"Clete Boyer's glove, while still in flawless form in 1965, didn't have to carry the whole load as it did the previous season. This time Clete had an active bat, as he hiked his average to .251 and walloped 18 homers, more than doubling his output in 1964. The way he started out, though, it looked like another gloomy year. His average was under .200 on June 4, but Clete spurted after that. In the field, he was fourth among the league's third basemen and he led in assists and double plays. Clete attributes his improved hitting to a switch to a bottle bat last year. Pitchers can't get into a pattern with him. They generally keep the ball down and away but then move it around when he gets wise to it."
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1966
"Clete Boyer was determined in the spring of 1965 to improve his batting average. He did just that, improving 33 points last season to .251, and upped his homer output from eight to 18. But the glittering fielding shortstop, who moved to that post from his accustomed position at third early this season, was not happy over his total performance last summer and reported to training in the best shape of his career this spring. He has been playing a brilliant shortstop, but the hits have not come as often as Clete would like in the early weeks of this season. Clete hopes to improve on that lifetime .240 batting average this season and hopes to help the Yankee comeback.
Clete, now 29, was best known to Yankee fans as the spectacular fielding third baseman before he moved to short. Proof of his agility and quick reflexes are attested by the number of years Boyer has led American League third basemen in assists (1961, 1962 and 1965), in putouts ('62) and double plays ('65). Now in his eighth Yankee season, Clete Boyer hopes to make this one his best yet."
-The New York Yankees Official 1966 Yearbook
Acquired along with Art Ditmar, Bobby Shantz, Jack McMahon and Wayne Belardi from Kansas City Athletics in exchange for Rip Coleman, Tom Morgan, Maury McDermott, Billy Hunter, Milt Graff and Irv Noren, February 19, 1957.
Led American League third basemen in assists (373), 1961.
Led American League third basemen in assists (396), 1962.
Led American League third basemen in putouts (187), 1962.
Hit .291 during first half of 1963 season with 10 home runs (through July 5).
Second highest fielding average for American League third basemen (.968), 1964.
Led American League third basemen in assists (354), 1965.
Led American League third basemen in double plays (46), 1965.
Brother of Ken Boyer of Mets, Cloyd Boyer, former pitcher for Cardinals and currently a pitching coach in Yankee farm system, and Ronnie Boyer, who signed a Yankee contract on May 30, 1962.
-1966 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Friday, April 4, 2014
1966 Profile: Bobby Richardson
1966 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Unobtrusive is the word for Bobby Richardson. Nobody knows he's around except for the opposing team. He makes the crucial play in the field a matter of routine, and his hit usually starts a Yankee rally - or keeps one going. He rarely ever falls into a slump. Last year, for example, he went hitless in only 38 of the 160 games in which he played. His average dipped slightly to .247 and he stroked 164 hits - a department in which he generally leads the club. Now starting his tenth season with the Yankees, Bobby enjoyed his best year in 1962 when he batted .302, led the league with 209 hits and finished second to Mickey Mantle for MVP."
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1966
"Bobby Richardson, the Yankees' classy All-Star second baseman, is a man of his word. When his shortstop sidekick Tony Kubek was forced to retire, Bobby agreed to return for at least the 1966 season. Now in his tenth year as the Yankees' regular second baseman, this fine young man has won a deserved place in the hearts of young fans across the country. An exemplar human being, a fine athlete, a representative Christian leader, Bobby Richardson expresses the best in American sports.
The 1965 season was not his most productive, but he and Tom Tresh were the most reliable Yankees. Bobby has played in 150 or more games annually for the last six seasons and has had over 600 at-bats yearly for the last five years. A World Series record holder in hits, RBIs, runs scored, triples and in hitting a grand slam homer, Bobby has a .305 lifetime Series average and has been selected on seven All-Star teams. But his contributions to the Yankees continue on a day-in and day-out basis ... not always spectacular, but consistently first rate."
-The New York Yankees Official 1966 Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, June 12, 1953.
One of ten players to hit grand slam in World Series game, connecting in 1st inning off Clem Labine of Pittsburgh at Yankee Stadium, October 8, 1960.
Set World Series record for most runs batted in, one game (6), against Pittsburgh, October 8, 1960.
Tied World Series record for most triples, one game (2), against Pittsburgh, October 12, 1960.
Set record for most runs batted in, one World Series (12), against Pittsburgh, 1960.
Tied record for most runs scored, one World Series (8), against Pittsburgh, 1960.
Won Sport Magazine Corvette as outstanding performer [Babe Ruth Award], 1960 World Series.
Tied record for most hits, five-game World Series (9), against Cincinnati, 1961.
Holds American League record, most at-bats, one season (692), 1962.
Placed second to Mickey Mantle in American League MVP voting, 1962.
Led American League in at-bats (679) for third consecutive year, 1964, tying American League record.
Led Yankees in hits (181), 1964.
Set World Series record for most hits (13), against St. Louis, 1964.
-1966 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
"Unobtrusive is the word for Bobby Richardson. Nobody knows he's around except for the opposing team. He makes the crucial play in the field a matter of routine, and his hit usually starts a Yankee rally - or keeps one going. He rarely ever falls into a slump. Last year, for example, he went hitless in only 38 of the 160 games in which he played. His average dipped slightly to .247 and he stroked 164 hits - a department in which he generally leads the club. Now starting his tenth season with the Yankees, Bobby enjoyed his best year in 1962 when he batted .302, led the league with 209 hits and finished second to Mickey Mantle for MVP."
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1966
"Bobby Richardson, the Yankees' classy All-Star second baseman, is a man of his word. When his shortstop sidekick Tony Kubek was forced to retire, Bobby agreed to return for at least the 1966 season. Now in his tenth year as the Yankees' regular second baseman, this fine young man has won a deserved place in the hearts of young fans across the country. An exemplar human being, a fine athlete, a representative Christian leader, Bobby Richardson expresses the best in American sports.
The 1965 season was not his most productive, but he and Tom Tresh were the most reliable Yankees. Bobby has played in 150 or more games annually for the last six seasons and has had over 600 at-bats yearly for the last five years. A World Series record holder in hits, RBIs, runs scored, triples and in hitting a grand slam homer, Bobby has a .305 lifetime Series average and has been selected on seven All-Star teams. But his contributions to the Yankees continue on a day-in and day-out basis ... not always spectacular, but consistently first rate."
-The New York Yankees Official 1966 Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, June 12, 1953.
One of ten players to hit grand slam in World Series game, connecting in 1st inning off Clem Labine of Pittsburgh at Yankee Stadium, October 8, 1960.
Set World Series record for most runs batted in, one game (6), against Pittsburgh, October 8, 1960.
Tied World Series record for most triples, one game (2), against Pittsburgh, October 12, 1960.
Set record for most runs batted in, one World Series (12), against Pittsburgh, 1960.
Tied record for most runs scored, one World Series (8), against Pittsburgh, 1960.
Won Sport Magazine Corvette as outstanding performer [Babe Ruth Award], 1960 World Series.
Tied record for most hits, five-game World Series (9), against Cincinnati, 1961.
Holds American League record, most at-bats, one season (692), 1962.
Placed second to Mickey Mantle in American League MVP voting, 1962.
Led American League in at-bats (679) for third consecutive year, 1964, tying American League record.
Led Yankees in hits (181), 1964.
Set World Series record for most hits (13), against St. Louis, 1964.
-1966 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
1966 Profile: Elston Howard
"Spring training started all over again last June for Elston Howard. The 37-year-old catcher, winner of the American League's MVP Award for 1963, underwent arm surgery just after opening day and missed the first 40 games of the season. His sub-par .233 batting average reflects his late start. He'd been a solid .289 hitter for the Yanks in his previous ten seasons, as well as the league's best all-around catcher. When he first came up, the pitchers got him out on high fastballs, but now they throw him low and work him in and out. He murders the slow stuff."
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1966
"Elston Howard came back all the way in spring training this year. The nine-time American League All-Star indicated that he had fully recovered from surgery that had hampered his throwing and hitting most of last season. Diligent exercising and what the veteran receiver calls his 'youthful body' contributed to his recovery. A healthy Howard is just about the best tonic the Yankees could ask for in this comeback season.
The 1965 campaign is one Ellie would like to forget. His batting average dropped an even 80 points and his .233 mark was 51 points below his lifetime average. But Howard made a remarkable comeback last year.
The American League's Most Valuable Player of 1963 had an equally fine 1964 campaign, hitting a club-leading .313, setting a major league season record for putouts by a catcher, establishing an American League mark for most chances, and knocking in the winning run 21 times."
-The New York Yankees Official 1966 Yearbook
Purchased by Yankees from Kansas City Monarchs, July 24, 1950.
Named International League's Most Valuable Player while with Toronto, 1954.
Hit home run in first World Series at-bat, September 28, 1955.
Won Babe Ruth Award (top World Series player), 1958.
Led Yankees in hitting (.348), 1961.
Hit two home runs in one game three times, 1962.
Led Yankees in batting average (.287), home runs (28) and triples (6), 1963.
Named Most Valuable Player in American League, 1963.
Knocked in deciding run a club-leading 21 times, 1964.
Led Yankees and third in American League in hitting (.313), 1964.
Set Major League record, most putouts, season, by a catcher (939), 1964.
Set American League record, most chances accepted, season, by a catcher (1,006), 1964.
Led American League catchers in fielding (.998), 1964.
Injured right elbow, April 3, 1965, in exhibition game in Puerto Rico ... slipped while making throw to second base. Placed on disabled list, May 4. Underwent surgery, May 4, for removal of two bone chips from right elbow. Reactivated, June 4.
-1966 Press-TV-Radio Guide
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1966
"Elston Howard came back all the way in spring training this year. The nine-time American League All-Star indicated that he had fully recovered from surgery that had hampered his throwing and hitting most of last season. Diligent exercising and what the veteran receiver calls his 'youthful body' contributed to his recovery. A healthy Howard is just about the best tonic the Yankees could ask for in this comeback season.
The 1965 campaign is one Ellie would like to forget. His batting average dropped an even 80 points and his .233 mark was 51 points below his lifetime average. But Howard made a remarkable comeback last year.
The American League's Most Valuable Player of 1963 had an equally fine 1964 campaign, hitting a club-leading .313, setting a major league season record for putouts by a catcher, establishing an American League mark for most chances, and knocking in the winning run 21 times."
-The New York Yankees Official 1966 Yearbook
Purchased by Yankees from Kansas City Monarchs, July 24, 1950.
Named International League's Most Valuable Player while with Toronto, 1954.
Hit home run in first World Series at-bat, September 28, 1955.
Won Babe Ruth Award (top World Series player), 1958.
Led Yankees in hitting (.348), 1961.
Hit two home runs in one game three times, 1962.
Led Yankees in batting average (.287), home runs (28) and triples (6), 1963.
Named Most Valuable Player in American League, 1963.
Knocked in deciding run a club-leading 21 times, 1964.
Led Yankees and third in American League in hitting (.313), 1964.
Set Major League record, most putouts, season, by a catcher (939), 1964.
Set American League record, most chances accepted, season, by a catcher (1,006), 1964.
Led American League catchers in fielding (.998), 1964.
Injured right elbow, April 3, 1965, in exhibition game in Puerto Rico ... slipped while making throw to second base. Placed on disabled list, May 4. Underwent surgery, May 4, for removal of two bone chips from right elbow. Reactivated, June 4.
-1966 Press-TV-Radio Guide
Thursday, April 3, 2014
1966 Profile: Pedro Ramos
"Pedro Ramos has started 267 games in his 11-year American League career. He has appeared in 78 games with the Yankees since his pennant-saving acquisition from Cleveland on September 5, 1964. And not one of those 78 trips to the mound was as a starter. Pete is the Yankee relief ace now.
Last year, for the first time in his career, he completed a season with an earned run mark under 3.00. The high-spirited right-hander with the flashy western style of dressing had always wanted to be a Yankee. He got his wish in time to help the Yanks' rush to the title in '64, but he was acquired too late to be a Series eligible.
Soon, he will be a Yankee off the field, too. The native of Cuba will become an American citizen this spring and he's looking forward to that privilege.
'This is my country now,' Pete said proudly. And the Yankees are his team."
-The New York Yankees Official 1966 Yearbook
"Tied American League record for pitchers by hitting two home runs in one game (May 30, 1962, first game). Duplicated feat (July 31, 1963).
Acquired by Yankees from Indians, September 5, 1964.
Credited with eight saves in 13 games for Yankees, 1964.
Tied Yankee record, set by Luis Arroyo in 1961, for most games (65), 1965.
Led Yankees in saves (18), 1965."
-1966 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
1966 Profile: Jim Bouton
"Jim Bouton, like the Yankees, did not enjoy the 1965 baseball season. Coming off 21 and 18 game winning seasons, the spunky right-hander slumped to four wins last summer and 15 losses. A tender arm was the partial cause of Jim's trouble last year although he was able to work in 30 games.
In the early days of spring training this year, Jim was hit hard but he was hoping that work and sunshine would help restore the 'stuff' that made him one of the league's premier pitchers in 1963 and 1964.
The Bulldog started 37 games in 1964, more than any other American League pitcher. He pitched the pennant-clincher against Minnesota in '63 and a shutout against Washington in his first start as a big leaguer in 1962. He was also the winning hurler in the longest game ever played in the American loop ... 22 innings in seven hours, also in 1962.
Jim Bouton and the Yankees are hoping that he will be more like his 1963 and '64 form this season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1966 Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, November 11, 1958.
Pitched 7-hit shutout in first major league start, winning 8-0 over Washington, May 6, 1962.
Winning pitcher of longest game in American League (7 hours, 22 innings), final score 9-7, at Detroit, June 24, 1962.
Won pennant-clinching game for Yankees in 1963, September 13 at Minnesota.
21-game winner for Yankees in 1963, his second season in major leagues ... combined with Whitey Ford to give Yankees two 20-game winners in one year, first time since 1951 when Eddie Lopat was 21-9 and Vic Raschi was 21-10.
Second in the American League in shutouts (6), 1963.
Had lowest ERA on the Yankee staff (2.53), 1963.
Led American League in games started (37), 1964.
Led Yankees in wins (18) and innings pitched (271), 1964.
-1966 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
In the early days of spring training this year, Jim was hit hard but he was hoping that work and sunshine would help restore the 'stuff' that made him one of the league's premier pitchers in 1963 and 1964.
The Bulldog started 37 games in 1964, more than any other American League pitcher. He pitched the pennant-clincher against Minnesota in '63 and a shutout against Washington in his first start as a big leaguer in 1962. He was also the winning hurler in the longest game ever played in the American loop ... 22 innings in seven hours, also in 1962.
Jim Bouton and the Yankees are hoping that he will be more like his 1963 and '64 form this season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1966 Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, November 11, 1958.
Pitched 7-hit shutout in first major league start, winning 8-0 over Washington, May 6, 1962.
Winning pitcher of longest game in American League (7 hours, 22 innings), final score 9-7, at Detroit, June 24, 1962.
Won pennant-clinching game for Yankees in 1963, September 13 at Minnesota.
21-game winner for Yankees in 1963, his second season in major leagues ... combined with Whitey Ford to give Yankees two 20-game winners in one year, first time since 1951 when Eddie Lopat was 21-9 and Vic Raschi was 21-10.
Second in the American League in shutouts (6), 1963.
Had lowest ERA on the Yankee staff (2.53), 1963.
Led American League in games started (37), 1964.
Led Yankees in wins (18) and innings pitched (271), 1964.
-1966 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
1966 Profile: Al Downing
"The Yankees feel that Al Downing should be more than a 12- or 13-game winner, and Al is the first one to agree. He has one of the best fastballs in the league but his trouble is that he can't always get his curve over. The trim lefty struck out 179 batters last season but he also walked 105, while compiling a 12-14 mark. He led the AL in strikeouts the previous season with 217. He also walked the most - 120 - and turned in a 13-8 record. The feeling is that he works best at a rapid pace and Yankee catchers try to get the ball back to him as quickly as possible."
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1966
"Al Downing will be 25 this summer and he has about three full American League seasons behind him. In those years he won 38, lost 28 and posted a commendable 3.24 ERA. In 642 innings pitched up to this season, the Trenton lefty had fanned 580 men, better than an 8.1 per game average.
Impressive statistics? Not really. For everyone expects the swift southpaw to make it 'big' one of these years. The Yankees hope it will be this season. Al is endowed with all the tools, including an intelligent approach to the game. But he has to conquer occasional control problems and put all of his assets together.
When Sandy Koufax was 25, he had won 36 games, lost 40 with the Dodgers. At the same age, Whitey Ford had won 27, lost seven. So when experts say Al Downing's career is ahead of him, you can understand the optimism."
-The New York Yankees Official 1966 Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, December 9, 1960.
Pitched no-hit game for Richmond, May 12, 1962, beating Syracuse 4-0.
Recalled from Richmond, June 6, 1963.
Struck out a single-game high (14), July 6, 1963.
Led American League in strikeouts (217), 1964.
Has struck out 10 or more in one game 12 times.
-1966 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1966
"Al Downing will be 25 this summer and he has about three full American League seasons behind him. In those years he won 38, lost 28 and posted a commendable 3.24 ERA. In 642 innings pitched up to this season, the Trenton lefty had fanned 580 men, better than an 8.1 per game average.
Impressive statistics? Not really. For everyone expects the swift southpaw to make it 'big' one of these years. The Yankees hope it will be this season. Al is endowed with all the tools, including an intelligent approach to the game. But he has to conquer occasional control problems and put all of his assets together.
When Sandy Koufax was 25, he had won 36 games, lost 40 with the Dodgers. At the same age, Whitey Ford had won 27, lost seven. So when experts say Al Downing's career is ahead of him, you can understand the optimism."
-The New York Yankees Official 1966 Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, December 9, 1960.
Pitched no-hit game for Richmond, May 12, 1962, beating Syracuse 4-0.
Recalled from Richmond, June 6, 1963.
Struck out a single-game high (14), July 6, 1963.
Led American League in strikeouts (217), 1964.
Has struck out 10 or more in one game 12 times.
-1966 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
1966 Profile: Mel Stottlemyre
1966 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Mel Stottlemyre is a pencil-slim right-hander who fits the traditional Yankee mold of pitching efficiency. In his first complete season with the Yanks, he turned in a 20-9 mark and his 2.63 ERA was eighth best in the league. He showed signs of impending brilliance when he came up from Richmond late in 1964 to win nine games out of 12 decisions and virtually pitch the Yankees into the World Series. To be even more effective, he needs a third pitch to go with his good sinker and his fastball, which also has a natural dip to it. Many of his walks are not due to wildness but are attributable to the fact that AL umpires don't give you the low strike."
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1966
"Mel Stottlemyre's position as a Yankee has changed abruptly in a year-and-a-half. He was brought up to the parent club in mid-August, 1964 to help a staggering pitching staff. He helped!. The long, rangy right-hander won nine, lost only three, starred in the losing cause in the World Series, and all eyes were on him last spring.
He didn't disappoint, posting a seasonal record of 20-9 with a neat 2.63 ERA. He topped the American League with 18 complete games. The Sporting News' Minor League Player of 1964, he was a major league All-Star in 1965.
The popular sinker ball hurler likes to hunt and fish near his Mabton, Washington home. He has time to relax in the winter, but he's all business in the summer. A good competitor on the mound, in the field and at bat, Mel figures to lead the Yankee staff often in the years ahead."
-The New York Yankees Official 1966 Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, June 10, 1961.
Led International League in ERA (1.42), 1964.
Led International League pitchers in fielding (1.000), 1964.
Purchased by Yankees from Richmond, August 11, 1964.
Hurled 7-0, 2-hit shutout at Washington, had five hits in five at-bats in the same game, September 26, 1964.
Led American League in complete games (18), 1965.
Led Yankees in games started (37), complete games, shutouts (4), wins (20) and ERA (2.63), 1965.
-1966 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
"Mel Stottlemyre is a pencil-slim right-hander who fits the traditional Yankee mold of pitching efficiency. In his first complete season with the Yanks, he turned in a 20-9 mark and his 2.63 ERA was eighth best in the league. He showed signs of impending brilliance when he came up from Richmond late in 1964 to win nine games out of 12 decisions and virtually pitch the Yankees into the World Series. To be even more effective, he needs a third pitch to go with his good sinker and his fastball, which also has a natural dip to it. Many of his walks are not due to wildness but are attributable to the fact that AL umpires don't give you the low strike."
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1966
"Mel Stottlemyre's position as a Yankee has changed abruptly in a year-and-a-half. He was brought up to the parent club in mid-August, 1964 to help a staggering pitching staff. He helped!. The long, rangy right-hander won nine, lost only three, starred in the losing cause in the World Series, and all eyes were on him last spring.
He didn't disappoint, posting a seasonal record of 20-9 with a neat 2.63 ERA. He topped the American League with 18 complete games. The Sporting News' Minor League Player of 1964, he was a major league All-Star in 1965.
The popular sinker ball hurler likes to hunt and fish near his Mabton, Washington home. He has time to relax in the winter, but he's all business in the summer. A good competitor on the mound, in the field and at bat, Mel figures to lead the Yankee staff often in the years ahead."
-The New York Yankees Official 1966 Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, June 10, 1961.
Led International League in ERA (1.42), 1964.
Led International League pitchers in fielding (1.000), 1964.
Purchased by Yankees from Richmond, August 11, 1964.
Hurled 7-0, 2-hit shutout at Washington, had five hits in five at-bats in the same game, September 26, 1964.
Led American League in complete games (18), 1965.
Led Yankees in games started (37), complete games, shutouts (4), wins (20) and ERA (2.63), 1965.
-1966 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
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