"One of the most feared power hitters in baseball in the early 1960s, Maris was a complete ballplayer who was a tremendous defensive right fielder, possessing a cannon arm. His above average speed enabled him to be a daring baserunner who often made heads-up plays on the basepaths.
His career was frequently interrupted by a succession on injuries. Roger reached the big leagues with Cleveland after four seasons in the minors. He broke into the majors with a nine-game hitting streak, and his first major league home run was an 11th inning grand slam (4/18/57). Roger suffered the first of many career injuries in a base path collision in which he fractured two ribs, hindering his rookie season. Traded to Kansas City in mid-season 1958, he posted career highs in games and at-bats in '58. In 1959, Maris was leading the American League in hitting before an appendix operation weakened him, yet he appeared in the first of seven All-Star Games in '59.
Maris was the key man in the big Yankees-Athletics seven-player in the winter of '59. Once again off to a fast start in 1960, he had 27 home runs, 69 RBI and a .320 average at the midway point of the season. Maris excelled against Boston in '60, hitting .361. He drove in 100 runs for the first of three consecutive seasons.
1961 was the season that made Roger the new single-season home run king. He hit 61 homers but struck out only 67 times for a fine home run-strikeout ratio. Roger hit 30 homers at Yankee Stadium, tying the Stadium record. In June he hit 15 homers, the most ever hit in that month in major league history. He hit 13 homers against the White Sox, the most ever hit against one club since the majors expanded in 1961. He hit his 50th home run on August 22, becoming the first player ever to hit his 50th home run in August. His 61st home run also gave Maris the RBI title 142 to 141 over Oriole Jim Gentile.
In 1962 he topped the Yankees in homers for the second straight season and posted a career high 34 doubles. In 1963, a series of injuries limited Roger to only 90 games. He rebounded for a good season in 1964 and was especially tough on the Red Sox again, hitting .410 with five home runs and 15 RBI. His 1964 fielding average (.996) is the highest ever recorded by a Yankee right fielder.
Injuries hit Roger hard in 1965- first a hamstring muscle, and then a fractured hand in May idled him for most of the campaign. Traded in December of 1966 to the St. Louis Cardinals, Roger closed out his career with two solid seasons for the Cardinals. His veteran leadership led the Cardinals to World Series appearances in 1967 and 1968. He was one of the stars of St. Louis' World Series victory in '67.
Roger was a high school standout in football and baseball. Easily distinguishable by his crew cut hairstyle, he served as 1962 Multiple Sclerosis Society volunteer national co-chairman and appeared with Mickey Mantle in Columbia Pictures' motion picture 'Safe at Home.' He also authored (with writer Jim Ogle) 'Roger Maris at Bat,' the story of his 61 home run season.
Maris ran a Budweiser beer distributorship in Gainesville, Florida after his retirement. He enjoyed golf and hunting in his spare time."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Friday, October 16, 2015
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
1986 New York Yankees Outlook
HITTING
"With the legs of Rickey Henderson and the bats of Don Mattingly and Dave Winfield, no team can beat you in more ways than the Yankees. Henderson (.314, 24 homers, 80 stolen bases) is the catalyst, a leadoff hitter with that rare combination of speed and power. Mattingly (.324, 35 homers, 145 RBI) is merely the best overall hitter in the game. Another AL MVP season is not out of the question for the hard-working first baseman. Winfield (.275, 26 homers, 114 RBI) is still going strong at 34.
The Yankees pose a terrific lineup on paper, but still have some questions to answer. Can Mike Pagliarulo develop into a full-time third baseman by learning how to hit left-handers? Is Dan Pasqua (nine homers in 148 at-bats) ready for a full season in the big leagues? Can new manager Lou Piniella keep his overstocked bench happy? Piniella has to find time for Ken Griffey and former Oriole Gary Roenicke, among others."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
PITCHING
"Left-handed pitching has always been important in Yankee Stadium, where the deep dimensions in left center frustrate right-handed hitters. That was one of the reasons the Yankees were so intent on acquiring Britt Burns from the White Sox. Burns (18-11, 3.96) and Ron Guidry (22-6, 3.27) were two of the winningest left-handers in the AL last year. Guidry has learned how to mix in off-speed pitches with his fastball, which he can still pop at times. Phil Niekro (16-12, 4.09) and Joe Niekro (13-11 with the Astros and Yanks) can still make hitters knuckle under.
One of Piniella's first moves as manager will be to give Dave Righetti a more clearly defined role out of the bullpen. Righetti (12-7, 2.78 ERA, 29 saves) was used for as much as four innings and as little as one batter by Billy Martin last year. Righetti will pitch no more than two innings per outing in 1986. If Brian Fisher (4-4, 2.38 ERA, 14 saves) continues to develop, the Yankees will have the best lefty-righty relief tandem in the AL."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
FIELDING
"Mattingly gained deserved recognition for his outstanding defense, winning the first of what will be many Gold Gloves for the first baseman. Second baseman Willie Randolph may have lost a step, but he still turns one the smoothest double plays you'll ever see. Shortstop Bobby Meacham has great range, but tends to be erratic with his sidearm throws. Pagliarulo has soft hands and a good arm at third.
Winfield remains one of the premier outfielders in the game and his arm is rarely challenged. Henderson can outrun a lot of his mistakes in center, but teams do not hesitate to run on his arm. Butch Wynegar, plagued by injuries last season, is only adequate behind the plate."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
OUTLOOK
"The Yankees' story is a familiar one. They have the talent to win the division, based on the fact that they are slightly better than last year, when they won 97 games. But can they avoid self-destructing? No one knows how good a manager Piniella will be in his first managerial try. He is blessed with a talented club in his first year, but cursed by the pressures imposed by the club's owner and its fans."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
"It's Lou Piniella's turn to be dipped into George Steinbrenner's bubbling cauldron at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees owner has made 14 managerial changes since taking over the team in 1973, including bringing in and releasing Billy Martin four times.
Martin, who set a major league record for most different times managing one club, did an excellent job, as he usually does, with the Yankees last season. But his off-the field actions, including the well-publicized bout with pitcher Ed Whitson, and Steinbrenner's dissatisfaction with anything but a world title (remember, this is the man who fired Dick Howser in 1980 after he led the Yanks to 103 wins but lost in the AL playoffs) led to yet another change of bench bosses.
Martin, of course, was hired 16 games into the 1985 season when the Yankees stumbled out of the gate under Yogi Berra. Leave it Steinbrenner to besmirch a Yankee legend in the name of the almighty winning record.
And Martin was hired, in essence, as a caretaker until Piniella was ready was ready to assume his first managerial duties. Piniella, who retired in June 1984 with a .291 lifetime batting average, served as the team's batting coach last season and must have done a good job: New York scored 21 more runs than anyone in the league. He also managed five games in Cleveland when Martin was recuperating from a collapsed lung.
'I've wanted to manage, I've said that before,' says Piniella. 'I know it's a tremendous challenge that will take hard work, but it's something I wanted and it's up to me to make the most of this opportunity.
'I'm going into this with open eyes. I've been here 11 or 12 years and seen the different changes at the position. I'm no fool. I realize if, for whatever reason, you don't do a good job, you get replaced. I plan on doing a good job and staying around for a while.'
Seems like Bob Lemon, Gene Michael, Martin, Berra and Howser said something similar.
At least Piniella has the bats to keep him in runs. But the Yankees need more pitching after being forced to use Bob Shirley and acquire Joe Niekro late last season to try to keep pace with the Blue Jays.
Enter Britt Burns, a lefty who went 18-11 with a 3.96 ERA for the White Sox last year. He joins Ron Guidry and Dave Righetti, the aces of the staff. Guidry was 22-6 with a 3.27 ERA and 11 complete games, two shutouts and 143 strikeouts in 259 innings. It was an impressive comeback from Guidry's worst major league season, in which he was 10-11 while suffering through financial problems. To top '85 off, Guidry finished second in the Cy Young voting and copped a Gold Glove for his defensive work.
At 47, Phil Niekro can still make a knuckler dance and he won his 300th game on the final day of the '85 schedule. The Yankees looked like they would invite both Phil (16-12, 4.09 ERA, 149 K's in 220 innings) and Joe Niekro (2-1 in New York) back. Dennis Rasmussen, a powerful lefty, seems to have the tools despite a 3-5, 3.98 ERA in '85.
Whitson had the right to demand a trade and, even with Martin gone, figured to do so. Big question marks surround the careers of Marty Bystrom and the aging Niekros, and John Montefusco will attempt a comeback.
Righetti (12-7, 2.78, 29 SV) will stay in the bullpen, along with Brian Fisher, who was 4-4 and 2.38 with 14 saves as a rookie. They make for a dynamic duo and Piniella has a decent long reliever in southpaw Shirley (5-5, 2.64, 8 SV). As for Neil Allen (1-0, 1 SV in 17 games), he might be worth one more season of reclamation.
Rod Scurry and Mike Armstrong will have trouble staying in the majors while Alfonso Pulido also looks for more mound work.
On offense, the Yankees are strong and deep. Any lineup featuring Don Mattingly, Dave Winfield, Rickey Henderson and Willie Randolph is in good shape.
Mattingly is one of three best pure hitters in the AL. Taking into account the New York first baseman, KC's George Brett and Boston's Wade Boggs, every league batting crown for a decade might be taken.
Mattingly's numbers in '85 were .324, 35 homers 145 RBI, 211 hits, 107 runs and 48 doubles. He ranked first in the AL in RBI (tops in the majors), two-base hits and game winning RBI (21), and was second in hits and slugging percentage (.567), third in average and fourth in homers. He also was nearly flawless in the field, earning a Gold Glove.
Winfield's production was down slightly from '84 when he battled Mattingly to the final at-bat for the batting crown. He hit .275 with 26 homers, 114 RBI, 105 runs, 174 hits and 34 doubles. Winfield also earned a Gold Glove from The Sporting News and was superb afield.
Henderson, who is the speedy leadoff man the team needs to spark it, batted .314 with 146 runs and 80 stolen bases. He was first in the AL in runs and steals and fourth in walks (99) and on-base percentage (.419). But his fielding was erratic and his attitude inconsistent.
The steady second baseman Randolph hit .276 and has been a solid citizen for 10 seasons. Other fine bats in the lineup include Ken Griffey (.274), who had a fine fielding campaign as well. With Butch Wynegar a free agent, New York may need another backstop, though Juan Espino will get a shot and Scott Bradley is available. The Yanks were trying hard to keep Wynegar in New York.
Mike Pagliarulo (.239, 19 HR, 62 RBI) will handle third and Bobby Meacham (.218, 25 SB) will go at shortstop, with Andre Robertson (.328 in 50 games) pushing them. If DH Don Baylor (.231) is allowed to take his 23 homers and 91 RBI elsewhere, Don Pasqua (.209, 9, 25 in 60 games) will have to show he can hit in the majors. The Yankees acquired ex-Oriole slugger Gary Roenicke just in case. Infield support will be supplied by Mike Fischlin, Dale Berra, Miguel Sosa, Juan Bonilla and Leo Hernandez.
Piniella figures to give Henry Cotto a shot in the outfield and the umpires a hard time.
With a bit more pitching, he also could keep the Yankee ship in the Eastern regatta."
-Barry Wilner, Baseball Forecast 1986
"PROBLEMS: New skipper Lou Piniella now has two of the top southpaws in the league on his starting staff, with Britt Burns joining Ron Guidry. But the 3, 4 and 5 spots in the rotation are strict question marks. The bullpen needs a couple of solid long men to help in setting up Dave Righetti and Brian Fisher.
Catching depth is a major trouble, with Butch Wynegar still a free agent at the turn of the year and Ron Hassey gone in the swap for Burns.
When Billy Martin took the helm from Yogi Berra last year, the club spurted into contention. Martin again fell into disfavor when the team misfired in its final series [of the season] against Toronto, and Billy became involved in a barroom tussle with hurler Ed Whitson.
The Martin/Steinbrenner personalities have completely turned off designated hitter Don Baylor, and have left Dave Winfield somewhat disenchanted. Whether Piniella will be able to smooth these burbling waters is a major question.
PITCHING: Can the 40 and 46-year-old Niekros hold up a very shallow rotation? After Guidry and Burns, the Yanks are left with unsatisfactory Dennis Rasmussen, Ed Whitson (if he is not traded as he has requested) and some fairly bright-looking kids. Martin had indicated he wanted to remake Righetti into a starter, but apparently Lou will keep Dave in the bullpen with Fisher.
The short relief is highly effective, but veteran Bob Shirley was the only effective middle man. A right-hander to replace the departed Rich Bordi will have to discovered this spring.
One final question concerns the health of newcomer Burns. Although Britt has had some big winning years, there are rumors he suffers twinges of hip pain. Hurts have caused him to have two non-productive years during his career in Chicago.
HITTING: The Bronx Bombers scored a major league leading 839 runs a year ago, led by MVP Don Mattingly, Winfield, Baylor and sparkplug Rickey Henderson. Owner Steinbrenner, however, is critical of the clutch hitting of some of the big thumpers and is anxious to see his club acquire another solid right-handed bat since the New Yorkers did not fare well against southpaw hurling in '85. In all of the Yankee platoon positions, the left-handed hitters far outperformed those swinging from the right.
Willie Randolph is steady, though slowing down in the field. But shortstop Bobby Meacham and third baseman Mike Pagliarulo, who is expected to be asked to play every day in '86, have dismal averages. The addition of Gary Roenicke from Baltimore helps a little, but Gary is not expected to be a regular. Mike Fischlin comes in from Cleveland as infield backup; Mike carries a light bat, however.
Regardless of who catches, the Yankees will miss the steady plate work of Ron Hassey, who had a lot of pop.
INFIELD: Randolph is still among the league leaders in turning the double play, but his range is down a bit and he is being given more and more rest each year. Meacham is a defensive gem at short, and Fischlin is good bench protection for short and the keystone in case Andre Robertson is included in any deal for pitching.
Mattingly is as good with the glove as he is with the stick, which is saying a lot. Pagliarulo is no Clete Boyer at third, but he does journeyman work afield and has good thump in his low-average bat. Dale Berra is still around for protection.
The hole is behind the plate, and it will be a month or two into the season before the management learns how the changes will affect run production from whoever catches, and how the defense and pitcher-handling capability of the backstop affects the slim starting staff.
OUTFIELD: Henderson and Winfield are at the top of the class for their respective positions. Rickey has proven he can play defense with the best of the league's center fielders despite not having a great arm.
In left, Roenicke and Griffey may platoon if Ken stays in pinstripes. This could bring back memories of the Roenicke/Lowenstein tandem in left which helped to bring a couple of titles to Baltimore a few years back. Yet even hitting only against left-handers, Gary produced only a .218 average to go with his 15 homers in 225 at-bats.
Henry Cotto and Dan Pasqua are two youngsters highly coveted by other clubs in trade talks last winter. Both may be ready to become important contributors to the New York cause in '86.
PROGNOSIS: The pitching thinness is glaring, and it cost the club last year's pennant. Additionally, some of the key figures in the organization are past their baseball primes (Randolph, Griffey, Baylor, the Niekros and Guidry).
New manager, some wild off-season dealing by Steinbrenner and a bench very weak in several spots- are the Yankees as bad as the tail-enders of last April under Berra, or the Martin-driven contenders?
This is an explosive yet temperamental squad which could wind up next October anywhere from first to sixth in the tough East Division (no one looks worse then Milwaukee). The feeling is that winter deals have resulted in New York giving up more than they gained. A finish no better than fourth is likely, although the title fight could result in three, four, five or even six clubs still having a good shot at the East crown in early September."
-Tommy Kay's Big Book of Baseball 1986
"With the legs of Rickey Henderson and the bats of Don Mattingly and Dave Winfield, no team can beat you in more ways than the Yankees. Henderson (.314, 24 homers, 80 stolen bases) is the catalyst, a leadoff hitter with that rare combination of speed and power. Mattingly (.324, 35 homers, 145 RBI) is merely the best overall hitter in the game. Another AL MVP season is not out of the question for the hard-working first baseman. Winfield (.275, 26 homers, 114 RBI) is still going strong at 34.
The Yankees pose a terrific lineup on paper, but still have some questions to answer. Can Mike Pagliarulo develop into a full-time third baseman by learning how to hit left-handers? Is Dan Pasqua (nine homers in 148 at-bats) ready for a full season in the big leagues? Can new manager Lou Piniella keep his overstocked bench happy? Piniella has to find time for Ken Griffey and former Oriole Gary Roenicke, among others."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
PITCHING
"Left-handed pitching has always been important in Yankee Stadium, where the deep dimensions in left center frustrate right-handed hitters. That was one of the reasons the Yankees were so intent on acquiring Britt Burns from the White Sox. Burns (18-11, 3.96) and Ron Guidry (22-6, 3.27) were two of the winningest left-handers in the AL last year. Guidry has learned how to mix in off-speed pitches with his fastball, which he can still pop at times. Phil Niekro (16-12, 4.09) and Joe Niekro (13-11 with the Astros and Yanks) can still make hitters knuckle under.
One of Piniella's first moves as manager will be to give Dave Righetti a more clearly defined role out of the bullpen. Righetti (12-7, 2.78 ERA, 29 saves) was used for as much as four innings and as little as one batter by Billy Martin last year. Righetti will pitch no more than two innings per outing in 1986. If Brian Fisher (4-4, 2.38 ERA, 14 saves) continues to develop, the Yankees will have the best lefty-righty relief tandem in the AL."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
FIELDING
"Mattingly gained deserved recognition for his outstanding defense, winning the first of what will be many Gold Gloves for the first baseman. Second baseman Willie Randolph may have lost a step, but he still turns one the smoothest double plays you'll ever see. Shortstop Bobby Meacham has great range, but tends to be erratic with his sidearm throws. Pagliarulo has soft hands and a good arm at third.
Winfield remains one of the premier outfielders in the game and his arm is rarely challenged. Henderson can outrun a lot of his mistakes in center, but teams do not hesitate to run on his arm. Butch Wynegar, plagued by injuries last season, is only adequate behind the plate."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
OUTLOOK
"The Yankees' story is a familiar one. They have the talent to win the division, based on the fact that they are slightly better than last year, when they won 97 games. But can they avoid self-destructing? No one knows how good a manager Piniella will be in his first managerial try. He is blessed with a talented club in his first year, but cursed by the pressures imposed by the club's owner and its fans."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
"It's Lou Piniella's turn to be dipped into George Steinbrenner's bubbling cauldron at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees owner has made 14 managerial changes since taking over the team in 1973, including bringing in and releasing Billy Martin four times.
Martin, who set a major league record for most different times managing one club, did an excellent job, as he usually does, with the Yankees last season. But his off-the field actions, including the well-publicized bout with pitcher Ed Whitson, and Steinbrenner's dissatisfaction with anything but a world title (remember, this is the man who fired Dick Howser in 1980 after he led the Yanks to 103 wins but lost in the AL playoffs) led to yet another change of bench bosses.
Martin, of course, was hired 16 games into the 1985 season when the Yankees stumbled out of the gate under Yogi Berra. Leave it Steinbrenner to besmirch a Yankee legend in the name of the almighty winning record.
And Martin was hired, in essence, as a caretaker until Piniella was ready was ready to assume his first managerial duties. Piniella, who retired in June 1984 with a .291 lifetime batting average, served as the team's batting coach last season and must have done a good job: New York scored 21 more runs than anyone in the league. He also managed five games in Cleveland when Martin was recuperating from a collapsed lung.
'I've wanted to manage, I've said that before,' says Piniella. 'I know it's a tremendous challenge that will take hard work, but it's something I wanted and it's up to me to make the most of this opportunity.
'I'm going into this with open eyes. I've been here 11 or 12 years and seen the different changes at the position. I'm no fool. I realize if, for whatever reason, you don't do a good job, you get replaced. I plan on doing a good job and staying around for a while.'
Seems like Bob Lemon, Gene Michael, Martin, Berra and Howser said something similar.
At least Piniella has the bats to keep him in runs. But the Yankees need more pitching after being forced to use Bob Shirley and acquire Joe Niekro late last season to try to keep pace with the Blue Jays.
Enter Britt Burns, a lefty who went 18-11 with a 3.96 ERA for the White Sox last year. He joins Ron Guidry and Dave Righetti, the aces of the staff. Guidry was 22-6 with a 3.27 ERA and 11 complete games, two shutouts and 143 strikeouts in 259 innings. It was an impressive comeback from Guidry's worst major league season, in which he was 10-11 while suffering through financial problems. To top '85 off, Guidry finished second in the Cy Young voting and copped a Gold Glove for his defensive work.
At 47, Phil Niekro can still make a knuckler dance and he won his 300th game on the final day of the '85 schedule. The Yankees looked like they would invite both Phil (16-12, 4.09 ERA, 149 K's in 220 innings) and Joe Niekro (2-1 in New York) back. Dennis Rasmussen, a powerful lefty, seems to have the tools despite a 3-5, 3.98 ERA in '85.
Whitson had the right to demand a trade and, even with Martin gone, figured to do so. Big question marks surround the careers of Marty Bystrom and the aging Niekros, and John Montefusco will attempt a comeback.
Righetti (12-7, 2.78, 29 SV) will stay in the bullpen, along with Brian Fisher, who was 4-4 and 2.38 with 14 saves as a rookie. They make for a dynamic duo and Piniella has a decent long reliever in southpaw Shirley (5-5, 2.64, 8 SV). As for Neil Allen (1-0, 1 SV in 17 games), he might be worth one more season of reclamation.
Rod Scurry and Mike Armstrong will have trouble staying in the majors while Alfonso Pulido also looks for more mound work.
On offense, the Yankees are strong and deep. Any lineup featuring Don Mattingly, Dave Winfield, Rickey Henderson and Willie Randolph is in good shape.
Mattingly is one of three best pure hitters in the AL. Taking into account the New York first baseman, KC's George Brett and Boston's Wade Boggs, every league batting crown for a decade might be taken.
Mattingly's numbers in '85 were .324, 35 homers 145 RBI, 211 hits, 107 runs and 48 doubles. He ranked first in the AL in RBI (tops in the majors), two-base hits and game winning RBI (21), and was second in hits and slugging percentage (.567), third in average and fourth in homers. He also was nearly flawless in the field, earning a Gold Glove.
Winfield's production was down slightly from '84 when he battled Mattingly to the final at-bat for the batting crown. He hit .275 with 26 homers, 114 RBI, 105 runs, 174 hits and 34 doubles. Winfield also earned a Gold Glove from The Sporting News and was superb afield.
Henderson, who is the speedy leadoff man the team needs to spark it, batted .314 with 146 runs and 80 stolen bases. He was first in the AL in runs and steals and fourth in walks (99) and on-base percentage (.419). But his fielding was erratic and his attitude inconsistent.
The steady second baseman Randolph hit .276 and has been a solid citizen for 10 seasons. Other fine bats in the lineup include Ken Griffey (.274), who had a fine fielding campaign as well. With Butch Wynegar a free agent, New York may need another backstop, though Juan Espino will get a shot and Scott Bradley is available. The Yanks were trying hard to keep Wynegar in New York.
Mike Pagliarulo (.239, 19 HR, 62 RBI) will handle third and Bobby Meacham (.218, 25 SB) will go at shortstop, with Andre Robertson (.328 in 50 games) pushing them. If DH Don Baylor (.231) is allowed to take his 23 homers and 91 RBI elsewhere, Don Pasqua (.209, 9, 25 in 60 games) will have to show he can hit in the majors. The Yankees acquired ex-Oriole slugger Gary Roenicke just in case. Infield support will be supplied by Mike Fischlin, Dale Berra, Miguel Sosa, Juan Bonilla and Leo Hernandez.
Piniella figures to give Henry Cotto a shot in the outfield and the umpires a hard time.
With a bit more pitching, he also could keep the Yankee ship in the Eastern regatta."
-Barry Wilner, Baseball Forecast 1986
"PROBLEMS: New skipper Lou Piniella now has two of the top southpaws in the league on his starting staff, with Britt Burns joining Ron Guidry. But the 3, 4 and 5 spots in the rotation are strict question marks. The bullpen needs a couple of solid long men to help in setting up Dave Righetti and Brian Fisher.
Catching depth is a major trouble, with Butch Wynegar still a free agent at the turn of the year and Ron Hassey gone in the swap for Burns.
When Billy Martin took the helm from Yogi Berra last year, the club spurted into contention. Martin again fell into disfavor when the team misfired in its final series [of the season] against Toronto, and Billy became involved in a barroom tussle with hurler Ed Whitson.
The Martin/Steinbrenner personalities have completely turned off designated hitter Don Baylor, and have left Dave Winfield somewhat disenchanted. Whether Piniella will be able to smooth these burbling waters is a major question.
PITCHING: Can the 40 and 46-year-old Niekros hold up a very shallow rotation? After Guidry and Burns, the Yanks are left with unsatisfactory Dennis Rasmussen, Ed Whitson (if he is not traded as he has requested) and some fairly bright-looking kids. Martin had indicated he wanted to remake Righetti into a starter, but apparently Lou will keep Dave in the bullpen with Fisher.
The short relief is highly effective, but veteran Bob Shirley was the only effective middle man. A right-hander to replace the departed Rich Bordi will have to discovered this spring.
One final question concerns the health of newcomer Burns. Although Britt has had some big winning years, there are rumors he suffers twinges of hip pain. Hurts have caused him to have two non-productive years during his career in Chicago.
HITTING: The Bronx Bombers scored a major league leading 839 runs a year ago, led by MVP Don Mattingly, Winfield, Baylor and sparkplug Rickey Henderson. Owner Steinbrenner, however, is critical of the clutch hitting of some of the big thumpers and is anxious to see his club acquire another solid right-handed bat since the New Yorkers did not fare well against southpaw hurling in '85. In all of the Yankee platoon positions, the left-handed hitters far outperformed those swinging from the right.
Willie Randolph is steady, though slowing down in the field. But shortstop Bobby Meacham and third baseman Mike Pagliarulo, who is expected to be asked to play every day in '86, have dismal averages. The addition of Gary Roenicke from Baltimore helps a little, but Gary is not expected to be a regular. Mike Fischlin comes in from Cleveland as infield backup; Mike carries a light bat, however.
Regardless of who catches, the Yankees will miss the steady plate work of Ron Hassey, who had a lot of pop.
INFIELD: Randolph is still among the league leaders in turning the double play, but his range is down a bit and he is being given more and more rest each year. Meacham is a defensive gem at short, and Fischlin is good bench protection for short and the keystone in case Andre Robertson is included in any deal for pitching.
Mattingly is as good with the glove as he is with the stick, which is saying a lot. Pagliarulo is no Clete Boyer at third, but he does journeyman work afield and has good thump in his low-average bat. Dale Berra is still around for protection.
The hole is behind the plate, and it will be a month or two into the season before the management learns how the changes will affect run production from whoever catches, and how the defense and pitcher-handling capability of the backstop affects the slim starting staff.
OUTFIELD: Henderson and Winfield are at the top of the class for their respective positions. Rickey has proven he can play defense with the best of the league's center fielders despite not having a great arm.
In left, Roenicke and Griffey may platoon if Ken stays in pinstripes. This could bring back memories of the Roenicke/Lowenstein tandem in left which helped to bring a couple of titles to Baltimore a few years back. Yet even hitting only against left-handers, Gary produced only a .218 average to go with his 15 homers in 225 at-bats.
Henry Cotto and Dan Pasqua are two youngsters highly coveted by other clubs in trade talks last winter. Both may be ready to become important contributors to the New York cause in '86.
PROGNOSIS: The pitching thinness is glaring, and it cost the club last year's pennant. Additionally, some of the key figures in the organization are past their baseball primes (Randolph, Griffey, Baylor, the Niekros and Guidry).
New manager, some wild off-season dealing by Steinbrenner and a bench very weak in several spots- are the Yankees as bad as the tail-enders of last April under Berra, or the Martin-driven contenders?
This is an explosive yet temperamental squad which could wind up next October anywhere from first to sixth in the tough East Division (no one looks worse then Milwaukee). The feeling is that winter deals have resulted in New York giving up more than they gained. A finish no better than fourth is likely, although the title fight could result in three, four, five or even six clubs still having a good shot at the East crown in early September."
-Tommy Kay's Big Book of Baseball 1986
Monday, October 12, 2015
1986 New York Yankees Spring Training Roster
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Manager - Lou Piniella 14
No. Coaches
48 Joe Altobelli
41 Sammy Ellis
42 Stump Merrill
40 Gene Michael
44 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
No. Pitchers
53 Neil Allen (R-R)
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R)
43 Britt Burns (R-L)
50 Marty Bystrom (R-R)
62 Doug Drabek (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
64 Bill Fulton (R-R)
52 Steve George (S-L)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
47 Joe Niekro (R-R)
35 Phil Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
28 Rod Scurry (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
75 Bob Tewksbury (R-R)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
34 Scott Bradley (L-R)
58 Juan Espino (R-R)
63 Phil Lombardi (R-R)
59 Mitch Lyden (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
61 Orestes Destrade (S-R)
22 Mike Fischlin (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
12 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
55 Mike Soper (R-R)
56 Miguel Sosa (R-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
46 Henry Cotto (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
17 Vic Mata (R-R)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Gary Roenicke (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainer - Gene Monahan
Manager - Lou Piniella 14
No. Coaches
48 Joe Altobelli
41 Sammy Ellis
42 Stump Merrill
40 Gene Michael
44 Jeff Torborg
6 Roy White
No. Pitchers
53 Neil Allen (R-R)
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R)
43 Britt Burns (R-L)
50 Marty Bystrom (R-R)
62 Doug Drabek (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
64 Bill Fulton (R-R)
52 Steve George (S-L)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
47 Joe Niekro (R-R)
35 Phil Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
28 Rod Scurry (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
75 Bob Tewksbury (R-R)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
34 Scott Bradley (L-R)
58 Juan Espino (R-R)
63 Phil Lombardi (R-R)
59 Mitch Lyden (R-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
61 Orestes Destrade (S-R)
22 Mike Fischlin (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
12 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
55 Mike Soper (R-R)
56 Miguel Sosa (R-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
46 Henry Cotto (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
17 Vic Mata (R-R)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Gary Roenicke (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainer - Gene Monahan
Sunday, October 11, 2015
1985 New York Yankees September Roster
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
42 Doug Holmquist
48 Willie Horton
40 Gene Michael
28 Bill Monbouquette
14 Lou Piniella
44 Jeff Torborg
No. Pitchers
39 Neil Allen (R-R)
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R)
43 Rich Bordi (R-R)
50 Marty Bystrom (R-R)
41 Joe Cowley (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
53 John Montefusco (R-R) *
26 Joe Niekro (R-R)
35 Phil Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
47 Rod Scurry (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
34 Scott Bradley (L-R)
52 Juan Espino (R-R)
12 Ron Hassey (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
55 Juan Bonilla (R-R)
56 Rex Hudler (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
6 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
13 Keith Smith (S-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
46 Henry Cotto (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Billy Sample (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko 57, John Moller 58
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
* not on active roster
No. Coaches
42 Doug Holmquist
48 Willie Horton
40 Gene Michael
28 Bill Monbouquette
14 Lou Piniella
44 Jeff Torborg
No. Pitchers
39 Neil Allen (R-R)
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R)
43 Rich Bordi (R-R)
50 Marty Bystrom (R-R)
41 Joe Cowley (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
53 John Montefusco (R-R) *
26 Joe Niekro (R-R)
35 Phil Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
47 Rod Scurry (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
34 Scott Bradley (L-R)
52 Juan Espino (R-R)
12 Ron Hassey (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
55 Juan Bonilla (R-R)
56 Rex Hudler (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
6 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
13 Keith Smith (S-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
46 Henry Cotto (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Billy Sample (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko 57, John Moller 58
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
* not on active roster
1985 New York Yankees July 1 Roster
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
52 Mark Connor
42 Doug Holmquist
48 Willie Horton
40 Gene Michael
14 Lou Piniella
44 Jeff Torborg
No. Pitchers
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R)
43 Rich Bordi (R-R)
50 Marty Bystrom (R-R) *
41 Joe Cowley (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
26 John Montefusco (R-R) *
35 Phil Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
34 Scott Bradley (L-R)
58 Juan Espino (R-R)
12 Ron Hassey (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R) *
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
6 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
22 Omar Moreno (L-L)
11 Billy Sample (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko 57, John Moller 59
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
* not on active roster
No. Coaches
52 Mark Connor
42 Doug Holmquist
48 Willie Horton
40 Gene Michael
14 Lou Piniella
44 Jeff Torborg
No. Pitchers
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R)
43 Rich Bordi (R-R)
50 Marty Bystrom (R-R) *
41 Joe Cowley (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
26 John Montefusco (R-R) *
35 Phil Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
34 Scott Bradley (L-R)
58 Juan Espino (R-R)
12 Ron Hassey (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R) *
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
6 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
33 Ken Griffey (L-L)
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
22 Omar Moreno (L-L)
11 Billy Sample (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko 57, John Moller 59
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
* not on active roster
1985 New York Yankees June 1 Roster
Manager - Billy Martin 1
No. Coaches
52 Mark Connor
42 Doug Holmquist
48 Willie Horton
40 Gene Michael
14 Lou Piniella
44 Jeff Torborg
No. Pitchers
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R) *
43 Rich Bordi (R-R)
50 Marty Bystrom (R-R) *
39 Don Cooper (R-R)
41 Joe Cowley (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
26 John Montefusco (R-R) *
35 Phil Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
34 Scott Bradley (L-R) *
12 Ron Hassey (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
56 Rex Hudler (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
6 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
46 Henry Cotto (R-R) *
33 Ken Griffey (L-L) *
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
22 Omar Moreno (L-L)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Billy Sample (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko 57, John Moller 58
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
* not on active roster
1985 New York Yankees Team Photo
Mike Armstrong
Mike Barnett (video coordinator)
Mark Batchko (batting practice pitcher)
Don Baylor
Dale Berra
Rich Bordi
Scott Bradley
Marty Bystrom
Mark Connor (coach)
Joe Cowley
Thomas DiSimone (batboy)
Brian Fisher
Michael Greco (batboy)
Ken Griffey
Ron Guidry
Ron Hassey
Rickey Henderson
Doug Holmquist (coach)
Willie Horton (coach)
Bill Kane (traveling secretary)
Mark Letendre (trainer)
Jeff Mangold (strength and conditioning coach)
Billy Martin (manager)
Don Mattingly
Bobby Meacham
Gene Michael (coach)
John Moller (batting practice pitcher)
Gene Monahan (trainer)
Omar Moreno
Phil Niekro
Mike Pagliarulo
Brian Perry (batboy)
Lou Piniella (coach)
Willie Randolph
Dennis Rasmussen
Dave Righetti
Andre Robertson
Billy Sample
Dom Scala (bullpen catcher)
Pete Sheehy (equipment manager)
Bob Shirley
Jeff Torborg (coach)
Ed Whitson
Dave Winfield
Butch Wynegar
No. Coaches
52 Mark Connor
42 Doug Holmquist
48 Willie Horton
40 Gene Michael
14 Lou Piniella
44 Jeff Torborg
No. Pitchers
36 Mike Armstrong (R-R) *
43 Rich Bordi (R-R)
50 Marty Bystrom (R-R) *
39 Don Cooper (R-R)
41 Joe Cowley (R-R)
54 Brian Fisher (R-R)
49 Ron Guidry (L-L)
26 John Montefusco (R-R) *
35 Phil Niekro (R-R)
45 Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19 Dave Righetti (L-L)
29 Bob Shirley (R-L)
38 Ed Whitson (R-R)
No. Catchers
34 Scott Bradley (L-R) *
12 Ron Hassey (L-R)
27 Butch Wynegar (S-R)
No. Infielders
2 Dale Berra (R-R)
56 Rex Hudler (R-R)
23 Don Mattingly (L-L)
20 Bobby Meacham (S-R)
6 Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30 Willie Randolph (R-R)
18 Andre Robertson (R-R)
No. Outfielders
25 Don Baylor (R-R)
46 Henry Cotto (R-R) *
33 Ken Griffey (L-L) *
24 Rickey Henderson (R-L)
22 Omar Moreno (L-L)
21 Dan Pasqua (L-L)
11 Billy Sample (R-R)
31 Dave Winfield (R-R)
Trainers - Gene Monahan, Mark Letendre
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko 57, John Moller 58
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala 51
* not on active roster
1985 New York Yankees Team Photo
Mike Armstrong
Mike Barnett (video coordinator)
Mark Batchko (batting practice pitcher)
Don Baylor
Dale Berra
Rich Bordi
Scott Bradley
Marty Bystrom
Mark Connor (coach)
Joe Cowley
Thomas DiSimone (batboy)
Brian Fisher
Michael Greco (batboy)
Ken Griffey
Ron Guidry
Ron Hassey
Rickey Henderson
Doug Holmquist (coach)
Willie Horton (coach)
Bill Kane (traveling secretary)
Mark Letendre (trainer)
Jeff Mangold (strength and conditioning coach)
Billy Martin (manager)
Don Mattingly
Bobby Meacham
Gene Michael (coach)
John Moller (batting practice pitcher)
Gene Monahan (trainer)
Omar Moreno
Phil Niekro
Mike Pagliarulo
Brian Perry (batboy)
Lou Piniella (coach)
Willie Randolph
Dennis Rasmussen
Dave Righetti
Andre Robertson
Billy Sample
Dom Scala (bullpen catcher)
Pete Sheehy (equipment manager)
Bob Shirley
Jeff Torborg (coach)
Ed Whitson
Dave Winfield
Butch Wynegar
Saturday, October 10, 2015
1985 New York Yankees and Albany-Colonie Yankees Scorecard and Program Notes
WELCOME
"Welcome to a 'New Era in Yankee Baseball.'
This is the 83rd season for the most dominant team in the history of professional sports. The Yankees have won 22 World Championships and 33 American League pennants in 82 years.
While most teams are still looking for their first championship or can only point to one standout period in their history, the Yankees can boast several distinct eras within their overall dominance of major league baseball.
The first era of Yankee greatness was led by the combined talents of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. From Babe Ruth's arrival in New York in 1920 to his departure from the Yankees in 1935, the Yankee pinstripes won four World Championships and seven American League pennants.
Joe DiMaggio's arrival in 1936 started the tradition of great Yankee center fielders, and with his retirement in 1951 the Yankees had added 10 more World Series victories and 11 more A.L. pennants.
Mickey Mantle picked up the torch from there, contributing to six additional World Championships and another 11 league championships that were won before he retired in 1969.
After a dry spell of several years, Thurman Munson and Reggie Jackson had the Yankees back on track in the late '70s winning two more World Championships and three [more] A.L. titles.
Now the team has been reshaped and regrouped and is ready to begin a 'New Era in Yankee Baseball.' Who tomorrow will look back on as today's legends no one knows for sure, but already names like Don Mattingly, Rickey Henderson, Dave Righetti, Dave Winfield and a host of others are beginning to leave their mark in the Yankee record book.
The Yankees originally joined the American League in 1903 and were known as the 'Highlanders.' Around 1913 the nickname 'Yankees' was adopted and a couple of years later pinstripes appeared on their uniforms. Their first American League pennant was won in 1921 and they claimed their first World Championship in 1923. In 1929, the Yankees were the first team to add numbers to the backs of their uniforms. The 'Yankee Pride and Tradition' was on its way.
Now in 1985 Yankees proudly wear the same uniforms, play in the same ballpark, in the same great city and carry on the same traditions established when they won their first World Championship.
We take great pride in welcoming you to the 83rd season of Yankee baseball ... be a part of it as we begin a 'New Era in Yankee Baseball.' There is none better."
-New York Yankees 1985 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
YANKEE STADIUM GROUND RULES
"Foul poles are outside the playing field. Any batted ball hitting a foul pole above the fence line is a home run. Bat racks are within the dugouts.
Any thrown ball hitting a dugout railing or foundation and rebounding on the field is in play. A ball going into the dugout or hitting other parts of the dugout- out of play."
-New York Yankees 1985 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
AMERICAN LEAGUE UMPIRES
2 Bremigan
3 Evans
4 Springstead
6 Neudecker
7 Phillips
8 McKean
10 McCoy
11 Denkinger
12 Cooney
13 Cousins
14 Palermo
15 Brinkman
17 Hirschbeck
18 Kosc
19 Garcia
20 Ford
21 Kaiser
22 Barnett
23 Reed
24 Clark
25 Johnson
26 Voltaggio
27 Roe
28 Young
29 Shulock
31 Reilly
33 Merrill
34 Morrison
35 Hendry
36 McClellan
37 Coble
WHERE THE YANKEES STAY ON THE ROAD
Baltimore- Cross Keys Inn
Boston- Sheraton Boston
California (Anaheim)- Anaheim Marriott
Chicago- Westin-Chicago
Cleveland- Bond Court
Detroit- Hotel Pontchartrain
Kansas City- Hilton Plaza
Milwaukee- Pfister Hotel
Minnesota (Minneapolis-St. Paul)- Radisson Metrodome
Oakland- Oakland Hyatt House
Seattle- Crown Plaza
Texas (Arlington)- Arlington Hilton
Toronto- Sheraton Centre
1985 NEW YORK YANKEES HOME OF CHAMPIONS RADIO NETWORK
NEW YORK
New York City (WABC) (flagship station)
Albany (WROW)
Binghamton (WKOP)
Corning (WCLI)
Dansville (WDNY)
Dunkirk (WDOE)
Geneva (WGVA)
Gloversville (WENT)
Ithaca (WTKO)
Jamestown (WKSN)
Lockport (WLVL)
Kingston (WKNY)
Newark (WACK)
Olean (WBJZ)
Plattsburgh (WIRY)
Syracuse (WSYR)
Tupper Lake (WTPL)
Utica (WIBX)
Walton (WDLA)
Watertown (WTNY)
Waverly (WAVR)
CONNECTICUT
Hartford (WPOP)
Meriden (WMMW)
New London (WNLC)
Waterbury (WATR)
FLORIDA
Miami (WIOD)
LOUISIANA
Lafayette (KPEL)
MASSACHUSETTS
East Longmeadow (WIXY)
Pittsfield (WBEC)
PENNSYLVANIA
Allentown (WEEX)
Sayre (WATS/WAVR)
Scranton (WBQW)
Williamsport (WWPA)
VERMONT
Montpelier (WSKI)
1985 NEW YORK YANKEES TELEVISION NETWORK
New York, New York (WPIX) (originating station)
Albuquerque, New Mexico (KGSW)
Buffalo, New York (WUTV)
Miami, Florida (WBFS)
Tampa, FL (WFTS)
West Palm Beach, Florida (WFLX)
ADVERTISEMENTS
-1985 Official New York Yankees Publications
-Alka-Seltzer: Take it out to the ball game.
-American Cancer Society
-Bacardi: Bacardi rum mixes with everything. Except driving.
-Beck's: Beck's. The most famous German word in the English language.
-Bic: Our new Bic for sensitive skin, or our regular Bic for normal skin. Or in the words of John McEnroe, "Gentlemen, pick your Bic."
-Budweiser: Baseball Fans ... this Bud's for you.
-Busch: Head for the Mountains.
-Canon T70: The Canon T70 makes the great shots possible.
-Certified Autographs
-Circle Line: The only way to see New York, CIRCLE IT!
-Citibank: Pride Of The Citi
-Continental: Better By Design
-Easton and Mizuno: Your Winning Lineup for '85!
-Gatorade: Gatorade is thirst aid for that deep down body thirst.
-Grand Slam Sports Collectibles Inc.
-Jim Beam: Enjoy the taste of victory.
-Long Island Savings Bank: Build your future on our strength.
-Long Island Trust: We respond to speed your business growth.
-Madison Square Garden Network: Play By Play By Play By Play Every Day!
-Manufacturers Hanover
-Marlboro
-Maxell: Maxell takes compact disc quality out of the living room.
-Micro League Baseball: The ultimate strategy computer game!
-Nestle: Major League Chocolate
-New York Life. Business life insurance that can keep up with your business.
-Norelco: We put quality first.
-Nynex: It'll even help you find a Bronx chair.
-The Playing Field: Authentic Sports Apparel
-Roche: Good Nutrition For A Healthier Life
-Rolaids: In 1984 the Yankees spelled relief D-A-V-E R-I-G-H-E-T-T-I.
-Skoal Bandits: When you can't smoke, but you want to enjoy tobacco, try Skoal Bandits.
-Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Centennial Commission: Keep the torch lit.
-Steidl's Wine Cooler: Coolest Kid On The Block
-Steinbrenner's Bay Harbor Inn: Tampa's Unique Reflection Of Your Good Taste
-Stroh's and Stroh Light: Fire-Brewed For Smoother Taste
-Team Nabisco: Nabisco just re-invented the concept of team sports!
-Ticket World: A short stop away to the best hits in town!
-Toyota: Oh what a feeling!
-TWA: Leading The Way. TWA.
-Valvoline: Because your car is special.
-Virga: Food Products
-WABC Talkradio 77AM: For more than just the score, listen to Art Rust, Jr., Steve Malzberg and Steve Albert, and catch every Yankee game on WABC Talkradio 77AM.
-Xerox: Behind every great victory is a great team.
-Yankees Cruise: Come join your favorite Yankee players aboard the magnificent Cunard Countess.
-Yankees Magazine
-Yankees Postcards
-Yankees Video Library
"Welcome to a 'New Era in Yankee Baseball.'
This is the 83rd season for the most dominant team in the history of professional sports. The Yankees have won 22 World Championships and 33 American League pennants in 82 years.
While most teams are still looking for their first championship or can only point to one standout period in their history, the Yankees can boast several distinct eras within their overall dominance of major league baseball.
The first era of Yankee greatness was led by the combined talents of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. From Babe Ruth's arrival in New York in 1920 to his departure from the Yankees in 1935, the Yankee pinstripes won four World Championships and seven American League pennants.
Joe DiMaggio's arrival in 1936 started the tradition of great Yankee center fielders, and with his retirement in 1951 the Yankees had added 10 more World Series victories and 11 more A.L. pennants.
Mickey Mantle picked up the torch from there, contributing to six additional World Championships and another 11 league championships that were won before he retired in 1969.
After a dry spell of several years, Thurman Munson and Reggie Jackson had the Yankees back on track in the late '70s winning two more World Championships and three [more] A.L. titles.
Now the team has been reshaped and regrouped and is ready to begin a 'New Era in Yankee Baseball.' Who tomorrow will look back on as today's legends no one knows for sure, but already names like Don Mattingly, Rickey Henderson, Dave Righetti, Dave Winfield and a host of others are beginning to leave their mark in the Yankee record book.
The Yankees originally joined the American League in 1903 and were known as the 'Highlanders.' Around 1913 the nickname 'Yankees' was adopted and a couple of years later pinstripes appeared on their uniforms. Their first American League pennant was won in 1921 and they claimed their first World Championship in 1923. In 1929, the Yankees were the first team to add numbers to the backs of their uniforms. The 'Yankee Pride and Tradition' was on its way.
Now in 1985 Yankees proudly wear the same uniforms, play in the same ballpark, in the same great city and carry on the same traditions established when they won their first World Championship.
We take great pride in welcoming you to the 83rd season of Yankee baseball ... be a part of it as we begin a 'New Era in Yankee Baseball.' There is none better."
-New York Yankees 1985 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
YANKEE STADIUM GROUND RULES
"Foul poles are outside the playing field. Any batted ball hitting a foul pole above the fence line is a home run. Bat racks are within the dugouts.
Any thrown ball hitting a dugout railing or foundation and rebounding on the field is in play. A ball going into the dugout or hitting other parts of the dugout- out of play."
-New York Yankees 1985 Scorebook and Souvenir Program
AMERICAN LEAGUE UMPIRES
2 Bremigan
3 Evans
4 Springstead
6 Neudecker
7 Phillips
8 McKean
10 McCoy
11 Denkinger
12 Cooney
13 Cousins
14 Palermo
15 Brinkman
17 Hirschbeck
18 Kosc
19 Garcia
20 Ford
21 Kaiser
22 Barnett
23 Reed
24 Clark
25 Johnson
26 Voltaggio
27 Roe
28 Young
29 Shulock
31 Reilly
33 Merrill
34 Morrison
35 Hendry
36 McClellan
37 Coble
WHERE THE YANKEES STAY ON THE ROAD
Baltimore- Cross Keys Inn
Boston- Sheraton Boston
California (Anaheim)- Anaheim Marriott
Chicago- Westin-Chicago
Cleveland- Bond Court
Detroit- Hotel Pontchartrain
Kansas City- Hilton Plaza
Milwaukee- Pfister Hotel
Minnesota (Minneapolis-St. Paul)- Radisson Metrodome
Oakland- Oakland Hyatt House
Seattle- Crown Plaza
Texas (Arlington)- Arlington Hilton
Toronto- Sheraton Centre
1985 NEW YORK YANKEES HOME OF CHAMPIONS RADIO NETWORK
NEW YORK
New York City (WABC) (flagship station)
Albany (WROW)
Binghamton (WKOP)
Corning (WCLI)
Dansville (WDNY)
Dunkirk (WDOE)
Geneva (WGVA)
Gloversville (WENT)
Ithaca (WTKO)
Jamestown (WKSN)
Lockport (WLVL)
Kingston (WKNY)
Newark (WACK)
Olean (WBJZ)
Plattsburgh (WIRY)
Syracuse (WSYR)
Tupper Lake (WTPL)
Utica (WIBX)
Walton (WDLA)
Watertown (WTNY)
Waverly (WAVR)
CONNECTICUT
Hartford (WPOP)
Meriden (WMMW)
New London (WNLC)
Waterbury (WATR)
FLORIDA
Miami (WIOD)
LOUISIANA
Lafayette (KPEL)
MASSACHUSETTS
East Longmeadow (WIXY)
Pittsfield (WBEC)
PENNSYLVANIA
Allentown (WEEX)
Sayre (WATS/WAVR)
Scranton (WBQW)
Williamsport (WWPA)
VERMONT
Montpelier (WSKI)
1985 NEW YORK YANKEES TELEVISION NETWORK
New York, New York (WPIX) (originating station)
Albuquerque, New Mexico (KGSW)
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ADVERTISEMENTS
-1985 Official New York Yankees Publications
-Alka-Seltzer: Take it out to the ball game.
-American Cancer Society
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New York Yankees AA Farm Club (Eastern League)
Welcome Yankee Fans!
I am very pleased about the new home for our Double A affiliate and the return of the Yankees to the Eastern League. Albany has long been a source of Yankee loyalty and we are glad that we can show you some of the stars of tomorrow at Heritage Park.
Over the past two years, your enthusiastic support has been one of the reasons why Albany has evolved into one of the finest cities in Minor League Baseball. I trust this support will flourish.
We plan to send a very representative team to you. One that closely identifies with the long-standing Yankee tradition of excellence. In Barry Foote, Dave LaRoche and Jim Saul, we feel that these men are just the people to lead the Albany-Colonie Yankees to the Eastern League Pennant.
I look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with Ben Bernard and his staff, as well as the county of Albany and the town of Colonie.
Hope to see you at Heritage Park and Yankee Stadium this year.
Sincerely,
George Steinbrenner [Principal Owner]
GREETINGS FROM THE OWNERS-
Welcome to Heritage Park, home of the Albany-Colonie Yankees.
Without the backing of this community over the past two years we would not have been able to bring the Yankees to the Capital District. You the fans are the game and your support and patience are directly responsible for the return of professional baseball to our area.
This year we intend to continue to fulfill our responsibilities to baseball and to the community. Involvement in fund raising for the area groups, and bringing in the best caliber of promotions available anywhere is our highest priority. We may not win every game but we promise YOU will be the winner with good wholesome family fun on each visit you make to Heritage Park.
"We're a new addition to the Yankee tradition." We hope that Albany-Colonie continues to carry on the greatest name in baseball, and that Yankee tradition will become your tradition as well.
Yours in baseball,
Ben R. Bernard
President
BEN BERNARD (Owner and General Manager)
"Ben Bernard has been a New York Yankees fan all his life. And since getting involved in professional baseball in 1980 with Glens Falls, he had hoped he could one day work with the Yankees.
With the arrival of the Albany-Colonie Yankees, Bernard will get to combine his two interests, as the Eastern League club owner and general manager.
'It's like a dream come true for me,' the Granville native said of getting the Yankees to place their Double-A players at Heritage Park.
'My father has always been a Yankee fan and I've always been a Yankee fan.
'When we signed that contract, it was a great moment for me. And I'm sure it will be great for the Yankee fans in the Capital District.'
Bernard, a frustrated pitcher, got started in professional baseball with the Glens Falls White Sox in their initial season in 1980. He came aboard to handle promotions, and at the end of the year was given the general manager's job by the team's co-owners.
Bernard saw the Glensox draw better than 100,000 fans to East Field during both of his two years as the team's GM, with future major leaguers such as Ron Kittle and Greg Walker helping the Sox take three of four division pennants (the Eastern League employed a split-season schedule in 1981 and 1982).
The success on the field and at the gate manifested itself in an Eastern League Executive of the Year Award for Bernard, but he wanted more direct control of the daily operation of the club, so he bought the struggling West Haven A's following the 1982 season, moving the franchise to Albany and signing what turned out to be a two-year contract with the Oakland A's.
The first year in Albany had its share of headaches, though, with the team playing at small Bleecker Stadium the first half of the season. Despite a slate of late afternoon starts, a dearth of parking and the cramped quarters of Bleecker, the team drew well.
Heritage Park was completed in time for the A's to play the final two months of the season, and crowds of 5,000 or better were the norm rather than the exception at the new ball park.
The A's enjoyed another successful year at the gate (199,534 paid attendance) in 1984 and combined that with a regular-season pennant on the field with Bernard earning a second EL Executive Award.
Bernard and another EL executive lobbied for and eventually secured an exhibition game for Heritage Park pitting the EL All-Stars against the Columbus Clippers, the Yankees' Triple-A farm team. That game drew an announced crowd of 6,753 and helped Bernard successfully negotiate with the Yankees when they left Nashville, Tenn., in the Southern League after the season.
'I had always hoped to be able to get the Yankees here, not just for myself, but because there are so many die-hard Yankees fans in the area,' Bernard says. 'They seem to be more than happy to be here, and we'd be happy to have them for as long as they want to stay.
'To me, the New York Yankees have always been the top franchise in sports. When you say the New York Yankees, people all over the world know who you are talking about. The Yankees emblem and Yankee Stadium are probably the two most recognizable things in sports.'
Bernard foresees a happy arrangement between local fans and the Yankees and hopes the relationship thrives for many years to come.
'I'm sure the fans in the area will support Yankee baseball at Heritage Park,' says Bernard. 'For years, people have been driving the two hours or so to go Yankee Stadium. Now they can the future Yankees' major league players right here.
'That will help tremendously with the identity of the Yankees with the fans here, when we can watch a Yankees game or listen to one and know we've watched some of those players with us at Heritage Park.
'I'm just very excited about the 1985 season, and I hope the fans will come to the park to see Yankee baseball.' "
-1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book
1985 ALBANY-COLONIE YANKEES DIRECTORY
Vice-President - Ralph Bernard, Sr.
Vice-President, Baseball Operations - Ray Ross
Vice-President, Public Relations - Phil Pivnick
Team Physician - Dr. Carl Wirth
Stadium Operations- Ralph Bernard, Jr.
Administrative Assistant - Steve Bernard
Merchandise Manager - Dan Bernard
Office Administrator - Beth Harbour
Marketing - Rick Kuczynski
Marketing - Paula Segal
Stadium Maintenance - Ron Roberts
Team Photographer - Steve Twardzik
Heritage Park Administrator - Gary Holle
Head Groundskeeper - John Liburdi
Grounds Crew - Jim Light
Grounds Crew- Tim Anatrello
Public Address Announcer- Jay Silverman
Videotape Operator - Fritz Walker
Official Scorer - Biff Fischer
1985 Albany-Colonie Yankees Advisory Committee
Steve Fahey (Pepsi Cola)
Gary Lansing (Marine Midland)
William Keis (Keis Distributors)
Walter Otto (Otto Oldsmobile-Cadillac-Isuzu)
Bishop Howard Hubbard (Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany)
Robert Unger (Pyramid-Crossgates Mall Corp.)
KEVIN RAND (Trainer)
"Promotions come not only for players, but trainers as well. Kevin Rand advances a step with Barry Foote and Dave LaRoche from Ft. Lauderdale to Albany-Colonie.
Rand, 25, is starting his fourth season in the Yankee organization. He is an associate member of the National Athletic Trainers Association and is working towards full certification.
A native of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Kevin owns an A.B. in classics from Bowdoin College. He was an assistant trainer before going to Bowdoin in 1982.
Kevin kept a busy calendar this past off-season. He was the trainer for the Yankees' Instructional League entry in the fall. He spent the winter in Maine where he is an accomplished basketball referee."
-1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book
1985 ALBANY-COLONIE YANKEES SCORE/PROGRAM BOOK PORTRAIT PHOTOS
Brad Arnsberg (P)
Mark Blaser (3B)
Tim Byron (P)
Gary Cathcart (OF)
Ron Chapman (2B)
Orestes Destrade (1B)
Doug Drabek (P)
Mark Ferguson (P)
Matt Gallegos (IF)
Randy Graham (P)
Kevin Hickey (P)
Keith Hughes (OF)
Bill Lindsey (C)
Phil Lombardi (C)
Scott Nielsen (P)
Scott Patterson (P)
Jim Riggs (IF)
Tony Russell (OF)
Dick Scott (IF)
Mitch Seone (IF)
Bob Tewksbury (P)
Stefan Wever (P)
Gary Wex (P)
Brad Winkler (OF)
1984 EASTERN LEAGUE ALL-STAR GAME: A HIT!
"Albany-Colonie fans got their first chance to see a New York Yankee minor league affiliate in action at last year's Eastern League All-Star Game and they came away hoping for more. When the Columbus Clippers of the International League bested the EL All-Stars, 7-3, before well over 10,000 boisterous fans at Heritage Park on July 9, it proved that Yankee fans would show up in droves to see any type of Yankee team in action- even if it was of the minor league variety.
The success of the game (it drew the most fans in Heritage Park history) gave Albany-Colonie A's President and General Manager Ben Bernard hope that someday the Yankees would call Heritage Park home. Several months later they announced that they would indeed place their Class AA team in Colonie and Bernard would later cite the All-Star Game as one of the reasons why.
It was the first Eastern League All-Star Game since 1977 when the all-stars used to play the defending champion from the year before. The team was chosen by Eastern League managers, administrators and media.
Nobody from the host Albany-Colonie A's started the game. A's catcher Mickey Tettleton was originally voted the starting catcher for the special event but he was called up to Oakland.
The Eastern League starting lineup included pitcher Scott Terry of Vermont, New Britain catcher Dan Schaffer in place of Tettleton behind the plate, first baseman Pat Adams of Glens Falls, third baseman Rick Stromer of Waterbury, shortstop Jeff Moronko of Buffalo, second baseman Rich Renteria of Nashua and outfielders Ken Ford of Nashua, Pookie Bernstine of Buffalo and Kal Daniels of Vermont.
The A's were represented by pitcher Tim Lambert, first baseman-outfielder Jim Eppard and utility man Thad Reece, who went on to lead the league in hitting.
Rounding out the team that was managed by Buffalo's Jack Aker were pitchers Rafael Lugo of Waterbury, Craig Pippin of Nashua, Mitch Johnson of New Britain, Rocky Childress of Reading, Rich Thompson of Buffalo and Bert Geiger of Glens Falls along with the other reserves: catcher Mike Lavalliere of Reading, designated hitter Tim Glass of Buffalo, first baseman Wally Joyner of Waterbury, second baseman Glenn Franklin of Vermont and outfielder John Cangelosi of Glens Falls.
Columbus, managed by Carl 'Stump' Merrill was armed with many former major leaguers in its lineup including former Yankees Andre Robertson and Butch Hobson. Each would play a part in the Clippers' victory.
Columbus got on the board in the first inning to the delight of Yankee fans. Kelly Heath singled to center field but Rex Hudler grounded into a double play, clearing the bases. Danny Briggs started things up again with a single, however, and outfielder Matt Winters, who would become the hero of the game, brought Briggs home with a booming double to center field.
Three more Clippers rounded the bases in the third to give Columbus a 4-0 lead. Robertson, who was the busiest Clipper signing autographs before the game, blasted a triple off the top of the fence in left field. When Moronko couldn't handle the relay throw, Robertson pranced home. Clipper third baseman Heath got his second single of the game before Winters, a 24-year-old outfielder, showed his strength by powering a home run off the scoreboard in right field.
The Eastern League wouldn't give up, however, and the All-Stars stormed back with three runs in the fifth inning to get within a run of the Class AAA Clippers. Back-to-back doubles by Lavalliere and Glass scored one run and Glass came home on a wild pitch. After Reece walked, teammate Eppard doubled to left to bring him home and draw the EL All-Stars within a run, 4-3.
Columbus clinched the game with three runs in the eighth inning. Three singles and a big two-run double by Hobson concluded the scoring.
Terry took the loss for the Eastern League. Kelly Scott got the win for Columbus.
Winters, who impressed the local crowd most with his three hits, including the mammoth homer, was happy the Clippers played in the special game. 'It's easier to hit when you don't have the pressure on in this kind of game,' he said. 'But it wouldn't have been half as much fun if it wasn't for the crowd. That many people get you motivated. I think it was the first game in my life that I didn't get yelled at in right field. The fans were very nice.'
Merrill was also enthusiastic about the game. 'This is a very nice AA facility,' said the former Eastern League (West Haven 1978-79) manager. 'I used to manage in the Eastern League and I know most of the parks. This is the best one in the league.'
It was truly a game to remember for Albany-Colonie fans who saw perhaps a one-of-a-kind contest. This year the Eastern League All-Star Game will have a different format with the National League affiliates, the Reds, Pirates and Phillies, against the American League affiliates, the Yankees, White Sox, Red Sox and Indians."
-Bob Weiner, Times Record (1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book)
YANKEES COMMITTED TO MINOR LEAGUES
"While the New York Yankees have improved tremendously from their poor seasons in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Yankee fans were still disappointed because they saw so few of the team's minor leaguers play for the American League club.
That trend has been reversed in the last few years, though, with players like Mike Pagliarulo, Don Mattingly and Scott Bradley getting more playing time and making contributions.
According to New York's Director of Minor League Operations, Bobby Hofman, that trend could be something that could turn into a regular occurrence, with the Yankees relying more and more on 'home grown' talent.
'Of course, we would like to see our minor leaguers eventually wear the Pintstripes,' said Hofman. 'You always hope you can get a number of minor league players to the major leagues every year. Last season worked out well for us, because we got a chance to see a number of our minor leaguers come up to New York and do well.'
New York's poor start in 1984, combined with Detroit's wire-to-wire occupancy of first place in the American League's Eastern Division, allowed the Bronx Bombers the luxury of calling up a number of players, who did the job over the second half of the season.
'But the main thing with Mr. Steinbrenner is to win,' Hofman pointed out. 'That's what he's most concerned about, winning the World Series. If playing rookies can help us win, that's all right.
'The kids came up and played well last season. We always knew Mike Pagliarulo could play, but he had a fellow named Graig Nettles ahead of him. I certainly would like to see more of our minor leaguers given the chance.'
Hofman's job is to see that those minor leaguers get the necessary instruction and make the yearly improvements that enable them to be ready when the call comes from the big leagues.
'We've been very successful at the minor league level the past five or six years,' Hofman said, pointing to players like Pagliarulo, Mattingly, Bradley, Brian Dayett, Clay Christiansen, and Vic Mata who have been ready when summoned the past few years. And there are others, like Rex Hudler, Matt Winters, Orestes Destrade, Dick Scott and Maurice Ching who Hofman feels are on the verge of being able to play in the major leagues.
The Yankees' farm teams have also done well on the field the past few years, which gives the players more recognition. And the players know that the major league club is looking more to its own farm system to fill holes on the major league roster.
Not too long ago, it seemed the only way a Yankee farmhand would get to the major leagues was by getting traded to another club. The Rickey Henderson trade last winter and the big trade with the Chicago Cubs earlier last fall did involve a good number of minor leaguers, but those deals do seem to be less common than they used to be.
The Yankee commitment to the minor leagues was one of the reasons they chose to set up shop in Heritage Park with their Double-A team after leaving Nashville. The Yankees know there is a large number of Yankee fans in the area, and they hope that seeing the minor league players will lead to a better identification with the American League team.
And with the Albany-Colonie Yankees in the Eastern League, the Yankees have a minor league team within two-and-a-half hours of driving time from Yankee Stadium.
Combine that with the Yankees' New York-Penn League team in Oneonta, and the Yankees have put a good deal of their promising talent in upstate New York.
And as area fans know, that really isn't all that far from the Bronx."
-Bill Palmer, Schenectady Gazette (1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book)
CHARLES ESHBACH (Eastern League President)
"Charlie Eshbach is entering his fourth year as president of the Eastern League. Eshbach, 33, was elected to the league presidency in 1981, after seven years as general manager of the Bristol Red Sox.
A 1974 graduate of the University of Connecticut, Charlie began his career in baseball in Elmira in May 1974. as Assistant General Manager of the New York-Penn League club. Following the 1974 season, he moved to Bristol (now the New Britain club), starting his 11-year association with the Eastern League.
The Plainville, Connecticut, resident is the seventh president in Eastern League history. League founder John H. Farrell was the circuit's first chief executive, serving from 1923 to 1929, when his son Perry B. Farrell assumed the post. Thomas H. Richardson was named the league's third prexy in 1937, serving until 1960 and then again from 1968 to his death in 1970. Rankin Johnson filled the office during Richardson's absence from 1960 until 1968. Roy Jackson was the fifth league president from 1970-74, and Pat McKernan served from 1974 until 1981.
In his three years as EL president, Charlie has seen league attendance double. In 1983, he was the recipient of the Wallace McKenna Award, presented by the Umpire Development Program of the National Association, for his excellence in the handling of umpires. This past December, at the winter meetings in Houston, Charlie was named the first winner of the Warren Giles Award, an annual award given to the Minor League President of the Year."
-1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book
THE MEN IN BLUE - EASTERN LEAGUE UMPIRES
"Eastern League fans will notice something different this year when they go to the ballpark. Instead of two umpires working the games as has been the practice in the past, there will be three umpires making the calls on the field.
Why the change? 'We feel it will make for a better game,' says Charlie Eshbach, president of the Eastern League. 'It's very difficult for two umpires to be in position to make the calls, and by going to three we should make it easier on the umpires and better for the players and the fans,' he added.
The umpires in the Eastern League have a similar goal as the players. They hope to work their way up to the major leagues. Twenty-six former Eastern League arbiters are now under contract or on option to the big leagues. Umpires such as Nick Bremigan, Fred Brocklander, Gerry Crawford, Steve Palermo, and Paul Runge are just a few of the EL alumni calling the plays in the American and National Leagues.
The Eastern League umpires are part of the Umpire Development Program. The UDP takes the top graduates of the umpire schools, takes them through the minor leagues with the best lot finally making it to the big leagues.
The Umpire Development Program was conceived at the 1964 Winter Meetings and born in 1965. Major league general managers sought a continuous pipeline of talent to the major leagues, thus strengthening the talent pool in the minor leagues.
Barney Deary, a fifteen-year veteran of professional umpiring, including a stint in the Eastern League, has been the top administrator of the Umpire Development Program since 1969."
-1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book
1985 EASTERN LEAGUE UMPIRES
Jeff Evans
Paul Gordon
Scott Kliment
Ed Kosiur
Steve Kriz
Robert Long
Dave Madsen
Bill McCallum
Paul McDougall
Cornelius O'Bannion
Frank Sylvester
Leonard Van Meter
HAZEL CHORNYAK MEMORIAL AWARD
"Owner Ben Bernard and Mary Villano presented A's outfielder Rodney Hobbs with the first annual Hazel Chornyak Memorial Award.
The award is given to the Albany-Colonie player who is most inspirational to his teammates. It is named in honor of Ben's aunt whose help and guidance he could not have gone without."
-1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book
ALBANY-COLONIE BASEBALL FAN CLUB
"The Albany-Colonie Baseball Fan Club makes trips to away games and has many social functions. See one of the members at the park on how you can join the fun."
-1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book
TOMMY IPPOLITO: THE YANKEES MUSIC MAN
"A summer at Heritage Park would not be the same if Yankees Music Man Tommy Ippolito was not present playing his lyrical tunes. Tommy returns to Heritage Park for his third season and that should be comforting news to all Yankees fans.
The Albany native began playing the accordion at the age of five. Professionally, his musical career has spanned over 35 years and includes appearances on the Arthur Godfrey and Mike Douglas Shows.
Besides performing for the Yankees, Tommy also entertains fans at Sienna basketball games as well as providing the music at numerous weddings, banquets and special events in the Albany area.
A former semi-pro baseball player who once had a tryout with the New York Giants, Tommy resides in Colonie with his wife. He is very happy to be a member of the Albany-Colonie Yankees family, for it enables him to combine his two loves- music and baseball.
Yankees baseball and the music of Tommy Ippolito- it's a combination of wholesome family entertainment that can't be beat."
-1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book
MEET THE PRESS
Paul Schwartz (Capital Newspapers)
Bill Palmer (Schenectady Gazette)
Bob Weiner (Times Record)
Al Viera (Capital Newspapers)
Jim Brennan (WRGB-TV)
Rip Rowan (WTEN-TV)
Bob McNamara (WNYT-TV)
Mark Cooper (WNYT-TV)
John Thomas (WGY)
Richard Hill (WROW)
Marc Lawrence Kaplan (WWCN)
John Graney (WQBK)
Rick James (WGNA)
Glen Brando (WTRY)
Chris Martin (WMVI)
Tom Gallagher (Eagle Newspapers)
Art Mitchell (South End Scene)
YANKEES ON THE AIR
"For the third straight season, WTRY, 980 AM will be your Albany-Colonie baseball station. Each and every game of the 1985 Albany-Colonie Yankee schedule will be broadcast on WTRY.
Coverage will begin 10 minutes prior to the start of every game with a pre-game show consisting of interviews, sports reports, and a preview of the night's action. The broadcast format will include updates of major league and Eastern League scores. The broadcasts will conclude with a post-game wrap-up featuring the Yankees Player of the Game.
Once again the broadcast crew that will describe all the action this season will be Phil Pivnick and Mike Smith.
Phil Pivnick, Yankees Director of Public Relations, returns for his third season behind the WTRY baseball microphone. The 23-year-old graduate of Albany State majored in communication, with a concentration in radio and television production. Phil's broadcast career began at the university's radio station where he served as sports director and was the voice of Great Dane basketball and football.
Prior to joining the A's in 1983, Phil served as an assistant sports producer at WCBS-TV in New York. He worked directly with a group of nationally known sportscasters that included Warner Wolf and Steve Albert. This past fall he was a Saturday sports producer for CBS Newsfeed.
Originally from Merrick, NY, Phil now lives in Latham.
Mike Smith, Sports Director of WTRY, is one of the area's most versatile sports announcers. 'Smitty' was the voice of the 1983-84 CBA champion Albany Patroons. This winter he broadcast Sienna College basketball.
Mike can be heard every Monday through Friday with his own show 'Smitty and Company,' an hour of lively talk and trivia from 6 to 7 PM, as well as throughout the day with sports reports and commentaries.
After graduating from Albany State, Mike was a member of the sports departments of the Owensboro (KY) Messenger and the Miami (FL) News before returning to Albany as a sportswriter for the Times Union and weekend host of WQBK's 'Sportstalk.'
A 29-year-old native of Montrose, NY, Mike now resides in Colonie with his wife Cindy and their newest addition, Matthew Patrick Smith, born this past January."
-1985 Albany Colonie Yankees Score/Program Book
ADVERTISEMENTS
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-Pistol Parlor Inc.
-Pontiac Red Seal Dealers
-PYX 106: Rockin' Capitaland
-Records, Etc.
-Red Lobster
-R. Kelly Freedman & Son: Paying Highest Cash Prices for All Grades of Scrap
-Roy Matthews
-Schaffer's
-Schenectady Gazette: Not Just Another Newspaper ... Distinctly Different
-Schenectady Trust: The Capital Region's Home Town Bank
-Semco Printing Center, Inc.
-Shaker Lumber and Hardware: Be sure to visit our new, expanded location.
-Sherman's Ltd.
-Specialized Audio: We put the sound where the action is.
-Spector's: Clothing of Quality and Taste for Men and Women
-Speedy Photo
-Sperry Supply & Warehouse, Inc.
-Spitzie's Motorcycle Center, Inc.
-State Street Centre
-Stork Diaper Service
-Stuyvesant Plaza
-Subway
-Sunshine Chemical & Supply Co.: Industrial Chemical & Cleaning Supplies
-Surpass Chemical Co. Inc.
-Sysco Cash & Carry Outlet
-Taylor Made Awnings: Your Best Defense Against Summer Heat
-Ted's Fish Fry: Fresh from the Boston Fish Pier
-Thacher's: Featuring Late Night Menu
-Toshiba Central Business Equipment, Inc.
-Towers of Colonie
-Turf Inn: After the 9th It's Time for Turf-Inning
-Tusang-Barhydt, Inc.: Your Quality Lightning Leader
-Urgent Care Medical Associates
-U.S. Coast Guard: A Service With A Peacetime Mission
-The Walters Co. Air Conditioning, Inc.
-Watkins Spring Co.: Auto, Truck, Bus Parts
-West Mall Office Plaza
-WTRY, 980 AM: The Yankees are here. Listen to all the action on WTRY 980 AM
-Ye Ole Locksmith Shoppe: Emergency Service - Anyday Any Hour.
-Yoo Hoo Chocolate Flavored Drink
-Zales Jewelers
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