BUCK SHOWALTER (Manager)
"Has earned a great deal of respect for the way he's handled one of the most difficult jobs in the game. Showalter placed second to the White Sox' Gene Lamont in the American League Manager of the Year voting after guiding the Yankees to an 88-74 finish, a 12-game jump from the year before. In 1992, his first year on the job, the club met expectations by showing a five-game improvement with a 76-86 record. Showalter received a contract extension that takes him through 1995 but does not have much security given George Steinbrenner's history of abruptly changing managers.
Showalter became the youngest manager in the majors when he was given a one-year contract on October 29, 1991. He was selected under a bizarre set of circumstances typical of the Yankees. Showalter was named 22 days after general manager Gene Michael had ruled him out, citing his lack of major league managerial experience.
Showalter had been the Yankees' third base coach since June 1990. He built a reputation as a bright baseball mind while compiling a 360-207 record in five seasons as a minor league manager. He won championships in the New York-Penn League (1985), Florida State League (1987) and Eastern League (1989). He was named Eastern League Manager of the Year with Albany-Colonie in 1989.
He played in the Yankees' system from 1977-83 but never played in a major league game. He's an extremely hard worker who's popular with players. His overall major league mark is 164-160.
Born May 23, 1956, in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, his full name is William Nathaniel Showalter III."
-Tony DeMarco (Ft. Worth Star-Telegram) and Tom Pedulla (Gannett Newspapers), The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1994 Edition
"There is the constant image of Yankee manager Buck Showalter: arms folded, warmup jacket adorning his 5-10 frame, and a facial expression that resonates with sheer intensity.
That is the presence the Yankees' third-year skipper brings to the game. His business-like approach has brought his team to a new level of respectability in the American League, and that is not lost among his players.
'From the time he was named manager, we've gotten better and better. I think he's excellent. I see him as a guy who can manager here awhile,' says captain Don Mattingly.
The team's 88-74 record last season- a 12-game improvement from '92 and a 17-game increase from '91- indicates he's getting his message across. And for his effort, he finished second to the White Sox' Gene Lamont as the 1993 American League Manager of the Year.
Most managers would bask in the type of accolades showered on the Yankees skipper, but that's not Showalter's style. Ever since he began managing in the Yankees' farm system in 1985, he had one goal in mind: Help return the Bronx Bombers to their former glory days. With last season's second-place finish, those days may not be far away.
'There is no worse feeling than going on the field and having something happen where you feel you didn't prepare your club for that situation,' Showalter says. 'That's one of the things that drives me.'
It's that will to succeed that made Showalter an All-American at Mississippi State in 1977; that led him to collect the most hits in the Southern League in both '80 and '82; and to earn four first-place finishes in five seasons as a minor league manager.
Showalter hopes there will soon be a lasting image of him celebrating with his players, a World Series ring on his finger, and the glory days reborn."
-The New York Yankees Official 1994 Yearbook
"Buck is starting his third season as Yankee skipper with a 164-190 (.506) record. He is in his 18th consecutive season in the Yankee system as a player, coach, minor league manager or major league manager.
In 1993 he led New York to a second-place finish in the American League East with an 88-74 record, a 12-game improvement over the 1992 season and a 17-game improvement over 1991. Showalter finished second in the AL Manager of the Year voting to Chicago's Gene Lamont while snapping the Yankees' string of four consecutive sub-.500 seasons. His '93 team set a major league record by spending 18 days tied for first place in the AL East without ever holding the lead alone, and spent a major league record 93 consecutive days (June 18-September 18) within three games of the division lead without ever sitting alone in the top spot.
Showalter won his 100th game as Yankee manager on May 22, a 7-3 victory over Boston, one day before his 37th birthday. He became one of only three current managers (Sparky Anderson, age 36, Tony LaRussa, 36) and one of only three Yankee managers (Clark Griffith, age 34, Frank Chance, age 36) to win 100 games before his 37th birthday. During the season, Buck was ejected twice (June 16, September 19).
In his first season as manager in 1992, the Yankees finished with a 76-86 record, a five-game improvement over 1991 and a nine-game improvement over 1990. The highlights of 1992 included the second best start in the club's history (6-0), bested only by the 7-0 start of 1933, and Buck's selection as a coach for the All-Star Game by AL manager Tom Kelly. He became the first Yankee manager selected as a coach since Earl Weaver chose Ralph Houk in 1970. Buck was rewarded with a three-year contract extension on July 29, allowing him to manage through the 1995 season.
Appointed Yankee manager on October 29, 1991, Buck is the club's 30th different manager. He currently is the youngest manager in the majors and the youngest Yankee manager since Roger Peckinpaugh (23) in 1914. Other younger Yankee managers include Hal Chase (27 in 1910), Kid Elberfeld (33 in 1908) and Clark Griffith (33 in 1903). 1993 constitutes his 17th consecutive season in the Yankee system as a player, coach, minor league manager and now major league manager.
Buck was the Yankees' third base coach in 1991, a position he was appointed to on June 6, 1990, when Stump Merrill was named manager. He started the 1990 season as the Yankees' 'eye-in-the-sky.'
Buck was a successful minor league manager in the Yankee system. He compiled a 360-207 record over five seasons (1985-89), good for a .635 winning percentage. He had a record of 14-4 (.778 winning percentage) in the postseason, winning three league championships. In 1989, Buck was named Eastern League Manager of the Year [and Baseball America Minor League Manager of the Year], leading the Albany Yankees to a 92-48 record and an eventual league championship. The 92 wins were the most by a Yankee AA team since the 1980 Nashville Sounds of the Southern League (a team Buck played for) went 97-46.
He managed Ft. Lauderdale (Class-A) during the 1987 and 1988 seasons, with the 1987 team going 85-53 to win the Southern Division of the Florida State League while posting the best record in the league. Also under his tutelage, Oneonta set New York-Penn League records for wins in a season in 1985 (55) and 1986 (59) with Buck leading each team to a league championship. He coached at Ft. Lauderdale in 1984.
In seven seasons as a minor league outfielder-first baseman (1977-83), Buck hit .294 with 17 home runs and 336 RBIs. In 1980 he set a Southern League record for hits in a season (178) and finished second in the league (to Chris Bando) with a .324 batting average for Nashville. The 1980 team won a league-record 97 games. Members of that Sounds team that went on to prominence were Steve Balboni, Pat Tabler, Willie McGee, Rafael Santana, Andy McGaffigan and Tom Filer.
Buck was a teammate of Don Mattingly at Nashville in 1981. He led the Southern League hits again in 1982 (152). Current major leaguers Rex Hudler, Otis Nixon, Mark Salas and Scott Bradley were Buck's teammates at Nashville in '82.
He played one season (1977) at Mississippi State University and hit .459 while driving in 44 runs. The batting average is still a school record and the RBI total was a record at the time. Buck was named a 1977 All-American; he had also been an All-American at Chipola J.C.
Buck acquired his nickname from Ed Napoleon, his manager at Ft. Lauderdale in 1987. The toughest pitcher he ever faced: Mark Langston while he was in the Southern League.
Buck attended Central (FL) High School. His father, the late William Showalter II, was a fullback with the Pittsburgh Steelers."
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
COACHING CAREER
1984 Third Base Coach, Class A Ft. Lauderdale Yankees
1990 "Eye in the Sky", New Yankees (10/26-89-6/5/90)
1991 Third Base, New York Yankees (6/6/90-10/29/91)
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
William Nathaniel Showalter III "Buck" (MGR) #11
Born May 23, 1956, in DeFuniak, Florida, resides in Pace, Florida. Married, Angela (3/5/83), and father of Allie St. Claire (6) and William Nathaniel IV (2). College: graduate of Chipola J.C. and Mississippi State University.
Opening Day age: 37.
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
SHOWALTER HAS AN EYE FOR DETAILS
"When a team has a turn-around like the one the Yankees had in 1993, going from 20 games back in 1992 to a second-place finish last year, the entire organization deserves credit. The ownership for paying the bills, the general manager and his staff for getting the players, the coaches for providing instruction and the players for getting the job done on the field.
But when dishing out credit for the return of the Yankees to contention, the final curtain call must go to Manager William Nathaniel 'Buck' Showalter III. In only his second year as a major league manager, Showalter was the team's lightning rod. From strategy and player performance to clubhouse chemistry and emotional stability, this detail-oriented individual was involved with every aspect of the team's progress and improvement. Not that he would take any credit for the Yankees' success.
'If you're in this for a pat on the back you're in the wrong business,' says Showalter. 'You must always keep in mind that the distance from the penthouse to the outhouse is very short in this business.'
That's what the Yankees were counting on when they hired then 35-year-old Buck Showalter in October 1991, making him the youngest manager in the major leagues. After three straight losing seasons and no postseason appearances since 1981, the organization wanted a manager who could turn things around quickly. The way things have gone, it seems as though General Manager Gene Michael was using a crystal ball when hiring Showalter.
'We selected Buck because he's straightforward. He's young, energetic and he knows our players very well,' said Michael at the time. 'He's demonstrated the ability to improve this club a great deal.'
That he has. Last season he led the team to a second-place finish in the American League East, behind the eventual World Champion Toronto Blue Jays. The team's record of 88-74 was a 12-game improvement over 1992 and a 17-game improvement over 1991.
The team finished in fourth and fifth place respectively those years, before being in the pennant race through much of last season.
'From the time he was named manager, we've gotten better and better,' says Yankee captain Don Mattingly. 'I think he's excellent.'
Praise like that isn't confined to the Yankee organization. In fact, the baseball community has been very quick to recognize the talents of this young manager. Last season he finished second in the Manager of the Year voting to Chicago's Gene Lamont, whose White Sox won a division title. And in 1992 Showalter was selected by Minnesota Twins manager Tom Kelly as a coach for the American League All-Star squad, the first time a Yankee skipper was so honored since 1970 when Ralph Houk was selected by Earl Weaver.
'No question about it, people in this league have already come to recognize his ability,' says former Yankee player and current MSG announcer Tony Kubek. 'If he were to leave New York, there are a lot of teams that would love to have this fine young manager.'
Recognizing his value to the organization, on July 29, 1992, the Yankees inked Showalter to a three-year contract extension, making sure he would remain in Pinstripes through the 1995 season.
Ironically, there were those who criticized the hiring of Showalter. Not only was he the youngest manager in the majors, but he had never managed higher than the Double-A level. Still, with 1994 being his 18th consecutive year in the Yankee organization, he had a lot of respect long before he put on a big league manager's cap.
'Communication is a big part of this job,' says Showalter. 'This doesn't mean saying 'hi' to a player every day. It's about telling him what he needs to hear to become a better player, even if it's something he doesn't want to hear.'
Communication, insight, hard work and self-esteem. These qualities were part of his makeup at an early age. His impressive run began in 1977, as an outfielder at Ft. Lauderdale. He played in the Yankees system from 1977-83, making it as far as Triple-A Columbus. Yet despite leading the Southern Leagues with 152 hits in 1982, and a .324 batting average for Nashville in 1980, Showalter never made it to 'The Show.'
In 1984 he tried another trek to the majors. He began as a coach in Ft. Lauderdale, in charge of hitters and outfielders on a team that would become the 1984 Florida State League Champions.
The following year he was given his first chance to manage, in Oneonta. Showalter's first two clubs set league marks for wins in a season, 55 in 1985 and then 59 in 1986. In 1989 he was named the Eastern League's Manager of the Year after his Albany-Colonie Yankees finished with a 92-48 record, the most wins by a Yankees Double-A team since 1980- when Nashville went 97-46 with Showalter as their leading hitter!
All told, in five seasons as a manager in the Yankee organization, Showalter compiled a 360-207 record, a .635 winning percentage. His teams won three league championships in five years, with a 14-4 (.778) mark in postseason play.
'I like to think I worked just as hard then as I do now,' explains Showalter. 'There are a lot of things to stay on top of when you're managing a team.'
In 1990, as is the case with any talented prospect, Showalter was promoted to the big leagues. He spent much of his first season as a 'coach' sitting in a private booth in the press box at Yankee Stadium. As 'eye-in-the-sky' coach' his job was to chart pitches and hits.
Showalter then served as the Yankees' third base coach under manager Stump Merrill before being named skipper. Since then he has been at the forefront of the Yankees' climb from pretenders to contenders. Last season, behind both Showalter and a number of players who made significant contributions, the Yankees set major league records by spending 18 days tied for first in the AL East without ever holding the lead alone, and spending 93 consecutive days (June 18-September 18) within three games of the division lead without ever sitting alone in the top spot.
One reason for this success was consistency; while league leaders were mired in losing streaks, the Yankees never lost more than five games in a row all season. This consistency is a clear indication that a team plays like its manager. While the fans, the media and even the players got caught up in the pennant race, the manager remained on an even keel. Always preparing, always working, always turning his attention to the next game and the next goal.
Now, with the success of 1993 under his belt, Showalter has been concentrating all of his efforts on the 1994 season.
'Last year we were competitive, with an opportunity to win,' says Showalter. 'Now we need to take it to the next level. Winning it all, that's what it's all about.' "
-Charles J. Alfaro, 1994 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program
COACHES
TAKING THE YANKEES TO THE NEXT LEVEL
"The New York Yankees surprised a lot of people and gave their a fans a lot to cheer about when they came out of nowhere to challenge the Toronto Blue Jays for the divisional title in 1993.
If the team is to get to the next level in 1994, it will take a combination of experience and a winning attitude. Enter the 1994 coaches, a staff that was built around those two criteria.
Last year's Yankees, a mixture of youth and experience, turned the corner on one of the organization's darkest periods and gave everyone hope for this season. In fact, Manager Buck Showalter, never content with a second-place finish, says he wants the 1994 team to 'take it to the next level.'
To that end, the coaches- Clete Boyer, Brian Butterfield, Tony Cloninger, Billy Connors, Rick Down and Willie Randolph- all bring to the Yankees proven track records and a history of winning.
Returning for his third consecutive season on the coaching staff is Boyer, who is moving to the bench after spending the past two seasons as third base coach. The 1994 season marks Boyer's 17th in the Yankee organization, which includes stints as a major league coach, a minor league manager and coach, and a third baseman. His 16-year major league playing career was highlighted by five straight pennants with the Yankees from 1960-64, including World Championships in 1961 and 1962, during which time he became known as one of the best defensive third basemen of his time.
Also returning for a third consecutive year as a Yankee coach is Tony Cloninger, who begins his second stint as bullpen coach after serving as pitching coach in 1993. Cloninger, who won 113 games in 12 season in the majors, is in his eighth season with the Yankee organization. His championship experience was a National League pennant in 1970 with the Reds. Cloninger began his association with the Yankee organization in 1987 as a pitching coach in Oneonta. He spent 1988 as a pitching coach at Albany, then spent the next three seasons as a roving pitching instructor.
The other returnee to this staff is Down, who is in his second year as hitting coach. Down is in his sixth consecutive season in the Yankees system, which includes a series of championship seasons. During the three and a half seasons he served as manager of the Columbus Clippers (1989-92) his team won three straight International League West division titles and two straight Governors' Cup championships and were in first place for 385 of 391 game days. His Yankee teams compiled a 242-149 record and .619 winning percentage, both franchise records, as well as a club-record 95 wins in 1992. Down moved to the big leagues last year, and in his debut as a major league coach helped the Yankees lead the majors in hitting (.279) with a lineup that featured six .300 hitters.
Connors rejoins the Yankees in 1994 for his second stint as the team's pitching coach. Connors, who spent the last two-and-a-half seasons as the Cubs' pitching coach, brings the staff more than 13 years' experience as a pitching coach on the major league level: Kansas City (19880-81), the Cubs (1982-86, 1991-93), Seattle (1987-88) and the Yankees (1989-90). His championship experience includes a pennant with the Royals in 1980 and a division crown with the '84 Cubs.
Making his major league debut in 1994 is Brian Butterfield, who is serving as the team's first base coach. While new to the Pinstripes, Brian is no stranger to the organization, having been a manager or coach in the system for the past 10 years. His four years as a manager are highlighted by his winning a division title and league championship with the Sarasota Yankees in 1988, which also earned him Manager of the Year honors in the Gulf Coast League.
Rounding out the staff is Randolph, who may be a newcomer to the coaching ranks but, like the others, has longtime ties to the organization. He is making his major league coaching debut in 1994 as the team's third base coach, after spending the 1993 season in the front office as Assistant General Manager. He is better known to Yankee fans as an All-Star second baseman, who was part of Yankee teams that won two World Series, four American League pennants and five American League East titles.
Glenn Sherlock will assist the staff as bullpen catcher."
-Charles J. Alfaro, 1994 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program
RICK DOWN (Batting Coach)
"In his second consecutive season as batting coach, Rick Down oversees an offense that produced impressive numbers in 1993. The team's .279 batting average tied for first in the American League; their 178 home runs were second and their 793 RBIs were third.
The 43-year-old Down played seven years as a third baseman in the Montreal Expos' minor league system before starting his coaching career in 1976. He joined the Yankees organization as manager of the Columbus Clippers in 1989, then split the following season managing at Albany-Colonie and Columbus before leading the Clippers to two consecutive Governor's Cup Championships.
With many offensive pieces back from the '93 club, the Yankees and Down have much to look forward to."
-The New York Yankees Official 1994 Yearbook
"Down begins his second consecutive season as the Yankees' batting coach, a position he was appointed to on October 16, 1992. He begins his sixth consecutive season in the Yankee organization. He spent last winter managing the Aragua Tigres in the Venezuelan Winter League.
From 1990-92 he served as manager of the Class AAA Columbus Clippers, a position he was appointed to on June 6, 1990, when Columbus skipper Stump Merrill was named Yankee manager. He led the Clippers to three straight IL West Division titles and two straight Governors' Cups (1991-92), compiling a 242-149 record. His 242 wins and .619 winning percentage are both Clipper records.
Down led the 1992 club to a 95-49 record and a Governors' Cup championship. His 1992 Clipper squad set a franchise record with 95 wins, the most wins in the International League since 1960 when Toronto went 100-54. From June 6, 1990, through the end of the '92 season, he had Columbus in first place 385 of 391 game days.
In 1989 Rick began the season as the Yankees' roving hitting instructor before serving as Columbus manager for the final 16 games of the season when Bucky Dent was named Yankee manager. In 1990 he served as manager of the AA Albany Yankees before his promotion to Columbus.
Drafted by the Montreal Expos in June of 1969, Rick spent seven seasons in the minor leagues as a third baseman. He hit .257 with 33 home runs in 745 games.
After beginning his coaching career with West Palm Beach in 1976, Down managed at Bellingham in 1977 and Stockton in 1978. He left pro baseball to coach at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas from 1979-84.
Rick then served in the California Angels organization as a minor league hitting instructor (1985-86) and special assignments coach (1987-88)."
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
COACHING CAREER
1976 first base coach, West Palm Beach Expos
1979-84 head coach, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
1985-86 minor league hitting instructor, California Angels
1987-88 special assignments coach, California Angels
1989 minor league hitting instructor, New York Yankees
1993-94 batting coach, New York Yankees
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
Richard John Down "Rick" (CH) #48
Born December 14, 1950, in Wyandotte, Michigan, resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Married, Jill (10/17/78), and father of Darcy (13), Boomer (6) and Cassandra (1).
Opening Day age: 43.
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
BILLY CONNORS (Pitching Coach)
"There are few baseball men who bring the depth of experience and knowledge to a pitching staff as Billy Connors does. The 52-year-old coach returns to the Bronx where he served as a pitching coach for the Yankees from 1989-90. More recently he served as the Chicago Cubs pitching coach from 1991-93.
Connors' impressive credentials will only enhance manager Buck Showalter's staff. Prior to joining the Yankees in '89, Connors toiled as the Seattle Mariners' pitching coach from 1987-88. He was also the pitching coach for two playoff teams: the 1980 Kansas City Royals and the 1984 Chicago Cubs. In addition, he spent eight years learning his trade as a minor league pitching instructor, three with the New York Mets and five with the Philadelphia Phillies.
When Connors talks, his pitching staff is sure to listen."
-The New York Yankees Official 1994 Yearbook
"In 1994 Connors returns to New York as pitching coach. He held that position with the Yankees in 1989-90. He spent the past two and half seasons as the pitching coach of the Chicago Cubs after rejoining the Cubs in 1991 as minor league pitching coordinator.
Connors spent the entire 1989 season as Yankee pitching coach. Joining the coaching staff on October 17, 1988, he became the 15th different pitching coach during the last 17 years and only the fifth to last an entire season in that span.
After working in the Mets front office (1971-72), Billy began his coaching career by serving seven years as a minor league pitching instructor (four with the Mets from 1973-76 and three with the Phillies from 1977-79) before joining the Kansas City Royals' major league staff under Jim Frey in 1980. After two seasons with the Royals, he joined the Cubs' staff (under manager Lee Elia) in 1982. Billy served as the Cubs' pitching coach from 1982-86 before being the Seattle Mariners pitching coach in 1987-88, before joining the Yankees in 1989. He worked with championship teams in 1980 (Kansas City) and 1984 (Chicago).
Billy was the manager at Marion of the Appalachian (rookie) League for part of the 1975 season. He was also an interim manager for Oklahoma of the American Association in 1977. He has a career 16-20 (.444) record as a minor league manager.
He played in the Cubs' farm system from 1961-67 before finishing this 10-year professional playing career in the Mets' system. Connors made his major league debut with the Cubs in 1966, going 0-1 with a 7.31 ERA in 11 appearances. He also saw major league action with the Mets in 1967 and 1968. Overall he went 0-2 with a 7.53 ERA in 26 major league games, including one start. In 1970 he served as a player-coach at Pompano Beach.
His 10-year playing career began in 1961 in Wenatchee, Washington (Cubs affiliate in the Northwest League). In 1963, Connors enjoyed his finest pro season (12-11, 3.22 ERA in 30 appearances) in a return to Wenatchee. He made his major league debut with the Cubs in 1966, going 0-1 with a 7.31 ERA in 11 games, all in relief. He pitched two seasons in Tacoma (Pacific Coast League) before being sold to the Mets in August 1967, and in two brief stays with the Mets (1967-68) went 0-1 in 15 games. Connors overall pitched in 26 major league games, going 0-2 with a 7.53 ERA. Prior to 1963, he played four different positions (catcher, second base, outfield and pitcher) before pitching exclusively in his final eight seasons.
Billy played in the Little League World Series in 1953 and 1954, with Schenectady winning the title in 1954. He attended Linton High School in Schenectady and was named Player of the Year in both baseball and basketball in 1959. He played baseball and basketball at Syracuse University.
Billy underwent a successful hip replacement surgery after the 1986 season."
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
COACHING CAREER
1973-76 minor league pitching instructor, New York Mets
1977-78 minor league pitching instructor, Philadelphia Phillies
1980-81 pitching coach, Kansas City Royals
1982-86 pitching coach, Chicago Cubs
1987-88 pitching coach Seattle Mariners
1989-90 pitching coach, New York Yankees
1991 minor league pitching instructor, Chicago Cubs
1991-93 pitching coach, Chicago Cubs
1994 pitching coach, New York Yankees
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
William Joseph Connors (Billy) (CH) #36
Born November 2, 1941, in Schenectady, New York, resides in Safety Harbor, Florida.
College: Syracuse University
Opening Day age: 52
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
WILLIE RANDOLPH (Third Base Coach)
"For 13 seasons, Willie Randolph wore the Pinstripes as one of the game's preeminent second basemen. After serving last season as a Yankees Assistant General Manager, Randolph again dons a Pinstriped jersey, this time as the club's third base coach.
The 39-year-old former All-Star, who joined the Yankees in 1976 after his major league debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates, also enjoyed successful years with the Dodgers, A's, Brewers and Mets before retiring in 1993.
Manager Showalter can rest assured that his baserunners are in good hands each time they round third and head for home."
-The New York Yankees Official 1994 Yearbook
"Randolph was named to the Yankees' coaching staff in October 1993 and is making his major league coaching debut. He joined the Yankees' front office after the '93 All-Star break as an assistant general manager.
He played 18 years in the major leagues, including 13 years with the Yankees. He began his career in 1975 with the Pirates, then played for the Yankees, Dodgers, A's and Brewers before finishing his career with the Mets in 1992. In his career Randolph played in 2,202 games and hit .276 with 2,210 hits, 1,239 runs, 54 home runs and 687 RBIs. He played 2,152 games at second base, 11 as a designated hitter and one at third base.
With the Yankees, Willie hit .275 in 1,694 games from 1976-88. Along with Ron Guidry he was named Yankee Co-Captain on March 4, 1986. Randolph played more games at second base (1,688) than any other Yankee. He ranks among the all-time Yankee leaders in games (8th), at-bats (7th with 6,303), runs (7th with 1,027), hits (11th with 1,731), doubles (14th with 259), triples (19th with 58) and stolen bases (2nd with 251).
He hit .222 in 47 postseason games, including .181 in 20 World Series games. He was selected for six All-Star Games and played in five, hitting .286.
In 1976 Willie became the first rookie placed on the All-Star ballot. He had his best major league season in 1987, hitting .305 with 67 RBIs and 96 runs scored. In 1989 he was named the Dodgers' MVP by the Anaheim/Los Angeles chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America. In 1991 for the Brewers he ranked third in the American League in batting average (.327) and second in on-base percentage (.429).
Although born in Holy Hill, South Carolina, Willie's family moved to the Brownsville section of Brooklyn when he was an infant. He graduated from Tilden High School. His brother Terry was Green Bay Packers' 11th round draft choice in 1977, and also played for the Jets."
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
Set major league record, most chances accepted, second baseman, extra-inning game (since 1900) (19 innings) (20), August 25, 1976.
Tied major league record, most assists, second baseman, extra-inning game (since 1900) (19 innings) (13), August 25, 1976.
Led American League second basemen in putouts (355), 1979.
Led American League second basemen in assists (478), 1979.
Led American League second basemen in double plays (128), 1979.
Led American League in walks (119), 1980.
Tied for American League lead, most errors, second baseman (20), 1986.
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
WORLD SERIES PLAY
Set World Series record, most walks, six-game Series (9), 1981.
Tied World Series record, fewest chances, second baseman, game (0), 1981.
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
ALL-STAR GAME PLAY
Set All-Star Game record, most assists, second baseman, nine-inning game (6), July 19, 1977.
Tied All-Star Game record, most at-bats, nine-inning game (5), July 19, 1977.
Tied All-Star Game record, most errors, second baseman, game (2), July 8, 1980.
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
COACHING CAREER
Third base coach, New York Yankees, 1994.
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
Willie Larry Randolph (Mickey) (CH) #30
Born July 6, 1954, Holy Hills, South Carolina, resides in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.
Married, Gretchen. Children: Taniesha (18), Ciara (19), Chantre (15), Andre (13).
Opening Age: 39
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
BRIAN BUTTERFIELD (First Base Coach)
"It is unlikely that Brian Butterfield, the Yankees' first base coach, is a household name to most Yankee fans. It might surprise Yankee fans even more to find out that the 35-year-old has been part of the Yankee family since 1979.
After Butterfield's minor league playing days ended in 1983, he began to distinguish himself as both a coach and manager throughout the Yankees' minor league system. In 1988, his first year as a skipper, he was named Manager of the Year in the Gulf Coast League.
Butterfield's other assignments have included managing duties at Oneonta, Greensboro and Ft. Lauderdale, a stint as the Yankees' Roving Infield/Defense Instructor and as a coach last season with the Albany-Colonie Yankees.
For most fans, Brian Butterfield is an unknown commodity, but before long they'll come to know his true value."
-The New York Yankees Official 1994 Yearbook
"Butterfield joined the Yankees' coaching staff in 1993 and is making his major league coaching debut. He spent the 1993 season as a coach at Class AA Albany. He has been a manager or coach in the organization since 1994.
He managed at Class-A Ft. Lauderdale in 1992, and in 1988 managed Class-A Sarasota to a division title and league championship and was named Gulf Coast League Manager of the Year.
He has a 211-206 (.506) record in his four-year career as a minor league manager. He spent two seasons (1984, 1991) as a roving infield instructor in the Yankee system and coached a season at AAA Columbus (1986). Brian played five years in the minors (1979-83) prior to his coaching career, including four years in the Yankee system. He was named Most Valuable Player at Ft. Lauderdale in 1981.
He was a member of the 1978 Florida Southern team that won the national championship. He was signed by New York as a free agent in June 1979. He graduated from Florida Southern College in 1980 with a bachelor's degree in physical education.
He coached during the fall baseball season at Florida Southern (1979) and at Eckerd College (1980-81).
Brian is the son of the late Jack Butterfield, a Yankees vice-president of player development and scouting."
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
COACHING CAREER
1984 Yankees roving minor league infield instructor
1985 coach, Class a Ft. Lauderdale Yankees
1986 coach, Class AAA Columbus, Yankees
1987 coach, Class A Oneonta, Yankees
1988 manager, Class A Sarasota, Yankees
1989 manager, Class A Oneonta, Yankees
1990 manager, Class A Greensboro, Yankees
1991 Yankees roving minor league infield/defense instructor
1992 manager, Class a Ft. Lauderdale Yankees
1993 coach, Class AA Albany, Yankees
1994 first base coach, New York Yankees
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
Brian James Butterfield (CH) #55
Born March 9, 1958, in Bangor, Maine, resides in Tampa, Florida.
Married, Jan, and father of John (15) and Chris (15).
Graduate of Florida Southern College, attended University of Maine, Orono, and Valencia Community College.
Opening Day age: 36
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
CLETE BOYER (Bench Coach)
"Back for a third consecutive season, Boyer takes over duties as bench coach after two seasons working the third base coaching box.
To Yankee fans, Boyer is best known as the team's stalwart third baseman from 1959-66. His slick glove work helped the Yankees to five straight World Series from the early to mid-1960s.
Boyer has a wealth of major league coaching experience. He coached six years with the Oakland A's (1980-85) and one year with the Yankees (1988). The Missouri native also served as a Yankees minor league instructor at Ft. Lauderdale, where Showalter was serving as manager.
Obviously, the Yankees are in good hands when Boyer was around."
-The New York Yankees Official 1994 Yearbook
"Clete is in his first season as Yankee bench coach. He spent the 1992 and 1993 seasons as New York's third base coach and spent the 1990-91 seasons as third base coach with the Columbus Clippers. In 1989, he managed the Ft. Lauderdale Yankees to a 61-77 record. Clete served as Billy Martin's third base coach with the Yankees in 1988.
He has nine years of major league coaching experience including six years with Oakland (1980-85). He was a minor league instructor with the Atlanta Braves (1977-79) and with the Yankees in 1987.
Boyer played 16 years in the major leagues, starting his career in 1955 with the Kansas City A's. He played with them from 1955-57 before being traded with pitchers Art Ditmar, Bobby Shantz and Jack McMahan and first baseman Wayne Belardi to the Yankees in exchange for pitchers Rip Coleman, Tom Morgan and Mickey McDermott, shortstop Billy Hunter, second baseman Milt Graff and outfielder Irv Noren.
Boyer became the Yankees' regular third baseman in 1960 and played in his first of five World Series. His seventh-inning home run in the first game of the 1962 World Series, against the San Francisco Giants, broke a 2-2 tie and gave Whitey Ford his 10th World Series victory. He batted .318 in the '62 Series and set a World Series record for most assists by a third baseman that was broken by Graig Nettles in 1984. It followed Boyer's best year with the Yankees when he batted a career high .272 with 18 home runs and 68 RBIs while playing 157 games, all at third base.
He was traded to the Atlanta Braves in November 1966 in exchange for outfielder Bill Robinson and pitcher Chi-Chi Olivo. He played five years for the Braves and had his most productive year in 1967 with career highs in home runs (26) and RBIs (96). Clete led National League third basemen in fielding in 1967 (.970) and 1969 (.965). After leaving Atlanta he finished his career in Japan.
Clete ranks fifth on the all-time fielding list for third basemen. He also played shortstop and second base in his career along with one game in the outfield in 1961. He hit five grand slams in his career.
Clete is a member of a great baseball family, including brothers Ken and Cloyd. The Boyers are third in combined career home runs by brothers (Aarons (Hank, Tommie)-768, DiMaggios (Joe, Dom, Vince)-573, Murrays (Eddie, Rich)-445, Boyers-444, Mays (Lee, Carlos)-444, Nettles (Graig, Jim)-406)."
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tied World Series record, most double plays started by a third baseman, nine-inning game (2), October 12, 1960.
Tied World Series record, most at-bats, nine-inning game (6), October 12, 1960.
Led American League third basemen in double plays (41), 1962.
Established World Series record, most assists by a third baseman, career (65).
Led American League third basemen in double plays (46), 1965.
Named third baseman on The Sporting News National League All-Star fielding team, 1969.
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
COACHING CAREER
1977-79 minor league coach, Atlanta Braves
1980-85 third base coach, Oakland A's
1987 minor league instructor, New York Yankees
1988 third base coach, New York Yankees
1990-91 third base coach, Columbus, Yankees
1992-93 third base coach, New York Yankees
1994 bench coach, New York Yankees
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
Cletis Leroy Boyer "Clete" (CH) #6
Born February 8, 1937, in Cassville, Missouri, resides in Bellair Beach, Florida. Married, Terry, and father of Valerie, Stephanie, Mickey, Collette, Jerran and Brett.
Opening Day age: 57.
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
TONY CLONINGER (Bullpen Coach)
"With 16 years of pitching experience under his belt, Tony Cloninger now handles the duties of Yankees bullpen coach, a position he held in 1992 after serving last season as the club's pitching coach.
A winner of 113 major leagues with five major league clubs, the 53-year-old Cloninger has been part of the Yankee family since 1987 when he started as pitching coach in Oneonta. He also served as pitching coach for the Albany-Colonie in '88 and worked as the organization's roving pitching instructor in 1989-91.
Manager Showalter knows when the phone rings in the bullpen, his pitchers are well taken care of."
-The New York Yankees Official 1994 Yearbook
"Cloninger returns to the Yankees in 1994 as bullpen coach, a position he held in 1992. He was the Yankee pitching coach in 1993.
1994 is his eighth consecutive season in the Yankee organization and his third as a major league coach. From 1989-91 worked with young pitchers throughout the organization as New York's roving pitching coordinator. He was the pitching coach at AA Albany in 1988 and A Oneonta in 1989.
He pitched in the major leagues from 1961-1972 with the Milwaukee Braves, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals. He posted a 113-97 career record with a 4.07 ERA.
He won 19 games for the 1964 Milwaukee club and 24 games in 1965. When he won 19 in '64, he led the team in victories after Warren Spahn had led the Braves in wins for 15 consecutive seasons. Cloninger still holds the major league record for most RBIs by a pitcher in a single game (9), hitting two grand slams (tying another major league one-game record) on July 6, 1966, for the Atlanta Braves against San Francisco. He hit .234 with five home runs in 1966 and finished his career with 11 home runs.
Tony was traded to Cincinnati along with pitcher Clay Carroll and infielder Woody Woodward for pitchers Milt Pappas, Ted Davidson and infielder Bob Johnson on June 11, 1968. He was traded to St. Louis on March 24,1972, for infielder Julian Javier and played his final season with the Cardinals. Following his retirement, Tony conducted baseball camps and clinics. He has also worked in the sporting goods industry and coached American Legion baseball.
His son Darin was a draft pick of the Padres in 1983 and his son Michael was selected by the Twins the same year. Darin was traded to the Yankees in 1984 as the player to be named later along with pitcher Dennis Rasmussen in exchange for Graig Nettles and pitched for two seasons in the Yankee organization."
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
Led Pioneer League in shutouts (4), 1959.
Set major league record for most runs batted in by a pitcher, one game (9), July 3, 1966.
Tied major league record for most grand slams, one game (2), July 3, 1966.
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
COACHING CAREER
1987 pitching coach, Class A Oneonta, Yankees
1988 pitching coach, Class AA Albany, Yankees
1989-91 minor league pitching coordinator, Yankees
1992 bullpen coach, New York Yankees
1993 pitching coach, New York Yankees
1994 bullpen coach, New York Yankees
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tony Lee Cloninger (bullpen coach) #40
Born August 13, 1940, in Lincoln County, North Carolina, resides in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Married, Betty (12/22/90), and father of Tony Jr., Darin , Terri, Michael, Steve, Meredith, Chad and Chris.
Opening Day age: 53.
-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide
