases in 32 attempts. He made his big league debut against Pittsburgh in New York, getting his initial hit off Dave LaPoint on September 7. He hit his first major league home run off Philadelphia's Tom Hume at Shea Stadium. Stan was acquired by the Padres in December 1986 along with infielder Kevin Mitchell, outfielder Shawn Abner and pitchers Kevin Armstrong and Kevin Brown in exchange for outfielder Kevin McReynolds, pitcher Gene Walter and infielder Adam Ging.
In 1987 Stan sprained his right ankle rounding first base in an exhibition game on March 30. He attempted to open the season but reinjured the ankle and was placed on the 21-day disabled list. He had played in only five games at that point.
He was reactivated on May 7 and played regularly for 18 games until he was placed back on the DL, this time for tendinitis in his right shoulder. Before his injury, from May 18-20, Jefferson went 7-for-13 (.538) against the Mets at Shea Stadium with five runs scored, a double and two triples.
Jefferson managed only a .228 average in the initial three months of the season but hit .281 in July and August. He had a nine-game hitting streak after the All-Star break, going 11-for-33 (.333) including the first of two four-hit games on July 12 at Pittsburgh. His other four-hit game came against Houston on September 11 when he also had a career high four RBIs. Stan finished the season by going 1-for-25.
He stole 34 bases to rank in a tie for 12th in the National League and was successful on 11 of his last 12 stolen base attempts. A natural right-handed hitter, seven of Stan's eight home runs came from the left side.
A native of New York City who still lives in the Bronx, Stan graduated from that borough's Harry S. Truman High School and attended Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida. As a collegian, he was named to the Sporting News All-American team as an outfielder, batting .408 and leading the nation in stolen bases with 67 as a junior."
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
STEVE KIEFER
"Steve signed with the Yankees in November 1988 as a six-year minor league free agent. He spent the last three years in the Milwaukee organization and was with Oakland prior to that.
He has appeared in 100 major league games, hitting .195 with three home runs and 30 RBI. Steve hit .300 in seven games with the Brewers in 1988."
-The New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook
"Steve began 1988 with the Brewers and played in seven games before being outrighted to the Denver Zephyrs of the AAA American Association on May 5, where he finished the season. In his seven games for the Brewers, he went 3-for-10 (.300) with two runs scored, a double, a homer and a RBI. Steve's home run came on April 10 against the Yankees in New York, a solo shot off Tommy John, and he also had a double in that game. His third hit came on April 12 at Boston, and his last appearance with the Brewers came on May 1 in Milwaukee against Kansas City.
Following his outright to Denver, Steve played in 79 games for the Zephyrs, batting .214 with 47 runs, ten doubles, eight triples, ten home runs, 45 RBIs, 27 walks and 73 strikeouts. He was successful on six of 11 stolen base attempts. Steve played both second base and third base for Denver. He signed with the Yankees in November 1988 as a six-year minor league free agent.
Steve was the first round pick of the Oakland A's in the regular phase of the January 1981 free agent draft. Playing at Medford in his first professional season, he was named to the Northwest League All-Star team and earned the league's Rookie of the Year award.
He moved to Madison of the Midwest League in 1982 and ranked second among shortstops in assists (395), total chances (612) and double plays (69) and ranked third in fielding (.928). Steve had career highs with 72 runs, 44 walks and 36 stolen bases. He batted .339 with 13 RBIs and seven stolen bases in 22 games in the Arizona Instructional League.
Steve made the leap to AA Albany of the Eastern League in 1983 and 19 home runs and 81 RBIs. In his first AAA season at Tacoma in 1984, he batted .268 (122-for-455) in 125 games. Steve joined the Oakland A's on September 1 and tripled in his first major league at-bat against Floyd Bannister on September 3. He played 23 games with Oakland.
In 1985 he began the year with Tacoma but joined Oakland on July 29 when Carney Lansford was placed on the disabled list. Steve batted .263 at Tacoma with a career high 25 doubles before joining Oakland. He slammed his first big league home run, a three-run blast, off Glen Cook at Texas on October 2. He played 40 games with Oakland.
Steve was invited to Oakland's 1986 spring training camp as a non-roster player and was traded to Milwaukee along with pitchers Mike Fulmer and Pete Kendrick and catcher Charlie O'Brien on March 30 in exchange for pitcher Moose Haas. He played with Milwaukee's AAA Vancouver affiliate of the Pacific Coast League, had a career high six triples and topped the club with 10 game-winning RBIs and a .453 slugging mark. He played in two games for the Brewers in August, going 0-for-6.
He split his 1987 season between Denver and Milwaukee. With Denver, Steve had a career high 90 runs, 31 home runs, 95 RBIs, .330 batting average and 241 total bases and was named to the American Association All-Star team and the Topps AAA All-Star team. He was named Denver's Player of the Month for May. Steve had two four-hit performances and a 13-game hitting streak from April 16-May 5, batting .444 with four home runs and 11 RBIs.
Steve joined the Brewers on July 16 and had four multi-hit games including a career-high three-hit performance on August 5 against Milwaukee. He had five multi-RBI games including a three-RBI game on August 24 against Oakland and a career high four-RBI game on August 4 against Baltimore, with those RBIs coming on a grand slam off Scott McGregor. He had a five-game hitting streak from August 4-8, going 7-for-15 (.467) with two home runs and six RBIs.
Steve graduated from Garden City (CA) High School in 1979, where he participated in baseball and football and was all-league in baseball in his senior year. He attended Cerritos (Norwalk, CA) College for two years and Fullerton College for one year. He participated in baseball at Fullerton and was named All-South Coast Conference first team."
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
Led American Association with .668 slugging percentage (1987).
Led Pacific Coast League shortstops in errors with 35 (1984).
Tied for Eastern League lead in sacrifice hits with 12 (1983).
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
MIKE WOODARD
"Mike signed with the Yankees in December 1988 as a six-year minor league free agent. He split the 1988 season between the Chicago White Sox and Triple-A Vancouver. He hit .332 and stole 18 bases at Vancouver and was named to the Pacific Coast League's Triple-A All-Star team."
-The New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook
"After signing with the White Sox as a minor league free agent in January of 1988, Mike began the year with Chicago's AAA Pacific Coast League affiliate, the Vancouver Canadians. He was purchased by the White Sox on May 26 and made his Chicago debut in Toronto on May 28, going 1-for-3. Mike hit safely in each of his first three games with Chicago, going 4-for-11 (.364), including 1-for-4 two RBIs on June 4 at Texas and 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBIs on June 7 at Minnesota (his only multi-hit game with the Sox).
After those three games he went 2-for-34 (.059) in his remaining 15 games, with his hits coming on June 16 at Milwaukee and June 26 at Texas; after the Texas game, he went 0-for-15 before being optioned to Vancouver on July 13. Overall with Chicago he went 6-for-45 (.133) in 18 games with a triple and four RBIs.
Mike remained with Vancouver the rest of the season and in his two stints with the Canadians batted a combined .332 in 94 games with 63 runs, 12 doubles, 10 triples, a home run and 40 RBIs and was successful in 18 of 25 stolen base attempts. He finished fifth in the Pacific Coast League in hitting and was named the PCL's postseason All-Star second baseman. He signed with the Yankees as a six-year minor league free agent in December 1988.
Selected by the Oakland A's in the 4th round of the June 1978 free agent draft, Mike began his pro career at [short season] 'A' Bend of the Northwest League and hit a career high .342, third best in the league. In 1979, he stole a career high 61 bases at [advanced] 'A' Modesto of the California League. He was injured in a collision at second base in July of 1980 and was disabled for the rest of the season.
Mike was fourth in the Eastern League with 41 steals in 1981, and in 1982 led the Eastern League with 54 steals despite being disabled for a month. Promoted to the AAA level in 1983, he played second base, shortstop and third base for Tacoma. In 1984 Mike hit .354 with 11 stolen bases in 23 games at AA Albany before being earning a promotion to Tacoma.
Mike signed with the Giants organization as a six-year minor league free agent before the 1985 season and set a Phoenix record with 181 base hits, tops in the PCL. He started the season with a 12-game hitting streak, finished eighth in the league batting race with a .316 mark and was selected to the Pacific Coast League All-Star team.
He made his major league debut with the Giants in the first game of a twin-bill at Houston on September 11, made his first big league start in the second game and collected three hits, including two in his first two major league at-bats. He hit safely in the first 13 major league games in which he batted.
Mike had three different stints with the Giants in 1986. He hit his first major league home run in San Francisco off San Diego's Dane Iorg in an 18-1 Giants romp. He was successful in seven of nine stolen base attempts. Mike hit .319 in 62 games at Phoenix while not with the Giants.
He opened the 1987 season with Phoenix and was recalled by the Giants on May 2. He was returned to Phoenix on May 20, was back with the Giants on May 28, sent back to Phoenix on June 4 and was eventually released. Mike signed with Tucson of the PCL, Houston's top affiliate, where he finished the season. He found more success there, hitting .289 with 22 RBIs and 15 stolen bases in 59 games."
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
Led Northwest League second basemen in double plays with 34 (1978).
Led Eastern League in caught stealing with 23 (1981).
Led Eastern League in stolen bases with 82 (1982).
Led Pacific Coast League second basemen in total chances with 702 and double plays with 89 (1985).
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
DAVE SAX
"Dave signed with the Yankees in December 1988 as a six-year minor league free agent. He played for Triple-A Buffalo in 1988 and hit .223 in 38 games.
This is his 12th season of pro ball, having also played for the Dodgers and Red Sox organizations. Dave is the brother of Yankee second baseman Steve Sax."
-The New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook
"Sax spent the entire 1988 season with the Buffalo Bisons of the American Association, the AAA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was assigned to Buffalo when he was acquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates organization from the Texas Rangers organization on April 6 in exchange for first baseman Bill Merrifield.
He batted .233 in 38 games with seven runs, three doubles, three home runs and 11 RBIs. He threw out seven of 56 runners attempting to steal (13%).
Dave had a five-game hitting streak from June 15-July 2, going 5-for-16 (.313) with three RBIs in that span. His one game-winning RBI of the season came on July 31 against Louisville.
He signed with the Yankees as a six-year minor league free agent in December 1988.
Sax was originally signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent in June 1978 and batted .269 at Lethbridge in his first professional season. He batted .270 with Clinton in 1979 and was named to the Midwest League All-Star team. He split the 1980 season between Lodi, where he batted .171, and Vero Beach, where he hit .352.
In 1981, Sax was converted to catching after playing as an infielder and outfielder in his first three professional seasons. He earned All-Star honors in the Texas League with San Antonio. He set career highs in 1982 at Albuquerque in most offensive categories, batting .317 with 12 home runs and 75 RBIs in 117 games. He hit in 15 straight games from April 30-May 13 and made his major league debut with the Dodgers in September.
Dave was the catcher and designated hitter at Albuquerque in 1983 and spent two brief stints with the Dodgers that year, going 0-for-8 in seven games. In 1984, he saw action at first and second base, at catcher and in the outfield for Albuquerque, where he batted .259 in 106 games with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs. Sax signed with the Red Sox as a minor league free agent in January 1985 after seven years in the Dodger organization.
He started the 1985 season with Boston and played once with Boston before going to Pawtucket on April 28. He was recalled by the Red Sox on June 2, [remaining] for the rest of the year and making 11 starts behind the plate. Dave began the 1986 season with the Red Sox but was sent to Pawtucket on May 16 without appearing in any games. He finished third on the PawSox in RBIs (49) and fourth in home runs (9). He was recalled by Boston on September 2 and hit his first major league home run on September 21 at Toronto.
Sax started the season in Boston for the third straight year in 1987. He appeared in just two games for the Red Sox, going 0-for-3 before being outrighted to Pawtucket on April 27, where he finished the season.
He played 45 games at third base, 17 as a catcher and five at first base for the PawSox. He hit .240 in 85 games with 10 home runs and 33 RBIs, batting .273 in 18 games as a designated hitter. Beginning on August 7, Dave hit .378 with a home run and nine RBIs in his final 16 games to raise his average from .212 to .240.
Dave played two seasons at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, CA. He was Sacramento area College Player of the Year in 1978. He participated in baseball and basketball at Sacramento's James Marshall High School where he graduated in 1976. Dave also played Little League, Babe Ruth League and American Legion ball. He is the brother of Yankee second baseman Steve Sax.
Dave's hobbies are hunting and fishing."
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
BOB GEREN
"Bob signed with the Yankees in November 1987 as a six-year minor league free agent. He has spent almost all of his 10 pro seasons in the minor leagues.
He hit .271 in 95 games with Columbus a year ago and was named as the catcher on the postseason International League All-Star team. He was called up to New York twice and appeared in 10 games."
-The New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook
"Geren began the 1988 season with the Columbus Clippers and had his contract purchased by the Yankees on May 15 when Don Slaught was placed on the 15-day disabled list with an injured left groin. At the time his contract was purchased, he was hitting .366 in 32 games for the Clippers with three home runs, 13 RBIs and a slugging percentage of .464.
He made his major league debut on May 17 against Seattle, appearing as a defensive replacement at catcher. His first major league at-bat came on May 20 against Oakland, striking out against Eric Plunk. Bob appeared in a total of four games, going 0-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout, before being optioned back to Columbus on June 20.
Bob was recalled by the Yankees on September 2. At that point, he was hitting .271 with the Clippers with eight home runs and 35 RBIs in 95 games; he was named as the catcher on the postseason International League All-Star team. He made his first major league start on October 1 at Detroit and recorded his first major league hit, a single off Doyle Alexander in the 2nd inning, going 1-for-4 in that game. He made another start the next day in the season finale at Detroit, going 0-for-4 with a walk and a strikeout.
Overall in his two stints with the Yankees, Geren played in 10 games and batted .100 (1-for-10) with two walks and three strikeouts. He was 0-for-2 throwing out baserunners, giving up stolen bases to Jose Canseco (May 20 against Oakland) and Jim Walewander (October 2 at Detroit). He signed a contract for the 1989 season.
Geren began the 1987 season at AA Albany-Colonie and was hitting .219 in 31 games with three home runs and 11 runs batted in when he was promoted to AAA Columbus on May 29. He played in five games with the Clippers, hitting .150 with a home run and three RBIs, before being outrighted back to Albany on June 12.
He finished the season with Albany, and in the 47 games he played there, following his return, batted .222 with eight home runs and 20 RBIs. Overall in his two stints with Albany, Bob hit a combined .221 with 11 home runs and 31 RBIs; his 11 homers ranked second on the club, and his five game-winning RBIs ranked fourth. He led all Eastern League catchers in fielding with a .994 percentage (two errors in 358 chances). In 1986, his first year in the Yankee organization, he batted .254 at Columbus, with seven homers and 25 RBIs, and .148 [in 11 games] at Albany-Colonie.
Geren was selected by the San Diego Padres in the first round (24th choice overall) in the regular phase of the June 1979 free agent draft. That choice was awarded to the Padres as compensation for the Los Angeles Dodgers' signing of [free agent] Derrel Thomas. In his first professional season, Bob hit .172 in 54 games at Walla Walla.
He split his time in 1980 between Reno, where he hit .159 in 48 games with four homers and 23 RBIs, and Walla Walla, where he hit .254 in 51 games. Geren was acquired by the Cardinals organization in December 1980 along with pitchers Rollie Fingers and Bob Shirley and catcher Gene Tenace for catchers Terry Kennedy and Steve Swisher, infielder Mike Phillips, and pitchers Al Olmstead, John Urrea, Kim Seaman and John Littlefield. Geren hit .222 in 64 games at St. Petersburg in 1981.
In 1982, his second consecutive season at St. Petersburgh, he batted .244 in 110 games. He led Florida State League catchers in games (96) and assists (72). Bob spent the entire 1983 season at Springfield, where he tied for third in the Midwest League in home runs with 24, his professional high. He batted .265 and set another personal pro best with 73 runs batted in. Bob led Midwest League catchers in total chances (939), putouts (826) and assists (102).
He spent most of 1984 at Arkansas, batting .247 with 15 home runs and 40 RBIs, and in 15 games at Louisville hit .175. In 1985, Bob's final year as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals organization, he hit .225 at Arkansas, where he spent most of the season, and in five games at Louisville batted .357. He signed with the Yankees in November of 1985 as a six-year minor league free agent."
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
JEFF MORONKO
"Jeff graduated from Pasadena (TX) High School and attended Texas Wesleyan and San Jacinto Junior College. He was selected by Toronto in the 5th round of the January 1979 free agent draft and selected by Cleveland in the 6th round of the June 1980 free agent draft. Jeff was signed by scout Red Gaskill of the Indians.
He was named to the Topps AA All-Star team and the Eastern League All-Star squad in 1984. He was traded to Texas on April 29, 1985 to complete the deal that sent Kevin Buckley to Cleveland on April 4, 1985."
-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide
MEL HALL
"Good contact hitter who contributed offensively but declined defensively with 10 errors in the outfield.
Hall went 223 at-bats without a home run but finally connected on June 23 at Yankee Stadium, and it was his first homer since October 4, 1987. He put together a career-high 16-game hitting streak from July 3-20, going 23-for-66 (.348) with two homers and 13 RBI. Hall collected his second career home run against a lefty on July 6 with an inside-the-parker against Oakland's Rick Honeycutt; it marked the first inside-the-park homer by an Indian since Joe Carter had one in 1985.
Born in Lyons, New York, Hall was acquired from the Cubs with Carter, Don Schulze and Darryl Banks for Rick Sutcliffe, George Frazier and Ron Hassey on June 13, 1984."
-Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1989 Edition
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