"Transition and adversity are two constants as a rookie in the major leagues. Pat Kelly found both to be his close companions in his first year in New York.
Highly regarded as a slick-fielding second baseman in the Yankee organization, the 25-year-old infielder was asked to play third, and did without reservation, but not without adjustments. 1991 was a learning experience.
The departure of former second baseman Steve Sax speaks volumes for the Yankees' confidence in Kelly. Although he must improve offensively from last season (.242), the Philadelphia native stole 12 bases in 13 attempts and possesses outstanding range in the field. His enthusiasm and hustle will contribute mightily."
-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook
"In 1991, making his debut at the AAA level with the Columbus Clippers, Pat was named the Jack Butterfield Player of the Month for April, hitting .360 with 13 runs over 14 games. He was recalled by the Yankees on May 19. At the time he was hitting .336 (39-for-116) with nine doubles, two triples, three home runs, 19 RBIs, eight stolen bases and 27 runs over 31 games. Though a natural second baseman, Pat made an immediate impact on the team by filling a void at third base for the remainder of the season.
He made his major league debut on May 20 at Cleveland as a second baseman. His first major league hit came in his seventh at-bat, on May 22 at Cleveland, a two-run double off Tom Candiotti. Pat hit safely in four straight games (May 22-26), going 5-for-16 with four doubles. He played third base for the first time on May 26 at Baltimore- in that game he had a game-winning 11th-inning RBI double off Mike Flanagan in a 2-1 Yankee win. For the month he hit .188 (6-for-32) over 10 games, all starts, playing five games at second and five at third.
Pat started 23 of the club's 27 games in June and hit .260 for the month. He hit two home runs in 11 at-bats over three games: on June 7 against Texas off Kenny Rogers (solo) and on June 9 against Texas off Goose Gossage- an 8th inning two-run game-winning blast. Over a seven-game period from June 7-14, Pat hit .400 (10-for-25), raising his batting average from .184 to .257. On June 15 at Texas, he was hit on the right wrist by a Kevin Brown pitch in the second inning and missed the rest of that game plus three more games with a bad bruise. Pat hit .200 (7-for-35) for the rest of June.
He hit .348 (8-for-23) in the first seven games of July, bringing his average to what would be a season high of .258 (2 HR, 11 RBI) at the break. Pat's third homer came on Old-Timers' Day on July 27 off Mike Fetters of California. He hit .232 overall in July, starting 24 of the club's 26 games.
Pat started August with a season-long five-game hitting streak (6-for-18), hitting .245 for the month. He played 11 games in September and was 5-for-24. He left the game of September 14, against Boston, with stiffness in the lumbar area of his back and did not play the rest of the season, missing 21 games. His last hit came in his final at-bat on September 11 at Baltimore. Pat hit .229 (38-for-166) with 12 RBIs after the break.
For the '91 season, Pat had the club's best success rate in stealing bases, with 12 steals in 13 attempts (92%); he led the majors in success rate among players with at least 12 steals. He was one of four Yankees to steal 10 bases (with Steve Sax, Roberto Kelly and Bernie Williams), the first Yankee quartet to steal 10 bases each since 1985. He tied Williams for the club lead in triples (4).
Pat started 91 games, 77 at third base and 14 at second base. When he started at second he hit .286 (12-for-42) and when he started at third he hit .238 (60-for-252). He hit .263 against left-handers, .231 against right-handers; .253 at home, .230 on the road. Pat had three three-hit games and when he scored a run the Yankees were 19-10.
He signed a contract for the 1992 season.
Pat was drafted by the Yankees in the 9th round of the June 1988 free agent draft. He was signed by Yankee scout Joe DiCarlo. That season he spent his first year in professional baseball at Class-A Oneonta and hit .327 and stole 25 bases. Drafted as a shortstop, he was converted to a second baseman by manager Gary Allenson. Pat was named to the New York-Penn League All-Star team as the starting second baseman and helped lead Oneonta to the league championship.
In 1989 he played in 124 games at Class-A Prince William and hit .266 with 21 doubles, seven triples, three home runs and 45 RBIs and stole 31 bases. He was named as the starting second baseman on the Carolina League All-Star team and helped lead Prince William to the league championship. Pat led the league in triples (7) and led second basemen in assists (367) and double plays (67).
In 1990 Pat spent his third season in professional baseball at AA Albany and hit .270 with 19 doubles, six triples, eight home runs and 44 RBIs. He had 31 stolen bases for the second straight season, finishing fourth in the Eastern League. Pat hit .291 at home and .255 on the road. He had a .970 fielding percentage, making six errors in 667 total chances and participating in 97 double plays.
His best monthly batting average was in June, as he hit .346 with 16 RBIs and 11 stolen bases. Named the starting second baseman on the Eastern League All-Star team, Pat excelled in postseason competition, hitting .412 (7-for-17) over five games.
Pat attended West Chester University where he was a four-year letterman in baseball. He was also a regional All-American and was named a first-team shortstop on the ECAC All-Star team. He attended Catasauqua High School (PA) where he was All-State in baseball and All-League in basketball and football. He played Little League and American Legion ball.
Pat enjoys golf, music, basketball and tennis."
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Friday, February 21, 2020
1992 Profile: John Habyan
"After shuttling between metropolises like Bluefield, Hagerstown and Newark, John Habyan's minor league jaunts appear to be officially over.
An outstanding '91 season- a team-best 2.30 ERA, 66 appearances and a 4-2 record- made Habyan the most consistent reliever among one of the American League's finest bullpen crews.
'I'm happy with the role I have. I like setting up the stopper,' Habyan insists. 'It's an important role. Your peers know the job you're doing.' The homecoming of sorts for this native New Yorker could not have worked any better."
-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook
"Among the most consistent of Yankee relievers in 1991, Habyan posted a club best 2.30 ERA while leading the team in relief appearances (66). He was part of a quartet of relievers (with Greg Cadaret, Steve Farr and Lee Guetterman) that each notched 60-plus appearances. It was the first time in club history that more than two Yankee pitchers pitched in more than 60 games.
Habyan pitched just five times in April and was 0-1 with a 1.80 ERA (10.0 IP, 2 ER). He took the loss in his first appearance on April 11 at Detroit, allowing two unearned runs in an 11-5 Yankee loss.
He was 2-0 with a save and a 2.16 ERA in May in 11 games (16.2 IP). He earned a win on May 10 against Oakland; the win was his first in the majors since 1988 and snapped a Yankee string of 16 consecutive losses to the A's. John earned a save on May 14 against California, his first in the majors since 1987.
His worst month was June, with a 2-1 record and 3.75 ERA (12.0 IP) in 13 games. He earned wins in back-to-back appearances on June 7 and June 9 against Texas.
John was 4-2 with one save (in as many opportunities) and a 2.44 ERA in 32 games at the break. He posted a 1.10 ERA in July (16.1 IP) in 10 games, dropping his ERA from 2.56 to 2.13. From July18-August 20 he had a string of 15 consecutive scoreless appearances (22.0 IP) dropping his ERA from 2.53 to 1.75.
He was 0-0 with a 2.50 ERA over 15 games (18.0 IP) in August and posted a 2.65 ERA in 12 games (17.0 IP) in September/October. John notched a save in two save situations, in the season finale on October 6 against Cleveland. In the second half, he was 0-0 with one save in three opportunities and a 2.17 ERA over 34 appearances.
For the season, right-handed batters hit just .200 with two homers against Habyan, and in 114 at-bats left-handed hitters did not hit a home run off him. At home he posted a 3-0 record with two saves and a team leading 1.33 ERA (47.1 IP) and a team leading .194 batting average against; on the road he had a 3.38 ERA and allowed his only two homers. Opponents hit .225 against him overall.
Habyan had a 1.84 ERA (73.1 IP) on grass and a 4.32 ERA on artificial turf. He had a 1.97 ERA (68.2 IP) in night games and 3.38 in day games. He retired the first hitter he faced upon entering a game 49 of 67 times (73%) and prevented 32 of 50 inherited runners from scoring. John entered a game with the bases three times and stranded them full twice, stranding six of nine runners overall. He had a staff best three pickoffs.
He signed a one-year contract in February of 1992, avoiding arbitration.
John had two 1990 stints with the Yankees and was used exclusively as a reliever. He began the season with the Columbus Clippers and had his contract purchased by New York on April 16. At the time of the promotion, John had made one start.
He was put immediately to use, making two relief appearances (April 18 at Detroit and April 21 at Texas) and pitching a combined 2.1 scoreless innings (3 H, 3 K). He was outrighted to Columbus on April 24 upon Lance McCullers' activation from the disabled list.
In his second stint at Columbus, Habyan was 7-6 with six saves and a 3.40 ERA (106.0 IP) in 35 games (10 GS), walking 30 and striking out 77. He allowed only one home run in his final 18 appearances (43.1 IP) with the Clippers.
Overall at Columbus in 1990, he was 7-7 with six saves and a 3.21 ERA. He was 4-4 with a 4.26 ERA as a starter and 3-3 with a 2.13 ERA in relief; in relief, he allowed just 39 hits over 55.0 innings. Habyan's best month was July when he was 2-2 with a 1.47 ERA.
Habyan had his contract purchased by the Yankees for the second time on September 9. In his final three appearances of 1990 (September 20-October 2), he pitched 7.1 IP (6 H) and allowed just one earned run, lowering his ERA from 3.86 to a season ending 2.08.
Overall for the Yanks, Habyan was 0-0, allowed 10 hits, walked two [1.38 WHIP] and struck out four. He had a 1.42 ERA (6,1 IP) on the road while at home his ERA was 3.86 (2.1 IP).
Prior to the start of the 1989 season, John had a bizarre accident. On January 6 he had a third-degree separation of his right shoulder when he was involved in a sledding accident in Baltimore. He underwent surgery on January 8 and his rehabilitation extended into the beginning of the season. As a result, John did not report to Baltimore AAA affiliate Rochester until June 11 and did not make his first appearance until June 15. John pitched in seven games (five starts), striking out 22 and walking five, a ratio of 4.4 strikeouts for each walk. He was acquired by AAA affiliate Columbus from Rochester on July 19 in exchange for outfielder Stan Jefferson. At the time of the trade, Habyan was 1-2 with a 2.17 ERA (37.1 IP, 9 ER) for Rochester. He reported to Columbus immediately after the trade and spent the remainder of the season with the Clippers.
At Columbus, John finished with a 2-3 record and a 5.44 ERA and was used exclusively as a starter, making eight appearances and notching two complete games. He fanned 30 batters and walked nine, a ratio of 3.3 strikeouts to each walk, and ranked second on the club for fewest walks allowed and gave up only two home runs, an average of one every 23.0 innings.
Overall in 1989, Habyan was 3-5 with a 3.98 ERA in 15 games. He allowed four home runs in his 83.2 innings pitched, or one every 21 innings.
The Orioles 3rd round pick in the 1982 June draft, John began his pro career with Bluefield (rookie league) and was 9-2 with a 3.54 ERA in 12 games (all starts, with two complete games and a shutout), fanning 55 batters over 81 innings. His nine wins tied for the Appalachian League lead.
Habyan split the 1983 season between Class-A Newark and Class-A Hagerstown. He compiled a 2-3 record with a 5.81 ERA with Hagerstown in 11 games (all starts, one complete game) with 42 strikeouts over 48 innings (7.9 K/9 IP). At Newark, John went 5-3 with a 3.39 ERA in 11 appearances (all starts, one complete game, one shutout), striking out 64 in 72 innings (8 K/9 IP).
He began the 1984 season with Hagerstown and went 9-4 (3.54 ERA) in 13 games (all starts, four complete games), striking out 81 batters over 81.1 innings (8.96 K/9 IP). John was promoted to Charlotte on June 21 and at the time had nine of Hagerstown's 34 wins. At Charlotte he went 4-7 with a 4.44 ERA over 13 starts.
Habyan spent most of the 1985 season with Charlotte, winning a club-best 13 games. His season highlights included a nine-inning no-hitter against Columbus on May 13 and two 3-hitters. In his first 11 starts he was 8-0 with a 2.54 ERA before losing to Memphis on June 8. Overall, John allowed three runs or less in 19 of 28 starts.
He finished third in the Southern League in strikeouts (123), innings pitched (189.2) and complete games (8) and fifth in ERA (3.27) and was named as the right-handed pitcher on the Southern League All-Star team. John left the Instructional League and was recalled by the Orioles on September 23, joining an injury-riddled staff. He made his major league debut on September 29 at Yankee Stadium in the first game of a doubleheader; he pitched 0.2 innings in relief of Scott McGregor in a 4-0 loss to Joe Cowley. His first major league win came in his only other outing, against Boston on October 3.
John began the 1986 season with Rochester and posted a 12-7 record with a 4.29 ERA, tying for second in the league in wins. In 25 starts (26 games) he had five complete games. John was red hot from May 4-August 4, going 12-2 with a 3.33 ERA (135.1 IP, 50 ER).
He was recalled by the Orioles on August 29 and made his major league starting debut that day, losing 4-0 to Dave Stewart at Oakland. Habyan's first major league win as a starter came against Milwaukee on September 20. Overall for the Orioles, he was 1-3 with a 4.44 ERA in six games.
He began the 1987 season with Rochester and was recalled for good by the Orioles on May 18. At the time of his recall, he was leading the International League with 39 strikeouts. With the Orioles, John was 2-7 in 13 starts, and 4-0 with a save and a 3.66 ERA (59.0 IP) in 14 relief appearances. He went 1-3 with a 6.28 ERA before the break but was 5-4 with a 4.00 ERA after the break; the five wins tied for the club-best after the break. His last eight appearances were all starts. John's best outing came on September 28 at Detroit (8.1 IP, 0 R, 5 H), combining with Tom Niedenfuer for a 3-0 shutout over Jack Morris, one of only four times the Tigers were shut out in 1987.
John spent a majority of the 1988 season at Rochester. He was used exclusively as a starter, going 9-9 with a 4.46 ERA in 23 games with eight complete games (tied for second in the International League) and a shutout. John made two tours of duty with the Orioles (May 2-28 and June 28-July 15), compiling a 1-0 record with a 4.29 ERA (14.2 IP) in seven relief appearances. His only win came on July 2 at Texas. He returned to Rochester after his second stint with the Orioles and compiled a 6-3 record with a 3.66 ERA (59.0 IP) through his final nine starts.
He graduated in 1982 from St. John the Baptist High School in Brentwood, New York and played Little League ball in Brentwood. He volunteers as the assistant j.v. basketball coach at St. John the Baptist during the winter.
He makes local hospital visits and also enjoys playing basketball, football and street hockey. John was a Tom Seaver fan as a youngster. His favorite entertainer is Bill Murray."
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
An outstanding '91 season- a team-best 2.30 ERA, 66 appearances and a 4-2 record- made Habyan the most consistent reliever among one of the American League's finest bullpen crews.
'I'm happy with the role I have. I like setting up the stopper,' Habyan insists. 'It's an important role. Your peers know the job you're doing.' The homecoming of sorts for this native New Yorker could not have worked any better."
-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook
"Among the most consistent of Yankee relievers in 1991, Habyan posted a club best 2.30 ERA while leading the team in relief appearances (66). He was part of a quartet of relievers (with Greg Cadaret, Steve Farr and Lee Guetterman) that each notched 60-plus appearances. It was the first time in club history that more than two Yankee pitchers pitched in more than 60 games.
Habyan pitched just five times in April and was 0-1 with a 1.80 ERA (10.0 IP, 2 ER). He took the loss in his first appearance on April 11 at Detroit, allowing two unearned runs in an 11-5 Yankee loss.
He was 2-0 with a save and a 2.16 ERA in May in 11 games (16.2 IP). He earned a win on May 10 against Oakland; the win was his first in the majors since 1988 and snapped a Yankee string of 16 consecutive losses to the A's. John earned a save on May 14 against California, his first in the majors since 1987.
His worst month was June, with a 2-1 record and 3.75 ERA (12.0 IP) in 13 games. He earned wins in back-to-back appearances on June 7 and June 9 against Texas.
John was 4-2 with one save (in as many opportunities) and a 2.44 ERA in 32 games at the break. He posted a 1.10 ERA in July (16.1 IP) in 10 games, dropping his ERA from 2.56 to 2.13. From July18-August 20 he had a string of 15 consecutive scoreless appearances (22.0 IP) dropping his ERA from 2.53 to 1.75.
He was 0-0 with a 2.50 ERA over 15 games (18.0 IP) in August and posted a 2.65 ERA in 12 games (17.0 IP) in September/October. John notched a save in two save situations, in the season finale on October 6 against Cleveland. In the second half, he was 0-0 with one save in three opportunities and a 2.17 ERA over 34 appearances.
For the season, right-handed batters hit just .200 with two homers against Habyan, and in 114 at-bats left-handed hitters did not hit a home run off him. At home he posted a 3-0 record with two saves and a team leading 1.33 ERA (47.1 IP) and a team leading .194 batting average against; on the road he had a 3.38 ERA and allowed his only two homers. Opponents hit .225 against him overall.
Habyan had a 1.84 ERA (73.1 IP) on grass and a 4.32 ERA on artificial turf. He had a 1.97 ERA (68.2 IP) in night games and 3.38 in day games. He retired the first hitter he faced upon entering a game 49 of 67 times (73%) and prevented 32 of 50 inherited runners from scoring. John entered a game with the bases three times and stranded them full twice, stranding six of nine runners overall. He had a staff best three pickoffs.
He signed a one-year contract in February of 1992, avoiding arbitration.
John had two 1990 stints with the Yankees and was used exclusively as a reliever. He began the season with the Columbus Clippers and had his contract purchased by New York on April 16. At the time of the promotion, John had made one start.
He was put immediately to use, making two relief appearances (April 18 at Detroit and April 21 at Texas) and pitching a combined 2.1 scoreless innings (3 H, 3 K). He was outrighted to Columbus on April 24 upon Lance McCullers' activation from the disabled list.
In his second stint at Columbus, Habyan was 7-6 with six saves and a 3.40 ERA (106.0 IP) in 35 games (10 GS), walking 30 and striking out 77. He allowed only one home run in his final 18 appearances (43.1 IP) with the Clippers.
Overall at Columbus in 1990, he was 7-7 with six saves and a 3.21 ERA. He was 4-4 with a 4.26 ERA as a starter and 3-3 with a 2.13 ERA in relief; in relief, he allowed just 39 hits over 55.0 innings. Habyan's best month was July when he was 2-2 with a 1.47 ERA.
Habyan had his contract purchased by the Yankees for the second time on September 9. In his final three appearances of 1990 (September 20-October 2), he pitched 7.1 IP (6 H) and allowed just one earned run, lowering his ERA from 3.86 to a season ending 2.08.
Overall for the Yanks, Habyan was 0-0, allowed 10 hits, walked two [1.38 WHIP] and struck out four. He had a 1.42 ERA (6,1 IP) on the road while at home his ERA was 3.86 (2.1 IP).
Prior to the start of the 1989 season, John had a bizarre accident. On January 6 he had a third-degree separation of his right shoulder when he was involved in a sledding accident in Baltimore. He underwent surgery on January 8 and his rehabilitation extended into the beginning of the season. As a result, John did not report to Baltimore AAA affiliate Rochester until June 11 and did not make his first appearance until June 15. John pitched in seven games (five starts), striking out 22 and walking five, a ratio of 4.4 strikeouts for each walk. He was acquired by AAA affiliate Columbus from Rochester on July 19 in exchange for outfielder Stan Jefferson. At the time of the trade, Habyan was 1-2 with a 2.17 ERA (37.1 IP, 9 ER) for Rochester. He reported to Columbus immediately after the trade and spent the remainder of the season with the Clippers.
At Columbus, John finished with a 2-3 record and a 5.44 ERA and was used exclusively as a starter, making eight appearances and notching two complete games. He fanned 30 batters and walked nine, a ratio of 3.3 strikeouts to each walk, and ranked second on the club for fewest walks allowed and gave up only two home runs, an average of one every 23.0 innings.
Overall in 1989, Habyan was 3-5 with a 3.98 ERA in 15 games. He allowed four home runs in his 83.2 innings pitched, or one every 21 innings.
The Orioles 3rd round pick in the 1982 June draft, John began his pro career with Bluefield (rookie league) and was 9-2 with a 3.54 ERA in 12 games (all starts, with two complete games and a shutout), fanning 55 batters over 81 innings. His nine wins tied for the Appalachian League lead.
Habyan split the 1983 season between Class-A Newark and Class-A Hagerstown. He compiled a 2-3 record with a 5.81 ERA with Hagerstown in 11 games (all starts, one complete game) with 42 strikeouts over 48 innings (7.9 K/9 IP). At Newark, John went 5-3 with a 3.39 ERA in 11 appearances (all starts, one complete game, one shutout), striking out 64 in 72 innings (8 K/9 IP).
He began the 1984 season with Hagerstown and went 9-4 (3.54 ERA) in 13 games (all starts, four complete games), striking out 81 batters over 81.1 innings (8.96 K/9 IP). John was promoted to Charlotte on June 21 and at the time had nine of Hagerstown's 34 wins. At Charlotte he went 4-7 with a 4.44 ERA over 13 starts.
Habyan spent most of the 1985 season with Charlotte, winning a club-best 13 games. His season highlights included a nine-inning no-hitter against Columbus on May 13 and two 3-hitters. In his first 11 starts he was 8-0 with a 2.54 ERA before losing to Memphis on June 8. Overall, John allowed three runs or less in 19 of 28 starts.
He finished third in the Southern League in strikeouts (123), innings pitched (189.2) and complete games (8) and fifth in ERA (3.27) and was named as the right-handed pitcher on the Southern League All-Star team. John left the Instructional League and was recalled by the Orioles on September 23, joining an injury-riddled staff. He made his major league debut on September 29 at Yankee Stadium in the first game of a doubleheader; he pitched 0.2 innings in relief of Scott McGregor in a 4-0 loss to Joe Cowley. His first major league win came in his only other outing, against Boston on October 3.
John began the 1986 season with Rochester and posted a 12-7 record with a 4.29 ERA, tying for second in the league in wins. In 25 starts (26 games) he had five complete games. John was red hot from May 4-August 4, going 12-2 with a 3.33 ERA (135.1 IP, 50 ER).
He was recalled by the Orioles on August 29 and made his major league starting debut that day, losing 4-0 to Dave Stewart at Oakland. Habyan's first major league win as a starter came against Milwaukee on September 20. Overall for the Orioles, he was 1-3 with a 4.44 ERA in six games.
He began the 1987 season with Rochester and was recalled for good by the Orioles on May 18. At the time of his recall, he was leading the International League with 39 strikeouts. With the Orioles, John was 2-7 in 13 starts, and 4-0 with a save and a 3.66 ERA (59.0 IP) in 14 relief appearances. He went 1-3 with a 6.28 ERA before the break but was 5-4 with a 4.00 ERA after the break; the five wins tied for the club-best after the break. His last eight appearances were all starts. John's best outing came on September 28 at Detroit (8.1 IP, 0 R, 5 H), combining with Tom Niedenfuer for a 3-0 shutout over Jack Morris, one of only four times the Tigers were shut out in 1987.
John spent a majority of the 1988 season at Rochester. He was used exclusively as a starter, going 9-9 with a 4.46 ERA in 23 games with eight complete games (tied for second in the International League) and a shutout. John made two tours of duty with the Orioles (May 2-28 and June 28-July 15), compiling a 1-0 record with a 4.29 ERA (14.2 IP) in seven relief appearances. His only win came on July 2 at Texas. He returned to Rochester after his second stint with the Orioles and compiled a 6-3 record with a 3.66 ERA (59.0 IP) through his final nine starts.
He graduated in 1982 from St. John the Baptist High School in Brentwood, New York and played Little League ball in Brentwood. He volunteers as the assistant j.v. basketball coach at St. John the Baptist during the winter.
He makes local hospital visits and also enjoys playing basketball, football and street hockey. John was a Tom Seaver fan as a youngster. His favorite entertainer is Bill Murray."
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
Sunday, February 16, 2020
R.I.P. Tony Fernandez
The Yankees' last regular shortstop before Derek Jeter and the last Yankee to wear No. 6 before Joe Torre.
Friday, February 14, 2020
1992 Profile: Scott Sanderson
"Obtained from Oakland for a mere $100 prior to last season, Sanderson proved to be a great find for the Yankees. His 16 victories more than doubled the total of the club's next highest winner. He was the only Yankee starter to provide at least 200 innings.
Sanderson made a sensational debut, carrying a no-hitter into the ninth inning on April 10 in Detroit before Tony Phillips led off with a double. He combined with Greg Cadaret for a 4-0 victory and a one-hitter. Sanderson added a complete game one-hitter on July 11 in California, zipping the Angels, 2-0. Luis Polonia doubled in the fourth inning in that one. He was named to the All-Star staff for the first time with a 9-3 record at the break.
His location and guile compensate for a lack of velocity. Born in Dearborn, Michigan, Sanderson began his career as the Expos' third-round choice in the 1977 draft."
-Tony DeMarco and Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1992 Edition
"In what can now be called a steal, the Yankees have found in Scott Sanderson the number one starting pitcher they have coveted for years. Sanderson, a 17-game winner in Oakland in 1990, was overshadowed by such marquee pitchers as Dave Stewart and Bob Welch. In fact, the A's themselves thought so little of the right-hander, they sold him to the Yankees for a song. Anybody can win 17 for the A's, right? How about Storm Davis, who went 19-7 with Oakland in 1989 and 7-10 the next year in KC?
'Davis won a lot of games with Oakland, but with lesser numbers,' says Yankee GM Gene Michael. 'Scotty showed that he can pitch.'
By last season's end, Sanderson established himself as the anchor, leading the staff in nearly every category, including consistency. His numbers were so good, the 35-year-old was named to the American League All-Star team, picked by none other than Tony LaRussa, his manager in Oakland."
-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook
"Sanderson was the most consistent and durable Yankee starter in 1991. He posted a 16-10 record with a 3.81 ERA.
He made his Yankee debut by pitching the second game of the season (April 10 at Detroit) and it nearly resulted in a no-hitter. The bid was snapped when Tony Phillips led off the 9th inning with a windblown double off the right-field fence. Sanderson notched the win (8.0 IP, 1 H) in a 4-0 Yankee victory. He was 1-1 with a 6.33 ERA (21.1 IP) in April.
Scott sparkled in May, going 5-1 with a 2.27 ERA (39.2 IP) in six starts. He started the month with the first of his two complete-game shutouts of '91, blanking the Mariners on three hits on May 3 at Seattle in a 5-0 win. On May 24 at Baltimore, he no-hit the Orioles through five innings but had to leave the game with left shoulder stiffness. He came back on May 29 in his next start, against Boston, and threw another seven shutout innings (4 H) in a 7-0 Yankee win. Scott was 6-2 with a 3.69 ERA through May.
He was 2-1 with a 3.69 ERA in five June starts. His win on June 4 at Toronto marked his third consecutive win and sixth in seven decisions since the start of May. After two no-decisions and a loss, Sanderson won his final June start (6.0 IP, 1 ER) on June 26 at Boston in a 5-0 Yankee victory. In July prior to the break, he won one of his two decisions and at the break sported a 6-3 record with a 3.93 ERA. He represented the Yankees at the All-Star Game, his first selection.
In his first start (and the Yankees' first game) after the break on July 11 at California, Sanderson threw an absolute masterpiece, tossing a complete game 1-hitter, shutting out the Angels 2-0. The only hit he allowed was a fourth inning double to Luis Polonia.
Scott became the first Yankee to throw a 1-hitter since Joe Niekro and Al Holland combined to 1-hit the Angels on June 4, 1986, also in Anaheim. It was the first complete game 1-hitter for the Yankees since Luis Tiant accomplished it on July 8, 1979 at Oakland. It was the 50th 1-hitter overall for the Yankees, and Sanderson's second 1-hitter, the other coming on May 8, 1979 at San Francisco while pitching for Montreal.
He lost four straight starts to close July and for the month was 2-4 with a 6.02 ERA. He returned to form in August, posting a 4-1 record and 3.43 ERA over six starts. He won three straight decisions to end the month, marking his fourth and final season best three-game winning streak.
Scott finished strong, going 2-2 over five September starts with a 2.02 ERA. On September 13 against Boston, he continued his mastery over the Red Sox with eight innings of 3-hit ball in a 3-1 win. His final start of the season came on September 30 at Cleveland. He pitched five innings of 4-hit ball but had to leave the game after Ed Taubensee led off the 6th inning with a single off Scott's right hand; the diagnosis was a dislocated right pinky requiring stitches, with Scott missing his final start. He was 7-7 with a 3.69 ERA (105.0 IP) over 17 starts in the second half of the season.
For the season, he led the staff in wins (16), complete games (2), shutouts (2), innings (208.0), strikeouts (130) and home runs allowed (22). He led Yankee starters in ERA (3.81), starts (34), fewest walks (29) and batting average against (.252). Sanderson became the first Yankee to win 16 games since Rick Rhoden in 1987 and his inning total was the most by a Yankee since Phil Niekro (220) and Ron Guidry (259) in 1985.
Sanderson was 10-3 with a 2.75 ERA against the AL East (124.1 IP, 38 ER) and in his career is 20-8 with a 2.77 ERA (217.1 IP, 67 ER) against the East. Right-handed batters hit .240 against him, left-handers hit .261, and he allowed only seven homers in 358 at-bats against right-handers. Scott was 7-6 with a 4.66 ERA at home and 9-4 with a 3.12 ERA on the road; he ranked seventh in the AL in road innings (115.1). On artificial turf, he had a 2.97 ERA (33.1 IP) and opponents hit .216 against him. He was 13-6 at night and 3-4 during the day.
Sanderson allowed 1.3 walks per nine innings, second in the AL to Greg Swindell (1.2). He ranked second in the majors in strikeout-to-walk ratio (4.5) behind Swindell (5.5) and ahead of NL leader Zane Smith (4.1).
The Yankees scored 151 runs when Scott started, an average of 4.4 runs per start. When he allowed a home run, he was 4-10 and the team was 5-12. When he did not allow a home run, he was a perfect 12-0 and the team was 14-3. Dating back to August 13, 1990, Scott is 16-0 when not allowing a homer; since joining the AL he is 26-2 when not yielding a round-tripper.
He lost four in a row in 1991, his first time since arriving in the American League; he has not lost five consecutive decisions since 1982. Sanderson won 22.5% of the Yankees' games, third best in the majors behind Bill Gullickson (24%) and Mark Langston (23%). His ratio was the best by a Yankee since Guidry accounted for 25 of 100 Yankee wins in 1978.
Sanderson needs a 1992 win over the Brewers to become the ninth pitcher in major league history to defeat all 26 clubs. The others: Doyle Alexander, Goose Gossage, Tommy John, Gaylord Perry, Nolan Ryan, Don Sutton, Mike Torrez and Rick Wise (John won his only game against the Dodgers in Game 2 of the 1981 World Series).
Sanderson signed a two-year guaranteed contract on December 31, 1990. The contract extends through the 1992 season.
Sanderson was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 11th round of the June 1974 free agent draft, then was selected by the Montreal Expos in the 3rd round of the June 1977 free agent draft. His first year as a pro was spent in rookie ball with West Palm Beach of the Florida State League. He pitched in the Venezuelan Winter League and was 9-2 with a 1.41 ERA and also had two wins in the Caribbean World Series.
He started the 1978 season at AA Memphis and was 5-3 in nine starts before being promoted to AAA Denver where he went 4-2. Scott was promoted to the Expos on August 1 after only 28 minor league starts. He made his major league on August 6 against Chicago and did not figure in the decision in a 4-3 loss; his first big league loss was to the Cubs on August 13 with Scott tossing seven innings in a 2-1 defeat. His first major league win came on September 2 against San Diego. Scott was 4-0 with a 2.16 ERA in September.
In 1979, his first full season with the Expos, Scott was 9-8. He earned his first professional save on August 15 against Houston. In 1980, he was 16-11 with a 3.11 ERA and had seven complete games and three shutouts. He was sixth in the league in wins and ninth in ERA. Scott was 9-7 with a 2.96 ERA in the strike-shortened season of 1981. He struck out 77 batters and walked 31 over 137.0 innings.
Scott was 12-12 in 1982 with a 3.46 ERA but finished the season on fire, going 6-1 with a 2.91 ERA in his final eight starts. In his only loss during the streak, September 16 against the Mets, he fanned a career best 11 batters over 5.0 innings; from September 11-21 he fanned 21 batters over 11.2 innings. Scott hit his first career home run on September 11, a grand slam off Chicago's Randy Martz at Wrigley Field.
He struck out 158 batters on the year, eighth-best in the NL. His totals of strikeouts and innings pitched (224.0) were career highs. Scott threw seven complete games and three shutouts and ranked ninth in the NL in ERA.
In 1983, his final season with the Expos, he posted a 6-7 record with a 4.65 ERA. He tore ligaments in his right thumb on July 4th at Wrigley Field in a baserunning accident and was placed on the disabled list. He pitched three scoreless innings on September 6 against the Cubs to pick up his second career save.
In December of 1983 Sanderson was traded with infielder Al Newman to the San Diego Padres in exchange for pitcher Gary Lucas; then on the same day, the Padres traded Sanderson to the Cubs for first baseman Carmelo Martinez, pitcher Craig Lefferts and third baseman Fritz Connally. He won four of his first five decisions of '84 and was among the league leaders in ERA before succumbing to back spasms. He went on the DL from June 1-July 5. Scott was 6-1 with a 1.63 ERA against the National League East for the division-winning Cubs. He started Game Four of the NLCS and was not involved in the decision in a 7-5 Chicago loss to San Diego.
In 1985 Scott was one of five Cubs starters to spend time on the DL. From May 11 through the All-Star break he made 11 starts and pitched seven-plus innings in ten of them. In that stretch, he was 3-3 with a 1.83 ERA over 88.1 innings. At one point he allowed just one earned run over 26.1 innings. He went on the disabled list on August 14 after partially tearing the medial collateral ligament in his right knee.
Scott made a career high 37 appearances in 1986, 28 of which were starts. His only shutout as a Cub came on April 23 against St. Louis, a 5-hitter. He was in the starting rotation until September 1.
In his nine relief appearances he was 2-0 with a save and a 1.23 ERA as opposed to 7-11 with a 4.32 ERA as a starter. Scott's 37 batters walked in 169.2 innings ranked him third in the league with an average of 1.96 batters walked per 9.0 innings.
Scott opened the 1987 season on the 15-day disabled list with a tender right shoulder. He split the season between the starting rotation and the bullpen; he was 7-7 with a 4.48 ERA in 22 starts, 1-2 with two saves and a 3.27 ERA in 10 relief outings.
He hit his second career home run on May 1 off San Diego's Eric Show. Scott's longest outing was on May 11 when he pitched 8.1 innings against Los Angeles. His two saves came in back-to-back appearances, on July 9 at Los Angeles and on July 16 at San Francisco.
1988 was a lost season for Scott as he spent most of the season on the DL. On February 10 he underwent back surgery to remove a disc. He began his rehab with Peoria in the Class-A Midwest League on June 25 and made a start (5.0 IP). He was promoted to Iowa in the AAA American Association where he made three starts.
Scott joined the Cubs on August 26 in Atlanta and retired all seven batters he faced. He picked up his first victory in nearly a year on August 29 in Houston. He pitched a season high 3.0 innings on September 2 against the Reds.
In 1989 Sanderson was 11-9 with a 3.94 ERA over 37 appearances (24 starts). His win total was his highest since winning 12 in 1982 for the Expos. He walked 31 hitters over 146.1 innings, a ratio of 1.9 walks every nine innings.
From April 30-May 23, Scott won four consecutive decisions, then on June 4 at St. Louis tossed his first complete game since 1986. From July 5-August 2, he made five starts and allowed 17 earned runs over 21 innings and went to the bullpen.
Scott made three starts over the rest of the season, pitching mostly in relief. His first relief appearance on August 6 against Pittsburgh resulted in a tough loss. Scott pitched 8.0 scoreless innings before allowing a leadoff home run to Jeff King in the 18th inning.
As a starter in 1989 he was 10-7 with a 4.06 ERA and in 14 relief appearances was 1-2 with no saves and a 3.38 ERA. Sanderson made one relief appearance in the NLCS, in Game Four at Candlestick Park (2.0 IP, 0 R).
Sanderson was signed by Oakland as a free agent in December 1989 after spending six seasons in the Chicago Cubs organization. He pitched the entire 1990 season with Oakland where he posted a 17-11 record with a 3.88 ERA in his first season as an American Leaguer. He pitched 200-plus innings (206.1) for the first time since 1982 and third time in his career and did not miss a turn in the rotation all year. His 17 wins established a career high. Sanderson walked 66 batters while fanning 128.
He notched wins in his first two outings- on April 13 at Seattle and then on April 18 at Anaheim when he beat the Angels for career win No. 100. Scott was 3-1 with a 2.35 ERA in five May starts. From May 2-15, he made three starts and was 2-0 with a streak of 18.1 consecutive scoreless innings.
Scott posted the first of his two complete games on July 6 at Cleveland. He was 9-5 with a 3.78 ERA at the break. He posted a season best 10 strikeouts on July 26 against California. He was 11-6 with a 3.40 ERA through July.
His only shutout of 1990 came on August 13 against Boston as he threw a 3-hitter in a 12-0 win; it was his first shutout since April 23, 1986. Scott lost his final start on September 27 at Texas. He was 8-6 after the All-Star break. He did not pitch in ALCS, but appeared in two World Series games, allowing two runs over 1.2 innings.
Scott was 11-4 with a 4.51 ERA on the road, 6-7, 3.17 at the Oakland Coliseum. The A's scored 113 runs (5.9 runs per start) in his 19 road games and 37 runs (2.5 per start) in his 15 home games.
He was obtained by the Yankees for sum of cash on December 31, 1990.
Scott grew up in Northbrook, Illinois, where he played Little League, Pony League and American Legion ball. He was a catcher in Little League. He graduated from Glenbrook North High School where he played baseball, football and basketball and was all-state in baseball his junior and senior years.
He attended Vanderbilt University where he majored in business finance and history. He played for the US national team at the Inter-Continental Cup in Montreal in 1975 and in the Pan-American Games in 1976.
Scott enjoys golf, cross country skiing and carpentry. He grew up a Catfish Hunter fan and his favorite entertainer is Jack Nicholson."
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
Sanderson made a sensational debut, carrying a no-hitter into the ninth inning on April 10 in Detroit before Tony Phillips led off with a double. He combined with Greg Cadaret for a 4-0 victory and a one-hitter. Sanderson added a complete game one-hitter on July 11 in California, zipping the Angels, 2-0. Luis Polonia doubled in the fourth inning in that one. He was named to the All-Star staff for the first time with a 9-3 record at the break.
His location and guile compensate for a lack of velocity. Born in Dearborn, Michigan, Sanderson began his career as the Expos' third-round choice in the 1977 draft."
-Tony DeMarco and Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1992 Edition
"In what can now be called a steal, the Yankees have found in Scott Sanderson the number one starting pitcher they have coveted for years. Sanderson, a 17-game winner in Oakland in 1990, was overshadowed by such marquee pitchers as Dave Stewart and Bob Welch. In fact, the A's themselves thought so little of the right-hander, they sold him to the Yankees for a song. Anybody can win 17 for the A's, right? How about Storm Davis, who went 19-7 with Oakland in 1989 and 7-10 the next year in KC?
'Davis won a lot of games with Oakland, but with lesser numbers,' says Yankee GM Gene Michael. 'Scotty showed that he can pitch.'
By last season's end, Sanderson established himself as the anchor, leading the staff in nearly every category, including consistency. His numbers were so good, the 35-year-old was named to the American League All-Star team, picked by none other than Tony LaRussa, his manager in Oakland."
-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook
"Sanderson was the most consistent and durable Yankee starter in 1991. He posted a 16-10 record with a 3.81 ERA.
He made his Yankee debut by pitching the second game of the season (April 10 at Detroit) and it nearly resulted in a no-hitter. The bid was snapped when Tony Phillips led off the 9th inning with a windblown double off the right-field fence. Sanderson notched the win (8.0 IP, 1 H) in a 4-0 Yankee victory. He was 1-1 with a 6.33 ERA (21.1 IP) in April.
Scott sparkled in May, going 5-1 with a 2.27 ERA (39.2 IP) in six starts. He started the month with the first of his two complete-game shutouts of '91, blanking the Mariners on three hits on May 3 at Seattle in a 5-0 win. On May 24 at Baltimore, he no-hit the Orioles through five innings but had to leave the game with left shoulder stiffness. He came back on May 29 in his next start, against Boston, and threw another seven shutout innings (4 H) in a 7-0 Yankee win. Scott was 6-2 with a 3.69 ERA through May.
He was 2-1 with a 3.69 ERA in five June starts. His win on June 4 at Toronto marked his third consecutive win and sixth in seven decisions since the start of May. After two no-decisions and a loss, Sanderson won his final June start (6.0 IP, 1 ER) on June 26 at Boston in a 5-0 Yankee victory. In July prior to the break, he won one of his two decisions and at the break sported a 6-3 record with a 3.93 ERA. He represented the Yankees at the All-Star Game, his first selection.
In his first start (and the Yankees' first game) after the break on July 11 at California, Sanderson threw an absolute masterpiece, tossing a complete game 1-hitter, shutting out the Angels 2-0. The only hit he allowed was a fourth inning double to Luis Polonia.
Scott became the first Yankee to throw a 1-hitter since Joe Niekro and Al Holland combined to 1-hit the Angels on June 4, 1986, also in Anaheim. It was the first complete game 1-hitter for the Yankees since Luis Tiant accomplished it on July 8, 1979 at Oakland. It was the 50th 1-hitter overall for the Yankees, and Sanderson's second 1-hitter, the other coming on May 8, 1979 at San Francisco while pitching for Montreal.
He lost four straight starts to close July and for the month was 2-4 with a 6.02 ERA. He returned to form in August, posting a 4-1 record and 3.43 ERA over six starts. He won three straight decisions to end the month, marking his fourth and final season best three-game winning streak.
Scott finished strong, going 2-2 over five September starts with a 2.02 ERA. On September 13 against Boston, he continued his mastery over the Red Sox with eight innings of 3-hit ball in a 3-1 win. His final start of the season came on September 30 at Cleveland. He pitched five innings of 4-hit ball but had to leave the game after Ed Taubensee led off the 6th inning with a single off Scott's right hand; the diagnosis was a dislocated right pinky requiring stitches, with Scott missing his final start. He was 7-7 with a 3.69 ERA (105.0 IP) over 17 starts in the second half of the season.
For the season, he led the staff in wins (16), complete games (2), shutouts (2), innings (208.0), strikeouts (130) and home runs allowed (22). He led Yankee starters in ERA (3.81), starts (34), fewest walks (29) and batting average against (.252). Sanderson became the first Yankee to win 16 games since Rick Rhoden in 1987 and his inning total was the most by a Yankee since Phil Niekro (220) and Ron Guidry (259) in 1985.
Sanderson was 10-3 with a 2.75 ERA against the AL East (124.1 IP, 38 ER) and in his career is 20-8 with a 2.77 ERA (217.1 IP, 67 ER) against the East. Right-handed batters hit .240 against him, left-handers hit .261, and he allowed only seven homers in 358 at-bats against right-handers. Scott was 7-6 with a 4.66 ERA at home and 9-4 with a 3.12 ERA on the road; he ranked seventh in the AL in road innings (115.1). On artificial turf, he had a 2.97 ERA (33.1 IP) and opponents hit .216 against him. He was 13-6 at night and 3-4 during the day.
Sanderson allowed 1.3 walks per nine innings, second in the AL to Greg Swindell (1.2). He ranked second in the majors in strikeout-to-walk ratio (4.5) behind Swindell (5.5) and ahead of NL leader Zane Smith (4.1).
The Yankees scored 151 runs when Scott started, an average of 4.4 runs per start. When he allowed a home run, he was 4-10 and the team was 5-12. When he did not allow a home run, he was a perfect 12-0 and the team was 14-3. Dating back to August 13, 1990, Scott is 16-0 when not allowing a homer; since joining the AL he is 26-2 when not yielding a round-tripper.
He lost four in a row in 1991, his first time since arriving in the American League; he has not lost five consecutive decisions since 1982. Sanderson won 22.5% of the Yankees' games, third best in the majors behind Bill Gullickson (24%) and Mark Langston (23%). His ratio was the best by a Yankee since Guidry accounted for 25 of 100 Yankee wins in 1978.
Sanderson needs a 1992 win over the Brewers to become the ninth pitcher in major league history to defeat all 26 clubs. The others: Doyle Alexander, Goose Gossage, Tommy John, Gaylord Perry, Nolan Ryan, Don Sutton, Mike Torrez and Rick Wise (John won his only game against the Dodgers in Game 2 of the 1981 World Series).
Sanderson signed a two-year guaranteed contract on December 31, 1990. The contract extends through the 1992 season.
Sanderson was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 11th round of the June 1974 free agent draft, then was selected by the Montreal Expos in the 3rd round of the June 1977 free agent draft. His first year as a pro was spent in rookie ball with West Palm Beach of the Florida State League. He pitched in the Venezuelan Winter League and was 9-2 with a 1.41 ERA and also had two wins in the Caribbean World Series.
He started the 1978 season at AA Memphis and was 5-3 in nine starts before being promoted to AAA Denver where he went 4-2. Scott was promoted to the Expos on August 1 after only 28 minor league starts. He made his major league on August 6 against Chicago and did not figure in the decision in a 4-3 loss; his first big league loss was to the Cubs on August 13 with Scott tossing seven innings in a 2-1 defeat. His first major league win came on September 2 against San Diego. Scott was 4-0 with a 2.16 ERA in September.
In 1979, his first full season with the Expos, Scott was 9-8. He earned his first professional save on August 15 against Houston. In 1980, he was 16-11 with a 3.11 ERA and had seven complete games and three shutouts. He was sixth in the league in wins and ninth in ERA. Scott was 9-7 with a 2.96 ERA in the strike-shortened season of 1981. He struck out 77 batters and walked 31 over 137.0 innings.
Scott was 12-12 in 1982 with a 3.46 ERA but finished the season on fire, going 6-1 with a 2.91 ERA in his final eight starts. In his only loss during the streak, September 16 against the Mets, he fanned a career best 11 batters over 5.0 innings; from September 11-21 he fanned 21 batters over 11.2 innings. Scott hit his first career home run on September 11, a grand slam off Chicago's Randy Martz at Wrigley Field.
He struck out 158 batters on the year, eighth-best in the NL. His totals of strikeouts and innings pitched (224.0) were career highs. Scott threw seven complete games and three shutouts and ranked ninth in the NL in ERA.
In 1983, his final season with the Expos, he posted a 6-7 record with a 4.65 ERA. He tore ligaments in his right thumb on July 4th at Wrigley Field in a baserunning accident and was placed on the disabled list. He pitched three scoreless innings on September 6 against the Cubs to pick up his second career save.
In December of 1983 Sanderson was traded with infielder Al Newman to the San Diego Padres in exchange for pitcher Gary Lucas; then on the same day, the Padres traded Sanderson to the Cubs for first baseman Carmelo Martinez, pitcher Craig Lefferts and third baseman Fritz Connally. He won four of his first five decisions of '84 and was among the league leaders in ERA before succumbing to back spasms. He went on the DL from June 1-July 5. Scott was 6-1 with a 1.63 ERA against the National League East for the division-winning Cubs. He started Game Four of the NLCS and was not involved in the decision in a 7-5 Chicago loss to San Diego.
In 1985 Scott was one of five Cubs starters to spend time on the DL. From May 11 through the All-Star break he made 11 starts and pitched seven-plus innings in ten of them. In that stretch, he was 3-3 with a 1.83 ERA over 88.1 innings. At one point he allowed just one earned run over 26.1 innings. He went on the disabled list on August 14 after partially tearing the medial collateral ligament in his right knee.
Scott made a career high 37 appearances in 1986, 28 of which were starts. His only shutout as a Cub came on April 23 against St. Louis, a 5-hitter. He was in the starting rotation until September 1.
In his nine relief appearances he was 2-0 with a save and a 1.23 ERA as opposed to 7-11 with a 4.32 ERA as a starter. Scott's 37 batters walked in 169.2 innings ranked him third in the league with an average of 1.96 batters walked per 9.0 innings.
Scott opened the 1987 season on the 15-day disabled list with a tender right shoulder. He split the season between the starting rotation and the bullpen; he was 7-7 with a 4.48 ERA in 22 starts, 1-2 with two saves and a 3.27 ERA in 10 relief outings.
He hit his second career home run on May 1 off San Diego's Eric Show. Scott's longest outing was on May 11 when he pitched 8.1 innings against Los Angeles. His two saves came in back-to-back appearances, on July 9 at Los Angeles and on July 16 at San Francisco.
1988 was a lost season for Scott as he spent most of the season on the DL. On February 10 he underwent back surgery to remove a disc. He began his rehab with Peoria in the Class-A Midwest League on June 25 and made a start (5.0 IP). He was promoted to Iowa in the AAA American Association where he made three starts.
Scott joined the Cubs on August 26 in Atlanta and retired all seven batters he faced. He picked up his first victory in nearly a year on August 29 in Houston. He pitched a season high 3.0 innings on September 2 against the Reds.
In 1989 Sanderson was 11-9 with a 3.94 ERA over 37 appearances (24 starts). His win total was his highest since winning 12 in 1982 for the Expos. He walked 31 hitters over 146.1 innings, a ratio of 1.9 walks every nine innings.
From April 30-May 23, Scott won four consecutive decisions, then on June 4 at St. Louis tossed his first complete game since 1986. From July 5-August 2, he made five starts and allowed 17 earned runs over 21 innings and went to the bullpen.
Scott made three starts over the rest of the season, pitching mostly in relief. His first relief appearance on August 6 against Pittsburgh resulted in a tough loss. Scott pitched 8.0 scoreless innings before allowing a leadoff home run to Jeff King in the 18th inning.
As a starter in 1989 he was 10-7 with a 4.06 ERA and in 14 relief appearances was 1-2 with no saves and a 3.38 ERA. Sanderson made one relief appearance in the NLCS, in Game Four at Candlestick Park (2.0 IP, 0 R).
Sanderson was signed by Oakland as a free agent in December 1989 after spending six seasons in the Chicago Cubs organization. He pitched the entire 1990 season with Oakland where he posted a 17-11 record with a 3.88 ERA in his first season as an American Leaguer. He pitched 200-plus innings (206.1) for the first time since 1982 and third time in his career and did not miss a turn in the rotation all year. His 17 wins established a career high. Sanderson walked 66 batters while fanning 128.
He notched wins in his first two outings- on April 13 at Seattle and then on April 18 at Anaheim when he beat the Angels for career win No. 100. Scott was 3-1 with a 2.35 ERA in five May starts. From May 2-15, he made three starts and was 2-0 with a streak of 18.1 consecutive scoreless innings.
Scott posted the first of his two complete games on July 6 at Cleveland. He was 9-5 with a 3.78 ERA at the break. He posted a season best 10 strikeouts on July 26 against California. He was 11-6 with a 3.40 ERA through July.
His only shutout of 1990 came on August 13 against Boston as he threw a 3-hitter in a 12-0 win; it was his first shutout since April 23, 1986. Scott lost his final start on September 27 at Texas. He was 8-6 after the All-Star break. He did not pitch in ALCS, but appeared in two World Series games, allowing two runs over 1.2 innings.
Scott was 11-4 with a 4.51 ERA on the road, 6-7, 3.17 at the Oakland Coliseum. The A's scored 113 runs (5.9 runs per start) in his 19 road games and 37 runs (2.5 per start) in his 15 home games.
He was obtained by the Yankees for sum of cash on December 31, 1990.
Scott grew up in Northbrook, Illinois, where he played Little League, Pony League and American Legion ball. He was a catcher in Little League. He graduated from Glenbrook North High School where he played baseball, football and basketball and was all-state in baseball his junior and senior years.
He attended Vanderbilt University where he majored in business finance and history. He played for the US national team at the Inter-Continental Cup in Montreal in 1975 and in the Pan-American Games in 1976.
Scott enjoys golf, cross country skiing and carpentry. He grew up a Catfish Hunter fan and his favorite entertainer is Jack Nicholson."
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
Sunday, February 9, 2020
1992 New York Yankees Manager and Coaches Profiles
BUCK SHOWALTER (Manager)
1992 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR (Coach)
"Showalter became the youngest manager in the majors when he was given a one-year contract on October 29. Selected under a bizarre set of circumstances, he was named 22 days after GM Gene Michael had ruled him out. At first, Michael had said he sought a candidate with major-league managerial experience, but he was later persuaded by upper management to reconsider. Budget considerations were a factor since he came more cheaply than a veteran man would have.
Showalter had been the Yankees' third-base coach since June 6, 1990, and is extremely popular among the players. He built a reputation as a bright baseball mind during an extremely successful minor-league managerial career. He compiled a 360-207 record in five seasons and never suffered a losing campaign. Showalter won championships in the New York-Penn League (1985), Florida State League (1987) and Eastern League (1989). He was named Eastern League Manager of the Year in a championship season, when Albany rolled up a 92-48 record.
Born in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, Showalter played in the Yankee minor league system from 1977-83 without ever playing a major league game."
-Tony DeMarco and Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1992 Edition
"There is neither the braggadocio of a Martin nor the eccentricity of a Stengel. But in Buck Showalter's own brand of public display of confidence, there's an emittance of a Yankee born and bred. The frightened look of a deer peering a set of headlights in undetectable.
Nathaniel Buck Showalter III arrived into the Yankee organization at a time when wearing Pinstripes was held in the highest regard. If not always liked, a Yankee was always respected.
Showalter's beginnings as a Yankee farmhand started at Class-A Fort Lauderdale in 1977, fresh off his only season at Mississippi State University.
He was an outfielder whose dreams of playing in the Stadium were dashed by the reality of his limited playing potential.
'I was a good contact hitter, but I didn't show the ability to hit the ball into the seats in Yankee Stadium,' says Showalter on his minor league years. 'Plus, the club was still very strong at that time, making it tough to crack the roster.'
So in 1983, after just getting married, the 26-year-old's career took a fortuitous turn.
'I knew that I was starting to run into brick walls as a player, and so I began looking to other endeavors. I decided that I would start to reap the benefits of my years with the organization. That's when the Yankees offered me the chance to coach, an offer that doesn't come twice.'
Nine years later, the Yankees' investment proved a wise one. Showalter produced three minor league championships in five years as a Yankee minor league manager.
By 1990 Showalter became the Yankees' 'eye-in-the-sky', and last season their third base coach. His keen baseball sense was in evidence to all around him. Says GM Gene Michael, 'We selected Buck because he has the ability to improve this club a great deal.'
Fifteen years have passed since the days at MSU and Fort Lauderdale Stadium. Each passing season in his minor league travels was a lesson to be learned; a lesson to take with him as his mentor Billy Martin once did.
Long gone are the days of Munson and Jackson and Guidry. The 1992 Yankees are about the Mattinglys, Nokeses and Kellys. They are about starting a new tradition, a tradition forged by those whose goals are set in the future.
'I feel very positive about the situation,' says Showalter. 'We have more to be optimistic about than people realize. I look at what Minnesota and Atlanta accomplished last year, and hope we can be in that position in 1992.' "
-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook
"Appointed Yankee manager on October 29, 1991, Buck becomes the club's 30th different manager. He currently is the youngest manager in the majors and the youngest Yankee manager since Roger Peckinpaugh (23) in 1914. Other younger Yankee managers include Hal Chase (27 in 1910), Kid Elberfeld (33 in 1908) and Clark Griffith (33 in 1903). 1992 constitutes his 16th consecutive season in the Yankee system as a player, coach, minor league manager and now major league manager.
Buck was the Yankees' third base coach in 1991, a position he was appointed to on June 6, 1990 when Stump Merrill was named manager. He started the 1990 season as the Yankees' 'eye-in-the-sky.'
Buck was a successful minor league manager in the Yankee system. He compiled a 360-207 record over five seasons (1985-89), good for a .635 winning percentage. He had a record of 14-4 (.778 winning percentage) in the postseason, winning three league championships. In 1989, Buck was named Eastern League Manager of the Year [and Baseball America Minor League Manager of the Year], leading the Albany Yankees to a 92-48 record and an eventual league championship. The 92 wins were the most by a Yankee AA team since the 1980 Nashville Sounds of the Southern League (a team Buck played for) went 97-46.
He managed Ft. Lauderdale (Class-A) during the 1987 and 1988 seasons, with the 1987 team going 85-53 to win the Southern Division of the Florida State League while posting the best record in the league. Also under his tutelage, Oneonta set New York-Penn League records for wins in a season in 1985 (55) and 1986 (59) with Buck leading each team to a league championship. He coached at Ft. Lauderdale in 1984.
In seven seasons as a minor league player (1977-83), Buck hit .294 with 17 home runs and 336 RBIs. In 1980 he set a Southern League record for hits in a season (178) and finished second in the league (to Chris Bando) with a .324 batting average for Nashville. The 1980 team won a league-record 97 games. Members of that Sounds team that went on to prominence were Steve Balboni, Pat Tabler, Willie McGee, Rafael Santana, Andy McGaffigan and Tom Filer.
Buck was a teammate of Don Mattingly at Nashville in 1981. He led the Southern League hits again in 1982 (152). Current major leaguers Rex Hudler, Otis Nixon, Mark Salas and Scott Bradley were Buck's teammates at Nashville in '82.
He played one season (1977) at Mississippi State University and hit .459 while driving in 44 runs. The batting average still remains a school record and the RBI total was a record at the time. Buck was named a 1977 All-American; he had also been an All-American at Chipola J.C.
Buck acquired his nickname from Ed Napoleon, his manager at Ft. Lauderdale in 1987. A former outfielder-first baseman, he lists Mark Langston as the toughest pitcher he ever faced as a player.
Buck is a basketball official in the off-season. His father, the late William Showalter, was an All-American football player at Milligan College (Tennessee) and also played briefly with the Pittsburgh Steelers."
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
"It seems that ever since the Yankees drafted Buck Showalter as a player back in 1977, he has been touted as a major league manager. That's why the October 29, 1991 appointment of Showalter as the 30th manager of the New York Yankees came as no real surprise.
Sure, at age 35 Showalter is currently the youngest manager in the majors, he's the youngest Yankee manager since Roger Peckinpaugh (23) in 1914 and the fifth youngest in the team's history. He has no previous big league managing experience, but in his 15 years with the organization, Showalter has demonstrated the skills and intelligence that go far beyond his years.
In fact, his managerial talents were recognized in Yankees Magazine back in 1990, Showalter's first season in the major leagues. It was written of the first-year Yankee coach, 'It is apparent that he is very knowledgeable about the game of baseball, and it's no surprise that the name of Buck Showalter is being tossed around as a future manager of the Yankees.'
Such predictions date back to Showalter's seven-year playing career in the Yankee farm system, where he was heralded for his on-field intelligence. In Showalter's final year as a player, his manager, the late Doug Holmquist, praised, 'Buck has an inner baseball knowledge that is tailored for the job of managing.'
The most important voice, however, belonged to Yankee GM Gene Michael, who hired Showalter as the 1992 Yankee manager. 'We selected Buck because he's straight forward, he's young, energetic and he knows our players well,' said Michael. 'I think he has the ability to improve this club a great deal.'
Showalter, who spent the last two seasons as a coach with the Yankees, was quick to accept Michael's offer.
'Any time you put as much time into an organization as I have (15 years) you want to play it to the end,' said the new manager. 'It wasn't a tough decision. It is a great opportunity and very flattering to manage the greatest team in sports.'
Showalter began his long association with the organization back in 1977, as an outfielder with Ft. Lauderdale. He played in the Yankee system from 1977-83, making it as far as Triple-A Columbus.
His tenure as a player was highlighted by a 152-hit season in 1982, which led the Southern League. His .324 batting average in 1980 for Nashville was second in the league.
Despite those impressive numbers, Showalter never made it to the show. 'I was a good contact hitter, but I didn't show the ability to hit the ball into the seats in Yankee Stadium,' remembered Showalter of his playing career. 'Plus, the club was still very strong at that time, making it tough to crack the roster.'
Having made those realizations, the winter following the 1983 campaign became decision time for the young Yankee farmhand. He had to weight these options: return to the Yankees as a minor leaguer, become a free agent and try his luck with another team, or accept an offer from the Yankees to become a coach. Clearly, at age 26, Showalter had reached the crossroads in his baseball career.
'I had recently been married and so I started thinking about stability, if there is such a thing, in baseball,' said Showalter. 'I knew that I was starting to run into brick walls as a player, and so I began looking at other endeavors. I decided that I would start to reap the benefits of my years with the organization. That's when the Yankees offered me the chance to coach, an offer that doesn't always come twice.'
In 1984 he began his new career as a coach in Ft. Lauderdale, in charge of hitters and outfielders on a team that would become the 1984 Florida State League Champions.
'The transition wasn't as difficult as you might think,' said Showalter. 'I really made up my mind that once I quit playing I was going to put it behind me. Some guys go into coaching carrying a feeling that they can still play. If you act that way then you cheat the kids, so I knew I had to put my playing career behind me in order to succeed in management.'
And succeed he has. In 1985, after one successful year as a coach, he was given his first chance to manage. He made an immediate impact. Showalter's first two Oneonta clubs set league marks for wins in a season: 55 in 1985 and 59 in 1986. Both teams captured Northern Division championships, with the 1985 team winning the New York-Penn League in Showalter's rookie year. In 1986 he was stopped in the semifinals.
Nevertheless, Showalter, as with any successful minor league prospect, moved up the next level to Ft. Lauderdale. In his first season there he posted 85 wins en route to the 1987 league title. Though his team finished in third place the next season, Showalter was again given a promotion.
In 1989 he found himself in Double-A, piloting the Albany-Colonie Yankees. The team raced to a first-place finish with a 92-48 record, the most wins by a Yankee Double-A team since 1980- when Nashville went 97-46 with Showalter as their leading hitter! The 1989 team went on to win a championship with Showalter capturing the Eastern League's Manager of the Year honors.
'I didn't know what to expect as a manager, so I just tried to remember what made it easier for me as a player, and that was consistency,' explained Showalter. 'I didn't want to be hot and cold, up and then down. Players need to know how the manager will react, and where they stand with you. To do that I just tried to be myself, and remain consistent every day.'
All told, in five seasons as a minor league manager for the Yankee organization, Showalter compiled a 360-207 record with a .635 winning percentage. His teams won three league championships in five years, compiled a 14-4 (.778) mark in post-season play.
Showalter's first trip to the majors was in 1990 as the eye-in-the-sky coach under then-manager Bucky Dent. The position made for an ideal transition for Showalter, whose baseball knowledge made him a perfect match for this unique opportunity. In June of that year he became third base coach under new manager Stump Merrill, a position he retained last season.
Showalter has now taken the next step, becoming the Yankee manager. Two characteristics that made him successful as a minor league manager are his relationship with his players and his attention to detail. Showalter is known for his work ethic, and that many Yankee players campaigned for him to get the job says a lot for the respect he has already earned.
It is now up to Showalter, who is looking to live up to his billing and to duplicate his previous success at the major league level with a team that has struggled the past two seasons.
'I feel very positive about this situation,' said Showalter. 'We have more to be optimistic about than people realize. I look at what Minnesota and Atlanta accomplished last year, and hope we can be in that position in 1992.' "
-Charles J. Alfaro, 1992 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program
THE VOICES OF EXPERIENCE
"When the Yankees replaced Stump Merrill as the team's manager after the 1991 season, the decision was made to also let go of the entire coaching staff. That move was made, explained Yankee GM Gene Michael, to allow the new manager to pick his coaching staff.
'Our last two managers (Merrill and Bucky Dent) both inherited their respective staffs,' said Michael. 'The manager must work closely with his coaches, and we felt that relationship would be enhanced if our new manager could select his own people.'
So when Buck Showalter was named Yankee manager on October 29, 1991, he was given the freedom to pick a staff. The new skipper began filing through his own personal list of contacts he had made over his previous 15 years in the Yankee organization. This trip down memory lane included names from his days as a minor league player, coach, and manager in the Yankee farm system, as well as his two years as a big league coach.
From that vast talent pool Showalter selected the Yankee coaching staff for 1992. The staff includes two returnees from 1991: pitching coach Mark Connor and batting coach Frank Howard, along with newcomers Clete Boyer (third base), Ed Napoleon (first base), Tony Cloninger (bullpen coach) and Russ 'Monk' Meyer (bench coach).
It was not a difficult decision for Showalter to bring back both Connor and Howard. In his two years as a Yankee coach (1990-91), Showalter worked side by side with both men and saw what each could do with Yankee pitchers and hitters.
With the exception of a two-season stint as head coach of the University of Tennessee, Connor has spent his entire coaching career with the Yankee organization. Since 1979 he has served as a minor league instructor, as well as Yankee pitching coach and bullpen coach.
Howard brings the team knowledge and teaching skills, assets acquired from a 15-year playing career in which he hit 382 homers, and a managerial career that included stops with the Padres and Mets. Howard served as the Yankees' hitting instructor in 1989 but served as a roving instructor in the Braves organization in 1990. When Howard returned in 1991, so too did a number of Yankee bats, which is why Showalter made sure to bring him back in 1992.
Leading the list of newcomers is Boyer, who, although new to Showalter's staff, is not a new face to the Yankees. His 16-year playing career was highlighted by five consecutive American League pennants with the Yankees from 1960-64, a winning tradition that Showalter wants spread to today's Yankee players. Boyer also has seven years of experience as a big league coach, including six with the A's and one with the Yankees (1988) under Billy Martin, and spent the last three seasons as a Yankee minor league manager and coach.
Cloninger, who won 113 games in 12 seasons as a major league pitcher, is in his sixth season with the Yankee organization. The Yankee bullpen coach began exchanging pitching philosophies with Showalter back in 1987; Cloninger joined the organization that year as pitching coach at Oneonta, one season after Showalter guided the team to a league championship then moved on to manage Ft. Lauderdale. Cloninger served as pitching coach at Albany in 1988 and has spent the last three seasons as a roving pitching instructor.
Another new face who has previous experience with Showalter is Meyer, who at age 68, is getting his second shot at the majors. Meyer won 94 games during 13 years as a big league pitcher. He began his second career as a coach in 1980 at Illinois Valley Community College. In 1981 he began a long affiliation with the Yankee organization as a pitching coach at all levels of the farm system. That span included five seasons (1985-89) as a pitching coach under a young manager named Buck Showalter. In their five years together the two had three championship seasons, one each at Albany, Oneonta and Albany-Colonie, and four first-place finishes.
The 1992 season marks the 10th in the organization for Ed Napoleon, who coached and managed in the minors from 1974-82. After a 15-year minor league playing career, Napoleon was a manager in the Pirate farm system from 1970-73, before joining the Yankees as a minor league coach in 1974.
Rounding the 1992 staff is first-year bullpen catcher Glenn Sherlock. Sherlock, 31, managed the Ft. Lauderdale Yankees in 1991 and has been with the Yankee organization since 1987."
-Charles J. Alfaro, 1992 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program
TONY CLONINGER (Coach)
"Since 1987, Tony Cloninger has served the Yankees as a minor league instructor with great pride. New York's newest bullpen coach started with the Oneonta Yankees as a pitching coach in '87 and has worked his way to the Bronx with a keen insight of the organization and an ability to deliver his point.
Cloninger won 113 games as a major league pitcher and his relationship with Showalter dates back to his days as a Oneonta Yankee.
The 51-year-old served as pitching coach at Albany in 1988 and spent the last three years as a roving pitching instructor. He kept a special eye on the '89 Albany team which won the league championship under Showalter.
With the assistance of Mark Connor and Buck, Cloninger hopes to develop a winning combination."
-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook
"Appointed to his position as bullpen coach on October 6, 1991, 1992 will mark his sixth consecutive season in the Yankee farm system and his first as a major league coach. Cloninger spent the past three seasons as the Yankees' roving pitching coordinator, working with young pitchers throughout the organization. He was the pitching coach at Albany (1988) and Oneonta (1987).
Tony pitched in the major leagues from 1961-1972 with the Milwaukee Braves, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals. He posted a 113-97 career record with a 4.07 ERA.
He won 19 games for the 1964 Milwaukee club and 24 games in 1965. When he won 19 in '64, he led the team in victories after Warren Spahn had led the Braves in wins for 15 consecutive seasons. Cloninger still holds the major league record for most RBIs by a pitcher in a single game (9), hitting two grand slams (tying another major league one-game record) on July 6, 1966 for the Atlanta Braves against San Francisco. He hit .234 with five home runs in 1966 and finished his career with 11 home runs.
Cloninger was traded to Cincinnati along with pitcher Clay Carroll and infielder Woody Woodward for pitchers Milt Pappas, Ted Davidson and infielder Bob Johnson on June 11, 1968. He was traded to St. Louis in March of 1972 for infielder Julian Javier and played his final season with the Cardinals. Following his retirement Tony conducted baseball camps and clinics. He has also worked in the sporting goods industry and coached American Legion baseball.
His son Darin was a draft pick of the Padres in 1983 and his son Michael was selected by the Twins the same year. Darin was traded to the Yankees in 1984 as the player to be named later along with pitcher Dennis Rasmussen in exchange for Graig Nettles, and pitched for two seasons in the Yankee organization. Another son, Chad, was a 1991 Yankee draft choice but did not sign."
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
MARK CONNOR (Coach)
"With the exception of a two-season stint as head coach of the University of Tennessee, Connor has spent his entire coaching career with the Yankee organization. Since 1979 he has served as a minor league instructor, as well as Yankee pitching coach and bullpen coach.
Showalter watched last season as Connor utilized all of his skill as pitching coach, working with experienced veterans and promising rookies.
Connor's easy-going personality and vast knowledge of the game make him an ideal tutor for a major league staff dependent on experience. His return as pitching coach will be a welcomed sight."
-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook
"Reappointed to his position on November 6, 1991, Connor returns for a second consecutive season as Yankee pitching coach, a position he was named to on October 14, 1990. He was Yankee bullpen coach in 1990. During the 1988 and 1989 seasons, Connor served as the head baseball coach at the University of Tennessee.
This will be Mark's third stint as pitching coach with the Yankees. The other times were from June 18, 1984 (replacing Sammy Ellis) through August 2, 1985 (replaced by Bill Monbouquette) and then from May 18, 1986 (replacing Ellis) through the entire 1987 season (replaced by Art Fowler).
At the time of his appointment in 1986 he was the club's minor league pitching coach. Prior to his appointment in 1984, Connor spent two seasons as the pitching coach at the Yankees' AAA affiliate at Columbus. He also served as pitching coach at Greensboro for three seasons (1980-82), as a Yankee scout in 1979 and as pitching coach at Paintsville in 1978. He was pitching coach at the University of Tennessee from 1974-78.
Mark graduated from Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York in 1967. He attended Belmont Abbey College and graduated from Manhattan College with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972. At Manhattan, he received the Topps Award as a college All-Star in 1970, and in 1971 struck out 20 Columbia University batters in one game.
Mark spent two seasons in the Twins' minor league system. He attended graduate school for a Master's degree at the University of Tennessee in 1974-75 before beginning his coaching career."
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
ED NAPOLEON (Coach)
"The Yankees welcome another new face in Ed Napoleon to the fold. Another new coach with a long relationship in the Yankee organization, Napoleon will take over the duties of first base coach.
The 1992 season marks the 10th year in the organization for the 54-year-old who coached and managed in the minors from 1974-82. After a 15-year minor league playing career, Napoleon was a manager in the Pirate farm system from 1970-73 before joining the Yankees as a minor league coach.
As a coach for the Ft. Lauderdale Yankees in 1977, Nap encountered a first-year player named Nathaniel Showalter whom he dubbed 'Buck.'
Napoleon left the Yankees to take on major league coaching assignments with the Indians, Royals and Astros and spent last season as a manager in the Oriole system."
-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook
"Appointed to his position as first base coach on November 6, 1991, Napoleon managed the Orioles' Sarasota club in the Gulf Coast League last year. His team had a league best 35-24 record and lost in the finals.
He has seven years of experience as a major league coach. He spent the 1989-90 season as a coach with the Houston Astros, working with their outfielders and serving as the 'eye-in-the-sky' during games. His other major league coaching positions included a stint with the Royals (1987-88) and as first base coach of the Indians (1983-85).
1992 will mark Ed's tenth season in the Yankee system, having coached or managed New York minor league clubs from 1974-82. He began his coaching career with the Pirates organization in 1970. Ed has managed six years in the minors overall, including two years in the Yankee chain (Oneonta 1976, Ft. Lauderdale 1977).
Nap had a 15-year minor league playing career (1956-70), playing first base, third base and the outfield. He was named to eight all-star teams. He hit .329 in his first season as a pro with 12 home runs and 87 RBIs. In 1962, Ed was third in doubles (30) in the Carolina League and 10th in batting, earning all-league honors.
The Yankees' new first base coach was born in Baltimore but moved to Panama when he was two weeks old and was raised in the Canal Zone. He graduated Balboa (Canal Zone) High in 1955 and later Canal Zone JC, Macalester College (St. Paul, MN) and Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, FL)."
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
FRANK HOWARD (Coach)
"There are few people in baseball with the stature of Frank Howard in both size and reputation.
The Yankees' hitting instructor, back for his second consecutive year, will have plenty of talent to work with, with the addition of Danny Tartabull, Mike Gallego, Charlie Hayes and others.
Howard, whose patience and positive approach have made him a favorite with Yankee hitters, brings the team knowledge and teaching skills, assets acquired from a 15-year playing career. He collected 382 lifetime home runs and enjoyed a managerial career with the Mets and Padres."
-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook
"Howard returns for a second consecutive season as Yankee hitting instructor, a position he was appointed to on October 14, 1990. He spent the 1990 season in the Atlanta Braves system as the roving hitting instructor, working with young hitters throughout their organization. In his second stint as Yankee batting coach, Frank held that position from the beginning of the 1989 season until August 18 of that year. He is a former major league manager with the San Diego Padres and New York Mets, compiling a record of 93-113 (.412) with those two clubs.
Following his retirement as a player in 1973, Hondo originally went into private business but was hired by the Milwaukee Brewers as a minor league instructor in 1975. He managed the Brewers' AAA Spokane club in 1976, joined the club's major league coaching staff in 1977 and served as first base coach for four seasons.
Frank was named manager of the San Diego Padres following the 1980 season, replacing Jerry Coleman. He led the Padres to an overall 41-69 record in 1981 (25-33 in the first half of that year's split season and 18-36 in the second half, with two sixth place finishes). Frank was replaced by Dick Williams at the end of the 1981 campaign.
He joined the Mets' coaching staff as third base coach under George Bamberger prior to the 1982 season and was named interim manager on June 3, 1983 following Bamberger's resignation. He managed the Mets to a 52-64 record and a sixth place finish for the remainder of the season. Frank was replaced by Davey Johnson as manager following the conclusion of that season and moved to first base coaching duties in 1984.
He rejoined the Brewers' staff in October 1984 and worked two years there as the club's batting coach. In November of 1986 he was named the first base coach of the Seattle Mariners, where he remained until joining the Yankees.
Hondo enjoyed a playing career that spanned 15 major league seasons, compiling a batting average of .273 with 382 home runs and 1,119 RBIs. He was named National League Rookie of the Year in 1960 with the Los Angeles Dodgers (.268 BA, 23 HRs, 77 RBIs). In five-plus seasons with Los Angeles, Howard batted .268 with 123 homers and 382 RBIs in 624 games.
His top seasons came as a member of the Washington Senators (1965-71), averaging 34 home runs and 96 RBIs per season. In 1968-70 with the Senators, Howard hit 44, 48 and 44 home runs with 106, 111 and 126 RBIs, respectively. His career highs were: batting- .296 (in 1961 & 62 with Los Angeles and 1969 with Washington), home runs- 48 (in 1969 with Washington) and RBIs- 126 (in 1970 with Washington).
Named to the American League All-Star team four consecutive years (1968-71), Frank still holds the major league mark for most home runs in a week (10), most homers in six consecutive games (10) and most homers in five consecutive games (8). He finished his pro career with a brief stint in Japan in 1974.
A two-sport star at [the] Ohio State University (1956-58), Frank lettered three times in baseball and twice in basketball (1,047 career points). He still holds two ECAC Holiday Festival Tournament records at Madison Square Garden (most rebounds in a game- 32, and most rebounds in three games- 77, with both marks set in 1956).
In 1991, Frank was the winner of the BBWAA Good Guy Award."
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
Led Three-I League in total bases (311), 1958.
"Showalter became the youngest manager in the majors when he was given a one-year contract on October 29. Selected under a bizarre set of circumstances, he was named 22 days after GM Gene Michael had ruled him out. At first, Michael had said he sought a candidate with major-league managerial experience, but he was later persuaded by upper management to reconsider. Budget considerations were a factor since he came more cheaply than a veteran man would have.
Showalter had been the Yankees' third-base coach since June 6, 1990, and is extremely popular among the players. He built a reputation as a bright baseball mind during an extremely successful minor-league managerial career. He compiled a 360-207 record in five seasons and never suffered a losing campaign. Showalter won championships in the New York-Penn League (1985), Florida State League (1987) and Eastern League (1989). He was named Eastern League Manager of the Year in a championship season, when Albany rolled up a 92-48 record.
Born in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, Showalter played in the Yankee minor league system from 1977-83 without ever playing a major league game."
-Tony DeMarco and Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1992 Edition
"There is neither the braggadocio of a Martin nor the eccentricity of a Stengel. But in Buck Showalter's own brand of public display of confidence, there's an emittance of a Yankee born and bred. The frightened look of a deer peering a set of headlights in undetectable.
Nathaniel Buck Showalter III arrived into the Yankee organization at a time when wearing Pinstripes was held in the highest regard. If not always liked, a Yankee was always respected.
Showalter's beginnings as a Yankee farmhand started at Class-A Fort Lauderdale in 1977, fresh off his only season at Mississippi State University.
He was an outfielder whose dreams of playing in the Stadium were dashed by the reality of his limited playing potential.
'I was a good contact hitter, but I didn't show the ability to hit the ball into the seats in Yankee Stadium,' says Showalter on his minor league years. 'Plus, the club was still very strong at that time, making it tough to crack the roster.'
So in 1983, after just getting married, the 26-year-old's career took a fortuitous turn.
'I knew that I was starting to run into brick walls as a player, and so I began looking to other endeavors. I decided that I would start to reap the benefits of my years with the organization. That's when the Yankees offered me the chance to coach, an offer that doesn't come twice.'
Nine years later, the Yankees' investment proved a wise one. Showalter produced three minor league championships in five years as a Yankee minor league manager.
By 1990 Showalter became the Yankees' 'eye-in-the-sky', and last season their third base coach. His keen baseball sense was in evidence to all around him. Says GM Gene Michael, 'We selected Buck because he has the ability to improve this club a great deal.'
Fifteen years have passed since the days at MSU and Fort Lauderdale Stadium. Each passing season in his minor league travels was a lesson to be learned; a lesson to take with him as his mentor Billy Martin once did.
Long gone are the days of Munson and Jackson and Guidry. The 1992 Yankees are about the Mattinglys, Nokeses and Kellys. They are about starting a new tradition, a tradition forged by those whose goals are set in the future.
'I feel very positive about the situation,' says Showalter. 'We have more to be optimistic about than people realize. I look at what Minnesota and Atlanta accomplished last year, and hope we can be in that position in 1992.' "
-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook
"Appointed Yankee manager on October 29, 1991, Buck becomes the club's 30th different manager. He currently is the youngest manager in the majors and the youngest Yankee manager since Roger Peckinpaugh (23) in 1914. Other younger Yankee managers include Hal Chase (27 in 1910), Kid Elberfeld (33 in 1908) and Clark Griffith (33 in 1903). 1992 constitutes his 16th consecutive season in the Yankee system as a player, coach, minor league manager and now major league manager.
Buck was the Yankees' third base coach in 1991, a position he was appointed to on June 6, 1990 when Stump Merrill was named manager. He started the 1990 season as the Yankees' 'eye-in-the-sky.'
Buck was a successful minor league manager in the Yankee system. He compiled a 360-207 record over five seasons (1985-89), good for a .635 winning percentage. He had a record of 14-4 (.778 winning percentage) in the postseason, winning three league championships. In 1989, Buck was named Eastern League Manager of the Year [and Baseball America Minor League Manager of the Year], leading the Albany Yankees to a 92-48 record and an eventual league championship. The 92 wins were the most by a Yankee AA team since the 1980 Nashville Sounds of the Southern League (a team Buck played for) went 97-46.
He managed Ft. Lauderdale (Class-A) during the 1987 and 1988 seasons, with the 1987 team going 85-53 to win the Southern Division of the Florida State League while posting the best record in the league. Also under his tutelage, Oneonta set New York-Penn League records for wins in a season in 1985 (55) and 1986 (59) with Buck leading each team to a league championship. He coached at Ft. Lauderdale in 1984.
In seven seasons as a minor league player (1977-83), Buck hit .294 with 17 home runs and 336 RBIs. In 1980 he set a Southern League record for hits in a season (178) and finished second in the league (to Chris Bando) with a .324 batting average for Nashville. The 1980 team won a league-record 97 games. Members of that Sounds team that went on to prominence were Steve Balboni, Pat Tabler, Willie McGee, Rafael Santana, Andy McGaffigan and Tom Filer.
Buck was a teammate of Don Mattingly at Nashville in 1981. He led the Southern League hits again in 1982 (152). Current major leaguers Rex Hudler, Otis Nixon, Mark Salas and Scott Bradley were Buck's teammates at Nashville in '82.
He played one season (1977) at Mississippi State University and hit .459 while driving in 44 runs. The batting average still remains a school record and the RBI total was a record at the time. Buck was named a 1977 All-American; he had also been an All-American at Chipola J.C.
Buck acquired his nickname from Ed Napoleon, his manager at Ft. Lauderdale in 1987. A former outfielder-first baseman, he lists Mark Langston as the toughest pitcher he ever faced as a player.
Buck is a basketball official in the off-season. His father, the late William Showalter, was an All-American football player at Milligan College (Tennessee) and also played briefly with the Pittsburgh Steelers."
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
"It seems that ever since the Yankees drafted Buck Showalter as a player back in 1977, he has been touted as a major league manager. That's why the October 29, 1991 appointment of Showalter as the 30th manager of the New York Yankees came as no real surprise.
Sure, at age 35 Showalter is currently the youngest manager in the majors, he's the youngest Yankee manager since Roger Peckinpaugh (23) in 1914 and the fifth youngest in the team's history. He has no previous big league managing experience, but in his 15 years with the organization, Showalter has demonstrated the skills and intelligence that go far beyond his years.
In fact, his managerial talents were recognized in Yankees Magazine back in 1990, Showalter's first season in the major leagues. It was written of the first-year Yankee coach, 'It is apparent that he is very knowledgeable about the game of baseball, and it's no surprise that the name of Buck Showalter is being tossed around as a future manager of the Yankees.'
Such predictions date back to Showalter's seven-year playing career in the Yankee farm system, where he was heralded for his on-field intelligence. In Showalter's final year as a player, his manager, the late Doug Holmquist, praised, 'Buck has an inner baseball knowledge that is tailored for the job of managing.'
The most important voice, however, belonged to Yankee GM Gene Michael, who hired Showalter as the 1992 Yankee manager. 'We selected Buck because he's straight forward, he's young, energetic and he knows our players well,' said Michael. 'I think he has the ability to improve this club a great deal.'
Showalter, who spent the last two seasons as a coach with the Yankees, was quick to accept Michael's offer.
'Any time you put as much time into an organization as I have (15 years) you want to play it to the end,' said the new manager. 'It wasn't a tough decision. It is a great opportunity and very flattering to manage the greatest team in sports.'
Showalter began his long association with the organization back in 1977, as an outfielder with Ft. Lauderdale. He played in the Yankee system from 1977-83, making it as far as Triple-A Columbus.
His tenure as a player was highlighted by a 152-hit season in 1982, which led the Southern League. His .324 batting average in 1980 for Nashville was second in the league.
Despite those impressive numbers, Showalter never made it to the show. 'I was a good contact hitter, but I didn't show the ability to hit the ball into the seats in Yankee Stadium,' remembered Showalter of his playing career. 'Plus, the club was still very strong at that time, making it tough to crack the roster.'
Having made those realizations, the winter following the 1983 campaign became decision time for the young Yankee farmhand. He had to weight these options: return to the Yankees as a minor leaguer, become a free agent and try his luck with another team, or accept an offer from the Yankees to become a coach. Clearly, at age 26, Showalter had reached the crossroads in his baseball career.
'I had recently been married and so I started thinking about stability, if there is such a thing, in baseball,' said Showalter. 'I knew that I was starting to run into brick walls as a player, and so I began looking at other endeavors. I decided that I would start to reap the benefits of my years with the organization. That's when the Yankees offered me the chance to coach, an offer that doesn't always come twice.'
In 1984 he began his new career as a coach in Ft. Lauderdale, in charge of hitters and outfielders on a team that would become the 1984 Florida State League Champions.
'The transition wasn't as difficult as you might think,' said Showalter. 'I really made up my mind that once I quit playing I was going to put it behind me. Some guys go into coaching carrying a feeling that they can still play. If you act that way then you cheat the kids, so I knew I had to put my playing career behind me in order to succeed in management.'
And succeed he has. In 1985, after one successful year as a coach, he was given his first chance to manage. He made an immediate impact. Showalter's first two Oneonta clubs set league marks for wins in a season: 55 in 1985 and 59 in 1986. Both teams captured Northern Division championships, with the 1985 team winning the New York-Penn League in Showalter's rookie year. In 1986 he was stopped in the semifinals.
Nevertheless, Showalter, as with any successful minor league prospect, moved up the next level to Ft. Lauderdale. In his first season there he posted 85 wins en route to the 1987 league title. Though his team finished in third place the next season, Showalter was again given a promotion.
In 1989 he found himself in Double-A, piloting the Albany-Colonie Yankees. The team raced to a first-place finish with a 92-48 record, the most wins by a Yankee Double-A team since 1980- when Nashville went 97-46 with Showalter as their leading hitter! The 1989 team went on to win a championship with Showalter capturing the Eastern League's Manager of the Year honors.
'I didn't know what to expect as a manager, so I just tried to remember what made it easier for me as a player, and that was consistency,' explained Showalter. 'I didn't want to be hot and cold, up and then down. Players need to know how the manager will react, and where they stand with you. To do that I just tried to be myself, and remain consistent every day.'
All told, in five seasons as a minor league manager for the Yankee organization, Showalter compiled a 360-207 record with a .635 winning percentage. His teams won three league championships in five years, compiled a 14-4 (.778) mark in post-season play.
Showalter's first trip to the majors was in 1990 as the eye-in-the-sky coach under then-manager Bucky Dent. The position made for an ideal transition for Showalter, whose baseball knowledge made him a perfect match for this unique opportunity. In June of that year he became third base coach under new manager Stump Merrill, a position he retained last season.
Showalter has now taken the next step, becoming the Yankee manager. Two characteristics that made him successful as a minor league manager are his relationship with his players and his attention to detail. Showalter is known for his work ethic, and that many Yankee players campaigned for him to get the job says a lot for the respect he has already earned.
It is now up to Showalter, who is looking to live up to his billing and to duplicate his previous success at the major league level with a team that has struggled the past two seasons.
'I feel very positive about this situation,' said Showalter. 'We have more to be optimistic about than people realize. I look at what Minnesota and Atlanta accomplished last year, and hope we can be in that position in 1992.' "
-Charles J. Alfaro, 1992 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program
THE VOICES OF EXPERIENCE
"When the Yankees replaced Stump Merrill as the team's manager after the 1991 season, the decision was made to also let go of the entire coaching staff. That move was made, explained Yankee GM Gene Michael, to allow the new manager to pick his coaching staff.
'Our last two managers (Merrill and Bucky Dent) both inherited their respective staffs,' said Michael. 'The manager must work closely with his coaches, and we felt that relationship would be enhanced if our new manager could select his own people.'
So when Buck Showalter was named Yankee manager on October 29, 1991, he was given the freedom to pick a staff. The new skipper began filing through his own personal list of contacts he had made over his previous 15 years in the Yankee organization. This trip down memory lane included names from his days as a minor league player, coach, and manager in the Yankee farm system, as well as his two years as a big league coach.
From that vast talent pool Showalter selected the Yankee coaching staff for 1992. The staff includes two returnees from 1991: pitching coach Mark Connor and batting coach Frank Howard, along with newcomers Clete Boyer (third base), Ed Napoleon (first base), Tony Cloninger (bullpen coach) and Russ 'Monk' Meyer (bench coach).
It was not a difficult decision for Showalter to bring back both Connor and Howard. In his two years as a Yankee coach (1990-91), Showalter worked side by side with both men and saw what each could do with Yankee pitchers and hitters.
With the exception of a two-season stint as head coach of the University of Tennessee, Connor has spent his entire coaching career with the Yankee organization. Since 1979 he has served as a minor league instructor, as well as Yankee pitching coach and bullpen coach.
Howard brings the team knowledge and teaching skills, assets acquired from a 15-year playing career in which he hit 382 homers, and a managerial career that included stops with the Padres and Mets. Howard served as the Yankees' hitting instructor in 1989 but served as a roving instructor in the Braves organization in 1990. When Howard returned in 1991, so too did a number of Yankee bats, which is why Showalter made sure to bring him back in 1992.
Leading the list of newcomers is Boyer, who, although new to Showalter's staff, is not a new face to the Yankees. His 16-year playing career was highlighted by five consecutive American League pennants with the Yankees from 1960-64, a winning tradition that Showalter wants spread to today's Yankee players. Boyer also has seven years of experience as a big league coach, including six with the A's and one with the Yankees (1988) under Billy Martin, and spent the last three seasons as a Yankee minor league manager and coach.
Cloninger, who won 113 games in 12 seasons as a major league pitcher, is in his sixth season with the Yankee organization. The Yankee bullpen coach began exchanging pitching philosophies with Showalter back in 1987; Cloninger joined the organization that year as pitching coach at Oneonta, one season after Showalter guided the team to a league championship then moved on to manage Ft. Lauderdale. Cloninger served as pitching coach at Albany in 1988 and has spent the last three seasons as a roving pitching instructor.
Another new face who has previous experience with Showalter is Meyer, who at age 68, is getting his second shot at the majors. Meyer won 94 games during 13 years as a big league pitcher. He began his second career as a coach in 1980 at Illinois Valley Community College. In 1981 he began a long affiliation with the Yankee organization as a pitching coach at all levels of the farm system. That span included five seasons (1985-89) as a pitching coach under a young manager named Buck Showalter. In their five years together the two had three championship seasons, one each at Albany, Oneonta and Albany-Colonie, and four first-place finishes.
The 1992 season marks the 10th in the organization for Ed Napoleon, who coached and managed in the minors from 1974-82. After a 15-year minor league playing career, Napoleon was a manager in the Pirate farm system from 1970-73, before joining the Yankees as a minor league coach in 1974.
Rounding the 1992 staff is first-year bullpen catcher Glenn Sherlock. Sherlock, 31, managed the Ft. Lauderdale Yankees in 1991 and has been with the Yankee organization since 1987."
-Charles J. Alfaro, 1992 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program
TONY CLONINGER (Coach)
"Since 1987, Tony Cloninger has served the Yankees as a minor league instructor with great pride. New York's newest bullpen coach started with the Oneonta Yankees as a pitching coach in '87 and has worked his way to the Bronx with a keen insight of the organization and an ability to deliver his point.
Cloninger won 113 games as a major league pitcher and his relationship with Showalter dates back to his days as a Oneonta Yankee.
The 51-year-old served as pitching coach at Albany in 1988 and spent the last three years as a roving pitching instructor. He kept a special eye on the '89 Albany team which won the league championship under Showalter.
With the assistance of Mark Connor and Buck, Cloninger hopes to develop a winning combination."
-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook
"Appointed to his position as bullpen coach on October 6, 1991, 1992 will mark his sixth consecutive season in the Yankee farm system and his first as a major league coach. Cloninger spent the past three seasons as the Yankees' roving pitching coordinator, working with young pitchers throughout the organization. He was the pitching coach at Albany (1988) and Oneonta (1987).
Tony pitched in the major leagues from 1961-1972 with the Milwaukee Braves, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals. He posted a 113-97 career record with a 4.07 ERA.
He won 19 games for the 1964 Milwaukee club and 24 games in 1965. When he won 19 in '64, he led the team in victories after Warren Spahn had led the Braves in wins for 15 consecutive seasons. Cloninger still holds the major league record for most RBIs by a pitcher in a single game (9), hitting two grand slams (tying another major league one-game record) on July 6, 1966 for the Atlanta Braves against San Francisco. He hit .234 with five home runs in 1966 and finished his career with 11 home runs.
Cloninger was traded to Cincinnati along with pitcher Clay Carroll and infielder Woody Woodward for pitchers Milt Pappas, Ted Davidson and infielder Bob Johnson on June 11, 1968. He was traded to St. Louis in March of 1972 for infielder Julian Javier and played his final season with the Cardinals. Following his retirement Tony conducted baseball camps and clinics. He has also worked in the sporting goods industry and coached American Legion baseball.
His son Darin was a draft pick of the Padres in 1983 and his son Michael was selected by the Twins the same year. Darin was traded to the Yankees in 1984 as the player to be named later along with pitcher Dennis Rasmussen in exchange for Graig Nettles, and pitched for two seasons in the Yankee organization. Another son, Chad, was a 1991 Yankee draft choice but did not sign."
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
MARK CONNOR (Coach)
"With the exception of a two-season stint as head coach of the University of Tennessee, Connor has spent his entire coaching career with the Yankee organization. Since 1979 he has served as a minor league instructor, as well as Yankee pitching coach and bullpen coach.
Showalter watched last season as Connor utilized all of his skill as pitching coach, working with experienced veterans and promising rookies.
Connor's easy-going personality and vast knowledge of the game make him an ideal tutor for a major league staff dependent on experience. His return as pitching coach will be a welcomed sight."
-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook
"Reappointed to his position on November 6, 1991, Connor returns for a second consecutive season as Yankee pitching coach, a position he was named to on October 14, 1990. He was Yankee bullpen coach in 1990. During the 1988 and 1989 seasons, Connor served as the head baseball coach at the University of Tennessee.
This will be Mark's third stint as pitching coach with the Yankees. The other times were from June 18, 1984 (replacing Sammy Ellis) through August 2, 1985 (replaced by Bill Monbouquette) and then from May 18, 1986 (replacing Ellis) through the entire 1987 season (replaced by Art Fowler).
At the time of his appointment in 1986 he was the club's minor league pitching coach. Prior to his appointment in 1984, Connor spent two seasons as the pitching coach at the Yankees' AAA affiliate at Columbus. He also served as pitching coach at Greensboro for three seasons (1980-82), as a Yankee scout in 1979 and as pitching coach at Paintsville in 1978. He was pitching coach at the University of Tennessee from 1974-78.
Mark graduated from Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York in 1967. He attended Belmont Abbey College and graduated from Manhattan College with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972. At Manhattan, he received the Topps Award as a college All-Star in 1970, and in 1971 struck out 20 Columbia University batters in one game.
Mark spent two seasons in the Twins' minor league system. He attended graduate school for a Master's degree at the University of Tennessee in 1974-75 before beginning his coaching career."
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
ED NAPOLEON (Coach)
"The Yankees welcome another new face in Ed Napoleon to the fold. Another new coach with a long relationship in the Yankee organization, Napoleon will take over the duties of first base coach.
The 1992 season marks the 10th year in the organization for the 54-year-old who coached and managed in the minors from 1974-82. After a 15-year minor league playing career, Napoleon was a manager in the Pirate farm system from 1970-73 before joining the Yankees as a minor league coach.
As a coach for the Ft. Lauderdale Yankees in 1977, Nap encountered a first-year player named Nathaniel Showalter whom he dubbed 'Buck.'
Napoleon left the Yankees to take on major league coaching assignments with the Indians, Royals and Astros and spent last season as a manager in the Oriole system."
-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook
"Appointed to his position as first base coach on November 6, 1991, Napoleon managed the Orioles' Sarasota club in the Gulf Coast League last year. His team had a league best 35-24 record and lost in the finals.
He has seven years of experience as a major league coach. He spent the 1989-90 season as a coach with the Houston Astros, working with their outfielders and serving as the 'eye-in-the-sky' during games. His other major league coaching positions included a stint with the Royals (1987-88) and as first base coach of the Indians (1983-85).
1992 will mark Ed's tenth season in the Yankee system, having coached or managed New York minor league clubs from 1974-82. He began his coaching career with the Pirates organization in 1970. Ed has managed six years in the minors overall, including two years in the Yankee chain (Oneonta 1976, Ft. Lauderdale 1977).
Nap had a 15-year minor league playing career (1956-70), playing first base, third base and the outfield. He was named to eight all-star teams. He hit .329 in his first season as a pro with 12 home runs and 87 RBIs. In 1962, Ed was third in doubles (30) in the Carolina League and 10th in batting, earning all-league honors.
The Yankees' new first base coach was born in Baltimore but moved to Panama when he was two weeks old and was raised in the Canal Zone. He graduated Balboa (Canal Zone) High in 1955 and later Canal Zone JC, Macalester College (St. Paul, MN) and Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, FL)."
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
FRANK HOWARD (Coach)
"There are few people in baseball with the stature of Frank Howard in both size and reputation.
The Yankees' hitting instructor, back for his second consecutive year, will have plenty of talent to work with, with the addition of Danny Tartabull, Mike Gallego, Charlie Hayes and others.
Howard, whose patience and positive approach have made him a favorite with Yankee hitters, brings the team knowledge and teaching skills, assets acquired from a 15-year playing career. He collected 382 lifetime home runs and enjoyed a managerial career with the Mets and Padres."
-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook
"Howard returns for a second consecutive season as Yankee hitting instructor, a position he was appointed to on October 14, 1990. He spent the 1990 season in the Atlanta Braves system as the roving hitting instructor, working with young hitters throughout their organization. In his second stint as Yankee batting coach, Frank held that position from the beginning of the 1989 season until August 18 of that year. He is a former major league manager with the San Diego Padres and New York Mets, compiling a record of 93-113 (.412) with those two clubs.
Following his retirement as a player in 1973, Hondo originally went into private business but was hired by the Milwaukee Brewers as a minor league instructor in 1975. He managed the Brewers' AAA Spokane club in 1976, joined the club's major league coaching staff in 1977 and served as first base coach for four seasons.
Frank was named manager of the San Diego Padres following the 1980 season, replacing Jerry Coleman. He led the Padres to an overall 41-69 record in 1981 (25-33 in the first half of that year's split season and 18-36 in the second half, with two sixth place finishes). Frank was replaced by Dick Williams at the end of the 1981 campaign.
He joined the Mets' coaching staff as third base coach under George Bamberger prior to the 1982 season and was named interim manager on June 3, 1983 following Bamberger's resignation. He managed the Mets to a 52-64 record and a sixth place finish for the remainder of the season. Frank was replaced by Davey Johnson as manager following the conclusion of that season and moved to first base coaching duties in 1984.
He rejoined the Brewers' staff in October 1984 and worked two years there as the club's batting coach. In November of 1986 he was named the first base coach of the Seattle Mariners, where he remained until joining the Yankees.
Hondo enjoyed a playing career that spanned 15 major league seasons, compiling a batting average of .273 with 382 home runs and 1,119 RBIs. He was named National League Rookie of the Year in 1960 with the Los Angeles Dodgers (.268 BA, 23 HRs, 77 RBIs). In five-plus seasons with Los Angeles, Howard batted .268 with 123 homers and 382 RBIs in 624 games.
His top seasons came as a member of the Washington Senators (1965-71), averaging 34 home runs and 96 RBIs per season. In 1968-70 with the Senators, Howard hit 44, 48 and 44 home runs with 106, 111 and 126 RBIs, respectively. His career highs were: batting- .296 (in 1961 & 62 with Los Angeles and 1969 with Washington), home runs- 48 (in 1969 with Washington) and RBIs- 126 (in 1970 with Washington).
Named to the American League All-Star team four consecutive years (1968-71), Frank still holds the major league mark for most home runs in a week (10), most homers in six consecutive games (10) and most homers in five consecutive games (8). He finished his pro career with a brief stint in Japan in 1974.
A two-sport star at [the] Ohio State University (1956-58), Frank lettered three times in baseball and twice in basketball (1,047 career points). He still holds two ECAC Holiday Festival Tournament records at Madison Square Garden (most rebounds in a game- 32, and most rebounds in three games- 77, with both marks set in 1956).
In 1991, Frank was the winner of the BBWAA Good Guy Award."
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
Led Three-I League in total bases (311), 1958.
Named Minor League Player of the Year by The Sporting News, 1959.
Named National League Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers' Association, 1960.
Named National League Rookie of the Year by The Sporting News, 1960.
Established the following major league records: most home runs in a week (10), May 12 through May 18, 1968; most home runs, six consecutive games (10), May 12 through May 18, 1968; most home runs, five consecutive games (8), May 12 through May 17, 1968; most years 100 or more strikeouts, lifetime (10).
Tied the following major league records: most intentional walks, nine-inning game (3), September 2, 1970; most consecutive strikeouts, nine-inning game (5), September 19, 1970, first game; most consecutive strikeouts, two consecutive games (7), July 9, 1965 (doubleheader).
Tied American League record for most home runs, four consecutive games (7), May 12 through May 16, 1968.
Tied American League record for most consecutive games, hitting a homer each game (6), 1968.
Led American League batters in strikeouts (155), 1967.
Led American League in total bases (330), 1968.
Led American League in slugging percentage (.552), 1968.
Named outfielder on The Sporting News American League All-Star Team, 1968.
Led American League in grounding into double plays (29), 1969.
Named outfielder on The Sporting News American League All-Star Team, 1969.
Named outfielder on The Sporting News American League All-Star Team, 1970.
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
MONK MEYER (Coach)
"Bench coach Monk Meyer's 12-year odyssey is over. The 68-year-old coach is in a major league uniform and he couldn't be happier. After serving the Yankee organization for a dozen seasons in the minors, Meyer joins Showalter in New York.
A pitcher in the majors for 13 years, Meyer collected 94 victories. He began his second career as a coach in 1980 at Illinois Valley Community College and then started his long affiliation with the Yankees in 1981.
The span included five seasons (1985-89) as pitching coach under a young manager named Buck Showalter. In their five years together, the pair collected three championship seasons, once each in Oneonta, Fort Lauderdale and Albany-Colonie, and four first-place finishes. Their reunion sounds like a good omen for Yankee fans."
-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook
"Appointed to his position as bench coach on November 6, 1991, 1992 will mark his 12th consecutive season in the Yankee organization and first at the major league level. Monk was the pitching coach at Columbus in 1991 and also served in that capacity at Albany, Ft. Lauderdale, Oneonta and Bradenton. While at Oneonta in 1985, the staff ERA was 1.87. His first Yankee position was as a minor league instructor and talent evaluator in 1981. He had coached at Illinois Valley Community College.
Russ played professionally from 1942-59 and pitched in the majors from 1946-59 with the Cubs, Phillies, Brooklyn Dodgers, Reds, Red Sox and Kansas City A's. In 1946, he led Southern Association pitchers with 48 appearances. Meyer posted a major league career record of 94-73 with a 3.99 ERA. His best season came in 1949 when he went 17-8 with a 3.08 ERA for the Phillies.
He was a member of the Whiz Kids, the 1950 National League Philadelphia team that featured Richie Ashburn and Robin Roberts. Monk pitched in two Series games, both in relief, and was 0-1 as the Yankees swept the Phillies. He also pitched in the 1953 and 1955 World Series for the Dodgers.
After retirement from baseball, Russ managed and owned a 34-lane, 10-pin bowling alley."
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
CLETE BOYER (Coach)
"The name Clete certainly brings back pleasant memories for Yankee fans. The outstanding third baseman from 1959-66 was part of five straight World Series appearances in the mid-'60s, a winning tradition that Showalter wants to build with this current squad.
Boyer has seven years of experience as a big-league coach including six with the Oakland A's and one with the Yankees (1988) under Billy Martin. Boyer spent the last three years as a Yankee minor league manager and coach. He also served as a Yankee minor league instructor in 1987, while Showalter was managing in Ft. Lauderdale.
The 55-year-old will serve the duties as third base coach and will assist the infielders as an instructor."
-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook
"Named third base coach on November 6, 1991, Clete returns to the major leagues for the first time since 1988 when he served as Billy Martin's third base coach. He spent the 1990-91 seasons as third base coach with the Columbus Clippers. In 1989, he managed Ft. Lauderdale to a 61-77 record. Clete has seven years of major league coaching experience including six years with Oakland (1980-85). He was a minor-league instructor with the Atlanta Braves (1977-79) and with the Yankees in 1987.
Boyer played 16 years in the major leagues, starting his career in 1955 with the Kansas City A's. He played with them until June 4, 1957, when he joined the Yankee organization as part of the trade which sent pitchers Art Ditman, Bobby Shantz and Jack McMahan and first baseman Wayne Belardi to New York in exchange for pitchers Rip Coleman, Tom Morgan and Mickey McDermott, shortstop Billy Hunter, second baseman Milt Graff and outfielder Irv Noren.
Boyer became the Yankees' regular third baseman in 1960 and played in his first of five World Series. His seventh-inning home run in the first game of the 1962 World Series, against the San Francisco Giants, broke a 2-2 tie and gave Whitey Ford his 10th World Series victory. He batted .318 in the '62 Series and set a World Series record for most assists by a third baseman that was broken by Graig Nettles in 1984. It followed Boyer's best year with the Yankees when he batted a career high .272 with 18 home runs and 68 RBIs while playing 157 games, all at third base.
He was traded to the Atlanta Braves in November 1966 in exchange for outfielder Bill Robinson and pitcher Chi Chi Olivo. He played five years for the Braves and had his most productive year in 1967 with career highs in home runs (26) and RBIs (96). Clete led National League third basemen in fielding in 1967 and 1969. After leaving Atlanta he finished his career in Japan.
Clete ranks third on the all-time Yankee list in games played at third (909, behind Nettles and Red Rolfe) and is fifth on the all-time fielding list for third basemen. He also played shortstop and second base in his career along with one game in the outfield in 1961. He hit five grand slams in his career.
Clete is a member of a great baseball family, including brothers Ken and Cloyd. The Boyers are third in combined career home runs by brothers (Aarons 768, DiMaggios 573)."
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tied World Series record, most double plays started by a third baseman, nine-inning game (2), October 12, 1960.
Tied World Series record, most at-bats, nine-inning game (6), October 12, 1960.
Led American League third basemen in double plays (41), 1962.
Established World Series record, most assists by a third baseman, career (66).
Led American League third basemen in double plays (46), 1965.
Named third baseman on The Sporting News National League All-Star fielding team, 1969.
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
Named National League Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers' Association, 1960.
Named National League Rookie of the Year by The Sporting News, 1960.
Established the following major league records: most home runs in a week (10), May 12 through May 18, 1968; most home runs, six consecutive games (10), May 12 through May 18, 1968; most home runs, five consecutive games (8), May 12 through May 17, 1968; most years 100 or more strikeouts, lifetime (10).
Tied the following major league records: most intentional walks, nine-inning game (3), September 2, 1970; most consecutive strikeouts, nine-inning game (5), September 19, 1970, first game; most consecutive strikeouts, two consecutive games (7), July 9, 1965 (doubleheader).
Tied American League record for most home runs, four consecutive games (7), May 12 through May 16, 1968.
Tied American League record for most consecutive games, hitting a homer each game (6), 1968.
Led American League batters in strikeouts (155), 1967.
Led American League in total bases (330), 1968.
Led American League in slugging percentage (.552), 1968.
Named outfielder on The Sporting News American League All-Star Team, 1968.
Led American League in grounding into double plays (29), 1969.
Named outfielder on The Sporting News American League All-Star Team, 1969.
Named outfielder on The Sporting News American League All-Star Team, 1970.
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
MONK MEYER (Coach)
"Bench coach Monk Meyer's 12-year odyssey is over. The 68-year-old coach is in a major league uniform and he couldn't be happier. After serving the Yankee organization for a dozen seasons in the minors, Meyer joins Showalter in New York.
A pitcher in the majors for 13 years, Meyer collected 94 victories. He began his second career as a coach in 1980 at Illinois Valley Community College and then started his long affiliation with the Yankees in 1981.
The span included five seasons (1985-89) as pitching coach under a young manager named Buck Showalter. In their five years together, the pair collected three championship seasons, once each in Oneonta, Fort Lauderdale and Albany-Colonie, and four first-place finishes. Their reunion sounds like a good omen for Yankee fans."
-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook
"Appointed to his position as bench coach on November 6, 1991, 1992 will mark his 12th consecutive season in the Yankee organization and first at the major league level. Monk was the pitching coach at Columbus in 1991 and also served in that capacity at Albany, Ft. Lauderdale, Oneonta and Bradenton. While at Oneonta in 1985, the staff ERA was 1.87. His first Yankee position was as a minor league instructor and talent evaluator in 1981. He had coached at Illinois Valley Community College.
Russ played professionally from 1942-59 and pitched in the majors from 1946-59 with the Cubs, Phillies, Brooklyn Dodgers, Reds, Red Sox and Kansas City A's. In 1946, he led Southern Association pitchers with 48 appearances. Meyer posted a major league career record of 94-73 with a 3.99 ERA. His best season came in 1949 when he went 17-8 with a 3.08 ERA for the Phillies.
He was a member of the Whiz Kids, the 1950 National League Philadelphia team that featured Richie Ashburn and Robin Roberts. Monk pitched in two Series games, both in relief, and was 0-1 as the Yankees swept the Phillies. He also pitched in the 1953 and 1955 World Series for the Dodgers.
After retirement from baseball, Russ managed and owned a 34-lane, 10-pin bowling alley."
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
CLETE BOYER (Coach)
"The name Clete certainly brings back pleasant memories for Yankee fans. The outstanding third baseman from 1959-66 was part of five straight World Series appearances in the mid-'60s, a winning tradition that Showalter wants to build with this current squad.
Boyer has seven years of experience as a big-league coach including six with the Oakland A's and one with the Yankees (1988) under Billy Martin. Boyer spent the last three years as a Yankee minor league manager and coach. He also served as a Yankee minor league instructor in 1987, while Showalter was managing in Ft. Lauderdale.
The 55-year-old will serve the duties as third base coach and will assist the infielders as an instructor."
-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook
"Named third base coach on November 6, 1991, Clete returns to the major leagues for the first time since 1988 when he served as Billy Martin's third base coach. He spent the 1990-91 seasons as third base coach with the Columbus Clippers. In 1989, he managed Ft. Lauderdale to a 61-77 record. Clete has seven years of major league coaching experience including six years with Oakland (1980-85). He was a minor-league instructor with the Atlanta Braves (1977-79) and with the Yankees in 1987.
Boyer played 16 years in the major leagues, starting his career in 1955 with the Kansas City A's. He played with them until June 4, 1957, when he joined the Yankee organization as part of the trade which sent pitchers Art Ditman, Bobby Shantz and Jack McMahan and first baseman Wayne Belardi to New York in exchange for pitchers Rip Coleman, Tom Morgan and Mickey McDermott, shortstop Billy Hunter, second baseman Milt Graff and outfielder Irv Noren.
Boyer became the Yankees' regular third baseman in 1960 and played in his first of five World Series. His seventh-inning home run in the first game of the 1962 World Series, against the San Francisco Giants, broke a 2-2 tie and gave Whitey Ford his 10th World Series victory. He batted .318 in the '62 Series and set a World Series record for most assists by a third baseman that was broken by Graig Nettles in 1984. It followed Boyer's best year with the Yankees when he batted a career high .272 with 18 home runs and 68 RBIs while playing 157 games, all at third base.
He was traded to the Atlanta Braves in November 1966 in exchange for outfielder Bill Robinson and pitcher Chi Chi Olivo. He played five years for the Braves and had his most productive year in 1967 with career highs in home runs (26) and RBIs (96). Clete led National League third basemen in fielding in 1967 and 1969. After leaving Atlanta he finished his career in Japan.
Clete ranks third on the all-time Yankee list in games played at third (909, behind Nettles and Red Rolfe) and is fifth on the all-time fielding list for third basemen. He also played shortstop and second base in his career along with one game in the outfield in 1961. He hit five grand slams in his career.
Clete is a member of a great baseball family, including brothers Ken and Cloyd. The Boyers are third in combined career home runs by brothers (Aarons 768, DiMaggios 573)."
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tied World Series record, most double plays started by a third baseman, nine-inning game (2), October 12, 1960.
Tied World Series record, most at-bats, nine-inning game (6), October 12, 1960.
Led American League third basemen in double plays (41), 1962.
Established World Series record, most assists by a third baseman, career (66).
Led American League third basemen in double plays (46), 1965.
Named third baseman on The Sporting News National League All-Star fielding team, 1969.
-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide
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