"For Roger Erickson, 1983 will be his first full season in Pinstripes. Prior to his being traded to the Yankees on May 12, 1982 with catcher Butch Wynegar, all Roger's experience had been with the Minnesota Twins organization.
After coming to the Yankees, he compiled a record of 4-5 with one save- that save was the first of his major league career. Add the 4-3 record he brought from the Twins, and Roger had his first .500 season since his rookie year in 1978. '82 was cut short for Roger when on August 6 he was put on the disabled list where he stayed for the remainder of the season.
Roger Farrell Erickson is ready to make his career the success the Yankees expect it to be. Good control and consistency are what he brought east, and these qualities are always welcome in the Bronx. An injury free 1983 should be Mr. Erickson's most successful of his major league career."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Erickson began the 1982 season with Minnesota compiling a 4-3 record in seven appearances. He was traded to the Yankees on May 12 with Butch Wynegar in exchange for Larry Milbourne, John Pacella and Pete Filson. Roger was winless in his first nine appearances as a Yankee, then from July 2-22, his next five appearances, won four starts and earned his first major league save. Roger pitched and lost in a doubleheader on August 3 against Chicago and three days later was placed on the disabled list with a sore right shoulder. He did not pitch for the rest of the season.
Before his trade to the Yankees he had spent his entire career in the Twins organization. Erickson spent a full season with the Twins in just his second professional season (1978) and tied for the distinction of being the big leagues' winningest rookie that year with Kansas City's Rich Gale and Pittsburgh's Don Robinson. He was named the Twin City's Baseball Writers' Rookie of the Year. In August 1981 Roger tried to stop one of Kirk Gibson's line drives with his bare throwing hand and broke his right index finger.
Roger played baseball at Springfield (IL) Junior College and at the University of New Orleans where he earned second-team All-South recognition."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
1983 Profile: Andre Robertson
"There's no mistaking that Andre Robertson possesses a major league glove- his range, quickness and throwing arm easily qualify him for potential stardom as a shortstop. Plus, based on his growing maturity as a hitter, Robertson appears to have a very bright future with the Yankees.
Last year, the wiry 5-10, 155-pounder with the Texas drawl split the season between Columbus and the Yankees, all the while impressing the Yankees with his skills. Now 25 years old, with four years of pro experience behind him, Andre hopes 1983 will be his year. 'I know my glove work is fine,' he says. 'And my stick-work is improving.'
With his fielding rated at a near-perfect level, his hitting shouldn't be too far behind- thanks to the guidance of Yankees hitting coach Lou Piniella, who is working to turn Andre into a major league hitter, as well."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Robertson began the 1982 season at Columbus and was called up to the Yankees on May 13. He hit his first major league home run on May 16 at Oakland off Steve McCatty. He was optioned to Columbus on July 8 and recalled by the Yankees on August 20. Andre played outstanding defense and showed potential and improvement at the plate.
Andre began in the Toronto Blue Jays organization in 1979. In 1980 with the Yankees, he progressed from A ball to AA and finally to AAA in just his second pro season. In 1981 Andre was named to the International League All-Star team as the shortstop. He was called up to the Yankees on September 2 when Bucky Dent was disabled with a torn hand ligament that required surgery. He singled in his first major league at-bat against Mike Jones at Kansas City on September 3 and played defensively in the '81 ALCS and World Series.
Robertson grew up in Orange, Texas where he attended West Orange High and played baseball, football, basketball and ran track. He was All-State twice and All-American once in baseball. He played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion ball in Orange and was a San Francisco Giant and Willie Mays fan as a youngster. Andre spent three years at the University of Texas where he teamed with Jerry Don Gleaton and played against Tim Lollar of Arkansas."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Last year, the wiry 5-10, 155-pounder with the Texas drawl split the season between Columbus and the Yankees, all the while impressing the Yankees with his skills. Now 25 years old, with four years of pro experience behind him, Andre hopes 1983 will be his year. 'I know my glove work is fine,' he says. 'And my stick-work is improving.'
With his fielding rated at a near-perfect level, his hitting shouldn't be too far behind- thanks to the guidance of Yankees hitting coach Lou Piniella, who is working to turn Andre into a major league hitter, as well."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Robertson began the 1982 season at Columbus and was called up to the Yankees on May 13. He hit his first major league home run on May 16 at Oakland off Steve McCatty. He was optioned to Columbus on July 8 and recalled by the Yankees on August 20. Andre played outstanding defense and showed potential and improvement at the plate.
Andre began in the Toronto Blue Jays organization in 1979. In 1980 with the Yankees, he progressed from A ball to AA and finally to AAA in just his second pro season. In 1981 Andre was named to the International League All-Star team as the shortstop. He was called up to the Yankees on September 2 when Bucky Dent was disabled with a torn hand ligament that required surgery. He singled in his first major league at-bat against Mike Jones at Kansas City on September 3 and played defensively in the '81 ALCS and World Series.
Robertson grew up in Orange, Texas where he attended West Orange High and played baseball, football, basketball and ran track. He was All-State twice and All-American once in baseball. He played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion ball in Orange and was a San Francisco Giant and Willie Mays fan as a youngster. Andre spent three years at the University of Texas where he teamed with Jerry Don Gleaton and played against Tim Lollar of Arkansas."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Sunday, June 7, 2015
1983 Profile: George Frazier
"Once George Frazier settles in, he's all business on the hill, throwing his hard stuff and a devastating drop-curve that paralyzes opposing hitters.
Last year, the 6-5, 200-pound right-hander put together a 4-4 record with a 3.47 ERA in 111 innings, as he saw more action than any other Yankee reliever. But what's most valuable about Frazier is his willingness to take on any task without complaint.
'I don't really care if I get a win,' says the 27-year-old who pitched at the University of Oklahoma with new Yankee teammate Bob Shirley. 'If I do, fine. But as long as the Yankees win, that's all I care about.'
Frazier's job usually demands that he hold the opposition until the later innings- because that's when Goose Gossage is summoned to record the save. 'With Goose behind me, I'm much more secure,' says Frazier. 'I can challenge the hitters, give them everything I've got.'
That's what George does with every appearance."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Frazier spent his first full year in the major leagues in 1982 and established career highs in all pitching categories. He led the Yankee pitching staff with 63 appearances and led the Yankee bullpen corps with 111.2 innings pitched. George finished the season tied for sixth in the AL in games pitched and his 63 appearances equals Gossage (1978) for the eighth most appearances in a season by a Yankee pitcher. George earned his only save of the season in his last appearance on September 29 at Cleveland.
He did not allow a run in his first 13.1 innings with the Yankees in 1981, and only one run through his first 19.2 innings. George was the winning pitcher in Game 2 of the '81 ALCS but a hard-luck pitcher in the World Series, absorbing three losses to set a record despite pitching well.
George had a combined 36-25 minor league record with 48 saves in six minor league seasons. He won his first major league game with a 5-4 decision over Atlanta on July 6, 1979, and allowed only one run over his first seven appearances with the Cardinals in '79.
Frazier grew up in Springfield, Missouri where he attended Hillcrest High. He was All-State in baseball (7-0 with a 0.14 ERA in his senior year) and also competed in basketball and in track as a high jumper and pole vaulter, and was offered scholarships in all three sports. He attended Oklahoma University, playing baseball and appearing in the College World Series four consecutive seasons. He teamed at O.U. with Keith Drumwright, Jackson Todd, Joe Simpson and new Yankee teammate Bob Shirley.
George enjoys fishing."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Last year, the 6-5, 200-pound right-hander put together a 4-4 record with a 3.47 ERA in 111 innings, as he saw more action than any other Yankee reliever. But what's most valuable about Frazier is his willingness to take on any task without complaint.
'I don't really care if I get a win,' says the 27-year-old who pitched at the University of Oklahoma with new Yankee teammate Bob Shirley. 'If I do, fine. But as long as the Yankees win, that's all I care about.'
Frazier's job usually demands that he hold the opposition until the later innings- because that's when Goose Gossage is summoned to record the save. 'With Goose behind me, I'm much more secure,' says Frazier. 'I can challenge the hitters, give them everything I've got.'
That's what George does with every appearance."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Frazier spent his first full year in the major leagues in 1982 and established career highs in all pitching categories. He led the Yankee pitching staff with 63 appearances and led the Yankee bullpen corps with 111.2 innings pitched. George finished the season tied for sixth in the AL in games pitched and his 63 appearances equals Gossage (1978) for the eighth most appearances in a season by a Yankee pitcher. George earned his only save of the season in his last appearance on September 29 at Cleveland.
He did not allow a run in his first 13.1 innings with the Yankees in 1981, and only one run through his first 19.2 innings. George was the winning pitcher in Game 2 of the '81 ALCS but a hard-luck pitcher in the World Series, absorbing three losses to set a record despite pitching well.
George had a combined 36-25 minor league record with 48 saves in six minor league seasons. He won his first major league game with a 5-4 decision over Atlanta on July 6, 1979, and allowed only one run over his first seven appearances with the Cardinals in '79.
Frazier grew up in Springfield, Missouri where he attended Hillcrest High. He was All-State in baseball (7-0 with a 0.14 ERA in his senior year) and also competed in basketball and in track as a high jumper and pole vaulter, and was offered scholarships in all three sports. He attended Oklahoma University, playing baseball and appearing in the College World Series four consecutive seasons. He teamed at O.U. with Keith Drumwright, Jackson Todd, Joe Simpson and new Yankee teammate Bob Shirley.
George enjoys fishing."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Friday, June 5, 2015
1983 Profile: Oscar Gamble
"His home runs are as long as ever.
His ever-present home run threat makes the Yankees' designated hitter spot one to be feared by opposing pitchers. In fact, 12 of Oscar's 18 1982 home runs were hit as a DH. Additionally, he had 38 RBI and a .264 batting average in that position. Combine the Big O's output with that of Lou Piniella (five homers, 22 RBI and a .334 BA) and the Yankees were never at a loss for offensive production from their designated hitters.
No. 17 knows what his purpose is as a Bronx Bomber- he is their professional hit man. Oscar's left-handed, low ball swing is perfectly suited to reach the short porch at the Stadium. His career spans parts of three decades, encompassing 14 years of service with seven different teams. With skill in pressure situations, Oscar will be a guiding force behind the 1983 Yankees and their hopes for a 23rd World Championship."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Gamble got off to a poor start in 1982, batting only .150 in April with no home runs and one RBI but turned things around in May with six homers and 16 RBI. As a Yankee DH, he batted .264 with 12 home runs and 38 RBI, platooning with Piniella (.334, 5 HR, 22 RBI) and giving the Yankees excellent production from the designated hitter spot in the batting order.
In 1981, Oscar had the top on-base percentage as a pinch hitter in the AL, .615 (16-for-26), and had a successful postseason, batting .381 (8-for-21) with two home runs and five RBIs. In 1980, he jumped off to a fast start with 16 RBIs in his first 19 at-bats, batting .474 with three homers, but fouled a ball off his left foot on May 13, fracturing a toe. In 1979, he had a broken bone in his left foot and missed the month of May while with Texas before his trade to the Yankees.
Oscar has played for seven different major league teams, four in the last six years. He was named to the Texas League East All-Star team as an outfielder from San Antonio in 1968. With the Phillies, Oscar had the distinction of getting the last ever hit in Philadelphia's old Connie Mack Stadium on October 1, 1970.
One of eight children, Oscar attended George Washington Carver High in Montgomery (AL) where he only played basketball, as the school did not have a baseball team. His wife, Juanita, is a singer and sung the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium prior to an ALCS game in 1976.
Oscar enjoys hunting, fishing and cars."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
His ever-present home run threat makes the Yankees' designated hitter spot one to be feared by opposing pitchers. In fact, 12 of Oscar's 18 1982 home runs were hit as a DH. Additionally, he had 38 RBI and a .264 batting average in that position. Combine the Big O's output with that of Lou Piniella (five homers, 22 RBI and a .334 BA) and the Yankees were never at a loss for offensive production from their designated hitters.
No. 17 knows what his purpose is as a Bronx Bomber- he is their professional hit man. Oscar's left-handed, low ball swing is perfectly suited to reach the short porch at the Stadium. His career spans parts of three decades, encompassing 14 years of service with seven different teams. With skill in pressure situations, Oscar will be a guiding force behind the 1983 Yankees and their hopes for a 23rd World Championship."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Gamble got off to a poor start in 1982, batting only .150 in April with no home runs and one RBI but turned things around in May with six homers and 16 RBI. As a Yankee DH, he batted .264 with 12 home runs and 38 RBI, platooning with Piniella (.334, 5 HR, 22 RBI) and giving the Yankees excellent production from the designated hitter spot in the batting order.
In 1981, Oscar had the top on-base percentage as a pinch hitter in the AL, .615 (16-for-26), and had a successful postseason, batting .381 (8-for-21) with two home runs and five RBIs. In 1980, he jumped off to a fast start with 16 RBIs in his first 19 at-bats, batting .474 with three homers, but fouled a ball off his left foot on May 13, fracturing a toe. In 1979, he had a broken bone in his left foot and missed the month of May while with Texas before his trade to the Yankees.
Oscar has played for seven different major league teams, four in the last six years. He was named to the Texas League East All-Star team as an outfielder from San Antonio in 1968. With the Phillies, Oscar had the distinction of getting the last ever hit in Philadelphia's old Connie Mack Stadium on October 1, 1970.
One of eight children, Oscar attended George Washington Carver High in Montgomery (AL) where he only played basketball, as the school did not have a baseball team. His wife, Juanita, is a singer and sung the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium prior to an ALCS game in 1976.
Oscar enjoys hunting, fishing and cars."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
1983 Profile: Rudy May
"In 1982 Rudy May saw success and injury, spent time in the majors and minors, started and relieved. Only a seasoned veteran of outstanding ability could adjust to such a campaign and have Rudy's high degree of success. In Pinstripes, Rudy posted a record of 6-6 with three saves in 41 appearances and boasted a strikeout-to-walk ratio of better than 6 to 1. All this despite a sore left shoulder that landed him on the disabled list and a brief stint at Columbus.
With 15 years of experience, the Yankees look to Rudy May for both wit and wisdom. He knows the league, its hitters, and how to win. His value is enhanced tenfold by his control and versatility."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Rudy pitched well in 1982 with excellent control despite a slight shoulder problem in mid-June. He was placed on the disabled list on June 4 with a sore left shoulder and was activated on June 27. Rudy struck out 16 batters before he allowed his first walk on May 15.
He began the season in the bullpen, but was pressed into the starting rotation when Doyle Alexander suffered a broken hand. Rudy ended the season with 85 strikeouts and 14 walks with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of better than 6 to 1 (five of the 14 walks were intentional). From June 27 through September 9 he made 25 appearances, 24 in relief, winning five with no losses and saving three. Rudy was selected by the White Sox this past January 20 from the compensation pool (as compensation for Steve Kemp), but the selection was voided by the American League because of a no-trade clause.
In 1980 Rudy won the AL ERA title with a 2.47 mark, though he was disabled early in the season with a lower back strain. He won his last eight decisions of 1980 and his first three of 1981 for a personal winning streak of 11.
He originally made it to the majors in 1965 with the Angels and threw a 1-hitter against Denny McLain and the Tigers in his first game, but without a decision. He suffered a sore shoulder later that year and struggled in the minors for three seasons. Rudy had been a mainstay of the Angels' pitching staff from 1969 through June 15, 1974, when he was sold to the Yankees. He struck out nine batters in a row while at Portsmouth in 1964.
Rudy lettered in baseball, basketball, football and track at Castlemont High School in Oakland, where he was a teammate of Joe Morgan and played against Willie Stargell and Paul Silas. He grew up rooting for the Giants. He credits three of his pitching coaches for helping his career the most: George Bamberger, Jim Brewer and Whitey Ford."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
With 15 years of experience, the Yankees look to Rudy May for both wit and wisdom. He knows the league, its hitters, and how to win. His value is enhanced tenfold by his control and versatility."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Rudy pitched well in 1982 with excellent control despite a slight shoulder problem in mid-June. He was placed on the disabled list on June 4 with a sore left shoulder and was activated on June 27. Rudy struck out 16 batters before he allowed his first walk on May 15.
He began the season in the bullpen, but was pressed into the starting rotation when Doyle Alexander suffered a broken hand. Rudy ended the season with 85 strikeouts and 14 walks with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of better than 6 to 1 (five of the 14 walks were intentional). From June 27 through September 9 he made 25 appearances, 24 in relief, winning five with no losses and saving three. Rudy was selected by the White Sox this past January 20 from the compensation pool (as compensation for Steve Kemp), but the selection was voided by the American League because of a no-trade clause.
In 1980 Rudy won the AL ERA title with a 2.47 mark, though he was disabled early in the season with a lower back strain. He won his last eight decisions of 1980 and his first three of 1981 for a personal winning streak of 11.
He originally made it to the majors in 1965 with the Angels and threw a 1-hitter against Denny McLain and the Tigers in his first game, but without a decision. He suffered a sore shoulder later that year and struggled in the minors for three seasons. Rudy had been a mainstay of the Angels' pitching staff from 1969 through June 15, 1974, when he was sold to the Yankees. He struck out nine batters in a row while at Portsmouth in 1964.
Rudy lettered in baseball, basketball, football and track at Castlemont High School in Oakland, where he was a teammate of Joe Morgan and played against Willie Stargell and Paul Silas. He grew up rooting for the Giants. He credits three of his pitching coaches for helping his career the most: George Bamberger, Jim Brewer and Whitey Ford."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
1983 Profile: Steve Kemp
"Kemp played in all but two games in his lone year with the White Sox and wound up with the third-best average of his career. He hit 15 of his 19 homers in visitors' ballparks and Yankee Stadium's short porch in right will be a welcome target. Kemp never went more than three games without a hit.
Born in San Angelo, Texas, Kemp was an All-American at Southern Cal and the No. 1 pick in the country in the January 1976 draft. He became the regular left fielder for Detroit after one season in the minors and kept beating the Tigers in salary arbitration, so the club finally dealt him to Chicago for Chet Lemon prior to '82. Kemp became a free agent last winter and signed a five-year, $5.45 million pact to become the Yanks' lefty slugger."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"Hustle, hard work and a hundred percent of it. That's what this 28-year-old outfielder, signed last winter by the Yankees as a free agent from the Chicago White Sox, brings to the Bronx.
He's also a proven RBI producer, a trait that should win him an immediate following at Yankee Stadium- as well as win the Yankees some important games.
Last season, the former USC performer batted .297 with 19 homers and 98 RBI for the White Sox, who play their home games in spacious Comiskey Park. Kemp figures to do equally well- especially in the home run department- with an inviting right field porch in the Stadium welcoming his shots.
Kemp, the first overall selection in the '76 free agent draft by the Detroit Tigers, spent only one season in the minors before joining the Bengals.
Kemp's impressive statistics pale when compared to his crowd-pleasing, aggressive style of play. He's a winner who never quits ... never."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Kemp enjoyed an excellent season in 1982, establishing new personal season highs by playing in 160 games, scoring 91 runs and getting 166 hits. He tied for sixth in the AL with 89 walks, was ninth with a .384 on-base percentage and was tied for ninth with 14 game-winning RBIs.
Steve is a proven RBI man, averaging 86.7 RBI a year and twice driving in more than 100 runs in a season. He was named to the American League All-Star team in 1979, winning Detroit's triple crown. Steve has 10 or more game-winning RBI in each of the last three seasons (since the GWRBI stat has been officially kept).
He was the nation's No. 1 pick in the regular phase of the January 1976 free agent draft by Detroit. In August of his one and only season in the minor leagues, Kemp tore ankle ligaments which were repaired surgically. He was a member of an American League team of all-stars that toured Japan in 1979.
Kemp was an All-American baseball player at the University of Southern California. He holds the USC record for season batting average with a .435 mark set in his sophomore year."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Born in San Angelo, Texas, Kemp was an All-American at Southern Cal and the No. 1 pick in the country in the January 1976 draft. He became the regular left fielder for Detroit after one season in the minors and kept beating the Tigers in salary arbitration, so the club finally dealt him to Chicago for Chet Lemon prior to '82. Kemp became a free agent last winter and signed a five-year, $5.45 million pact to become the Yanks' lefty slugger."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"Hustle, hard work and a hundred percent of it. That's what this 28-year-old outfielder, signed last winter by the Yankees as a free agent from the Chicago White Sox, brings to the Bronx.
He's also a proven RBI producer, a trait that should win him an immediate following at Yankee Stadium- as well as win the Yankees some important games.
Last season, the former USC performer batted .297 with 19 homers and 98 RBI for the White Sox, who play their home games in spacious Comiskey Park. Kemp figures to do equally well- especially in the home run department- with an inviting right field porch in the Stadium welcoming his shots.
Kemp, the first overall selection in the '76 free agent draft by the Detroit Tigers, spent only one season in the minors before joining the Bengals.
Kemp's impressive statistics pale when compared to his crowd-pleasing, aggressive style of play. He's a winner who never quits ... never."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Kemp enjoyed an excellent season in 1982, establishing new personal season highs by playing in 160 games, scoring 91 runs and getting 166 hits. He tied for sixth in the AL with 89 walks, was ninth with a .384 on-base percentage and was tied for ninth with 14 game-winning RBIs.
Steve is a proven RBI man, averaging 86.7 RBI a year and twice driving in more than 100 runs in a season. He was named to the American League All-Star team in 1979, winning Detroit's triple crown. Steve has 10 or more game-winning RBI in each of the last three seasons (since the GWRBI stat has been officially kept).
He was the nation's No. 1 pick in the regular phase of the January 1976 free agent draft by Detroit. In August of his one and only season in the minor leagues, Kemp tore ankle ligaments which were repaired surgically. He was a member of an American League team of all-stars that toured Japan in 1979.
Kemp was an All-American baseball player at the University of Southern California. He holds the USC record for season batting average with a .435 mark set in his sophomore year."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Monday, June 1, 2015
1983 Profile: Don Baylor
"Baylor capped off a productive season by driving in 10 runs during the five-game playoff series against Milwaukee; he had five RBIs in the opening game and then added four more on a grand slam in the fourth game. He once again was strictly a designated hitter and set an AL record for game-winning RBI with 21 in his option season.
Born in Austin, Texas, Baylor was named AL MVP in 1979. He fractured his left wrist and dislocated the middle toe on his left foot the following year, which sidelined him for all but 90 games. The Angels didn't meet his money demands, so he signed with the Yanks (five years, $4.17 million) as a repeat free agent."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"When the Yankees signed Don Baylor as a free agent last winter, they signed more than a good designated hitter. The muscular 210-pound Texas native always gives 100 per cent on the field and is a positive influence on a club off the field. Baylor is one of the best in the game at breaking up a double play and he slides as hard into second base as anyone. He also possesses a trait which endears him to his manager but not to opposing pitchers- he simply will drop the bat and run to first base when hit by a pitched ball, rarely showing any signs of pain.
Yankee fans will gladly settle for a repeat of the 1979 season when 'Groove' was named the American League's Most Valuable Player after hitting 36 homers, driving in 139 runs and batting .296 for the California Angels. Baylor was signed by Baltimore in 1967 and enjoyed outstanding seasons in the minors before coming up to stay in 1971. But he was traded to Oakland in 1976 when Baltimore went after a left-handed hitter named Reggie Jackson. Baylor played out his option at the end of that season and signed a six-year contract with California. When free agency came again at the end of last season, Baylor decided he was ready for the biggest test of all- playing with the New York Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Baylor helped lead California to the AL West Division title and led the AL with 21 game-winning RBIs. He appeared in 155 games as a designated hitter, batting .263 and finishing third in the league among DHs with 24 homers, behind only Andre Thornton (31) and Hal McRae (27), and fourth with 93 RBI, behind McRae (133), Thornton (109) and Greg Luzinski (101).
Don enjoyed his best season in 1979 when he was named the American League's MVP, leading the league with 139 RBI, 120 runs and 162 games while batting a career high of .296 with career highs of 186 hits, 33 doubles and 36 homers. During his six seasons with California, he hit 141 home runs, becoming the Angels' all-time career home run leader, and he ranks among the Angels top 10 in 10 different offensive categories. Following his 1979 MVP season, he played in only 90 games in 1980, being slowed by a fractured left wrist and a dislocated middle toe on his left foot.
Baylor was originally signed by the Orioles in 1967, and in 1970 was named minor league Player of the Year. After four full seasons with the Orioles, he was traded to Oakland as part of a trade that included Reggie Jackson. Don played out his option with the A's in 1976, signing a six-year contract with the Angels that fall. He served as the Angels player representative for the past three seasons.
A native of Austin, Texas, Don attended Miami Dade Junior College and Blinn Junior College (Brenham, TX). For the last five seasons he has been instrumental in raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
Born in Austin, Texas, Baylor was named AL MVP in 1979. He fractured his left wrist and dislocated the middle toe on his left foot the following year, which sidelined him for all but 90 games. The Angels didn't meet his money demands, so he signed with the Yanks (five years, $4.17 million) as a repeat free agent."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"When the Yankees signed Don Baylor as a free agent last winter, they signed more than a good designated hitter. The muscular 210-pound Texas native always gives 100 per cent on the field and is a positive influence on a club off the field. Baylor is one of the best in the game at breaking up a double play and he slides as hard into second base as anyone. He also possesses a trait which endears him to his manager but not to opposing pitchers- he simply will drop the bat and run to first base when hit by a pitched ball, rarely showing any signs of pain.
Yankee fans will gladly settle for a repeat of the 1979 season when 'Groove' was named the American League's Most Valuable Player after hitting 36 homers, driving in 139 runs and batting .296 for the California Angels. Baylor was signed by Baltimore in 1967 and enjoyed outstanding seasons in the minors before coming up to stay in 1971. But he was traded to Oakland in 1976 when Baltimore went after a left-handed hitter named Reggie Jackson. Baylor played out his option at the end of that season and signed a six-year contract with California. When free agency came again at the end of last season, Baylor decided he was ready for the biggest test of all- playing with the New York Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"Baylor helped lead California to the AL West Division title and led the AL with 21 game-winning RBIs. He appeared in 155 games as a designated hitter, batting .263 and finishing third in the league among DHs with 24 homers, behind only Andre Thornton (31) and Hal McRae (27), and fourth with 93 RBI, behind McRae (133), Thornton (109) and Greg Luzinski (101).
Don enjoyed his best season in 1979 when he was named the American League's MVP, leading the league with 139 RBI, 120 runs and 162 games while batting a career high of .296 with career highs of 186 hits, 33 doubles and 36 homers. During his six seasons with California, he hit 141 home runs, becoming the Angels' all-time career home run leader, and he ranks among the Angels top 10 in 10 different offensive categories. Following his 1979 MVP season, he played in only 90 games in 1980, being slowed by a fractured left wrist and a dislocated middle toe on his left foot.
Baylor was originally signed by the Orioles in 1967, and in 1970 was named minor league Player of the Year. After four full seasons with the Orioles, he was traded to Oakland as part of a trade that included Reggie Jackson. Don played out his option with the A's in 1976, signing a six-year contract with the Angels that fall. He served as the Angels player representative for the past three seasons.
A native of Austin, Texas, Don attended Miami Dade Junior College and Blinn Junior College (Brenham, TX). For the last five seasons he has been instrumental in raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
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