"In his first year in Pinstripes, the Yankees seemed unsure what to do with Lance McCullers. There's no doubt that the right-hander has great stuff. The question was how best to use it.
During the 1989 season the former Padre was tested in every way. He was a starter, set-up man and closer. After all the trials and tribulations, it seems that McCullers makes an ideal closer. He and Dave Righetti give the Yankees an awesome lefty-right combination.
Pitching coach Billy Connors credits McCullers with having 'the best fastball on the club, as well as an excellent changeup.' He mixes these pitches nicely with a nasty slider, one that actually moves in on right-handed hitters. At age 26, Lance McCullers can bring it!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1990 Yearbook
"McCullers was used in all capabilities in 1990: as a starter, in middle relief, in setup, and as a closer. He finished the season 4-3 with three saves (in six opportunities) and a 4.57 ERA.
He started strong, allowing two earned runs over 6.1 innings (1.80 ERA) through his first eight appearances. Lance made his Yankee debut on April 5 at Minnesota, allowing one run on two hits (a two-run homer by Brian Harper with two inherited runners on) over 1.1 innings. He followed that with four straight scoreless outings (3.2 IP). On April 11 against Toronto, Lance was charged with his first blown save as he entered in the 7th innings with the Yankees leading 4-3 and allowed a sacrifice fly to Kelly Gruber in a game the Yankees eventually lost. He picked up his first save on April 30 against Chicago with 3.2 innings of one-run relief. He pitched five times at home in April and was 0-0 with no earned runs in 7.1 innings. Overall, McCullers pitched 10 times in April with one save in two opportunities with a 2.45 ERA (11 IP, 3 ER).
McCullers fanned12 batters in 10.1 innings over six straight outings from April 26-May 13. He made eight May appearances and was 1-1 with no saves (no opportunities) and a 3.75 ERA (12 IP, 5 ER). He picked up the first of his four wins of '89 on May 5 at Chicago, pitching 2.2 scoreless innings in a game the Yankees came back from a 5-1 deficit to win 7-5. His lone loss in May came on May 15 at California; Lance started the 11th inning of a 3-3 game, loaded the bases and took the loss as Wally Joyner hit a sacrifice fly off Dave Righetti. He was strong through his first 13 appearances (16.2 IP, 4 ER), posting a 2.16 ERA from April 5-May 13; through May he was 1-1 with a 3.13 ERA in 18 appearances, including 11.1 scoreless innings over eight games pitched. Lance fanned 12 batters over 9.1 innings over six outings from May 26-June 11.
He had a difficult stretch from June 4-July 14. In that span (10 relief, one start) Lance allowed 24 earned runs in 25.1 innings (8.42 ERA), raising his ERA from 3.31 to 5.92, but also struck out 12 over 15.2 innings (June 20-July 14). He was 2-1 with a blown save in nine June appearances with a 6.27 ERA (18.2 IP, 13 ER), bringing his season ERA to 4.54. Lance allowed his first runs at the Stadium on June 5 as Baltimore's Mickey Tettleton hit a two-run homer, then earned his first win at home on June 8 against Boston with two scoreless innings. He pitched a season high five innings on June 20 against Chicago, allowing two earned runs in a 13-6 loss. He made five July appearances and was 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA (11.1 IP, 11 ER); included was his lone 1989 start, on July 12 at Milwaukee (4 IP, 6 ER) in which he took the loss.
Lance settled down in his next 11 appearances (July 20-August 24), posting a 2.08 ERA (17.1 IP, 4 ER) with all four runs coming in one outing (August 2 against Minnesota). He lowered his ERA to 4.91 in that span. He made 12 appearances in August (his most in any month in '89) and was 1-0 with one save (one opportunity) and a 2.49 ERA (21.2 IP, 6 ER). After the August 2 game, Lance had seven straight scoreless appearances (8.2 IP). From August 22-September 7, he struck out 19 batters in 13.2 innings including a season high (and career high tying) five in three innings on August 30 against Oakland. He had back-to-back saves in the August 30 game and on September 3 against California. Lance was 0-0 with one save (two opportunities) in September with a 4.35 ERA (10.1 IP, 5 ER).
52 games was his lowest total since 1985 (21) and his 84.2 innings were also a low since 1985 (35). His strikeout average (8.7/9 innings) was higher than his career average (7.5/nine innings) entering 1989, and his strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.2:1) was also better than his career average (1.75:1). McCullers entered a game with the bases loaded seven times and left them full four times, and overall stranded 17 of 21 (81%) with the bases loaded and 41 of 56 (73%) of all runners on base. As a reliever he pitched three or more innings nine times and had a 3.66 ERA in those games (32 IP, 13 ER), as opposed to a 4.44 ERA (48.2 IP, 24 ER) when pitching fewer than three innings.
He signed a contract for the 1990 season.
McCullers signed with the Phillies organization as a second-round pick in the June 1982 free agent draft. His first year of pro ball was with Helena in the Pioneer Rookie League, going 6-4 in 13 starts with a 3.72 ERA.
In 1983 Lance went 9-6 for Spartanburg, the Phillies 'A' South Atlantic League team, and started all but one of 22 games, with six complete games and two shutouts. He was traded with pitchers Marty Decker, Darren Burroughs and Ed Wojna to San Diego on September 20 for outfielder Sixto Lezcano and pitcher Steve Fireovid.
His first year in the Padres organization was split between Miami (A) of the Florida State League and Beaumont (AA) of the Texas League. With Miami, McCullers was 6-4 with a 2.54 ERA, splitting time between the bullpen and the starting rotation; 13 of his 22 appearances were starts, with five complete games. He was named as the second best major league prospect in the Florida State League. McCullers was used only as a starter at Beaumont, going 4-1 in eight starts with a 2.11 ERA, and allowed only four home runs in 161.2 innings pitched during the season, a ratio of one homer every 40.1 innings pitched.
While in Las Vegas in 1985, his lone year in AAA ball, he was used exclusively as a starter, appearing in 24 games and going 11-8 with a 3.98 ERA and three complete games, with 148 strikeouts in 149.1 innings pitched. A starter through most of his pro career, McCullers made his major league debut in the role of stopper with the Padres upon his recall from Las Vegas on August 11. He was forced into that situation when Rich Gossage was required to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery.
He was impressive immediately, earning saves in his first three big league outings, and all five of his saves came in his first eight appearances. He did not allow an earned run in the first 11.1 innings pitched of his big league career; his first earned run allowed cost him his first decision, a 4-3 loss at Philadelphia on August 26. When Gossage returned in early September, McCullers was used mainly as a setup man for the remainder of the year. He was honored as the Padres' Rookie of the Year.
Lance appeared in 70 games in 1986, both as a starter and a reliever. He opened the year with 37 straight relief appearances before making seven starts at mid-season and wrapped up the year back in the bullpen with 24 more outings. He was 9-6 with five saves and a 2.13 ERA as a reliever but was 1-4 as a starter with a 4.19 ERA. Lance led the club in ERA (minimum 100 innings) at 2.78 and tied with Andy Hawkins for the top spot in victories with ten.
His first big league win came on April 15 against Los Angeles, winning 2-1 in a 12-inning game. He missed 10 games due to a pulled rib cage muscle before returning on April 29. After returning, Andy allowed only one earned run in 16.1 innings pitched in May for a 0.55 ERA (15 outings). His first major league start came on July 4 in Chicago, a 6.1-inning stint, getting a no-decision. He was named the Padres' Pitcher of the Month for both August and September.
In 1987 McCullers was used exclusively out of the bullpen and finished the season among the NL leaders in several categories. He ranked first among relievers in innings pitched (123.1), second in strikeouts (126), tied for fifth in wins (8) and was fifth overall in appearances (78) and ninth in saves (16).
He made good in nine of his first 12 save situations, subbing as the stopper for the injured Gossage, then hit a tailspin, failing in his next four save situations before finishing the year with seven saves in 12 chances. He had a three-game winning streak from July 16-August 6, during which he matched his career high with seven strikeouts in three innings pitched on July 25 against Pittsburgh. Lance finished the season strong, allowing only four earned runs in 24 innings pitched (1.50 ERA) in his last 18 outings. He compiled identical 4-5 marks in each half, but his second-half ERA was 3.08 compared to 4.42 in the first half.
McCullers went 3-6 with 10 saves and a 2.49 ERA in 60 relief appearances for San Diego in 1988. His 10 saves came in 16 save situations and he prevented 25 of 30 inherited runners from scoring. In 97.2 innings pitched he allowed 70 hits and 55 walks, along with his 81 strikeouts, but did allow eight home runs. His .205 batting average against was the second lowest on the Padres, behind Mark Davis.
Along with Davis, McCullers formed the heart of the Padres bullpen which had the fourth-best relief ERA (2.78) in the National League. Lance was one of only 15 NL relievers to record at least 10 saves, and of those, his 2.49 ERA ranked sixth. His 97.2 innings pitched ranked sixth among NL relievers and he finished 39 games.
Lance started the 1988 season slowly, including a rough outing on April 17 against San Francisco, giving up four earned runs in two innings pitched (including 9th inning home runs to Bob Melvin and Candy Maldonado, the only time Lance gave up more than one home run in a game), and was charged with the Padres' 9-4 loss. On May 24 at Montreal, he gave up a solo home run to Andres Gallaraga in the ninth inning (the first of two solo homers Galarraga would hit off McCullers in 1988) to allow the Expos to tie the score and win in 13 innings. Through June 1, covering his first 23 appearances, McCullers was 0-4 with just three saves (in seven save opportunities) and a 3.82 ERA (35.1 IP, 15 ER).
In his next five appearances, from June 4-17, he pitched 9.2 scoreless innings and went 1-0 with three saves. The win, his first of the year, came on June 10 against Los Angeles when he went 1.1 scoreless innings to gain credit for the Padres' 4-3 victory. Two of his three saves in that span came in back-to-back appearances, on June 14 against San Francisco and June 17 at Los Angeles. He had a season high five strikeouts in 2.1 innings pitched on July 31 at Cincinnati.
In 20 appearances from July 7 through September 13, covering 32.2 innings pitched (0.28 ERA), Lance allowed just one earned run (Galarraga's second homer of the year of him on August 18) and went 2-1 with three saves and 26 strikeouts, lowering his overall ERA from 3.23 to 2.10. His two wins in that stretch were both against the Expos, on August 18 in San Diego and on August 28 in Montreal.
After September 13 he finished the season by allowing seven earned runs in his final six appearances covering 11 innings pitched (5.73 ERA), with no decisions and one save, to raise his final ERA to 2.49.
He was acquired by the Yankees on October 24, 1988 along with Jimmy Jones and Stanley Jefferson from the Padres in exchange for Jack Clark and Pat Clements.
Lance attended Catholic High School in Tampa, a rival of Hillsborough High, alma mater of Dwight Gooden and Floyd Youmans. His favorite team growing up was the Cincinnati Reds, his favorite player was Tom Seaver and his favorite ballpark is Jack Murphy Stadium. His hobbies are skiing, fishing, hunting and golf, and his favorite spectator sport is baseball.
Lance was involved in the San Diego community in several ventures, most actively with 'Pitchers for Pets,' a project with the Department of Animal Control to assist in responsible pet ownership."
-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tied for Pacific Coast League in hit batsmen (6), 1985.
-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide
CLAY PARKER
"Every pitching staff needs a guy like Clay Parker. He adds one important ingredient- versatility. Parker has the ability to work both as a starter and in long relief. And the best part is, he's still getting better.
With only seven innings of previous major league experience to his credit, the slender right-hander was called up from the minors, joined the Yankees last May and was asked to fill some mighty big shoes. That was then. He learned a great deal last season. On the job training, you might call it.
Now at age 27, he figures prominently in the Yankees' plans. The team expects that he will regain the form he displayed last year, before being hampered by a blister. The Yankees need pitching. And here is Clay Parker who can start or relieve. If things go as planned, it should be a perfect match."
-The New York Yankees Official 1990 Yearbook
"Parker ended the 1989 season with a 4-5 record and a 3.68 ERA in 22 appearances including 17 starts.
He was recalled from Columbus on May 9 and stayed with the club for good. At the time of his recall he had a 3-0 record and a 1.66 ERA (38 IP, 7 ER) with 10 walks and 25 strikeouts over five starts. His first seven appearances as a Yankee (May 16-July 6) were all starts, and in that span Clay was 3-1 with a 2.49 ERA.
In his first start on May 16 at Oakland, he allowed two earned runs on six hits over seven innings while picking up his first major league victory, a 3-2 Yankee win. In his next start, on May 21 at Seattle, Clay took a shutout into the ninth inning only to have Ken Griffey Jr. hit a two-run inside-the-park home run; he allowed two earned runs on five hits in notching a complete game win, striking out 10 along the way. Clay had two straight no-decisions in which he allowed three earned runs over 12 innings (2.25 ERA) and the Yankees were 2-0 in those games. Overall, the club was 6-1 in his first seven starts.
On the disabled list from June 11 to July 1, Parker had a relief outing on July 9 at Boston (1 IP, 0 ER) and then started five straight games from July 14-August 4. After four straight no-decisions, his lone decision came on August 4 at Toronto when he was the losing pitcher in a 2-1 Yankee loss. Overall in that span Clay had a 7.09 ERA (26.2 IP, 21 ER).
He had another relief appearance on August 9 against Cleveland (2.1 IP, 0 ER). Clay made three starts, August 15-25, and was 0-2 with a 3.00 ERA. In his three decisions, all losses, from August 4-25, the Yankees lost by a combined score of 6-2. He had another relief outing on August 28 against Oakland (4.2 IP, 1 ER) before making his final two starts of the year.
On September 4 against California, Parker won for the first time since July 1, a span of 12 outings (10 starts) between wins. In that game the Yankees won, with Parker allowing one earned run over seven innings. He lost his final start on September 9 at Oakland (7 IP, 4 ER) before making two relief appearances (9.1 IP, 2 ER) to close the season.
As a starter Clay was 4-5 in 17 starts with a 4.03 ERA (102.2 IP, 46 ER). He allowed 12 home runs, walked 27 and fanned 48 (1.8:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio). As a reliever, he was 0-0 with a 1.56 ERA (17.1 IP, 3 ER); he did not allow a home run and walked four while fanning five batters, standing three of five (60%) inherited runners.
The Yanks were 10-12 when he pitched, starting out 6-1 and finishing 4-11. Clay was 2-2 with a 4.86 ERA (53.2 IP, 29 ER) in day games and 2-3 with a 2.71 ERA (66.1 IP, 20 ER) in night games. He had a .249 (62-for-249) batting average against versus right-handed hitters, third best on the club. Parker was 2-2, 3.83 (56.1 IP, 24 ER) at home and 2-3, 3.53 (63.2 IP, 25 ER) on the road.
He signed a contract for the 1990 season.
Parker was acquired by the Yankees from Seattle along with Lee Guetterman and Wade Taylor in December of 1987 in exchange for Steve Trout and Henry Cotto. He spent all of the 1988 season at AAA Columbus but suffered through an injury-plagued year. He had a recurring groin injury that caused him to be placed on the disabled list three times, from April 13-22, June 1-23 and June 28 through the end of the season. That injury limited him to 10 games, all starts.
In those 10 games, Clay was 2-2 with a 3.26 ERA (49.2 IP, 18 ER) and also allowed 49 hits and just nine walks [1.17 WHIP] while recording 51 strikeouts. Despite his curtailed season, he still finished seventh on the Clippers in strikeouts and was the only pitcher on the club with ten or more starts to register more strikeouts than innings pitched.
Parker was Seattle's 15th round pick in the 1985 June draft. He led all Class-A Northwest League pitchers with a 1.55 ERA and a .857 winning percentage (6-1) in his first year in pro ball. In 1986, Parker was Wausau's top starter with a 2.88 ERA (eighth in the 'A' Midwest League). He led the club in innings pitched and shared honors in starts, was second in complete games and strikeouts, and was fifth in the league with a 1.92 walks-per-nine-innings-pitched ratio (38 BB, 178 IP).
He began the 1987 season at the Mariners' AA Chattanooga affiliate and made 16 appearances (all starts), going 7-5 with a 2.73 ERA and five complete games along with 60 strikeouts in 112 innings pitched. He was promoted to AAA Calgary on July 5, and in 12 games with Calgary (all starts) was 8-1 with a 2.93 ERA and four complete games along with 44 strikeouts in 86 innings pitched. He was recalled from Calgary to the Mariners on September 12.
He made his major league debut in Seattle against Cleveland on September 14, pitching 2.1 innings of relief and giving up four runs (three earned) on five hits, including a two-run homer to Jay Bell, one hit batter, one walk and four strikeouts, and was not involved in a decision in the Mariners' 11-8 defeat. He made his second appearance on September 23 against Kansas City, finishing that game by pitching one inning of relief, giving up two runs (earned) on two hits with two walks and a strikeout, and did not figure in the Royals' 9-0 win.
Clay made his third and final appearance of the season, a start on October 2 at Texas, going 4.1 innings and giving up four runs (all earned) on eight hits, including a two-run homer by Ruben Sierra, with a walk and three strikeouts, and again was not involved in a decision in the Mariners' 5-4 victory. In his three major league outings, Clay pitched 7.2 innings without a decision, giving up 10 runs (nine earned) for a 10.56 ERA while allowing 15 hits (including two home runs) with four walks [2.48 WHIP] and eight strikeouts.
Clay graduated from Caldwell Parish (Columbia, Louisiana) High School in 1981. He was named All-State in baseball, football and track, where he was the state javelin champion. He attended LSU on a football scholarship and was a three-year starter, playing in the 1983 Orange Bowl and the 1985 Sugar Bowl. He also started in four years of baseball. Clay declined a free agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys and signed with the Mariners.
His hobbies are hunting and fishing and his favorite spectator sport is football. His favorite team growing up was the Miami Dolphins and his favorite player was Larry Csonka. His most dramatic moments in sports were playing in the 1983 Orange Bowl and 1985 Sugar Bowl. His most humorous moment: 'Celebrating after tackling Willie Gault, not realizing he had returned my 48-yard punt 47 yards.'
Clay's favorite entertainer is Randy Travis."
-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide
JIMMY JONES
"Jimmy Jones' arrival after the 1988 season with Lance McCullers and Stanley Jefferson for Jack Clark met with mixed emotions. But a strong effort in Columbus and New York last year has changed his critics' opinions. Used solely as a starter in the minors, the 26-year-old right-hander won eight games in the always competitive International League. As a Yankee, he started and was also used in relief, a role that may quicken his arrival to the bigs."
-The New York Yankees Official 1990 Yearbook
"Jones started the 1989 season with Columbus and had his contract purchased by the Yankees on May 30. At the time of his recall he was 4-3 with a 3.86 ERA. He allowed 44 hits, 22 runs (21 ER), eight walks and fanned 39 over 49 innings [1.06 WHIP] with the Clippers.
He made his Yankee debut on the day of his recall, starting against Seattle. He was the losing pitcher, allowing three runs (all earned) on six hits, including two home runs by Ken Griffey Jr. over seven innings in a 3-2 loss. His next start was on June 4 at Milwaukee and Jones earned his first win in Pinstripes despite allowing seven runs over 6.1 innings in a 12-9 Yankee win.
Jimmy made four more starts through June 27 and was 1-0 with a 5.32 ERA. His second win came on June 16 in New York in the second game of a doubleheader with Texas; he allowed one run on three hits (a Rafael Palmeiro homer) over six innings in a 6-1 Yankee win. Jimmy made his first relief appearance on July 2 against Milwaukee and allowed four runs (earned) on nine hits over five innings in a 10-2 Columbus.
He was optioned to Columbus on July 4th and recalled for good on September 2. During his stint with the Clippers, he was 3-3 with a 4.23 ERA in 11 starts. After his recall, Jimmy appeared in four games (all relief) and posted a 3.27 ERA. After allowing three earned runs in one-third of an inning at Oakland on September 9, he allowed just one earned run over his final three appearances (10.2 IP) for a 0.84 ERA, dropping his overall Yankee ERA from 6.51 to 5.25.
As a starter, Jimmy was 2-1 with a 5.63 ERA in six starts. He allowed 20 earned runs on 35 hits, walked eight and fanned 15 batters. As a reliever, he was 0-0 in five appearances with a 4.50 ERA. Jimmy was 1-1, 2.42 (26 IP, 7 ER) in night games and 1-0, 8.59 (22 IP, 21 ER) in day games. The Yankees were 4-7 in games he pitched (4-2 in starts, 0-5 in relief).
He signed a contract for the 1990 season.
Jones spent the entire 1988 season in the Padres' starting rotation and went 9-14 in 29 starts with a 4.12 ERA and three complete games. He had 179 innings pitched and allowed 192 hits (including 14 homers) and 98 runs (82 earned) along with 44 walks [1.32 WHIP] and 92 strikeouts, and had a batting average against of .277.
After losing his first start of the year, Jimmy recorded his first win on April 14 against Los Angeles when he pitched 6.2 shutout innings (5H, 4BB, 3K) to gain credit for the Padres' 14-4 victory. It was his only start of the year where he did not allow a run. He followed that with a win in his next outing, April 22 against Houston, allowing one earned run in 6.2 innings pitched in San Diego's 3-1 victory. It was one of only two times all season Jimmy recorded victories in back-to-back appearances.
He lost each of his next three outings from April 27 through May 8, even though his ERA in those three games was 3.57 (7 ER, 17.2 IP) as the Padres scored a total of five runs. In the May 8 contest at Pittsburgh, Jimmy recorded his season high of seven strikeouts. He broke that losing streak with a 5-hit complete game against Montreal, a 7-1 Padre victory. That began a span of six starts from May 13 through June 9, when he went 3-1 with a 2.79 ERA (13 ER, 42 IP).
Jones had his second three-game losing streak, covering four starts from June 19-July 5, going 0-3 with a 7.66 ERA (19 ER, 22.1 IP). That streak began with his worst outing of the year, June 19 in the first game of a doubleheader at Los Angeles, when he allowed nine earned runs and 11 hits in four innings, including home runs to Franklin Stubbs and Kirk Gibson, in the Dodgers' 12-2 win; but in his last loss of that streak, July 5 against Pittsburgh, Jones matched his season high with seven strikeouts while allowing just two earned runs (solo homers by Tommy Gregg and Andy Van Slyke) in seven innings.
He ended the losing streak on July 19 by pitching his second complete game of the season, a 6-hit 6-2 win at Pittsburgh in the first game of a doubleheader, giving up just one earned run in nine innings along with two walks and four strikeouts. He followed with a win in his next outing, July 24 at Chicago, going eight innings and allowing one run (earned) on four hits in the Padres' 2-1 victory. It was the only time all season Jimmy pitched 17 innings in consecutive starts and the second time all year that he won in back-to-back starts.
Jimmy pitched one other complete game, August 11 at Atlanta, allowing five hits and two runs (earned) in eight innings but was charged with the Padres' 2-1 loss. He was 8-10 with a 3.84 ERA on August 16 but from there finished the season by dropping four of his last five decisions (covering his last six starts of the year) from August 22 through September 20, with a 5.46 ERA (19 ER, 31.3 IP), to drop his final record to 9-14 with a 4.12 ERA.
He was acquired by the Yankees along with pitcher Lance McCullers and outfielder Stanley Jefferson on October 24, 1988 in exchange for outfielder Jack Clark and pitcher Pat Clements.
Selected by the San Diego Padres in the first round (third player selected) of the June 1982 draft, his first year in pro ball was a healthy one, Jones going 4-6 in 14 starts for Walla Walla ('A' Northwest League) while fanning 78 in 77 innings pitched.
While pitching for Reno ('A' California League) in 1983, Jones was 7-5 with a 2.70 ERA in 17 starts when on July 3 he was forced to miss the remainder of the season due to tendinitis in his arm. Prior to the injury, he had pitched six complete games and a shutout. In 1984, Jones had a promising start at Beaumont (AA Texas League), posting wins in seven of nine decisions with a 2.10 ERA, but suffered a disabling injury for the second straight year on July 3, tearing ligaments in his right ankle while running in the outfield prior to a game in El Paso.
While pitching for Beaumont in 1985, he won seven games for the third straight year but also had his season cut short by injury for the third successive time. Jimmy was forced out of action on July 16 with an injury to his left knee. He was strongest in May, going 4-1 with a 3.38 ERA.
Jimmy started 1986 strongly at Las Vegas (AAA Pacific Coast League), tossing a 5-hit shutout over Portland in his AAA debut but struggled through June, posting a 3-7 record. He won six of his last nine decisions before being recalled by the Padres and made his major league debut on September 21 against Houston in the Astrodome. A Bob Knepper triple with two out in the third inning prevented Jones from tossing a no-hitter in his major league debut, as he retired the last 19 men he faced in beating the Astros 6-0; Jones became the first pitcher to throw a 1-hitter in his big league debut since Juan Marichal in 1960. His last start of the year came on October 1 against Los Angeles when he established a personal best that still stands with nine strikeouts in an 8-2 win.
He just missed making the Padres out of spring training in 1987, so he started the season at Las Vegas where he was 2-0 in four starts before being recalled to the majors for keeps on April 29. Jimmy initially was used both as a starter and a reliever before establishing himself as a starter after a superb relief performance on July 29. Filling in after the first inning for an injured Storm Davis, he threw eight innings of near-perfect relief, allowing only two hits with two walks and two strikeouts. It marked the longest relief appearance by a Padre since Dennis Kinney went 9.1 innings at Philadelphia on August 21, 1980.
Jimmy was inserted into the rotation for the rest of the year and went 7-4 with a 3.73 ERA in the second half, including a four-game winning streak. The highlight of that streak was a 2-hit shutout over Atlanta on August 10, with one walk and four strikeouts. He was in on two other shutouts, both of a combined nature, and had one other complete game, a 10-2 win over Houston on September 13.
He went 8-1 against Western Division teams but was just 1-6 against the East. His strikeout high was five on two occasions. He hit his first career home on July 30 at Cincinnati, a game-winning two-run homer off Guy Hoffman.
Jimmy attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas, compiling a 14-3 record during his senior year. He is an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. His hobbies are golf and hunting, his favorite spectator sport is football and his favorite ballpark is Wrigley Field. His favorite entertainer is Jimmy Stewart."
-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tied modern major league record for fewest hits allowed, first major league game, nine innings (1), September 21, 1986.
Tied for Pacific Coast League in games started by pitchers (27), 1986.
-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide
BRITT BURNS
"An unsigned free agent, Britt received an invitation to spring training in the 1989-90 off-season. He has not pitched in the major leagues since 1985 or in spring training since 1986 because of chronic hip condition which has since been corrected by surgery.
In December of 1988, Britt had the 'hardware' from his May 1986 surgery removed from his hip. He spent the summer and fall of 1989 on his ranch in Colorado running, chasing and hiking after elk to regain his physical strength.
His last major league appearance came on September 30, 1985 at Minnesota, going five innings and allowing six earned runs on 10 hits in taking the loss. His last win came on September 17 of that year as he beat the Angels in Chicago (6.2 IP, 6 H, 1 ER). His last complete game came five days later (9 IP, 4 H, 0 ER).
Burns was sidelined for the entire 1986 season with a degenerative hip condition. He did begin spring training with the Yankees and made two appearances. He started and went two innings against Texas on March 12 (2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K), giving up a home run to Pete Incaviglia, and made a start against Toronto at Dunedin on March 17 (3.0 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 0 BB, 0 K). Burns finished with a spring training record of 0-0 and a 10.80 ERA in those two games over five innings pitched. Continued pain in both hips affected those two outings, and he was placed on the 60-day emergency disabled list on March 31 because of his hip condition. He remained on the 60-day DL for the entire season.
He underwent surgery on his right hip on May 27. A flexion and rotation osteotomy of the right proximal femur was performed and Britt spent the rest of the season rehabilitating from that surgery.
With the Chicago White Sox in 1985, Burns finished tied for third in the AL in victories with a team leading and personal high 18. He tied for second in the league with four shutouts, three of which were 4-hitters, the fourth being a 5-hit performance, and finished sixth in strikeouts with a career high 172.
He started a career high 34 games, appearing only twice in relief. He had four outings in which he achieved double figures in strikeouts, setting a personal single-game high with 12 at Baltimore on May 1. He had three shutouts against Cleveland, ending the season with 33.2 consecutive scoreless innings against the Indians. Britt was acquired by the Yankees from the Chicago White Sox in December 1985 along with shortstop Mike Soper, outfielder Glen Braxton and two players to be named later in exchange for catcher Ron Hassey and pitcher Joe Cowley.
In 1978, his first pro season, Britt appeared in two games for the White Sox, both starts, and lost them both, going 0-2 with a 13.75 ERA. He pitched six games with Appleton, Chicago's 'A' affiliate, and four games with AA Knoxville in addition to his brief major league stint. He pitched six games with the White Sox in 1979, all in relief, and also spent time with Chicago's Iowa (AAA) and Knoxville affiliates. In 1980 with the White Sox, Burns struck out 133 batters in his rookie season, second best in his career. He had a 15-13 record with a 2.84 ERA in only 32 starts and was named Sporting News Rookie Pitcher of the Year.
Britt won six straight midseason games in 1981 and was named to the AL All-Star team, but didn't appear in the game. His success was tempered when his father was struck by an automobile near Birmingham, Alabama on July 16 and passed away without regaining consciousness on September 12. Over his father's two-month fight for life, Britt commuted between his father's bedside and his starts in the rotation. He hurled 30 consecutive scoreless innings in August.
He led the Sox in wins (13) and win-loss percentage (.722) in 1982 despite missing the final weeks of the season with a shoulder injury. Burns began the 1983 season on the DL after being sidelined in spring training with a viral infection in his pitching arm. He didn't pitch in a game until May 9 and was inconsistent early. Burns returned to form late in the year and won several key games int he Sox' pennant chase. He pitched a 1-hit shutout against the Angels on September 9 in Chicago and followed that with a 2-hit blanking of the Angels in California on September 24. Despite only 26 starts, his four shutouts were second best in the AL.
Britt volunteered to start the 1984 season in the bullpen due to the quality of White Sox starting pitching. He was placed back in the starting rotation six weeks into the season, his first start a May 13 8-1 win over Texas. He then went 0-8 in his next 11 starts and was returned to the bullpen on July 5. Britt made three relief appearances before developing a bacterial infection, going on the 15-day disabled list on July 19. After brief rehabilitation work at two farm clubs (Appleton and AAA Denver), his next appearance with the White Sox came on August 20.
He returned to the starting rotation on September 7 and snapped a 10-game losing streak on September 12 with a 4-2 win at Oakland; his 10-game losing streak was the longest in the AL in 1984. Britt's best game was on September 23 at Comiskey when he beat Seattle 4-0, allowing three hits in 8.2 innings. He recorded three seven-strikeout games in '84.
Selected by the White Sox in the 3rd round of the June 1978 free agent draft, Burns was 'discovered' by former Chicago Tribune book critic Robert Cromie, who read an article about his high school heroics while in Birmingham on business. Cromie clipped the article and mailed it to White Sox president Bill Veeck, a friend of Cromie. Burns' sensational prep career at Hoffman High School in Birmingham included a 0.12 ERA and a 35-2 record with 30 hits, 30 walks and 292 strikeouts in 139 innings; included was an 18-game winning streak. Britt also played scholastic basketball.
His favorite team growing up was the Baltimore Orioles and his favorite player was Boog Powell. His favorite ballparks are Comiskey Park and Yankee Stadium and his most memorable moment is pitching in the fourth game of the 1983 American League Championship Series. Britt's hobbies are horses, fishing and bird hunting and his favorite entertainers are David Letterman, Eddie Murphy and Lionel Ritchie."
-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tied for American League lead in balks (4), 1980.
Named American League Rookie Pitcher of the Year by The Sporting News, 1980.
-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide
JOHN HABYAN
"Prior to the start of the 1989 season, John had a bizarre accident. On January 6 he had a third-degree separation of his right shoulder when he was involved in a sledding accident in Baltimore. He underwent surgery on January 8 and his rehabilitation extended into the beginning of the season, and as a result John did not report to Baltimore AAA affiliate Rochester until June 11 and did not make his first appearance until June 15. John pitched in seven games (five starts), striking out 22 and walking five, a ratio of 4.4 strikeouts for each walk. He was acquired by AAA affiliate Columbus from Rochester on July 19 in exchange for outfielder Stan Jefferson. At the time of the trade, Habyan was 1-2 with a 2.17 ERA (37.1 IP, 9 ER) for Rochester. He reported to Columbus immediately after the trade and spent the remainder of the season with the Clippers.
At Columbus, John finished with a 2-3 record and a 5.44 ERA (46.1 IP, 28 ER) and was used exclusively as a starter, making eight appearances and notching two complete games. He fanned 30 batters and walked nine, a ratio of 3.3 strikeouts to each walk, and ranked second on the club for fewest walks allowed and gave up only two home runs, an average of one every 23 innings.
Overall in 1989, Habyan was 3-5 with a 3.98 ERA (83.2 IP, 37 ER) in 15 games. He fanned 52 and walked 14, a 3.7:1 strikeout to walk ratio. Overall he allowed four home runs in his 83.2 innings pitched, or one every 21 innings.
His favorite team growing up was the Baltimore Orioles and his favorite player was Boog Powell. His favorite ballparks are Comiskey Park and Yankee Stadium and his most memorable moment is pitching in the fourth game of the 1983 American League Championship Series. Britt's hobbies are horses, fishing and bird hunting and his favorite entertainers are David Letterman, Eddie Murphy and Lionel Ritchie."
-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tied for American League lead in balks (4), 1980.
Named American League Rookie Pitcher of the Year by The Sporting News, 1980.
-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide
JOHN HABYAN
"Prior to the start of the 1989 season, John had a bizarre accident. On January 6 he had a third-degree separation of his right shoulder when he was involved in a sledding accident in Baltimore. He underwent surgery on January 8 and his rehabilitation extended into the beginning of the season, and as a result John did not report to Baltimore AAA affiliate Rochester until June 11 and did not make his first appearance until June 15. John pitched in seven games (five starts), striking out 22 and walking five, a ratio of 4.4 strikeouts for each walk. He was acquired by AAA affiliate Columbus from Rochester on July 19 in exchange for outfielder Stan Jefferson. At the time of the trade, Habyan was 1-2 with a 2.17 ERA (37.1 IP, 9 ER) for Rochester. He reported to Columbus immediately after the trade and spent the remainder of the season with the Clippers.
At Columbus, John finished with a 2-3 record and a 5.44 ERA (46.1 IP, 28 ER) and was used exclusively as a starter, making eight appearances and notching two complete games. He fanned 30 batters and walked nine, a ratio of 3.3 strikeouts to each walk, and ranked second on the club for fewest walks allowed and gave up only two home runs, an average of one every 23 innings.
Overall in 1989, Habyan was 3-5 with a 3.98 ERA (83.2 IP, 37 ER) in 15 games. He fanned 52 and walked 14, a 3.7:1 strikeout to walk ratio. Overall he allowed four home runs in his 83.2 innings pitched, or one every 21 innings.
In his minor league career, John is 69-47 with a 4.02 ERA in 160 games (157 starts). In his major league career, he is 9-10 with a 4.61 ERA (160 IP, 82 ER) in 42 games. As a major league reliever he is 6-0 with a save and a 3.28 ERA in 24 relief appearances, and 3-10 with a 5.68 ERA in 18 starts.
John signed a contract for the 1990 season.
The Orioles 3rd round pick in the 1982 June draft, John began his pro career with Bluefield (rookie league) and was 9-2 with a 3.54 ERA in 12 games (all starts, with two complete games and a shutout), fanning 55 batters over 81 innings. His nine wins tied for the Appalachian League lead.
Habyan split the 1983 season between Class-A Newark and Class-A Hagerstown. He compiled a 2-3 record with a 5.81 ERA with Hagerstown in 11 games (all starts, one complete game) with 42 strikeouts over 48 innings (7.9 K/9 IP). At Newark, John went 5-3 with a 3.39 ERA in 11 appearances (all starts, one complete game, one shutout), striking out 64 in 72 innings (8 K/9 IP).
He began the 1984 season with Hagerstown and went 9-4 (3.54 ERA) in 13 games (all starts, four complete games), striking out 81 batters over 81.1 innings (8.96 K/9 IP). John was promoted to Charlotte on June 21 and at the time had nine of Hagerstown's 34 wins. At Charlotte he went 4-7 with a 4.44 ERA over 13 starts.
Habyan spent most of the 1985 season with Charlotte, winning a club-best 13 games. His season highlights included a nine-inning no-hitter against Columbus on May 13 and two 3-hitters. In his first 11 starts he was 8-0 with a 2.54 ERA before losing to Memphis on June 8. Overall, John allowed three runs or less in 19 of 28 starts.
He finished third in the Southern League in strikeouts (123), innings pitched (189.2) and complete games (8) and fifth in ERA (3.27) and was named as the right-handed pitcher on the Southern League All-Star team. John left the Instructional League and was recalled by the Orioles on September 23, joining an injury-riddled staff. He made his major league debut on September 29 at Yankee Stadium. His first major league win came in his only other outing, against Boston on October 3.
John began the 1986 season with Rochester and posted a 12-7 record with a 4.29 ERA, tying for second in the league in wins. In 25 starts (26 games) he had five complete games and a shutout. John was red hot from May 4-August 4, going 12-2 with a 3.33 ERA (135.1 IP, 50 ER).
He was recalled by the Orioles on August 29 and made his major league starting debut that day, losing 4-0 to Dave Stewart at Oakland. Habyan's first major league win as a starter came against Milwaukee on September 20. Overall for the Orioles, he was 1-3 with a 4.44 ERA in six games.
He began the 1987 season with Rochester and was recalled for good by the Orioles on May 18. At the time of his recall, he was leading the International League with 39 strikeouts. With the Orioles, John was 2-7 in 13 starts, and 4-0 with a save and a 3.66 ERA (59 IP, 24 ER) in 14 relief appearances. He went 1-3 with a 6.28 ERA before the break but was 5-4 with a 4.00 ERA after the break; the five wins tied for the club-best after the break. His last eight appearances were all starts. John's best outing came on September 28 at Detroit (8.1 IP, 0 R, 5 H), combining with Tom Niedenfuer for a 3-0 shutout over Jack Morris, one of only four times the Tigers were shut out in 1987.
John spent a majority of the 1988 season at Rochester. He was used exclusively as a starter, going 9-9 with a 4.46 ERA in 23 games with eight complete games (tied for second in the International League) and a shutout. John made two tours of duty with the Orioles (May 2-28 and June 28-July 15), compiling a 1-0 record with a 4.29 ERA (14.2 IP, 7 ER) in seven relief appearances. His only win came on July 2 at Texas. He returned to Rochester after his second stint with the Orioles and compiled a 6-3 record with a 3.66 ERA (59 IP, 24 ER) through his final nine starts.
He graduated in 1982 from St. John the Baptist High School in Brentwood, New York and played Little League ball in Brentwood. John enjoys playing basketball, football and street hockey and was a Tom Seaver fan as a youngster. His favorite entertainer is Bill Murray."
-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide
FRED TOLIVER
"Toliver spent time with two organizations and four teams in 1989. He started the season with Minnesota, made five appearances (all starts) and was 1-3 with a 7.76 ERA (29 IP, 25 ER). Fred made his '89 debut on April 8 against Baltimore, allowing five earned runs in two innings, but did not get a decision. In an April 18 relief appearance against Detroit, he earned his only major league win of the year, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits over five innings. His best outing came on May 2 against Boston, allowing four hits and one earned run in seven innings, but he did not get the decision.
He made another start on May 7 against Cleveland (2.1 IP, 3ER) before being outrighted to Portland (Twins' AAA affiliate in the Pacific Coast League) on May 11. Toliver was 4-2 with a 2.68 ERA in eight starts at Portland. The Twins purchased his contract on June 24 and he pitched his final game for the Twins that day, a loss at Boston (4.1 IP, 4 ER). He was traded to the Padres for pitcher Greg Booker on June 29.
Fred made his San Diego debut two days later, pitching two innings in relief and allowing three unearned runs while striking out a season high four batters. He was with the Padres until August 8 and made nine appearances, all in relief, posting a 0-0 record with a 7.07 ERA (14 IP, 11 ER). Toliver was outrighted to Las Vegas (Padres' AAA PCL club) where he spent the remainder of the season. He was 4-0 with a 2.41 ERA in five starts with the Stars.
For the season, Toliver was 1-3 in 16 major league games (5 GS) with a 7.53 ERA. He was 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA (22.1 IP, 17 ER) as a starter and was 1-0 with an 8.27 ERA (20.2 IP, 19 ER) in 11 games as a reliever. With Portland and Las Vegas, Toliver was a combined 8-2 with a 2.57 ERA (84 IP, 24 ER) in 13 games (all starts).
He was acquired by the Yankees on September 27, 1989 from the San Diego Padres to complete the July 22 trade that sent third baseman Mike Pagliarulo and pitcher Don Schulze to San Diego for pitcher Walt Terrell and a player to be named later. Toliver signed a contract for the 1990 season.
Toliver was the Yankees' third choice in the June 1979 free agent draft and he was 10-2 with a 2.10 ERA for Oneonta. His ten wins led the New York-Penn League and he was named to the All-Star team. Fred started the 1980 season at Ft. Lauderdale and finished at Greensboro, the Yankees' Class-A club in the South Atlantic League. In 1981, he was 5-3 with Greensboro with a 3.49 ERA. He was traded to Cedar Rapids in December 1981, completing the November 1981 deal that sent pitcher Brian Ryder and a player to be named later to the Reds, with Ken Griffey, Sr. going to the Yankees.
At Cedar Rapids, Fred struck out 12 batters in a game twice, once in seven innings and the other time in six innings. He was promoted to Indianapolis in August and pitched the division clincher, followed by a 2-hit shutout in the playoffs. Overall, he was 2-2 with a 3.92 at Indianapolis, and in 1983 with the same club was 8-10 with a 4.54 ERA over a full season.
Fred started the 1984 season with Wichita and was 11-6 with a 4.83 ERA in 32 games (23 starts). He was promoted to the Reds in September, posting a 0.90 ERA over 10 innings; he made his major league debut in relief on September 15 against Los Angeles.
He started the 1985 season at Denver (Reds' AAA affiliate) going 11-3 with a 3.24 ERA in 19 starts. He led Denver in wins and was among the American Association leaders in ERA. He was sent to the Phillies on August 27 to complete the trade which on August 8 had shipped shortstop Tom Foley and catcher Alan Knicely to Philadelphia in exchange for catcher Bo Diaz and pitcher Greg Simpson. Toliver was 0-4 with the Phillies, registering his first major league save on September 3 at San Francisco.
Starting the 1986 season with Portland of the Pacific Coast League, Toliver was hit on his pitching hand on April 16 while trying to field a ball hit up the middle and suffered a sprained and bruised middle finger. Reacquired by the Phillies on May 13, he set a career high with six strikeouts at Los Angeles on May 24. Fred then suffered a broken ulna bone in his left forearm when hit by a pitch from Roger Mason of the Giants on May 29 and was placed on the disabled list on May 30.
He was reinstated from the DL on June 25, placed in the bullpen, then moved back into the rotation on July 7. He injured his pitching elbow in his July 7 start, suffering a fracture, and was placed on the disabled list again. Fred missed a total of 21 starts because of the injuries.
Fred spent most of the 1987 season with the Maine Guides (Phillies' AAA club) and was 6-9 with a 4.62 ERA in 22 games (21 starts). He made his 1987 debut with the parent club on August 11 against the Cubs. He earned his first major league win on August 20 against the Padres, allowing two runs over six innings in a 10-2 Phillies win. Overall, Toliver appeared in 10 games with Philadelphia and was 1-1 with a 5.64 ERA.
Traded to the Twins for catcher Chris Calvert in February 1988, Toliver started the season with Portland and had his contract purchased by Minnesota on June 19. He made his American League debut against California on June 21 but did not get a decision (6 IP, 4 ER). Toliver notched his first AL win in his fifth start on July 16 at Baltimore (7 IP, 2 ER) in a 4-3 Twins victory. The win was one of four without a loss from July 16-August 9 (seven starts).
He had an impressive outing in a September 9 game at Chicago, allowing one hit over eight innings (a Steve Lyons single) in leading the Twins to a 1-0 win. Fred followed with 7.1 innings of 2-hit pitching at Seattle on September 14, taking the loss in a 2-0 Mariners win. Overall in '88, he was 7-6 with a 4.24 ERA in 21 games (19 starts), his first winning season in the majors.
Signed by Yankee scouts Bob Nieman and Don Lindeberg in 1979, Fred attended San Gorgonia High School in Highland, California. He played baseball, basketball and football and ran track. He played Little League and Pony League ball in San Bernadino and grew up a Rod Carew fan.
Fred enjoys fishing and collecting crystal and watching tractor pulling and auto racing."
-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide
John signed a contract for the 1990 season.
The Orioles 3rd round pick in the 1982 June draft, John began his pro career with Bluefield (rookie league) and was 9-2 with a 3.54 ERA in 12 games (all starts, with two complete games and a shutout), fanning 55 batters over 81 innings. His nine wins tied for the Appalachian League lead.
Habyan split the 1983 season between Class-A Newark and Class-A Hagerstown. He compiled a 2-3 record with a 5.81 ERA with Hagerstown in 11 games (all starts, one complete game) with 42 strikeouts over 48 innings (7.9 K/9 IP). At Newark, John went 5-3 with a 3.39 ERA in 11 appearances (all starts, one complete game, one shutout), striking out 64 in 72 innings (8 K/9 IP).
He began the 1984 season with Hagerstown and went 9-4 (3.54 ERA) in 13 games (all starts, four complete games), striking out 81 batters over 81.1 innings (8.96 K/9 IP). John was promoted to Charlotte on June 21 and at the time had nine of Hagerstown's 34 wins. At Charlotte he went 4-7 with a 4.44 ERA over 13 starts.
Habyan spent most of the 1985 season with Charlotte, winning a club-best 13 games. His season highlights included a nine-inning no-hitter against Columbus on May 13 and two 3-hitters. In his first 11 starts he was 8-0 with a 2.54 ERA before losing to Memphis on June 8. Overall, John allowed three runs or less in 19 of 28 starts.
He finished third in the Southern League in strikeouts (123), innings pitched (189.2) and complete games (8) and fifth in ERA (3.27) and was named as the right-handed pitcher on the Southern League All-Star team. John left the Instructional League and was recalled by the Orioles on September 23, joining an injury-riddled staff. He made his major league debut on September 29 at Yankee Stadium. His first major league win came in his only other outing, against Boston on October 3.
John began the 1986 season with Rochester and posted a 12-7 record with a 4.29 ERA, tying for second in the league in wins. In 25 starts (26 games) he had five complete games and a shutout. John was red hot from May 4-August 4, going 12-2 with a 3.33 ERA (135.1 IP, 50 ER).
He was recalled by the Orioles on August 29 and made his major league starting debut that day, losing 4-0 to Dave Stewart at Oakland. Habyan's first major league win as a starter came against Milwaukee on September 20. Overall for the Orioles, he was 1-3 with a 4.44 ERA in six games.
He began the 1987 season with Rochester and was recalled for good by the Orioles on May 18. At the time of his recall, he was leading the International League with 39 strikeouts. With the Orioles, John was 2-7 in 13 starts, and 4-0 with a save and a 3.66 ERA (59 IP, 24 ER) in 14 relief appearances. He went 1-3 with a 6.28 ERA before the break but was 5-4 with a 4.00 ERA after the break; the five wins tied for the club-best after the break. His last eight appearances were all starts. John's best outing came on September 28 at Detroit (8.1 IP, 0 R, 5 H), combining with Tom Niedenfuer for a 3-0 shutout over Jack Morris, one of only four times the Tigers were shut out in 1987.
John spent a majority of the 1988 season at Rochester. He was used exclusively as a starter, going 9-9 with a 4.46 ERA in 23 games with eight complete games (tied for second in the International League) and a shutout. John made two tours of duty with the Orioles (May 2-28 and June 28-July 15), compiling a 1-0 record with a 4.29 ERA (14.2 IP, 7 ER) in seven relief appearances. His only win came on July 2 at Texas. He returned to Rochester after his second stint with the Orioles and compiled a 6-3 record with a 3.66 ERA (59 IP, 24 ER) through his final nine starts.
He graduated in 1982 from St. John the Baptist High School in Brentwood, New York and played Little League ball in Brentwood. John enjoys playing basketball, football and street hockey and was a Tom Seaver fan as a youngster. His favorite entertainer is Bill Murray."
-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide
FRED TOLIVER
"Toliver spent time with two organizations and four teams in 1989. He started the season with Minnesota, made five appearances (all starts) and was 1-3 with a 7.76 ERA (29 IP, 25 ER). Fred made his '89 debut on April 8 against Baltimore, allowing five earned runs in two innings, but did not get a decision. In an April 18 relief appearance against Detroit, he earned his only major league win of the year, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits over five innings. His best outing came on May 2 against Boston, allowing four hits and one earned run in seven innings, but he did not get the decision.
He made another start on May 7 against Cleveland (2.1 IP, 3ER) before being outrighted to Portland (Twins' AAA affiliate in the Pacific Coast League) on May 11. Toliver was 4-2 with a 2.68 ERA in eight starts at Portland. The Twins purchased his contract on June 24 and he pitched his final game for the Twins that day, a loss at Boston (4.1 IP, 4 ER). He was traded to the Padres for pitcher Greg Booker on June 29.
Fred made his San Diego debut two days later, pitching two innings in relief and allowing three unearned runs while striking out a season high four batters. He was with the Padres until August 8 and made nine appearances, all in relief, posting a 0-0 record with a 7.07 ERA (14 IP, 11 ER). Toliver was outrighted to Las Vegas (Padres' AAA PCL club) where he spent the remainder of the season. He was 4-0 with a 2.41 ERA in five starts with the Stars.
For the season, Toliver was 1-3 in 16 major league games (5 GS) with a 7.53 ERA. He was 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA (22.1 IP, 17 ER) as a starter and was 1-0 with an 8.27 ERA (20.2 IP, 19 ER) in 11 games as a reliever. With Portland and Las Vegas, Toliver was a combined 8-2 with a 2.57 ERA (84 IP, 24 ER) in 13 games (all starts).
He was acquired by the Yankees on September 27, 1989 from the San Diego Padres to complete the July 22 trade that sent third baseman Mike Pagliarulo and pitcher Don Schulze to San Diego for pitcher Walt Terrell and a player to be named later. Toliver signed a contract for the 1990 season.
Toliver was the Yankees' third choice in the June 1979 free agent draft and he was 10-2 with a 2.10 ERA for Oneonta. His ten wins led the New York-Penn League and he was named to the All-Star team. Fred started the 1980 season at Ft. Lauderdale and finished at Greensboro, the Yankees' Class-A club in the South Atlantic League. In 1981, he was 5-3 with Greensboro with a 3.49 ERA. He was traded to Cedar Rapids in December 1981, completing the November 1981 deal that sent pitcher Brian Ryder and a player to be named later to the Reds, with Ken Griffey, Sr. going to the Yankees.
At Cedar Rapids, Fred struck out 12 batters in a game twice, once in seven innings and the other time in six innings. He was promoted to Indianapolis in August and pitched the division clincher, followed by a 2-hit shutout in the playoffs. Overall, he was 2-2 with a 3.92 at Indianapolis, and in 1983 with the same club was 8-10 with a 4.54 ERA over a full season.
Fred started the 1984 season with Wichita and was 11-6 with a 4.83 ERA in 32 games (23 starts). He was promoted to the Reds in September, posting a 0.90 ERA over 10 innings; he made his major league debut in relief on September 15 against Los Angeles.
He started the 1985 season at Denver (Reds' AAA affiliate) going 11-3 with a 3.24 ERA in 19 starts. He led Denver in wins and was among the American Association leaders in ERA. He was sent to the Phillies on August 27 to complete the trade which on August 8 had shipped shortstop Tom Foley and catcher Alan Knicely to Philadelphia in exchange for catcher Bo Diaz and pitcher Greg Simpson. Toliver was 0-4 with the Phillies, registering his first major league save on September 3 at San Francisco.
Starting the 1986 season with Portland of the Pacific Coast League, Toliver was hit on his pitching hand on April 16 while trying to field a ball hit up the middle and suffered a sprained and bruised middle finger. Reacquired by the Phillies on May 13, he set a career high with six strikeouts at Los Angeles on May 24. Fred then suffered a broken ulna bone in his left forearm when hit by a pitch from Roger Mason of the Giants on May 29 and was placed on the disabled list on May 30.
He was reinstated from the DL on June 25, placed in the bullpen, then moved back into the rotation on July 7. He injured his pitching elbow in his July 7 start, suffering a fracture, and was placed on the disabled list again. Fred missed a total of 21 starts because of the injuries.
Fred spent most of the 1987 season with the Maine Guides (Phillies' AAA club) and was 6-9 with a 4.62 ERA in 22 games (21 starts). He made his 1987 debut with the parent club on August 11 against the Cubs. He earned his first major league win on August 20 against the Padres, allowing two runs over six innings in a 10-2 Phillies win. Overall, Toliver appeared in 10 games with Philadelphia and was 1-1 with a 5.64 ERA.
Traded to the Twins for catcher Chris Calvert in February 1988, Toliver started the season with Portland and had his contract purchased by Minnesota on June 19. He made his American League debut against California on June 21 but did not get a decision (6 IP, 4 ER). Toliver notched his first AL win in his fifth start on July 16 at Baltimore (7 IP, 2 ER) in a 4-3 Twins victory. The win was one of four without a loss from July 16-August 9 (seven starts).
He had an impressive outing in a September 9 game at Chicago, allowing one hit over eight innings (a Steve Lyons single) in leading the Twins to a 1-0 win. Fred followed with 7.1 innings of 2-hit pitching at Seattle on September 14, taking the loss in a 2-0 Mariners win. Overall in '88, he was 7-6 with a 4.24 ERA in 21 games (19 starts), his first winning season in the majors.
Signed by Yankee scouts Bob Nieman and Don Lindeberg in 1979, Fred attended San Gorgonia High School in Highland, California. He played baseball, basketball and football and ran track. He played Little League and Pony League ball in San Bernadino and grew up a Rod Carew fan.
Fred enjoys fishing and collecting crystal and watching tractor pulling and auto racing."
-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide
