"Steve has taken a lot of chances in his career and in his life. However, this year he asked the Yankees to take a chance on him. In February, the ex-Dodger walked into the Yankees' spring training facility in Fort Lauderdale, FL and attempted to regain the pitching form that made him one of the game's brightest young stars in the early 1980s.
He had not pitched to major league batters since he left the Texas Rangers in 1987. His only pro experience since then came last year with Salinas, an independent club in the Class-A California League, where he was 0-1 with a 2.12 ERA in 10 appearances. Elbow surgery robbed him of a good portion of the 1990 season so he played winter ball in the Mexican League. A strong showing there convinced Howe to take another shot at the majors.
Howe accepted his Yankee opportunity with much gratitude. Placed in a situation he had yearned for, the 33-year-old left-hander was intent on showing people his new life and his renewed ability. Finding a spot for his 92-mph fastball in the New York bullpen was utmost in his mind.
'I feel good,' Howe said before the season began. 'This is what kept me going- the dream that I would be back.'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Saturday, July 27, 2019
1991 Profile: Mike Witt
"Witt showed he could still be a solid starter after his May 11 acquisition from the Angels for Dave Winfield. He worked six-plus innings in 12 of 16 starts.
He was disabled for the first time in nine-plus big league seasons when he suffered a strained elbow during a June 8 start in Baltimore. He displayed impressive ability in the final month.
Witt pitched a 1-0 perfect game against Texas on September 30, 1984. He won 15 or more games for California from 1984-87. Born in Fullerton, California, Witt was California's fourth pick in the 1978 draft."
-John Shea and Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1991 Edition
"Right-hander Mike Witt could not have asked for a better start to his 1990 season. Combining with Mark Langston, Witt, the then-California Angel, helped no-hit the Seattle Mariners in the Angels home opener. One month later the ten-year veteran was relegated to the role of reliever and was traded for long-time Yankee outfielder Dave Winfield.
Once in Pinstripes, Witt was inserted into his familiar role as starter and expressed his enthusiasm.
'My job is to go seven, eight, nine (innings), keep us in the game, give up three runs or less and let the chips fall where they may. I look forward to that,' he said.
In his six starts for the Yankees, Witt won five games. His season was interrupted on June 8 when he heard his arm 'pop' pitching against Baltimore. He was placed on the disabled list for the first time in his career, but came back strong after the injury.
Right-handed hitters batted just .208 against the big righty, and in his six losses, the Yankees scored just 10 runs.
Yankee fans are excited to see this tower of power healthy again, and with a little more offensive support he could be just what the doctor ordered."
-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook
"Witt was acquired by the Yankees last year on May 11 in exchange for outfielder Dave Winfield. Prior to the trade, he appeared in 10 games for the Angels, all in relief. He was 0-3 with a save and a 1.77 ERA (20.1 IP, 4 ER, 19 H, 9 R, 13 BB [1.57 WHIP], 14 K) and opposing hitters hit .250 against him. His only save came in the Angels' opener against Seattle in California as he pitched two perfect innings (2 K) to combine with Mark Langston on the first no-hitter of 1990. It was the second no-hitter Witt was involved with along with his perfect game in 1984.
With the Yankees he was used exclusively as a starter, going 5-6 with a 4.47 ERA over 16 starts. He made his Yankee debut on May 19 against Kansas City and did not get a decision in a 5-4 New York win (6.0 IP, 1 R, 0 ER. 3 H). Mike, in fact, did not get a decision in any of his first three starts, with all three coming in May. For the month he posted a 3.79 ERA (19.1 IP).
Mike's first decision came on June 3 against Baltimore- he took the loss in a 4-3 defeat (7.1 IP, 4 ER, 7 H). He made his next start on June 8 at Baltimore and had to leave after 1.2 innings when he heard a pop in his right elbow while pitching to Greg Walker (and left the game with a 2-2 count on Walker). He was placed on the 15-day disabled list the next day (and was subsequently moved to the 21-day DL on July 16) with a sore elbow requiring rest. It marked the first time in his 10-year career that Mike spent any time on the DL. At the time of the injury he was 0-1 with a 3.86 ERA (28.1 IP) through five starts. The Yankees were 1-4 in those starts, with each game being decided by one run.
Activated on August 6, missing 55 games, Mike did not miss a start the rest of the way (11 GS). His first start after the injury was on August 7 at Seattle, resulting in his first 1990 win (6.4 IP, 1 ER, 4 H) in a 3-1 Yankee victory. Mike's first Yankee Stadium win as a Yankee came on August 18 against Seattle when he threw a 2-hit shutout, allowing two singles in a 6-0 triumph. He was 3-2 in August with a 4.66 ERA in five starts.
He went 2-3 in September with a 4.76 ERA. His fifth and final win was on September 23 against Boston (7.0 IP, 2 ER, 8 H), a 5-4 Yankee victory. He was 5-5 with a 4.72 ERA (68.2 IP) over 11 starts after his injury.
Witt was used exclusively as a reliever by the Angels in 1990, breaking a string of 208 straight starts dating back to the 1983 season. His career record as a starter is 110-105 with a 3.84 ERA (1974.2 IP). As a reliever, he's 4-8 with a 2.58 ERA (87.1 IP).
In his five Yankee wins he had a 2.08 ERA (39.0 IP, 9 ER) and was supported with 32 runs (6.4 runs/game). In his six Yankee losses he had a 9.00 ERA (29.0 IP, 29 ER) and was supported with 10 runs (1.7 runs/game). In his five no-decisions he had a 3.14 ERA (28.2 IP, 10 ER) and was supported with 19 runs (3.8 runs/game).
Witt was 2-3, 3.51 at Yankee Stadium and 3-3, 5.17 on the road. He was better against right-handed hitters (.207 batting average against) than against left-handed hitters (.270 batting against); overall, opponents hit .240 against him. Witt had a 3.00 ERA (21.0 IP), 4.88 (75.2 IP) on grass. He went six-plus innings in 12 of 16 starts and averaged 6.0 innings per start overall. He held the opposition to three runs or less in eight of his 16 starts.
He signed a three-year contract in January 1991. The contract extends through the 1993 season.
Selected in the fourth round of the June 1978 draft, Witt was originally signed by Larry Himes. In 1981, he was promoted from AA El Paso to the Angels with less than 70 games of professional experience. He made his major league debut at Seattle on April 11, and on April 26 at Minnesota recorded his first victory and first complete game in a 7-1 decision. On September 28 against Chicago, Witt pitched his first shutout. In 1982 he registered five wins in the first four months of the season before winning three in August.
Mike set a personal best for most appearances (43) in 1983, splitting time between starting and relief. In relief he pitched 24 games, finishing with a 3-3 record, five saves and a 3.48 ERA (41.1 IP, 16 ER).
In 1984, Mike pitched a perfect game on September 30 when he defeated Texas 1-0 at Arlington in the season finale. He threw 94 pitches, 70 for strikes, going to a 3-ball count only twice, both times to Wayne Tolleson. Mike's last no-hitter had come as a member of the Fullerton (CA) Little League.
With 35 starts, 250.0 innings pitched and 180 strikeouts in 1985, he won 13 of his last 17 decisions after June 1. He worked into the 7th inning or later 28 times.
Witt compiled an 18-10 record and a 2.84 ERA in 1986, finishing among the league leaders in several categories including wins, ERA, complete games (14), shutouts (3) and innings pitched (269.0). His opponents batting average against was .221.
He dominated the month of August when he was named American League Pitcher of the Month: Mike posted a 5-0 record and a 0.21 ERA (43.1 IP, 1 ER), fanning 28 and allowing 17 hits for a .110 batting average against. He won a career high seven straight from August 5-September 18.
Mike finished with a 16-14 record in 1987, marking his fourth straight season with 15 or more wins. He was honored as the AL Player of the Week for June 1-7 with a 2-0 record in two starts while posting a 0.95 ERA (19.0 IP, 2 ER) and fanning 19 batters while walking only three and limiting opposing hitters to a .176 batting average (12 H). Mike's 10 complete games were half the team's total, he pitched into 7th inning or later 28 times and allowed three earned runs or less in 21 starts.
Leading the Angels with 13 victories in 1988, Mike recorded a 5-0 shutout of Baltimore on May 28, his first shutout since August 26, 1986 when he blanked the Yankees 2-0 at Yankee Stadium. He was selected AL Player of the Week for June 13-19, going 2-0 with a 0.51 ERA (17.2 IP, 12 H, 1 ER). He registered his 100th career win on September 8 at Texas but did not strike out a batter in that win, the first time he failed to do so since April 30, 1982, a span of 209 starts. Mike allowed only 14 home runs during the season. Of his 12 complete games, six were in losing efforts.
In 1989, he pitched 200-plus innings for the sixth consecutive season. After surrendering 87 walks in 1988, he allowed only 48 walks in '89. Mike pitched into the seventh inning or later in 21 of 33 games, allowed three earned runs or less in 18 of 33 games and walked two batters or less in 28 of 33 games. He finished with a 9-15 record and a 4.54 ERA (220.0 IP).
Mike graduated from Servite High School (CA) in 1978, posting a 14-0 record in a California Interscholastic Federation 4-A championship season. In high school he was a teammate of Steve Buechele and played against Mike Gallego and Bobby Meacham. He was also a standout basketball player. He played in the Babe Ruth League (West Anaheim) and in Little League (Fullerton).
Mike enjoys playing golf. His most dramatic moment was pitching his 1984 perfect game and his favorite entertainer is Billy Joel."
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tied for American League lead in hit batsmen (11), 1981.
Pitched 1-0 perfect game against Texas Rangers, September 30, 1984.
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
He was disabled for the first time in nine-plus big league seasons when he suffered a strained elbow during a June 8 start in Baltimore. He displayed impressive ability in the final month.
Witt pitched a 1-0 perfect game against Texas on September 30, 1984. He won 15 or more games for California from 1984-87. Born in Fullerton, California, Witt was California's fourth pick in the 1978 draft."
-John Shea and Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1991 Edition
"Right-hander Mike Witt could not have asked for a better start to his 1990 season. Combining with Mark Langston, Witt, the then-California Angel, helped no-hit the Seattle Mariners in the Angels home opener. One month later the ten-year veteran was relegated to the role of reliever and was traded for long-time Yankee outfielder Dave Winfield.
Once in Pinstripes, Witt was inserted into his familiar role as starter and expressed his enthusiasm.
'My job is to go seven, eight, nine (innings), keep us in the game, give up three runs or less and let the chips fall where they may. I look forward to that,' he said.
In his six starts for the Yankees, Witt won five games. His season was interrupted on June 8 when he heard his arm 'pop' pitching against Baltimore. He was placed on the disabled list for the first time in his career, but came back strong after the injury.
Right-handed hitters batted just .208 against the big righty, and in his six losses, the Yankees scored just 10 runs.
Yankee fans are excited to see this tower of power healthy again, and with a little more offensive support he could be just what the doctor ordered."
-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook
"Witt was acquired by the Yankees last year on May 11 in exchange for outfielder Dave Winfield. Prior to the trade, he appeared in 10 games for the Angels, all in relief. He was 0-3 with a save and a 1.77 ERA (20.1 IP, 4 ER, 19 H, 9 R, 13 BB [1.57 WHIP], 14 K) and opposing hitters hit .250 against him. His only save came in the Angels' opener against Seattle in California as he pitched two perfect innings (2 K) to combine with Mark Langston on the first no-hitter of 1990. It was the second no-hitter Witt was involved with along with his perfect game in 1984.
With the Yankees he was used exclusively as a starter, going 5-6 with a 4.47 ERA over 16 starts. He made his Yankee debut on May 19 against Kansas City and did not get a decision in a 5-4 New York win (6.0 IP, 1 R, 0 ER. 3 H). Mike, in fact, did not get a decision in any of his first three starts, with all three coming in May. For the month he posted a 3.79 ERA (19.1 IP).
Mike's first decision came on June 3 against Baltimore- he took the loss in a 4-3 defeat (7.1 IP, 4 ER, 7 H). He made his next start on June 8 at Baltimore and had to leave after 1.2 innings when he heard a pop in his right elbow while pitching to Greg Walker (and left the game with a 2-2 count on Walker). He was placed on the 15-day disabled list the next day (and was subsequently moved to the 21-day DL on July 16) with a sore elbow requiring rest. It marked the first time in his 10-year career that Mike spent any time on the DL. At the time of the injury he was 0-1 with a 3.86 ERA (28.1 IP) through five starts. The Yankees were 1-4 in those starts, with each game being decided by one run.
Activated on August 6, missing 55 games, Mike did not miss a start the rest of the way (11 GS). His first start after the injury was on August 7 at Seattle, resulting in his first 1990 win (6.4 IP, 1 ER, 4 H) in a 3-1 Yankee victory. Mike's first Yankee Stadium win as a Yankee came on August 18 against Seattle when he threw a 2-hit shutout, allowing two singles in a 6-0 triumph. He was 3-2 in August with a 4.66 ERA in five starts.
He went 2-3 in September with a 4.76 ERA. His fifth and final win was on September 23 against Boston (7.0 IP, 2 ER, 8 H), a 5-4 Yankee victory. He was 5-5 with a 4.72 ERA (68.2 IP) over 11 starts after his injury.
Witt was used exclusively as a reliever by the Angels in 1990, breaking a string of 208 straight starts dating back to the 1983 season. His career record as a starter is 110-105 with a 3.84 ERA (1974.2 IP). As a reliever, he's 4-8 with a 2.58 ERA (87.1 IP).
In his five Yankee wins he had a 2.08 ERA (39.0 IP, 9 ER) and was supported with 32 runs (6.4 runs/game). In his six Yankee losses he had a 9.00 ERA (29.0 IP, 29 ER) and was supported with 10 runs (1.7 runs/game). In his five no-decisions he had a 3.14 ERA (28.2 IP, 10 ER) and was supported with 19 runs (3.8 runs/game).
Witt was 2-3, 3.51 at Yankee Stadium and 3-3, 5.17 on the road. He was better against right-handed hitters (.207 batting average against) than against left-handed hitters (.270 batting against); overall, opponents hit .240 against him. Witt had a 3.00 ERA (21.0 IP), 4.88 (75.2 IP) on grass. He went six-plus innings in 12 of 16 starts and averaged 6.0 innings per start overall. He held the opposition to three runs or less in eight of his 16 starts.
He signed a three-year contract in January 1991. The contract extends through the 1993 season.
Selected in the fourth round of the June 1978 draft, Witt was originally signed by Larry Himes. In 1981, he was promoted from AA El Paso to the Angels with less than 70 games of professional experience. He made his major league debut at Seattle on April 11, and on April 26 at Minnesota recorded his first victory and first complete game in a 7-1 decision. On September 28 against Chicago, Witt pitched his first shutout. In 1982 he registered five wins in the first four months of the season before winning three in August.
Mike set a personal best for most appearances (43) in 1983, splitting time between starting and relief. In relief he pitched 24 games, finishing with a 3-3 record, five saves and a 3.48 ERA (41.1 IP, 16 ER).
In 1984, Mike pitched a perfect game on September 30 when he defeated Texas 1-0 at Arlington in the season finale. He threw 94 pitches, 70 for strikes, going to a 3-ball count only twice, both times to Wayne Tolleson. Mike's last no-hitter had come as a member of the Fullerton (CA) Little League.
With 35 starts, 250.0 innings pitched and 180 strikeouts in 1985, he won 13 of his last 17 decisions after June 1. He worked into the 7th inning or later 28 times.
Witt compiled an 18-10 record and a 2.84 ERA in 1986, finishing among the league leaders in several categories including wins, ERA, complete games (14), shutouts (3) and innings pitched (269.0). His opponents batting average against was .221.
He dominated the month of August when he was named American League Pitcher of the Month: Mike posted a 5-0 record and a 0.21 ERA (43.1 IP, 1 ER), fanning 28 and allowing 17 hits for a .110 batting average against. He won a career high seven straight from August 5-September 18.
Mike finished with a 16-14 record in 1987, marking his fourth straight season with 15 or more wins. He was honored as the AL Player of the Week for June 1-7 with a 2-0 record in two starts while posting a 0.95 ERA (19.0 IP, 2 ER) and fanning 19 batters while walking only three and limiting opposing hitters to a .176 batting average (12 H). Mike's 10 complete games were half the team's total, he pitched into 7th inning or later 28 times and allowed three earned runs or less in 21 starts.
Leading the Angels with 13 victories in 1988, Mike recorded a 5-0 shutout of Baltimore on May 28, his first shutout since August 26, 1986 when he blanked the Yankees 2-0 at Yankee Stadium. He was selected AL Player of the Week for June 13-19, going 2-0 with a 0.51 ERA (17.2 IP, 12 H, 1 ER). He registered his 100th career win on September 8 at Texas but did not strike out a batter in that win, the first time he failed to do so since April 30, 1982, a span of 209 starts. Mike allowed only 14 home runs during the season. Of his 12 complete games, six were in losing efforts.
In 1989, he pitched 200-plus innings for the sixth consecutive season. After surrendering 87 walks in 1988, he allowed only 48 walks in '89. Mike pitched into the seventh inning or later in 21 of 33 games, allowed three earned runs or less in 18 of 33 games and walked two batters or less in 28 of 33 games. He finished with a 9-15 record and a 4.54 ERA (220.0 IP).
Mike graduated from Servite High School (CA) in 1978, posting a 14-0 record in a California Interscholastic Federation 4-A championship season. In high school he was a teammate of Steve Buechele and played against Mike Gallego and Bobby Meacham. He was also a standout basketball player. He played in the Babe Ruth League (West Anaheim) and in Little League (Fullerton).
Mike enjoys playing golf. His most dramatic moment was pitching his 1984 perfect game and his favorite entertainer is Billy Joel."
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tied for American League lead in hit batsmen (11), 1981.
Pitched 1-0 perfect game against Texas Rangers, September 30, 1984.
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
R.I.P. Joe Grzenda
Pitching for the Yankees' Triple-A farm club at Syracuse in 1973, Joe was 7-6 with a 2.43 ERA and a 1.108 WHIP.
Sunday, July 14, 2019
1991 Profile: Lee Guetterman
"He became the only pitcher in history to lead his team in victories without the benefit of a start. That says much about his importance.
Guetterman was almost untouchable early in the season, permitting only one earned run in 22 appearances covering 25.2 innings from April 27-June 15. He added nine consecutive scoreless outings from August 13-September 6.
He has led the Yankees in appearances the last two years. He set a relief record for scoreless innings at the start of a season with 30.2 innings in 1989.
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Guetterman was acquired from Seattle for pitchers Clay Parker and Wade Taylor for pitcher Steve Trout and outfielder Henry Cotto after the 1987 season."
-John Shea and Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1991 Edition
"Who would have thought in 1987 when little-known Lee Guetterman arrived in New York that the lanky lefty would someday be the ace of the Yankee bullpen?
With the departure of relief artist Dave Righetti to San Francisco and Guetterman's own success, the Yankees can feel quite comfortable with the six-foot-eight reliever emerging from the bullpen during a game's critical juncture.
Last season Guetterman achieved the unusual when he became the first reliever in Yankee history to lead the pitching staff in wins (11).
As the role of the middle reliever becomes more specialized and more recognized, it's the unheralded Guetterman who is quietly becoming one of the premier set-up men in baseball.
Last year his 64 appearances led the club and his 93 relief innings were eighth in the league. While Guetterman has proven to be tough on all hitters, his intimidating size on the mound has been especially effective against lefties, who have not hit a homer off him since September 26, 1989.
In addition to his role in the middle innings, the Yankees' lefty could see time as a closer. With the signing of right-handed reliever Steve Farr, the Yankees' one-two punch in the bullpen could be a knockout combination."
-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook
"1990 was Lee's second straight season as the most consistent of Yankee relievers. He was 11-7 with two saves and a 3.39 ERA over 64 games.
Lee had a rough April, as over seven appearances he was 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA (13.0 IP, 6 ER). He threw five scoreless innings in his first two appearances but allowed six runs over his next three. Guetterman took the loss on April 20 at Texas, giving up three runs on a Ruben Sierra three-run homer. On April 25 against Seattle, over 3.1 innings, he fanned a career high seven batters but allowed two runs.
He picked up his first win on April 27 against California (2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R). That game started a string of nine straight scoreless outings (13.1 IP), and Guetterman allowed one earned run over 22 outings (20.2 IP) from April 27-June 14.
May was his finest month- he pitched in 11 games, going 1-1 with a 0.63 ERA (14.1 IP, 11 H, 1 ER). His only earned run was on May 21 against Chicago- he walked the one batter he faced, picking up a loss and a blown save.
Lee did not allow an earned run through his first nine appearances in June and then allowed five in his final 16.1 innings. His final scoreless game came on June 14 against Boston (1.0 IP, 1 H), reducing his ERA to a season low 1.80. For the month, Lee was 3-0 with a 1.88 ERA (24.0 IP, 5 ER).
July was a month of inconsistency. He allowed seven runs in 10.2 innings (7.88 ERA) raising his season ERA from 2.10 to a month-ending 2.76 and was 1-2 with a blown save. At the break he was 6-3 with a 2.83 ERA and in his final appearance of the month on July 18 strained a muscle in his right rib cage. Lee was on the 15-day disabled list from July 19-August 3.
His first game back was August 3, with Lee picking up a win against Cleveland. On August 9 at Seattle, he picked up the first of two saves in 1990, pitching 0.2 scoreless innings. The other save was on August 21 against Toronto (2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER). Lee did not allow a run in his final eight August appearances (11.0 IP) and for the month posted a 3-0 record and had a 2.60 ERA (17.1 IP, 5 ER) with three walks and nine strikeouts.
He had an ERA of 2.72 through August, but a September/October ERA of 7.24 raised his season mark to a final 3.39. He picked up the Yankees' final 1990 win on October 2 at Detroit (0.1 IP).
Guetterman led Yankee pitchers in games (64) for the second straight year and his 93.0 relief innings were eighth in the league. He led the club in wins (11), becoming the first pure reliever in Yankee history to lead the team in wins. After getting saves in 13 of 14 opportunities in 1989, Guetterman was 2-for-7 in such situations in '90. He pitched at least three innings seven times (26.2 IP, 19 H, 6 ER) and posted a 2.03 ERA. Over the past two seasons he has pitched three-plus innings 13 times (46.0 IP, 30 H, 8 ER) with a 1.57 ERA.
Among full-time Yankee relievers, he stranded a team-leading 50 of 67 (75%) of inherited baserunners and got the first batter out upon entering a game 48 of 64 (75%) times. He entered the game with the bases loaded twice and stranded all six runners. Over the past two seasons, Lee has left the bases full six times out of eight and allowed only three of 24 inherited runners to score.
Lee allowed six home runs, an average of 0.6 per nine innings pitched. He did not allow a home run to a left-handed hitter, last allowing one to Mike Greenwell at Fenway in 1989. Lee has allowed only 34 career homers and only three to left-handers, the other two to Lou Whitaker at Detroit in 1986 and Wade Boggs at Boston, also in 1986.
He signed a one-year contract in January 1991.
The most consistent of Yankee relievers in 1989, Lee had an outstanding season. He was 5-5 with 13 saves and a 2.45 ERA over 70 games.
Lee started the season on fire, going 20 outings before allowing a run. On April 12 at Toronto he pitched one inning in a 5-3 Yankee win for his first major league save. He registered his second save two days later. Guetterman pitched 10 times in April, allowing 12 hits and no runs over 14.2 innings. He pitched nine more scoreless games (15 innings) in May with four more saves before allowing a run; on May 24 against the Angels, he pitched a scoreless inning before allowing a leadoff home run to Chilli Davis in the ninth inning to break his scoreless inning streak at 30.2. Guetterman pitched in 22 games through May and was 0-0 with seven saves and a 1.24 ERA.
He pitched in nine games in June and had a 4.15 ERA (13 IP, 6 ER). He earned his first win of the season on June 14 at Baltimore, pitching 2.2 scoreless innings and allowing four hits in a 2-1 Yankee win. Through June, Lee had a 2.01 ERA. He picked up a save on July 4 at Detroit with two scoreless innings, and through the break was 1-1 with 10 saves and a 2.05 ERA.
Lee had a rocky beginning after the break. On July 14 (second game) against Kansas City he allowed four runs on five hits over 0.1 innings, including a three-run homer to Danny Tartabull. On the next road trip, he pitched in five games and was 0-3 with a 14.73 ERA (3.2 IP, 6 ER), boosting his ERA from 2.61 to a season-worst 3.32. On July 30 against Toronto, Guetterman got back on track, pitching a season high 3.2 innings, allowing one hit and no runs and picking up the win.
He pitched in 16 games in August with a 1.31 ERA (20.2 IP, 3 ER), dropping his ERA from 3.14 to 2.70. Guetterman had a string of nine consecutive scoreless outings (10.0 IP) from August 8-23. In September, he had a 1.10 ERA (16.1 IP, 2 ER), with a span of eight straight scoreless outings (12.0 IP) from August 27-September 16. From August 8 through the end of the season, he compiled a 0.86 ERA (31.2 IP, 3 ER), dropping his ERA from 3.15 to a season-ending 2.45.
With 30.2 scoreless innings at the start of the season, Lee now holds the major league record for scoreless innings at the beginning of a season by a relief pitcher. It was also the longest scoreless innings streak by any pitcher since Harry 'The Cat' Brecheen started the 1948 season with 32.0 scoreless innings for the Cardinals.
Lee had a team low 2.45 ERA and a team high 70 appearances, the most by a Yankee pitcher since Dave Righetti pitched in 74 in 1986. He was fifth in the American League (10th in the majors) in games and his 103.0 innings were seventh among AL relievers. He had 13 saves in 14 opportunities.
He prevented a club best 52 inherited runners from scoring. Guetterman entered the game with the bases loaded six times and four times left them full (15 of 18 runners stranded overall in such situations). He pitched at least three innings six times and allowed two runs on 11 hits over 19.1 innings (0.93 ERA) in such situations.
Guetterman was acquired by the Yankees in December 1987 from the Seattle Mariners along with Clay Parker and Wade Taylor in exchange for Steve Trout and Henry Cotto. He made two starts and 20 appearances in 1988, finishing with a record of 1-2 and a 4.65 ERA. In his 18 relief appearances Guetterman retired the first batter he faced 11 times (he was 7-for-11 retiring the first batter he faced when runners were on base) and prevented 12 of 16 inherited runners from scoring.
He came north with the Yankees at the beginning of the season, making his Yankee debut in a relief outing on April 8 against Milwaukee, giving up one run (a solo homer by Robin Yount, one of the two home runs he would give up all year) in one inning pitched. In his first stint with the Yankees, Lee made eight relief appearances without a decision with a 2.45 ERA (14.2 IP, 4 ER), with his last relief appearance coming on May 6 at Texas before being optioned to Columbus for the first time on May 13.
Lee made 16 starts with the Clippers, going 8-6 with a 2.88 ERA (106.1 IP, 34 ER). He was named Yankee Minor League Pitcher of the Month for July, going 5-1 with a 1.52 ERA (6 G, 6 GS, 4 CG, 47.1 IP, 27 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 12 BB, 23 K [0.82 WHIP]).
He was recalled to New York on August 5. In the second game of a doubleheader that day against Minnesota, Lee made the first of two starts as a Yankee, losing 11-2 while allowing five runs on six hits in just three innings and giving up a solo homer to Greg Gagne, the second of the two home runs he allowed all year. After that start, he made five relief appearances, going 0-0 with a 7.36 ERA (11.0 IP, 9 ER) before being optioned on August 21. Included in those relief appearances was an outing on August 16 against California when he gave up six runs (earned) in just 1.1 innings in the Angels' 15-6 win.
Guetterman made two starts in his second tour with the Clippers, going 1-0 with a 1.88 ERA (14.1 IP, 3 ER). Overall in his two stints at Columbus, he posted a combined record of 9-6 in 18 games (all starts) with a 2.76 ERA and a .237 batting average against while averaging just one homer every 53.1 innings pitched. Guetterman finished sixth in the International League in ERA.
He was recalled a second time by the Yankees on September 5. On September 24 against Boston, Lee pitched a scoreless inning of relief and was credited with his only win of the year in the Yankees' 5-4 victory. It was his first major league win since October 3, 1987, when he was a member of the Seattle Mariners. In his next appearance, September 28 at Baltimore, he made his second start of the year and was charged with the Yankees' 2-0 loss, giving up seven hits and two runs (earned) with two walks and two strikeouts in 3.2 innings pitched. Lee made one outing after that, a relief appearance on October 1 at Detroit, when he registered his only blown save of the year, going one inning while giving up four hits and one run (earned), allowing a runner inherited from Tommy John and runner of his own to score and letting the Tigers tie the game 5-5. Guetterman received a no-decision in Detroit's eventual 6-5 win. He has three career complete games, with his last coming on July 2, 1987 in Seattle against Detroit in a 5-2 Mariner win.
He was originally selected by the Mariners in the fourth round (second selection) of the June 1981 free agent draft (with a choice from California as compensation for the signing of Juan Beniquez). In his first professional season, Guetterman ranked fifth in the [short-season] class-A Northwest League with a 2.68 ERA at Bellingham and posted a record of 6-4. In his first season at Bakersfield (Class-A California League) in 1982, he was 7-11 in 26 starts with a 4.44 ERA. His 3.22 ERA at Bakersfield in 1983 ranked him 10th in the league (and second among left-handers) and he finished with a 12-6 record in 25 starts.
Lee spent the 1984 season at AA Chattanooga, where he went 11-7 with a 3.38 ERA. He was recalled to Seattle after the minor league season on September 7 and made his major league debut on September 12 in relief against Texas in the Mariners' 8-1 loss, receiving a no-decision. He made two more relief outings for the Mariners that month.
He was assigned to Calgary from spring training in 1985 and spent the entire season there. He recorded a 5-8 record with a 5.79 ERA. 18 of his 20 appearances were starts and he tossed two complete games. Lee spent most of the 1986 season with the Mariners, going 0-4 with a 7.34 ERA in 41 games (four starts). He made his first major league start on June 7 (second game) at Texas, going the distance in the Mariners' 3-2 loss. He finished third on the club in appearances and also was 1-0 in Calgary in four starts with a 5.59 ERA.
He was the third leading winner on the Mariner staff in 1987 with a record of 11-4 in 25 games (17 starts) and posted a 3.81 earned run average, the best ERA among the club's starters. His winning percentage of .733 tied for first in the major leagues (among pitchers with 15 or more decisions) with Toronto's John Cerutti and Montreal's Dennis Martinez, who also were 11-4.
He was not on the Mariners' 40-man winter roster and did not attend major league spring training in 1987, and opened the season at Calgary, Seattle's AAA affiliate. He was purchased by the Mariners on May 21 when Edwin Nunez was placed on the 15-day disabled list. At that point, Lee was 5-1 at Calgary with a save in 16 appearances (two starts) with a 2.86 ERA.
Lee won his first appearance after his recall to Seattle, a relief outing on May 27 against the Yankees in New York, pitching two hitless innings and giving up one run, and was credited with Seattle's 6-5 victory. He was moved into the rotation after that, and in his first five starts, from May 31 to June 21, he went 4-0 with a 2.55 ERA. Lee concluded that streak on June 21 at Cleveland, pitching a 3-hit shutout against the Indians in the Mariners' 5-0 victory; it was his first major league shutout and his second big league complete game.
At that point, his overall record was 5-0 with a 2.65 ERA in six appearances (five starts), and his five-game winning streak was the longest by a Mariner in '87. After having his streak stopped in Kansas City on June 27 (losing 6-0 on a Bret Saberhagen 3-hitter), Guetterman pitched his second complete game of the season in his next start, on July 2 against Detroit, recording a season-high five strikeouts in Seattle's 5-2 victory. That started a three-game winning streak in three consecutive starts to raise his first-half record to 8-1 in 10 games (nine starts) with a 3.36 ERA.
In his first six starts after the All-Star break through August 15, however, Lee went 1-3 with a 6.29 ERA (24.1 IP, 17 ER) and was moved back to the bullpen. He made seven appearances in relief after that without a decision or a save with a 1.69 ERA (10.2 IP, 2 ER) before being moved back into the rotation. Lee finished the season by making two starts and winning both. Overall in 17 games started he was 10-3 with a 4.05 ERA.
Lee graduated from Oceanside (California) High School in 1977, where he earned All-County honors as a first baseman. He graduated from Liberty Baptist College in Lynchburg, Virginia where one of his teammates was Sid Bream of the Pirates, and also pitched for La Romana (Dominican Republic) in winter ball.
His favorite team growing up was the San Diego Padres, his favorite ballpark is Texas Stadium and his most memorable moment in sports was 'throwing a 3-hit shutout against Cleveland on Father's Day' in 1987. His favorite entertainer is Bill Cosby."
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
Guetterman was almost untouchable early in the season, permitting only one earned run in 22 appearances covering 25.2 innings from April 27-June 15. He added nine consecutive scoreless outings from August 13-September 6.
He has led the Yankees in appearances the last two years. He set a relief record for scoreless innings at the start of a season with 30.2 innings in 1989.
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Guetterman was acquired from Seattle for pitchers Clay Parker and Wade Taylor for pitcher Steve Trout and outfielder Henry Cotto after the 1987 season."
-John Shea and Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1991 Edition
"Who would have thought in 1987 when little-known Lee Guetterman arrived in New York that the lanky lefty would someday be the ace of the Yankee bullpen?
With the departure of relief artist Dave Righetti to San Francisco and Guetterman's own success, the Yankees can feel quite comfortable with the six-foot-eight reliever emerging from the bullpen during a game's critical juncture.
Last season Guetterman achieved the unusual when he became the first reliever in Yankee history to lead the pitching staff in wins (11).
As the role of the middle reliever becomes more specialized and more recognized, it's the unheralded Guetterman who is quietly becoming one of the premier set-up men in baseball.
Last year his 64 appearances led the club and his 93 relief innings were eighth in the league. While Guetterman has proven to be tough on all hitters, his intimidating size on the mound has been especially effective against lefties, who have not hit a homer off him since September 26, 1989.
In addition to his role in the middle innings, the Yankees' lefty could see time as a closer. With the signing of right-handed reliever Steve Farr, the Yankees' one-two punch in the bullpen could be a knockout combination."
-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook
"1990 was Lee's second straight season as the most consistent of Yankee relievers. He was 11-7 with two saves and a 3.39 ERA over 64 games.
Lee had a rough April, as over seven appearances he was 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA (13.0 IP, 6 ER). He threw five scoreless innings in his first two appearances but allowed six runs over his next three. Guetterman took the loss on April 20 at Texas, giving up three runs on a Ruben Sierra three-run homer. On April 25 against Seattle, over 3.1 innings, he fanned a career high seven batters but allowed two runs.
He picked up his first win on April 27 against California (2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R). That game started a string of nine straight scoreless outings (13.1 IP), and Guetterman allowed one earned run over 22 outings (20.2 IP) from April 27-June 14.
May was his finest month- he pitched in 11 games, going 1-1 with a 0.63 ERA (14.1 IP, 11 H, 1 ER). His only earned run was on May 21 against Chicago- he walked the one batter he faced, picking up a loss and a blown save.
Lee did not allow an earned run through his first nine appearances in June and then allowed five in his final 16.1 innings. His final scoreless game came on June 14 against Boston (1.0 IP, 1 H), reducing his ERA to a season low 1.80. For the month, Lee was 3-0 with a 1.88 ERA (24.0 IP, 5 ER).
July was a month of inconsistency. He allowed seven runs in 10.2 innings (7.88 ERA) raising his season ERA from 2.10 to a month-ending 2.76 and was 1-2 with a blown save. At the break he was 6-3 with a 2.83 ERA and in his final appearance of the month on July 18 strained a muscle in his right rib cage. Lee was on the 15-day disabled list from July 19-August 3.
His first game back was August 3, with Lee picking up a win against Cleveland. On August 9 at Seattle, he picked up the first of two saves in 1990, pitching 0.2 scoreless innings. The other save was on August 21 against Toronto (2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER). Lee did not allow a run in his final eight August appearances (11.0 IP) and for the month posted a 3-0 record and had a 2.60 ERA (17.1 IP, 5 ER) with three walks and nine strikeouts.
He had an ERA of 2.72 through August, but a September/October ERA of 7.24 raised his season mark to a final 3.39. He picked up the Yankees' final 1990 win on October 2 at Detroit (0.1 IP).
Guetterman led Yankee pitchers in games (64) for the second straight year and his 93.0 relief innings were eighth in the league. He led the club in wins (11), becoming the first pure reliever in Yankee history to lead the team in wins. After getting saves in 13 of 14 opportunities in 1989, Guetterman was 2-for-7 in such situations in '90. He pitched at least three innings seven times (26.2 IP, 19 H, 6 ER) and posted a 2.03 ERA. Over the past two seasons he has pitched three-plus innings 13 times (46.0 IP, 30 H, 8 ER) with a 1.57 ERA.
Among full-time Yankee relievers, he stranded a team-leading 50 of 67 (75%) of inherited baserunners and got the first batter out upon entering a game 48 of 64 (75%) times. He entered the game with the bases loaded twice and stranded all six runners. Over the past two seasons, Lee has left the bases full six times out of eight and allowed only three of 24 inherited runners to score.
Lee allowed six home runs, an average of 0.6 per nine innings pitched. He did not allow a home run to a left-handed hitter, last allowing one to Mike Greenwell at Fenway in 1989. Lee has allowed only 34 career homers and only three to left-handers, the other two to Lou Whitaker at Detroit in 1986 and Wade Boggs at Boston, also in 1986.
He signed a one-year contract in January 1991.
The most consistent of Yankee relievers in 1989, Lee had an outstanding season. He was 5-5 with 13 saves and a 2.45 ERA over 70 games.
Lee started the season on fire, going 20 outings before allowing a run. On April 12 at Toronto he pitched one inning in a 5-3 Yankee win for his first major league save. He registered his second save two days later. Guetterman pitched 10 times in April, allowing 12 hits and no runs over 14.2 innings. He pitched nine more scoreless games (15 innings) in May with four more saves before allowing a run; on May 24 against the Angels, he pitched a scoreless inning before allowing a leadoff home run to Chilli Davis in the ninth inning to break his scoreless inning streak at 30.2. Guetterman pitched in 22 games through May and was 0-0 with seven saves and a 1.24 ERA.
He pitched in nine games in June and had a 4.15 ERA (13 IP, 6 ER). He earned his first win of the season on June 14 at Baltimore, pitching 2.2 scoreless innings and allowing four hits in a 2-1 Yankee win. Through June, Lee had a 2.01 ERA. He picked up a save on July 4 at Detroit with two scoreless innings, and through the break was 1-1 with 10 saves and a 2.05 ERA.
Lee had a rocky beginning after the break. On July 14 (second game) against Kansas City he allowed four runs on five hits over 0.1 innings, including a three-run homer to Danny Tartabull. On the next road trip, he pitched in five games and was 0-3 with a 14.73 ERA (3.2 IP, 6 ER), boosting his ERA from 2.61 to a season-worst 3.32. On July 30 against Toronto, Guetterman got back on track, pitching a season high 3.2 innings, allowing one hit and no runs and picking up the win.
He pitched in 16 games in August with a 1.31 ERA (20.2 IP, 3 ER), dropping his ERA from 3.14 to 2.70. Guetterman had a string of nine consecutive scoreless outings (10.0 IP) from August 8-23. In September, he had a 1.10 ERA (16.1 IP, 2 ER), with a span of eight straight scoreless outings (12.0 IP) from August 27-September 16. From August 8 through the end of the season, he compiled a 0.86 ERA (31.2 IP, 3 ER), dropping his ERA from 3.15 to a season-ending 2.45.
With 30.2 scoreless innings at the start of the season, Lee now holds the major league record for scoreless innings at the beginning of a season by a relief pitcher. It was also the longest scoreless innings streak by any pitcher since Harry 'The Cat' Brecheen started the 1948 season with 32.0 scoreless innings for the Cardinals.
Lee had a team low 2.45 ERA and a team high 70 appearances, the most by a Yankee pitcher since Dave Righetti pitched in 74 in 1986. He was fifth in the American League (10th in the majors) in games and his 103.0 innings were seventh among AL relievers. He had 13 saves in 14 opportunities.
He prevented a club best 52 inherited runners from scoring. Guetterman entered the game with the bases loaded six times and four times left them full (15 of 18 runners stranded overall in such situations). He pitched at least three innings six times and allowed two runs on 11 hits over 19.1 innings (0.93 ERA) in such situations.
Guetterman was acquired by the Yankees in December 1987 from the Seattle Mariners along with Clay Parker and Wade Taylor in exchange for Steve Trout and Henry Cotto. He made two starts and 20 appearances in 1988, finishing with a record of 1-2 and a 4.65 ERA. In his 18 relief appearances Guetterman retired the first batter he faced 11 times (he was 7-for-11 retiring the first batter he faced when runners were on base) and prevented 12 of 16 inherited runners from scoring.
He came north with the Yankees at the beginning of the season, making his Yankee debut in a relief outing on April 8 against Milwaukee, giving up one run (a solo homer by Robin Yount, one of the two home runs he would give up all year) in one inning pitched. In his first stint with the Yankees, Lee made eight relief appearances without a decision with a 2.45 ERA (14.2 IP, 4 ER), with his last relief appearance coming on May 6 at Texas before being optioned to Columbus for the first time on May 13.
Lee made 16 starts with the Clippers, going 8-6 with a 2.88 ERA (106.1 IP, 34 ER). He was named Yankee Minor League Pitcher of the Month for July, going 5-1 with a 1.52 ERA (6 G, 6 GS, 4 CG, 47.1 IP, 27 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 12 BB, 23 K [0.82 WHIP]).
He was recalled to New York on August 5. In the second game of a doubleheader that day against Minnesota, Lee made the first of two starts as a Yankee, losing 11-2 while allowing five runs on six hits in just three innings and giving up a solo homer to Greg Gagne, the second of the two home runs he allowed all year. After that start, he made five relief appearances, going 0-0 with a 7.36 ERA (11.0 IP, 9 ER) before being optioned on August 21. Included in those relief appearances was an outing on August 16 against California when he gave up six runs (earned) in just 1.1 innings in the Angels' 15-6 win.
Guetterman made two starts in his second tour with the Clippers, going 1-0 with a 1.88 ERA (14.1 IP, 3 ER). Overall in his two stints at Columbus, he posted a combined record of 9-6 in 18 games (all starts) with a 2.76 ERA and a .237 batting average against while averaging just one homer every 53.1 innings pitched. Guetterman finished sixth in the International League in ERA.
He was recalled a second time by the Yankees on September 5. On September 24 against Boston, Lee pitched a scoreless inning of relief and was credited with his only win of the year in the Yankees' 5-4 victory. It was his first major league win since October 3, 1987, when he was a member of the Seattle Mariners. In his next appearance, September 28 at Baltimore, he made his second start of the year and was charged with the Yankees' 2-0 loss, giving up seven hits and two runs (earned) with two walks and two strikeouts in 3.2 innings pitched. Lee made one outing after that, a relief appearance on October 1 at Detroit, when he registered his only blown save of the year, going one inning while giving up four hits and one run (earned), allowing a runner inherited from Tommy John and runner of his own to score and letting the Tigers tie the game 5-5. Guetterman received a no-decision in Detroit's eventual 6-5 win. He has three career complete games, with his last coming on July 2, 1987 in Seattle against Detroit in a 5-2 Mariner win.
He was originally selected by the Mariners in the fourth round (second selection) of the June 1981 free agent draft (with a choice from California as compensation for the signing of Juan Beniquez). In his first professional season, Guetterman ranked fifth in the [short-season] class-A Northwest League with a 2.68 ERA at Bellingham and posted a record of 6-4. In his first season at Bakersfield (Class-A California League) in 1982, he was 7-11 in 26 starts with a 4.44 ERA. His 3.22 ERA at Bakersfield in 1983 ranked him 10th in the league (and second among left-handers) and he finished with a 12-6 record in 25 starts.
Lee spent the 1984 season at AA Chattanooga, where he went 11-7 with a 3.38 ERA. He was recalled to Seattle after the minor league season on September 7 and made his major league debut on September 12 in relief against Texas in the Mariners' 8-1 loss, receiving a no-decision. He made two more relief outings for the Mariners that month.
He was assigned to Calgary from spring training in 1985 and spent the entire season there. He recorded a 5-8 record with a 5.79 ERA. 18 of his 20 appearances were starts and he tossed two complete games. Lee spent most of the 1986 season with the Mariners, going 0-4 with a 7.34 ERA in 41 games (four starts). He made his first major league start on June 7 (second game) at Texas, going the distance in the Mariners' 3-2 loss. He finished third on the club in appearances and also was 1-0 in Calgary in four starts with a 5.59 ERA.
He was the third leading winner on the Mariner staff in 1987 with a record of 11-4 in 25 games (17 starts) and posted a 3.81 earned run average, the best ERA among the club's starters. His winning percentage of .733 tied for first in the major leagues (among pitchers with 15 or more decisions) with Toronto's John Cerutti and Montreal's Dennis Martinez, who also were 11-4.
He was not on the Mariners' 40-man winter roster and did not attend major league spring training in 1987, and opened the season at Calgary, Seattle's AAA affiliate. He was purchased by the Mariners on May 21 when Edwin Nunez was placed on the 15-day disabled list. At that point, Lee was 5-1 at Calgary with a save in 16 appearances (two starts) with a 2.86 ERA.
Lee won his first appearance after his recall to Seattle, a relief outing on May 27 against the Yankees in New York, pitching two hitless innings and giving up one run, and was credited with Seattle's 6-5 victory. He was moved into the rotation after that, and in his first five starts, from May 31 to June 21, he went 4-0 with a 2.55 ERA. Lee concluded that streak on June 21 at Cleveland, pitching a 3-hit shutout against the Indians in the Mariners' 5-0 victory; it was his first major league shutout and his second big league complete game.
At that point, his overall record was 5-0 with a 2.65 ERA in six appearances (five starts), and his five-game winning streak was the longest by a Mariner in '87. After having his streak stopped in Kansas City on June 27 (losing 6-0 on a Bret Saberhagen 3-hitter), Guetterman pitched his second complete game of the season in his next start, on July 2 against Detroit, recording a season-high five strikeouts in Seattle's 5-2 victory. That started a three-game winning streak in three consecutive starts to raise his first-half record to 8-1 in 10 games (nine starts) with a 3.36 ERA.
In his first six starts after the All-Star break through August 15, however, Lee went 1-3 with a 6.29 ERA (24.1 IP, 17 ER) and was moved back to the bullpen. He made seven appearances in relief after that without a decision or a save with a 1.69 ERA (10.2 IP, 2 ER) before being moved back into the rotation. Lee finished the season by making two starts and winning both. Overall in 17 games started he was 10-3 with a 4.05 ERA.
Lee graduated from Oceanside (California) High School in 1977, where he earned All-County honors as a first baseman. He graduated from Liberty Baptist College in Lynchburg, Virginia where one of his teammates was Sid Bream of the Pirates, and also pitched for La Romana (Dominican Republic) in winter ball.
His favorite team growing up was the San Diego Padres, his favorite ballpark is Texas Stadium and his most memorable moment in sports was 'throwing a 3-hit shutout against Cleveland on Father's Day' in 1987. His favorite entertainer is Bill Cosby."
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
Friday, July 12, 2019
Jim Bouton
Son's Wish on Father's Day Is to See Dad and Yogi Stand With Old-Timers
By Michael Bouton
Today is Father's Day, but the date I have circled on my calendar is July 25. That is Old-Timers' Day at Yankee Stadium. Traditionally, it is the day when past Yankee stars take their annual curtain call. It is the day when my father, Jim Bouton, No. 56, the Bulldog, is snubbed, and not invited back. Although I know an invitation to attend Old-Timers' Day is an honor he can live without, it is what I wish for him this year.
You see, this past August my sister Laurie died in an automobile crash at the age of 31. She was beautiful and sweet. And as tough as it is to lose a sibling, I cannot even fathom the loss my parents must feel.
Philosophers say it is because of tragedy that we give such importance to our games. Baseball, seemingly, has always been here for us. The key to baseball's future as America's favorite pastime lies in its continuity between generations.
I realize the big loss for Yankee fans and baseball continues to be the absence of Yogi Berra on Old-Timers' Day. Yogi has let it be known that he refuses to be part of the celebration at Yankee Stadium as long as George Steinbrenner is the owner. I have applauded Yogi's decision on this matter of principle, but recently I have had a change of heart and mind.
It is just as petty for Yogi to spite George as it is for George to spite my father. It does not serve the greater good for families, the fans or the sport we supposedly love so much. It does not factor in the human equation.
I know that not having Old-Timers' Day on our calendar like a holiday gave us fewer days with Laurie. I wonder if Yogi knows how important it is for his grand-children to witness him out there under the classic facade of the stadium. There is no substitute for smelling the grass and hearing the cheers. It will be time for dusting off the scrapbook soon enough.
For the fans, their children and grandchildren, the great difference between a regular game and Old-Timers' Day cannot be gauged. How many stories from their own lives are triggered by the sight of a player from the past?
The type of story that places them in time, describing what they were doing, say, on that afternoon when Yogi won his first of three most valuable player awards.
Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio, when you are more remembered as a line in a pop song than for an acrobatic catch or batting streak? Old-Timers' Day is a chance for fans to give back. To forget this aspect will ultimately doom baseball's primacy among sports in America.
It has been nearly 30 years since my father wrote "Ball Four." And for all the hullabaloo about his book, the major detractors have all written their own tell-all books, affirming the validity of what they once called lies. Last year, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, the New York Public Library listed "Ball Four" as one of the 100 most important books of the century. The question is this: Why do the Yankees still feel as if they have to punish him?
For years, the rumor was that Mickey Mantle had threatened not to attend Old-Timers' Day if my father was present. I am thankful that the Mick was big enough to make what amounted to a deathbed call to my father to put that rumor to rest as being untrue. He understood the significance of the snub and wanted no part of it.
So that leaves only George, who was not even the team's owner when "Ball Four" came out in 1970. If George blames "Ball Four" for contributing toward free agency, one would expect a different reaction, because everyone knows it is only through the acquisition of such free agents as Reggie, Catfish, Cone, et al., that Steinbrenner's reign has seen any championships at all.
I'm hoping that a compromise on positions can take place without necessarily a compromise of principles. I mean, if George really hates my father that much, is it good for him to still hold it inside? Wouldn't it be more healthful to have my father there, if only to boo him?
George has said that this year he will be turning over more of the day-to-day operations to his sons Hal, Hank and Harold. Might that be enough for Yogi to return to Yankee Stadium and still save face?
I am hoping to reach George's sons. Despite our different upbringings, I think we have a lot in common. It is never easy growing up the child of a public figure. I know they have heard mean things said about their father, much the same way I have. I think there have been days when they have been publicly embarrassed by him and there have been times when they have been as proud as any child has ever been about a parent – exactly like me. I'm sure they love their father as much as I love mine. That is what Father's Day is about – celebrating that love.
I see this as an opportunity to get my father some extra hugs at a time in his life when he could use all the hugs he can get. It is something he would never seek for himself – he is going to kill me when he reads this – and maybe the kind of thing only a son or daughter can do for their father.
I am not asking for any favors, just reconsideration. That is all. Life is short. Time is at hand.
By Michael Bouton
Today is Father's Day, but the date I have circled on my calendar is July 25. That is Old-Timers' Day at Yankee Stadium. Traditionally, it is the day when past Yankee stars take their annual curtain call. It is the day when my father, Jim Bouton, No. 56, the Bulldog, is snubbed, and not invited back. Although I know an invitation to attend Old-Timers' Day is an honor he can live without, it is what I wish for him this year.
You see, this past August my sister Laurie died in an automobile crash at the age of 31. She was beautiful and sweet. And as tough as it is to lose a sibling, I cannot even fathom the loss my parents must feel.
Philosophers say it is because of tragedy that we give such importance to our games. Baseball, seemingly, has always been here for us. The key to baseball's future as America's favorite pastime lies in its continuity between generations.
I realize the big loss for Yankee fans and baseball continues to be the absence of Yogi Berra on Old-Timers' Day. Yogi has let it be known that he refuses to be part of the celebration at Yankee Stadium as long as George Steinbrenner is the owner. I have applauded Yogi's decision on this matter of principle, but recently I have had a change of heart and mind.
It is just as petty for Yogi to spite George as it is for George to spite my father. It does not serve the greater good for families, the fans or the sport we supposedly love so much. It does not factor in the human equation.
I know that not having Old-Timers' Day on our calendar like a holiday gave us fewer days with Laurie. I wonder if Yogi knows how important it is for his grand-children to witness him out there under the classic facade of the stadium. There is no substitute for smelling the grass and hearing the cheers. It will be time for dusting off the scrapbook soon enough.
For the fans, their children and grandchildren, the great difference between a regular game and Old-Timers' Day cannot be gauged. How many stories from their own lives are triggered by the sight of a player from the past?
The type of story that places them in time, describing what they were doing, say, on that afternoon when Yogi won his first of three most valuable player awards.
Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio, when you are more remembered as a line in a pop song than for an acrobatic catch or batting streak? Old-Timers' Day is a chance for fans to give back. To forget this aspect will ultimately doom baseball's primacy among sports in America.
It has been nearly 30 years since my father wrote "Ball Four." And for all the hullabaloo about his book, the major detractors have all written their own tell-all books, affirming the validity of what they once called lies. Last year, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, the New York Public Library listed "Ball Four" as one of the 100 most important books of the century. The question is this: Why do the Yankees still feel as if they have to punish him?
For years, the rumor was that Mickey Mantle had threatened not to attend Old-Timers' Day if my father was present. I am thankful that the Mick was big enough to make what amounted to a deathbed call to my father to put that rumor to rest as being untrue. He understood the significance of the snub and wanted no part of it.
So that leaves only George, who was not even the team's owner when "Ball Four" came out in 1970. If George blames "Ball Four" for contributing toward free agency, one would expect a different reaction, because everyone knows it is only through the acquisition of such free agents as Reggie, Catfish, Cone, et al., that Steinbrenner's reign has seen any championships at all.
I'm hoping that a compromise on positions can take place without necessarily a compromise of principles. I mean, if George really hates my father that much, is it good for him to still hold it inside? Wouldn't it be more healthful to have my father there, if only to boo him?
George has said that this year he will be turning over more of the day-to-day operations to his sons Hal, Hank and Harold. Might that be enough for Yogi to return to Yankee Stadium and still save face?
I am hoping to reach George's sons. Despite our different upbringings, I think we have a lot in common. It is never easy growing up the child of a public figure. I know they have heard mean things said about their father, much the same way I have. I think there have been days when they have been publicly embarrassed by him and there have been times when they have been as proud as any child has ever been about a parent – exactly like me. I'm sure they love their father as much as I love mine. That is what Father's Day is about – celebrating that love.
I see this as an opportunity to get my father some extra hugs at a time in his life when he could use all the hugs he can get. It is something he would never seek for himself – he is going to kill me when he reads this – and maybe the kind of thing only a son or daughter can do for their father.
I am not asking for any favors, just reconsideration. That is all. Life is short. Time is at hand.
Thursday, July 11, 2019
R.I.P. Jim Bouton
Major League Baseball should be forever grateful for what Jim told us in Ball Four.
Friday, July 5, 2019
1991 Profile: Eric Plunk
"Let's call it finding a groove. Eric Plunk got on a roll in 1990 and has been one of the Yankees' most effective relievers. His development has evolved ever since coming to New York from Oakland in June 1989. Plunk has been used in long relief, short relief, as a stopper and even as a starter.
Plunk, despite a blazing fastball, has had difficulty with his control.
'He worked very hard on his control,' says pitching coach Mark Connor. 'The results of his efforts have been very evident.' Last season Plunk was among the team leaders in ERA. If he can continue to find the plate, you can bet that Eric won't worry about not pitching. A guy who throws as hard as he does, with accuracy, never has to worry about getting into the game."
-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook
"After an inconsistent first half of the 1990 season, Eric had a strong second half and finished with a 6-3 record and 2.72 ERA while being used exclusively as a middle reliever for the Yankees.
He started out with wins in his first two appearances: on April 12 against Cleveland (1.1 IP, 2 H) and on April 15 against Texas (1.0 IP,1 H). He allowed two runs in the month, both via the home run (Edgar Martinez, Rickey Henderson) and was 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA (9.0 IP, 2 ER).
Eric was 0-1 with a 3.65 ERA in May (12.1 IP, 5 ER). His first of two save opportunities in 1990 resulted in a blown save on May 3 against Cleveland. He allowed four runs but all were unearned (two errors by Mike Blowers). The loss was on May 9 at Oakland when he walked Rickey Henderson to bring in the winning run in the 11th inning of a 2-1 loss. On May 26 at Kansas City, Plunk pitched 6.1 innings and struck out six batters but allowed four earned runs, raising his ERA from 1.84 to 3.00.
He made seven appearances in June and was 0-1 with a 2.79 ERA (9.2 IP, 3 ER). The loss came on June 5 at Boston when he allowed an 8th inning run on a squeeze bunt. On June 12 against Boston, Plunk came in to start the 8th inning and gave up a walk and a single; he was then replaced and charged with two runs as both baserunners eventually scored, boosting his ERA from 2.60 to 3.25.
After a June 23 appearance at Toronto, Plunk did not pitch again until July 2 at Kansas City. At the break, over 23 games, he was 2-2 with a 3.16 ERA (31.1 IP, 11 ER), with 32 hits and 26 walks with 22 strikeouts [1.85 WHIP]. His first game after the break was on July 15 when he pitched two scoreless innings. He was 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA in July.
Eric saw action in eight games in August, going 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA (15.0 IP, 6 ER) with 19 strikeouts. The win came on August 8 at Seattle when he pitched 3.2 hitless innings. In September, Eric appeared in more games and pitched more innings than he did in any month all season, appearing in 11 games and posting a 1-1 record with a 2.16 ERA (16.2 IP, 4 ER) and fanned 20 batters. He pitched a season high seven innings and struck out eight batters on September 6 against California.
He was 4-1 with a 2.40 ERA (41.1 IP, 11 ER) after the break. He allowed 26 hits, 17 walks [1.04 WHIP] and fanned 45 batters. Eric showed drastic improvement in the second half of the season over the first half as indicated by the following numbers: in the first half, he was 2-2 with a 3.16 ERA over 23 games as opposed to 4-1 with a 2.40 ERA over 24 games in the second half.
Of his 47 appearances, Plunk pitched one inning or less 23 times and had a 3.38 ERA (16.0 IP, 16 H, 6 ER). He pitched more than one inning 24 times and had a 2.54 ERA (56.2 IP, 42 H, 16 ER). He was 0-for-2 in save situations. He stranded 28 of 45 (62%) inherited runners and retired the first batter upon entering the game 29 of 45 (62%) times.
Plunk had a stretch of nearly a month, from July 18-August 14, when he struck out at least one batter in nine straight games (18.1 IP, 22 K). From August 1-September 6, he fanned 31 batters in 22.2 innings pitched.
His ERA (2.72) was a career best at any level of professional baseball and, other than that of Pascual Perez, was the only sub-3.00 ERA on the club. Opponents hit .225 against Eric, second best on the club only to Perez, which was down from a .237 batting against in 1989, also second on the club. He averaged 8.3 strikeouts per nine innings. He was credited with two baserunners caught stealing and two pickoffs.
Eric was 4-0 with a 3.71 ERA at home, 2-3, 2.15 on the road; he now has 13 wins since joining the Yankees and is 8-2 at Yankee Stadium over the past two seasons. Left-handed hitters hit .286 (26-for-91) against Eric while right-handed hitters hit just .192 (32-for-167). In day game he was 5-1 with a 1.33 ERA and batters hit .260 against him, and at night he was 1-2, 3.27 with batters hitting .210 against him.
He signed a one-year contract in January of 1991.
Eric was acquired by the Yankees in 1989 on June 21 along with outfielder Luis Polonia and pitcher Greg Cadaret from the A's in exchange for outfielder Rickey Henderson. At the time of the trade, he was 1-1 with a save and a 2.20 ERA in 23 relief appearances. Over 28.2 innings with Oakland he had allowed 17 hits, seven runs (all earned), walked 12, struck out 24, allowed one home run and had a .174 batting average against.
His first 20 Yankee appearances were in relief. Eric was blistering through his first seven appearances (before the All-Star break), going 3-0 with a 0.71 ERA from June 23-July 8. He made his Yankee debut on June 23 at Kansas City (1.0 IP, 0 ER) and his first win came at Detroit on June 29 (2.0 IP, 1 R, 0 ER). Eric notched his second win on July 6 against Detroit despite allowing an 11th inning homer to Lou Whitaker as the Yanks won in the bottom of the 11th. He won again in his next outing on July 8 at Boston with four shutout innings.
Eric's next five outings (July 14-24) were not as overpowering (7.1 IP, 6 ER, 7.36 ERA) as his ERA climbed to 3.15. On July 24 at Cleveland, Joey Belle hit a grand slam after Eric entered the game with the bases loaded.
His final eight relief outings were strong (13.2 IP, 5 ER, 3.29 ERA) despite a 0-2 record. On July 31 against Toronto, he pitched a season high 4.2 relief innings, allowing four hits and no runs in a 6-5 Yankee loss. He lost on August 2 (second game) against Minnesota as he allowed a 10th inning run in a 4-3 Yankee loss.
Plunk made his Yankee starting debut on August 24 against Baltimore and he allowed four runs (three earned) over five innings and took the loss in a 9-2 Oriole win. He got his first win as a starter on August 30 against Oakland, allowing four runs (all earned) over seven innings in an 8-5 win; it was the Yankees' first win on the way to a team season-best nine straight. His finest outing as a starter came in his last outing on September 27 at Detroit- Eric pitched a season-high eight innings, allowing one earned run on three singles and tied his career high with 10 strikeouts.
As a Yankee, Eric was 7-5 with a 3.69 ERA in 27 appearances. His eight wins overall were his major league high as was his overall total of 50 appearances. He had a .237 batting average against, second best on the club as was his day-game batting average against (.224). Eric was equally tough on left-handed hitters (.236) and right-handed hitters (.238). He was 4-2 with a 2.72 ERA (36.1 IP) at Yankee Stadium and 3-3 with a 4.58 ERA (39.1 IP) on the road.
As a reliever, Plunk was 3-2 (no save opportunities) with a 3.21 ERA (33.2 IP) in 20 appearances. He allowed 13 runs (12 ER) on 30 hits while walking 26 [1.66 WHIP] and fanning 30 batters over 33.2 innings. He gave up six home runs and stranded nine of 18 inherited baserunners, and his ERA ranked third among Yankee relievers with 30 or more innings. The Yankees were 7-13 when he pitched in relief. As a starter, Plunk was 4-3 with a 4.07 ERA (42.0 IP) in seven starts and went at least five innings in six of his seven starts. He allowed 23 runs (19 ER) on 35 hits (5 HR) and 38 walks [1.74 WHIP]. Overall the Yankees were 11-16 in games he pitched.
Originally signed by Yankee scouts Don Lindeberg and Bob Nieman, Eric was selected by the Yankees in the fourth round of the June 1981 free agent draft. He spent the year at Bradenton in the short-season Gulf Coast League. 1982 was his second year in a short-season league, this one with Paintsville of the Appalachian League; he struck out 59 in 64 innings and completed four of his eight starts.
Plunk had an excellent year at Fort Lauderdale (A) of the Florida State League in 1983 despite his 8-10 record. He fanned 109 in 125 innings and tied for the league with teammate Jose Rijo with four shutouts. Eric spent a second consecutive season at Fort Lauderdale in 1984- he had a 12-12 record in 28 starts and compiled a 2.86 ERA with seven complete games. He fanned 152 in 176.1 innings but had control problems, walking 123, or 6.28 per nine innings.
In 1985, he went 8-2 with a 3.40 ERA at Double-A Huntsville before being promoted to Triple-A Tacoma. He ended up 0-5 with a 5.77 ERA with control (50 BB, 53 IP) being his biggest problem. Eric was once gunned at 91 MPH in the ninth inning of a game.
Eric started 1986 at Tacoma and appeared in six games, going 2-3 with a 4.68 ERA. He was called up to Oakland on May 12. His first decision was a loss in relief at New York on May 21, and his first start was on May 31 in Oakland against the Yankees. Eric started six games in June and picked up his first major league win with 7.2 innings of 3-hit ball against Texas on the 14th.
He pitched his best game of the year against Milwaukee on July 5, going 8.1 innings and allowing just two earned runs and four hits. Unfortunately, he was tagged with the loss. Plunk started seven more games after that before returning to the bullpen on September 5. He pitched 14.1 innings the rest of the way, getting no decisions.
Plunk split 1987 between Oakland and Tacoma. He opened the season in the A's starting rotation and made nine consecutive starts. At that point he was 1-2 with a 4.34 ERA. He was moved to the bullpen on May 22 and had six consecutive relief outings before making two starts in mid-June. Eric lost both starts and was sent to Tacoma on June 23 with a record of 1-4 with a 5.84 ERA.
He moved in as Tacoma's closer and was overpowering in that role. In 24 games he was 1-1 with nine saves and his ERA was 1.56 with 56 strikeouts in 34.2 innings. Eric was returned to the A's on August 25 when Jay Howell was lost for the season.
Placed in a relief role for the balance of the season, Eric recorded three wins and a save in his first eight appearances after his return with 21 strikeouts in 17.2 innings. Overall, he made 15 appearances after his return and was 3-2 with two saves and a 2.70 ERA.
The hard-throwing right-hander spent his first full year in the majors in 1988 and appeared in 49 games, all in relief. He was used in the 'middle man' role for much of the season and averaged just a little more than a strikeout per inning (79 K, 78.0 IP).
In 16 appearances from April 27-June 14, Eric allowed just three earned runs over 19.1 innings (1.40 ERA) and picked up three wins and a save in that span. He missed nearly a month of the season from June 24 until after the All-Star break with tendinitis in his right shoulder.
In his third appearance after his return, Eric struck out a season high seven Angels in 3.2 innings at Anaheim on July 27. In four July outings he allowed just one earned run and two hits in 7.1 innings (1.23 ERA). He worked four innings in back-to-back outings on August 17 at Baltimore and August 20 at Boston; he allowed just one earned run and struck out seven in those eight innings. He went 4.2 innings against New York on September 3, his longest outing of the season, and was rewarded with a victory.
Control has been one of the biggest problems of Eric's career, but in his final nine appearances of the year he walked just three over 17.0 innings and struck out 17 in that span. He allowed just 62 hits in his 78 innings and held opposing batters to a .217 batting average.
He made one appearance in the American League Championship Series, pitching a third of an inning in Game 3. He allowed a hit and had a strikeout. Eric appeared in Games 2 and 5 of the World Series. He struck out the side in his one inning of work in Game 2 and totaled 1.2 shutout innings for the Series.
Eric graduated from Bellflower (CA) High School in 1981. He played baseball and was named All-State. Eric enjoys hunting and fishing."
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tied for Florida State League in shutouts (4), 1983.
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
Plunk, despite a blazing fastball, has had difficulty with his control.
'He worked very hard on his control,' says pitching coach Mark Connor. 'The results of his efforts have been very evident.' Last season Plunk was among the team leaders in ERA. If he can continue to find the plate, you can bet that Eric won't worry about not pitching. A guy who throws as hard as he does, with accuracy, never has to worry about getting into the game."
-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook
"After an inconsistent first half of the 1990 season, Eric had a strong second half and finished with a 6-3 record and 2.72 ERA while being used exclusively as a middle reliever for the Yankees.
He started out with wins in his first two appearances: on April 12 against Cleveland (1.1 IP, 2 H) and on April 15 against Texas (1.0 IP,1 H). He allowed two runs in the month, both via the home run (Edgar Martinez, Rickey Henderson) and was 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA (9.0 IP, 2 ER).
Eric was 0-1 with a 3.65 ERA in May (12.1 IP, 5 ER). His first of two save opportunities in 1990 resulted in a blown save on May 3 against Cleveland. He allowed four runs but all were unearned (two errors by Mike Blowers). The loss was on May 9 at Oakland when he walked Rickey Henderson to bring in the winning run in the 11th inning of a 2-1 loss. On May 26 at Kansas City, Plunk pitched 6.1 innings and struck out six batters but allowed four earned runs, raising his ERA from 1.84 to 3.00.
He made seven appearances in June and was 0-1 with a 2.79 ERA (9.2 IP, 3 ER). The loss came on June 5 at Boston when he allowed an 8th inning run on a squeeze bunt. On June 12 against Boston, Plunk came in to start the 8th inning and gave up a walk and a single; he was then replaced and charged with two runs as both baserunners eventually scored, boosting his ERA from 2.60 to 3.25.
After a June 23 appearance at Toronto, Plunk did not pitch again until July 2 at Kansas City. At the break, over 23 games, he was 2-2 with a 3.16 ERA (31.1 IP, 11 ER), with 32 hits and 26 walks with 22 strikeouts [1.85 WHIP]. His first game after the break was on July 15 when he pitched two scoreless innings. He was 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA in July.
Eric saw action in eight games in August, going 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA (15.0 IP, 6 ER) with 19 strikeouts. The win came on August 8 at Seattle when he pitched 3.2 hitless innings. In September, Eric appeared in more games and pitched more innings than he did in any month all season, appearing in 11 games and posting a 1-1 record with a 2.16 ERA (16.2 IP, 4 ER) and fanned 20 batters. He pitched a season high seven innings and struck out eight batters on September 6 against California.
He was 4-1 with a 2.40 ERA (41.1 IP, 11 ER) after the break. He allowed 26 hits, 17 walks [1.04 WHIP] and fanned 45 batters. Eric showed drastic improvement in the second half of the season over the first half as indicated by the following numbers: in the first half, he was 2-2 with a 3.16 ERA over 23 games as opposed to 4-1 with a 2.40 ERA over 24 games in the second half.
Of his 47 appearances, Plunk pitched one inning or less 23 times and had a 3.38 ERA (16.0 IP, 16 H, 6 ER). He pitched more than one inning 24 times and had a 2.54 ERA (56.2 IP, 42 H, 16 ER). He was 0-for-2 in save situations. He stranded 28 of 45 (62%) inherited runners and retired the first batter upon entering the game 29 of 45 (62%) times.
Plunk had a stretch of nearly a month, from July 18-August 14, when he struck out at least one batter in nine straight games (18.1 IP, 22 K). From August 1-September 6, he fanned 31 batters in 22.2 innings pitched.
His ERA (2.72) was a career best at any level of professional baseball and, other than that of Pascual Perez, was the only sub-3.00 ERA on the club. Opponents hit .225 against Eric, second best on the club only to Perez, which was down from a .237 batting against in 1989, also second on the club. He averaged 8.3 strikeouts per nine innings. He was credited with two baserunners caught stealing and two pickoffs.
Eric was 4-0 with a 3.71 ERA at home, 2-3, 2.15 on the road; he now has 13 wins since joining the Yankees and is 8-2 at Yankee Stadium over the past two seasons. Left-handed hitters hit .286 (26-for-91) against Eric while right-handed hitters hit just .192 (32-for-167). In day game he was 5-1 with a 1.33 ERA and batters hit .260 against him, and at night he was 1-2, 3.27 with batters hitting .210 against him.
He signed a one-year contract in January of 1991.
Eric was acquired by the Yankees in 1989 on June 21 along with outfielder Luis Polonia and pitcher Greg Cadaret from the A's in exchange for outfielder Rickey Henderson. At the time of the trade, he was 1-1 with a save and a 2.20 ERA in 23 relief appearances. Over 28.2 innings with Oakland he had allowed 17 hits, seven runs (all earned), walked 12, struck out 24, allowed one home run and had a .174 batting average against.
His first 20 Yankee appearances were in relief. Eric was blistering through his first seven appearances (before the All-Star break), going 3-0 with a 0.71 ERA from June 23-July 8. He made his Yankee debut on June 23 at Kansas City (1.0 IP, 0 ER) and his first win came at Detroit on June 29 (2.0 IP, 1 R, 0 ER). Eric notched his second win on July 6 against Detroit despite allowing an 11th inning homer to Lou Whitaker as the Yanks won in the bottom of the 11th. He won again in his next outing on July 8 at Boston with four shutout innings.
Eric's next five outings (July 14-24) were not as overpowering (7.1 IP, 6 ER, 7.36 ERA) as his ERA climbed to 3.15. On July 24 at Cleveland, Joey Belle hit a grand slam after Eric entered the game with the bases loaded.
His final eight relief outings were strong (13.2 IP, 5 ER, 3.29 ERA) despite a 0-2 record. On July 31 against Toronto, he pitched a season high 4.2 relief innings, allowing four hits and no runs in a 6-5 Yankee loss. He lost on August 2 (second game) against Minnesota as he allowed a 10th inning run in a 4-3 Yankee loss.
Plunk made his Yankee starting debut on August 24 against Baltimore and he allowed four runs (three earned) over five innings and took the loss in a 9-2 Oriole win. He got his first win as a starter on August 30 against Oakland, allowing four runs (all earned) over seven innings in an 8-5 win; it was the Yankees' first win on the way to a team season-best nine straight. His finest outing as a starter came in his last outing on September 27 at Detroit- Eric pitched a season-high eight innings, allowing one earned run on three singles and tied his career high with 10 strikeouts.
As a Yankee, Eric was 7-5 with a 3.69 ERA in 27 appearances. His eight wins overall were his major league high as was his overall total of 50 appearances. He had a .237 batting average against, second best on the club as was his day-game batting average against (.224). Eric was equally tough on left-handed hitters (.236) and right-handed hitters (.238). He was 4-2 with a 2.72 ERA (36.1 IP) at Yankee Stadium and 3-3 with a 4.58 ERA (39.1 IP) on the road.
As a reliever, Plunk was 3-2 (no save opportunities) with a 3.21 ERA (33.2 IP) in 20 appearances. He allowed 13 runs (12 ER) on 30 hits while walking 26 [1.66 WHIP] and fanning 30 batters over 33.2 innings. He gave up six home runs and stranded nine of 18 inherited baserunners, and his ERA ranked third among Yankee relievers with 30 or more innings. The Yankees were 7-13 when he pitched in relief. As a starter, Plunk was 4-3 with a 4.07 ERA (42.0 IP) in seven starts and went at least five innings in six of his seven starts. He allowed 23 runs (19 ER) on 35 hits (5 HR) and 38 walks [1.74 WHIP]. Overall the Yankees were 11-16 in games he pitched.
Originally signed by Yankee scouts Don Lindeberg and Bob Nieman, Eric was selected by the Yankees in the fourth round of the June 1981 free agent draft. He spent the year at Bradenton in the short-season Gulf Coast League. 1982 was his second year in a short-season league, this one with Paintsville of the Appalachian League; he struck out 59 in 64 innings and completed four of his eight starts.
Plunk had an excellent year at Fort Lauderdale (A) of the Florida State League in 1983 despite his 8-10 record. He fanned 109 in 125 innings and tied for the league with teammate Jose Rijo with four shutouts. Eric spent a second consecutive season at Fort Lauderdale in 1984- he had a 12-12 record in 28 starts and compiled a 2.86 ERA with seven complete games. He fanned 152 in 176.1 innings but had control problems, walking 123, or 6.28 per nine innings.
In 1985, he went 8-2 with a 3.40 ERA at Double-A Huntsville before being promoted to Triple-A Tacoma. He ended up 0-5 with a 5.77 ERA with control (50 BB, 53 IP) being his biggest problem. Eric was once gunned at 91 MPH in the ninth inning of a game.
Eric started 1986 at Tacoma and appeared in six games, going 2-3 with a 4.68 ERA. He was called up to Oakland on May 12. His first decision was a loss in relief at New York on May 21, and his first start was on May 31 in Oakland against the Yankees. Eric started six games in June and picked up his first major league win with 7.2 innings of 3-hit ball against Texas on the 14th.
He pitched his best game of the year against Milwaukee on July 5, going 8.1 innings and allowing just two earned runs and four hits. Unfortunately, he was tagged with the loss. Plunk started seven more games after that before returning to the bullpen on September 5. He pitched 14.1 innings the rest of the way, getting no decisions.
Plunk split 1987 between Oakland and Tacoma. He opened the season in the A's starting rotation and made nine consecutive starts. At that point he was 1-2 with a 4.34 ERA. He was moved to the bullpen on May 22 and had six consecutive relief outings before making two starts in mid-June. Eric lost both starts and was sent to Tacoma on June 23 with a record of 1-4 with a 5.84 ERA.
He moved in as Tacoma's closer and was overpowering in that role. In 24 games he was 1-1 with nine saves and his ERA was 1.56 with 56 strikeouts in 34.2 innings. Eric was returned to the A's on August 25 when Jay Howell was lost for the season.
Placed in a relief role for the balance of the season, Eric recorded three wins and a save in his first eight appearances after his return with 21 strikeouts in 17.2 innings. Overall, he made 15 appearances after his return and was 3-2 with two saves and a 2.70 ERA.
The hard-throwing right-hander spent his first full year in the majors in 1988 and appeared in 49 games, all in relief. He was used in the 'middle man' role for much of the season and averaged just a little more than a strikeout per inning (79 K, 78.0 IP).
In 16 appearances from April 27-June 14, Eric allowed just three earned runs over 19.1 innings (1.40 ERA) and picked up three wins and a save in that span. He missed nearly a month of the season from June 24 until after the All-Star break with tendinitis in his right shoulder.
In his third appearance after his return, Eric struck out a season high seven Angels in 3.2 innings at Anaheim on July 27. In four July outings he allowed just one earned run and two hits in 7.1 innings (1.23 ERA). He worked four innings in back-to-back outings on August 17 at Baltimore and August 20 at Boston; he allowed just one earned run and struck out seven in those eight innings. He went 4.2 innings against New York on September 3, his longest outing of the season, and was rewarded with a victory.
Control has been one of the biggest problems of Eric's career, but in his final nine appearances of the year he walked just three over 17.0 innings and struck out 17 in that span. He allowed just 62 hits in his 78 innings and held opposing batters to a .217 batting average.
He made one appearance in the American League Championship Series, pitching a third of an inning in Game 3. He allowed a hit and had a strikeout. Eric appeared in Games 2 and 5 of the World Series. He struck out the side in his one inning of work in Game 2 and totaled 1.2 shutout innings for the Series.
Eric graduated from Bellflower (CA) High School in 1981. He played baseball and was named All-State. Eric enjoys hunting and fishing."
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tied for Florida State League in shutouts (4), 1983.
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
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