"Tommy enjoyed another banner season in '81 despite being engulfed in a near tragedy for part of it when his infant son, Travis, fell out of a window and suffered serious head injuries. Travis recovered and Tommy again led the Yanks in complete games (7). The strike may have ended any hopes of one day achieving 300 wins, however.
Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, Tommy possesses probably the best sinker ball in the league, though some suggest he adds a little 'extra' to it. 'The Bionic Man,' his career almost ended when doctors had to transplant a tendon from his right forearm to his left elbow in 1974.
Tommy is in the final year of his free agent Yankee contract, although that was expected to be rectified before the start of the '82 season. A Steinbrenner favorite, he won support from the Yankee boss when he protested being lifted for a pinch hitter in the fourth inning of the final World Series game."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"Coming back is nothing new to Tommy John. After elbow surgery in September of '74, doctors told him he would probably never pitch again. Rehabilitating and racing against time, Tommy waited through the '75 season and approached the mound again in 1976. That year he won both the National League's Comeback Player of the Year Award and the Fred Hutchinson Award. The very next year, 1977, TJ proved his success no fluke by reaching the magic 20-win mark. In 1978, he managed 17 victories, made the National League's All-Star team and helped his mates, the Los Angeles Dodgers, reach the fall classic.
This season represents another comeback, of sorts. After winning nine games in 1981, TJ would like to return to his usual form: 20 victories a season, as witnessed through the first two seasons he put on the pinstripes- 1979 and 1980. If not for the baseball strike, Tommy feels he may have made it three big years in a row.
Yankee fans aren't that worried about Tommy coming back and winning another 20. They're satisfied with his spectacular ERA from '81, 2.64, which was good enough to lead the Yankees and fourth best in the entire American League. Tommy's ability to keep runners from crossing home plate is his forte and with another possibility of him winning 20 games on the horizon, Yankee fans are glad they've got number twenty-five on their side."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"1981 was Tommy's third straight outstanding Yankee season. He is now the winningest pitcher in the AL over the last three years with a 52-36 record in Pinstripes. Tommy was the starter and winner against Texas on both 1981 Opening Days and won Game 2 of the World Series against his former Dodger teammates. His 2.64 ERA was fourth best in the AL. He pitched well all season but the Yankees scored a total of only 12 runs in his eight losses.
Tommy pitched five consecutive complete games from September 3 to September 25. He strained his lower back on May 22 at Cleveland, left the game and missed two starts. He cut his left index finger on a razor on June 5 and was placed on the DL, and reactivated after the strike for the second half.
On August 13 his three-year-old son Travis fell from a third floor window and was critically injured. He was in the hospital for over a month and is okay now. Throughout the ordeal, Tommy missed just one start, joining the team only on days he pitched.
Tommy moved up several notches on the all-time lists; up 14 places on the games started list into a tie for 23rd with 504 starts; past eight pitchers on the all-time win list, moving into a tie for 50th all-time, and up two places on the all-time strikeout list to 42nd all-time with 1,850.
One of eight men in baseball history to win 20 games in both leagues, Tommy signed with the Yankees after the '78 season and finished second in the AL in wins, ERA, innings pitched and Cy Young voting. He won his first nine games of '79 and was named the AL's first ever Pitcher of the Month, going 4-0 in April. He was named the left-handed starter on the UPI All-Star team. In 1980, Tommy won his first seven games of the season, finished fourth in the Cy Young voting and was named as the left-handed pitcher on the Sporting News All-Star team. He won his 200th career game, a 2-hit shutout at Seattle, on June 6 of that year.
Tommy ruptured a ligament in his left elbow on July 17, 1974 while pitching against Montreal. He underwent surgery on September 25 as a tendon from his right forearm was used in the reconstruction of his left elbow. The operation, performed by Dr. Frank Jobe, was the first of its kind on an athlete, and Jobe told him he would never pitch again. TJ was off to his best start, 13-3, when the injury occurred.
Tommy came back in 1976 after a year of therapy, exercise and running to win Comeback Player of the Year honors in the NL and the Fred Hutchinson Award. The following season, he won 20 for the first time and finished second to Steve Carlton in the Cy Young voting.
In his first major league win, he beat Baltimore on 72 pitches, 6-0, in 1964. Tommy had a good year in 1968, going 10-5, 1.98 before breaking his collar bone in a fight with Dick McAuliffe that ended his season. He's pitched six 2-hitters and seven 3-hitters, and his strikeout high is 13 against the Reds on August 8, 1972. TJ had his best NL success against the Dodgers' toughest opponents; he was 12-3 against the Reds and 8-2 over the Giants.
Tommy grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana where he received 35 scholarship offers upon graduation from Gerstmeyer High School. He attended Indiana State in Terre Haute, and following the 1979 season was given the Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest award given by the school. An outstanding golfer, he has his own celebrity golf tournament in California for the benefit of cancer research. Tommy moved to New Jersey in the winter of '79 and keeps busy making charity and civic appearances both in the New York area and in California."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
1982 Profile: Willie Randolph
"Randolph fell off with the bat last season but was again among the Yanks' top base stealing threats. His best season was 1980 when he led the AL in walks and finished second to MVP George Brett in on-base percentage with .429.
He's solid defensively and the latest in a long line of All-Star caliber Yank second basemen that includes Tony Lazzeri, Joe Gordon and Bobby Richardson. Randolph came over from the Pirates in a 1975 deal that ranks as one of the Yanks' best. He was just a minor league prospect then and they gave up pitcher Doc Medich. He's the ideal leadoff man and hopes one day to steal 50 bases. The Yanks would like that, too.
Born in Holly Hill, South Carolina, Willie earned a new lease on life with Yankee boss George Steinbrenner for his World Series play in 1981 with a double, a triple and two homers."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"The Yankees' rise to the top of the baseball charts is not due to the presence of one man, but it can be said that is partially due to the distinct aura created by the number one man. The man who leads off in the batting order, the numero uno hitter, the man expected to get on base and let the big guys drive him in. For the past few seasons, the Yankees have been fortunate enough to have someone named Willie Randolph at that position.
Willie came to the Yankees via an off-season trade with the Pirates in 1975. Almost immediately, his potential shone through as he won a berth on the AL All-Star team in 1976. In his second season in pinstripes, Willie hit a personal high of 28 doubles and helped the Bronx Bombers to their first World Championship in 15 long years. In the '78 season, Willie hiked his average to .278, stole 36 bases and collected 85 walks. Willie made '79 a banner year by driving in a career high 61 runs with 155 hits and 95 bases on balls. The next season, his finest as a Yankee, he again made the All-Star team, hit .294 during the regular season and collected a league leading 119 walks. Last year, number 30 made it four All-Star berths in just six seasons and finished the season among the league leaders in runs scored, walks and stolen bases.
With the Yankees emphasizing speed more and more in 1982, Willie hopes to jump on the runaway bandwagon along with teammates Griffey, Collins, Winfield and Mumphrey."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Randolph finished eighth in the AL in runs, ninth in walks and 15th in stolen bases in 1981. He missed eight games in August with a groin pull and missed several more in late September with the same injury. Randolph stole 14 bases, moving into the sixth spot on the all-time Yankee list past Rizzuto (149), Clarke (151) and Mantle (153) with 162. He was voted to the starting lineup of the All-Star team and his solo home run in Game 3 of the ALCS was the game winner to win the AL pennant.
Willie has been on four All-Star teams in his six seasons. He and Dent have teamed together now for five full years. 1979 was the only year a team he played on failed to qualify for postseason play.
He was leading the International League in hitting when he was called up in 1975 to the Pirates. Willie was named the James P. Dawson Award winner as the top rookie in the 1976 Yankee camp and was on the All-Star ballot as a rookie. He was named to the Topps All-Rookie team in 1976, though he was hampered by a right shoulder injury and an injury to the outside of the right knee that required minor surgery. In 1977, Willie was named to the AP, UPI and Sporting News All-Star teams.
Willie had a five-RBI game against Boston on September 7, 1978 and despite a bruised left knee and a pulled left hamstring, still made the AP and UPI All-Star teams. The hamstring kept him out of postseason play. In 1979, his 13 triples were third in the AL and the most by a Yankee since Henrich's 14 in 1948. He committed only 13 errors and his .985 percentage was just .003 behind league leader Duane Kuiper.
In 1980 Willie had his best season ever as the Yankee leadoff hitter. He led the AL in walks with 119, the most by a Yankee since Mantle's 122 in 1962. He had a 13-game hitting streak in May, the longest of his career, and was named to the UPI and Sporting News All-Star teams and won the Sporting News Silver Bat award for AL second basemen.
Although born in South Carolina, Willie's family moved to the Brownsville section of Brooklyn when he was an infant. He played stickball in the streets and fields of Canarsie and baseball at Tilden High School. Willie has three brothers and a sister. His brother Terry was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1977 and also played for the Jets."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
He's solid defensively and the latest in a long line of All-Star caliber Yank second basemen that includes Tony Lazzeri, Joe Gordon and Bobby Richardson. Randolph came over from the Pirates in a 1975 deal that ranks as one of the Yanks' best. He was just a minor league prospect then and they gave up pitcher Doc Medich. He's the ideal leadoff man and hopes one day to steal 50 bases. The Yanks would like that, too.
Born in Holly Hill, South Carolina, Willie earned a new lease on life with Yankee boss George Steinbrenner for his World Series play in 1981 with a double, a triple and two homers."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"The Yankees' rise to the top of the baseball charts is not due to the presence of one man, but it can be said that is partially due to the distinct aura created by the number one man. The man who leads off in the batting order, the numero uno hitter, the man expected to get on base and let the big guys drive him in. For the past few seasons, the Yankees have been fortunate enough to have someone named Willie Randolph at that position.
Willie came to the Yankees via an off-season trade with the Pirates in 1975. Almost immediately, his potential shone through as he won a berth on the AL All-Star team in 1976. In his second season in pinstripes, Willie hit a personal high of 28 doubles and helped the Bronx Bombers to their first World Championship in 15 long years. In the '78 season, Willie hiked his average to .278, stole 36 bases and collected 85 walks. Willie made '79 a banner year by driving in a career high 61 runs with 155 hits and 95 bases on balls. The next season, his finest as a Yankee, he again made the All-Star team, hit .294 during the regular season and collected a league leading 119 walks. Last year, number 30 made it four All-Star berths in just six seasons and finished the season among the league leaders in runs scored, walks and stolen bases.
With the Yankees emphasizing speed more and more in 1982, Willie hopes to jump on the runaway bandwagon along with teammates Griffey, Collins, Winfield and Mumphrey."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Randolph finished eighth in the AL in runs, ninth in walks and 15th in stolen bases in 1981. He missed eight games in August with a groin pull and missed several more in late September with the same injury. Randolph stole 14 bases, moving into the sixth spot on the all-time Yankee list past Rizzuto (149), Clarke (151) and Mantle (153) with 162. He was voted to the starting lineup of the All-Star team and his solo home run in Game 3 of the ALCS was the game winner to win the AL pennant.
Willie has been on four All-Star teams in his six seasons. He and Dent have teamed together now for five full years. 1979 was the only year a team he played on failed to qualify for postseason play.
He was leading the International League in hitting when he was called up in 1975 to the Pirates. Willie was named the James P. Dawson Award winner as the top rookie in the 1976 Yankee camp and was on the All-Star ballot as a rookie. He was named to the Topps All-Rookie team in 1976, though he was hampered by a right shoulder injury and an injury to the outside of the right knee that required minor surgery. In 1977, Willie was named to the AP, UPI and Sporting News All-Star teams.
Willie had a five-RBI game against Boston on September 7, 1978 and despite a bruised left knee and a pulled left hamstring, still made the AP and UPI All-Star teams. The hamstring kept him out of postseason play. In 1979, his 13 triples were third in the AL and the most by a Yankee since Henrich's 14 in 1948. He committed only 13 errors and his .985 percentage was just .003 behind league leader Duane Kuiper.
In 1980 Willie had his best season ever as the Yankee leadoff hitter. He led the AL in walks with 119, the most by a Yankee since Mantle's 122 in 1962. He had a 13-game hitting streak in May, the longest of his career, and was named to the UPI and Sporting News All-Star teams and won the Sporting News Silver Bat award for AL second basemen.
Although born in South Carolina, Willie's family moved to the Brownsville section of Brooklyn when he was an infant. He played stickball in the streets and fields of Canarsie and baseball at Tilden High School. Willie has three brothers and a sister. His brother Terry was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1977 and also played for the Jets."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Sunday, March 22, 2015
1982 Profile: Rudy May
"In a world full of self-indulgent, self-praising, greed-filled men, one man stands alone. He's a humble, hard-working, pleasure-to-have-on-your-team kind of guy. You'll catch him working summers in New York in his nattily-attired pinstriped suit. Not a pinstriped suit, mind you, like a stockbroker would wear, but a pinstriped suit made famous by that well-respected baseball team in the Bronx.
Rudy first came to Yankee Stadium as a California Angel rookie in 1965. He stayed with Gene Autry's club until June of '74 when the Yankees purchased this solid left-hander. Rudy played for the Yankees for the equivalent of two seasons and was dealt to Baltimore in June of '76. Earl Weaver utilized the Dude from '76 to '77 and then dealt him to Montreal in the off-season. Rudy pitched in Canada during both the '78 and '79 campaigns. At the end of 1979, his contract was up! Becoming a free agent aroused interest on 161st Street and River Avenue and Rudy knew coming home was his next step. That winter, he signed a multi-year contract with the Yankees.
Two seasons ago, his first year back in New York, the 6'2", 200-pound Californian chalked up 15 wins against only five losses and was the AL's leading ERA man with a 2.47 earned run average. Last season, making the transition from a starting spot to the bullpen and back again was difficult for the Dude and he compiled a mere six wins. This year, Rudy wants to turn it all around and aim for a big, big winning season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"1981 was a confusing season for May. He began the season winning his first three games and four of his first five with a 2.39 ERA, then he couldn't win from May 3 through August 25. He lost seven straight during that streak, saving one with seven no-decisions, had five one-run losses and was shut out twice.
Rudy was used exclusively as a starter in the first half and led the Yankee staff in starts and innings pitched. Winning his first three games of the season gave him an 11-game winning streak as he won his last eight decisions of 1980. In 1980 Rudy won the AL ERA title with a 2.47 mark, though he was disabled early in the season with a lower back strain.
Rudy first came to Yankee Stadium as a California Angel rookie in 1965. He stayed with Gene Autry's club until June of '74 when the Yankees purchased this solid left-hander. Rudy played for the Yankees for the equivalent of two seasons and was dealt to Baltimore in June of '76. Earl Weaver utilized the Dude from '76 to '77 and then dealt him to Montreal in the off-season. Rudy pitched in Canada during both the '78 and '79 campaigns. At the end of 1979, his contract was up! Becoming a free agent aroused interest on 161st Street and River Avenue and Rudy knew coming home was his next step. That winter, he signed a multi-year contract with the Yankees.
Two seasons ago, his first year back in New York, the 6'2", 200-pound Californian chalked up 15 wins against only five losses and was the AL's leading ERA man with a 2.47 earned run average. Last season, making the transition from a starting spot to the bullpen and back again was difficult for the Dude and he compiled a mere six wins. This year, Rudy wants to turn it all around and aim for a big, big winning season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"1981 was a confusing season for May. He began the season winning his first three games and four of his first five with a 2.39 ERA, then he couldn't win from May 3 through August 25. He lost seven straight during that streak, saving one with seven no-decisions, had five one-run losses and was shut out twice.
Rudy was used exclusively as a starter in the first half and led the Yankee staff in starts and innings pitched. Winning his first three games of the season gave him an 11-game winning streak as he won his last eight decisions of 1980. In 1980 Rudy won the AL ERA title with a 2.47 mark, though he was disabled early in the season with a lower back strain.
He originally made it to the majors in 1965 with the Angels and threw a 1-hitter against Denny McLain and the Tigers in his first game, but without a decision. He suffered a sore shoulder later that year and struggled in the minors for three seasons. Rudy was a mainstay of the Angels' pitching staff from 1969 through June 15, 1974 when he was sold to the Yankees. He struck out nine batters in a row while at Portsmouth in 1964.
Rudy lettered in baseball, basketball, football and track at Castlemont High School in Oakland where he was a teammate of Joe Morgan and played against Willie Stargell and Paul Silas. He grew up rooting for the Giants. He credits three of his pitching coaches for helping his career the most: George Bamberger, Jim Brewer and Whitey Ford."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Rudy lettered in baseball, basketball, football and track at Castlemont High School in Oakland where he was a teammate of Joe Morgan and played against Willie Stargell and Paul Silas. He grew up rooting for the Giants. He credits three of his pitching coaches for helping his career the most: George Bamberger, Jim Brewer and Whitey Ford."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Friday, March 20, 2015
1982 Profile: Lou Piniella
"For Lou Piniella, 1982 represents many things. It could have been the year he retired and gone to work downtown at Wall Street. It could have also have been the year he left as a free agent from the Yankees and the Pinstripes he loves dearly. But for number 14, it seems likely that 1982 will be a wonderful year in his life. It is the opening season of a new three-year pact with the Yankees that George Steinbrenner offered him during the winter of '81.
Entering his 14th season of major league ball and his ninth season as a Yankee, Lou can afford to become sentimental and look back on the some of the pleasant memories he has accumulated: Rookie of the Year in 1969, an American League All-Star in 1972, five appearances in the AL playoffs, four World Series appearances, two World Championship rings with the proud Yankee insignia, and a love that few ballplayers in this city have honestly felt. Yes, Sweet Lou can peer back at his accomplishments, but he isn't about to do that ... at least not now.
Sweet Lou looks toward a most productive season this year with contributions both on and off the field. As a lifetime .290 hitter, Lou hopes he can assist younger players with their stroke. With a sure and steady glove in the outfield, Lou is able to give tips on where to play certain hitters and how to react in different situations with men on base. No matter what role Lou is asked to assume, you can be sure he'll handle it the way he has in previous seasons ... with all the class and character of one of the most respected players in the game today."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Piniella started the 1981 season slowly in the first month and a half of the season, then remained steady at the plate, avoiding slumps. From May 17 on, he never went more than two consecutive games without a hit. Lou was used mainly as an outfielder against left-handed pitchers in the first half, primarily as a designated hitter in the second half. He hit five home runs, all on the road.
Lou fouled a pitch off his left ankle on August 22 and missed 15 games while on the DL with a bad bruise. He was outstanding in the postseason with a .387 (12-for-31) overall average and nine RBIs and led Yankee hitters in the World Series with a .438 average. Lou hit in the first three games of the World Series to extend his personal World Series hitting streak to nine consecutive games (including all six games of the '78 World Series).
A consistent player, recognized as one of baseball's most professional hitters, Lou has always been extremely tough for the Yankees in the clutch. His .294 lifetime batting average with the Yankees ranks him 12th all-time as a Yankee. In 1980 for the first time in his career, Lou had more walks than strikeouts.
Lou was admitted to a Tampa hospital in November 1980 complaining of chest pains and congestion. Doctors described his condition as 'simple fatigue' and released him several days later; he showed no after-effects in 1981. He missed most of the 1975 season with inner ear problems that required mid-season surgery. Lou returned to regular duty in '76 and was runner-up to teammate Dock Ellis for Comeback Player of the Year.
Originally signed by Cleveland scout and former Yankee Spud Chandler, Lou has always been an excellent postseason performer. In 1977 he hit safely in all five ALCS games and in 1978 hit safely in all six World Series games.
Lou is always one of the Yankees' most exciting players and fans welcome each of his at-bats with chants of 'Lou, Lou.' He's a lifetime native of the Tampa area and is of Spanish ancestry. He enjoys the stock market."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Entering his 14th season of major league ball and his ninth season as a Yankee, Lou can afford to become sentimental and look back on the some of the pleasant memories he has accumulated: Rookie of the Year in 1969, an American League All-Star in 1972, five appearances in the AL playoffs, four World Series appearances, two World Championship rings with the proud Yankee insignia, and a love that few ballplayers in this city have honestly felt. Yes, Sweet Lou can peer back at his accomplishments, but he isn't about to do that ... at least not now.
Sweet Lou looks toward a most productive season this year with contributions both on and off the field. As a lifetime .290 hitter, Lou hopes he can assist younger players with their stroke. With a sure and steady glove in the outfield, Lou is able to give tips on where to play certain hitters and how to react in different situations with men on base. No matter what role Lou is asked to assume, you can be sure he'll handle it the way he has in previous seasons ... with all the class and character of one of the most respected players in the game today."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Piniella started the 1981 season slowly in the first month and a half of the season, then remained steady at the plate, avoiding slumps. From May 17 on, he never went more than two consecutive games without a hit. Lou was used mainly as an outfielder against left-handed pitchers in the first half, primarily as a designated hitter in the second half. He hit five home runs, all on the road.
Lou fouled a pitch off his left ankle on August 22 and missed 15 games while on the DL with a bad bruise. He was outstanding in the postseason with a .387 (12-for-31) overall average and nine RBIs and led Yankee hitters in the World Series with a .438 average. Lou hit in the first three games of the World Series to extend his personal World Series hitting streak to nine consecutive games (including all six games of the '78 World Series).
A consistent player, recognized as one of baseball's most professional hitters, Lou has always been extremely tough for the Yankees in the clutch. His .294 lifetime batting average with the Yankees ranks him 12th all-time as a Yankee. In 1980 for the first time in his career, Lou had more walks than strikeouts.
Lou was admitted to a Tampa hospital in November 1980 complaining of chest pains and congestion. Doctors described his condition as 'simple fatigue' and released him several days later; he showed no after-effects in 1981. He missed most of the 1975 season with inner ear problems that required mid-season surgery. Lou returned to regular duty in '76 and was runner-up to teammate Dock Ellis for Comeback Player of the Year.
Originally signed by Cleveland scout and former Yankee Spud Chandler, Lou has always been an excellent postseason performer. In 1977 he hit safely in all five ALCS games and in 1978 hit safely in all six World Series games.
Lou is always one of the Yankees' most exciting players and fans welcome each of his at-bats with chants of 'Lou, Lou.' He's a lifetime native of the Tampa area and is of Spanish ancestry. He enjoys the stock market."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
1982 Profile: Ron Guidry
1982 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Guidry was bothered by a bone bruise on his right foot the first half of the season but re-emerged as the best pitcher on the Yanks' staff- if not in the league- in the second half. He put together a string of 20 straight scoreless innings at one point. Guidry credited the development of a changeup to go with his fastball and slider as the prime reason for his regained dominance. He already owns the best slider in the AL.
Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, Guidry was the unanimous Cy Young winner in 1978 when he was 25-3 with a 1.74 ERA. He says his toughest opponent remains George Brett.
After intense negotiations between his agent John Schneider and George Steinbrenner, Guidry accepted a contract ranging from $4 million to $5 five million, depending on whether he pitches the next four or the next five seasons."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"Yankee fans cheer him as he makes his way back to the dugout from the bullpen even before the normal fan has started to direct his attention to the playing field. Then nimbly, number 49 pounces out of the dugout toward the mound and the show is about to begin. As he's warming up on the mound, a rumbling noise pierces the air and a wave of anticipation rises out of the overflowing stands. Unnerving the wary batter, two quick strikes register on the electronic scoreboard. Now the Stadium is jumping! Hands come together, cheers are so loud you can't help but join in and the pandemonium caused by the crowd lets the Gator know what he must do: get that third strike!
What most fans know is that Ron gets that third strike quite often. Last season, Ron chalked up 104 strikeouts in 127 innings to go along with his 11-5 record and 2.76 ERA. In '78 and '79, Ron recorded back-to-back 200-plus strikeout seasons with 248 and 201 respectively. And, over his five-plus seasons with the Yankees, Ron has recorded 922 strikeouts and can look toward reaching his 1,000th K this year.
In 1982, Ron hopes to continue his winning ways and aim for another 200-plus strikeout season. Most Yankee fans would be happy with his usual production: plenty of wins, plenty of strikeouts and time spent pitching in the World Series."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"1981 was another excellent year for Guidry. He had a slow start in the first half with a 5-3 record and a 3.74 ERA; he was hampered by a bone bruise on the ball of his right foot in May.
Guidry won his first six decisions in the second half and was named AL Pitcher of the Month of August (4-0 and an 0.37 ERA). He broke the little finger on his right hand on a come-backer on August 23, but played with a splint, not missing any starts.
During the season Guidry moved up from 12th to 8th on the all-time Yankee strikeout list, passing Raschi, Peterson, Turley and Chesbro, and maintained his best all-time Yankee won-lost percentage, .719. He won Game 1 of the World Series and was the loser in Game 5.
Ron enters 1982 with an 87-34 record and is 79-27, .745 since August 24, 1977. He has performed well in the second half of the year with a 48-13, .787 record after the All-Star break over the past five years.
1977 was his first full year with the Yankees; he was used in relief in six of his first seven appearances, then ended the year with 24 straight starts. In 1978, Guidry had a 'once in a lifetime' season, winning the Cy Young Award, finishing second in the MVP voting to Jim Rice and setting numerous records. He set the Yankee record for most consecutive wins to start a season, winning his first 13 and breaking the record of Atley Donald, the scout who signed Guidry. His nine shutouts tied Babe Ruth's AL record for most by a lefty, set in 1916. The Yankees won 30 of the 35 games he started, scoring only seven runs in the five losses, and opposing hitters batted only .193.
Ron struck out 10 or more in a game eight times, including a club record 18 against California on June 17, breaking Bob Shawkey's record of 15 set in 1919. His total of 248 strikeouts for the season was a club record and his 1.74 ERA was the lowest by a major league lefty since Sandy Koufax's 1.73 in 1966. 15 of his 25 wins followed a Yankee loss.
Guidry was a unanimous Cy Young winner (the only other unanimous winner was Denny McLain in 1968). He was also named Sporting News Player of the Year, Sporting News Man of the Year, Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year and Baseball Quarterly Performer of the Year. Guidry was named to the Associated Press, Sporting News and United Press International All-Star teams.
In 1979 Ron won his second straight ERA championship and was named to the UPI All-Star team. He played an inning in center field against Toronto on September 29 of that year. In 1980, Ron reached his 100th career decision (72-28), matching Sal Maglie, Vic Raschi, Spud Chandler and Ed Reulbach behind Whitey Ford's 74-26 for the second best record ever through the first 100 decisions.
Guidry was born and still resides in Lafayette, Louisiana. He was named Outstanding Track Man for two years at Northside High where they had no baseball team. He hurled a no-hitter and was named to the Gulf States All-Stars at Southwestern Louisiana where he majored in architecture.
Ron is Executive Vice-President of Munro Oil Tool, Inc. in Lafayette and enjoys hunting, chess and studying the Civil War in his spare time. His biggest thrill was his 18-strikeout game. He grew up as a Yankee and Whitey Ford fan."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
"Guidry was bothered by a bone bruise on his right foot the first half of the season but re-emerged as the best pitcher on the Yanks' staff- if not in the league- in the second half. He put together a string of 20 straight scoreless innings at one point. Guidry credited the development of a changeup to go with his fastball and slider as the prime reason for his regained dominance. He already owns the best slider in the AL.
Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, Guidry was the unanimous Cy Young winner in 1978 when he was 25-3 with a 1.74 ERA. He says his toughest opponent remains George Brett.
After intense negotiations between his agent John Schneider and George Steinbrenner, Guidry accepted a contract ranging from $4 million to $5 five million, depending on whether he pitches the next four or the next five seasons."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"Yankee fans cheer him as he makes his way back to the dugout from the bullpen even before the normal fan has started to direct his attention to the playing field. Then nimbly, number 49 pounces out of the dugout toward the mound and the show is about to begin. As he's warming up on the mound, a rumbling noise pierces the air and a wave of anticipation rises out of the overflowing stands. Unnerving the wary batter, two quick strikes register on the electronic scoreboard. Now the Stadium is jumping! Hands come together, cheers are so loud you can't help but join in and the pandemonium caused by the crowd lets the Gator know what he must do: get that third strike!
What most fans know is that Ron gets that third strike quite often. Last season, Ron chalked up 104 strikeouts in 127 innings to go along with his 11-5 record and 2.76 ERA. In '78 and '79, Ron recorded back-to-back 200-plus strikeout seasons with 248 and 201 respectively. And, over his five-plus seasons with the Yankees, Ron has recorded 922 strikeouts and can look toward reaching his 1,000th K this year.
In 1982, Ron hopes to continue his winning ways and aim for another 200-plus strikeout season. Most Yankee fans would be happy with his usual production: plenty of wins, plenty of strikeouts and time spent pitching in the World Series."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"1981 was another excellent year for Guidry. He had a slow start in the first half with a 5-3 record and a 3.74 ERA; he was hampered by a bone bruise on the ball of his right foot in May.
Guidry won his first six decisions in the second half and was named AL Pitcher of the Month of August (4-0 and an 0.37 ERA). He broke the little finger on his right hand on a come-backer on August 23, but played with a splint, not missing any starts.
During the season Guidry moved up from 12th to 8th on the all-time Yankee strikeout list, passing Raschi, Peterson, Turley and Chesbro, and maintained his best all-time Yankee won-lost percentage, .719. He won Game 1 of the World Series and was the loser in Game 5.
Ron enters 1982 with an 87-34 record and is 79-27, .745 since August 24, 1977. He has performed well in the second half of the year with a 48-13, .787 record after the All-Star break over the past five years.
1977 was his first full year with the Yankees; he was used in relief in six of his first seven appearances, then ended the year with 24 straight starts. In 1978, Guidry had a 'once in a lifetime' season, winning the Cy Young Award, finishing second in the MVP voting to Jim Rice and setting numerous records. He set the Yankee record for most consecutive wins to start a season, winning his first 13 and breaking the record of Atley Donald, the scout who signed Guidry. His nine shutouts tied Babe Ruth's AL record for most by a lefty, set in 1916. The Yankees won 30 of the 35 games he started, scoring only seven runs in the five losses, and opposing hitters batted only .193.
Ron struck out 10 or more in a game eight times, including a club record 18 against California on June 17, breaking Bob Shawkey's record of 15 set in 1919. His total of 248 strikeouts for the season was a club record and his 1.74 ERA was the lowest by a major league lefty since Sandy Koufax's 1.73 in 1966. 15 of his 25 wins followed a Yankee loss.
Guidry was a unanimous Cy Young winner (the only other unanimous winner was Denny McLain in 1968). He was also named Sporting News Player of the Year, Sporting News Man of the Year, Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year and Baseball Quarterly Performer of the Year. Guidry was named to the Associated Press, Sporting News and United Press International All-Star teams.
In 1979 Ron won his second straight ERA championship and was named to the UPI All-Star team. He played an inning in center field against Toronto on September 29 of that year. In 1980, Ron reached his 100th career decision (72-28), matching Sal Maglie, Vic Raschi, Spud Chandler and Ed Reulbach behind Whitey Ford's 74-26 for the second best record ever through the first 100 decisions.
Guidry was born and still resides in Lafayette, Louisiana. He was named Outstanding Track Man for two years at Northside High where they had no baseball team. He hurled a no-hitter and was named to the Gulf States All-Stars at Southwestern Louisiana where he majored in architecture.
Ron is Executive Vice-President of Munro Oil Tool, Inc. in Lafayette and enjoys hunting, chess and studying the Civil War in his spare time. His biggest thrill was his 18-strikeout game. He grew up as a Yankee and Whitey Ford fan."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Monday, March 16, 2015
1982 Profile: Andre Robertson
"One of the more quiet, unassuming young faces in this season's Yankee clubhouse may just belong to a 24-year-old shortstop from Texas named Andre Robertson. Now the name may not stir up images of Phil Rizzuto or Frank Crosetti right away, but give him time.
In 1980 Andre went from Ft. Lauderdale to Nashville to Columbus that same season. Scouts from other clubs besides the Yankees were just raving about the little guy at short with the remarkable defensive ability.
Last season, Andre appeared in 123 games for the Triple A Clippers and won a spot on the International League's All-Star team. He batted a respectable .259 and had 55 runs scored with nine home runs and 49 RBIs. He played briefly with the Yankees last September and October when Bucky Dent was injured, and showed he belonged in pinstripes."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Robertson began the 1981 season at Columbus and was named to the International League All-Star team as the shortstop. He was called up to the Yankees on September 2 when Bucky Dent was disabled with a torn hand ligament that required surgery. With the Yankees, Andre showed great promise at the plate and was impressive in the field. He singled in his first major league at-bat against Mike Jones at Kansas City on September 3 and played defensively in the ALCS and World Series.
Andre began in the Toronto Blue Jays organization in 1979. In 1980 with the Yankees, he progressed from A ball to AA to AAA in just his second pro season.
He grew up in Orange, Texas where he attended West Orange High. Andre played baseball, football, basketball and ran track, and was All-State twice and All-American once in baseball. He also played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion ball in Orange and was a San Francisco Giant and Willie Mays fan as a youngster.
Andre spent three years at the University of Texas where he teamed with Jerry Don Gleaton and played against Tim Lollar of Arkansas."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
In 1980 Andre went from Ft. Lauderdale to Nashville to Columbus that same season. Scouts from other clubs besides the Yankees were just raving about the little guy at short with the remarkable defensive ability.
Last season, Andre appeared in 123 games for the Triple A Clippers and won a spot on the International League's All-Star team. He batted a respectable .259 and had 55 runs scored with nine home runs and 49 RBIs. He played briefly with the Yankees last September and October when Bucky Dent was injured, and showed he belonged in pinstripes."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Robertson began the 1981 season at Columbus and was named to the International League All-Star team as the shortstop. He was called up to the Yankees on September 2 when Bucky Dent was disabled with a torn hand ligament that required surgery. With the Yankees, Andre showed great promise at the plate and was impressive in the field. He singled in his first major league at-bat against Mike Jones at Kansas City on September 3 and played defensively in the ALCS and World Series.
Andre began in the Toronto Blue Jays organization in 1979. In 1980 with the Yankees, he progressed from A ball to AA to AAA in just his second pro season.
He grew up in Orange, Texas where he attended West Orange High. Andre played baseball, football, basketball and ran track, and was All-State twice and All-American once in baseball. He also played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion ball in Orange and was a San Francisco Giant and Willie Mays fan as a youngster.
Andre spent three years at the University of Texas where he teamed with Jerry Don Gleaton and played against Tim Lollar of Arkansas."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Saturday, March 14, 2015
1982 Profile: Dave Winfield
1982 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Winfield paid big first dividends on his 10-year, $15 million contract with the Yanks, leading the club in RBIs and providing some exceptional outfield defense. He made what many observers consider the greatest catch ever on September 25, when he climbed the left field wall and reached nearly four rows deep with his long arms to haul in a drive by the Orioles' Doug DeCinces. He was easily the Yanks' most valuable player. He doesn't like to sit.
Winfield was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 3, 1951- the same day Bobby Thomson hit his 'Shot Heard 'Round the World' to beat the Dodgers in a playoff. He played on the University of Minnesota basketball team and was MVP of the College World Series in baseball. He's very active in charitable work for underprivileged youngsters.
Last season ended on a very disappointing note when he went 1-for-22 in the World Series."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"Physically, he's much more imposing than any television screen or photograph can make him out to be. Dave Winfield, at 6'6" and 220 pounds, could have been a pro basketball player as evidenced by the fact that he was drafted by both the Utah Stars of the old ABA and the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA. He could have played pro football since his hometown Minnesota Vikings drafted him. But his greatest game is baseball and in his second season with the Yankees, Dave is determined to make the most of his extraordinary-super talent.
Last season, his first as a Yankee, Dave hit a strong .294, with a team high 114 hits. Thirty-nine of those hits went for extra bases, 25 of them being doubles, with 13 home runs and one triple. Of his greatest accomplishments during the '81 season, you'd be foolhardy not to note his team high 68 RBIs and nine game-winning RBIs. But his greatest accomplishments of them all were his easy-going mannerisms, his ever-present calm in the eye of the baseball storm and his philosophy of just being himself.
This season Yankee fans will see Dave continue his winning ways and continue his grand contributions to the Yankees. They will see an AL pennant flying high at Yankee Stadium that he contributed to last year and they have hopes for another World Series Championship soon. But one thing they enjoy most of all is Dave Winfield playing ball with the enthusiasm of a rookie, being himself and being one of the greatest players on the field today!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"1981 was an outstanding first season in pinstripes as Winfield did everything expected of him. He led the Yankees in games, at bats, hits, total bases, doubles, RBIs, game-winning RBIs and sacrifice flies.
Winfield batted .324 in the first half to lead the team with seven home runs and 24 RBIs. He hit his first home run as a Yankee on April 29 in Detroit off Jack Morris, his first Yankee Stadium homer on May 23 off Rick Waits, and hit an inside-the-park home run on August 29 in Chicago off Lamar Hoyt. The Yankees were 11-1 in games in which he homered.
Dave got off to a poor start in the second half, batting just .143 in his first 16 second half games, but hit over .300 the rest of the way to raise his average close to .300. He had two nine-game hitting streaks and 27 multi-hit games during the 1981 season.
He was superb in the outfield, mainly patrolling left field, yet played 23 games in center capably when Mumphrey was injured. Winfield had appeared in every Yankee game until a sore shoulder kept him out of the September 11 game.
He appeared in his fifth consecutive All-Star Game and made his first appearance in postseason competition. He was named to the UPI AL All-Star team and won the Sporting News Silver Bat award.
Dave went right to the major leagues off the campus of the University of Minnesota and never played in the minors. He's missed only 14 games in the last five years. He played eight seasons with San Diego and holds many Padre batting and outfield defense records.
In 1979 Winfield finished third in the NL MVP voting behind co-winners Willie Stargell and Keith Hernandez. He was also voted by players to the Sporting News NL All-Star team and named to both the AP and UPI NL All-Star teams.
At the University of Minnesota, Winfield was 13-1 on the mound in his senior year, while batting over .400 in the outfield. He was the Gophers team captain, named first-team All-American and was MVP in the 1973 College World Series. Winfield also played basketball for Minnesota and was drafted in three different sports: Padres in baseball, Vikings in football, and Utah (ABA) and Atlanta (NBA) in basketball. He hit safely in his first six major league games.
The David M. Winfield Foundation has received much acclaim for its work with youth groups and contributions to the community. Winfield set up a college scholarship program in his native St. Paul/Minneapolis area and was named 1979 winner of the YMCA Brian Piccolo Award for humanitarian services."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
"Winfield paid big first dividends on his 10-year, $15 million contract with the Yanks, leading the club in RBIs and providing some exceptional outfield defense. He made what many observers consider the greatest catch ever on September 25, when he climbed the left field wall and reached nearly four rows deep with his long arms to haul in a drive by the Orioles' Doug DeCinces. He was easily the Yanks' most valuable player. He doesn't like to sit.
Winfield was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 3, 1951- the same day Bobby Thomson hit his 'Shot Heard 'Round the World' to beat the Dodgers in a playoff. He played on the University of Minnesota basketball team and was MVP of the College World Series in baseball. He's very active in charitable work for underprivileged youngsters.
Last season ended on a very disappointing note when he went 1-for-22 in the World Series."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"Physically, he's much more imposing than any television screen or photograph can make him out to be. Dave Winfield, at 6'6" and 220 pounds, could have been a pro basketball player as evidenced by the fact that he was drafted by both the Utah Stars of the old ABA and the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA. He could have played pro football since his hometown Minnesota Vikings drafted him. But his greatest game is baseball and in his second season with the Yankees, Dave is determined to make the most of his extraordinary-super talent.
Last season, his first as a Yankee, Dave hit a strong .294, with a team high 114 hits. Thirty-nine of those hits went for extra bases, 25 of them being doubles, with 13 home runs and one triple. Of his greatest accomplishments during the '81 season, you'd be foolhardy not to note his team high 68 RBIs and nine game-winning RBIs. But his greatest accomplishments of them all were his easy-going mannerisms, his ever-present calm in the eye of the baseball storm and his philosophy of just being himself.
This season Yankee fans will see Dave continue his winning ways and continue his grand contributions to the Yankees. They will see an AL pennant flying high at Yankee Stadium that he contributed to last year and they have hopes for another World Series Championship soon. But one thing they enjoy most of all is Dave Winfield playing ball with the enthusiasm of a rookie, being himself and being one of the greatest players on the field today!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"1981 was an outstanding first season in pinstripes as Winfield did everything expected of him. He led the Yankees in games, at bats, hits, total bases, doubles, RBIs, game-winning RBIs and sacrifice flies.
Winfield batted .324 in the first half to lead the team with seven home runs and 24 RBIs. He hit his first home run as a Yankee on April 29 in Detroit off Jack Morris, his first Yankee Stadium homer on May 23 off Rick Waits, and hit an inside-the-park home run on August 29 in Chicago off Lamar Hoyt. The Yankees were 11-1 in games in which he homered.
Dave got off to a poor start in the second half, batting just .143 in his first 16 second half games, but hit over .300 the rest of the way to raise his average close to .300. He had two nine-game hitting streaks and 27 multi-hit games during the 1981 season.
He was superb in the outfield, mainly patrolling left field, yet played 23 games in center capably when Mumphrey was injured. Winfield had appeared in every Yankee game until a sore shoulder kept him out of the September 11 game.
He appeared in his fifth consecutive All-Star Game and made his first appearance in postseason competition. He was named to the UPI AL All-Star team and won the Sporting News Silver Bat award.
Dave went right to the major leagues off the campus of the University of Minnesota and never played in the minors. He's missed only 14 games in the last five years. He played eight seasons with San Diego and holds many Padre batting and outfield defense records.
In 1979 Winfield finished third in the NL MVP voting behind co-winners Willie Stargell and Keith Hernandez. He was also voted by players to the Sporting News NL All-Star team and named to both the AP and UPI NL All-Star teams.
At the University of Minnesota, Winfield was 13-1 on the mound in his senior year, while batting over .400 in the outfield. He was the Gophers team captain, named first-team All-American and was MVP in the 1973 College World Series. Winfield also played basketball for Minnesota and was drafted in three different sports: Padres in baseball, Vikings in football, and Utah (ABA) and Atlanta (NBA) in basketball. He hit safely in his first six major league games.
The David M. Winfield Foundation has received much acclaim for its work with youth groups and contributions to the community. Winfield set up a college scholarship program in his native St. Paul/Minneapolis area and was named 1979 winner of the YMCA Brian Piccolo Award for humanitarian services."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
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