BUCK SHOWALTER (Manager)
"Showalter holds one of the most difficult jobs in baseball as manager for the demanding, returning George Steinbrenner. He is an extremely hard worker who is popular with players and the media. The club met expectations by showing a five-game improvement with a 76-86 record in his first season. Showalter received a three-year contract extension through 1995 but does not have much security given Steinbrenner's history of abruptly changing managers.
He became the youngest manager in the majors when he was given his original one-year contract. Selected under a bizarre set of circumstances typical of the Yankees, he was named 22 days after general manager Gene Michael had ruled him out, citing his absence of major league managerial experience. He had been the Yankees' third-base coach since June 1990 and had grown extremely popular among the players.
Showalter built a reputation as a bright baseball mind while compiling a 360-207 record in five minor league seasons. He won championships in the New York-Penn League (1985), the Florida State League (1987) and Eastern League (1989). He played in the Yankees' minor league system from 1977-83 but never played a major league game.
Showalter was born on May 23, 1956, in DeFuniak Springs, Florida."
-Tony DeMarco (Ft. Worth Star-Telegram) and Tom Pedulla (Gannett Newspapers), The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1993 Edition
"There was nary a trace of emotion on Manager Buck Showalter's face last season. A fourth-place finish will do that to a skipper whose track record has few blemishes. Whose career minor league managerial record 360 wins and 207 defeats with three league championships in five seasons for good measure. Defeats do not sit well.
But in his second season as Yankee skipper, Showalter's deck of cards has been stacked with some aces. The addition of pitchers Jim Abbott and Jimmy Key, shortstop Spike Owen, third baseman Wade Boggs, and outfielder Paul O'Neill should certainly go a long way in helping improve on last year's 76-86 mark.
The passion and dedication the 36-year-old, and still youngest manager in the majors, directs towards his profession is legendary. And in many respects, he expects the same focused approach from his players.
'When I talk to the players, I tell them I understand this is not the most important thing in your life. But when you walk through the door, I expect it to be the most important thing for the time you are here,' he explains.
The Yankees' confidence in their manager is evident. He was granted a three-year contract extension last July and is fully expected to steer the Yankee ship back to its glory days. Entering his 17th consecutive year as a Yankee employee, which started as a minor league player in Ft. Lauderdale in 1977, the pressure is clearly on.
Perhaps no one could appreciate more what a championship season would mean for the Yankee organization than Showalter. He has methodically worked his way up the organizational ladder and quickly realized his route to the majors would be through the managerial ranks and not the playing field. The Florida native has invested countless hours in his career coaching the organization's minor league prospects being touted as the Yankee stars of the future. He has more than a vested interest in what he's doing.
'No one loves the Yankees more than I do,' he says. 'No one wants more to be part of a championship club than I do.'
Whether that 23rd World Series flag will hang proudly from Yankee Stadium's facade at season's end is yet to be determined. But Yankee fans can rest assured the effort of Showalter will always be visible."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"Buck is starting his second season as Yankee skipper. In his first season at the helm, the team finished with a 76-86 record, a five-game improvement over the 1991 season and a nine-game improvement over 1990.
The highlights of 1992 included the second best start in the club's history (6-0), bested only by the 7-0 start of 1933, and Buck's selection as a coach for the All-Star Game by AL manager Tom Kelly. He became the first Yankee manager selected as a coach since Earl Weaver chose Ralph Houk in 1970. Buck was rewarded with a three-year contract extension on July 29, allowing him to manage through the 1995 season.
Appointed Yankee manager on October 29, 1991, Buck is 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). 1993 constitutes his 17th 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 outfielder-first baseman (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 is still 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. The toughest pitcher he ever faced: Mark Langston while he was in the Southern League.
His father, the late William Showalter, played briefly as a fullback with the Pittsburgh Steelers."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
William Nathaniel Showalter III "Buck" (MGR) #11
Born May 23, 1956, in DeFuniak, Florida, resides in Pace, Florida. Married, Angela (3/5/83), and father of Allie St. Claire (16) and William Nathaniel IV (1). College: graduate of Chipola J.C. and Mississippi State University.
Opening Day age: 36.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
SHOWALTER PROVES TO BE A SPECIAL BREED
"The New York Yankees' record of 76-86 was a modest five-game improvement over 1991 and nine games better than 1990. They tied for fourth in the American League East and, after a 6-0 start, played much of the season out of contention.
So why all the fuss about a rookie manager?
Throughout the entire '92 campaign, there was an underlying feeling of improvement that went beyond the team's record. It was a perception that the team was moving in the right direction, and much of that optimism centered around William Nathaniel Showalter, III. The Yankees manager demonstrated confidence and knowledge well beyond most first-year major-league managers.
Credit the Yankee organization for recognizing this young talent on the rise.
On July 29 last season, the Yankees dropped a 6-0 decision to the Baltimore Orioles, their fourth loss in a row. Yet when looking back years from now, the date will be best remembered as the day the Yankees inked Showalter to a three-year contract extension. As other major league teams showed interest in the manager, the Yankees showed their confidence in him by signing him through the 1995 season.
Last summer former Yankee player and current Madison Square Garden announcer, Tony Kubek, said of Showalter, 'No question about it, people in this league have already come to recognize his abilities. If he were to leave New York, there are a lot of teams that would love to have this fine young manager in charge of their team.'
This was affirmed by the 1992 All-Star Game, when Showalter was selected by Tom Kelly, the Minnesota Twins' and American League's manager, to serve as a coach on the AL All-Star team. It was the first time a Yankee skipper was so honored since 1970 when Ralph Houk was selected by former Orioles skipper Earl Weaver.
'Signing a contract extension, if anything, has heightened my sense of urgency,' says Showalter. 'I feel a sense of urgency to repay them for all their confidence.'
It may have taken until the end of July last season to get Showalter's signature but the Yankees had no intention of letting him get away.
General Manager Gene Micheal says he saw something special in Showalter early on.
'I could tell in spring training and I could tell after only five games,' said 'Stick' Michael, the man who hired Showalter. 'He did an outstanding job for us. You can tell that he has everything under control.'
So why all the fuss over Showalter, who at the age of 37 is the youngest manager in the major leagues? As Stick put it: because he has everything under control. Perhaps more importantly, he understands how today's athlete thinks.
Showalter has been defined as a 'player's manager.' Simply stated, he interacts well with his players and is highly respected.
'Communication is a big part of this job,' says Showalter. 'It doesn't mean saying 'hi' to a player every day, it's about telling him something he needs to hear to become a better player, even if it's something he doesn't want to hear.'
Two incidents in 1992 displayed why Showalter is so highly thought of around the league and in his clubhouse.
On Opening Day 1992 at Yankee Stadium, the Yankees won a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox, his first major-league win. Yet as the players celebrated on the field in front of 56,572 screaming fans, the manager remained seated in the dugout, surveying the excitement. He would say later, 'The players won it, it was their celebration.'
A month later, Showalter was the principal party in an on-the-field confrontation with Oakland manager Tony LaRussa. The Yankee manager felt LaRussa's players were trying to intimidate the Yankees and he voiced his opinion much to LaRussa's objections.
'When Buck went after LaRussa it wasn't because he had to think about it or because he was trying to get our respect,' says catcher Matt Nokes. 'It was because that's the way he is. And that's why he had our respect long before that.'
Indeed, Showalter's 1993 season is his 17th straight in the Yankee organization. He has earned the utmost amount of respect through those years as a minor-league player, coach and manager.
Showalter's successful baseball career began back in 1977 as an outfielder with the Class-A Ft. Lauderdale Yankees. His heart and desire got him as far as Triple-A Columbus, but a playing career in the majors would not be in his future.
In 1984 Showalter began his coaching career in Ft. Lauderdale, in charge of hitters and outfielders on a team that would become the 1984 Florida State League Champions.
In 1985, he was given his first chance at managing. Showalter's first two (Oneonta) clubs set league marks for wins in a season, 55 in 1985 and then 59 in 1986. In 1989 Showalter was named the Eastern League's Manager of the Year [and Baseball America's Minor League Manager of the Year] after his Albany-Colonie Yankees finished 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.
All told, in five seasons as a manager in the Yankee organization, Showalter compiled a 360-207 record for a .635 winning percentage. His teams won three league championships in five years, compiling a 14-4 (.778) mark in postseason play.
Showalter's impressive showing in the minors earned him a promotion to Yankee Stadium in 1990. As the Yankees' 'eye in the sky' coach, Showalter charted pitches and hits and assisted in positioning the defense from his vantage point above and in back of home plate. He then served the Yankees as third base coach before earning the manager's job after the 1991 season.
'We selected Buck because he's straight forward, he's young, energetic and he knows our players very well,' Michael said at the time. 'He's demonstrated the ability to improve this club a great deal.'
Most importantly, he's not satisfied with small amounts of improvement. Last season, despite taking over a team that had been struggling for a number of years, he proclaimed in spring training that anything less than a championship would be unsatisfactory. He took little comfort knowing his team's 6-0 start was the second best in Yankee history. While he did acknowledge the team's improvement in 1992, he was quick to that there was plenty of work to be done.
But that's Buck Showalter, a quiet, fierce competitor. He is a proud man, one who has grown used to his many successes and championships in the Yankee organization. He's also the type not to rest on his laurels, which is why he is determined to bring that same level of excellence to the Bronx.
'To win it all, that's the only way to approach it,' says the Pace, Florida, native. 'I love the Yankees, and no one wants to be part of a Yankee championship club more than I do.' "
-Charles J. Alfaro, 1993 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program
COACHES
"Depth and experience are two key characteristics for any team expected to contend. Nowadays, as the game of baseball becomes more sophisticated and specialized, those elements are needed in the dugout as well as between the lines.
The Yankees went outside the organization- via trades and free agent signings- to add depth and experience on the field, by adding such quality players as Jim Abbott, Jimmy Key, Wade Boggs, Paul O'Neill and Spike Owen. To find a group of coaches with the same qualities, the Yankees looked no further than the 1992 staff.
When Buck Showalter was hired to manage the 1992 Yankees, he was allowed to pick his own coaches. 'The manager works closely with his coaches, and we felt that relationship would be enhanced if the manager selected his own people,' explained Yankee General Manager Gene Michael. Stick Michael was right.
So it was no surprise when Showalter's 1993 staff consisted of five returnees from the previous season: Clete Boyer, Tony Cloninger, Mark Connor, Frank Howard and Ed Napoleon. The lone rookie on the staff, Rick Down, is a man with a proven track record in the Yankee farm system. Rounding out the staff will be bullpen catcher and batting practice pitcher Jake Gibbs.
In terms of experience, the six coaches combine for nearly 50 years in the Yankee organization. The five returnees also have nearly two decades of combined major league coaching experience.
The two veterans on the staff are Connor and Howard, who in 1993 are serving their fourth and third seasons, respectively, as Yankee coaches.
Connor, who spent last season as the pitching coach, returns in 1993 as the team's bullpen coach. Over the years he has earned the reputation as a meticulous pitching instructor, having spent more than 10 seasons as a pitching coach in the organization. In fact, with the exception of a two-season stint as head coach at the University of Tennessee, Connor has spent his entire coaching career in the Yankee organization. Since 1979 he has served as a minor league instructor, as well as Yankee pitching coach and bullpen coach.
Howard is in his first season as first base coach after two years as hitting instructor. In the past two seasons his patience and positive approach have made him a favorite with Yankee players. Hondo brings the team his knowledge and teaching skills, acquired during a 15-year playing career in which he hit 382 homers and a managing career that included stops with the Padres and Mets.
Returning for his second season as third base coach is Boyer, who was all to familiar with third base in Yankee Stadium long before he began his coaching days. His 16-year playing career was highlighted by five consecutive pennants with the Yankees from 1960-64, during which time he became known for his defensive skills at the hot corner. Boyer also has 11 years experience as a big-league coach, including six with the A's, three with the Braves and two with the Yankees (including 1988 under Billy Martin).
Cloninger is in his second consecutive year as a Yankee coach, taking over as pitching coach in 1993 after serving as bullpen coach last season. Cloninger, who won 113 games in 12 seasons as a major league pitcher, is in his seventh season with the Yankee organization. He joined the organization back in 1987 as pitching coach at Oneonta, one season after Showalter guided the team to a league championship and moved on to Ft. Lauderdale. In 1988 he served as pitchng coach at Albany, then spent the next three seasons as a roving pitching instructor.
Napoleon is also in his second year as a Yankee coach, taking over as bench coach in 1993 after serving as first base coach last season. As bench coach, Napoleon will rely heavily on his eight years of experience as a major league coach with the Yankees, Indians, Royals and Astros, and six years as a minor league manager. This season marks the 11th in the Yankee organization for Napoleon who, after a 15-year minor league playing career and a stint as a manager in the Pirate farm system (1970-73), coached and managed in the Yankee farm system from 1974-82.
Although the only newcomer to the Stadium, Down, like the other coaches, also has long ties to the organization. He is in his fifth season in the Yankee system and is making his major league coaching debut in 1993 as the team's hitting instructor. Like Showalter, Down earned his shot in 'The Show' by putting up impressive numbers down on the farm. For the past three seasons, he served as manager of the Columbus Clippers, leading the team to three straight International League West division titles and two straight Governor's Cup championships.
Gibbs played for the Yankees his entire 10-year career (1962-71). His 459 games behind the plate rank him ninth in club history for catchers."
-Charles J. Alfaro, 1993 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program
RICK DOWN (Coach)
"After leading the 1992 Columbus Clippers to the International League Championship, Rick Down brings his talents to the majors as the Yankees' newest batting coach.
The 42-year-old Down played seven years as a third baseman in the Montreal Expos' minor-league system before starting his coaching career in 1976. He joined the Yankee organization as manager of the Clippers in 1989, then managed a split season in Albany and Columbus the following year before leading the Clippers to two consecutive Governors' Cup Championships.
Down will have All-Stars in Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs and Danny Tartabull in his lineup to help make his major-league debut a smooth one."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"Appointed Yankee batting coach on October 16, 1992, Down begins his fifth consecutive season in the Yankee organization and first at the major league level. He has served as Columbus Clippers manager the past three seasons, a position he was appointed to on June 6, 1990, when Columbus skipper Stump Merrill was named Yankee manager.
Down led the 1992 club to a 95-49 record and a Governors' Cup championship. Under his tutelage, the 1992 Clipper squad set a franchise record for wins, the most wins in the International League since 1960 when Toronto went 100-54.
From 1990-92, Down led the Clippers to three straight IL West Division titles and two straight Governors' Cups (1991-92), compiling a 242-149 record. He became the first manager to win consecutive Cups since Frank Verdi of Syracuse (then a Yankee affiliate) in 1969-70. Down's 242 wins and .619 winning percentage are both franchise records. From June 6, 1990, through the end of the '92 season, he had Columbus in first place 385 of 391 game days.
In 1989 Rick began the season as the Yankees' roving hitting instructor before serving as Columbus manager for the final 16 games of the season when Bucky Dent was named Yankee manager. In 1990 he served as manager of the AA Albany Yankees before his promotion to Columbus.
Drafted by the Montreal Expos in June of 1969, Rick spent seven seasons in the minor leagues as a third baseman. He hit .257 with 33 home runs in 745 games.
After beginning his coaching career with West Palm Beach in 1976, Down managed at Bellingham in 1977 and Stockton in 1978. He left pro baseball to coach at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas from 1979-84.
Rick then served in the California Angels organization as a minor league hitting instructor (1985-86) and special assignments coach (1987-88)."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Richard John Down "Rick" (CH) #48
Born December 14, 1950, in Wyandotte, Michigan, resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Married, Jill (10/17/78), and father of Darcy (12), Boomer (5) and Cassandra (6 months).
Opening Day age: 42.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
CLETE BOYER (Coach)
"The third base coaching box is again occupied by the familiar presence of Clete Boyer. Returning for his second consecutive season, Boyer is best known to Yankees fans as the team's stalwart third baseman from 1959-66. His slick glove work helped lead the Yankees to five straight World Series appearances in the early '60s.
It is this tradition of excellence that Manager Buck Showalter is trying to instill in his players, and coaches like Boyer help play an important part in carrying out that philosophy. In addition, the 56-year-old coach will assist infielders in their fielding techniques.
Boyer is no stranger when it comes to coaching. He spent six years with the Oakland A's as a coach and one year with the Yankees in 1988. He also served as a Yankee minor-league instructor in 1987, while Showalter was managing in Ft. Lauderdale. The Yankees are in good hands when Boyer is around."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"Clete begins his second season as Yankee third base coach. He was named to the position on November 6, 1991. 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 served as Billy Martin's third base coach with the Yankees in 1988.
He has eight 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 from 1955-57 before being traded with pitchers Art Ditman, Bobby Shantz and Jack McMahan and first baseman Wayne Belardi to the Yankees 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 (.970) and 1969 (.965). 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, Boyers-444, Mays-444, Nettles-406)."
-1993 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 (65).
Led American League third basemen in double plays (46), 1965.
Named third baseman on The Sporting News National League All-Star fielding team, 1969.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Cletis Leroy Boyer "Clete" (CH) #6
Born February 8, 1937, in Cassville, Missouri, resides in Bellair Beach, Florida. Married, Terry, and father of Valerie, Stephanie, Mickey, Collette, Jerran and Brett.
Opening Day age: 56.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
TONY CLONINGER (Coach)
"With 15 years of pitching experience under his belt, pitching coach Tony Cloninger has the responsibility of shaping the Yankees' rotation in 1993. And what a staff it will be with the additions of Jim Abbott and Jimmy Key and the return of second-year Yankee Melido Perez.
Cloninger served as the Yankees bullpen coach last season, and that experience will certainly help in his decision-making process this year.
A winner of 113 games with five major-league clubs, the 52-year-old Cloninger has been part of the Yankee family since 1987 when he started as a pitching coach for Oneonta. He also served as a pitching coach for the Albany-Colonie Yankees in '88 and worked as the organization's minor-league roving pitching coordinator from 1989-91."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"Cloninger was named Yankee pitching coach on October 5, 1992. He was Yankee bullpen coach in 1992, a position he was appointed to on October 6, 1991.
1993 marks his seventh consecutive season in the Yankee farm system and his second as a major league coach. Cloninger spent three seasons (1989-91) 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 spent over eight seasons in the Braves organization before being 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 on March 24,1972, 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. Tony has two stepsons pitching professional, Chad (Yankee system) and Chris (Cub system)."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tony Lee Cloninger "TC" (CH) #40
Born August 13, 1940, in Lincoln County, North Carolina, resides in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Married, Betty (12/22/90), and father of Tony Jr., Darin, Terri, Michael, Steve, Meredith, Chad and Chris.
Opening Day age: 52.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
MARK CONNOR (Coach)
"After two consecutive seasons as the Yankees pitching coach, Mark Connor takes over the duties as the club's bullpen coach. This is Connor's fourth consecutive year as a Yankee coach, and except for a two-year stint as head baseball coach at the University of Tennessee, he has spent his entire coaching career in Pinstripes.
The 43-year-old began as a pitching coach for Greensboro from 1980-82 and served the same role for the Columbus Clippers from 1983-84. His long-time relationship with the organization and his knowledge of the players are sure to play a key role in the Yankee success. And Buck Showalter can feel quite confident when he picks up the bullpen phone in the late innings that his relievers are in good hands with Connor in charge."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"Connor returns for his fourth consecutive season as Yankee coach, serving as bullpen coach. He served as Yankee pitching coach for the 1991-92 seasons, a position he was named to on October 14, 1990. He was the Yankee bullpen coach in 1990. During the 1988 and 1989 seasons, Connor served as the head baseball coach at the University of Tennessee.
The 1991-92 seasons were 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 Yankees' minor league roving pitching instructor. 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."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Mark P. Connor (Goose) (CH) #52
Born May 27, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York, resides in Knoxville, Tennessee. Married, Katie (5/13/72), and father of Jennie (16), Shannon (14) and Ryan (8). College: Belmont Abbey College, graduate of Manhattan College, Masters from University of Tennessee.
Opening Day age: 43.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
FRANK HOWARD (Coach)
"Having a veteran baseball man like Frank Howard is a major asset for any manager. In his third consecutive season with the Yankees, Howard handles the first base coaching duties.
'The Capitol Punisher' served as Showalter's batting coach last year and was formerly a first base coach for the Milwaukee Brewers (1977-80), the New York Mets (1984) and the Seattle Mariners (1987-88).
Howard's responsibilities in baseball have run the gamut. His previous baseball duties with other organizations include minor-league instructor, third base coach and roving hitting instructor for the Atlanta Braves in 1990.
Few men command the attention and respect 'Hondo' does and the Yankees are glad to have his experience on their side."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"Howard returns for his third consecutive season as a Yankee coach, and first as first base coach. He was the Yankees' hitting instructor for the 1991 and 1992 seasons, 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. Frank was Yankee batting coach 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."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Led Three-I League in home runs (37), 1958.
Led Three-I League in runs batted in (119), 1958.
Led Three-I League in runs (104), 1958.
Led Three-I League in total bases (311), 1958.
Tied for Three-I League lead in games played (129), 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.
Named to American League All-Star team, 1968.
Led American League in home runs (44), 1968.
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.
Named to American League All-Star team, 1969.
Led American League in grounding into double plays (29), 1969.
Named outfielder on The Sporting News American League All-Star Team, 1969.
Named to American League All-Star team, 1970.
Led American League in home runs (44), 1970.
Led American League in runs batted in (126), 1970.
Led American League batters in walks (132), 1970.
Named outfielder on The Sporting News American League All-Star Team, 1970.
Named to American League All-Star team, 1971.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Frank Oliver Howard "Hondo" (CH) #46
Born August 8, 1936, in Columbus, Ohio, resides in Falls Church, Virginia. Married, Donna (12/29/90). College: Ohio State University.
Opening Day age: 56.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
ED NAPOLEON (Coach)
"When there's a game on the line, Buck Showalter is comforted knowing he has the experience of bench coach Ed Napoleon by his side. Napoleon returns to the Yankees for the second consecutive year after serving as first base coach last season.
The former 15-year minor leaguer played first base, third base and the outfield and was named to five all-star teams. Napoleon began his minor-league managerial career in 1970 and landed managing stints in Oneonta, Eugene, Sarasota and Ft. Lauderdale, where he gave a young player by the name of Showalter the nickname 'Buck.'
His baseball savvy from the bench will give Showalter some peace of mind."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"Ed is in his second consecutive season as a Yankee coach and first as bench coach. He was with the Yankees as first base coach in 1992, a position he was appointed to on November 6, 1991. He managed the Orioles' Sarasota club in the Gulf Coast League in 1991. Nap's 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).
1993 will mark Ed's 11th 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 bench coach was born in Baltimore but moved to Panama when he was two weeks old and was raised in the Canal Zone. He graduated from Balboa (Canal Zone) High in 1955 and later Canal Zone JC, Macalester College (St. Paul, MN) and Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, FL)."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
George Edward Napoleon "Ed" "Nap" (CH) #50
Born September 17, 1937, in Baltimore, Maryland, resides in Bradenton, Florida. Married, Marcy (4/17/64) and father of Eddie and Steven. College: Canal Zone Junior College, Macalester College, Eckerd College.
Opening Day age: 54.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
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