"A key acquisition by the Yankees in late spring, he provided them a steady .300 bat and much-needed speed on the basepaths. Mumphrey led the club in hitting and stolen bases, but despite his great speed, he had his problems defensively in Yankee Stadium's spacious center field and seemed uncertain at times. The Yanks gave up Ruppert Jones, their previous center fielder, plus three prospects- Joe Lefebvre, Tim Lollar and Chris Welsh- to get him and John Pacella.
Mumphrey signed a six-year, $3.9-million contract, passing up the 1981 free agent draft. He was felled by an ankle injury late in the season, but it wasn't serious.
Jerry was born in Tyler, Texas."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"After five seasons in the National League (four with the St. Louis Cardinals and one with the San Diego Padres), Jerry Mumphrey found himself in the honored pinstripes for the 1981 season. Playing the pivotal position in the Yankee outfield, Jerry responded as his predecessors in center field would have liked to have seen him respond: a .307 batting average and a swiftness in the outfield Yankee fans haven't enjoyed since the departure of Mickey Rivers.
The 30-year-old speedster from Tyler, Texas was one of only four National League outfielders who handled over 400 chances in 1980. His .298 average with 59 RBIs and 52 stolen bases proved how well he could play once given the full reign over center field as he was in San Diego.
Adjusting his defense to the vast expanse of Yankee Stadium's center field wasn't a difficult task for Jerry, who enters his second Yankee season. Flagging down those long fly balls, driving in key baserunners and stealing those all-important bases, Jerry hopes the Bronx Bombers roll right through October for another crack at the World Championship."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Acquired just before the start of the 1981 season and inserted into center field next to his former San Diego teammate Winfield, Mumphrey led the team in batting average, .307, and had the longest hitting streak of the season by a Yankee, 14 games (April 19-May 5). He led the team with a .322 average in the first half and had two four-hit games, June 5 against Chicago and a 4-for-4 game against Milwaukee on September 9. Jerry led Yankee outfielders with five assists.
Jerry would have had a better season but was slowed by two injuries. Starting May 10, he missed 13 games with a pulled left thigh muscle and on September 14 sprained his left ankle, an injury that kept him out of action until the final weekend of the season. Jerry played well in the ALCS, batting .500.
He was named to the Gulf Coast League All-Star team in 1971. In 1980 with San Diego, he finally became a regular center fielder and established a Padre record with 27 consecutive stolen bases from June 3 until caught by Bob Boone in Philadelphia on August 21. Jerry finished that season with 52 steals in 57 tries, joining Gene Richards (61) and Ozzie Smith (57) as the first trio from one team in National League history to steal over 50 bases in one season. He has a lifetime stolen base percentage of .701 (131-for-187) and lifetime is a .293 hitter left-handed and .271 right-handed. 12 of his 18 major league homers have been hit left-handed.
Mumphrey earned 12 letters at Chapel High in Tyler, Texas. He was named all-district in baseball, football and basketball and was also on the track team. His hobbies are hunting and fishing."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Friday, April 10, 2015
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
1982 Profile: Dave Collins
"An ex-Red snared as a free agent for a three-year contract worth at least $2.5 million, he had contrasting seasons last year as one of the players hurt most by the strike. He batted .312 in the first half and led the league with 44 runs scored, yet tailed off to .214 in the second half. The Player of the Week April 13-19, batting .421, he batted .406 in April. He's among the fastest players in the majors, but his stolen bases dipped from 79 in 1980 to 26.
Born in Rapid City, South Dakota, Collins failed to impress in AL stints with the Angels and Mariners, but made the best of his opportunity with the Reds as a fill-in for the injured George Foster and Ken Griffey and batted .318 in 1979. He batted .357 in the playoffs that season and stole 22 bases in a row in 1980."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"Like so many before him, Dave Collins grew up rooting for the Yankees and number seven, Mickey Mantle. Fourteen years after the Mick's last days as a Yankee, Dave finds himself in the House that Ruth Built staring at the facade and the monuments which make Yankee Stadium the most famous ballyard in America. It's quite a thrill for the 5'10", 175-pound veteran from Rapid City, South Dakota ... and quite a trip.
Dave began his long journey to the Stadium via the California Angels organization, where he played for five seasons. After one year with the Mariners in '77, Dave moved on to Cincinnati and became an integral part of the Big Red Machine. Despite a slow start in his first season, Dave rallied for back-to-back .300-plus years at the plate and a total of 128 stolen bases in just four campaigns with the Reds. In 1980, he came just one short of the Cincinnati team record with 79 stolen bases and a streak of 21 in a row during one stretch. His speed and potency with the bat were becoming commonplace occurrences.
A combination of Dave's desire to come to New York and the Yankees' desire to add speed and hustle made this 29-year-old a perfect fit for pinstripes. Bob Lemon sees Dave Collins as a more-than-welcome addition and a super-plus in the all-important hustle department. In 1982, look for Dave to work his tail off and give his New York fans 110 percent."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"In the shortened 1981 season, Collins batted .272 in 95 games (the Reds played 108) and stole 26 bases in 36 attempts. In 1980 he stole 79 bases (one short of the Reds record set in 1911), stealing 21 in a row at one point. Dave also hit in 15 consecutive games, the Reds' top streak on '80.
In 1972, Dave was named to the Pioneer League All-Star squad. His 15-game hitting streak in 1975 was the longest by an Angel, and he was also named the 1975 Angels' top minor leaguer. In 1976, he won the Angels' Most Improved Player Award.
Collins was a multi-sport star at Stevens High in Rapid City and holds the South Dakota prep record in the 100 with 9.6 timing. He was All-State in basketball and baseball. Dave played Little League and American Legion ball in Rapid City and was a Yankee and Mickey Mantle fan as a youngster. At Mesa Community College he lettered in track and was an All-American in baseball.
Dave coaches high school basketball in the off-season."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Born in Rapid City, South Dakota, Collins failed to impress in AL stints with the Angels and Mariners, but made the best of his opportunity with the Reds as a fill-in for the injured George Foster and Ken Griffey and batted .318 in 1979. He batted .357 in the playoffs that season and stole 22 bases in a row in 1980."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"Like so many before him, Dave Collins grew up rooting for the Yankees and number seven, Mickey Mantle. Fourteen years after the Mick's last days as a Yankee, Dave finds himself in the House that Ruth Built staring at the facade and the monuments which make Yankee Stadium the most famous ballyard in America. It's quite a thrill for the 5'10", 175-pound veteran from Rapid City, South Dakota ... and quite a trip.
Dave began his long journey to the Stadium via the California Angels organization, where he played for five seasons. After one year with the Mariners in '77, Dave moved on to Cincinnati and became an integral part of the Big Red Machine. Despite a slow start in his first season, Dave rallied for back-to-back .300-plus years at the plate and a total of 128 stolen bases in just four campaigns with the Reds. In 1980, he came just one short of the Cincinnati team record with 79 stolen bases and a streak of 21 in a row during one stretch. His speed and potency with the bat were becoming commonplace occurrences.
A combination of Dave's desire to come to New York and the Yankees' desire to add speed and hustle made this 29-year-old a perfect fit for pinstripes. Bob Lemon sees Dave Collins as a more-than-welcome addition and a super-plus in the all-important hustle department. In 1982, look for Dave to work his tail off and give his New York fans 110 percent."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"In the shortened 1981 season, Collins batted .272 in 95 games (the Reds played 108) and stole 26 bases in 36 attempts. In 1980 he stole 79 bases (one short of the Reds record set in 1911), stealing 21 in a row at one point. Dave also hit in 15 consecutive games, the Reds' top streak on '80.
In 1972, Dave was named to the Pioneer League All-Star squad. His 15-game hitting streak in 1975 was the longest by an Angel, and he was also named the 1975 Angels' top minor leaguer. In 1976, he won the Angels' Most Improved Player Award.
Collins was a multi-sport star at Stevens High in Rapid City and holds the South Dakota prep record in the 100 with 9.6 timing. He was All-State in basketball and baseball. Dave played Little League and American Legion ball in Rapid City and was a Yankee and Mickey Mantle fan as a youngster. At Mesa Community College he lettered in track and was an All-American in baseball.
Dave coaches high school basketball in the off-season."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
1982 Profile: Bucky Dent
"Although his average dropped somewhat, he was enjoying one of his more productive seasons when he tore ligaments in his hand sliding into second against Chicago in late August and was through for the season. The Yanks missed his steady hand at shortstop as he hasn't lost anything in the field.
Born in Savannah, Georgia, Bucky grew up in the Miami area and signed with the White Sox out of Miami Dade North J.C. He will always be remembered for his autumn of 1978, when his home run beat the Red Sox in the AL East Playoff and his .417 average against the Dodgers won him World Series MVP honors.
One deficiency is his lack of speed, but you'd never know it by the way he covers shortstop."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"After appearing in the movies, having his poster plastered on bedroom walls all over the country and hitting a historic home run against the Boston Red Sox, Bucky Dent should be able to sit back and enjoy life the way Floridians usually do. Sip a cool drink, take a dip in the pool and work on his seemingly everlasting tan. This 5'11", 180-pound Southern boy could simply let all the accolades roll his way. To this, Russell Earl Dent politely says, 'No thank you!'
After hurting his hand while sliding late last season, Bucky chose to spend his off-season time working out and rehabilitating. A daily regimen of lifting weights, running and playing racquetball were just some of his personal requirements to get back into the shape of a well-disciplined professional athlete. Nineteen Eighty-Two was fast approaching and Bucky couldn't afford to lose any edge over the competition.
After coming to the Yankees in April of '77, Bucky has done a job nothing short of sensational. He'll make those great plays from deep in the hole and he'll get you those all-important hits late in a game. How does he do it? It's basically dedication and hard work. Something today's young athletes would do well to remember and try to emulate as they strive for careers in professional sports."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Dent was having another steady season in 1981 in the field and at the plate when he tore a ligament in his right ring finger on August 30, requiring surgery and forcing him out of action for the remainder of the year. He was voted to the starting lineup of the American League All-Star team for the second consecutive year.
Bucky had six home runs in the first half of the season, trailing Gamble, Nettles and Winfield with seven each for the team lead. He hit a three-run game-winning homer on Opening Day, had a four-RBI game on May 6 at Oakland and hit into a triple play on May 23 at Cleveland.
In his rookie season, Dent finished second to Mike Hargrove for Rookie of the Year honors but was named the shortstop on the Topps All-Rookie team. He came to the Yankees after the 1976 season and began his first of five years as Willie Randolph's double play partner. 1978 was an injury-plagued year (pulled right hamstring), yet Bucky won the 1978 Eastern Division playoff game with a three-run homer off Mike Torrez at Fenway. He capped off that year by hitting .417 (10-for-24) in the World Series with seven RBIs, earning World Series MVP honors.
Dent grew up in the Miami area. He played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion ball in Hialeah and earned All-State honors as a halfback at Hialeah High School. He attended Miami Dade North Junior College where he was an All-American infielder.
Bucky was a roommate of Rich Gossage when they were together in the White Sox organization. The first time he ever saw a major league game in person, he played in it."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Born in Savannah, Georgia, Bucky grew up in the Miami area and signed with the White Sox out of Miami Dade North J.C. He will always be remembered for his autumn of 1978, when his home run beat the Red Sox in the AL East Playoff and his .417 average against the Dodgers won him World Series MVP honors.
One deficiency is his lack of speed, but you'd never know it by the way he covers shortstop."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"After appearing in the movies, having his poster plastered on bedroom walls all over the country and hitting a historic home run against the Boston Red Sox, Bucky Dent should be able to sit back and enjoy life the way Floridians usually do. Sip a cool drink, take a dip in the pool and work on his seemingly everlasting tan. This 5'11", 180-pound Southern boy could simply let all the accolades roll his way. To this, Russell Earl Dent politely says, 'No thank you!'
After hurting his hand while sliding late last season, Bucky chose to spend his off-season time working out and rehabilitating. A daily regimen of lifting weights, running and playing racquetball were just some of his personal requirements to get back into the shape of a well-disciplined professional athlete. Nineteen Eighty-Two was fast approaching and Bucky couldn't afford to lose any edge over the competition.
After coming to the Yankees in April of '77, Bucky has done a job nothing short of sensational. He'll make those great plays from deep in the hole and he'll get you those all-important hits late in a game. How does he do it? It's basically dedication and hard work. Something today's young athletes would do well to remember and try to emulate as they strive for careers in professional sports."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Dent was having another steady season in 1981 in the field and at the plate when he tore a ligament in his right ring finger on August 30, requiring surgery and forcing him out of action for the remainder of the year. He was voted to the starting lineup of the American League All-Star team for the second consecutive year.
Bucky had six home runs in the first half of the season, trailing Gamble, Nettles and Winfield with seven each for the team lead. He hit a three-run game-winning homer on Opening Day, had a four-RBI game on May 6 at Oakland and hit into a triple play on May 23 at Cleveland.
In his rookie season, Dent finished second to Mike Hargrove for Rookie of the Year honors but was named the shortstop on the Topps All-Rookie team. He came to the Yankees after the 1976 season and began his first of five years as Willie Randolph's double play partner. 1978 was an injury-plagued year (pulled right hamstring), yet Bucky won the 1978 Eastern Division playoff game with a three-run homer off Mike Torrez at Fenway. He capped off that year by hitting .417 (10-for-24) in the World Series with seven RBIs, earning World Series MVP honors.
Dent grew up in the Miami area. He played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion ball in Hialeah and earned All-State honors as a halfback at Hialeah High School. He attended Miami Dade North Junior College where he was an All-American infielder.
Bucky was a roommate of Rich Gossage when they were together in the White Sox organization. The first time he ever saw a major league game in person, he played in it."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Sunday, April 5, 2015
1982 Profile: Ken Griffey
"Just when it seemed injuries might retard his skills, the veteran outfielder bounced back with a strong season. Griffey batted .300 in the first half and only Pete Rose had more hits. He improved to a .324 second half, including a .357 August. He finished sixth in the NL batting race and is among the active leaders with a .307 lifetime average.
Born in Donora, Pennsylvania, also the birthplace of Stan Musial, Griffey has hit over .300 in five of his last seven years, though his career was interrupted by a knee injury in '79. He has a .313 average in nine playoff games and was the All-Star Game MVP in 1980. He was acquired from the Reds for a pair of minor leaguers when it was apparent he'd be lost to free agency, and signed a multi-year $1.2-million-a-year pact."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"Now here's a name we've all heard before: Ken Griffey. Late of the legendary Cincinnati teams of the mid-seventies. Six feet, 200 pounds of a solid, play-to-win ballplayer. Has played alongside such baseball greats as Johnny Bench, Tony Perez, Joe Morgan, Dave Concepcion and Pete Rose. An offensive machine who will add speed, defense and depth to any club. One of eight lifetime .300 hitters active in the American League with four or more years of major league experience. Hails from Donora, Pennsylvania, also the birthplace of Stan Musial.
This season, Mr. Griffey's headlines will originate from New York City. After enjoying a wonderful relationship with the fans in Ohio, his bat will do its talking from the home plate area in Yankee Stadium as he brings his .307 lifetime average to The House That Ruth Built. The experience of playing on two World Championship teams, three division championship teams and three victorious All-Star teams should recharge the already high-powered Yankee lineup.
American League fans, as well as Yankee fans, think his addition to another great lineup is a feather in their cap."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Griffey had his fifth .300 season at the plate in 1981. He had two nine-game hitting streaks, hit an inside-the-park homer in Pittsburgh on May 17 off Eddie Solomon, and was 4-for-5 in Los Angeles on September 20.
In 1980, Ken was the Reds' MVP and MVP of the All-Star Game, and his All-Star Game homer was hit off Tommy John. He missed the end of the 1979 season with a mid-August operation on his left knee and his thigh bone. In 1972 Ken was named to the Eastern League All-Star team and in 1973 to the American Association All-Star team. He is one of eight lifetime .300 hitters active in the American League with four years in the majors.
Griffey was born and raised in Donora, Pennsylvania, the birthplace of Stan Musial."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Born in Donora, Pennsylvania, also the birthplace of Stan Musial, Griffey has hit over .300 in five of his last seven years, though his career was interrupted by a knee injury in '79. He has a .313 average in nine playoff games and was the All-Star Game MVP in 1980. He was acquired from the Reds for a pair of minor leaguers when it was apparent he'd be lost to free agency, and signed a multi-year $1.2-million-a-year pact."
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"Now here's a name we've all heard before: Ken Griffey. Late of the legendary Cincinnati teams of the mid-seventies. Six feet, 200 pounds of a solid, play-to-win ballplayer. Has played alongside such baseball greats as Johnny Bench, Tony Perez, Joe Morgan, Dave Concepcion and Pete Rose. An offensive machine who will add speed, defense and depth to any club. One of eight lifetime .300 hitters active in the American League with four or more years of major league experience. Hails from Donora, Pennsylvania, also the birthplace of Stan Musial.
This season, Mr. Griffey's headlines will originate from New York City. After enjoying a wonderful relationship with the fans in Ohio, his bat will do its talking from the home plate area in Yankee Stadium as he brings his .307 lifetime average to The House That Ruth Built. The experience of playing on two World Championship teams, three division championship teams and three victorious All-Star teams should recharge the already high-powered Yankee lineup.
American League fans, as well as Yankee fans, think his addition to another great lineup is a feather in their cap."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Griffey had his fifth .300 season at the plate in 1981. He had two nine-game hitting streaks, hit an inside-the-park homer in Pittsburgh on May 17 off Eddie Solomon, and was 4-for-5 in Los Angeles on September 20.
In 1980, Ken was the Reds' MVP and MVP of the All-Star Game, and his All-Star Game homer was hit off Tommy John. He missed the end of the 1979 season with a mid-August operation on his left knee and his thigh bone. In 1972 Ken was named to the Eastern League All-Star team and in 1973 to the American Association All-Star team. He is one of eight lifetime .300 hitters active in the American League with four years in the majors.
Griffey was born and raised in Donora, Pennsylvania, the birthplace of Stan Musial."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Friday, April 3, 2015
1982 Profile: Dave Righetti
"Righetti was named AL Rookie of the Year for '81 but fell just shy of enough innings to qualify for the ERA crown. He was the last pitcher cut in spring training, but was called up on May 21 after compiling a 5-0 record and 1.00 ERA for the Clippers. Righetti credits Columbus pitching coach Sammy Ellis for his development. 'He taught me to grow up.'
Born in San Jose, California, his father, Pinky Righetti, was a minor league shortstop in the Braves organization. The Yankees acquired Dave from Texas in the deal that sent Sparky Lyle to the Rangers. He had been scouted by the Yankees' Jerry Walker, who told then-Yankee president Al Rosen, 'This kid can be another Ron Guidry and if you ever have the chance to get him, do it.'"
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"The warm weather on the West Coast is advantageous to the athlete lucky enough to call California home. As a youngster growing up in San Jose, this 6'3", 198-pounder used that advantage to its fullest. He was able to practice through the winter months, day after day, perfecting his technique in the sunshine whenever necessary.
As the first-round selection in the January 1977 Free Agent Draft, Dave was out to show Texas that practice makes perfect. At Asheville he went 11-3 with over 100 strikeouts. The next season, at Tulsa, he was 5-5 with 127 strikeouts. In the big Sparky Lyle deal between the Yankees and Texas, the name Dave Righetti seemed to be a throw-in. Little did the Rangers know, but Dave was the one man the Yankees were insistent on getting in that off-season deal in the winter of '78.
Finally, last season, after a 5-0 start with the Clippers, Dave came on to earn an 8-4 record in New York and win the American League's Rookie of the Year award. He also went on to beat Milwaukee twice in the divisional playoffs and defeat Oakland in the ALCS.
Look for the 23-year-old, sandy-haired left-hander to come on like gangbusters in 1982. Like the song says, 'If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere.' Welcome to New York, New York Dave!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Righetti was named American League Rookie of the Year in 1981. After a disappointing 1980 season at AAA, he solved his control problems. He was 5-0 with a 1.00 ERA at Columbus when recalled by the Yankees on May 21 and won his first major league game with an impressive performance against Cleveland on May 23. Dave also won at Cleveland and Kansas City for a 3-0 first-half record with a 1.50 ERA.
The Yankees scored a total of only six runs in his four losses. Dave had a strikeout-to-walk ratio of better than 2:1 and opposing hitters had only a combined average of .196 against him (lowest in the AL). He struck out a career high of 11 Boston batters on September 11. Dave narrowly missed winning the AL ERA crown with a 2.06 ERA- he fell just 1.2 innings short of qualifying. In 15 starts, he only once failed to make it through the sixth inning.
In the postseason, Dave started Game 2 of the Eastern Division Series at Milwaukee and combined with Ron Davis and Goose Gossage for a 3-0 shutout. He came in to relieve Guidry in Game 5 of the Division Series in New York and was the winner. Dave also won the clinching game of the ALCS, Game 3 at Oakland, but started and got a no-decision in Game 3 of the World Series.
Righetti made his major league on September 16, 1979 against Detroit at Yankee Stadium on Catfish Hunter Day with no decision. He was named to the Topps National Association Class AA All-Star team in 1979. On July 16, 1978 for Tulsa, he struck out 21 batters at Midland, striking out the side four times and having a stretch of seven straight K's.
Dave grew up in San Jose where he was All-League in baseball at Pioneer High School, and also played basketball. A Giants and A's fan growing up, he played against Red Sox third baseman Carney Lansford in American Legion ball. He attended San Jose City College where he was a teammate of Blue Jay pitcher Dave Stieb and won JC Player of the Year honors in 1977. His brother Steve is in the Texas organization and his father is a former minor league shortstop, and the first time he saw Dave pitch professionally was in the clinching game of the ALCS in Oakland."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Born in San Jose, California, his father, Pinky Righetti, was a minor league shortstop in the Braves organization. The Yankees acquired Dave from Texas in the deal that sent Sparky Lyle to the Rangers. He had been scouted by the Yankees' Jerry Walker, who told then-Yankee president Al Rosen, 'This kid can be another Ron Guidry and if you ever have the chance to get him, do it.'"
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"The warm weather on the West Coast is advantageous to the athlete lucky enough to call California home. As a youngster growing up in San Jose, this 6'3", 198-pounder used that advantage to its fullest. He was able to practice through the winter months, day after day, perfecting his technique in the sunshine whenever necessary.
As the first-round selection in the January 1977 Free Agent Draft, Dave was out to show Texas that practice makes perfect. At Asheville he went 11-3 with over 100 strikeouts. The next season, at Tulsa, he was 5-5 with 127 strikeouts. In the big Sparky Lyle deal between the Yankees and Texas, the name Dave Righetti seemed to be a throw-in. Little did the Rangers know, but Dave was the one man the Yankees were insistent on getting in that off-season deal in the winter of '78.
Finally, last season, after a 5-0 start with the Clippers, Dave came on to earn an 8-4 record in New York and win the American League's Rookie of the Year award. He also went on to beat Milwaukee twice in the divisional playoffs and defeat Oakland in the ALCS.
Look for the 23-year-old, sandy-haired left-hander to come on like gangbusters in 1982. Like the song says, 'If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere.' Welcome to New York, New York Dave!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Righetti was named American League Rookie of the Year in 1981. After a disappointing 1980 season at AAA, he solved his control problems. He was 5-0 with a 1.00 ERA at Columbus when recalled by the Yankees on May 21 and won his first major league game with an impressive performance against Cleveland on May 23. Dave also won at Cleveland and Kansas City for a 3-0 first-half record with a 1.50 ERA.
The Yankees scored a total of only six runs in his four losses. Dave had a strikeout-to-walk ratio of better than 2:1 and opposing hitters had only a combined average of .196 against him (lowest in the AL). He struck out a career high of 11 Boston batters on September 11. Dave narrowly missed winning the AL ERA crown with a 2.06 ERA- he fell just 1.2 innings short of qualifying. In 15 starts, he only once failed to make it through the sixth inning.
In the postseason, Dave started Game 2 of the Eastern Division Series at Milwaukee and combined with Ron Davis and Goose Gossage for a 3-0 shutout. He came in to relieve Guidry in Game 5 of the Division Series in New York and was the winner. Dave also won the clinching game of the ALCS, Game 3 at Oakland, but started and got a no-decision in Game 3 of the World Series.
Righetti made his major league on September 16, 1979 against Detroit at Yankee Stadium on Catfish Hunter Day with no decision. He was named to the Topps National Association Class AA All-Star team in 1979. On July 16, 1978 for Tulsa, he struck out 21 batters at Midland, striking out the side four times and having a stretch of seven straight K's.
Dave grew up in San Jose where he was All-League in baseball at Pioneer High School, and also played basketball. A Giants and A's fan growing up, he played against Red Sox third baseman Carney Lansford in American Legion ball. He attended San Jose City College where he was a teammate of Blue Jay pitcher Dave Stieb and won JC Player of the Year honors in 1977. His brother Steve is in the Texas organization and his father is a former minor league shortstop, and the first time he saw Dave pitch professionally was in the clinching game of the ALCS in Oakland."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
1982 Profile: Rick Cerone
"Cerone incurred the wrath of owner George Steinbrenner by winning a $440,000 salary arbitration after the 1980 season, and never heard the end of it as his average took a tumble last year. Nevertheless, trade rumors must be discounted since he gave the Yanks excellent defense behind the plate. His bat needs another look in a season not interrupted by a strike. Cerone was also sidelined for a month from April to May with a broken thumb. He wants to be in there every day.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Cerone was the Indians' No. 1 draft pick in 1974. The Yanks got him in a steal of a deal with Toronto, who got Chris Chambliss, then traded him away.
Cerone took more heat from Steinbrenner during the World Series, but afterward, the Yankee boss said, 'I know Rick Cerone never failed to give me his all.'"
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"You don't have to be Italian to love this 5'11", 185-pound backstop who wears the Yankee pinstripes on his heart as well as on his back. You don't even have to be from New Jersey, where he was born and raised, to admit that Rick Cerone is your favorite Yankee. All you have to do is admire his hustle on the basepaths, a fierce amount of desire and determination at the plate, and one of the most handsome smiles ever to crease the face of someone in a Yankee uniform.
Rick has impressed the hometown fans ever since his first year in pinstripes during the 1980 season. That year, under intense pressure, Rick hit .278 with 10 game-winning RBIs and 85 total runs batted in. With a broken thumb last season, Rick struggled somewhat at the plate, but his popularity increased with his fine defensive play and his outstanding .333 average against the Brewers in the AL Eastern Division playoffs.
This season you might not notice the little things Rick does to keep a pitcher's concentration in check or how when batting he turns his wrists to help ice another Yankee victory, but you can be sure opposing managers will be paying very close attention."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Cerone's production was off slightly in 1981 from the 1980 season, mainly because he broke his right thumb on a foul tip in Texas on April 18 and missed 32 games because of the injury. He was reactivated on May 24 and the next day started on a 12-game hitting game hitting streak, the second longest of the season by a Yankee.
Rick broke up Bob Ojeda's no-hitter with a pinch-hit leadoff double in the ninth inning against the Red Sox at the Stadium on September 12. He hit two home runs in '81, both at Yankee Stadium, and topped the Yankees with five RBIs in the Division Series against Milwaukee.
Called up to the majors on August 15, 1975 after just 46 games in the minors, Rick's first big league hit came off Paul Splittorff on August 22. In 1976, he was the International League All-Star catcher.
Rick was the Blue Jays Opening Day catcher in 1977, but broke his thumb five days into the season. He worked himself back into shape at Charleston and celebrated his return to the big leagues with a home run off Nellie Briles. Rick ended Mitchell Page's consecutive base stealing streak at 26, and in 1978 ended Ron LeFlore's streak at 27. In 1979 he was voted the most improved player by the Toronto BBWAA.
In 1980 Rick responded to a pressure-filled first Yankee season by being named to the UPI and Sporting News AL All-Star teams, and finished seventh in the MVP voting. On May 26 he drove in six runs, including his first career grand slam. All six RBIs came after the man in front of him was intentionally walked.
A local product, he grew up in Newark and had an outstanding career at Seton Hall, where he was a two-time All-American. He played in the College World Series in 1974 and 1975 and hit .410 his senior year ('75) with school records of 15 homers, 64 RBIs and 125 total bases. Rick was an Academic All-American in '75, had a .362 career batting average at Seton Hall and also was on the fencing team. He holds a B.S. in physical education.
Rick played baseball, football and fenced at Essex Catholic High. As a quarterback he threw 13 touchdown passes for a 6-0-2 team.
He enjoys golf, racquetball and photography. Rick was nicknamed the 'Italian Stallion' by broadcaster Phil Rizzuto."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Cerone was the Indians' No. 1 draft pick in 1974. The Yanks got him in a steal of a deal with Toronto, who got Chris Chambliss, then traded him away.
Cerone took more heat from Steinbrenner during the World Series, but afterward, the Yankee boss said, 'I know Rick Cerone never failed to give me his all.'"
-Bill Madden, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1982 Edition
"You don't have to be Italian to love this 5'11", 185-pound backstop who wears the Yankee pinstripes on his heart as well as on his back. You don't even have to be from New Jersey, where he was born and raised, to admit that Rick Cerone is your favorite Yankee. All you have to do is admire his hustle on the basepaths, a fierce amount of desire and determination at the plate, and one of the most handsome smiles ever to crease the face of someone in a Yankee uniform.
Rick has impressed the hometown fans ever since his first year in pinstripes during the 1980 season. That year, under intense pressure, Rick hit .278 with 10 game-winning RBIs and 85 total runs batted in. With a broken thumb last season, Rick struggled somewhat at the plate, but his popularity increased with his fine defensive play and his outstanding .333 average against the Brewers in the AL Eastern Division playoffs.
This season you might not notice the little things Rick does to keep a pitcher's concentration in check or how when batting he turns his wrists to help ice another Yankee victory, but you can be sure opposing managers will be paying very close attention."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Cerone's production was off slightly in 1981 from the 1980 season, mainly because he broke his right thumb on a foul tip in Texas on April 18 and missed 32 games because of the injury. He was reactivated on May 24 and the next day started on a 12-game hitting game hitting streak, the second longest of the season by a Yankee.
Rick broke up Bob Ojeda's no-hitter with a pinch-hit leadoff double in the ninth inning against the Red Sox at the Stadium on September 12. He hit two home runs in '81, both at Yankee Stadium, and topped the Yankees with five RBIs in the Division Series against Milwaukee.
Called up to the majors on August 15, 1975 after just 46 games in the minors, Rick's first big league hit came off Paul Splittorff on August 22. In 1976, he was the International League All-Star catcher.
Rick was the Blue Jays Opening Day catcher in 1977, but broke his thumb five days into the season. He worked himself back into shape at Charleston and celebrated his return to the big leagues with a home run off Nellie Briles. Rick ended Mitchell Page's consecutive base stealing streak at 26, and in 1978 ended Ron LeFlore's streak at 27. In 1979 he was voted the most improved player by the Toronto BBWAA.
In 1980 Rick responded to a pressure-filled first Yankee season by being named to the UPI and Sporting News AL All-Star teams, and finished seventh in the MVP voting. On May 26 he drove in six runs, including his first career grand slam. All six RBIs came after the man in front of him was intentionally walked.
A local product, he grew up in Newark and had an outstanding career at Seton Hall, where he was a two-time All-American. He played in the College World Series in 1974 and 1975 and hit .410 his senior year ('75) with school records of 15 homers, 64 RBIs and 125 total bases. Rick was an Academic All-American in '75, had a .362 career batting average at Seton Hall and also was on the fencing team. He holds a B.S. in physical education.
Rick played baseball, football and fenced at Essex Catholic High. As a quarterback he threw 13 touchdown passes for a 6-0-2 team.
He enjoys golf, racquetball and photography. Rick was nicknamed the 'Italian Stallion' by broadcaster Phil Rizzuto."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Saturday, March 28, 2015
1982 Profile: Dave LaRoche
"Diversity, adaptability, and success describe this Yankee fireman.
Dave began his career with California in 1968 and returned to the Angels in 1977, while stopping at Minnesota, Chicago (NL) and Cleveland. He joined the Yanks in 1981 and his presence represented the only southpaw in last year's bullpen.
His career success is not equalled by many. He is third among active relievers in the American League with 126 total saves, behind only Rollie Fingers and teammate Rich Gossage. His finest season was with the Angels in 1978, appearing in 59 games, posting a 10-9 mark with a 2.82 ERA and a club record 25 saves; he was runner-up to Gossage for Rolaids Relief Man of the Year.
Dave is a relief pitcher with his own style, no matter what the assignment is. Whether in Columbus, as a player-coach or in New York, Dave contributes to the success of the Yankee organization."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Released by the Angels in 1981 following spring training, LaRoche was signed by the Yankees and was their only left-hander in the bullpen. He allowed only one run in his first 15.1 innings pitched, and in the first half was 3-0 with a 0.68 ERA. He made one start, filling in for Tommy John in Detroit on August 15.
Dave entertained Yankee fans and frustrated hitters with his 'LaLob' pitch. On August 21 at the Stadium, he struck out Willie Wilson with LaLob for a wild pitch that allowed Wilson to reach first base. He struck out Gorman Thomas on September 9 with LaLob and Thomas smashed his batting helmet in frustration.
Dave was originally signed by the Angels as an outfielder in 1967 but was moved to the pitcher's mound during 1968 due to injuries on the Quad Cities staff. In three minor league seasons as an outfielder, he batted .224 with eight home runs and 55 RBIs in 136 games. In 1975 Dave was the Indians' Man of the Year, tying Tom Buskey's club record of 17 saves. He set the club record with 21 the following season. He's eighth on the all-time saves list with 126 (since the new save rule in 1969).
LaRoche grew up in Southern California where he was a member of the Connie Mack National Baseball Championship team in 1966, representing Torrance and Gardena. An all-around athlete, he was all-league three times in baseball, twice in basketball and once in football at West Torrance High. He was MVP in both baseball and basketball his senior year."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Dave began his career with California in 1968 and returned to the Angels in 1977, while stopping at Minnesota, Chicago (NL) and Cleveland. He joined the Yanks in 1981 and his presence represented the only southpaw in last year's bullpen.
His career success is not equalled by many. He is third among active relievers in the American League with 126 total saves, behind only Rollie Fingers and teammate Rich Gossage. His finest season was with the Angels in 1978, appearing in 59 games, posting a 10-9 mark with a 2.82 ERA and a club record 25 saves; he was runner-up to Gossage for Rolaids Relief Man of the Year.
Dave is a relief pitcher with his own style, no matter what the assignment is. Whether in Columbus, as a player-coach or in New York, Dave contributes to the success of the Yankee organization."
-The New York Yankees Official 1982 Yearbook
"Released by the Angels in 1981 following spring training, LaRoche was signed by the Yankees and was their only left-hander in the bullpen. He allowed only one run in his first 15.1 innings pitched, and in the first half was 3-0 with a 0.68 ERA. He made one start, filling in for Tommy John in Detroit on August 15.
Dave entertained Yankee fans and frustrated hitters with his 'LaLob' pitch. On August 21 at the Stadium, he struck out Willie Wilson with LaLob for a wild pitch that allowed Wilson to reach first base. He struck out Gorman Thomas on September 9 with LaLob and Thomas smashed his batting helmet in frustration.
Dave was originally signed by the Angels as an outfielder in 1967 but was moved to the pitcher's mound during 1968 due to injuries on the Quad Cities staff. In three minor league seasons as an outfielder, he batted .224 with eight home runs and 55 RBIs in 136 games. In 1975 Dave was the Indians' Man of the Year, tying Tom Buskey's club record of 17 saves. He set the club record with 21 the following season. He's eighth on the all-time saves list with 126 (since the new save rule in 1969).
LaRoche grew up in Southern California where he was a member of the Connie Mack National Baseball Championship team in 1966, representing Torrance and Gardena. An all-around athlete, he was all-league three times in baseball, twice in basketball and once in football at West Torrance High. He was MVP in both baseball and basketball his senior year."
-1982 New York Yankees Media Guide
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)