SAM MILITELLO (1992 New York Yankees Minor League Pitcher of the Year)
"Militello has a good chance to develop into a quality starter. He was the International League Pitcher of the Year with a 12-2 record and a 2.29 ERA for Columbus and won his first three decisions with the Yankees. Militello boasts a 34-8 minor league record with a 1.76 ERA. He never lost more than two games at any stop.
His unusual motion makes him especially tough on right-handers. He needs to improve his location with his fastball.
Born November 26, 1969, in Tampa, Militello was the Yankees' sixth-round pick in the 1990 draft. He was Division II Player of the Year at the University of Tampa that season."
-Tony DeMarco (Ft. Worth Star-Telegram) and Tom Pedulla (Gannett Newspapers), The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1993 Edition
"For second-year Yankee pitcher Sam Militello, the window of opportunity appears wide open. A spot in the starting rotation is his for the taking.
After an outstanding 1992 minor league campaign with the Triple-A Columbus Clippers- 13-3 record, International League Most Valuable Pitcher, Co-Clipper of the Year- the right-hander is just beginning to hit his stride as a pro. His career minor league numbers (34-8, 1.76 ERA) intimate a hurler on the brink of making some noise at the major-league level.
The 23-year-old displayed exciting potential in a one-hit shutout over Boston in August of '92 to win his major-league debut, and he's hoping to build on that.
Overall, the Tampa, Florida, native appeared in nine games for the Yankees last season, posting a 3-3 record while holding opposing batters to a meager .195 batting average. He showed outstanding poise, a slider that at times was untouchable, and an unflappable presence on the mound.
Pitching in the starting rotation behind veterans Jim Abbott, Jimmy Key and Melido Perez, the youthful Militello will benefit greatly from the staff's experience. And after Militello's performance last year, so will the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"In 1992 Sam excelled in his first action at the major league level.
He began the season with Columbus and had his contract purchased on August 7, with Curt Young moving to the disabled list. At the time of his recall, Sam was 12-2 with a 2.29 ERA in 22 games (21 starts). He made his major league debut on August 9 against Boston and earned the victory in a 1-hit shutout. Tony Pena singled in the second inning for the only hit.
The game was delayed by rain after the seventh inning. Steve Farr came on to pitch two hitless innings to earn the save and complete the 1-hitter.
Sam earned his second win in his second start, August 14 at Chicago, allowing only two runs over eight innings for a 4-2 victory. On August 20 against Oakland, he allowed four hits in six innings and struck out a career high ten but left the game leading 4-1 with the bases loaded. Sam improved to 3-0 with a victory on August 25 against Milwaukee.
He suffered his first loss, 5-3, on August 30 at Minnesota. On September 5 against Texas, he allowed only two hits in six innings but received the loss in a 7-3 defeat. He did not start again until September 15, against Chicago, because of a tired arm.
Sam responded to the rest by allowing only three hits and one run (Dan Pasqua solo homer) and left with a 2-1 lead but did not figure in the decision. On September 22 against Detroit, he started the first game with no decision in a 6-5 Yankee win. Sam led 3-1 but allowed a two-run homer to Lou Whitaker and left with the score tied 3-3.
Sam's final start of the season came on September 28 at Cleveland, taking the loss in a 6-4 defeat. He gave up two home runs and four runs in the first inning but allowed only two runs over the next 6.2 innings.
When he made his big league debut, he became the youngest Yankee (22 years, 8 months) to start a game since Dave Eiland made his debut on August 3, 1988, when he was 22 years and 29 days old. Militello's debut came after just 21 AAA starts and seven AA starts. He was the 35th player, 17th pitcher and ninth starter used by the Yankees in 1992. Militello became the first Yankee rookie starter to begin his career 3-0 since Ray Fontenot in 1983.
Opponents hit just .195 against him, with right-handed batters hitting .132 and lefties hitting .262. At the Stadium he posted a 2-1 record with a 2.50 ERA in six starts and held the opposition to just .151. 10 of the 24 of the runs allowed (42%) came via the home run.
Militello struck out 6.3 batters per nine innings, the second best ratio among Yankee starters. He allowed 6.5 hits per nine innings. He and fellow rookie Bob Wickman combined to go 9-4 with a 3.75 ERA.
In his first season at the AAA level, Militello went 12-2 with a 2.29 ERA, earning co-Clipper of the Year honors. He would have been 15-2 but the bullpen blew three leads. The Clippers were 15-6 in his 21 starts. Sam had 16 quality starts (6 IP, 3 ER) including 12 of his last 13. Opponents hit .205 against him with five home runs and he averaged 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings. He led the International League in ERA and was third in strikeouts (152).
Sam's lone relief appearance as a professional came on May 2 (1.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 K). He struck out 13 against Tidewater on May 21. He was twice named IL Pitcher of the Week (6/21-27, 7/26-8/1). He was the Yankee organization's Jack Butterfield Pitcher of the Month for June (4-1, 1.30).
He had an eight-game winning streak, one shy of the Columbus team record set in 1981 by Dave Wehrmeister and matched in 1992 by Bob Wickman. During the streak he was 8-0 with a 1.68 ERA.
Militello was ranked the top AAA prospect in Baseball America's postseason poll of managers. Named MVP of the AAA All-Star Game (2.0 IP, 4 K), he was named the starting pitcher on the IL postseason All-Star team and was named the league's Most Valuable Pitcher. On October 21, Militello was named the Yankee organization's Pitcher of the Year for the second consecutive season.
He signed a contract for the 1993 season.
In 1991 he split time between Class-A Prince William and Class-AA Albany Colonie. Sam's combined numbers with the two clubs were 14-4 with a 1.57 ERA in 23 starts. Along with Ed Martel he was a co-recipient of the Yankee organization's Pitcher of the Year award. Sam led Yankee minor leaguers in wins, ERA, strikeouts (168) and winning percentage (.778). He was named Jack Butterfield Pitcher of the Month for both April (4-0, 0.00) and June (3-0, 0.47).
With the Cannons he was 12-2 with a 1.22 ERA. Sam held Carolina League opponents to a .180 batting average, lowest in the circuit. He struck out 9.8 batters per nine innings, second best in the league. The Carolina League Pitcher of the Year, Sam was named to the Carolina League All-Star team and Baseball American's Class-A All-Star team.
Sam was 8-2 with a 1.22 ERA for Oneonta in 1990, his first pro season. He struck out 119 batters in 88.2 innings, a remarkable ratio of 12.1 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. He led the squad in wins, ERA, complete games (3), shutouts (2), opponents' batting average (.174), innings and strikeouts.
He made the New York-Penn League All-Star team, was the league's 'Star of Stars, Topps NYP League Pitcher of the Year and made the Baseball America Short-Season All-Star team. He was voted the ninth-best prospect in the league by Baseball America in a postseason poll of managers.
Sam was a sixth round selection by the Yankees in the June 1990 free agent draft. He was signed by Yankee scout Paul Turco.
He attended the University of Tampa where he was a Division II All-American all three seasons. Selected Division II Player of the Year in 1990, Sam was also a 1990 Golden Spikes Award finalist. In college he was a teammate of Tino Martinez and played against Joe Grahe and Alex Fernandez.
Sam was both All-County and All-Conference as a junior and a senior in high school. He was a teammate of Luis Gonzalez and played against Derek Bell and Gary Sheffield.
He played Little League and American Legion ball in Tampa. He also played in the Cape Cod League.
Sam works as a substitute teacher in the off-season."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Named NCAA Division II Player of the Year, 1990.
Led New York-Penn League in strikeouts (119), 1990.
Named to Carolina League All-Star team, 1991.
All-Star Game starting pitcher, 1991.
Led Carolina League starting pitchers in batting average against (.180), 1991.
Led Carolina League starting pitchers in fewest baserunners per nine innings pitched (8.36), 1991.
Named to Baseball America Class-A All-Star team, 1991.
Named Carolina League Pitcher of the Year, 1991.
Yankee organization Pitcher of the Year, 1991.
Named International League Pitcher of the Week, June 21-27, 1992.
Named to International League mid-season All-Star team, 1992.
Mid-season All-Star Game MVP, 1992.
Named International League Pitcher of the Week, July 26-August 1, 1992.
Led International League in ERA (2.29), 1992.
Named to International League All-Star team, 1992.
Named to Baseball America AAA All-Star team, 1992.
Named International League Most Valuable Pitcher, 1992.
Yankee organization Pitcher of the Year, 1992.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Sam Salvatore Miltello, Jr. "Sam" "Slider" (P) #28
Born November 26, 1969, in Tampa, Florida, resides in Tampa, Florida. Height: 6-3, weight: 195. Bats right, throws right. College: attended University of Tampa.
Major league service: 59 days. Opening Day age: 23.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
RICH MONTELEONE
"So you think all major league ballplayers are pampered and coddled, that they come out of high school or college and jump to the big leagues for all that gold, glory and adulation.
Don't tell that to Rich Monteleone. His story is one of disappointment and frustration, of sticking it out when things looked bleakest, of getting released by one organization and traded by two others, of a decade of riding buses and living in second-rate hotels.
There was a time it seemed Monteleone, 30, was employed as a tour guide for Rand-McNally.
Finally, two and a half years ago he landed in New York via the California Angels system, hoping his long odyssey was at last over.
In two seasons with the Yankees, Monteleone has won 10 and lost four, another of those who also serve by pitching an inning here, two innings there. He is part of that nondescript and unheralded but essential group known as middle relievers.
All the bus trips and hard work has paid off, thanks to courage and a supportive wife, Loretta. 'She has helped me considerably, especially the last two or three years,' Monteleone says. 'When I have failure, she goes through it as much as I do. I don't want her to, but she does.' "
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"Monte pitched his first full season at the major league level in 1992 after five consecutive seasons split between the majors and the minors. Entering the season he had pitched in 61 major league games and compiled a 5-4 record with a 3.67 ERA. In 1992 the 11-year pro pitched in 47 games, compiling a 7-3 record with a 3.30 ERA.
He earned his first win in the club's second game against Boston on April 9. His first five appearances (11.0 IP) were scoreless and through May 19 (12 G) he was 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA. Through May he had a 1.33 ERA.
From May 3-June 25, Rich struck out at least one batter in 14 straight appearances, striking out 25 in 30.2 innings. His final three appearances before the break were scoreless and at the break he was 5-1 with a 2.36 ERA in 26 games.
His second half proved to be less consistent. Rich allowed runs in three of his four appearances through the end of July, raising his ERA to .3.21. July was his roughest month (4.96 ERA).
Rich had a 3.24 ERA in August. He posted back-to-back wins at Baltimore and against Kansas City on September 7 and 11. He made seven appearances in September and was 2-1 with a 3.77 ERA.
For the season Rich led the Yankee bullpen in innings (92.2), seventh most among American League pitchers, and he led the pen in wins (7). Left-handed batters hit .226 (33-for-146) and right-handed batters hit .241 (49-for-203). His overall opponents' batting average (.235) was second lowest among Yankee relievers to Steve Farr.
Monte had a 3.67 home ERA (6 HR) in 54.0 innings and on the road had a 2.79 ERA, allowing one homer and a .228 batting average in 38.2 innings. He had a 2.37 ERA and opponents hit .190 in day games (30.1 IP) and a 1.42 ERA in 12.2 innings on turf.
For the second consecutive season, Rich showed effectiveness in the long relief role. He had a 2.40 ERA (41.1 IP, 11 ER) in his 12 games of three or more innings as opposed to a 4.03 in games of less than three innings. Over the 1991-92 seasons, he made 18 long appearances and posted a 1.92 ERA (65.2 IP, 14 ER) as opposed to posting a 4.74 ERA (74.0 IP, 39 ER) in shorter appearances.
In 1992 Rich retired the first batter upon entering a game 32 of 47 times and stranded nine of 23 inherited runners. He did not convert either of his save opportunities. His total of seven wins was his major best and his most as a pro since 1986 at Calgary (8). Rich did not make an error in 13 total chances.
He signed a contract for the 1993 season.
Rich started the 1991 season at Columbus and had his contract purchased on April 14. At the time of his promotion, he had not pitched for the Clippers. Rich made five April appearances, posting a 3.38 ERA (5.1 IP). Both the runs he allowed came on a Jose Canseco home run on April 30 at Oakland.
He pitched three times in May before being outrighted to Columbus on May 14. He took the loss on May 5 at Seattle, allowing a two-run homer to Greg Briley in the 16th inning in a 5-4 Yankee loss. At the time of the outright he had allowed five runs in 12.0 innings, four via home runs.
At Columbus, Rich appeared in 32 games and posted a 1-4 record with 17 saves and a 2.12 ERA. He walked just seven batters while striking out 51. He had his contract purchased for a second time on August 7 and he remained in New York for the remainder of the season.
Rich appeared in nine games in August, going 1-0 with a 4.08 ERA. He notched a win on August 16 against Chicago, his first win since June 27, 1989, when he was with the Angels. He pitched nine more times in September/October, going 2-0 with a 3.12 ERA.
During the 1991 season Rich dominated right-handed hitters, allowing only a .173 batting average against (18-for-104) while conversely, left-handed hitters hit .324 (24-for-74). On grass surfaces, he had a 3.16 ERA (42.2 IP) and a batting average against of .215.
Rich pitched most effectively in the role of long reliever. Seven times he pitched three-plus innings and had a 1.11 ERA (24.1 IP, 18 H, 3 ER); in his other 19 appearances of less than three innings, his ERA was 6.35. He retired the first hitter upon entering a game 17 of 26 times and stranded 17 of 25 inherited baserunners. Rich was hurt most by the long ball as homers accounted for 10 of his 19 earned runs (53%).
With the Clippers, he led the club in saves and tied for second in the International League. Columbus was 24-8 when he pitched and opponents hit .215 against him. Rich was named IL Pitcher of the Week for May 26-June 1 (7.1 IP, 0 R) and was selected for the AAA All-Star Game, but did not play because of a viral infection.
In 1990, Rich was obtained by the Yankees from the California Angels on April 29 along with outfielder Claudell Washington in exchange for outfielder Luis Polonia. At the time of the trade, he was with the AAA Edmonton Trappers. Over five games (one start) he was 1-0 with a save and a 1.93 ERA.
Rich reported directly to Columbus and pitched there for a majority of the season until having his contract purchased on September 11. At the time of the promotion he had appeared in 38 games (all in relief) and was 4-4 with a team-best nine saves and a 2.24 ERA.
He made his Yankee debut on September 16 at Detroit (1.0 IP, 0 R, 1 H) in a 5-2 Yankee loss. His second outing on September 20 against Cleveland was disastrous as Rich was the losing pitcher, allowing four earned runs in one inning. He pitched consistently over his next three appearances (5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6K), lowering his ERA from 18.00 to 6.14. Overall with New York, Rich stranded two of three inherited baserunners.
Rich was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the first round (20th player taken) of the June 1982 free agent draft. He was signed by future Yankee executive George Bradley. That year Rich began his professional career at rookie league Bristol of the Appalachian League, tossing a 1-hitter against Elizabethton on July 24. He allowed an Appalachian League-high eight home runs.
He split the 1983 season between Class-A Lakeland and AA Birmingham. He ranked fourth in the Florida State League with 124 strikeouts and had a career best nine wins at Lakeland. He split the 1984 season between Birmingham and AAA Evansville. He combined for 12 wins in 30 starts, throwing six complete games while fanning 110 batters in 188.0 innings.
Rich established a personal best in 1985, starting 26 games at AAA Nashville. In December 1985, he was obtained by the Seattle Mariners for infielder Darnell Coles. He set a personal best in 1986 by hurling 157.2 innings for AAA Calgary.
He made his major league debut on April 15, 1987, against California. He appeared in three games for Seattle (7.0 IP), then led Calgary in games (51) and saves (15). His first 21 games for Calgary were starts and he finished with 17 relief appearances.
Rich started the 1988 season with Calgary and was 0-0 with a 12.54 ERA when he was released on May 9. He was signed as a free agent by the Angels and reported to Edmonton on May 13.
He went 4-7 with a 5.08 ERA over 20 games (16 GS) with Edmonton and struck out a team best 97 batters. He made his Angels debut on September 10 at Texas. Overall in three appearances with California, he did not allow an earned run over 4.1 innings.
Rich made five trips between Edmonton and Anaheim in 1989, pitching three times for each club. He started the season with Edmonton and was recalled on May 1. He was sent down on May 15, recalled on June 7, sent down for a final time on July 9 and recalled a final time on July 20. Rich allowed just one earned run in his first 10 appearances with California (15.1 IP) and pitched a career best 5.1 innings (0 R, 2 H) against Toronto on June 20.
With the Angels, Rich was 2-1, 2.12 in night games with a batting average against of .218- in day games opponents hit .414. He had a 2.67 ERA (30.1 IP) on grass fields. Rich surrendered three home runs during the season (Bob Boone, Henry Cotto, Mel Hall), all on the road; 17 of his 24 appearances were on the road. Overall, he stranded 11 of 16 inherited baserunners.
Rich graduated from Tampa Catholic High in 1982. He was an All-American in baseball and football there and was a teammate of Lance McCullers, playing against Donnie Scott and Fred McGriff. He played Little League and American Legion ball in Wellswood, Florida.
Rich enjoys Tak-Kwon-Do and golf. He is a brother-in-law of Edmonton pitching coach Chuck Hernandez."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Led Appalachian League in home runs allowed (8), 1982.
Led Pacific Coast League in walks (89), 1986.
Led Pacific Coast League in losses (13), 1987.
Named International League Pitcher of the Week, May 26-June 1, 1991.
Named to International League All-Star Team, 1991.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Richard Monteleone "Rich" "Monte" (P) #55
Born March 22, 1963, in Tampa, Florida, where he resides. Height: 6-2, Weight: 214. Bats right, throws right.
Married, Loretta (11/16/85), and father of Chelsea (4) and Alexis (2).
Major league service: 2 years, 112 days. Opening Day age: 30.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
MIKE WITT
"Entering his 13th major league season, veteran pitcher Mike Witt has endured the ups and downs afforded a professional athlete.
In 1986 he pitched in the All-Star Game, won 18 games for the California Angels and followed that up with an All-Star season in 1987. He was at the top of his game. But lady luck would change.
During the 1990 campaign, Witt was traded to the Yankees. In his first year in Pintstripes he managed five wins in 16 starts. His fifth victory that August was his last as a Yankee entering this season.
Injuries, and not victories, dominated the right-hander's Yankee career. In 1991, soreness in his pitching elbow during spring training led to surgery and an extended rehabilitation regimen. He appeared in just two games in '91. Last season his rehab continued.
The 1993 campaign for the 32-year-old hurler is perhaps his most difficult professional challenge. Competition for a spot in a rotation that is three-fifths complete will be demanding. And with some young arms in Sam Militello, Bob Wickman and Scott Kamieniecki available, Witt will have to be as crafty as ever."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"1992 was a season of rehabilitation for the veteran right-hander. He continued to make progress with his right elbow, after undergoing surgery in July of 1991 to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow.
Witt spent spring training working out with the pitchers. He exercised his arm by throwing super long-toss, from center field to home plate, to strengthen his elbow. Mike spent the entire season at Tampa, working out at the Yankee minor league complex, continuing to strengthen his arm, from April to June, when he was able to start pitching again.
He made three starts for the Yankees' rookie league team in Tampa (Gulf Coast League) and was 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA (12.0 IP, 7 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 13 K). After the third start, Mike developed tendinitis in the right elbow and had to stop pitching. Continuing to rest and rehabilitate over the final months of the season, he was added to the 40-man roster on October 9.
He signed a three-year contract in January 1991. The contract extends through the 1993 season.
1991 was his second consecutive season marred by injury. Witt nursed a sore right elbow from the beginning of spring training, resulting in mid-season surgery after numerous attempts at non-surgical rehabilitation. He made just two starts, both in June and was 0-1 with a 10.13 ERA.
Witt did not pitch for the club in spring training and on March 29 was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sore right elbow. He pitched five times for the Yankees' extended spring training club in Tampa and posted a 1.23 ERA (22.0 P, 13 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 17 BB, 18 K). Activated on June 7, he made just two starts and was 0-1 with a 10.03 ERA (5.1 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 1 HR).
His first start came on June 7 at Texas, getting a no-decision in a 5-4 Yankee win. Mike allowed three hits through four innings but then allowed a Brian Downing grand slam in the fifth (5.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER). He threw 76 pitches.
Mike's other start was on June 13 at Minnesota. He faced only four batters, throwing a total of 19 pitches before leaving with stiffness in his right elbow. Mike took the loss in a 10-3 defeat (0.1 IP, 2 H, 3 ER).
He was placed on the 15-day DL the following day and remained there for the rest of the season. Mike had surgery on July 25- a tendon was used from his leg to replace the one in his elbow. The surgery was performed by Dr. Lewis Yocum at Centinela Hospital in Inglewood, CA. The surgery was similar to that of ex-Yankee pitcher Tommy John. Mike was outrighted to Columbus on November 1.
Witt was acquired by the Yankees in 1990 on May 11 in exchange for outfielder Dave Winfield. Prior to the trade, he appeared in 10 games for the Angels, all in relief, ending a string of 208 consecutive starts dating back to 1983. He was 0-3 with a save and a 1.77 ERA (20.1 IP) and opposing hitters hit .250 against him. His only save came in the Angels' opener against Seattle in California as he pitched two perfect innings (2 K) to combine with Mark Langston on the first no-hitter of 1990. It was the second no-hitter Witt was involved with along with his perfect game in 1984.
With the Yankees he was used exclusively as a starter, going 5-6 with a 4.47 ERA over 16 starts. He made his Yankee debut on May 19 against Kansas City and did not get a decision in a 5-4 New York win. Mike, in fact, did not get a decision in any of his first three starts. For the month of May, he posted a 3.79 ERA.
Mike's first decision came on June 3 against Baltimore- he took the loss in a 4-3 defeat. He made his next start on June 8 at Baltimore and had to leave after 1.2 innings when he heard a pop in his right elbow while pitching to Greg Walker (and left the game with a 2-2 count). He was placed on the 15-day disabled list the next day (and was subsequently moved to the 21-day DL on July 16) with a sore elbow requiring rest. It marked the first time in his 10-year career that Mike spent any time on the DL. At the time of the injury he was 0-1 with a 3.86 ERA (28.0 IP) through five starts.
Activated on August 6, after missing 55 games, Mike did not miss any of his 11 starts the rest of the way. His first start after the injury was on August 7 at Seattle, resulting in his first 1990 win, a 3-1 Yankee victory. Mike's first Yankee Stadium win as a Yankee came on August 18 against Seattle when he threw a 2-hit shutout, allowing two singles in a 6-0 triumph.
His fifth and final win was on September 23 against Boston. He was 5-5 with a 4.72 ERA (68.2 IP) over 11 starts after his injury.
In his five Yankee wins he had a 2.08 ERA (39.0 IP) and was supported with 32 runs (6.4 runs/game). In his six Yankee losses, he had a 9.00 ERA (29.0 IP) and was supported with 10 runs (1.7 runs/game). In his five no-decisions, he had a 3.14 ERA (28.2 IP) and was supported with 19 runs (3.8 runs/game).
Witt was better against right-handed hitters (.207 batting average against) than against left-handed hitters (.270 batting against); overall, opponents hit .240 against him. He went six-plus innings in 12 of 16 starts and averaged 6.0 innings per start overall. He held the opposition to three runs or less in eight of his 16 starts.
Selected in the fourth round of the June 1978 draft, Witt was originally signed by Larry Himes. In 1981, he was promoted from AA El Paso to the Angels with less than 70 games of professional experience. He made his major league debut at Seattle on April 11, and on April 26 at Minnesota recorded his first victory and first complete game in a 7-1 decision. On September 28 against Chicago, Witt pitched his first shutout. In 1982 he registered five wins in the first four months of the season before winning three in August.
Mike set a personal best for most appearances (43) in 1983, splitting time between starting and relief. In relief he pitched 24 games, finishing with a 3-3 record, five saves and a 3.48 ERA (41.1 IP, 16 ER).
In 1984, Mike pitched a perfect game on September 30 when he defeated Texas 1-0 at Arlington in the season finale. He threw 94 pitches, 70 for strikes, going to a 3-ball count only twice, both times to Wayne Tolleson. Mike's last no-hitter had come as a member of the Fullerton (CA) Little League.
With 35 starts, 250.0 innings pitched and 180 strikeouts in 1985, he won 13 of his last 17 decisions after June 1. He worked into the 7th inning or later 28 times.
Witt compiled an 18-10 record and a 2.84 ERA in 1986, finishing among the league leaders in several categories including wins, ERA, complete games (14), shutouts (3) and innings pitched (269.0). His opponents' batting average against was .221.
He dominated the month of August when he was named American League Pitcher of the Month: Mike posted a 5-0 record and a 0.21 ERA (43.1 IP, 1 ER), fanning 28 and allowing 17 hits for a .110 batting average against. He won a career high seven straight from August 5-September 18.
Mike finished with a 16-14 record in 1987, marking his fourth straight season with 15 or more wins. He was honored as the AL Player of the Week for June 1-7 with a 2-0 record in two starts while posting a 0.95 ERA (19.0 IP, 2 ER) and fanning 19 batters while walking only three and limiting opposing hitters to a .176 batting average (12 H). Mike's 10 complete games were half the team's total, he pitched into the 7th inning or later 28 times and allowed three earned runs or less in 21 starts.
Leading the Angels with 13 victories in 1988, Mike recorded a 5-0 shutout of Baltimore on May 28, his first shutout since August 26, 1986, when he blanked the Yankees 2-0 at Yankee Stadium. He was selected AL Player of the Week for June 13-19, going 2-0 with a 0.51 ERA (17.2 IP, 12 H, 1 ER). He registered his 100th career win on September 8 at Texas but did not strike out a batter in that win, the first time he failed to do so since April 30, 1982, a span of 209 starts. Mike allowed only 14 home runs during the season. Of his 12 complete games, six were in losing efforts.
In 1989, he pitched 200-plus innings for the sixth consecutive season. After surrendering 87 walks in 1988, he allowed only 48 walks in '89. Mike pitched into the seventh inning or later in 21 of 33 games, allowed three earned runs or less in 18 of 33 games and walked two batters or less in 28 of 33 games.
Mike graduated from Servite High School (CA) in 1978, posting a 14-0 record in a California Interscholastic Federation 4-A championship season. In high school he was a teammate of Steve Buechele and played against Mike Gallego and Bobby Meacham. He was also a standout basketball player. He played in the Babe Ruth League (West Anaheim) and in Little League (Buena Park).
Mike enjoys playing golf. His most dramatic moment was pitching his 1984 perfect game and his favorite entertainer is Billy Joel."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tied for American League lead in hit batsmen (11), 1981.
Pitched 1-0 perfect game against Texas Rangers, September 30, 1984.
Named American League Pitcher of the Month, August 1986.
Named American League Player of the Week, June 1-7, 1987.
Named American League Player of the Week, June 13-19, 1988.
Pitched two innings in combination with Mark Langston in a 1-0 no-hit victory against the Seattle Mariners, April 11, 1990."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Michael Atwater Witt "Mike" "Witter" (P) #39
Born July 20, 1960 in Fullerton, California, resides in Laguna, CA. Bats right and throws right.
Married, Lisa (11/12/83) and father of Kellen Marie (7), Justin (6) and Kevin Lee (1).
Major League service: 12 years. Opening Day age: 32.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
NEAL HEATON
"For New York native Neal Heaton, plying his trade in a Yankees uniform is a dream come true. Growing up on Long Island, the 33-year-old left-hander was a die-hard Bronx Bomber fan, and now he finds himself in a position to provide some relief for his hometown team.
Heaton has enjoyed the good and bad that sometimes accompanies a player's star-crossed career. His performance at his alma mater, the University of Miami, was so impressive they retired his No. 26 jersey.
The 6-0, 200-pound southpaw began his major league career in 1982 as a starter with the Cleveland Indians and later pitched for Minnesota and Montreal. It was not until 1990 with the Pirates that Heaton tapped his potential. He was 10-4 at mid-season and was selected to the National League All-Star team, but was unable to play because of sudden arm problems. He only played one more season with the Pirates. A year ago, Heaton was back in the American League with Kansas City and Milwaukee.
If his performance this season matches his commitment to the sport, the Yankees will have found a real hometown hero. 'It's like I was meant to be in a clubhouse and around baseball,' Heaton says. 'I's my life. I love it.' "
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"Heaton was invited to spring training as a non-roster player in 1993 after a tryout at Yankee Stadium on the afternoon of February 3. He played for two organizations and three different clubs in 1992. He was traded on March 10 of that year from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Kansas City Royals for outfielder Kirk Gibson.
He appeared in 31 games in relief for the Royals, posting a 3-1 record with a 4.17 ERA. Heaton was designated for assignment on July 20 and released on July 30.
He signed a AAA contract with the Milwaukee Brewers' Denver club shortly thereafter. He appeared in six games (four starts) for Denver and was 2-1 with a 3.13 ERA. Neal has his contract purchased by Milwaukee on September 11 and appeared in one game, tossing a scoreless inning. He was released by the Brewers on October 15.
In 1991 Neal pitched predominately in relief (1 start) for the first time in his career. He had a 0.68 ERA in eight May games (13.1 IP, 1 ER) and through the first two months of the season posted a 1.35 ERA (20.0 IP, 3 ER) in 13 appearances.
On July 26 at Houston, he worked 4.2 innings in relief, the longest outing by a Pirate reliever in 1991. His one start came on August 24 against San Francisco, with Neal coming out on the losing end of a decision (4.0 IP, 2 ER).
For the season Heaton tied a career high with 42 appearances. Four of his five home runs allowed came on the road.
1990 was a stellar season for the veteran lefty, with Heaton finishing at 12-9 with a 3.45 ERA. A tale of two seasons, he was 10-4 with a 3.47 ERA in 16 starts before the All-Star break, 2-5 with a 3.42 ERA in 14 games (8 starts) after the break. His first 23 appearances of the season were starts, with Neal winning his first six starts before falling to the Braves, 6-1, on May 17 at Atlanta. He became the first Pirate pitcher since Burleigh Grimes in 1929 to win his first six starts; Neal's six wins from April 12-May 12 also tied the longest winning streak of his career and also tied Cy Young winner Doug Drabek for the longest winning streak by a Pirate pitcher in 1990. Dating back to the end of 1989, Heaton won 11 straight.
He was named to the All-Star Game for the first time in his career but did not appear. In seven starts after the break he went 1-4 before he made his first appearance out of the bullpen on August 26. Neal lost six straight decisions from June 29-August 15, the longest losing streak by a Pittsburgh hurler in 1990.
Heaton was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the second round of the June 1981 free agent draft. He had been selected by the Mets in 1979 as the first pick in the entire draft but did not sign, instead electing to attend college. In his first year of professional baseball he was 4-4 with a 3.99 ERA in 11 starts for Chattanooga of the AA Southern League.
After a 10-5 record at Charleston of the Class-A South Atlantic League in 1982, Neal was promoted to Cleveland where he made his major league debut on September 3. He went 0-2 with a 5.23 ERA in eight games for the Tribe.
In his rookie season of 1983, he finished 11-7 with a 4.16 ERA in 39 games, the most wins by an Indians left-handed rookie pitcher since Herb Score won 15 in 1955. Among American League rookie pitchers, only Baltimore's Mike Boddicker and Oakland's Chris Codiroli won more. In 1984, Heaton went 12-15 with a 5.21 ERA, finishing second on the club in victories to Bert Blyleven's 19. In 1985 it was a 9-17 record with a 4.90 ERA and five complete games with Heaton leading the staff in wins and complete games.
He started his sixth consecutive season in the Cleveland system in 1986 before being traded to the Minnesota Twins on June 20 with pitcher Kevin Trudeau in exchange for pitcher John Butcher. At the time of the trade he was 6-6 with a 4.24 ERA in 12 starts, and was 4-9 with a 3.98 ERA after the trade.
Heaton was acquired by the Montreal Expos along with pitchers Yorkis Perez and Al Cardwood in February of 1987 in exchange for pitcher Jeff Reardon and catcher Tom Nieto. In his first season in the National League after five AL seasons, he went 13-10 with a 4.52 ERA.
He started the season 9-2 before spraining his knee on June 18 against the Mets. He aggravated the injury on June 23 and was bothered by the knee for the rest of the season.
After 16 starts Neal was 10-3 including a career best six straight wins from May 18-June 23 but was 3-7 with a 4.75 ERA in his last 16 starts, including a career worst six straight losses from August 20-September 25. For the season Neal set career bests in wins and strikeouts (105).
1988 was a tough season for Heaton. He went 3-10 with a 4.99 ERA in his final season with the Expos.
He made his first start of the season on April 7, and before his second start he sprained an ankle, not to start again until April 29. Heaton did not earn his first win until his fifth start, on May 17 against Los Angeles.
He made 10 starts and posted a 2-5 record with a 6.12 ERA before being moved to he bullpen on June 16. He made one start with 21 relief appearances after June 16. Neal had some shoulder discomfort in August, and as a result did not pitch after August 28.
On March 28, 1989, he was acquired by the Pirates in exchange for pitcher Brett Gideon. Heaton split time between the rotation and bullpen that year, going 6-7 with a career best 3.05 ERA in a career high 42 games (18 starts). As a starter he was 4-7 with a 3.48 ERA and was 2-0 with a 1.96 ERA in 24 relief outings.
He began the season in the starting rotation and was 1-6 with a 4.34 ERA in 11 starts before being moved to the bullpen in early June. His only complete game came on May 7 at San Diego in a 3-1 loss. From July 15-August 15 he faced 54 consecutive left-handed batters without allowing a hit.
Neal was 5-1 after the break with a 1.65 ERA in 22 games (7 starts). After returning to the rotation on September 5, Neal went 3-0 with a 1.59 ERA in six starts; he had been 2-0 with a 0.47 ERA in his previous 12 relief appearances. Winning his last five starts, he tied John Smiley for the Bucs' longest winning streak of the year.
Neal played three years of baseball (1979-81) at the University of Miami, compiling a 41-6 record with a 2.06 ERA. In his final season he was 15-1 with a 2.06 ERA, his only loss coming in the College World Series. That year he had a 23-strikeout game against Indiana State. In 1980, he was 18-4 with a 2.09 ERA while earning unanimous All-American honors and setting school records for wins and strikeouts (130). Heaton had his college uniform number (26) retired in 1985.
He graduated from Sachem High School in Lake Ronkonkoma (Long Island), posting a 21-3 record his three seasons there. In his senior year (1979) he fanned 20 batters in a seven-inning game."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Neal Heaton (P) #53
Born March 3, 1960, in Jamaica, NY, resides in East Patchogue, NY. Height: 6-0, weight: 200. Bats: left, throws: left.
Married, Laura, and father of Neal, Jr. (10) and Kurt (7). Attended University of Miami.
Major League service: 10 years. Opening Day age: 33.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
JEFF JOHNSON
"During the 1991 season, left-handed hurler Jeff Johnson rode the crest of some impressive wins as a Yankee rookie. His career seemed to be blossoming and the North Carolina native was the perfect antidote for an ailing staff.
But inconsistencies caught up with the third-year Yankee and he soon found life in 'The Show' to be a major learning experience. With youth on his side, though, Johnson, 26, is still in the Yankees' pitching plans.
He spent much of last season shuttling between New York and Triple-A Columbus, [staying in Ohio] long enough to help the Clippers to a Governor's Cup championship, collecting a 2-1 record in 11 starts. He must now prove he can pitch at the major league level consistently, something he was not able to do last season.
Johnson began 1992 in the Yankees' starting rotation, but his 1-2 record and 6.52 ERA through April forced him to the bullpen by May. During the stretch between May 1-10, Johnson pitched in 4.1 innings, allowed one earned run and did not earn a save. Whether out of the bullpen or the starting rotation, the Yankees are still counting on Jeff Johnson to show them the right stuff."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"Jeff split time with AAA Columbus and the Yankees in 1992, making four stints with the Yankees and three with the Clippers.
He started the season in Pinstripes, earning a spot in the starting rotation out of spring training. He pitched in the second game of the season, on April 9 against Boston. He was not involved in the decision, a 3-2 Yankee win. Jeff remained in the rotation through April, making four starts and going 1-2 with a 6.52 ERA. His first win came on April 19 against Cleveland, a 5-3 New York victory (6.2 IP, 2 ER).
Jeff was moved to the bullpen to start May, making two appearances, May 1 and May 10 (4 IP, 1 ER). He was optioned to Columbus the first time on May 16, having gone 1-2 with a 5.70 ERA in six games (four starts). He made just one start for the Clippers, being recalled on May 24. Jeff didn't pitch for the Yankees, getting optioned back on May 31.
He made two more starts for Columbus before being recalled for the second time on June 10. Upon his promotion, Jeff was immediately placed back in the rotation, making four starts in June (1-1, 6.86). His second and final Yankee win of the season came on June 24 at Kansas City (7.0 IP, 2 ER), a 6-3 Yankee win. He was then moved back to the pen, with a relief appearance on July 6, before being sent back to Columbus for the third time on July 7, remaining with that club through the conclusion of the International League playoffs. Jeff was recalled for the third time on September 19, making relief outings in his fourth stint of the season.
Overall for the Yanks he was 2-3 with a 6.66 ERA in 13 games (eight starts). With the Clippers, he was 2-1 with a 2.17 ERA and opponents hit .201 in his 11 starts. Jeff pitched twice in the IL playoffs, compiling a 0.50 ERA (18.0 IP, 10 H, 1 ER), holding opposing hitters to a .161 batting average. While Jeff was with the Yankees, left-handed batters hit .308 and right-handers hit .343; he had a 3.43 ERA in five day games; he did not make an error in nine fielding chances; and out of the bullpen Jeff retired the first batter three of five times and stranded one of three baserunners.
He signed a contract for the 1993 season.
Jeff began the 1991 season at Columbus and was recalled on June 5. At the time of his recall he was 4-0 with a 2.61 ERA in 10 starts. He finished his freshman season with the Yankees with a 6-11 record and a 5.95 ERA.
He joined the rotation immediately. His major league debut came on June 5 against Toronto, with Jeff taking the loss in the 4-1 defeat (7.0 IP, 4 R, 2 ER). His first big league win came in his third start, June 19 at Toronto.
July was Jeff's most successful month, with a 3-0 record and 2.78 ERA. His longest outing as a Yankee came on July 13 at California when he pitched 8.1 scoreless innings in a 2-0 win. He followed that with eight scoreless innings on July 19 at Oakland in a 3-0 blanking. He extended his scoreless streak to 17.1 innings on July 24 against Seattle with a scoreless inning. He also extended his winning streak to a season best three games as the Yankees beat the Mariners 10-2.
On August 8 at Chicago, he struck out a career high seven men in a 4-1 loss. The streak came to a screeching halt as Jeff lost his first four games in August. from July 24-August 29, his ERA ballooned from 2.70 to 5.65.
He had an outstanding effort on September 18 against Milwaukee, receiving a no-decision (8.0 IP, 1 ER) in a 2-1 Yankee triumph.
Along with Wade Taylor and Scott Kamieniecki, Johnson was part of the first rookie trio to crack the Yankee starting rotation since June 1986 (Doug Drabek, Bob Tewksbury, Alphonso Pulido). Taylor, Kamieniecki and Johnson became the first rookie trio to notch wins on consecutive days since at least 1946.
Although not recalled until June 5, Johnson finished second on the team in innings pitched with 127.0. When he made his debut he became the eighth different Yankee and the second left-hander to start a game in 1991. The streak of 17.1 innings was the longest by a Yankee starter in 1991.
For the season opponents batted .305 overall against him; right-handed hitters batted .313, left-handed hitters .231. Jeff walked only 33 batters in 127.0 innings for a ratio of 2.3 per nine innings. The ratio was second best among Yankee starters to Scott Sanderson. He was involved in three of the Yankees' 11 shutouts, second among starters to Sanderson (5).
Jeff pitched five-plus innings in 18 of his 23 innings and averaged 5.2 innings per start. In his six wins, he had a 2.08 ERA. He was supported with 4.1 runs per start overall but only 2.4 runs in his losses. He caught three runners stealing, most among Yankee starters.
Jeff started the 1990 season at Class-A Ft. Lauderdale and was promoted to AA Albany in mid-July. He combined to post a 10-11 record with four complete games and a 2.90 ERA over 26 starts.
At Ft. Lauderdale, Johnson was 6-8 with a complete game and a 3.65 ERA, including 4-3 with a 2.60 ERA at Ft. Lauderdale Stadium. His best month was May when he registered a 4-1 record with a 1.85 ERA in five starts. At Albany, he was 4-3 with three complete games and a 1.63 ERA in nine starts- Jeff was unbeatable at home, posting a 3-0 record with a 0.86 ERA (21.0 IP, 2 ER) in three starts.
In 1989 Johnson spent a full season at Class-A Prince William of the Carolina League, with a 4-10 record and a 2.92 ERA over 25 games (24 starts), allowing 125 hits over 138.2 innings. 1988 was his first season in professional baseball. Johnson spent that season at Oneonta, achieving an impressive 6-1 record with a 2.98 ERA over 14 starts. He allowed just 67 hits and fanned 91 batters over 87.2 innings.
Jeff was the Yankees' 6th round pick in the June 1988 free agent draft. He was signed by New York scout Jeff Taylor.
He graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in mathematics. A four-year letterman on the baseball team, he had a 9-5 record over his 38-game career. He played alongside current major leaguer Chris Haney.
Jeff played Little League and Babe Ruth baseball in Butner, North Carolina. He's an avid crappie fisherman."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
William Jefferey Johnson "Jeff" "JJ' (P) #43
Born August 4, 1966, in Durham, North Carolina, resides in Charlotte, NC. Height: 6-3, weight: 200. Bats right and throws left.
Married Krystine Lynn (11/7/92). Attended University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Major league service time: 1 year, 44 days. Opening Day age: 26.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
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