1993 Profile: Matt Nokes

"Catcher Matt Nokes has shown the ability to hit with power, throw out would-be base stealers and catch an intelligent game. Demonstrating these skills on a consistent basis has been another matter, as his 1992 season will attest.

But the 29-year-old Yankee does not believe in looking backward. For all intents and purposes, his .224 batting, 22 home runs and 59 RBi performance was an aberration.

'He's got a chance to become a heck of an offensive player. He's 29 years old. The best years of a guy's life are usually between 28 and 32,' says Frank Howard, the Yankees' '92 hitting instructor and first base coach this season.

For the Yankees to compete in the AL East race, Nokes must perform at his 1991 level when he slugged 24 homers, drove in 77 runs, and was second in the league in games caught. His left-handed swing is tailor-made for Yankee Stadium, and he can carry a team when he's hot offensively.

'Last season I said to him 'You haven't even hit the way Matt Nokes can hit and you've still got 20-plus home runs.' When Matty gets hot, he can carry a club offensively,' Howard adds.

And if he does, watch out."

-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook

"In 1992 Nokes hit .224 with 22 home runs and 59 RBIs.

He hit just .228 in April. He hit his first homer in his 28th at-bat on April 19 against Cleveland (off Rod Nichols). Nokes hit in a season-best five straight games from April 19-24 (7-for-19). All three of his RBIs in April came on home runs, all at home.

Matt hit .233 with four homers and 14 RBIs in May. He was hitting .246 on May 1 but went into a 1-for-20 skid through May 13, dropping his batting average to .198. On May 24 against Milwaukee, he had a game-winning single in the last of the ninth to give the Yankees an 8-7 win.

All seven of his home runs in May came at home. His first road homer came on June 1 at Texas (off Jeff M. Robinson). Matt had a tough June, hitting .164 with two homers and seven RBIs.

On July 1 at Kansas City, he hit a game-winning two-run pinch-hit homer off Tom Gordon. He was hitting .206 with 12 homers and 30 RBIs at the break. On July 20 Nokes caught Shawn Hillegas' 5-hit 1-0 shutout of the A's. On July 28 against Baltimore, he was beaned by a Ben McDonald pitch in the 3rd inning and missed a game because of it. He hit .218 in July.

In the first eight games of August, Nokes hit four home runs, and in August had his most home runs (6) and RBIs (15). He had his best batting average in September/October, hitting .288 (3 HR, 9 RBI). On September 30 at Cleveland, he hit his first triple since May 24, 1990.

Over his final 14 games he hit .356 (16-for-45). He hit .250 with 10 homers and 29 RBIs after the break.

Nokes finished second on the club in both homers and intentional bases on balls (11). He ranked second in the American League in home runs as a catcher (21) to Detroit's Mickey Tettleton and in RBIs by a catcher (57) to Brian Harper (72).

He had a two-homer game in 1992 and now has 11 for his career. Nokes hit career home run No. 100 on May 13 against Seattle (off Hanson), which was also his fifth career grand slam, and his July 1 blast off Gordon was his third career pinch homer. 14 of his first 21 RBIs and 40 of 59 overall were accounted for by home runs. He also drew a career best 37 walks, his best professional total since his 41 for Shreveport in 1985.

Matt hit .266 with a team high 18 homers at home, .188 on the road. He hit .278 with a team best 11 homers in 40 day games, .198 in night games. Matt hit .230 with a team best 17 homers against right-handed pitching, .197 with five homers against lefties.

He hit .263 with runners in scoring position and less than two out and drove in 10 of 24 runners from third with less than two out. He was 2-for-10 with a home run and five RBIs with the bases loaded.

He caught 111 games and made just four errors, ranking fourth in the AL with a .993 fielding percentage. He threw out 25 of 133 (195) potential base stealers. The Yankee pitching staff's ERA was 4.20 (904) innings when Nokes was the catcher.

He signed a three-year contract in January 1992. The contract runs through the 1994 season.

1991 was a solid season. Nokes hit .268 with a team-leading 24 homers and 77 RBIs.

His first home run came on April 13 in his 14th at-bat at Kansas City off Bret Saberhagen. On April 26 at Chicago, Nokes had a game-winning 11th-inning RBI single.

Nokes hit .276 with five homers and 11 RBIs in May. He hit all five of his May homers in 56 at-bats. He was behind the plate on May 1 at Oakland when Rickey Henderson stole his record-breaking 939th base but did catch Rickey stealing twice in that game. From May 11-14, Matt hit home runs in three straight games for the third time in his career (the other two times were in 1987). He hit .293 through the first two months of the season.

He continued his even pace in June, hitting .270 with four home runs and 12 RBIs. On June 12 at Minnesota, he made his first start against a left-handed pitcher. 

On July 6, Matt went 2-for-4 with two homers and a career-best six RBIs. At the break he was hitting .286 with 13 homers and 43 RBIs. July was his best month power-wise, as he hit .273 with seven home runs and 23 RBIs, including three two-homer games. 

Matt had a two-home run game on August 1 against Minnesota and at the end of the day was hitting .284 with 20 home runs and 58 RBIs for the season. He would hit just .155 with four homers and 19 RBIs over the final 55 games.  

On September 23 at Milwaukee, he hit a grand slam off Mark Lee, the fourth of his career and the first by a Yankee since June 24, 1989 (Mel Hall). Over the second half of the season, Matt hit .251 with 11 homers and 34 RBIs.

He tied with Tettleton for most home runs among major league catchers. The total was the second highest of his career (32 in 1987) and was the most by a Yankee catcher since Elston Howard hit 28 in 1963 and the most by a left-handed hitting Yankee catcher since Yogi Berra hit a club record (for catchers) of 30 in 1956. Nokes led New York with five two-homer games, all from July 6 on, after having a career total of five two-homer games entering 1991.

Against right-handed pitchers, he hit .270 with team highs in home runs (17) and RBIs (54). He hit a team-best (tied with Mel Hall) 13 homers at home.

Nokes caught 130 games (112 starts), the most by a Yankee receiver since Rick Cerone in 1980 (147). He ranked second among American League catchers in games caught (Tony Pena, 140), total chances (744) and putouts (690), and seventh in the AL in fielding (.992). Nokes threw out 31 of 129 (24%) potential base stealers. The pitching staff ERA was 4.47 (1001.2 IP, 498 ER) when he was catching.

In 1990 Nokes was acquired on June 4 from Detroit in exchange for pitchers Clay Parker and Lance McCullers. At the time of the trade he was hitting .270 with three home runs and eight RBIs over 44 games. Of his 44 games, 15 were starts as a catcher and he threw out four of 14 baserunners.  

Matt joined the club on June 5 in Boston and made a start at DH that evening, going 1-for-3. His first home run as a Yankee came at the Stadium on June 17 against Toronto off Todd Stottlemyre. His second came on June 21 at Toronto, a three-run pinch-hit blast off Duane Ward, followed on June 23 by another off Stottlemyre and a second pinch-hit shot on June 26 at home off Milwaukee's Chuck Crim.

On July 7 at Minnesota, he started in right field, his first start there since May 26, 1987. At the break he was hitting .278 with five home runs and 18 RBIs over 29 games. 

Matt reached a season high batting average of .305 (6 HR, 21 RBI) on July 18. He hit six home runs in his first 95 at-bats as a Yankee after getting three in 111 at-bats for the Tigers. On August 29 in Baltimore, he hit the first of back-to-back home runs with Kevin Maas, his eighth and final homer of the season. 

His overall 1990 batting average of .248 was his lowest for a season since becoming a regular in 1987. His 136 games played for Detroit and New York were the most he has ever played in a major league season.

Nokes hit .308 in day games and .317 on turf. He hit .239 with all eight of his homers and 30 of his RBIs against right-handed pitching, .200 (2-for-10) with two of his RBIs against lefties. He started 63 games (C-37, DH-25, RF-1).

In the 37 games he caught, the staff had an ERA of 4.96 (314 IP, 173 ER) and he allowed seven passed balls. He caught 10 of 41 (24%) potential base stealers.

Nokes was selected by the San Francisco Giants out of high school in the 20th round of the June 1981 free agent draft. In his first year of professional baseball he hit .226 at Great Falls and in 1982 hit .215 in 82 games at Clinton. In 1983, Nokes hit .322 with 14 home runs at Fresno and in 1984 hit .289 in 97 games at Shreveport.

He started the 1985 season at Shreveport season and hit .294 in 105 games, earning a September promotion to the Giants. Matt made his major league debut on September 3 against Philadelphia and went 2-for-4. He hit his first home run on September 9 at Houston. He played in 19 games and hit .208.

On October 7, 1985, he was traded with pitchers Dave LaPoint and Eric King to the Detroit Tigers for pitcher Juan Berenguer, catcher Bob Melvin and a player to be named later (pitcher Scott Medvin in December 1985). Recalled from Nashville on September 22, 1986, Matt made his AL debut on September 24 against Toronto. He had a three-game hitting streak from September 25-28 (6-for-10, .600). He hit his first American League home run on October 5 at Baltimore off Ken Dixon.

In 1987, Matt batted .319 with 20 home runs and 51 RBIs in the first half and was named to the American League All-Star team. He struggled early in the second half (18-for-102, .176) but rebounded strongly in a 19-game stretch from August 26-September 18 (28-for-67, .418). His two-out eighth-inning RBI single off Cleveland's Tom Candiotti was the only Tiger hit in a 2-1 Detroit victory on September 2.

He belted two grand slams: on April 30 off Mike Cook at California and on September 26 off John Cerutti at Toronto. He clubbed two home runs in a game three times: against Texas on May 25, at Boston on June 7 and at Toronto on September 26, a game in which he collected six RBIs.

Nokes became the first Tiger rookie to hit 30 home runs since Rudy York, also a catcher, hit 35 in 1937. He was voted Tiger Rookie of the Year by the Detroit sportswriters.

He was third on the squad with 16 home runs in 1988. He appeared in 122 games, making 103 starts behind the plate. He improved his percentage of throwing out would-be base stealers dramatically, catching 31 of 81 (38%) after nabbing 18 of 71 (20%) in 1987.

Nokes hit two home runs and collected five RBIs in an 11-6 Detroit victory at Boston on April 7. He was 4-for-8 with three homers, four runs and five RBIs in back-to-back wins against Seattle on April 30 and May 1; Nokes single-handedly beat the Mariners, 3-2, on May 1, driving in all three runs and hitting two homers off Mike Moore.

He enjoyed an eight-game hitting streak from June 8-19 (13-for-30, .433) and on June 19 had four hits against Toronto. On August 4 against Boston, he was 3-for-3 with a double, a home run and two RBIs in an 11-6 Tiger victory. Matt batted .320 (32-for-100) from August 18-October 2, raising his batting average from .227 to a season-ending .251.

In 1989, Matt had five home runs and 16 RBIs in April. He homered and had four RBIs against Seattle on April 25, and on May 29 stroked his third career grand slam off Eric King at Chicago. It would be his last homer until September 22 against Boston.

His season was interrupted on June 16 when he tore the medial collateral ligament in his left knee in a 9th-inning home plate collision with California's Chilli Davis. At the time of the injury, Matt was among the team leaders with seven homers and 29 RBIs. He returned to action on August 5 after missing 41 games. He injured his right shoulder on August 30 and was limited to designated hitter duty for the rest of the season. He batted .286 in 33 games as a DH. 

He had two four-hit games, both against Boston, on June 14 at Fenway Park and on September 23 in Detroit. In 51 appearances as a catcher, he threw out 19 of 57 (33%) baserunners.

Matt played baseball and basketball for Patrick Henry High School in San Diego. As a senior, he batted a school-record .429 and was both captain and team MVP. As a junior, he led both the baseball and basketball teams to city titles. Matt also played both Little League and Babe Ruth ball. He played against future big leaguer Sam Horn."

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide

Led Pioneer League in passed balls (19), 1981.

Led California League catchers in double plays (9), 1983.

Led Texas League catchers in double plays (6), 1985.

Led American Association catchers in errors (13), 1986.

Named catcher on The Sporting News American League All-Star team, 1987.

Named catcher on The Sporting News American League Silver Slugger team, 1987.

Tied for American League lead in home runs by a catcher (24), 1991.

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide

Matthew Dodge Nokes "Matt" (C)     #38

Born October 31, 1963, in San Diego, California, where he resides. Height: 6-1, weight: 210. Bats left, throws right.

Married, Kristy Myers (12/8/84), and father of Kory (6), Hannah (4) and Heather (2).

Major league service: 6 years, 49 days. Opening Day age: 29.

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide

R.I.P. Gaylord Perry

1993 Profile: Scott Kamieniecki

"First there were three. Three rookies in the Yankees' starting rotation in 1991: Wade Taylor, Jeff Johnson and Scott Kamieniecki.

Now there is one. Kamieniecki, the oldest and least likely to stick of the three, is fighting for a spot on the staff.

Taylor and Johnson are still young enough, but they need more seasoning. Kamieniecki remains, a testament to his intelligence and doggedness.

In his first full major league season last year, the former Michigan Wolverine won six and lost 14 with a 4.36 ERA, but he did his best pitching late in the season, winning three of four starts in a stretch from August 19 to September 6.

Time is running out on the big right-hander, now 29.

But you know what they say about pitchers: they often mature late. And better late than never.

'I'm getting there,' Scott says. 'I'm learning every time out. I'm getting a better grasp of how to win games and succeed at this level.'

Buck Showalter has been patiently waiting for Kamieniecki and now the manager hopes his time has come and that his patience will pay off."

-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook

"1992 was his first full season in the majors. Kamieniecki posted a 6-14 record with a 4.36 ERA.

He started the season in the minors, rehabilitating from off-season neck surgery. He made one start at Ft. Lauderdale and two and Columbus, combining to go 1-0 with a 0.90 ERA.

Activated from the disabled list on April 28, Kamieniecki made his 1992 debut on May 3 against Minnesota, losing 4-2. He earned his first win on May 15 against the A's, 3-2, in New York (7.0 IP, 2 ER). Overall in May he made six starts, going 1-2 with a 3.40 ERA.

After his May 15 win, Scott made nine winless starts (0-5, 4.68 ERA) before winning his final game before the break on July 9 against Seattle. He was 2-6 with a 4.64 ERA at the break.

Scott won back-to-back starts for the only time during the season on August 19 against Oakland and August 26 against Milwaukee. He posted a 2-3 record with a 3.95 ERA in August and followed that with 2-3 and 3.92 in September/October. Scott's final win came on September 24 at Detroit, winning 10-1 (8.0 IP, 1 ER).

He was 4-6 with a 3.94 ERA over the final two-plus months of the season and 4-8 with a 4.12 ERA after the break. Over his final nine starts Scott was 4-4 with a 3.47 ERA. In his final 11 starts he had a 2.35 ERA (65.0 IP, 17 ER) in innings 1 through 6 and a 10.95 ERA (12.1 IP, 15 ER) beyond the sixth. He allowed just two home runs in his final eight games (55.1 IP). 

His 28 starts were a professional best as were his 188.0 innings. Kamie had four complete games, all losses, posting a 3.03 ERA in those games. 

The Yankees scored 24 runs in his 14 losses, an average of 1.7 runs per game. Overall, the club scored  125 runs in his 28 starts (4.5 runs per game). The Yankee bullpen allowed nine of 18 inherited runners to score after he left the game. Don Mattingly hit .337 (35-for-104) when Kamieniecki was pitching.

Left-handed batters hit .279 against him, right-handed batters .261. Kamieniecki was 6-4, 4.03 at home, 0-10, 4.70 on the road. Of the 193 hits he allowed, 143  (74%) were singles. The Yankees were 9-19 in games he started.

Scott had a 3.21 ERA (84.0 IP, 74 H, 30 ER) in innings 1 through 3; a 4.01 ERA (76.1 IP, 76 H, 34 ER) in innings 4 through 6, and an 8.13 ERA (27.2 IP, 41 H, 25 ER) in innings 7 through 9. He pitched six-plus in 23 of his 28 starts and seven-plus in 17 of his 28 starts. Scott has pitched six-plus innings in 30 of his 37 career starts

Scott did not make a fielding error in 34 chances, ranking him in a first place tie with six others among American League pitchers.

He signed a contract for the 1993 season.

Although his 1991 season ended with an injury, Scott showed that he is a capable pitcher at the major league level. He finished the year with a 4-4 record and a 3.90 ERA in nine starts.

Scott had his contract purchased from Columbus on June 17. At the time of his recall he was 6-3 with a 2.36 ERA in 11 starts. In his final eight starts for the Clippers, he was 5-1 with a 1.70 ERA. He made his major league debut on June 18 at Toronto, notching the victory. Scott ended the month of June with a 2-1 record and a 3.10 ERA.

He continued his fine pitching in July, posting a 2-2 record with a 3.41 ERA over five starts. On July 18 at Oakland, Scott earned his final victory of the season. With the victory, he lowered his ERA to 2.68.

Scott ended his season losing his final three starts (July 23-August 2), evening his record at 4-4. The final start (3.1 IP) came on August 2 at Detroit, his shortest outing of the year. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list on August 5. On October 10 at Northwestern University in Chicago, he underwent successful cervical disc surgery to repair a disc in the left side of his neck.

Along with Wade Taylor, Kamieniecki became one of the first two Yankee rookies to win their first two major league starts since Scott Neilsen and Doug Drabek in 1986. He was also part of the first rookie trio (Taylor, Jeff Johnson) to join the Yankee starting rotation since June 1986 (Drabek, Bob Tewksbury, Alfonso Pulido). With Taylor and Johnson, Kamieniecki became part of the first rookie trio to notch wins on consecutive days for New York since at least 1946.

Kamieniecki pitched at least five innings in eight of his nine starts, and at least six innings in seven of his nine starts. He averaged six innings per start and allowed three earned runs or less in seven of his nine starts. Kamie averaged 5.5 strikeouts per nine innings.

Nine of the 24 runs he allowed (38%) came via the home run; seven of the eight homers he allowed were solo shots. Opponents hit .256 against him; lefties hit .267, righties hit .242. He was 2-2 at home with a 3.76 ERA, and 2-2 on the road with a 4.03 ERA. The team scored 3.7 runs per game when he pitched.

Scott was drafted by the Yankees in the 14th round of the June 1986 free agent draft, having also been drafted by Milwaukee (1985) and Detroit (1982). He was signed by Yankee scout Dick Groch.

He began the 1987 season with Albany-Colonie, going 1-3 with a 5.35 ERA in 10 games (7 GS), and finished the season with Class-A Prince William where he compiled a 9-5 record with a 4.17 ERA in 19 starts. Scott fanned 84 batters in 112.1 innings and was named to the Carolina League All-Star team.

He split the 1988 season with Prince William and Class-A Ft. Lauderdale. He was 6-7 (4.40 ERA) with the Cannons in 15 starts (2 SHO). He tied for the Carolina League lead with seven complete games and was the league leader among starting pitchers with a .220 batting average against. He was promoted to Ft. Lauderdale where was 3-6 with a 3.62 ERA in 12 appearances (11 GS) and fanned 51 batters in 77.0 innings.

Scott spent the 1989 season with Albany-Colonie. He compiled a 10-9 record with a 3.70 ERA in 24 appearances (23 starts). He led the Eastern League with 140 strikeouts, and his average of 8.34 K/9 IP ranked second-best in the league. He tied for third on the club with six complete games, second with three shutouts and was one of four Albany-Colonie pitchers with at least 10 wins in '89.

He spent 1990 at AA Albany-Colonie and had a nearly identical season to the one he had there in 1989. He posted a 10-9 record with a 3.20 ERA, appeared in 22 games (21 starts) and had three complete games and a shutout. He allowed just 113 hits in 132.0 innings while leading the club in both walks (61) [1.32 WHIP]and strikeouts (99).

He had a strong April, going 2-1 with a 0.90 ERA (20.2 IP, 2 ER) while allowing only 10 hits. In his final six starts of the season, Scott was 3-2 with a 1.70 ERA (42.1 IP, 8 ER). He pitched once in the postseason, taking the loss. 

Scott earned a B.A. in physical education from the University of Michigan where he played baseball. He was a four-year letterman and was named to the All-Big Ten first team (1984), Academic All-Big Ten first team (1986) and Pre-Season All-American team (1985). His road roommate was Jim Abbott and his other teammates included current major leaguers Barry Larkin, Hal Morris and Chris Sabo.

Scott attended Redford St. Mary's High School in Detroit and played baseball and football. Originally a shortstop, he played Babe Ruth ball and Little League in Detroit."

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide

Named to Carolina League All-Star team, 1987.

Tied for Carolina League lead in complete games (7), 1988.

Led Eastern League in strikeouts (140), 1989.

Tied for American League in fielding percentage (1.000), 1992.

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide

Scott Andrew Kamieniecki (P) "Kamie"    #28

Born April 19, 1964, in Mount Clemens, Michigan, resides in Flint, Michigan. Height: 6-0, weight: 195. Bats right, throws right.

Married, Rita (11/4/89) and father of Matthew Scott (1). Graduated from University of Michigan.

Major League Service: 1 year, 112 days. Opening Day Age: 28.

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide

1993 Profile: Steve Howe

"Seven-time drug offender hopes to capitalize on another chance. His career appeared over on numerous occasions, as recently as last summer when then-commissioner Fay Vincent made him the first baseball player banned for life as a result of a cocaine-possession charge. Howe contested and arbitrator George Nicolau overturned the ruling. The Yankees re-signed him to a two-year contract.

A hard thrower who remains highly effective, Howe held opponents to a .122 average last season, including .093 by right-handed hitters. He boasts a 1.92 ERA in two seasons with the Yankees.

Born March 10, 1958, in Pontiac, Michigan, Howe began his career as Los Angeles' first-round selection in 1979. He was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1980 when he saved 17 games for the Dodgers. His off-the-field woes surfaced shortly thereafter."

-Tony DeMarco (Ft. Worth Star-Telegram) and Tom Pedulla (Gannett Newspapers), The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1993 Edition

"On June 8, 1992, the Yankees had won as many games as they had lost and were knocking on the door, viable contenders in the AL East. They would finish the season 12 games under the .500 mark and up the track in fourth place, never to make another run at the contenders. Why was June 8 so significant, so devastating? Howe was suspended by then-commissioner Fay Vincent for violating Major League Baseball's substance abuse policy.

Howe took with him a 3-0 record, six saves and a 2.45 ERA.

'His absence made it tougher to define everybody's role,' says Manager Buck Showalter. 'It didn't affect how a guy pitched, but it did create a void that was tough to fill.'

With Howe and Steve Farr, the Yankees had the best one-two relief punch in baseball. Without Howe, the old 1-2 became the old 1.

Now Howe is back. The 1980 National League Rookie of the Year is brandishing that almost unhittable fastball and that supreme confidence. He makes no promises about his performance this year. All he says is, 'I'll be there.'

And Yankee fans are glad he is."

-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook

"1992 was a season full of promise that abruptly ended on June 8, when Howe was placed on the Commissioner's suspended list. At the time, he had posted a 3-0 record with six saves and a 2.45 ERA in 20 games. Over 22 innings he allowed nine hits (eight singles, one homer) and three walks, striking out 12.

Through May 4 (9 G) Steve was 3-0 with three saves and a 0.00 ERA (9.2 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 9 K). The only home run he allowed was on May 19 against California (Bobby Rose). In three successive appearances (May 19-25) he allowed five earned runs on five hits, raising his ERA from 0.68 to a season high 3.31. In his final four appearances, Steve pitched five consecutive 1-2-3 innings.

He retired the first batter upon entering a game 16 of 20 times. He stranded his first 10 inherited runners through April 27 and 20 of 25 overall. 

Since joining the Yankees, Howe has allowed a .149 batting average (10-for-67, 1 BB, 13 K) to left-handed hitters, with Dave Bergman drawing the only walk (8/4/91), has allowed a .208 average (38-for-103, 9 BB, 33 K) to right-handed hitters and a .192 average (48-for-250) overall. He has walked one out of every 25 batters (10 BB, 250 AB).

He has given up two home runs in 250 at-bats, both to Bobby Rose, and has not had a left-handed hitter hit a homer off him since July 4, 1983 when Jose Cruz went deep in the Astrodome. He has retired 46 of 57 (81%) first batters faced when entering a game and stranded 41 of 51  (80%) inherited baserunners.

Steve made his final 1992 appearance on June 6, a 1-2-3 ninth inning,  and was placed on the Commissioner's permanent suspension list on June 24. He was reinstated by arbitrator George Nicolau on November 12 and was credited with a full year of service.

He was signed by the Yankees as a free agent to a two-year contract in December of 1992. The contract extends through the 1994 season.

Howe was one of the premier left-handed relief pitchers in 1991. It was his first uninterrupted season in the majors since 1982.

He walked into spring training camp in Ft. Lauderdale on February 19 and then again on the 20th, impressing Yankee brass with the 90-plus MPH fastball he threw on the sidelines. Howe was invited to spring training by the Yankees on February 21.

He had not pitched in the majors since October 4, 1987. He started the season with Columbus and had his contract purchased on May 9. At the time of his promotion, he was 2-1 with a 0.00 ERA (18.0 IP, 11 H, 1 R, 0 ER) and was tied for the International League lead in saves (5). The Clippers were 10-2 in the 12 games he pitched.

Steve made his Yankee debut on May 11 against Oakland, pitching a scoreless inning. It was his first appearance at Yankee Stadium since October 28, 1981, when Steve saved the sixth (and clinching) game of the World Series as a Dodger.

He was 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in his first eight appearances. Steve earned his first win on May 19 against Seattle, his first win since September 20, 1987.

His finest month was June, going 0-0 with two saves in as many opportunities and with a minuscule 0.47 ERA over 19.0 innings (2 BB, 17 K). Steve earned his first save on June 19 at Toronto in a 3-0 Yankee win. It was his first save since September 12, 1987. He ended the month by not allowing an earned run over his final nine appearances (12.1 IP), lowering his ERA from 1.45 to 0.87.

At the break, Steve was 2-0 with two saves in as many situations and a 1.31 ERA over 23 games. His final 1991 win came on July 12 at California and his final save came on July 18 at Oakland. The only home run he allowed all year came on July 27 against California (Bobby Rose), the first he had allowed since 1987. 

He made four appearances in August (4.2 IP, 0 ER), from August 2-10, before landing on the disabled list on August 11 with tenderness in his left elbow. After a period of rest and rehabilitation, he was activated on September 2 after missing 22 games. Steve made his two final appearances in September, then missed the final 29 games of the season with a sore elbow. He was 1-1 with a save and a 2.57 ERA (14.0 IP) after the break.

Opponents hit .222 against Howe in 1991. Left-handed batters hit a club-low .128 (6-for-47) with only one walk and 13 strikeouts. Right-handed hitters batted .256. He had a 2.28 ERA at home and a 1.09 ERA on the road.

Steve walked only seven hitters (two intentionally), averaging 1.3 walks per nine innings. He averaged 4.9 strikeouts for every walk. He retired the first hitter he faced upon entering a game 30 of 37 times. He stranded his first 11 inherited base runners through June 12 and 21 of 26 overall.

After sitting out the 1988 and 1989 seasons, Steve spent 1990 at Class-A Salinas, an independent team in the California League. With the Spurs he appeared in 10 games and made two starts, posting a 0-1 record and a 2.12 ERA (17.0 IP, 19 H, 5 BB, 14 K).

He had minor surgery on June 9 at the Antelope Valley Hospital Medical Center in Lancaster, CA. Steve was expected to be out for a short period of time but developed a near-fatal blood clot in his lung as a result of the surgery and did not return until August 8.

Prior to the surgery, he pitched nine scoreless innings. He was appointed player-pitching coach a month into the season when the Salinas pitching coach left.

Steve played winter ball for Mazatlan in the Mexican League. He appeared in 11 regular-season games and had a 1.23 ERA over 14.2 innings (15 H, 3 BB, 9 K). He had two saves and finished six games. Steve appeared in seven postseason games and was 0-0 with a save and a 4.26 ERA over 12.2 innings. Combined for the season, he was 0-1 with three saves and a 2.63 ERA (27.1 IP, 27 H).

In 1979, Howe was the number one selection of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the June draft and the 16th player taken overall. The pick was Pittsburgh's originally but was obtained by the Dodgers when the Pirates signed free agent Lee Lacy. Howe spent the second half of the year with San Antonio in the Texas League, going 6-2 with a 3.13 ERA.

He was invited to the Dodger camp in 1980 as a non-roster player. He won a job out of spring training with a 94 MPH fastball. He established himself as the Dodgers' bullpen ace in netting National League's Rookie of the Year honors. Steve would be the second of four consecutive Dodgers to win the award, joining Rick Sutcliffe (1979), Fernando Valenzuela (1981) and Steve Sax (1982).

Steve was 3-1 with a 0.00 ERA in July. For the season he set a Dodger rookie record with 17 saves, breaking the club record set by Joe Black (1952). His save total was ninth in the National League. Steve allowed only one home run over 85.0 innings, to Houston's Joe Morgan on June 24.

In 1981 Steve led the Dodgers in saves (8) and appearances (41). He appeared in seven postseason games and had a 2.45 ERA. He won Game 4 of the World Series on October 24 and pitched the final 3.2 innings to earn the save in the sixth and deciding game on October 28 at Yankee Stadium.

Steve led the Dodgers in games (66) and saves (13) in 1982 while posting the lowest ERA  (2.08) on the staff. He matched his career best with seven wins and was the only Dodger pitcher to be involved in 20 of the club's victories.

He was selected to the National League All-Star team after going 5-1 with a 1.69 ERA in the first half. He had a 1.84 ERA over 11 games in September. After the 1982 season, Steve spent five weeks at the Meadows, a drug rehabilitation facility in Wickenburg, Arizona.

Steve started out on fire in 1983, going 2-0 with seven saves and not allowing an earned run through May 17. At that time he entered the CareUnit in Orange, CA for further treatment. He returned to the active list on June 29 and was placed on a probationary program.

He was suspended by the Dodgers for the first time on July 16 after reporting three hours late for a game the previous day but was reinstated on July 17 after tests failed to show any prohibited substances. He was suspended for a second time on September 23 and missed the remainder of the season.

Despite his problems, Steve set career bests with 18 saves and a 1.44 ERA. He allowed just five bases on balls in 68.2 innings, giving up only two home runs.

He sat out the 1984 season, serving a one-year suspension for substance abuse imposed in December of 1983 by Commissioner Bowie Kuhn. Howe filed a grievance out of court and it was agreed that he would sit out the remainder of the season to concentrate on his rehabilitation. As part of the agreement, the suspension was lifted.

Howe spent one month in the Arizona Instructional League that fall and was 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA over five games (8.0 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K). On October 22, 1984, he signed a contract to play in the Dominican Winter League. He was pitching for Licey when after three appearances, he experienced a sore left elbow. On January 9 Steve underwent surgery to reroute the ulnar nerve in his left elbow.

He started the 1985 season with the Dodgers. On June 23 Steve did not arrive until the 7th inning of a game and was fined by the club. On June 29, he failed to appear at a charity dinner for which he was the chairman and did not appear for the Dodgers the following day. He was placed on the restricted list by the Dodgers on July 1 and released on July 3.

Steve was signed by the Minnesota Twins as a free agent on August 12. He made his American League debut that night and picked up the win, pitching 3.2 scoreless relief innings against Oakland. He pitched 5.0 scoreless innings in his first two appearances for the Twins. Steve's other win came with 3.2 scoreless innings against Milwaukee on September 3.

With the club's approval, he missed a team flight from Chicago to Cleveland on September 12 so he could appear on ABC's Nightline. He missed the team's five-game series in Cleveland before contacting club officials and admitting a relapse. Steve was released by the Twins on September 17.

Prior to the 1986 season, Steve signed with the Class-A San Jose Bees, an independent team in the California League. He was sidelined on May 1 when a drug test administered by the Commissioner's Office proved positive. Howe contested the results of that test and pitched without permission on May 14 resulting in a suspension by Commissioner Peter Ueberroth. He was reinstated on June 24 after undergoing additional therapy.

Howe was suspended again three weeks later when another test proved positive. A second test taken later that day showed no trace of drugs. Overall in '86, he was 3-2 with two saves and a 1.47 ERA for San Jose.

In 1987 Steve pitched briefly in June for Tabasco in the Class-AAA Mexican League, allowing four hits and no runs over 23.0 innings. He left when his wife Cindy was expecting the couple's second child. Signed by the Texas Rangers to a AAA Oklahoma City contract on July 12, Steve appeared in seven games (3 GS) for the 89ers and was 2-2 with a 3.48 ERA over 20.2 innings (26 H, 5 BB, 14 K).

He had his contract purchased by Texas on August 6 after not allowing a run in his final three appearances (7.1 P). He appeared in 24 games (all relief) for the Rangers and posted a 4.31 ERA. Steve ended the season by not allowing a run over his final six games (8.1 IP). He was released on January 17, 1988, following the violation of his After-Care Program for substance abuse.

Steve is the all-time winningest pitcher at the University of Michigan despite playing just three years for the Wolverines. He was 27-8 with a 1.79 ERA (265.2 IP, 53 ER) over 41 games. He also fanned 196 batters.

He was 9-3, 1.87 as a freshman (1977); 11-3, 1.78 as a sophomore (1978) and 7-2, 1.76 as a junior (1979). As a sophomore, he shared the Ray L. Fisher Most Valuable Player award with teammate Rick Leach. Steve pitched a 1-hit shutout over Baylor in a 4-0 win to open the 1978 College World Series. He was an All-Big Ten selection in his last two seasons.

Steve graduated from Clarkson High School (Pontiac, MI) in 1976. He enjoys carpentry and hunting."

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide

Named left-handed pitcher on The Sporting News College Baseball All-America Team, 1979.

Named National League Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America, 1980.

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide

Steven Roy Howe "Steve" Howser" (P)     #57

Born March 10, 1958 in Pontiac, Michigan, resides in Whitefish, Montana. Height: 5-11, weight: 198. Bats left, throws left.

Married, Cindy (6/16/79), and father of Chelsea (9) and Brian (5). Attended University of Michigan.

Major League Service: 7 years, 161 days. Opening Day Age: 35.

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide

R.I.P. Hector Lopez

R.I.P. John Stearns

1993 Profile: Jim Abbott

"Abbott came from the Angels in a September deal for Yankee first base prospect J.T. Snow and pitchers Russ Springer and Jerry Nielsen.

The tough-luck pitcher went 7-15 despite a 2.77 ERA. He got only 2.64 runs worth of support per nine innings, the lowest ratio among pitchers who made 10 or more starts. The Angels were shut out in four of his losses and held to two runs or fewer in 17 of his 29 starts. In addition, the bullpen blew two of his leads. His ERA was lower than in his 18-11 season of 1991.

Abbott topped the 200-inning mark for the third time in four years. His career mark dropped below .500. He's eligible for free agency after the 1993 season.

Born September 19, 1957, in Flint, Michigan, the Angels made Abbott the eighth overall pick in the 1989 draft after an inspiring amateur career topped by the Sullivan Award and a gold medal in the 1988 Olympics. No one thinks about his birth defect anymore."

-Tony DeMarco (Ft. Worth Star-Telegram) and Tom Pedulla (Gannett Newspapers), The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1993 Edition

"When the trade was finally made- California Angels' Jim Abbott to the Yankees for three minor leaguers- a collective sigh of relief was heard throughout the Bronx.

The much talked about deal that seemed to be in the works through most of the 1992 summer was finally consummated during the Winter Meetings. The transaction brought the Yankees a stopper they've been desperately seeking. His 3-1 record with a 2.01 ERA at Yankee Stadium would suggest a pitcher comfortable with the big-city environment.

The 25-year-old left-hander, who's been an inspiration for all with his ability to compete with just one hand, was the piece to the puzzle that gives the Yankees' rotation instant credibility.

The former University of Michigan standout and US Olympian pitched under conditions in California familiar to Yankee hurlers; he toiled with little run support as the Angels' offense averaged just 2.64 runs for every Abbott start. Despite an unimpressive 7-15 record, Abbott's 2.77 ERA was fifth lowest in the league, and his 2.33 road ERA was second lowest.

Stronger Yankee bats just might change his fortune."

-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook

"Abbott posted a 7-15 record with a 2.77 ERA in 29 games started for the Angels in 1992. His ERA ranked fifth lowest in the American League and his 2.33 road era ranked second lowest. His seven complete games was second on the Angels staff to Mark Langston and he pitched 200-plus innings (211.0) for the third consecutive season. Abbott was supported with a paltry average of 2.64 runs per game and was 1-6 in his seven complete games.

A consistent pitcher over the entire season, Jim's ERA never rose above 3.57. He had a 3.19 ERA on grass and a minuscule 0.92 ERA (39.0 IP, 4 ER) in five turf starts. Opposing batters hit .263, including .261 by right-handed hitters and .273 by left-handed hitters. Jim pitched seven-plus innings in 22 of 29 starts and walked two or fewer batters in 15 of 29 starts. He threw 3,089 pitches in 1992, an average of 14.6 per inning.

Jim was 4-11 with a 2.96 ERA in 19 pre-break starts, 3-4 with a 2.45 ERA in 19 post-break starts. His post-break ERA was second lowest in the loop to Cal Eldred. His win on June 21 over Oakland gave him at least one victory over every opposing American League club in his career. He spent time on the 15-day disabled list in July with a strained muscle in his right rib cage; it was his first time ever on the DL.

He allowed a career low 12 home runs with all 12 hit by right-handed batters. He has not allowed a homer to a left-handed hitter since September 19, 1991 (Rafael Palmerio at Texas). The 12 homers were the fewest surrendered by an Angels pitcher with 200 or more innings since Nolan Ryan in 1978 (12 HR in 243.0 IP). In his career, Abbott allows an average of one home run every 15.1 innings overall and one home run by left-handed hitters every 63 at-bats (8 in 503 AB).

Abbott did not commit an error in 46 chances, the second most errorless chances among AL pitchers in 1992, behind Baltimore's Ben McDonald (51).

He was obtained by the Yankees at the winter meetings in December 1992 in exchange for first baseman J.T. Snow and pitchers Russ Springer and Jerry Nielsen. He signed a contract for the 1993 season.

In 1991 Jim posted a career best 18-11 record with a 2.89 ERA in just his third major league campaign. He entered the season with 22 career wins in two seasons. He earned the respect of the BBWAA, ranking third in the AL Cy Young voting behind Roger Clemens and Kevin Tapani.

Jim beat 12 of 13 AL teams at least once, going 0-2 against Oakland. He and Langston became the eighth and ninth pitchers in club history to post an 18-win season after having a losing season.

He was 11-5 with a 2.38 ERA and four complete games in the second half. He won a career best seven straight games from August 7-September 8 and eight of ten decisions from August 7-September 24; the two losses in that span came by 1-0 and 3-0 scores. Jim pitched a career high 10 innings on September 24 against Toronto, losing on a 10th inning homer by Pat Borders, with a career high of 13 strikeouts.

He held the opposition to three earned runs or less in 27 of 34 starts and pitched seven-plus innings in 23 of those starts. He threw 3,566 pitches, an average of 14.7 per inning. The Angels blew four save situations in games Jim started. They scored 20 runs in his 11 losses.

Abbott was the winner of the Owner's Trophy (team MVP) with Bryan Harvey. He was also honored as a Victory Awards recipient at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., an award presented by the National Rehabilitation Hospital saluting the individual who best exemplifies exceptional depth of inner strength, purpose and integrity.

After graduating from Flint Central High School in 1985, Jim played baseball for Michigan for three seasons (1986-88). He is working toward a degree in communications. His road roommate was Scott Kamieniecki.

In his freshman year at Michigan, he went 6-2 with a 4.11 ERA with 44 strikeouts in 50.1 innings. He led the Wolverines to the regular season Big Ten title. Abbott was named the March of Dimes Athlete of the Year for 1985 and Most Courageous Athlete for 1986 by the Philadelphia Sportswriters Association.

In 1987, Abbott led the Wolverines to the regular season Big Ten title. He led the club in wins (11), starts (15) and was second in innings (86.1).

After losing the opener to Oklahoma, he reeled off nine straight wins. He had a string of 31 consecutive scoreless innings.

He led Team USA to a Silver Medal in the Pan American Games, winning the semifinal game against Canada. He was 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in three appearances in the competition. Jim carried the American flag in the opening ceremonies in Indianapolis.

He defeated Cuba in Havana on July 18, becoming the first U.S. pitcher in 25 years to be victorious over Cuba. He posted an 8-1 record with a 1.70 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 47.2 innings during the Team USA tour.

Jim won the Golden Spikes Award, annually presented to the outstanding amateur baseball player in the country by the U.S. Baseball Federation. He was a recipient of the Academy Awards of Sports Award for Courage.

1988 was his third and final season at the University of Michigan. The club finished 48-19 with Jim winning team MVP honors. He was named Big Ten Conference Player of the Year and to both the first team All-Big Ten and the Big Ten playoffs all-tournament teams. Jim led the Wolverines in starts (16), complete games (8) and innings pitched (97.2) and was second in strikeouts (82). He had consecutive scoreless streaks of 17 and 25.1 innings.

He led the Wolverines to the NCAA Central Regionals, hurling back-to-back shutouts against Purdue and Adrian. He struck out a career best 12 batters against Adrian.

Among the many honors Jim received in 1988 were being named to the Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball preseason All-American teams and The Sporting News All-American College Baseball team. 

In his college career he combined to go 26-8 with a 3.03 ERA in 46 games (41 starts). He hurled 13 complete games and six shutouts and fanned 186 batters in 234.1 innings. Abbott finished fourth on Michigan's all-time win list and seventh in innings pitched.

He was drafted in the first round (8th pick overall) of the 1988 June free agent draft by the Angels but did not join the club due to participation in the Olympics in Seoul. Scouted by Bob Gardner, Sr.,he was signed by the Angels on August 3.

Abbott threw a complete game 7-hitter in hurling the USA to an Olympic Gold medal in a 5-3 win over Japan. During the USA summer tour he went 8-1 with a 2.55 ERA.

He was selected by the U.S.O.C. as Athlete of the Year for Baseball and was named to the All-Tournament team at the World Baseball Championships in Parma, Italy. Abbott received the prestigious Sullivan Award as the nation's top amateur athlete, becoming the first baseball player to win the award. He was also March of Dimes Amateur Athlete of the Year, Big Ten-Jesse Owens Male Athlete of the Year and received theTangueray Achievement Award in amateur sports.

Jim started the 1989 season on the Angels roster, marking just the 15th time since the inception of the amateur free agent draft (1965) that a player made his professional debut in the majors. Of the previous 14, nine were pitchers and none won more than six games (Dick Ruthven, 6-9 in 1973).

He made his major league debut on April 8 against Mark Langston and the Mariners in Anaheim and took the loss in a 7-0 Seattle victory (4.2 IP, 6H, 6 R, 3 ER). He allowed singles to the first two batters he faced (Harold Reynolds, Henry Cotto).

Jim's first major league strikeout came five days later against Oakland when he fanned Dave Parker in a 5-0 loss to Oakland. He registered his first win on April 24 against Baltimore in a 3-2 California victory, becoming the first Angel rookie left-handed starter to win a game since Angel Moreno on September 22, 1981. Abbott tossed both of his 1989 shutouts against the Red Sox, including a 5-0 win over Roger Clemens.

He became the first Angel rookie pitcher to post double figures in wins since Mike Fraser in 1987 and the first left-handed Angel rookie since Frank Tanana in 1974. Abbott allowed three earned runs or less in 21 of his 29 starts and the Angels scored 23 runs in his 12 losses. He was named to the Topps All-Star rookie team.

In 1990, the club won consecutive Abbott starts on May 18 and May 23, the only time they would do so that year. He tossed back-to-back walkless complete games on July 13 and July 18, the first Angel to do so since Jim Slaton in 1984. Jim allowed three home runs in the 6th inning of a July 24 game at Oakland, the only time all season he would allow more than one homer in a game.

Jim finished the season with a 10-14 record and a 4.51 ERA, throwing 211.2 innings. He induced 27 grounded-into-double plays, second in the American League. He led the circuit in hits allowed (246), was third in earned runs allowed (106) and had the sixth fewest runs of support (96), averaging 4.08 per game; California scored  15 runs while he was on the mound in his 14 losses. Jim pitched seven-plus innings in 14 of his 33 starts and the bullpen allowed 12 of the 36 runners he left on base to score.

Jim was the winner of the 1992 Tony Conigliaro Award, presented annually to the major leaguer who has overcome adversity through the attributes of spirit, determination and courage. He is actively involved in the Little League Challenger Division Program. 

Jim has been featured in USA Today, Newsweek, Parade Magazine, Weekly Reader, Collegiate Reader and Baseball America. He was featured during NBC's Olympic coverage and has appeared on ESPN, Good Morning America, CNN, Phil Donahue, George Michael Sports Machine and NBC Weekend Nightly News.

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide  

Named left-handed pitcher on Sporting News College All-America team, 1988.

Member of USA Olympic baseball team, 1988.

Led American League pitchers in hits allowed (246), 1990.

Tied for lead among American League pitchers in balks (4), 1991.

Named left-handed pitcher on Sporting News American League All-Star team, 1991.

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide 

James Anthony Abbott "Jim" (P)     #25

Born September 19, 1967, in Flint, Michigan, resides in Newport Beach, California. Height: 6-3, weight: 210. Bats left, throws left. College: attended University of Michigan.

Married, Dana (12/14/91)

Major league service: 4 years, 0 days. Opening Day age: 25.

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide 

1993 Profile: Mike Stanley

"The deal wasn't announced in big, bold headlines. It was an agate line in the 'transactions' column. And it didn't threaten to upset the balance of power in the American League East.

On January 21, 1992, the Yankees signed veteran catcher Mike Stanley to a one-year, minor league contract. Big deal.

The 'minor league' part didn't frighten Stanley, a veteran of five major league seasons, all with the Texas Rangers. He'd spent time in the minor leagues before. Besides, he was told he would have a chance to win a major league job in spring training, and that's all he wanted. A chance.

The chance came, and when the Yankees broke camp last year, Mike Stanley came north with them. He was to be the right-handed backup to the left-hand hitting Matt Nokes. But don't call Stanley a backup. Manager Buck Showalter didn't.

'Mike is a solid catcher, period,' the manager says. 'I like Mike. I like the way he goes about his business. He's a solid pro.'

He also proved to be a catcher pitchers love to work with because of his ability to call a game and to throw runners out. Not bad for an agate line in the transactions column."

-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook

"In 1992 Mike was signed by the Yankees to a minor league contract for the season on January 21. He was invited to the major league camp as a non-roster player. He made the team with a strong spring training, hitting .310 in 17 games. He appeared in 68 games for the Yankees and hit .249 with a career best eight home runs and 27 RBIs.

Mike had his contract purchased on April 3. He made his Yankee debut, starting behind the plate, on April 9 against Boston and went 0-for-3. His first hit for the Yankees came in his second start, April 15 at Toronto, a 3rd inning single off Jimmy Key. Mike made four starts in April (the team was 3-1), hitting .400.

He struggled in the month of May, hitting .136. He went 0-for-11 before breaking the skid with his first Yankee home run, a two-run shot on May 18 against California off Chuck Finley. On May 27 at Minnesota, Mike made the first of two 1992 starts at first base.

He continued to scuffle in June as he hit .179 for the month, lowering his average to .200. A highlight came on June 27 against Chicago when he started a rally with a leadoff home run in the 7th inning off Roberto Hernandez in a come-from-behind 8-7 victory.

Mike rebounded with a strong July, hitting .344 in nine starts with three home runs and eight RBIs. On July 9 against Seattle, he hit a grand slam off Randy Johnson in the 1st inning, the third of his career. On July 23 at Seattle, he hit a solo homer in the 8th inning, then stroked a game-tying single with two outs in the 9th in a 5-4, 11-inning win.

Hitting .282 in August, he raised his average to .260. On August 6 against Boston he caught a combined 1-hitter from Sam Militello and Steve Farr. On August 19 against Oakland he knocked in three runs in a 14-3 romp.

He ended the season hitting .214 in September/October. He hit three homers in a seven-day period (Sept.7-16). In that period Mike raised his average to .266, his highest since May 5 when he was hitting .294. He hit .279 (6 HR, 19 RBI) over the last 42 games of the season to raise his batting average from .194 to a season-ending .249.

On September 16 against Chicago, he reached his career high in home runs (8) with a 2nd inning three-run blast off Greg Hibbard. The round-tripper traveled 452 feet, the longest at the Stadium by a Yankee in 1992.

Mike started 54 games in 1992 (C-48, DH-4, 1B-2) and New York was 24-24 in games he started behind the plate. He threw out 28.1% (16-for-57) of attempted base stealers; from August 22-29 he threw out seven of ten attempted base stealers.

He started 45 games against left-handed pitchers and nine against right-handers, hitting .241 (5 HR) against left-handed pitchers, .262 (3 HR) against righties. He hit fourth through eighth in the batting order. Mike hit .222 (3 HR, 11 RBI) in the first half of the season and .267 (5 HR, 16 RBI) after the break. He hit .264 (5 HR) at home and .232 (3 HR) on the road and .303 on artificial turf. Mike batted .249 overall for the third consecutive season.

He signed a two-year contract extension in November 1992. The contract extends through the 1994 season.

Mike was selected by the Rangers in the June 1985 free agent draft in the 16th round. He was scouted by Joe Branzell. He started that season at Salem and hit .556 in four games, was sent to Burlington on June 26 and hit .310 in 13 games, and was promoted to Tulsa on July 11 and hit .309 in 46 games.

He began the 1986 season with Tulsa and was recalled to Texas on June 26. That day his first major league hit, a double, came against Seattle off Steve Fireovid. 

Mike began the 1987 season with Oklahoma City of the American Association and was recalled by the Rangers on June 2. At the time of his recall, Mike was hitting .335, was leading the league in RBIs (54) and was tied for the lead in home runs with 13. He started 54 games for Texas behind the plate, more than any other Ranger catcher. 

He hit a pair of grand slams including the first pinch-hit grand slam in club history on June 27 against Minnesota off Jeff Reardon. Mike's other slam came on July 3 off Cecilio Guante at New York. He missed most of September with chickenpox and pneumonia.

1988 was his first full season in the majors. Mike began the season as the Rangers' regular catcher and started 44 of the club's first 88 games through July 15. A pulled left hamstring put him on the disabled list from July 23-August 13. He made just four starts behind the plate over the remainder of the season. He caught a total of 64 games and finished with a .991 fielding percentage.

Mike played in 67 games in 1989, hitting .246. He made 34 starts with the Rangers overall, including 18 of the last 28 games. After having only three RBIs in his first 48 games, Mike knocked in eight in his last 19 to close out the season. He spent time on the DL (August 19-September 2) with a strained left knee.

He spent the entire 1990 season with Texas, hitting .249 with two homers and 19 RBIs. He played a career high 103 games and tied his career-best with eight doubles. He hit .259 (7-for-29) as a pinch hitter.

Mike's best stretch came from June 17-August 31, hitting .350 (28-for-80) and raising his average from .177 to .264. He broke his left little finger in batting practice on July 21 but did not miss any action. His home run as a pinch hitter came on August 22 against New York.

A versatile player, Mike made 41 starts at catcher, nine as the designated hitter, three at third base and two at second. In 63 games behind the plate, he had a .985 fielding percentage.

Mike played in 95 games for the Texas Rangers in 1991. He made 34 starts behind the plate, five at first base and four at third, hitting .249 with three home runs and 25 RBIs. He walked 34 times and had a .372 on-base percentage. 

He hit .375 (3-for-8, 6 RBIs) with the bases loaded. He hit .277 against left-handed pitchers and .281 at home. 17 of his 45 hits were extra-base hits, including a career high 13 doubles. Eight of his 25 RBIs were game-winning. 

Over the last 29 games of the season, Mike hit .325. He became a free agent on October 14 when he refused an assignment to the minors. 

Mike played four seasons for the University of Florida. He was selected as the All-Southeastern Conference catcher in 1982 and 1984 and was named to the SEC All-Academic team in 1983. In college he played against Rafael Palmeiro, Will Clark, Scott Ruskin, Dave Magadan and Bobby Thigpen. He is working toward a degree in marketing.

He graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Ft. Lauderdale where he starred in both baseball and football. He was all-state and team MVP in both sports as a senior. He also played Little League, Senior League and American Legion baseball.

Mike enjoys fishing and golf. He cites catching Nolan Ryan's seventh no-hitter as among the most dramatic moments in his career."

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide

Michael Robert Stanley "Mike" "Stano" (C)   #20

Born June 25, 1963, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, resides in Oviedo, Florida. Height: 6-0, weight: 190. Bats right, throws right.

Attended the University of Florida.

Married, Erin (1/30/88), and father of Ryan Michael (3).

Major league service time: 5 years, 170 days. Opening Day Age: 29.

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide 

R.I.P. Lee Thomas

1993 Profile: Gerald Williams

"Not one Williams, but two. And while the two Williamses have been teammates and good friends. don't confuse Gerald with Bernie.

Bernie is a switch hitter. Gerald bats right-handed all the way. Bernie has his roots in Puerto Rico. Gerald is from Louisiana and played at Grambling. Bernie's game is speed. Gerald is expected to develop into a power hitter.

The Yankees have been waiting for Gerald since he batted .365 for Oneonta in 1987, his first year in pro ball. The 26-year-old has made all the stops along the way to New York: Prince William, Ft. Lauderdale, Albany-Colonie, Columbus.

Who says the Yankees don't develop their own?

Last season at Columbus, Williams batted .285, with 16 homers, 86 RBI and 36 stolen bases and earned a late-season promotion to Yankee Stadium. Unfazed by the big leagues, he made a lasting impression with eight hits in 27 at-bats (a .296 BA), especially since three of those hits were homers. He is very close to being the 'complete package' and he is only to get better.

Gerald knew it wasn't going to be easy to crack the Yankees' starting outfield. It already had one Williams. But it certainly could use one more."

-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook

"Williams spent a majority of the 1992 season in Columbus before making his major league debut in September. With the Clippers he hit .285 with 31 doubles, six triples, 16 home runs, 86 RBIs and 36 stolen bases over 142 games.

He was recalled from Columbus on September 15 during the International League playoffs. He made his major league debut that day against Chicago as a pinch runner. Williams started in right field the next night and responded by going 2-for-3 with a double. He earned a hit in his first major league at-bat with a single to left off Greg Hibbard. That game was the first of three successive starts in which Ice went 4-for-10. 

His first RBI came on September 19 at Kansas City, an RBI single off Dennis Rasmussen. His first home run came on September 24 at Detroit, a solo shot off Frank Tanana. He hit his three Yankee home runs in a four-game, five-at-bat flurry, also homering off Tom Henke and Alan Embree.

The homer off Embree on September 28 at Cleveland was the second of back-to-back home runs, following Charlie Hayes. Gerald started the last game of the season at Boston, getting one hit in four at-bats.

Gerald was 4-for-12 with two home runs at home and 4-for-15 with a homer on the road. He hit .357 (5-for-14) with two homers against left-handed pitchers and .231 (3-for-13) with a home run against right-handers. Gerald was 3-for-4 with runners in scoring position and less than two outs.

At Columbus, he led the club in games (156), at-bats (547) and hits (156). He was second in batting average, runs (92), total bases (247), doubles (31) and stolen bases (36). He set a team record for games played, leading the IL, and led the circuit in outfield assists (14). Gerald led the organization in games played and was second in runs, hits and doubles.

Gerald was named International  League Batter of the Week for July 12-18 and was named to both the AAA All-Star Game and the postseason IL All-Star team. He was ranked the 10th best prospect in the IL in Baseball America's postseason poll of the league's managers. Williams was rated the third best prospect in the Yankee system by Baseball America.

He played Winter Ball in Puerto Rico (Santurce), hitting .244 with 15 RBIs and 14 stolen bases in 47 games. He signed a contract for the 1993 season.

Selected by the Yankees in the 14th round of the June 1987 free agent draft, Williams was signed by Yankee scout Joe Robison. In 1987, his first year of professional ball, he played at Oneonta and hit .365 with six doubles, two triples, six home runs and 29 RBIs in 29 games. He averaged an RBI every 4.0 at-bats.

Gerald spent time at both Ft. Lauderdale and Prince William in 1988. In 1989, he hit .229 with 13 homers and 69 RBIs at Prince William. He led Carolina League outfielders in games (134), total chances (307) and putouts (229) and tied for the league lead with two grand slams.

Williams started the 1990 season at Ft. Lauderdale and was promoted to AA Albany on May 30. Combined for the two clubs, he posted some of the finest offensive numbers in the Yankee organization, hitting .265 with 21 doubles, seven triples, 20 home runs and 101 RBIs. He stole 37 bases in 50 attempts and averaged one RBI every 5.2 at-bats. Gerald led the organization in games played (146) and RBIs and was second in at-bats (528), hits (140) and total bases (235).

He hit .340 in May to earn his promotion. Overall at Ft. Lauderdale, he hit .289 with seven home runs and 43 RBIs in 50 games, averaging one RBI every 4.7 at-bats.

Gerald's best month at Albany was July (.286 BA, 4 HR, 22 RBI). He was named Eastern League Player of the Week for August 6-12, hitting .364 (8-for-22), with two doubles, a homer, nine RBIs and seven runs over seven games. Overall at Albany, Williams hit .250 with 13 home runs and 58 RBIs in 96 games. 

Williams split the 1991 season between AA Albany and AAA Columbus. His action at Columbus was his first experience above the AA level.

Over 45 games at Albany, Gerald hit .286 with 15 doubles, five home runs, 32 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. He was second on the club in slugging with a .457 percentage. He was promoted to Columbus on June 3.

With the Clippers, he hit .258 with two home runs and 27 RBIs over 58 games. He was sidelined from July 24-August 22 with a dislocated left shoulder. Gerald injured the shoulder sliding headfirst into second on July 23. At the time of his injury he was hitting .263. After the injury he hit .238 (10-for-42).

Combined for both clubs, Williams hit .270 with 23 doubles, seven homers, 59 RBIs and 27 steals. He ranked 15th in the organization in batting and was tied for ninth in doubles. He played winter ball in Puerto Rico. 

Gerald attended Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana."

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide

Tied for Carolina League lead in grand slams (2), 1989.

Led Carolina League outfielders in games (134), 1989.

Led Carolina League outfielders in total chances (307), 1989.

Led Carolina League outfielders in putouts (292), 1989.

Named Eastern League Player of the Week, August 6-12, 1990.

Named International League Batter of the Week, July 12-18, 1992.

Named to International League mid-season All-Star team, 1992.

Led International League in games played (142), 1992.

Led International League in hits (156), 1992.

Named to International League postseason All-Star team, 1992.

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide

Gerald Floyd Williams "Ice" (OF)   #29

Born August 10, 1966, in New Orleans, Louisiana, resides in LaPlace, Louisiana. Height: 6-2, weight: 190. Bats right, throws right.

Attended Grambling State University.

Major league service time: 20 days. Opening Day Age: 26.

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide 

R.I.P. Bill Burbach

1993 Profile: John Habyan

"Eager to rebound after terrible second half. Habyan struggled to an 8.22 ERA in the second half, surrendering 21 runs and 42 hits in 23 innings. He was 3-2 with six saves and a glittering 1.54 ERA as late as July 9 but had already made 35 appearances in 84 games to that point. He was used every other day for six straight appearances from July 1-11. He finished with a team high 56 appearances. A back problem and a tired arm doomed him after the break.

Habyan is an outstanding man when at full strength. He requires careful monitoring after undergoing shoulder surgery in 1989.

Born January 29, 1964, in Bayshore, New York, he was acquired from the Orioles for Stanley Jefferson on July 20, 1989. He spent parts of nine seasons in the minors."

-Tony DeMarco (Ft. Worth Star-Telegram) and Tom Pedulla (Gannett Newspapers), The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1993 Edition

"The first thing you should know about John Habyan is that he's a good guy. Who says so? The New York Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association voted Habyan its Ben Epstein Good Guy award.

Habyan is one of baseball's role players, a middle-inning reliever. That means few wins, few saves, hardly any glory and almost no recognition. But does it mean he's not appreciated? Try telling that to Mark Connor, Habyan's pitching coach last season.

'The ideal scenario for me,' Connor says, 'is having Habyan for the eighth inning and Farr for the ninth.'

For the second straight year, Habyan was a workhorse for the Yankee pitching staff, appearing in 56 games for a two-year total of 122. And when Steve Farr went down with a bad back, Habyan stepped in as closer and reeled off five saves in five chances. But his workload increased and his numbers decreased. It was all due to a bad back which Habyan never revealed. When you've spent nine years in the minors, you're reluctant to give up what you've earned.

And now you know why the New York Baseball Writers think John Habyan is a 'Good Guy.' "

-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook

"In 1992, for the second consecutive season, Habyan led the club in appearances (56). He was 5-6 with seven saves and a 3.84 ERA.

Habyan started off the season picking up where he left off in 1991. Through his first 12 appearances (through 5/4) he was 1-0 with a save and a 0.60 ERA (15.0 IP, 1 ER). He earned his first save on April 12 at Detroit, pitching 2.1 perfect innings. Overall in May, he posted a 1.62 ERA after posting a 0.75 ERA in April.

John's ERA increased in June (3.18). He allowed his first home run of 1992 on June 26 against Chicago (Robin Ventura). In his first five July appearances he earned five saves. At the break he was 3-3 with six saves and a 1.81 ERA.

After the break, John went through perhaps the toughest pitching period of his career. From July 22-September 14 over 15 appearances, he allowed 21 earned runs (32 H, 5 HR) over 14.1 innings pitched, raising his ERA from 1.81 to a season high 4.25. John ended the season not allowing an earned run over four games pitched (7.0 IP), dropping his ERA to 3.84. He was 2-3 with a save and an 8.22 ERA after the break.

His total of seven saves was a career best. John had only three saves prior to 1992. He posted his seven saves in 12 opportunities.

Habyan retired the first batter 34 of 56 times and stranded 19 of 36 inherited runners. He had 16 1-2-3 innings.

The homer he allowed to Ventura on June 26 was the first by a left-handed batter against him since July 3, 1988 (Geno Petralli). Habyan had a 3.50 ERA on the road but with opponents hitting just .223 against him. He had a 2.95 ERA at night. Right-handed batters hit .295 against him.

Habyan did not make an error in 18 chances. He had three pickoffs.

He signed a contract for the 1993 season.

Among the most consistent 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.

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. He earned wins in back-to-back appearances on June 7 and June 9 against Texas. On June 29 at Milwaukee, he allowed a two-run homer to Candy Maldanado, his first home run allowed since July 3, 1988.

From July18-August 20 John had a string of 15 consecutive scoreless appearances (22.0 IP) dropping his ERA from 2.53 to 1.75. He earned a save in the season finale on October 6 against Cleveland.

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.

He struck out 70 and walked only 20, striking out 3.5 batters for each walk allowed. He had a staff best three pickoffs.

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. 

He pitched immediately, making two relief appearances (April 18 at Detroit and April 21 at Texas). He was outrighted to Columbus on April 24 upon Lance McCullers' activation from the disabled list.

Overall at Columbus in 1990, he was 7-7 with six saves and a 3.21 ERA. He allowed only one home run in his final 18 appearances (43.1 IP) with the Clippers. In relief for Columbus, he allowed just 39 hits over 55.0 innings. His 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. Overall for the Yankees, he was 0-0 with a 2.80 ERA in eight innings pitched.

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 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. 

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 ranked second on the club for fewest walks allowed and gave up only two home runs, an average of one every 23.0 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 (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 starts (1 CG, 1 SHO) with 42 strikeouts over 48 innings (8 K/9 IP). At Newark, he went 5-3 with a 3.39 ERA in 11 starts (1 CG, 1 SHO) , 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 (13 GS, 4 CG), striking out 81 batters over 81.1 innings (9 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 in 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. 

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. His five wins after the break tied for the club-best. 

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 the 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 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. Before moving to Maryland, he volunteered 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.

John was the recipient of the 1992 Ben Epstein Good Guy Award, as voted by the New York chapter of the BBWAA, at the 1993 Baseball Writers Dinner."

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide 

Tied for Appalachian League lead in wins (9), 1982.

Pitched 6-0 no-hitter against Columbus, May 13, 1985.

Named to Southern League All-Star team, 1985.

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide 

John Gabriel Habyan "Habes" (P)   #42

Born December 29, 1964, in Bayshore, NY, resides in Bel Air, Maryland. Height: 6-2, weight: 195. Bats right, throws right.

Married, Bonnie (10/26/91).

Major league service time: 3 years, 154 days. Opening Day Age: 29.

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide 

R.I.P. Dick Schofield

1993 Profile: Pat Kelly

"Kelly should make a stronger showing after an injury-plagued first full season in the big leagues. He was disabled from April 21-May 7 with a sprained ligament in his left thumb. He started only once in the final 15 games due to inflammation in his right knee. Kelly did ease doubts about his offense by batting .254 in 56 games after the All-Star break and batted .271 from July 24 on.

An excellent second baseman, Kelly has great range. He turns the double play extremely well.

Born October 14, 1967, in Philadelphia, he was the Yankees' ninth round choice in the 1988 draft."

-Tony DeMarco (Ft. Worth Star-Telegram) and Tom Pedulla (Gannett Newspapers), The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1993 Edition

"Second baseman Pat Kelly had every reason last year to pack his bags and go home. In his first full year in the majors in '92, the 25-year-old infielder got off to a slow start at the plate and an injury impeded his short-term development. In addition, his replacement, Andy Stankiewicz, came off the bench, played extremely well, and became a crowd favorite.

Kelly did not hang his head. Instead, he persevered and finished the season with an offensive flourish that should set the tone for 1993. His personal credo summarizes his confident makeup.

'The strong survive and the gutless fall by the wayside,' Kelly said as the '92 season terminated.

No one questions the third-year Yankee's defensive abilities. The Yankees traded away All-Star second baseman Steve Sax to make room for the promising Kelly. His level of success in the majors will depend heavily on his offensive output.

'When I was in the minor leagues they said the better I hit, the higher I would go. Now, the better I hit the longer I will stay in the big leagues,' he adds."

-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook

"In 1992, his first full year in the majors, Pat hit .226 with seven home runs and 27 RBIs over 106 games.

In a tough start to the season, he hit .200 in April playing in just 12 games. In an April 20 game against Cleveland, he sprained his left thumb diving for a Carlos Baerga base hit. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 21. Pat played two games in Albany on injury rehabilitation before being activated on May 7.

From May 8-15 over six games, he hit .438 (7-for-16), raising his batting average from .182 to a season best .265. Overall he hit .273 in May and was hitting .250 for the season at the end of the month.

Pat had a tough June, hitting .100 (3-for-30). He went hitless in his final 17 at-bats prior to the break, bringing his average down to .195 (3 HR, 9 RBI). He ended July by getting 12 hits in his final 46 at-bats (.261).

He had a very strong August, hitting .294 (3 HR, 11 RBI). From August 16-22, Pat hit .440 (11-for-25) while raising his average from .205 to .230. He had his fourth career three-hit game on September 1 at Milwaukee.

Pat's average was at .239 on September 8, but he finished the season with three hits in his final 29 at-bats. He did not play in the final nine games and only once in the last 15 games, as he suffered from inflammation in his right knee. He hit .279 over his final 32 starts and .254 in the second half of the season.

For the season Pat led the club with 10 hit-by-pitch, tied for sixth in the AL, the most by a Yankee since Don Baylor in 1985 (24). He had a team leading eight bunt base hits plus eight infield hits. He finished with seven home runs, his second best professional total (8 in 1990 for Albany-Colonie).

31 of his 72 hits went for extra-base hits, the best ratio on the team. He hit .228 against left-handers, .225 against righties. He batted ninth in 96 of his 98 starts and reached base safely to begin an inning 24 of 77 times. He had 15 multi-hit games.

Pat finished with a .978 fielding percentage, making 11 errors in 510 chances. He made seven errors in his final 86 games.

He signed a contract for the 1993 season.

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 and his first five starts were at second. 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.

Pat started 23 of the club's 27 games in June and hit .260 for the month, including 22 at third. 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). 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.

His batting average reached a season high of .258 at the break. Pat's third homer came on Old-Timers' Day on July 27 off Mike Fetters of California. He started 24 of the club's 26 games in July.

Pat started August with a season-long five-game hitting streak. 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. 

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). When he scored a run the Yankees were 19-10.

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. He participates in many off-season charity events in the tri-state area."

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide

Named to New York-Penn League All-Star Team (2B), 1988.

Led Carolina League in triples (7), 1989.

Led Carolina League second basemen in assists (372), 1989.

Tied for lead among Carolina League second basemen in total chances (671), 1989.

Led Carolina League second basemen in double plays (76), 1989.

Named to Carolina League All-Star Team (2B), 1989.

Led Eastern League second basemen in putouts (266), 1990.

Led Eastern League second basemen in assists (381), 1990.

Led Eastern League second basemen in total chances (667), 1990.

Led Eastern League second basemen in double plays (97), 1990.

Led Eastern League second basemen in errors (20), 1990.

Named to Eastern League All-Star Team (2B), 1990.

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide

Patrick Franklin Kelly "PK" "Pat" (2B)     #14

Born October 14, 1967, in Philadelphia, PA, resides in Clearwater Beach, Florida. Height: 6-0, weight: 182. Bats right, throws right. Attended West Chester State University.

Major league service time: 1 year, 140 days. Opening Day Age: 25.

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide 

1993 Profile: Melido Perez

"Perez has a chance to rank with the best right-handers in the league. He was acquired from the White Sox along with Bob Wickman and Domingo Jean for Steve Sax and cash prior to last season and gave the Yankees much more than they had hoped.

He used a nasty split-finger fastball to rank second in the American League in strikeouts (218), 23 behind Seattle's Randy Johnson. Perez was the first Yankee right-hander to strike out 200 batters in a season since Bob Turley (210) in 1955. His strikeout total also was the third highest in Yankee history, trailing only Ron Guidry (248 in 1978) and Jack Chesbro (240 in 1904).

Perez ranked sixth in the AL in ERA (2.87) and in opponents' batting average (.235). He tied for fifth in innings pitched (247.2) and tied for fourth with 10 complete games. His only apparent flaw is a tendency toward early-inning trouble.

Born February 15, 1966, in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, he began his career with the Royals as a free agent signee in July 1983."

-Tony DeMarco (Ft. Worth Star-Telegram) and Tom Pedulla (Gannett Newspapers), The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1993 Edition

"When the Yankees acquired right-handed starter Melido Perez before the 1992 season, they were hoping for a pitcher who could help solidify their rotation. What they received in return was a force on the mound.

The 27-year-old from San Cristobal, Dominican Republic not only led the Yankees in wins with 13, but his 2.87 ERA was sixth-best in the American League, all with limited run support. Perez turned out to be more than just solid, he was often dominating. And Yankee fans rejoiced when the righty inked a new four-year contract prior to spring training this year.

'I'm comfortable pitching here (in New York). They (the Yankees) let me pitch. They have confidence in me. That's something I want,' says Perez.

Manager Buck Showalter can now only smile at his 1-2-3 rotation of Jim Abbott,  Perez and Jimmy Key, perhaps the most talented trio in the AL East. In a division showing signs of shifting powers, the impact of Perez's performance becomes even more crucial.

It was not long ago as a member of the Chicago White Sox that the pitcher was forced into the bullpen because of inconsistent starts. But times have changed. Upon his arrival in New York, Showalter promised Perez he would be given every opportunity to crack the starting rotation. He responded emphatically.

If his 10 complete games and 218 strikeouts from the '92 season are a prelude of what lies ahead, American League batsmen are in for a long season."

-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook

"Unlucky is the only word to characterize what should have been a run on the Cy Young Award for the Yankee right-hander. Perez posted a 13-16 record with a 2.87 ERA over 33 starts and led the Yankee staff in virtually every category. He struck out 218 hitters, tossed 10 complete games and held opponents to a .235 batting average. He was a consistent pitcher throughout the season, his ERA never rising above 3.19.

Perez made his Yankee debut on April 10 at Detroit, earning the win in a 7-3 Yankee victory (5.2 IP, 2 ER). He was winless in his final three April starts (0-2), getting a total of four runs of support.

He posted back-to-back winning months in May and June, combining to go 6-4 with a 3.15 ERA. He hurled his first complete game in a 3-2 loss at California on May 6. On June 1 at Texas, rain forced Melido to leave after four innings with a 3-1 lead. His second complete game also resulted in a loss, a 2-1 defeat at Kansas City on June 23. Melido ended the month by fanning 11 White Sox on June 28, one of three season-high 11-strikeout games in 1992.

At the break, he was 8-7 with a 3.11 ERA. In his first start after the break, Melido took a tough, 3-2 complete game loss at California, losing in the bottom of the 9th inning. He pitched a fine game in his next start, July 21 at Oakland, throwing a complete game 4-hitter in a 5-1 Yankee win, allowing just an unearned run.

Perez lost his first four August starts while getting a total of six runs of support. A 5-1 loss on August 11 at Detroit raised his ERA to a season high of 3.19. He ended the month by pitching eight shutout innings against the Angels and then throwing a complete game, 6-hit shutout on August 27, a 6-0 blanking of the Twins. Perez was 2-4 with a 2.39 ERA in August.

He did not allow a run over 19 innings over three starts (Aug. 22-Sept.1). He came back to post a 2.81 in September and capped the season with a 4-2 win at Cleveland on September 30.

In his final eight starts, Melido was 4-3 with a 2.08 ERA (65.0 IP, 53 H, 15 ER) and opponents hit just .213 (44-for-207). He was 5-9 with a 2.62 ERA after the break, fourth best in the American League. He made five starts in the Dominican Winter League for Azucareros, going 1-1 with a 2.40 ERA over 30 innings.

Perez led the staff and ranked No. 2 in the AL with 218 strikeouts. The last Yankee to finish as high as second was Ron Guidry in 1979 (201), behind Nolan Ryan (223). The last Yankee to lead the AL in strikeouts was Al Downing in 1964 (217). Perez's 218 K's ranked third most in Yankee history behind Guidry (248 in 1978) and Jack Chesbro (239 in 1904).

He also became the first Yankee to have 100 strikeouts before the All-Star break since Guidry (109) in 1979. He became the first Yankee right-hander to hit the century by the break since Bob Turley (131) in 1955. 

His strikeout ratio improved in each of his first four years in the majors: 1987:4.4 ... 1988: 6.3 ... 1989: 6.9 ... 1990: 7.4 ... 1991: 8.5. In 1992 it was 7.9. His ratio of strikeouts per innings pitched in 1992 was third in the AL behind Randy Johnson and Jose Guzman. Melido struck out the side seven times during the season.

Last year Melido led the staff in wins, innings, walks, strikeouts and unearned runs allowed. He also led Yankee starters in opponent batting average (.235), ERA (2.87) and was tied for first in starts (33).

He ranked among American Leaders in strikeouts (2nd), K/IP (3rd), wild pitches (tied for 3rd), complete games (tied for 4th), innings pitched (5th), ERA (6th), walks (6th) and opponent batting average (6th). His 2.62 ERA in the second half ranked fourth in the AL behind Cal Eldred, Jim Abbott and Roger Clemens. Melido had seven pickoffs, tied with Jack McDowell for most among AL right-handers. He led the AL in road starts (20), road innings pitched (149) and road strikeouts (124).

Melido teamed with Scott Sanderson to become the first Yankee duo with at least 33 starts since Guidry and Phil Niekro had 33 each in 1985. His 10 complete games were the most by a Yankee since Guidry in 1985 (11). His eight complete game losses were the most by a Yankee since Jim Hunter (9) and the most in the AL since Bert Blyleven in 1985 (9).

Nine of Melido's 13 wins stopped losing streaks. He had a 2.34 ERA (84.2 IP, 22 ER) in his 10 complete games. In his eight complete game losses the Yanks supported him with a total of 13 runs; overall he had support of 3.8 runs per game. He tossed eight of his ten complete games in his last 16 starts. The bullpen stranded all four runners he left on base.

Perez threw 3,576 pitches, an average of 108 pitches per start and 15 pitches per inning. He pitched six-plus in 30 of 33 starts and made quality starts (6 IP, 3 ER or less) in 23 of 33 starts. Perez was hurt most by the first inning, posting an ERA of 4.64 (33.0 IP, 17 ER) and an opponent BA of .287; over the rest of the game his ERA was 2.60 with a .227 opponent BA. His best inning ERA-wise was the third (1.09 ERA, 33.0 IP, 4 ER) and strikeout-wise it was the eighth (20 K, 19.0 IP).

Right-handed batters hit .225 and left-handers hit .247 against him. Perez was 5-6 with a 3.01 ERA and a .224 opponent BA at home and on the road was 8-10 with a 2.78 ERA. In 15 starts against the AL East he was 6-6 with a 3.20 ERA (112.2 IP, 40 ER), and in 18 starts against the West was 7-10 with a 2.60 ERA (135.0 IP, 39 ER). Melido had a 2.40 ERA (97.1 IP, 26 ER) in his 13 wins, a 3.28 ERA (123.1 IP, 45 ER) in his 16 losses and a 2.67 ERA (27.0 IP, 8 ER) in his four no-decisions.

From July 8-21, Melido became the first Yankee to toss three straight complete games since Guidry, who tossed five straight in September of 1983. From July 26-August 17 he lost five straight for the first time in his career. His scoreless streak in August was his longest as a starter in his career and the longest by a Yankee since Andy Hawkins in 1989.

He signed a four-year contract on February 4, 1993. The contract runs through the 1996 season.

Acquired by the Yankees in January 1992 from the Chicago White Sox along with pitchers Domingo Jean and Bob Wickman in exchange for second baseman Steve Sax plus cash, Melido had an outstanding season in 1991 in his fourth full year in the majors. 

He began the season as a starter for the White Sox, making eight starts and posting a 1-4 record with a 4.82 ERA. He was converted to a reliever, making his first career bullpen appearance on May 29 against California, after he had started 109 straight games.

He recorded a team best 20.1 consecutive innings scoreless streak from May 29-June 20. On June 15, he hurled the club's longest relief outing of the season against Kansas City when he pitched 7.2 scoreless innings. He recorded his first career save on September 6 at Texas (4.0 IP, 1 ER) in an 11-6 victory.

As a reliever Melido was 7-2 with a 2.22 ERA in 89 relief innings and tied for the club lead for wins by a reliever. He pitched at least 3.0 innings in 12 of his 41 relief appearances. He was 4-1 in one-run decisions and also 4-1 in extra-inning contests.

Melido excelled on the road, posting a 6-4 record with a 2.70 ERA. Left-handed hitters batted only .202 (45-for-223) against him, while right-handed hitters hit .243 (66-for-272).

In 1990 Perez set career highs in virtually every career category while going 13-14. He led the White Sox and was second in the American League with 35 starts and his three shutouts tied for third in the league. The starts were a career best as were his 161 strikeouts (2nd on the club), and his 197 innings pitched tied for his most in one season. Opponents batted only .241 against Perez, second best among Sox starters.

He became the 16th man in White Sox history to toss a no-hitter, a rain-shortened effort on July 12 at Yankee Stadium. He struck out nine and walked four. Pascual and Melido became the second set of brothers to pitch no-hitters, the other being Ken Forsch (1979) and Bob Forsch (1978 & 1983). It was the first no-hitter for Chicago since the one hurled by Joe Cowley on September 19, 1986. It was only the seventh time the Yankees have been no-hit and the first time since 1958 (Hoyt Wilhelm).

Melido's two other shutouts came on June 6 against Seattle and on September 17 against Oakland. He struck out a season high 10 batters on May 1 against Texas and on August 27 against Chicago.

Melido was signed by the Kansas City Royals as a free agent on July 22, 1983. His first professional season was spent at Charleston of the South Atlantic League in 1984 where he was 5-7 in 15 starts (16 games).

He spent the entire 1985 season with Eugene of the Northwest League compiling a 6-7 mark. He led the league in innings pitched (101.0) and was fourth in the league with 88 strikeouts. With Class-A Burlington in 1986, Perez posted a 10-12 record and a 3.70 ERA. He struck out a team leading 153 batters in 170.1 innings and led the Midwest League with 13 complete games (23 starts).

Perez started the 1987 season at Fort Meyers where he posted a 4-3 record and a 2.38 ERA. He was promoted to Memphis where he continued his success going 8-5 with a 3.53 ERA. Perez combined to strike out 177 while walking just 27 in 198.0 innings pitched.

He was called up to Kansas City when rosters expanded on September 1. He made his major league debut on September 4 at Chicago, earning the win (7.0 IP, 0 ER) in a 6-2 KC victory. He made three starts overall and was 1-1. He was acquired by the White Sox from the Royals in December 1987 along with pitchers John Davis, Chuck Mount and Greg Hibbard in exchange for pitcher Floyd Bannister and infielder Dave Cochrane.

In 1988 Melido established himself as a quality major league pitcher in his first full season in the bigs. He finished sixth in the American League Rookie of the Year balloting on the strength of a 10-8 record and 3.79 ERA. Melido was the first  ChiSox rookie to win 10 or more games since Britt Burns and Richard Dotson in 1980. His 32 starts, 197.0 innings and 138 strikeouts led the club.

His first career complete game came on May 13 against Toronto in a 4-1 Chicago win. Melido was perfect in July, posting a 4-0 record and 3.86 ERA. He saved his best for last, blanking his former Royal teammates on October 1 at Kansas City, allowing two hits and striking 10 in a 3-0 White Sox victory.

Melido attended San Gregorio de Nigua High School in the Dominican Republic. He credits Luis Silverio for helping his career the most. 

He has three brothers in professional baseball, Dario and Blavmir (Royals organization) and Carlos (Expos organization). He enjoys fishing in the off-season."

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide 

Led Northwest League in innings pitched (101.0), 1985.

Led Midwest League in complete games (13), 1986.

Threw six-inning, rain-shortened no-hitter at New York, July 12, 1990.

Led American League pitchers in errors (10), 1992.

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide

Melido Gross Perez (P)   #33

Born February 15, 1966, in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, resides in Costa Verde, Dominican Republic. Height: 6-4, weight: 210. Bats right, throws right.

Married, Isabel, and father of Melaney, Maleny and Melido, Jr.

Major league service: 5 years, 34 days. Opening Day age: 27. 

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide