"Graig Nettles has the awesome responsibility of being the captain of the most recognized and successful team in sports. No team, in any sport, is as rich as the Yankees in pride and tradition. The man chosen to lead the Yankees of today must exemplify those attributes, and in Graig there is no question. He is only the sixth man in the 80-year history of the Yankees to be so honored. Veteran Yankees, as well as rookies, see in this star of 16 major league campaigns a quick-witted family man, with a powerful bat and magical glove.
Defensively, pinstripe partisans have been treated to Graig's artistry for the past ten seasons. He combines hard work, instinct and intelligence in a formula that has made him one of the best third sackers in the history of the game. Offensively, he moved closer to the top on three all-time Yankee lists: 6th in home runs (behind Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig, DiMaggio and Berra) with 230; 11th in RBI with 759; and tied with Hank Bauer for 16th with 1,406 games played. Additionally, this native of San Diego, CA owns the American League record for most home runs hit by a third baseman with 300.
Graig Nettles is the senior member of an experienced Yankees team laced with fine young prospects. On the field, he anchors the defense. At bat he strikes fear in the hearts of opposing pitchers. A star as a man and between the chalk lines, the Yankees realize how valuable Graig Nettles is. His combination of talent and professionalism blend well in a mix that will surely result in another Yankees championship."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Nettles got off to a poor start, breaking his thumb on April 26, the same thumb he injured in the '81 World Series. Finally activated on May 18, he hit a grand slam home run off former teammate Ron Davis on May 28 in Minnesota. Graig hit his 300th career homer on June 26 at Yankee Stadium off Cleveland's Rick Waits. From July 25 through August 10, he hit safely in 16 of 17 games with four home runs and six RBIs for a .352 batting average (19-for-54). The Yankees were 13-3 in games in which Graig homered.
Graig was named Yankee captain on January 29, 1982, only the sixth Yankee captain, and is currently the senior Yankee, joining the team following the 1972 season. During the decade of the '70s, only Reggie Jackson and Carl Yastrzemski had more RBIs among American Leaguers.
His first full year was 1969 and he was a member of the AL West Champion Twins. Graig was Cleveland's Man of the Year in 1971 when he hit .261 with 28 homers and set AL records for most assists and double plays by a third baseman. He hit 32 home runs in 1976 to lead the league, the first Yankee to do so since Roger Maris hit 61 in '61. Graig finished second in 1977 with a career high of 37 and finished 5th in the MVP voting; he was also named to the Sporting News and UPI All-Star teams and was voted the All-Time Yankee third baseman in a special poll of sportswriters.
In 1978 Graig set a Yankee fielding record with a .975 average, tied Reggie for the club lead with 27 homers and led with 14 game-winning RBIs. He was named to the AP, UPI, Sporting News and Baseball Bulletin All-Star teams. Graig turned around the '78 World Series with his spectacular fielding in Game 3 and finally earned nationwide recognition for his fielding
In 1980, he missed 67 games (from July 24 until the final two games of the season) with hepatitis, yet on July 21 hit his 267th career home run as a third baseman, passing Brooks Robinson as the all-time American League home run leader among third basemen (he now has 300). Graig also hit his first career inside-the-park homer in Game 2 of the ALCS. For the '81 ALCS, his .500 (6-for-12) with a home run and nine RBIs against Oakland earned him MVP honors.
Graig holds the records for most home runs and RBIs by a Yankee third baseman in a single season and has hit the most home runs at the 'new' Yankee Stadium, 95. In the last ten years (1973-82) he ranks seventh in the majors with 230 home runs, also his Yankee career total and sixth on the all-time Yankee list behind Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig, DiMaggio and Berra.
Graig was a baseball and basketball star at San Diego State before signing with the Twins. An accomplished golfer and tennis player, he's nicknamed 'Puff' by his teammates. His brother Jim has played in the major leagues for the Twins, Tigers, Indians and Royals."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
1983 New York Yankees Manager and Coaches Profiles
BILLY MARTIN (Manager)
"One more time.
'We've had the experience twice,' said George Steinbrenner. 'That's a plus, not a negative. I'd rather take my chances with someone I've been down the road with before rather than someone new.' So fiery, combative Billy, hired for the first time as Yank manager in 1975 and a second time in 1979, starts anew on a five-year contract after being fired at Oakland, where he piloted the A's into the playoffs in 1981.
On the field, Martin has been a winner everywhere, going back to his playing days on seven Yankee World Series teams. He won division titles with the Twins in 1969 and Tigers in 1972 before winning AL pennants with the Yankees in '76 and '77. His '77 club won the World Series over the Dodgers.
Billy batted .257 lifetime for his 12-year career as an infielder, but had a .333 mark in the World Series."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"Brash, irrepressible, unpredictable ... a winner!
Long one of the most popular Yankees to wear the pinstripes, Billy has returned for 1983 with one goal in mind ...
'We will be happy with nothing less than a World Championship,' says Billy, who promises to bring the best out of the Yankees this season. 'It will take a lot of hard work, but we'll make a good showing. The fans of New York deserve another championship.'
The legacy of Billy Martin's career with the Yankees spans generations, dating back to the '50s when Martin played his heart out at second base, 1950-53, and later on, 1955-57. But it's his World Series play that lives forever in the minds of Yankee fans everywhere. Remember his famous desperation catch of Jackie Robinson's infield pop-up that clinched the '52 World Series? And how about Billy's .333 batting average in five World Series as a Yankee? And, of course, Billy led the Yankees to two World Series, with a World Championship in 1977.
After three years at the Oakland helm, Billy returns home, thanks to a long-term agreement with the Yankees. Always a winner, always a crowd pleaser ... and a Yankee through and through.
Welcome home, Billy! It's great to have you back again!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Known for his fiery and exciting managerial style, Martin is considered a master of baseball strategy and, more than most managers, is able to dictate the tempo of his team and the game. He's a four-time Manager of the Year award winner (1974, '76, '80 and '81) and one of the few active major league managers with a winning record, .544 (1,031-863).
Billy is a former Yankee player and one of 25 men to have managed the Yankees, but one of only seven to have led the Yankees to a World Championship (1977), joining Huggins, McCarthy, Harris, Stengel, Houk and Lemon. He's the first to have managed the Yankees on three different occasions.
He first joined the Yankees as manager in mid-1975, and the next season led the team to their first AL pennant in 12 years. Martin guided the Yankees to another pennant in 1977 and a World Series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers for the first Yankee World Championship since 1962. He began his second term as Yankee skipper in June 1979, replacing Bob Lemon. Martin has managed five different American League clubs, taking four of them to postseason play (1969 Twins, 1972 Tigers, 1976 and '77 Yankees, 1981 A's) and the other club to a second place finish (1974 Rangers).
Billy was an outstanding major player and a member of six Yankee pennant winners (1950-53, 1955-56) playing for Casey Stengel. He was a favorite of Casey, with whom he had a father-son type of relationship. Billy had a .333 lifetime World Series batting average, made a famous catch in the 1952 Series off Jackie Robinson and batted .500 in the 1953 Series, winning the Babe Ruth Award. He was named to the 1956 AL All-Star team and during his 12-year major league career also played for the A's, Tigers, Indians, Reds, Braves and Twins.
Born and raised in Berkeley, California, Billy graduated from Berkeley High School in 1946 and maintains his permanent residence in Blackhawk, California."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
YOGI BERRA (Coach)
"There isn't a baseball fan alive who doesn't recognize the name 'Yogi Berra.' He's long been a living Yankee legend- first, as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history, then later as a coach and manager.
For those interested in Yogi's accomplishments as a player, try these: he caught in more than 2,000 games, collected more than 2,000 base hits, blasted more than 350 home runs and participated in more World Series (21) than anyone who's ever played the game. Plus, of course, he was named Most Valuable Player three times, played in 15 All-Star Games and is rightfully a member of baseball's Hall of Fame.
From the more personal view, Yogi is, well, Yogi ... a much respected, loyal Yankee employee who has countless friends in and out of the game. Sure, the many 'Yogi-isms' he's supposed to have uttered add a certain luster to his public image, but there's more to Lawrence Peter Berra, much more- and Yankee fans love him for all he's done for their favorite team."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"One of baseball's most beloved and recognized celebrities, Yogi returned to the Yankees for the 1976 season after 12 years, coinciding with a pennant that was followed by back-to-back World Championships, not surprising to those who know that good fortune follows this Hall of Famer around.
He's now been in 21 Series, a record 14 as a player, four as a Yankee coach, one as a Mets coach and one each managing the Yankees and Mets. Yogi holds Series playing records for games, at-bats, hits, singles, consecutive errorless games (30) and he hit a grand slam (1956). A three-time AL MVP (1951, 1954, 1955) and 15 times an All-Star, his 313 homers are the second most ever by a catcher, behind Johnny Bench who passed Yogi in 1980. His 30 homers in a season in two different years was an American League record, being surpassed only last season by Detroit's Lance Parrish. Yogi handled 950 consecutive chances without an error (1957-59). The Yankees retired his and Bill Dickey's uniform number 8 in 1972 but brought it back for his return in 1976.
His son Dale is an infielder with the Pirates, Larry Jr. played in the Mets organization, and Tim was a wide receiver for the football Giants and Colts. Yogi and his sons run a racquetball club in New Jersey."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
DON ZIMMER (Coach)
"Remember the Yankees' pulsating playoff victory over the Red Sox back in 1978? Don Zimmer certainly does, and not at all fondly because he happened to be managing the Red Sox at the time.
Still, he's willing to let bygones be bygones- enough so that he willingly accepted the Yankees' offer to serve as coach starting this season.
'If you can't beat'em, join'em,' Zimmer joked as he accepted the post, which followed a managerial stint with the Texas Rangers.
Zimmer brings considerable coaching and managing experience to the Bronx. In addition to managing the Padres, Red Sox and Rangers, he's also served as a coach for the Expos, the Padres and the Red Sox, plus several seasons of managing in the minors.
A shortstop during his playing career, Zimmer spent 12 years in the majors, mostly with the Brooklyn-Los Angeles Dodgers."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Zimmer joins the Yankee coaching staff, replacing Joe Altobelli, and has nine years of major league managing experience. He managed the Red Sox and narrowly missed winning the 1978 AL East, losing the famous play-off game at Fenway to the Yankees.
Don played in the major leagues for 12 seasons, mainly as a shortstop, and during his professional career has played every position on the field. Two serious injuries hampered his career, being hit in the head by a pitch while playing for St. Paul in 1953, and being struck in the face by a pitch while playing for Brooklyn in 1956. Both times Don was hitting .300 at the time of the injury and was forced out of action for the remainder of the season.
Zim married his high school sweetheart at home plate in Elmira, New York on August 16, 1951."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
JEFF TORBORG (Coach)
"You'll always see a smile on the face of this handsome, well-spoken Yankee coach, who is a former major league catcher and manager.
Now serving as bullpen coach, Torborg enters his fifth season on the Yankee staff. In addition to his baseball acumen, he's also the holder of a BA degree in education from Rutgers University and a Master's degree from Montclair State.
During his Dodger playing career, Torborg caught no-hitters tossed by Bill Singer and Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax. Later he caught a no-hitter thrown by Nolan Ryan (with the Angels). Torborg spent 10 seasons in the majors and was always highly regarded for his backstop abilities.
A native of northern New Jersey, Torborg once hit .537 for Rutgers, setting an NCAA record that still stands. Now 41 years old, Torborg still keeps himself in prime shape and takes his coaching role seriously.
In all ways, Jeff Torborg is an asset to the Yankee coaching staff."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Torborg joined the Yankee staff on August 1, 1979, after his dismissal as manager of the Indians on July 23. He had managed the Tribe since June 19, 1977, and prior to that was a coach for the Indians beginning with the 1975 season, serving under Frank Robinson.
Jeff played 10 years in the majors, seven with the Dodgers and three with the Angels. He played on the World Champion Dodgers in 1965 and on their NL pennant winner in 1966. He caught two no-hitters with the Dodgers, by Sandy Koufax in 1965 and Bill Singer in 1970, and also caught a Nolan Ryan no-hitter with the Angels in 1973; the major league record is four by Ray Schalk. Jeff was also behind the plate when Don Drysdale threw his fifth consecutive shutout in 1968 and caught Koufax and Ryan when they set single-season strikeout records. He retired after the '73 season.
A native of northern Jersey, Jeff earned a B.S. in education from Rutgers and has a Masters degree in athletic administration from Montclair State. His thesis was on the effects of platooning in baseball. In his senior year at Rutgers, Jeff hit .537 to lead the NCAA in batting and set a record that still stands."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
ROY WHITE (Coach)
"As much as anyone who's ever worn the pinstripes, Roy White bridges several distinct eras of Yankees history. First, he was scouted and signed in 1961, the height of the dynasty. He then played left field in his smooth, distinguished style for the Yankees from 1965 through the championship years of the late '70s.
And now, of course, he's back- this time as a coach- and the likable silken-voiced gentleman who wore jersey No. 6 for so long couldn't be happier.
'Just as I felt 1979 was the right time to leave the Yankees, I feel this is the right time to be coming back,' he says. For three seasons, he had continued his playing career with the Yomiuri Giants of Tokyo, where he became one of the most popular Americans in Japanese pro baseball. 'I'm looking forward to wearing those pinstripes again,' says Roy.
And all Yankee fans- dating back to White's years as a coolly efficient performer- welcome him back."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"One of the all-time Yankee favorites, White returns to the Yankees as coach after a three-year 'second career' in Japan. He ranks among the all-time top 20 Yankees in stolen bases (2nd with 233), games played (6th with 1,881), runs scored (8th with 964), hits (8th with 1,803), doubles (10th with 300), RBIs (11th with 758) and home runs (16th with 160).
Roy's career spans several distinct eras of Yankee history. He was scouted and signed by the Yankee organization in 1961 at the height of the Yankee dynasty. After several impressive minor league seasons, Roy received his first taste of the major leagues in 1965, the beginning of the 'lean years' for the Yankees. His career matured and blossomed as the Yankees were rebuilding and developing into the American League pennant winners of '76, '77 and '78 and World Series champions of '77 and '78. Roy then played three years with the Yomiuri Giants of Japan's Central League.
The only Yankee outfielder ever to field 1.000 for a season, Roy was originally signed as an infielder, but Bobby Richardson's presence brought about the switch. He switch-hit home runs in a game five times and also switch-hit triples in a game once.
Roy was raised in Compton, California with such future big leaguers as Reggie Smith, Dock Ellis, Dave Nelson, Don Wilson and Bobby Tolan."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
ART FOWLER (Coach)
"Billy Martin has said, 'You couldn't pay Art Fowler enough to leave me.' That's how much the Yankee manager respects and appreciates Fowler's loyalty. Art has worked for Martin in Minnesota, Detroit, Texas, New York and Oakland before returning to the Yankees for a second time. It is interesting to note that Ron Guidry enjoyed his three best seasons while Fowler was the Yankees pitching coach in 1977-79.
Art pitched until he was 48 years old and saw service with 12 different minor league teams, winning 205 games in his minor league career. Fowler also pitched in 57 games for the Los Angeles Angels in 1963 at the age of 41. He started his pro career in 1944 with Bristol (Tennessee) of the Appalachian League."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Fowler joins the Yankees as pitching coach for the second time. He has worked under Martin in Minnesota, Detroit, Texas, New York and Oakland.
His professional playing career spanned 25 years, starting in 1944 in Bristol of the Appalachian League, and he won 54 games in his nine major league seasons. At the age of 41 in 1963, Art pitched in 57 games for the Angels for a 5-3 record and 2.43 ERA, being used in relief.
Art joined forces with Billy Martin for the first time in 1968 when Billy was sent to manage Denver for the Twins, and coached at Minnesota for Billy in 1969. He then went back to Denver as a player-coach in 1970 and was still pitching at age 48. Art then joined Billy as pitching coach at Detroit in 1971-73, went to Texas with Billy in 1974-75, New York in 1977-79 and Oakland in 1980-82.
Art won 205 games in his minor league career."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
"One more time.
'We've had the experience twice,' said George Steinbrenner. 'That's a plus, not a negative. I'd rather take my chances with someone I've been down the road with before rather than someone new.' So fiery, combative Billy, hired for the first time as Yank manager in 1975 and a second time in 1979, starts anew on a five-year contract after being fired at Oakland, where he piloted the A's into the playoffs in 1981.
On the field, Martin has been a winner everywhere, going back to his playing days on seven Yankee World Series teams. He won division titles with the Twins in 1969 and Tigers in 1972 before winning AL pennants with the Yankees in '76 and '77. His '77 club won the World Series over the Dodgers.
Billy batted .257 lifetime for his 12-year career as an infielder, but had a .333 mark in the World Series."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"Brash, irrepressible, unpredictable ... a winner!
Long one of the most popular Yankees to wear the pinstripes, Billy has returned for 1983 with one goal in mind ...
'We will be happy with nothing less than a World Championship,' says Billy, who promises to bring the best out of the Yankees this season. 'It will take a lot of hard work, but we'll make a good showing. The fans of New York deserve another championship.'
The legacy of Billy Martin's career with the Yankees spans generations, dating back to the '50s when Martin played his heart out at second base, 1950-53, and later on, 1955-57. But it's his World Series play that lives forever in the minds of Yankee fans everywhere. Remember his famous desperation catch of Jackie Robinson's infield pop-up that clinched the '52 World Series? And how about Billy's .333 batting average in five World Series as a Yankee? And, of course, Billy led the Yankees to two World Series, with a World Championship in 1977.
After three years at the Oakland helm, Billy returns home, thanks to a long-term agreement with the Yankees. Always a winner, always a crowd pleaser ... and a Yankee through and through.
Welcome home, Billy! It's great to have you back again!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Known for his fiery and exciting managerial style, Martin is considered a master of baseball strategy and, more than most managers, is able to dictate the tempo of his team and the game. He's a four-time Manager of the Year award winner (1974, '76, '80 and '81) and one of the few active major league managers with a winning record, .544 (1,031-863).
Billy is a former Yankee player and one of 25 men to have managed the Yankees, but one of only seven to have led the Yankees to a World Championship (1977), joining Huggins, McCarthy, Harris, Stengel, Houk and Lemon. He's the first to have managed the Yankees on three different occasions.
He first joined the Yankees as manager in mid-1975, and the next season led the team to their first AL pennant in 12 years. Martin guided the Yankees to another pennant in 1977 and a World Series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers for the first Yankee World Championship since 1962. He began his second term as Yankee skipper in June 1979, replacing Bob Lemon. Martin has managed five different American League clubs, taking four of them to postseason play (1969 Twins, 1972 Tigers, 1976 and '77 Yankees, 1981 A's) and the other club to a second place finish (1974 Rangers).
Billy was an outstanding major player and a member of six Yankee pennant winners (1950-53, 1955-56) playing for Casey Stengel. He was a favorite of Casey, with whom he had a father-son type of relationship. Billy had a .333 lifetime World Series batting average, made a famous catch in the 1952 Series off Jackie Robinson and batted .500 in the 1953 Series, winning the Babe Ruth Award. He was named to the 1956 AL All-Star team and during his 12-year major league career also played for the A's, Tigers, Indians, Reds, Braves and Twins.
Born and raised in Berkeley, California, Billy graduated from Berkeley High School in 1946 and maintains his permanent residence in Blackhawk, California."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
YOGI BERRA (Coach)
"There isn't a baseball fan alive who doesn't recognize the name 'Yogi Berra.' He's long been a living Yankee legend- first, as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history, then later as a coach and manager.
For those interested in Yogi's accomplishments as a player, try these: he caught in more than 2,000 games, collected more than 2,000 base hits, blasted more than 350 home runs and participated in more World Series (21) than anyone who's ever played the game. Plus, of course, he was named Most Valuable Player three times, played in 15 All-Star Games and is rightfully a member of baseball's Hall of Fame.
From the more personal view, Yogi is, well, Yogi ... a much respected, loyal Yankee employee who has countless friends in and out of the game. Sure, the many 'Yogi-isms' he's supposed to have uttered add a certain luster to his public image, but there's more to Lawrence Peter Berra, much more- and Yankee fans love him for all he's done for their favorite team."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"One of baseball's most beloved and recognized celebrities, Yogi returned to the Yankees for the 1976 season after 12 years, coinciding with a pennant that was followed by back-to-back World Championships, not surprising to those who know that good fortune follows this Hall of Famer around.
He's now been in 21 Series, a record 14 as a player, four as a Yankee coach, one as a Mets coach and one each managing the Yankees and Mets. Yogi holds Series playing records for games, at-bats, hits, singles, consecutive errorless games (30) and he hit a grand slam (1956). A three-time AL MVP (1951, 1954, 1955) and 15 times an All-Star, his 313 homers are the second most ever by a catcher, behind Johnny Bench who passed Yogi in 1980. His 30 homers in a season in two different years was an American League record, being surpassed only last season by Detroit's Lance Parrish. Yogi handled 950 consecutive chances without an error (1957-59). The Yankees retired his and Bill Dickey's uniform number 8 in 1972 but brought it back for his return in 1976.
His son Dale is an infielder with the Pirates, Larry Jr. played in the Mets organization, and Tim was a wide receiver for the football Giants and Colts. Yogi and his sons run a racquetball club in New Jersey."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
DON ZIMMER (Coach)
"Remember the Yankees' pulsating playoff victory over the Red Sox back in 1978? Don Zimmer certainly does, and not at all fondly because he happened to be managing the Red Sox at the time.
Still, he's willing to let bygones be bygones- enough so that he willingly accepted the Yankees' offer to serve as coach starting this season.
'If you can't beat'em, join'em,' Zimmer joked as he accepted the post, which followed a managerial stint with the Texas Rangers.
Zimmer brings considerable coaching and managing experience to the Bronx. In addition to managing the Padres, Red Sox and Rangers, he's also served as a coach for the Expos, the Padres and the Red Sox, plus several seasons of managing in the minors.
A shortstop during his playing career, Zimmer spent 12 years in the majors, mostly with the Brooklyn-Los Angeles Dodgers."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Zimmer joins the Yankee coaching staff, replacing Joe Altobelli, and has nine years of major league managing experience. He managed the Red Sox and narrowly missed winning the 1978 AL East, losing the famous play-off game at Fenway to the Yankees.
Don played in the major leagues for 12 seasons, mainly as a shortstop, and during his professional career has played every position on the field. Two serious injuries hampered his career, being hit in the head by a pitch while playing for St. Paul in 1953, and being struck in the face by a pitch while playing for Brooklyn in 1956. Both times Don was hitting .300 at the time of the injury and was forced out of action for the remainder of the season.
Zim married his high school sweetheart at home plate in Elmira, New York on August 16, 1951."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
JEFF TORBORG (Coach)
"You'll always see a smile on the face of this handsome, well-spoken Yankee coach, who is a former major league catcher and manager.
Now serving as bullpen coach, Torborg enters his fifth season on the Yankee staff. In addition to his baseball acumen, he's also the holder of a BA degree in education from Rutgers University and a Master's degree from Montclair State.
During his Dodger playing career, Torborg caught no-hitters tossed by Bill Singer and Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax. Later he caught a no-hitter thrown by Nolan Ryan (with the Angels). Torborg spent 10 seasons in the majors and was always highly regarded for his backstop abilities.
A native of northern New Jersey, Torborg once hit .537 for Rutgers, setting an NCAA record that still stands. Now 41 years old, Torborg still keeps himself in prime shape and takes his coaching role seriously.
In all ways, Jeff Torborg is an asset to the Yankee coaching staff."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Torborg joined the Yankee staff on August 1, 1979, after his dismissal as manager of the Indians on July 23. He had managed the Tribe since June 19, 1977, and prior to that was a coach for the Indians beginning with the 1975 season, serving under Frank Robinson.
Jeff played 10 years in the majors, seven with the Dodgers and three with the Angels. He played on the World Champion Dodgers in 1965 and on their NL pennant winner in 1966. He caught two no-hitters with the Dodgers, by Sandy Koufax in 1965 and Bill Singer in 1970, and also caught a Nolan Ryan no-hitter with the Angels in 1973; the major league record is four by Ray Schalk. Jeff was also behind the plate when Don Drysdale threw his fifth consecutive shutout in 1968 and caught Koufax and Ryan when they set single-season strikeout records. He retired after the '73 season.
A native of northern Jersey, Jeff earned a B.S. in education from Rutgers and has a Masters degree in athletic administration from Montclair State. His thesis was on the effects of platooning in baseball. In his senior year at Rutgers, Jeff hit .537 to lead the NCAA in batting and set a record that still stands."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
ROY WHITE (Coach)
"As much as anyone who's ever worn the pinstripes, Roy White bridges several distinct eras of Yankees history. First, he was scouted and signed in 1961, the height of the dynasty. He then played left field in his smooth, distinguished style for the Yankees from 1965 through the championship years of the late '70s.
And now, of course, he's back- this time as a coach- and the likable silken-voiced gentleman who wore jersey No. 6 for so long couldn't be happier.
'Just as I felt 1979 was the right time to leave the Yankees, I feel this is the right time to be coming back,' he says. For three seasons, he had continued his playing career with the Yomiuri Giants of Tokyo, where he became one of the most popular Americans in Japanese pro baseball. 'I'm looking forward to wearing those pinstripes again,' says Roy.
And all Yankee fans- dating back to White's years as a coolly efficient performer- welcome him back."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"One of the all-time Yankee favorites, White returns to the Yankees as coach after a three-year 'second career' in Japan. He ranks among the all-time top 20 Yankees in stolen bases (2nd with 233), games played (6th with 1,881), runs scored (8th with 964), hits (8th with 1,803), doubles (10th with 300), RBIs (11th with 758) and home runs (16th with 160).
Roy's career spans several distinct eras of Yankee history. He was scouted and signed by the Yankee organization in 1961 at the height of the Yankee dynasty. After several impressive minor league seasons, Roy received his first taste of the major leagues in 1965, the beginning of the 'lean years' for the Yankees. His career matured and blossomed as the Yankees were rebuilding and developing into the American League pennant winners of '76, '77 and '78 and World Series champions of '77 and '78. Roy then played three years with the Yomiuri Giants of Japan's Central League.
The only Yankee outfielder ever to field 1.000 for a season, Roy was originally signed as an infielder, but Bobby Richardson's presence brought about the switch. He switch-hit home runs in a game five times and also switch-hit triples in a game once.
Roy was raised in Compton, California with such future big leaguers as Reggie Smith, Dock Ellis, Dave Nelson, Don Wilson and Bobby Tolan."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
ART FOWLER (Coach)
"Billy Martin has said, 'You couldn't pay Art Fowler enough to leave me.' That's how much the Yankee manager respects and appreciates Fowler's loyalty. Art has worked for Martin in Minnesota, Detroit, Texas, New York and Oakland before returning to the Yankees for a second time. It is interesting to note that Ron Guidry enjoyed his three best seasons while Fowler was the Yankees pitching coach in 1977-79.
Art pitched until he was 48 years old and saw service with 12 different minor league teams, winning 205 games in his minor league career. Fowler also pitched in 57 games for the Los Angeles Angels in 1963 at the age of 41. He started his pro career in 1944 with Bristol (Tennessee) of the Appalachian League."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Fowler joins the Yankees as pitching coach for the second time. He has worked under Martin in Minnesota, Detroit, Texas, New York and Oakland.
His professional playing career spanned 25 years, starting in 1944 in Bristol of the Appalachian League, and he won 54 games in his nine major league seasons. At the age of 41 in 1963, Art pitched in 57 games for the Angels for a 5-3 record and 2.43 ERA, being used in relief.
Art joined forces with Billy Martin for the first time in 1968 when Billy was sent to manage Denver for the Twins, and coached at Minnesota for Billy in 1969. He then went back to Denver as a player-coach in 1970 and was still pitching at age 48. Art then joined Billy as pitching coach at Detroit in 1971-73, went to Texas with Billy in 1974-75, New York in 1977-79 and Oakland in 1980-82.
Art won 205 games in his minor league career."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Monday, May 4, 2015
1983 New York Yankees Management Profiles
GENE MCHALE (President)
"In naming Gene McHale as President of the New York Yankees on January 5, 1983, Principal Owner George M. Steinbrenner said, 'In filling this key position, there was no need to look anywhere else but within the Yankee organization. Gene has a solid and proven administrative, business and financial background and has been a longtime employee of the Yankees.
'Much of the progress the Yankees have made in the areas of television, radio, publications, merchandising and ticketing is due to his efforts. The Yankees are proud to have employees of the caliber of Gene McHale and to promote from within the organization to fill this position.'
Eugene J. 'Gene' McHale, 44, has been with the Yankees since December 1972. As an employee of CBS, who then owned the Yankees, he was assigned to supervise the Yankee accounting department. When George Steinbrenner and associates purchased the Yankees from CBS in January 1973, McHale remained with the team as controller. He was named administrative vice-president in 1977. Before coming to the Yankees, he worked for seven years at CBS with responsibilities in financial and business affairs in their radio division.
A native of the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, McHale graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School several blocks away from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. He is a graduate of Fordham University and also served three years in the U.S. Navy. Gene is a resident of Locust Valley, New York."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
CEDRIC TALLIS (Executive Vice-President)
"Cedric Tallis, Executive Vice-President of the New York Yankees, is in his 35th season of professional baseball, although it took the highest honor an executive can achieve, The Sporting News Executive of the Year Award (1971), to make him nationally known among sports fans.
Tallis began his baseball career in 1948 with the Thomasville, Georgia franchise, and his minor league experience also carried him to Jamestown, New York; Flint, Michigan; Montgomery, Alabama; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Seattle, Washington. It was with Vancouver in 1957 that he was named Pacific Coast League Executive of the Year when his club drew 306,000 fans, a total unequaled in the minor leagues for the next decade. In 1961, he joined the new Los Angeles Angels, the American League expansion team, as Business Manager. In 1965, with the club moving to Anaheim as the California Angels, Cedric became Vice-President of Operations, helping to oversee the construction of Anaheim Stadium.
"In naming Gene McHale as President of the New York Yankees on January 5, 1983, Principal Owner George M. Steinbrenner said, 'In filling this key position, there was no need to look anywhere else but within the Yankee organization. Gene has a solid and proven administrative, business and financial background and has been a longtime employee of the Yankees.
'Much of the progress the Yankees have made in the areas of television, radio, publications, merchandising and ticketing is due to his efforts. The Yankees are proud to have employees of the caliber of Gene McHale and to promote from within the organization to fill this position.'
Eugene J. 'Gene' McHale, 44, has been with the Yankees since December 1972. As an employee of CBS, who then owned the Yankees, he was assigned to supervise the Yankee accounting department. When George Steinbrenner and associates purchased the Yankees from CBS in January 1973, McHale remained with the team as controller. He was named administrative vice-president in 1977. Before coming to the Yankees, he worked for seven years at CBS with responsibilities in financial and business affairs in their radio division.
A native of the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, McHale graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School several blocks away from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. He is a graduate of Fordham University and also served three years in the U.S. Navy. Gene is a resident of Locust Valley, New York."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
CEDRIC TALLIS (Executive Vice-President)
"Cedric Tallis, Executive Vice-President of the New York Yankees, is in his 35th season of professional baseball, although it took the highest honor an executive can achieve, The Sporting News Executive of the Year Award (1971), to make him nationally known among sports fans.
Tallis began his baseball career in 1948 with the Thomasville, Georgia franchise, and his minor league experience also carried him to Jamestown, New York; Flint, Michigan; Montgomery, Alabama; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Seattle, Washington. It was with Vancouver in 1957 that he was named Pacific Coast League Executive of the Year when his club drew 306,000 fans, a total unequaled in the minor leagues for the next decade. In 1961, he joined the new Los Angeles Angels, the American League expansion team, as Business Manager. In 1965, with the club moving to Anaheim as the California Angels, Cedric became Vice-President of Operations, helping to oversee the construction of Anaheim Stadium.
Tallis joined the Kansas City Royals in January 1968 during the formative season preceding their entry into the American League. Serving as Vice-President and General Manager, Tallis engineered a series of successful drafts and trades that molded the Royals into the winningest expansion franchise in history.
The opening of Royals Stadium was one of the highlights of Tallis' stay in Kansas City and he oversaw the refurbishing of the 'new' Yankee Stadium in 1975-76. With those remarkable feats in hand, Tallis has had an association with the three most modern and beautiful new parks in the league.
The opening of Royals Stadium was one of the highlights of Tallis' stay in Kansas City and he oversaw the refurbishing of the 'new' Yankee Stadium in 1975-76. With those remarkable feats in hand, Tallis has had an association with the three most modern and beautiful new parks in the league.
Tallis, who attended Concord (New Hampshire) College, enlisted in the Army in 1940 and received a commission after Infantry Officer Candidate School in 1941, serving in the Aleutian Campaign and in the European Theatre. He left the army as a Major in 1948."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
BILL BERGESCH (Vice-President of Baseball Operations)
"As the Yankees Vice-President of Baseball Operations, Bill Bergesch works closely with Clyde King, Gene Michael and Cedric Tallis in providing Manager Billy Martin the talent he needs on the field to produce another AL pennant and World Championship.
Bill is in his second stint with the Yankees. From 1963 through 1967 he served as traveling secretary and as stadium manager. From 1968 to 1977 he was president of Small Business Investment Company in Manhattan. He returned to the Yankees in 1978 as Director of Scouting and in 1980 was named Vice-President of Baseball Operations.
Bergesch began his career with the St. Louis Cardinals organization following his graduation from Washington University in St. Louis. He began as general manager in Albany, Georgia, and also worked in Winston Salem, North Carolina, Columbus, Georgia, and Omaha, Nebraska. In 1959 and 1960 he served as scouting coordinator in St. Louis.
He moved to the Kansas City Athletics as assistant general manager in 1962 and worked with the New York Mets as the farm and scouting director, setting up farm clubs and hiring scouts for the new expansion team."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
BILL BERGESCH (Vice-President of Baseball Operations)
"As the Yankees Vice-President of Baseball Operations, Bill Bergesch works closely with Clyde King, Gene Michael and Cedric Tallis in providing Manager Billy Martin the talent he needs on the field to produce another AL pennant and World Championship.
Bill is in his second stint with the Yankees. From 1963 through 1967 he served as traveling secretary and as stadium manager. From 1968 to 1977 he was president of Small Business Investment Company in Manhattan. He returned to the Yankees in 1978 as Director of Scouting and in 1980 was named Vice-President of Baseball Operations.
Bergesch began his career with the St. Louis Cardinals organization following his graduation from Washington University in St. Louis. He began as general manager in Albany, Georgia, and also worked in Winston Salem, North Carolina, Columbus, Georgia, and Omaha, Nebraska. In 1959 and 1960 he served as scouting coordinator in St. Louis.
He moved to the Kansas City Athletics as assistant general manager in 1962 and worked with the New York Mets as the farm and scouting director, setting up farm clubs and hiring scouts for the new expansion team."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Friday, May 1, 2015
1983 Profile: George Steinbrenner
Principal Owner
"Every young man searching for his own place in today's world would be well advised to heed the advice and example of sportsman, business executive and civic leader George M. Steinbrenner.
Steinbrenner, a national figure before he was 40, offers a succinct basic formula for success.
'Work as hard as you ask others to. Strive for what you believe is right, no matter the odds. Learn that mistakes can be the best teacher of all.' Certainly, the meteoric career of this energetic son of a distinguished Great Lakes shipping family bears out the practical results of these simple beliefs.
In 1963, he entered the business world in earnest. In a way, it was a difficult adjustment for a man who had already been an assistant football coach at two Big Ten universities, Northwestern and Purdue, and put together national championship teams in both the National Industrial and American Basketball Leagues.
In the business world, Steinbrenner is Chairman of the American Shipbuilding Company which he and associates took over and revitalized in 1967. Under his early leadership, American Ship tripled its annual revenues and since has climbed to the $200 million mark in annual sales.
In 1973, Steinbrenner put together the group which purchased the New York Yankees from CBS. As the Principal Owner, it took only five years for his keen foresight and aggressive leadership to turn the Yankees, once again, into World Champions.
Apart from corporate business and civic involvements, he devotes a great deal of time to his extensive interest in thoroughbred breeding and racing which includes his 800 acre stud farm in Florida, The Florida Breeders Sales Company and Florida Horse Magazine, the latter two companies which he recently purchased with associates."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
"Every young man searching for his own place in today's world would be well advised to heed the advice and example of sportsman, business executive and civic leader George M. Steinbrenner.
Steinbrenner, a national figure before he was 40, offers a succinct basic formula for success.
'Work as hard as you ask others to. Strive for what you believe is right, no matter the odds. Learn that mistakes can be the best teacher of all.' Certainly, the meteoric career of this energetic son of a distinguished Great Lakes shipping family bears out the practical results of these simple beliefs.
In 1963, he entered the business world in earnest. In a way, it was a difficult adjustment for a man who had already been an assistant football coach at two Big Ten universities, Northwestern and Purdue, and put together national championship teams in both the National Industrial and American Basketball Leagues.
In the business world, Steinbrenner is Chairman of the American Shipbuilding Company which he and associates took over and revitalized in 1967. Under his early leadership, American Ship tripled its annual revenues and since has climbed to the $200 million mark in annual sales.
In 1973, Steinbrenner put together the group which purchased the New York Yankees from CBS. As the Principal Owner, it took only five years for his keen foresight and aggressive leadership to turn the Yankees, once again, into World Champions.
Apart from corporate business and civic involvements, he devotes a great deal of time to his extensive interest in thoroughbred breeding and racing which includes his 800 acre stud farm in Florida, The Florida Breeders Sales Company and Florida Horse Magazine, the latter two companies which he recently purchased with associates."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Thursday, April 30, 2015
1983 New York Yankees Outlook
HITTING
"George Steinbrenner's master plan a year ago was to build a team with speed and run off with the pennant, but it proved a dismal failure as the Yankees stole only 69 bases. Now, King George is trying to do it the conventional way- with power. He went out and signed free agents Steve Kemp and Don Baylor to join Dave Winfield in the middle of the New York lineup.
Kemp should give the Yankees the left-handed punch they were missing last year with the defection of Reggie Jackson to the Angels, and Baylor is a proven RBI man. If Winfield comes anywhere close to matching his stats of a year ago (37 homers, 106 RBIs), the offense should be improved.
But problems remain. The Yankees need more offense out of catchers Rick Cerone and Butch Wynegar, and out of first base, where Ken Griffey and a cast of thousands will play. Also, does third base belong to aging Graig Nettles or Roy Smalley?
Finally, the Yankees can play only nine men at a time. By obtaining Kemp and Baylor, it means less action for quality hitters like Lou Piniella and Oscar Gamble."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
PITCHING
"The Yankee offense looks improved, but the pitching does not. This is a staff that appears average at best and is maybe even a notch below that. It desperately needs a take-charge guy and maybe Ron Guidry (14-8, 3,81 ERA) can assume that role. But the left-hander tailed off last year after a quick start and he's no longer an awesome presence on the mound.
After Guidry come two other southpaws- Dave Righetti and Shane Rawley. As good as Righetti may be someday, he still hasn't displayed consistency over a whole year. And Rawley is only in his second year as a full-time starter.
The Yankees could also use a dependable right-handed starter. Doyle Alexander was a bust last year and Rick Reuschel was out all season. The bullpen was always a plus- as long as Rich Gossage was throwing bullets. But the right-hander was sidelined with a sore arm the final six weeks. To back up Gossage, the Yankees acquired Dale Murray from Toronto and signed free agent Bob Shirley."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
FIELDING
"The once strong Yankee defense fell off last year and it is suspect this season simply because a lot of players could be doing a lot of moving around. Apparently, the only stability is in left field, where Winfield won a Gold Glove, and at second, where Willie Randolph is one of the best.
But the Yankees need to decide who will be at shortstop and third base. Also, Kemp is not a strong defensive player and the Yankees discovered last year that Jerry Mumphrey is just an average center fielder."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
OUTLOOK
"The addition of Kemp and Baylor should at least make these Yankees stronger than last year's miserable edition. But there are still too many holes for this club to be in its usual spot as the favorite.
The main questions are whether the Yankees' thin pitching can hold out for 162 games and whether manager Billy Martin can make a difference. No one will know until the season starts if Gossage is completely healthy. And the world awaits the latest chapter in the Billy the Kid serial."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"After losing the 1981 World Series to the Dodgers in six games, George Steinbrenner apologized to the people of New York for the performance of his baseball team. Last year the Yankees finished fifth in the East with a 79-83 record. Again, George apologized, sending letters to his season ticket holders promising better things for the future.
Many of those ticket holders are still bitter about the departure of Reggie Jackson. That's one of the big reasons Yankee Stadium attendance was down over a half million from 1980, the last full season. But, if the Yankees win, the fans will be back.
There's another thing that's sure to put fans back in the Stadium seats. The word has spread that Billy Martin will return as Yankee manager for the 1983 season, or at least part of it. That's right, Steinbrenner and Martin, the Liz Taylor-Richard Burton of baseball, are going to try it again. We'll see what happens.
There's talent here that didn't play anywhere near its potential in 1982. That's why George used three managers, five pitching coaches, three batting coaches and 47 players to get things going. They never really did gain any momentum.
Lost in the shuffle of the bad year was a very good effort by Dave Winfield, who more than earned his big bucks in 1982. The big left fielder hit .280, powering 37 homers and 106 RBI. Winfield's home run production forced Steinbrenner to nix plans for bringing in the fences and altering the spacious Death Valley. It remains intact.
Winfield will again play left this year, although a preseason trade of Jerry Mumphrey (.300, 9, 68) could change that and see Winfield shift to center. Free agent signee Steve Kemp (.286, 19, 98 with the White Sox) is likely to end up in right, with Ken Griffey (.277, 12, 54) a candidate for first base, a spot at which the Yankees have been hurting. Outfield depth will come from Lou Piniella (.307, 6, 37), the right-handed DH and batting coach, Oscar Gamble (.272, 18, 57), the left-handed DH, and youngsters like Mike Patterson and Don Mattingly. Free agent Don Baylor, who led the AL with 21 game-winning RBI last year, signed with the Yanks and will be a right-handed DH. He hit .263 with 24 homers and 93 RBI in California.
With Griffey slated to move to the infield, promising power hitter Steve Balboni will have competition for the first base spot. Despite trade rumors, Willie Randolph (.280) is set at second. Roy Smalley (.255, 20, 67) appears headed from short to third with young Andre Robertson, a slick fielder, taking over at short. Captain Graig Nettles (.232, 18, 55) will back up at third and other infield depth will come from Butch Hobson and Barry Evans. There's a young second baseman named Edwin Rodriguez who can play the field and will get a look.
Steinbrenner signed Rick Cerone to a four-year contract over the winter, giving the Yankees a Cerone-Butch Wynegar duo behind the plate. Both were hampered seriously by injury and sickness and there will be a battle for the regular spot this time around. Brad Gulden, Juan Espino and Barry Foote vie for the third receiving spot.
The pitching staff revolves around lefties Ron Guidry (14-8, 3.81), Dave Righetti (11-10, 3.79 despite a trip to the minors) and Shane Rawley (11-10, 4.06 and an effective starter after coming out of the bullpen). The fourth and fifth starters are still up in the air and will likely come from a group made up of Roger Erickson (8-8, 4.61 with Minnesota and New York), Doyle Alexander and youngsters Jay Howell and Stefan Wever. Rich Reuschel, out all last year with shoulder problems that led to surgery, may be back.
In the bullpen, Rich Gossage (4-5, 2.23, 30 saves) hopes to shake off last season's shoulder woes for a strong 1983. He'll get help from Dale Murray, who arrived from Toronto in a trade that involved Dave Collins and pitcher Mike Morgan. Murray was 8-7, 3.16 with 11 saves last year and will be joined by George Frazier (4-4, 3.47) and perhaps Rudy May (6-6, 2.89, 3 saves) or young Curt Kaufman.
The picture isn't clear in New York right now. We'll see how long marriage number three lasts.
"George Steinbrenner's master plan a year ago was to build a team with speed and run off with the pennant, but it proved a dismal failure as the Yankees stole only 69 bases. Now, King George is trying to do it the conventional way- with power. He went out and signed free agents Steve Kemp and Don Baylor to join Dave Winfield in the middle of the New York lineup.
Kemp should give the Yankees the left-handed punch they were missing last year with the defection of Reggie Jackson to the Angels, and Baylor is a proven RBI man. If Winfield comes anywhere close to matching his stats of a year ago (37 homers, 106 RBIs), the offense should be improved.
But problems remain. The Yankees need more offense out of catchers Rick Cerone and Butch Wynegar, and out of first base, where Ken Griffey and a cast of thousands will play. Also, does third base belong to aging Graig Nettles or Roy Smalley?
Finally, the Yankees can play only nine men at a time. By obtaining Kemp and Baylor, it means less action for quality hitters like Lou Piniella and Oscar Gamble."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
PITCHING
"The Yankee offense looks improved, but the pitching does not. This is a staff that appears average at best and is maybe even a notch below that. It desperately needs a take-charge guy and maybe Ron Guidry (14-8, 3,81 ERA) can assume that role. But the left-hander tailed off last year after a quick start and he's no longer an awesome presence on the mound.
After Guidry come two other southpaws- Dave Righetti and Shane Rawley. As good as Righetti may be someday, he still hasn't displayed consistency over a whole year. And Rawley is only in his second year as a full-time starter.
The Yankees could also use a dependable right-handed starter. Doyle Alexander was a bust last year and Rick Reuschel was out all season. The bullpen was always a plus- as long as Rich Gossage was throwing bullets. But the right-hander was sidelined with a sore arm the final six weeks. To back up Gossage, the Yankees acquired Dale Murray from Toronto and signed free agent Bob Shirley."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
FIELDING
"The once strong Yankee defense fell off last year and it is suspect this season simply because a lot of players could be doing a lot of moving around. Apparently, the only stability is in left field, where Winfield won a Gold Glove, and at second, where Willie Randolph is one of the best.
But the Yankees need to decide who will be at shortstop and third base. Also, Kemp is not a strong defensive player and the Yankees discovered last year that Jerry Mumphrey is just an average center fielder."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
OUTLOOK
"The addition of Kemp and Baylor should at least make these Yankees stronger than last year's miserable edition. But there are still too many holes for this club to be in its usual spot as the favorite.
The main questions are whether the Yankees' thin pitching can hold out for 162 games and whether manager Billy Martin can make a difference. No one will know until the season starts if Gossage is completely healthy. And the world awaits the latest chapter in the Billy the Kid serial."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"After losing the 1981 World Series to the Dodgers in six games, George Steinbrenner apologized to the people of New York for the performance of his baseball team. Last year the Yankees finished fifth in the East with a 79-83 record. Again, George apologized, sending letters to his season ticket holders promising better things for the future.
Many of those ticket holders are still bitter about the departure of Reggie Jackson. That's one of the big reasons Yankee Stadium attendance was down over a half million from 1980, the last full season. But, if the Yankees win, the fans will be back.
There's another thing that's sure to put fans back in the Stadium seats. The word has spread that Billy Martin will return as Yankee manager for the 1983 season, or at least part of it. That's right, Steinbrenner and Martin, the Liz Taylor-Richard Burton of baseball, are going to try it again. We'll see what happens.
There's talent here that didn't play anywhere near its potential in 1982. That's why George used three managers, five pitching coaches, three batting coaches and 47 players to get things going. They never really did gain any momentum.
Lost in the shuffle of the bad year was a very good effort by Dave Winfield, who more than earned his big bucks in 1982. The big left fielder hit .280, powering 37 homers and 106 RBI. Winfield's home run production forced Steinbrenner to nix plans for bringing in the fences and altering the spacious Death Valley. It remains intact.
Winfield will again play left this year, although a preseason trade of Jerry Mumphrey (.300, 9, 68) could change that and see Winfield shift to center. Free agent signee Steve Kemp (.286, 19, 98 with the White Sox) is likely to end up in right, with Ken Griffey (.277, 12, 54) a candidate for first base, a spot at which the Yankees have been hurting. Outfield depth will come from Lou Piniella (.307, 6, 37), the right-handed DH and batting coach, Oscar Gamble (.272, 18, 57), the left-handed DH, and youngsters like Mike Patterson and Don Mattingly. Free agent Don Baylor, who led the AL with 21 game-winning RBI last year, signed with the Yanks and will be a right-handed DH. He hit .263 with 24 homers and 93 RBI in California.
With Griffey slated to move to the infield, promising power hitter Steve Balboni will have competition for the first base spot. Despite trade rumors, Willie Randolph (.280) is set at second. Roy Smalley (.255, 20, 67) appears headed from short to third with young Andre Robertson, a slick fielder, taking over at short. Captain Graig Nettles (.232, 18, 55) will back up at third and other infield depth will come from Butch Hobson and Barry Evans. There's a young second baseman named Edwin Rodriguez who can play the field and will get a look.
Steinbrenner signed Rick Cerone to a four-year contract over the winter, giving the Yankees a Cerone-Butch Wynegar duo behind the plate. Both were hampered seriously by injury and sickness and there will be a battle for the regular spot this time around. Brad Gulden, Juan Espino and Barry Foote vie for the third receiving spot.
The pitching staff revolves around lefties Ron Guidry (14-8, 3.81), Dave Righetti (11-10, 3.79 despite a trip to the minors) and Shane Rawley (11-10, 4.06 and an effective starter after coming out of the bullpen). The fourth and fifth starters are still up in the air and will likely come from a group made up of Roger Erickson (8-8, 4.61 with Minnesota and New York), Doyle Alexander and youngsters Jay Howell and Stefan Wever. Rich Reuschel, out all last year with shoulder problems that led to surgery, may be back.
In the bullpen, Rich Gossage (4-5, 2.23, 30 saves) hopes to shake off last season's shoulder woes for a strong 1983. He'll get help from Dale Murray, who arrived from Toronto in a trade that involved Dave Collins and pitcher Mike Morgan. Murray was 8-7, 3.16 with 11 saves last year and will be joined by George Frazier (4-4, 3.47) and perhaps Rudy May (6-6, 2.89, 3 saves) or young Curt Kaufman.
The picture isn't clear in New York right now. We'll see how long marriage number three lasts.
'83 FORECAST: FOURTH"
-Scott Michaels, Baseball Forecast 1983
"PROBLEMS: The 'Best Team Money Can Buy,' as put together by George Steinbrenner for 1982, wasn't worth very much. The Yankees finished a dismal fifth in the AL East chase after going to the post as postseason favorites. There was a season-long dearth of production from first base, injuries hurt the output from third base and behind the plate, the bench was erratic, highly touted newcomers failed to perform as expected, and the starting pitching was very inconsistent.
Going to spring training, the club isn't sure who will fill the number three, four and five spots in the starting rotation; is not sure who will be given the first base job; and will be looking for a long-term replacement for aging veteran Graig Nettles at third. There is a heavy need for better right-handed pitching and for a lot more right-handed offensive sock.
Steinbrenner signed free agents Don Baylor, Steve Kemp and pitcher Bob Shirley. He was able to pick up bullpen reinforcement by dealing Dave Collins and Mike Morgan. But this has left the club with too many quality outfielders, and holes in the infield and starting rotation. The long chase to see if Billy Martin would come back also kept things up in the air until spring training began.
PITCHING: With Tommy John off in California, Ron Guidry and Shane Rawley are the only consistent starters sure of jobs for the coming year. After conversion from bullpen work, Rawley has been a pleasant surprise and could easily become a big winner. Dave Righetti lost his control after a super rookie year in '81, and must be considered 'iffy' until he has mastered the strike zone. Shirley has never been a big winner and has a history of being erratic. Roger Erickson, Rudy May and George Frazier will try to hold their spots. Reliever Dale Murray came from Toronto in the Collins deal and will help.
So long as Goose Gossage is firing with strength, the relief corps will be solid. May and Frazier offer good left-right support, and Rawley could again move to the bullpen if the Goose is hurt or loses his effectiveness. On paper the staff is good but not deep enough for the Yanks to be a solid contender.
HITTING: Dave Winfield was a one-man gang for New York, but just couldn't do the power job all by himself. Jerry Mumphrey was his usual excellent in center, and ex-Red Ken Griffey had a fair year. But the offense from every other position suffered. Even though Willie Randolph hit at near his lifetime level, his RBI and base theft output was low. After coming over from the Twins, Roy Smalley fell off in both average and power, and was erratic in his fielding at short. Nettles was hurt, then benched for long periods as Steinbrenner forced his managers to look for an eventual replacement.
Catcher Rick Cerone has recovered from the hurts that limited his effectiveness last year and has signed a new contract. There are rumors Rick may play at third this year with Butch Wynegar staying as the starting backstop, but this is really unlikely.
Lee Mazzilli, player-coach Lou Piniella and the other veterans will alternate as the club's designated hitter and help supply the reserve punch for the Yanks, but the power is way down from the championship era.
To add power, free agent DH Don Baylor from the Angels was signed; the one-time MVP will help. Balboni, Mazzilli and Griffey will likely get tries at first this spring to find the most effective lineup. But more will be required to give this club the run production necessary to challenge Milwaukee, Boston and Detroit for top honors in the Eastern Division.
INFIELD: Smalley has not proven as sharp defensively as the departed Bucky Dent, but he's still a better-than-average glove man. Randolph is excellent at second, while the catching is good whether Cerone or Wynegar is calling the pitches. The big question is at the corners. Nettles is unlikely to be a regular, and the Yanks have been unhappy with the first base situation ever since the trade of Chris Chambliss some years ago. Bench help, especially at the critical second, short and third base spots, is weak.
OUTFIELD: With the arrival of Kemp, Winfield may switch to right with Griffey trying first. Mumphrey figured in trade rumors but has been a steady Yankee performer. The defense is good and the clout is excellent no matter who plays where. Mazzilli, Oscar Gamble, player-coach Lou Piniella and even Bobby Murcer are available for depth. It's a top-flight outfield, but it's too bad none of these hitters can play third base.
PROGNOSIS: Lack of proven starting depth and the infield problems will probably keep New York from getting back to the top quickly no matter what kind of moves are made by ownership. The Yanks will probably be able to finish no better than fourth in this year's East battle."
-Tommy Kay's Big Book of Baseball, May 1983
"The game's greatest soap opera goes back into production this spring as Billy Martin returns to sail the stormy Yankee waters with General George Steinbrenner. You can be sure of two things: there will be headlines and plenty of controversy, and the Yankees will be a vastly improved club under Martin. Billy wouldn't have it any other way.
The Martin move is a smart one, for not only will Billy put the Yankees back on the winning path, he will also put the fans back in the Stadium seats. It makes sense (plenty of dollars and cents.)
This New York team is a veteran one, as players such as Graig Nettles, Lou Piniella, Bobby Murcer, Oscar Gamble, Ron Guidry and Rich Gossage have all been around a while and know what it takes to win. First base is wide open at the present time but you can look for Ken Griffey or the newly acquired Steve Kemp to play the position. Don Baylor, who is another free-agent pickup, will be the designated hitter. Dave Winfield and Jerry Mumphrey return in the outfield. Willie Randolph anchors an infield that includes Roy Smalley and Nettles, with Rick Cerone and Butch Wynegar sharing the catching duties.
The Yankees have plenty of depth and experience throughout the lineup, so the key will be the pitching staff, especially the performances of Guidry and the awesome Goose Gossage. The Bombers will also need strong years from Dave Righetti, who has a world of talent, Bob Shirley and Dale Murray. The Yanks can win it but it won't be easy. It is now a race against old age.
The New Yorkers have become very accustomed to winning since Steinbrenner gained command of the club and nothing less than total success will be tolerated by the organization (meaning George) or Martin. There will be plenty of fireworks in the Bronx this season. Plenty of good baseball, too."
-Jimmy The Greek Snyder, 1983 Baseball Handbook
-Scott Michaels, Baseball Forecast 1983
"PROBLEMS: The 'Best Team Money Can Buy,' as put together by George Steinbrenner for 1982, wasn't worth very much. The Yankees finished a dismal fifth in the AL East chase after going to the post as postseason favorites. There was a season-long dearth of production from first base, injuries hurt the output from third base and behind the plate, the bench was erratic, highly touted newcomers failed to perform as expected, and the starting pitching was very inconsistent.
Going to spring training, the club isn't sure who will fill the number three, four and five spots in the starting rotation; is not sure who will be given the first base job; and will be looking for a long-term replacement for aging veteran Graig Nettles at third. There is a heavy need for better right-handed pitching and for a lot more right-handed offensive sock.
Steinbrenner signed free agents Don Baylor, Steve Kemp and pitcher Bob Shirley. He was able to pick up bullpen reinforcement by dealing Dave Collins and Mike Morgan. But this has left the club with too many quality outfielders, and holes in the infield and starting rotation. The long chase to see if Billy Martin would come back also kept things up in the air until spring training began.
PITCHING: With Tommy John off in California, Ron Guidry and Shane Rawley are the only consistent starters sure of jobs for the coming year. After conversion from bullpen work, Rawley has been a pleasant surprise and could easily become a big winner. Dave Righetti lost his control after a super rookie year in '81, and must be considered 'iffy' until he has mastered the strike zone. Shirley has never been a big winner and has a history of being erratic. Roger Erickson, Rudy May and George Frazier will try to hold their spots. Reliever Dale Murray came from Toronto in the Collins deal and will help.
So long as Goose Gossage is firing with strength, the relief corps will be solid. May and Frazier offer good left-right support, and Rawley could again move to the bullpen if the Goose is hurt or loses his effectiveness. On paper the staff is good but not deep enough for the Yanks to be a solid contender.
HITTING: Dave Winfield was a one-man gang for New York, but just couldn't do the power job all by himself. Jerry Mumphrey was his usual excellent in center, and ex-Red Ken Griffey had a fair year. But the offense from every other position suffered. Even though Willie Randolph hit at near his lifetime level, his RBI and base theft output was low. After coming over from the Twins, Roy Smalley fell off in both average and power, and was erratic in his fielding at short. Nettles was hurt, then benched for long periods as Steinbrenner forced his managers to look for an eventual replacement.
Catcher Rick Cerone has recovered from the hurts that limited his effectiveness last year and has signed a new contract. There are rumors Rick may play at third this year with Butch Wynegar staying as the starting backstop, but this is really unlikely.
Lee Mazzilli, player-coach Lou Piniella and the other veterans will alternate as the club's designated hitter and help supply the reserve punch for the Yanks, but the power is way down from the championship era.
To add power, free agent DH Don Baylor from the Angels was signed; the one-time MVP will help. Balboni, Mazzilli and Griffey will likely get tries at first this spring to find the most effective lineup. But more will be required to give this club the run production necessary to challenge Milwaukee, Boston and Detroit for top honors in the Eastern Division.
INFIELD: Smalley has not proven as sharp defensively as the departed Bucky Dent, but he's still a better-than-average glove man. Randolph is excellent at second, while the catching is good whether Cerone or Wynegar is calling the pitches. The big question is at the corners. Nettles is unlikely to be a regular, and the Yanks have been unhappy with the first base situation ever since the trade of Chris Chambliss some years ago. Bench help, especially at the critical second, short and third base spots, is weak.
OUTFIELD: With the arrival of Kemp, Winfield may switch to right with Griffey trying first. Mumphrey figured in trade rumors but has been a steady Yankee performer. The defense is good and the clout is excellent no matter who plays where. Mazzilli, Oscar Gamble, player-coach Lou Piniella and even Bobby Murcer are available for depth. It's a top-flight outfield, but it's too bad none of these hitters can play third base.
PROGNOSIS: Lack of proven starting depth and the infield problems will probably keep New York from getting back to the top quickly no matter what kind of moves are made by ownership. The Yanks will probably be able to finish no better than fourth in this year's East battle."
-Tommy Kay's Big Book of Baseball, May 1983
1983 New York Yankees Depth Chart
Manager - Clyde King
C Rick Cerone (.227-5-28)
1B Ken Griffey (.277-12-54)
2B Willie Randolph (.280-3-36)
3B Graig Nettles (.232-18-55)
SS Roy Smalley (.255-20-67)
LF Steve Kemp (.286-19-98)
CF Jerry Mumphrey (.300-9-68)
RF Dave Winfield (.280-37-106)
Designated Hitter: Don Baylor (.263-24-93) or Oscar Gamble (.272-18-57)
Starting Pitchers: Ron Guidry (14-8) , Dave Righetti (11-10), Shane Rawley (11-10), Bob Shirley (8-13), Roger Erickson (8-8)
Relief Pitchers: Rich Gossage (4-5, 30 saves), Rudy May (6-6, 3 saves), Dale Murray (8-7, 11 saves)
Key Reserves: Butch Wynegar, Andre Robertson, Lee Mazzilli, John Mayberry, Bobby Murcer, Barry Foote
-Tommy Kay's Big Book of Baseball, May 1983
"The game's greatest soap opera goes back into production this spring as Billy Martin returns to sail the stormy Yankee waters with General George Steinbrenner. You can be sure of two things: there will be headlines and plenty of controversy, and the Yankees will be a vastly improved club under Martin. Billy wouldn't have it any other way.
The Martin move is a smart one, for not only will Billy put the Yankees back on the winning path, he will also put the fans back in the Stadium seats. It makes sense (plenty of dollars and cents.)
This New York team is a veteran one, as players such as Graig Nettles, Lou Piniella, Bobby Murcer, Oscar Gamble, Ron Guidry and Rich Gossage have all been around a while and know what it takes to win. First base is wide open at the present time but you can look for Ken Griffey or the newly acquired Steve Kemp to play the position. Don Baylor, who is another free-agent pickup, will be the designated hitter. Dave Winfield and Jerry Mumphrey return in the outfield. Willie Randolph anchors an infield that includes Roy Smalley and Nettles, with Rick Cerone and Butch Wynegar sharing the catching duties.
The Yankees have plenty of depth and experience throughout the lineup, so the key will be the pitching staff, especially the performances of Guidry and the awesome Goose Gossage. The Bombers will also need strong years from Dave Righetti, who has a world of talent, Bob Shirley and Dale Murray. The Yanks can win it but it won't be easy. It is now a race against old age.
The New Yorkers have become very accustomed to winning since Steinbrenner gained command of the club and nothing less than total success will be tolerated by the organization (meaning George) or Martin. There will be plenty of fireworks in the Bronx this season. Plenty of good baseball, too."
-Jimmy The Greek Snyder, 1983 Baseball Handbook
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
1983 New York Yankees Spring Training Roster
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
42 Art Fowler
41 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
40 Don Zimmer
No. Pitchers
52 Doyle Alexander (R-R)
68 Ben Callahan (R-R)
58 Clay Christiansen (R-R)
11 Steve Comer (S-R)
35 Roger Erickson (R-R)
57 Ray Fontenot (L-L)
43 George Frazier (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
53 Jay Howell (R-R)
55 Curt Kaufman (R-R)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
48 Dale Murray (R-R)
62 Scott Patterson (R-R)
63 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
26 Shane Rawley (L-L)
36 Rick Reuschel (R-R)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
67 Stefan Wever (R-R)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
47 Brad Gulden (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
66 Steve Balboni (R-R)
38 Barry Evans (R-R)
28 John Mayberry (L-L)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
39 Otis Nixon (S-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
20 Edwin Rodriguez (R-R)
12 Roy Smalley (S-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
21 Steve Kemp (L-L)
46 Don Mattingly (L-L)
22 Jerry Mumphrey (S-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
42 Art Fowler
41 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
40 Don Zimmer
No. Pitchers
52 Doyle Alexander (R-R)
68 Ben Callahan (R-R)
58 Clay Christiansen (R-R)
11 Steve Comer (S-R)
35 Roger Erickson (R-R)
57 Ray Fontenot (L-L)
43 George Frazier (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
53 Jay Howell (R-R)
55 Curt Kaufman (R-R)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
48 Dale Murray (R-R)
62 Scott Patterson (R-R)
63 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
26 Shane Rawley (L-L)
36 Rick Reuschel (R-R)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
67 Stefan Wever (R-R)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
47 Brad Gulden (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
66 Steve Balboni (R-R)
38 Barry Evans (R-R)
28 John Mayberry (L-L)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
39 Otis Nixon (S-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
20 Edwin Rodriguez (R-R)
12 Roy Smalley (S-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
21 Steve Kemp (L-L)
46 Don Mattingly (L-L)
22 Jerry Mumphrey (S-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Monday, April 27, 2015
1982 New York Yankees September Roster
Manager - Clyde King 42
No. Coaches
48 Joe Altobelli
8 Yogi Berra
58 Sammy Ellis
33 Mike Ferraro
41 Jeff Torborg
No. Pitchers
52 Doyle Alexander (R-R)
35 Roger Erickson (R-R) *
43 George Frazier (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
53 Jay Howell (R-R)
47 Curt Kaufman (R-R)
34 Dave LaRoche (L-L)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
50 Lynn McGlothen (L-R)
39 Mike Morgan (R-R)
26 Shane Rawley (L-L)
36 Rick Reuschel (R-R) *
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
25 Stefan Wever (R-R)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
23 Barry Foote (R-R) *
57 Bobby Ramos (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
66 Steve Balboni (R-R)
38 Barry Evans (R-R)
12 John Mayberry (L-L)
24 Lee Mazzilli (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
20 Edwin Rodriguez (R-R)
55 Roy Smalley (S-R)
No. Outfielders
29 Dave Collins (S-L)
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
6 Ken Griffey (L-L)
46 Don Mattingly (L-L)
22 Jerry Mumphrey (S-R)
2 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
56 Mike Patterson (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Doug Melvin (60), Mickey Scott (59)
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala (51)
* not on active roster
No. Coaches
48 Joe Altobelli
8 Yogi Berra
58 Sammy Ellis
33 Mike Ferraro
41 Jeff Torborg
No. Pitchers
52 Doyle Alexander (R-R)
35 Roger Erickson (R-R) *
43 George Frazier (R-R)
54 Rich Gossage (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
53 Jay Howell (R-R)
47 Curt Kaufman (R-R)
34 Dave LaRoche (L-L)
45 Rudy May (L-L)
50 Lynn McGlothen (L-R)
39 Mike Morgan (R-R)
26 Shane Rawley (L-L)
36 Rick Reuschel (R-R) *
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
25 Stefan Wever (R-R)
No. Catchers
10 Rick Cerone (R-R)
23 Barry Foote (R-R) *
57 Bobby Ramos (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
66 Steve Balboni (R-R)
38 Barry Evans (R-R)
12 John Mayberry (L-L)
24 Lee Mazzilli (S-R)
9 Graig Nettles (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
20 Edwin Rodriguez (R-R)
55 Roy Smalley (S-R)
No. Outfielders
29 Dave Collins (S-L)
17 Oscar Gamble (L-R)
6 Ken Griffey (L-L)
46 Don Mattingly (L-L)
22 Jerry Mumphrey (S-R)
2 Bobby Murcer (L-R)
56 Mike Patterson (L-R)
14 Lou Piniella (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Doug Melvin (60), Mickey Scott (59)
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala (51)
* not on active roster
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