Other 1980 Yankee Profiles

ED FIGUEROA

"Ed Figueroa won 71 games from 1975 to 1978 while only Jim Palmer and Dennis Leonard won more among American Leaguers in that time span. But 1979 became a total washout for this proud right-hander.
He was bothered by elbow problems almost from the start of the season and finally succumbed to an operation last August. At that time he was only 4-6, his worst start since he became a full-time starter for the Angels in 1975 and won 16 games.
Figgy came to the Yankees during the winter of '75 and proceeded to win 19, 16 and 20 games to help lead the Yankees to three consecutive American League pennants. The 20 win performance in 1978 was extremely gratifying as Ed became the very first Puerto Rican-born pitcher to win 20 games in major league history.
After that performance and two consecutive World Championships, Ed Figueroa was on cloud nine. But every dream eventually slips back to reality and that can sometimes be a disappointment. The injury was reality itself and Ed had to deal with it over the long winter. Through exercise and fierce determination, Ed restrengthened his right arm. This year he looks toward a healthy comeback and a possible repeat of his most precious memory: 1978 and 20 wins."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"The 1979 season became a washout for Figueroa when surgery was performed on his right elbow on August 17. Ed started 16 games for the Yankees before giving way to the elbow problem. He had a 4-6 record but some had tough luck, with four of his losses by one run, and one by two.
He lost 4-3 to the Brewers in his first start, then won two straight before two tough one-run losses on the West Coast. He dropped a 1-0 game to Oakland on April 25, going all the way allowing just four hits. He then lost 2-1 to the Angels on April 30, again going all the way, allowing just six hits and one earned run. The Yanks scored just 13 runs in Figgy's six losses (2.1 runs/game).
Ed went on the disabled list on June 28, complaining of tenderness in his right elbow. He returned from the DL on July 23, made two more starts, and then was sent to Los Angeles on August 1 to be examined by Dr. Frank Jobe, who found spurs on the posterior compartment of the right elbow. Surgery was prescribed and performed on August 17. Dr. Jobe removed a large spur from the back of the right elbow, and a loose body from the interior of the elbow.
Figueroa became the first Puerto Rican-born pitcher to win 20 games when he beat Cleveland in his last 1978 regular-season appearance, 7-0, with a 5-hitter. He was the Yankees' hottest pitcher down the stretch in '78, finishing the season with eight straight wins and winning 13 of his last 15 decisions. Ed led Yankee pitchers with 35 starts in 1978, and his 20 wins tied him for fifth in the American League that year. As he was in 1979, Ed was a hard-luck pitcher for the Yanks in '78, as his teammates failed to score more than three runs in 15 of his 35 starts.
Prior to his injury-plagued 1979 season, Figgy had started at least 30, and won at least 16 games for four straight years. Ed won 19 games his first year as a Yankee in 1976 after coming from the Angels; that led the team in victories and tied him for fourth in the league. He had a hot streak that year, winning 12 of 15 at one point, as the Yanks pulled away in the Eastern Division.
Originally signed by the Mets in 1966, but soon released and signed by the Giants, Ed served in Vietnam with the Marines in 1969. He lost his major league debut 1-0 to the White Sox. He started the 1975 season in the minors, was brought back, and proved to the Angels' stopper that year; 15 of his 16 wins followed Angel defeats.
Ed has an excellent pickoff move. He picked six runners off base in 1978 and one last year.
As a member of Puerto Rico's amateur champs, Ed and his teammates won a trip to New York in the early '60s to see a game at Yankee Stadium. He played baseball and basketball in high school (Miguel Saavedra) in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. He holds the record in the Babe Ruth World Series for consecutive scoreless innings at 16. He represented Puerto Rico in a Little League tournament in Mexico City and was the batting champ in the series. Figgy signed with the Mets after playing in the Central American Caribbean Games.
One of 11 children, Eddie is the youngest of seven brothers. He enjoys fishing and music. A Giants fan as a youngster, Juan Marichal was his favorite player. He lists George Brett as his toughest individual opponent."

-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide

BRIAN DOYLE
"Long before the regulars get to the ballpark, Brian Doyle is already taking extra batting practice and fielding extra ground balls. The sweat will begin to pour and those aching muscles will begin to realize that another day is underway. Brian Doyle is working on the little things that make a young ballplayer complete.
As a backup infielder, he is always ready for the call with the confidence of a proven veteran. In 1979, Brian split his season between the Yankees and the International League Champion Columbus Clippers. He also spent the '78 season shuttling between the Yankees and their Triple-A affiliate at Tacoma.
But Brian's finest hour came when he was called on to replace the injured Willie Randolph in postseason play. His .438 World Series average was high for the October classic and his defense at second was flawless. Fans everywhere wondered how this unknown could play so well. One look at the overtime number 18 puts into his game and there is no need to wonder any longer."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"Doyle spent the 1979 season shuttling between Columbus and New York. He started the season with the Yankees and was optioned to Columbus, on 24-hour recall, on May 28, when the Yanks had to call back Ron Davis. He was then recalled on June 30, when Jim Beattie was placed on the disabled list. Brian then went back on August 4, when the Yankees acquired Lenny Randle, and was recalled on September 2 to finish the season.
Brian didn't see much overall action with the Yankees, appearing in 20 games, filling in at second base and third base, and making six starts. He had a three-RBI game against the A's on July 19. Brian appeared in 39 games with the Clippers, batting .254.
1978 will be a year he will never forget. Brian proved to be one of the surprise heroes of the World Series. He batted .438 appearing in all six games of the Series, had three hits in both Game Five and Game Six, and collected two RBIs in the Yanks' decisive sixth game win. Brian made his major league debut with the Yankees that year on April 30 (0-for-3 in Minnesota) after being recalled, initially, from Tacoma due to an injury to Mickey Klutts. He got his first major league hit on June 17, off the Angels' Paul Hartzell. Brian made two trips back to Tacoma, being called up to New York for the final time on September 11, and was named to replace injured Willie Randolph on the Yankee roster for the ALCS and World Series.
Doyle began his career in the Texas organization in 1972 at Geneva. He had his best year in 1976 when he batted .349 in 25 games at San Antonio and was then promoted to Sacramento (AAA) in the Pacific Coast League and hit .290 in 96 games. Brian came to the Yankees after the 1976 season and played at Syracuse in 1977, batting .246 as the team's regular second baseman.
Brian is the younger brother of Denny Doyle, former major league infielder with the Phillies, Angels and Red Sox, and the twin brother of Blake Doyle, who is in the Orioles organization. Brian was the shortstop and Blake the second baseman at Caverna High School in Cave City, Kentucky, where they grew up. Brian was All-Conference, All-District, All-Regional and All-State in baseball, and also played basketball and football. He was switched to second base by the Rangers in 1973. Brian enjoys golf, and runs the Florida Instructional Baseball School with his brothers in the off-season in Winter Haven, Florida."

-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide


JIM KAAT
"You've got to admire a man who has been pitching in the major leagues for four decades. Especially if he's been hurling a baseball since before some of today's young Yankees were born! The 41-year-old crafty veteran is none other than Jim 'Kitty' Kaat.
Kitty has been pitching professionally since 1957 when he was in the Nebraska League at Superior. Two years later, he made his major league debut with the old Washington Senators and he moved with them to Minnesota in 1961. For the next 13 years, Jim hurled successfully in the Twin Cities before he was sold to the White Sox in late 1973. After winning 21 games in 1974 and 20 in 1975, many American League hitters sighed in relief as Kaat was sent to the Phillies for the '76 season.
But he returned to the A.L. last when the Yankees, sensing the need for a left-handed help in the bullpen, reached for the experienced 6'5" Michigan native. His credentials are impressive: a three-time 20-game winner, 16 consecutive Gold Gloves (1962-1977), among the top 25 all-time in games, innings, starts, strikeouts and wins, and the second-winningest active major league pitcher behind Gaylord Perry.
After 24 years of professional baseball, you'd think Jim would tire of the game. But not Kitty Kaat! His body belies his 41 years and he has the spirit of a rookie. Don't be surprised if Jim's around for quite some time."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook


KEN CLAY
"While vacationers lay in the sun and basked under its warm rays, Ken Clay found himself working his tail off in Puerto Rico this past winter. After a sub-par performance in New York in 1979, the last thing K.C. could afford was a vacation. He needed to get in some mound time and push his control back to its major league level.
Last season was Kenny's worst in the majors and it seemed as if he didn't know what his role would be from one day to the next, having performed every role a pitcher can. Since being called up to the Yankees in June of 1977, the 26-year-old right-hander has been a starter, long reliever, short reliever and middle reliever. The multitude of roles has caused a considerable loss of confidence in this Lynchburg, Virginia native. Especially since he never knew what role he was supposed to be playing.
So Kenny went down to the Islands where he became one of the top hurlers in the Puerto Rican Winter League, fashioning a 7-3 record and a 3.27 ERA. Kenny's renewed confidence combined with his experience playing many roles last season should make him a very effective pitcher in the Yankee bullpen in 1980."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"Clay spent his second full season with the Yankees in 1979 and was used both in relief and as a spot starter. He started five games on the year, with an 0-3 mark and an 8.60 ERA, and finished the year with three straight starts. Kenny relieved in 27 games, picking up his only win of the year on June 8 at Kansas City, as he blanked the Royals on two hits over the final 1.2 innings to get credit for the Yanks' 11-10 win. He picked up two saves, one against the A's on July 7 when he finished up an 8-3 Yankee win with 3.2 innings of hitless relief. Kenny had 19 straight relief appearances before starting on June 25 against Toronto.
Kenny came up to the Yankees for the first time in June of 1977 after compiling a 5-1 record at Syracuse. He picked up his first major league win with .1 inning of relief work on August 16, 1977 against the White Sox. Always considered one of the Yankees' top pitching prospects, the hard-throwing right-hander had worked his way up through the Yankee farm system. In his first full season at triple-A in 1976, Kenny was 11-8.
Clay's first full season with the Yankees was 1978. He was used in relief and as a spot starter, and pitched seven scoreless innings as a starter against the Blue Jays on May 21, winning 9-1. Kenny pitched six innings of 5-hit relief at Fenway Park on September 7 to win the opener of a big four-game series against the Red Sox. He was disabled by a pulled chest muscle in mid-season of '78.
Kenny has made 14 career starts, four of them against the Blue Jays, and is 2-5 lifetime with a 5.96 ERA. He saved Jim Beattie's win in Game One of the 1978 ALCS with 3.2 innings of no-hit relief against the Royals. He made one appearance in the '78 World Series and pitched well in two World Series appearances in 1977. Kenny spent the off-season pitching in Puerto Rico and was very impressive with a 7-3 record and 3.27 ERA in 11 starts.
Clay was a five-letter man at E.C. Glass High in Lynchburg, Virginia. He was a good basketball who in the past has worked as a referee in the off-seasons. Kenny is a graduate of the Little League and American Legion programs of Virginia. He lists Carl Yastrzemski as his toughest individual opponent."

-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide


DON GULLETT
"If Don Gullett's shoulder injury put a damper on his 1978 season, then Don's injury completely soaked his last season with the Yankees. During 1979, Don couldn't pitch a single inning with the Bombers due to the pain it caused him. In fact, he hasn't thrown in a game since July 8, 1978.
Don will probably never have the fastball that allowed him to blaze onto the major league scene at the tender age of 19. But he's always been sharp and is capable of becoming a finesse pitcher. By rating past performances, Don had some of the best seasons you'll ever find in the books. He was 14-4 during his first season with the Yankees in '77. Prior to that, Don was 91-44 with the Cincinnati Reds with a .674 lifetime N.L. winning percentage. The Reds, who refused to re-sign Don, lost him when the Yankees were only too willing to meet his terms in November of 1976.
Fellow ballplayers and fans everywhere watch Don Gullett on the road to recovery. Rehabilitation has been slow and tedious. Like a baby taking his first step, Don will have to learn to crawl before he can walk. And everyone is rooting for this classy gentleman to make it all the way back."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"1979 was a complete washout for Gullett. Trying to come back from a rotator cuff injury, he didn't pitch an inning last year. He was on a schedule of throwing on the sidelines every other day, but then his pain occurred again and rest was prescribed for Don's shoulder. He was on the disabled list all year.
The 1978 season was not much better than last year. Bothered by shoulder problems for most of '78, Don appeared in only eight games. He started and finished the season on the disabled list, and finally underwent surgery by Dr. Frank Jobe on September 29 in Inglewood, California.
Despite his injuries in 1977, Don still managed to possess the top winning percentage in the American League, 14-4 (.778). He won his 100th big league game that year when he beat the Royals 3-1 on July 24. Don was the first free agent signed by the Yankees following the 1976 re-entry draft; he was signed to a six-year contract. He lost his first two American League appearances, both to the Brewers, then won six in a row, 11 of 12, and 14 of 16. He had a 12-strikeout game for the Yankees on September 23 against Toronto.
Don spent a month on the disabled list in 1977 with stiffness in his left shoulder, and then returned to the rotation on September 4 to pitch a 3-hit shutout over the Twins. His previous injury was a dislocated tendon in his right foot, suffered pitching against the Yankees in Game One of the 1976 World Series. Other injuries have been a broken thumb in 1975, and a pinched nerve in his neck and shoulder problems in 1976. He was sidelined by hepatitis in 1972, and a back ailment in 1974 but was still named that season's Sporting News left-hander pitcher of the year
His .686 winning percentage is tops among all active pitchers with 100 or more decisions. In his 10th year in the big leagues, Don is a veteran of six Championship Series and five World Series. He twice led the National League in percentage (1971 and 1975), the first title coming at age 20 in his second year with the Reds.
Don was the Reds' number one draft pick in June 1969. At 19, in his rookie year, he struck out six consecutive Mets in a relief role, tying a major league record. He had a no-hitter against the Cubs for 7.1 innings in 1971, and his low-hit efforts have been a trio of 2-hitters in 1973, '74 and '75. Don won nine straight in 1973. He hit a home run in the 1975 Championship Series, his only one in the majors.
Described as the epitome of the All-American Boy, Gullett was a sensational schoolboy star in three sports at Southshore McKell High School in McKell, Kentucky. He once scored 72 points in a football game, once scored 47 points in a basketball game, and once struck out 20 of 21 batters in a baseball game. He played Babe Ruth ball in Greenup, Kentucky and American Legion ball in South Shore, Kentucky, and was a Dodger fan as a youngster. His brother, Jack, played in the Tiger organization."

-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide

PROUD PARENTS
"Don Gullett and his wife, Cathy, are the proud parents of their third child, Angela Kristi, born February 12, 1980. Angela joins her brother, Don Jr., and her sister, Tracey, in the ranks of young, eager Yankee boosters."

-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine


PAUL BLAIR
"For baseball fans growing up in the sixties, there was a center fielder for the Orioles who they will never forget. He wore number six from 1965 through 1976 and taught millions how to play the game. Style and grace were his trademarks as the ball floated lazily through the summer night and eased its way into his mitt. The ease with which he roamed the outfield made it appear as if he owned it.
Those were the qualities that impressed people during his career, and impressed the Yankees enough that they hired him as a roving instructor for their minor league outfielders. But Paul kept himself in shape, knowing the time could come when the major league team could use him. And when injuries struck Ruppert Jones and Oscar Gamble, the Yankees chose the experienced flyhawk to aid as a backup at all three outfield positions. As usual, he hasn't let them down."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"Popular Paul Blair rejoined the Yankees during the off-season. Paul retired following his 1979 season in Cincinnati and will serve as a roving instructor in the Yankee organization, specializing in outfield play. He is extremely well qualified as the possessor of eight Gold Gloves for fielding excellence.
Blair spent 15 years in the major leagues, including '77, '78 and part of '79 with the Yankees."

-New York Yankees 1980 Scorebook and Official Magazine


ROY STAIGER
"Staiger spent the 1979 season with the Yankees' International League champion Columbus Clippers before being called up to New York in September. He got in four games with the Yanks, making his American League debut, and went for 3-for-11 (.273). He batted .260 for the Clippers in 104 games but was productive, picking up 62 RBIs.
Roy spent the 1978 season at Tacoma after coming over to the Yankee organization from the Mets in the winter of 1977. He had a good year at Tacoma, batting .283 with 19 home runs and 85 RBIs, the home runs and RBIs both being career highs. An excellent fielder, Roy led Pacific Coast League third basemen with a .961 fielding percentage that year.
A number one draft pick by the Mets in the January 1970 free agent draft, Roy moved up in the Mets organization, having his best year in 1975 at Tidewater, where he won the International League RBI crown (81) and third base fielding honors (.987). He was brought up to the Mets on September 11, 1975, appearing in 13 games.
Roy spent the 1976 season with the Mets, starting off slowly before being given the third base job, when Wayne Garrett was traded to Montreal on July 21. He then proceeded to hit in 23 of his next 31 games, batting .310. Roy hit his first major league home run off Woody Fryman of the Expos on August 2, 1976 and made only nine errors at third for the Mets all year.
An All-City, All-State and All-Conference baseball player at Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Staiger gained National Junior College All-American honors at Barcone JC (Okla.) in 1969 and 1970 as a shortstop. Originally drafted by the Dodgers in June 1969, he didn't sign, and then was drafted by the Mets in January 1970.
Roy enjoys bow hunting, fishing, golf and racquetball. He's of German and Irish descent. He went on a tour of Japan with the 1974 Mets and rooted for the Yankees as a youngster."

-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide


GAYLORD PERRY
"Gaylord agreed to fulfill the final year of his Padres contract this season after walking out on the club last September over a contract hassle. He insisted on a swap to the Rangers, but the Pads did not comply.
He passed Bob Gibson into the number two spot on the all-time strikeout list with 3,148- Walter Johnson is tops with 3,508. Gaylord allowed only four runs in four starts, yet was winless in May until he downed the Braves 6-3 on May 29. He forfeited $25,000 in salary by sitting out the last month. He will make $200,000 this year.
Born in Williamston, North Carolina, Gaylord won 10 of 11 games in '78, becoming a Cy Young Award winner a second time. He's won 20 for three different teams."

-Nick Peters, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1980 Edition


DR. JOHN J. BONAMO (Team Physician)
"Dr. Bonamo enters his second year as the Yankee team physician. He is an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with NYU hospital and a graduate of Boston College and New York Medical College."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"Dr. John J. Bonamo enters his second year as the Yankees team physician. He is an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Staten Island and NYU Hospitals and is a graduate of Boston College and New York Medical College."

-1980 New York Yankees Media Guide


GENE MONAHAN (Trainer)
"Gene started as a Yankee batboy in his hometown of Fort Lauderdale and now is starting his 18th year in the Yankee family, his eighth with the parent club. At 35, Gene is one of the most respected trainers in the game."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"Gene Monahan, Yankee trainer, is now in his eighth year with the parent club. At 35, he is in his 18th year with the Yankee organization, starting as a batboy at Fort Lauderdale. He is a graduate of Indiana University."

-1980 New York Yankees Media Guide


BARRY WEINBERG (Assistant Trainer)
"Barry enters his second season with the Yankees as an assistant trainer. He has served as a trainer with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and the Washington Redskins. He is a Springfield College graduate with a Master's degree from Indiana University."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"Barry Weinberg enters his second season as the Yankees' assistant trainer. Before joining the Yanks, he had been a trainer in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, most recently at their Triple-A club at Columbus in 1978. Barry is a graduate of Springfield College with a Masters from Indiana University."

-1980 New York Yankees Media Guide


BOB SHEPPARD (Public Address Announcer)
"Bob may just be one of the voices you have grown up with over the years. He is America's best known public address announcer and can be heard at all Yankee games. Bob is also a professor of speech at St. John's University and can be heard as the PA announcer for the New York Giants."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook


JIMMY ESPOSITO (Head Groundskeeper)
"Jimmy enters his 21st year and third decade maintaining the field at Yankee Stadium after spending 14 seasons working on the ground crew with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers. The beautiful condition of the turf is a tribute to Jim and his crew."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"Jimmy Esposito, chief of the Yankee ground crew, began his role in 1960 after 14 seasons with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers."

-1980 New York Yankees Media Guide


JIM OGLE (Yankee Alumni Association)
"Jim spent 20 years covering the Yankees for the Newark Star-Ledger and has been a baseball writer for over 40 years. He now heads the Yankee Alumni Association out of his base in Fort Lauderdale, Florida."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook


EDDIE LAYTON (Stadium Organist)
"Eddie commands the Yankee keyboards with a presence all his own. He had been with the Yankees from 1967-70, but he returned to his home away from home in 1978. Credited with debuting the famous 'Charge' call, Eddie has recorded 25 albums and can also be heard at many Madison Square Garden events."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook


PETE SHEEHY (Clubhouse Man and Equipment Manager)
"Pete remembers more than you have ever imagined. He has tended the clubhouse for 53 straight seasons, since 1927, and can recall pleasant times with all the Yankee greats. In 1976, with the opening of the 'new' Yankee Stadium, Pete was one of the four honored guests and the Yankee clubhouse was renamed the Pete Sheehy Clubhouse."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"Pete Sheehy, after whom the Yankee clubhouse is named, is now in his 54th season as equipment man and clubhouse attendant. The likeable Pete was among those specially honored at Opening Day of the 'new' Yankee Stadium."

-1980 New York Yankees Media Guide


LOU CUCUZZA (Visitors Clubhouse Manager)
"Lou Cucuzza is in his fifth year running the visitors clubhouse at the Stadium."

-1980 New York Yankees Media Guide

1980 Profile: Johnny Oates

"The final acquisition made by the Yankees in spring training was for one of the more popular men in the game today and one of the best reserve catchers in the business: Johnny Oates.
The proud southerner, born in North Carolina and raised in Virginia where he now resides, broke into baseball with the Orioles organization and responded by leading the league in fielding percentage among all A.L. catchers in 1972. In 1973, the Braves dealt for his services; he split catching duties for two seasons until he went with Dick Allen to the Phillies for Barry Bonnell, Jim Essian and cash. Johnny won the starting position behind the plate in '75 and responded with a .285 year with the Phillies. The following season, disaster struck as he was involved with Dave Parker in a home plate collision that left Johnny with a broken collarbone and a spot on the disabled list until mid-June. Following that season, he was sent to the sunny confines of Los Angeles where he remained until this spring.
After participating in the National League Championship Series from '76 through '78, one would expect this 34-year-old Virginia Tech grad to become a little restless with his free time come October. His experience and good fortune will hopefully carry him into playoff contention during the October of 1980."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

1980 Profile: Mike Griffin

"After coming to the Yankees in 1979 via a ten-player trade with the Texas Rangers, Mike split his first pinstriped season between West Haven and Columbus. The 6'5", 195-pound 22-year-old fastballer won eight games at West Haven with a fine 2.95 ERA. At Columbus, he posted an impressive 1.76 ERA to go along with a 3-1 record."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"Maybe it's because he's only 22 years old and maybe it's the freckles that dot his face which make him seem almost half his age, but hardly anyone gave young Mike Griffin much of a chance to hurl his way onto the 1980 Yankee pitching staff. But Dick Howser saw something in the 6'5" right-hander with the excellent fastball and Mike found himself in Yankee Stadium, wearing the proud pinstripes on Opening Day, 1980.
After spending just half a season at Columbus (Triple-A) last year, Mike came up to the Bronx in September to earn a save in three appearances. In spring training of '80, Mike defied all odds and earned the James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding Yankee rookie in camp against some pretty tough competition. And early this season, he pitched his way into the Yankees' starting rotation.
As you watch the boy with the Huckleberry Finn-like face mow down batters as easy as pie, you'd wonder if he really did play hooky as a youngster ... or if he really did ride the riverboats down the Mississippi. But all that doesn't really matter as long as Mike rides the crest of another championship season as he did last year with the Columbus Clippers."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"Griffin made his major league debut with the Yankees last year, coming up in September, appearing in three games and earning a save on September 30 against Toronto. He spent most of his first Yankee season at West Haven, where he was 8-7 with a 2.95 ERA and walked just 26 batters in 125 innings. He was promoted to Columbus, where he was an impressive 3-1 with a 1.76 ERA.
Mike was part of the Yankees' 10-player deal with the Rangers in the winter of '78. Just 22 years old, this is his fifth year in professional baseball. He signed with the Rangers after graduating from Woodland (California) High School. Mike broke in with Asheville of the Western Carolina League in 1976, where he had a super season in 1977 in which he led the league with 17 wins, 19 complete games, 209 innings pitched, 201 strikeouts and a 3.49 ERA. He was promoted to Tulsa (AA) in 1978. Mike was the Topps Minor League Player of the Month in both June and July of 1977.
He earned three letters in baseball at Woodland High School and was the team's MVP his senior year, along with being named All-Northern California and All-Sacramento Valley. As a youngster, Mike was a Red Sox fan whose favorite player was Carl Yastrzemski.
Mike is of German, Scott and Irish descent. He struck out the first batter he faced in a major league game, Andre Thornton."

-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide

1980 Profile: Oscar Gamble

"Without his credit card, you may not recognize this much-traveled veteran. Without his oversized, much-publicized Afro, you wouldn't even give him a second look as he entered the Stadium prior to a game. But as soon as he steps to the plate, you'll be on your feet screaming for the Big O to smack the long ball or drive in that game-winning run which he does with incomparable ease. Like it or not, anonymity and life on the road has always been a way of life for Oscar Gamble.
Oscar has been with the Bombers once before, 1976, contributing 17 homers and 57 RBIs as they drove towards their first pennant in 12 years. Prior to that he was with the Cubs, Phillies and Indians. Since then he has performed with the White Sox, Padres and Rangers, but last season the Yankees reacquired him from Texas and his reappearance in pinstripes suits everyone just fine.
Returning to the Yankees last season, Oscar hit a sparkling .389 with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs in only 36 games. His contributions over a full season cannot be fully estimated. While you may not find him as the most recognizable of all the Yankees, he's present and accounted for as another winning run crosses the plate and another Yankee win is secured."

-The New York Yankees 1980 Yearbook

"After starting the season with the Rangers, Gamble returned to the Yankees, whom he had played for in 1976. He broke a bone in his left foot and was out the month of May. He returned to the lineup on June 5 and played in 64 games for Texas, batting .335 with eight homers and 32 RBIs. He joined the Yankees on August 3 and went 0-for-6, then took off, hitting in six straight (15-for-24, .625), raising his average from .323 to .361.
Oscar finished the season on a tear, hitting in his last eight straight (16-for-31, .516) with five home runs and 14 RBIs. He had 11 hits in his last 19 at-bats (.579). After his 0-for-6 start, Oscar batted .411 (44-for-107). Overall as a Yankee he hit .389 (44-for-113) with 11 homers and 32 RBIs in just 36 games.
He had four-hit games against the Orioles on August 10, the Red Sox on September 13 and the Blue Jays on September 28. He had a two-homer against the Jays on September 22 and had two four-RBI games.
Oscar had seven game-winning RBIs for the Yanks, ten overall. He hit a grand slam off Ferguson Jenkins on August 27 and a pinch-hit home run off Sid Monge to beat the Indians on September 27. With the Yanks, Oscar batted .577 with men in scoring position (15-for-26), and batted .479 with men on base (23-for-48).
Gamble has played for seven different major league clubs and has been with four clubs in the last three years. Since coming up with the Cubs in 1969, Oscar has seen service with the Phillies, Indians, Yankees, White Sox, Padres and Rangers. He started his pro career in the Cub organization at Caldwell in the Pioneer League in 1968 and reached the majors at age 20, being called up by the Cubs in 1969 from San Antonio.
Oscar went from the Cubs to the Phillies in 1970, along with Dick Selma, for Johnny Callison. He had the distinction of getting the last ever hit in the old Connie Mack Stadium on October 1, 1970. Oscar stayed in the Phillies organization until being sent to the Indians in November 1972, along with Roger Freed, in exchange for Del Unser and Terry Wedgewood. He played three years in Cleveland, hitting 20 home runs in 1973.
The Indians then traded Oscar to the Yankees for Pat Dobson on November 22, 1975. He appeared in 110 games for the Yanks in 1976, with 17 homers and 57 RBIs. Just before the start of the 1977 season (April 5), the Yanks shipped Oscar to the White Sox, along with Bob Polinsky and Dewey Hoyt, in a deal that brought them Bucky Dent.
Gamble then had his best year in the majors with the surprising White Sox in '77. He batted .294 with 31 home runs and 83 RBIs, all personal highs. Oscar became a free agent after the 1977 season and was selected and signed by the San Diego Padres, who he played for in '78. He dropped off to seven homers but batted .275. Oscar was then traded to the Rangers in October 1978, along with Dave Roberts, for Mike Hargrove, Kurt Bevacqua and Bill Fahey. He's averaged 18.2 homers over the past seven years.
Gamble attended George Washington Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama. He only played basketball because the school did not have a baseball team. He was one of eight children.
His wife Juanita is a singer and has sung the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium, once prior to an ALCS game in 1976. Oscar owns a disco (Oscar Gamble's Players Club) in Montgomery."

-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide

1980 Profile: Bob Watson

"Teddy Roosevelt once said, 'Walk softly and carry a big stick.' Bob Watson's motto may have been somewhat similar, adding the line '... and aim the Yankees toward the World Series.' As you may or may not already know, Bob has never had the opportunity to participate in postseason play during his eleven-year major league career.
In splitting the 1979 season between the Houston Astros and the Boston Red Sox, Bob did some walking and some sticking. While starting the season with Houston, he batted a mere .239 and was used sparingly. He then walked softly toward Boston, where he was traded on June 15, and he found his big stick. Bob batted .337 with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs in 84 games.
In November of 1979, the Yankees once again signed a former Bostonian as they inked Bob to a free agent contract. (You'll remember they signed Luis Tiant the year prior!) The man who scored the 1,000,000th run in baseball history was now a Yankee. The 6'2", 212-pound gentle giant is sure to fit in with the rest of the Yankees.
Welcome to the Big Apple, Bob!"

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"Bob split the 1979 season between the Astros and the Red Sox. He started the season with the Astros, whom he had played for since first coming up in 1966. He batted .239 in 49 games for Houston before being traded to the Red Sox on June 13 in exchange for pitchers Bobby Sprowl and Pete Ladd, and cash. Bob played in 84 games with the Sox, batting .337 with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs.
On the full year, Bob hit .303 with 16 homers and 71 RBIs. He hit his first A.L. home run on June 20 against Detroit. He had nine, eight, seven and six-game hitting streaks with the Red Sox, and went 15-for-34 (.441) over his nine-game streak (July 19-27), raising his average from .340 to .369, his high point of the year. Bob had a four-hit game against the Royals on July 5 and had a four-RBI game against the White Sox on August 16.
Bob had his best month batting .370 in August with four homers and 22 RBIs. He had 11 game-winning RBIs for the Sox, two for the Astros. He batted .369 as a designated hitter (26 games, 35-for-95), and made just seven errors in 579 chances at first base (58 games), a .988 fielding percentage.
Before joining the Red Sox, Bob had spent his entire career in the Houston organization. He started at Salisbury in 1965, came up to the majors in 1966 to appear in one game, and had his first full season with the Astros in 1970. Bob is the leading Astro in career average and runs batted in, is second in games played, third in at-bats, runs, doubles, total bases, extra-base hits and slugging percentage, and fourth in home runs.
Bob had a career high 110 RBIs in 1977 and had his best average year in 1975, batting .324; the 110 RBIs were an Astro club record. He had a 19-game hitting streak in 1973 and was a member of the National League All-Star teams in 1973 and 1975. He scored the 1,000,000th run in baseball history. Bob set an Astro club record in June 1978 by driving in a run in nine consecutive games.
He started his career as a catcher. He has not caught, though, just playing first or the outfield since 1974. Bob has had only one stint on the disabled list in his professional career, and that was in 1968 when he suffered a broken ankle. He has appeared in at least 130 games every year since 1972.
Bob played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion ball in the Los Angeles area. He attended Fremont High School in Los Angeles, where he played baseball and football and was All-City. Bob then attended L.A. Harbor J.C., where he was an All-American in baseball. He was a sergeant in the Marines. Bob enjoys working with kids, and likes jazz music and fishing.
He was the Astros' MVP in 1975 by a vote of the Houston BBWAA. Bob lists the Expos' Steve Rogers as his toughest opponent.
Bob bought a home in Teaneck, New Jersey over the winter and plans to stay in the New York area."

-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide

1980 Profile: Luis Tiant

"Luis Tiant turned, twisted and spun his way to a 13-8 record last season, delighting the partisans at Yankee Stadium. His record fooled those who felt he was nearing the end ... but deception is his trademark. If you expect a fastball, you're guaranteed something off-speed and if you expect Luis Tiant to confess his real age, he'll tell you to check his birth certificate. (For the record, it says he's 39 years old.) It's hard to pin down the Grand Old Man.
His finest single-game performance last season was against the Oakland A's when Looie beat them with a one-hitter on July 8. Down the backstretch of his 16th big league season, Luis won his final three decisions and six of his last eight. Not bad for someone who almost faded from the game just a decade ago.
Luis came up in 1964 with the Indians, posting a 10-4 record and a 2.83 ERA, including a three-hit, 11-strikeout shutout performance over the Yankees in his major league debut. He played with the Tribe for five more years, posting a 75-64 record over that span. In 1970, Luis found himself pitching for the Minnesota Twins and he posted a 7-3 record with a respectable 3.39 ERA. The next season, Minnesota released Luis and he pitched in the Braves farm system, winding up the year with the Red Sox. He stayed with Boston for seven-plus seasons, compiling a 121-74 record before his arrival in the Big Apple.
After his playing career, Luis will be the Yankees' Director of Latin American Affairs and a finer ambassador you'll never meet."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"In his first year with the Yankees in 1979, Tiant matched his 1978 season with the Red Sox. He had an identical 13-8 mark in two fewer appearances.
Luis lost his Yankee debut on April 13, 12-2 in Chicago, then had four no-decisions before recording his first Yankee win on May 22 at Detroit. He finished strong for the Yanks, winning his final three decisions and six of his last eight. Over his final 21 starts, Luis was 12-6 with a 3.49 ERA, lowering his final ERA from 5.24 to 3.91; he got as low as 3.50 at one point last year, after beating the A's, 10-2 on July 19.
Tiant pitched his low-hit game of the year against the A's on July 8, beating them 2-0 in Oakland with a 1-hitter, with only a fourth-inning single by Rickey Henderson. It was the third 1-hitter of his career. Luis had three three-game win streaks in '79, and his best strikeout game was a 9-K performance against the Twins on August 25. He had his best 1979 success against the Blue Jays, going 4-0 against them with a 2.12 ERA (he has never lost to the Jays, going 7-0 lifetime). He was 2-0 over the A's with a 1.00 ERA.
In a move that shocked the fans of Boston, the popular Tiant joined the Yankees over the winter of 1978. He had joined baseball's exclusive '200 Club' that year when he beat Nolan Ryan and the Angels in Anaheim on August 16.
Tiant made one of the greatest comebacks in sports history when he was unconditionally released by Minnesota in March 1971 and by Atlanta that May. He caught on with Louisville in the Red Sox system and then came to Boston, where he ran up a 122-81 record in eight years. He had a great year in his first full season in Boston in 1972, going 15-6 and leading the league with a 1.91 ERA. Luis had 20 win seasons in 1973, '74 and '76, and is one of only six pitchers ever to win 100 games for the Red Sox.
1979 was Tiant's 21st year in professional baseball; he started with the Mexico City Tigers in 1959. His first major league team was the Cleveland Indians, who traded him to the Minnesota Twins, along with Yankee pitching coach Stan Williams, for Dean Chance, Bob Miller, Ted Uhlaender and Graig Nettles on December 12, 1969. Tiant has 49 career shutouts through 1979, second to Jim Palmer's 51 among active A.L. pitchers. He has now won at least 10 games for eight straight years.
Luis was 2-0 in the 1975 World Series and is undefeated in postseason play (1-0 in LCS). He appeared in the 1968, '74 and '76 All-Star Games.
He was 10-4 in his first year in the big leagues in 1964 with Cleveland and pitched a 3-hit, 11-K shutout over the Yankees in his first major league game. In addition to his three 1-hitters, Luis has pitched seven 2-hitters. His career strikeout high was a 19 strikeout performance against the Twins on July 3, 1968 while with Cleveland; he had struck out 13 in his previous start on June 29. Those two games tied the major league record for strikeouts in consecutive games (32).
Tiant led the American League in shutouts with seven in 1974, with nine in 1968 and tied for the lead with five in 1966. He was named the Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year in 1972.
He had a no-hitter in his minor league career beating Winston-Salem, 4-0 on May 7, 1963 while pitching for Burlington. Tiant lists his greatest thrill in baseball as pitching before his father in the 1975 World Series. A White Sox fan as a youngster, Rod Carew and Mickey Rivers go down as his toughest opponents.
This is the second year of a two-year contract Luis signed with the Yankees. He will serve as the Yankees' Director of Latin American Affairs for 10 years after he is done playing."

-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide

1980 Profile: Ruppert Jones

"Healthy in '79, he again had Seattle fans chanting, 'Roop! Roop! Roop!" Jones hit a pop fly that lodged in a loudspeaker suspended high in the air between home and first base- the ball never did come down. He makes some fantastic catches in center field. An excellent bunter, Ruppert also has home run power.
He became a Yankee in a multiplayer deal in November. Born in Dallas, he continues to improve. Ruppert was the Royals' third-round pick in June 1973. He was on the brink of stardom when the Royals claimed him in the first round of the expansion draft."

-Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1980 Edition

"When the 1979 season ended and the Yankee front office began evaluating club personnel, it was decided that center field was a gap that should be filled. On November 1, Ruppert Jones became a Yankee via a trade with the Seattle Mariners and center field never looked better. Where there was a gap, there was now a solid all-around 25-year-old ready to make his mark in Yankee Stadium.
Ruppert is a rare blend of speed, grace and power. He is a fine fielder who has enough speed to cover the vast territories of the Yankee outfield. That is evidenced by the fact that he was second in the A.L. in putouts and total chances. He can also throw with anyone, as his fourth place ranking in assists will attest to, and his accuracy will surely be a welcome addition to the club.
Offensively, Ruppert adds a new dimension: a combination of speed and power. He stole 33 bases last season, seventh in the A.L., and he scored 109 runs. But he also hit 21 home runs, proving that the 24 he hit in 1977 were no fluke. With that good eye and his keen instincts to draw the walk, 85 last year and a .358 on-base percentage, you're sure to see Rupe on the bases quite often.
Originally drafted by Kansas City in 1973, Ruppert was immediately tabbed an outstanding prospect. It was no surprise when the Mariners selected him as the very first player for their club in the 1976 expansion draft. He now seems ready to put his talents to work for the Bombers."

-The New York Yankees Official 1980 Yearbook

"Jones played in all 162 games for the Mariners in '79, setting Seattle club records by scoring 109 runs, walking 85 times and hitting nine triples. Rupe ranked eighth in the American League in runs, at-bats and triples, and seventh in stolen bases and walks. He hit 21 home runs last year, including homers in four straight games (May 15-19). In addition, he stole 33 bases in 45 attempts, including one stretch of 17 without being caught. Ruppert hit 29 doubles and drove in 78 runs while hitting .267, and had a .358 on-base percentage, reaching base 254 times.
Ruppert was second to the Blue Jays' Rick Bosetti among American League outfielders in putouts and total chances but committed only five errors, eight less than Bosetti in 17 less chances. His 13 assists tied him with Lou Piniella for fourth among the league's outfielders and gave Rupe three straight years of double figures in assists.
He came on strong in the late months of the season, batting .328 in August and .304 in September. Jones had a 14-game hitting streak from September 14-29, raising his average from .259 to .269. He had his best success against the Angels, batting .385 against them, with four homers and 12 RBIs, and hit .313 against the Blue Jays. Rupe hit .293 in the Kingdome, hitting 17 of his 21 homers there.
Jones was Kansas City's number three pick in the June 1973 Free Agent Draft and progressed rapidly through the Royals minor league system. In his first year in pro ball, he was named to the Pioneer League All-Star team while playing for Billings. In 1976, he led the American Association in homers (19) and RBIs (73) while playing for Omaha. He was called up to Kansas City on July 31 of that year, and singled off Gaylord Perry in his first major league at-bat; he hit his first home run in Boston off Rick Wise on August 29.
Rupe was the first player selected in the 1976 American League expansion draft. He had a good rookie year for the Mariners in 1977, was the only rookie selected to the AL All-Star team, and was selected to the Topps Major League All-Rookie team. Jones hit 24 homers in '77, tops among A.L. center fielders, and had homers in three straight games against the Red Sox in the Kingdome (May 13-14-15). He hit a home run to end Dennis Eckersley's hitless inning streak at 22.1, two outs away from Cy Young's record. Ruppert hit the first ever Mariner, and first ever Kingdome, inside-the-park home run against the Yankees' Sparky Lyle.
Ruppert had surgery on November 16,1977 to repair a torn cartilage in his left knee. He then had an emergency appendectomy in Boston on June 17, 1978 and stayed on the disabled list until July 20. Ruppert still stole 22 bases in 28 attempts. He tied a major league record for center fielders on May 16, 1978 by recording 12 putouts in an extra-inning game.
Jones was an outstanding three-sport athlete at Berkeley (Cal.) High. He batted .478 in his senior year and was selected All-State. An excellent guard in basketball, he's one of only two players to earn All-Tournament honors three times in the Northern California Basketball Tournament of Champions. A wide receiver in football, Rupe was offered a scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley.
He enjoys karate, racquetball and basketball."

-New York Yankees 1980 Media Guide