1990 Albany-Colonie Yankees Yearbook Notes

New York Yankees AA Farm Club (Eastern League)

DEDICATED TO FRITZ
"The 1990 edition of the Albany-Colonie Yankees Yearbook is dedicated to the memory of Frederick 'Fritz' Walker, the Official Photographer and Number One Fan of the Albany-Colonie Yankees.
From day one, Fritz was an avid backer of first the A-C A's and then the Yankees. The former professional umpire loved to spar with his modern-day Eastern League counterparts and his gravelly voice could be heard all over Heritage Park.
On November 9, 1989, Fritz passed away, leaving a void in sports in the Capital District. Not only was he a big fan of the Yankees, but of the Albany Patroons as well. Many times if you attended a road game of either team, you would find Fritz there.
The Albany-Colonie Yankees extended to the Walker family our sympathies on the untimely passing of our friend Fritz. To be sure, Heritage Park will not be the same without him.
To honor Fritz Walker, each year the Walker Trophy will be awarded to the Albany-Colonie player voted Most Valuable Player each season. The trophy is donated by Vellano Bros. of Latham."

-1990 Albany-Colonie Yankees Yearbook

CHARLES ESHBACH - EASTERN LEAGUE PRESIDENT
"Eastern League President Charlie Eshbach begins his ninth season as its leader, following the most successful year, attendance-wise, in the history of the league. With new teams in London, Ontario; Canton, Ohio; and Hagerstown, Maryland, attendance soared to a new standard of 1,272,812, breaking the old mark set in 1939 by almost two hundred thousand.
Eshbach's baseball career started in 1974 when he took a job as Assistant General Manager at Elmira in the New York-Penn League. In 1975, he rose to General Manager in Bristol, Connecticut, the Boston Red Sox EL farm team. In 1981, he was named President of the Eastern League and in 1988, for a short time, served as President of the National Association, which runs all minor league baseball.
Eshbach has been honored for many of his efforts as EL President. In 1984, he received the Warren Giles Award, which honors the Minor League President of the Year. He also won the Phil Piton Award, given by Umpire Development, an organization that has been important to Charlie for years.
Eshbach makes several trips to Heritage Park each season. The last two seasons he has been here on the final night for the Championship Trophy presentation. Charlie is looking forward to the league setting another attendance record in 1990.
He and his wife Ann-Marie reside, along with their two children, in Connecticut."

-1990 Albany-Colonie Yankees Yearbook

ALBANY-COLONIE YANKEES PRESIDENT BATTING 1.000
"In the world of baseball, Paul Keating is two for two as President of the Albany-Colonie Yankees. Keating has been President for two seasons, and in both seasons the A-C Yankees have won the Eastern League Championship.
The Fitchburg, Massachusetts native has had a lifelong love affair with the game of baseball, as a youngster collecting memorabilia, as a high school first baseman, to A-C Yankees President. He is an avid runner today, a carryover from his track days at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he graduated with a degree in civil engineering.
Keating, an accomplished pilot, is also Treasurer and Chief Executive Officer of P.J. Keating Company and President of its many subsidiaries, including the Keating Sports Group.
Keating has reaffirmed his commitment to 'quality family entertainment at Heritage Park.' He is looking forward to 'another championship season for A-C.'
Paul and his family reside in Massachusetts."

-1990 Albany-Colonie Yankees Yearbook

A.C. GENERAL MANAGER RALPH ACAMPORA
"For Ralph Acampora, his sophomore season was even more successful than his rookie year as Executive Vice-President and General Manager of the Albany-Colonie Yankees. Two seasons, two league championships for A-C since Ralph took over as G.M. of the Yankees' Double-A club. Looking at 1990, Acampora says the A-C Yanks will again 'be very competitive' and all who attend games at Heritage Park 'will be entertained not only on the field but in the rest of the park.' Ralph is committed to folks having lots of fun at Heritage.
A Connecticut native, Ralph graduated from Notre Dame High School in West Haven, Connecticut, and from Southern Connecticut University with a degree in economics. Prior to joining the Yankees, Acampora was with the parent P.J. Keating Company in the construction and materials industry.
Ralph says it's a plus for A-C to be 'part of the New York Yankees rebuilding farm system under George Bradley.' He also reminds everyone that, 'Heritage Park is still the most affordable entertainment in the area.' He also noted the new drainage system and backstop installed at Heritage Park will greatly aid the team and add to better views of the action for the fans. Acampora added that he and A-C President Paul Keating will make every effort 'to keep prices at Heritage Park as affordable as possible.' "

-1990 Albany-Colonie Yankees Yearbook

TIM WESTON - TRAINER
"For the second straight season, Tim Weston will be the trainer for the Albany-Colonie Yankees. For the 24-year-old Weston, it will be his third year with the Yankee organization, starting with Oneonta in 1988.
Tim is a native of Waldoboro, Maine, about a mile's drive from Portland. He graduated from the University of Maine, majoring in physical education and sports medicine. While at Maine, Tim was a trainer for the football and hockey squads.
Looking to hook on in the major leagues someday, Weston brought a very positive approach in 1989 and is looking forward to the challenge of the 1990 season."

-1990 Albany-Colonie Yankees Yearbook

1990 ALBANY-COLONIE YANKEES DIRECTORY
Team Physician - Dr. Carl Wirth
Vice-President, Public Relations - Rip Rowan
Vice-President, Operations - Jay Derman
Director of Administrative Services - Isabelle Acampora
Administrative Assistant - Richard Cummings
Sales - Marc Kestecher
Head Groundskeeper - John Liburdi
Official Scorer - Doug Dickinson
Director of Broadcasting - John Thomas
Intern - Matt Liscum
Vice-President - Lew Troxell
Vice-President - Frank Archambault
Vice-President - John Keating
Vice-President-Comptroller - Jack Del Rossi


THE EASTERN LEAGUE
A Pathway to the Stars
"In 1989, 335 former Eastern Leaguers saw action in major league uniforms. The Pittsburgh Pirates led the way with 29 ex-Eastern Leaguers, while the Cleveland Indians had the most EL grads in the American League with 27. Ryne Sandberg (Reading), Mark Davis (Reading), George Bell (Reading), Wade Boggs (Bristol), Roger Clemens (New Britain), Bobby Bonilla (Nashua) and Mickey Tettleton (Albany) are just a few of the former EL players who enjoyed big years in the majors in 1989."

-1990 Albany-Colonie Yankees Yearbook


YANKEE CARAVAN
"After an absence of several years (early 1970s), the New York Yankee Caravan was resumed and came to the  Capital District. It took place in February as thoughts turned to baseball.
Arranged in cooperation with the Albany-Colonie Yankees, Manager Bucky Dent, players Steve Balboni, Lee Guetterman and Jimmy Jones took the trip up the Thruway from New York. Broadcaster and Yankee great Phil Rizzuto also was here.
Following a press conference in the morning, the contingent went to the Albany Medical Center's Children's Hospital where they greeted many patients, talking to them, having their pictures taken and giving out Yankee gifts. The appearance of the Yankee entourage certainly brightened the day of the kids in the hospital. Many an autograph was signed as evidenced by the kids' faces. Rizzuto also took some time to see some of the older patients, and from the looks on their faces when he walked into their rooms, you knew they were happy to see the Scooter.
From the hospital, the group went to Crossgates Mall, where they greeted the public. Fans could get their pictures taken with Dent and the rest of the Yankees as well as receive that coveted autograph. Long lines greeted the caravan as they arrived.
Judging from the fun day, it will be repeated in 1991."

-1990 Albany-Colonie Yankees Yearbook

LAPOINT'S KIDS
"For the second year in a row, New York Yankee pitcher Dave LaPoint has graciously donated thousands of tickets for area underprivileged children to attend Albany-Colonie Yankee games in 1990. Look for LaPoint's kids in their section in the third base stands."

-1990 Albany Colonie Yankees Yearbook

FIRST BASE CAFE
"In 1990, the Albany-Colonie Yankees will once again be offering catered parties at the First Base Cafe. The Cafe is located next to right field, just past the first base stands. It contains outdoor cafe style tables with oversized umbrellas, all in a beautifully landscaped setting.
A party at the First Base Cafe is a terrific way to say thank you to your valued clients and or employees, or as a way to spend an enjoyable outing with your social group or organization.
There are four affordable dinner selections to choose from. The cafe offers everything from hamburgers and hot dogs to barbeque chicken, barbeque ribs, and sirloin steak. Also included with each dinner is a salad bar, beverage, and ice cream. Each person in your party will receive a reserved ticket to the game, and your group's name will be announced over the public address system, as well as being displayed across the message center scoreboard in center field. All parties are scheduled to begin one and one-half hours before game time and will conclude at the start of the game.
Whether you have 25 people or 500 people, a party at the First Base Cafe is a unique way to spend a day at the ball park. Be sure to stop by the Yankee offices under the home plate grandstand for more information reservations, or call the Yankee offices."

-1990 Albany-Colonie Yankees Yearbook

SENIOR CITIZENS NIGHTS
April 17 (London)
April 24 (Canton)
May 15 (Williamsport)
May 29 (Harrisburg)
June 5 (London)
June 12 (Canton)
July 2 (Monday) (Hagerstown)
July 17 (Harrisburg)
July 31 (Doubleheader) (Canton)
August 1 (Williamsport)
August 21 (Williamsport)
"Senior Citizens Nights for the 1990 Albany-Colonie Yankee season, with one exception, fall on Tuesday Night.
Fans 60 years of age and older will be admitted to A-C home games for just ONE DOLLAR. Bring along the grandkids. They too will get in for ONE DOLLAR if they are 16 or under."

-1990 Albany Colonie Yankees Yearbook

NAPA-CHAMPION YOUTH WINDBREAKER NIGHT
"Friday, May 11, is NAPA Auto Parts-Champion Spark Plug Night. The first 1,000 youngsters 12 or under will receive a free NAPA-Champion A-C Yankee windbreaker. Game time is 7:05 P.M.
NAPA and Champion will team up with the Yankees all season long and give away free trips to Yankee Stadium, via Touch of Class Limousine Service. Watch and listen for our trip announcements, with trips to be given away once a month on a Friday night. Then, on the final Friday night of the season, a trip for two to the 1991 Daytona 500 will be given away. The Yankee Stadium drawings will take place on Fridays, April 27, May 25, June 15, July 13, and the Grand Prize Drawing on August 31."

-1990 Albany-Colonie Yankees Yearbook

RED CROSS NIGHT
"American Red Cross Night at Heritage Park will be Saturday, June 30. The Red Cross will be selling tickets to the game against the Hagerstown Suns. Most of the proceeds will benefit the Red Cross in its fine work of helping people every day. Lots of great prizes will be given out on Red Cross Night, including New York Giants tickets."

-1990 Albany-Colonie Yankees Yearbook

YANKEES AND FIREWORKS
"On Tuesday Night, July 3, come to Heritage Park and celebrate the nation's birthday. The A-C Yankees' annual fireworks show, sponsored by Era Laundry Detergent, will take place right after the 7:05 P.M. game between A-C and Williamsport. It's a fantastic show over Heritage Park. You won't want to miss it!"

-1990 Albany-Colonie Yankees Yearbook

TRUE VALUE NEON HAT NIGHT
"The Albany-Colonie Yankees face the New Britain Red Sox on Friday, July 13, True Value Hardware Neon Hat Night.
The first 1,500 fans through the gates at Heritage Park will receive a free True Value Neon Baseball hat. Game time is 7:05 P.M."

-1990 Albany-Colonie Yankees Yearbook

QUAKER OATS GLOVE NIGHT
"Thursday Night, July 19, is Quaker Oats Baseball Glove Night at Heritage Park. The first 1,200 youngsters 12 years old and younger receive a free Quaker Oats fielders glove on Val Land Memorial Night. Game time is 7:05 P.M."

-1990 Albany-Colonie Yankees Yearbook

PEPSI BAT NIGHT
"Tuesday, July 24, is Pepsi Cola Bat Night. The first 1,500 youngsters 14 and under will receive a free Pepsi Cola-Albany-Colonie Yankee Louisville Slugger bat. Pepsi Bat Night is a very popular attraction at Heritage Park, so get the youngsters here early to make sure they receive a bat. Game time is 7:05 P.M."

-1990 Albany Colonie Yankees Yearbook

FAMILY NIGHT
"The ever popular Family Night at Heritage Park will be held Saturday, August 18 against the Hagerstown Suns.
That night we will feature the famed baseball clown, Max Patkin, whose rubber antics will keep you amused all night long. Movie goers will remember Max- he had a role in the picture 'Bull Durham,' which was very successful at the box office as well as at the video store.
We look forward to seeing you with us on August 18. Once again, we'll all enjoy the Clown Prince of Baseball. "

-1990 Albany Colonie Yankees Yearbook


ALBANY-COLONIE YANKEES WELCOME WGNA
"Tune into WGNA AM (1460) to follow the 1990 A/C Yankees. You'll hear every pitch of A/C Yankees action- both at home and away- at 1460 in clear AM stereo.
The 'On Deck' pregame show begins coverage 10 minutes before game time. John Thomas previews each contest with interviews and lineups.
Again, during this year's broadcasts, you'll be kept updated on scores from around professional baseball. After each game, stay tuned for the postgame show featuring an interview and game wrap up. Each contest concludes with the postgame scoreboard show and a complete rundown of American, Eastern and National League scores and stories.
In addition to adult contemporary country music, WGNA AM excels in local news and weather, as well as traffic and business reports. The leader in Capital District sports, WGNA AM is also the area radio home of the NFL's Buffalo Bills.
Sponsorship of country music concerts and involvement in numerous community events give WGNA AM high visibility throughout the area.
The A/C Yankees are again proud to team with WGNA AM and FM in 1990. Look for WGNA live at Heritage Park several times in 1990!"

-1990 Albany Colonie Yankees Yearbook

JOHN THOMAS, NEW A-C YANKEE BROADCASTER
"John Thomas takes over the play-by-play duties for the A-C Yankees this 1990 season over WGNA-1460 for the full 140-game Eastern League schedule. Thomas will also work fulltime with the Yankees in sales and production of the radio broadcasts. The Kingston, New York native, who now makes his home in Johnstown, has been the Sports Director for WGY the past six and a half years and is a 22-year veteran of the broadcast industry.
Thomas is no stranger to Heritage Park. He has worked the public address mike during A-C games the past five seasons. Prior to his WGY employment, Thomas was an Assistant General Manager at WENT and WKNY in Kingston. He has a wide background in play-by-play in baseball, basketball, football, hockey and golf at all levels, from high school to the professional level.
Thomas is a graduate of Ulster Community College and the Career Academy School of Broadcasting. He has also participated in numerous seminars on radio and television. John is married and the father of one child. He has served in various capacities in Little League baseball and as President of the Glove Cities Colonials, a semi-pro football team."

-1990 Albany Colonie Yankees Yearbook

MEET THE PRESS
Mike Cairns (WRGB-TV)
Bob Croce (Capital Newspapers)
Pete Dougherty (Capital Newspapers)
"Dollar" Bill Early (WGNA)
Bill Edwardson (WABY)
John Graney (WQBK)
Richard Hill (WROW)
Fred Horton (WGNA)
Chris Martin (WMVI)
Bob McNamara (WNYT-TV)
Bud Mishkin (WRGB-TV)
Dan Murphy (WTEN-TV)
Bill Palmer (Schenectady Gazette)
Richie "Rhyming Richie" Phillips  (WGNA)
"Brother" Lou Roberts (WGNA)
Harvey Smilovitz (WTEN-TV)
Harvey Valentine (Record Newspapers)
Roger Wyland (WNYT-TV)


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-Service Employees International Union Local 200-D: Gook Luck to the Albany-Colonie Yankees. Victory in 1990!
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-Ted's Fish Fry: An Ocean of Flavor
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-Tougher Industries: For Top Mechanical Contracting Choose the Area's #1 Team
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