"Fisher opened eyes in spring training with his 93-mph fastball and hard slider. Shipped to Columbus (AAA) to start the season, he was soon recalled and came through with an outstanding rookie year. He collected 14 saves and allowed only four homers in 98 1/3 innings as a Yankee.
He had control problems as a starter in the Atlanta organization, but they vanished when he was switched to the bullpen by the Yankees last season- Fisher struck out 85 and walked only 29. Opponents hit only .216 against him, the best mark among Yankee pitchers. In his last 14 games, he was 0-1 with seven saves, allowing only six runs in 23 2/3 innings; all those runs came in the ninth inning of a disastrous outing against Cleveland on September 16.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Fisher grew up in Colorado. He was obtained from the Braves for Rick Cerone prior to last season and became the first Yankee to wear uniform No. 54 since Rich Gossage- and it fit him nicely."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
"The Yankees knew they had made a good deal when they acquired Brian Fisher before the start of last season, but his performance in 1985 confirmed all beliefs and had the entire organization smiling. 'He came to New York and responded beautifully,' said pitching coach Jeff Torborg after Fisher came to the Yankees from the Atlanta organization.
Fisher did respond, and then some. The young, right-handed fireballer drew much praise during his first year in the Yankees bullpen. As a setup man for Dave Righetti, his work was compared to the job Ron Davis did setting up for Goose Gossage; and as a stopper, he and Righetti gave the Yankees their best lefty/righty combination since Gossage and Sparky Lyle.
The Fisher trademark is a blazing fastball, but No. 54 brings more than just a live arm to the mound. Young Fisher also has the right attitude needed to deal with the pressures of being a relief pitcher. 'Pressure affects everybody, but when I come to the mound I know I have a job to do and I try to do it to the best of my ability.'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"One of the Yankees' final cuts out of spring training where he made an impressive showing, the initial plans were for Fisher to be a middle reliever, but he quickly established himself as the Yankees' right-handed stopper.
At Columbus he relieved in seven games (11.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 7 BB, 12K, 2.38 ERA). Fisher was purchased by the Yankees on May 1 when Rich Bordi was disabled, and made his first major league appearance on May 7 at Minnesota. He earned his first win in relief of John Montefusco on May 14 against Minnesota and picked up his first save on May 18 at California. After May 25, Brian kept his ERA under three for the remainder of the season. He allowed just four home runs in 98.1 innings pitched- one homer every 89 at-bats- and opposing hitters batted a mere .216 against him.
Brian struck out a season high of six batters on three occasions (June 15 against Detroit, June 30 against Milwaukee and August 21 at California) and from August 24 at Seattle to September 14 against Toronto, he didn't allow any runs (10 games, 15.1 IP, 2 BB, 19 K), lowering his ERA from 2.41 to 2.00. From July 29 through the season's end, he made 29 appearances and was 2-2 with 10 saves with 47.2 innings pitched, 11 earned runs and a 2.08 ERA; six of those earned runs came in one appearance, September 16 against Cleveland with Fisher allowing seven hits in 1 1/3 innings pitched.
Fisher was strictly a starter in his five years with the Braves' minor league system; in 111 minor league games he relieved only once. He achieved 100-plus strikeouts four consecutive years, 1981-84. He tied a Carolina League record held by Rudy May by striking out 20 batters in one game against Salem in 1982, and issued no walks in the game. Brian was acquired from Atlanta for Rick Cerone in December 1984.
Brian graduated from Hinkley High School (Aurora, Colorado) in 1980. He was a high school All-American in baseball and was all-league in football."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
1986 Profile: Ron Hassey
"Big Ron Hassey is not known for his speed on the bases, but in the 1985 off-season he helped the Yankees pull off a double steal. He went to the Chicago White Sox in the trade that brought Britt Burns to the Yankees, and before the ink was dry on that deal Hassey was back in pinstripes.
In only his first year with the Yankees, Hassey hit a career-high 13 home runs, most of which came after working on his stance with Lou Piniella. 'Lou showed me a few things and I began to hit the long ball,' said Hassey, who then started to show the league a few things. After a two-home run game against Baltimore, Orioles manager Earl Weaver squawked, 'Who the hell does Hassey think he is, Babe Ruth?' Yankees manager Lou Piniella knows. 'He did a very good job for us offensively. He hit close to .300 all year, certainly added power to the lineup and drove in some big runs.' The Babe is back!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
In only his first year with the Yankees, Hassey hit a career-high 13 home runs, most of which came after working on his stance with Lou Piniella. 'Lou showed me a few things and I began to hit the long ball,' said Hassey, who then started to show the league a few things. After a two-home run game against Baltimore, Orioles manager Earl Weaver squawked, 'Who the hell does Hassey think he is, Babe Ruth?' Yankees manager Lou Piniella knows. 'He did a very good job for us offensively. He hit close to .300 all year, certainly added power to the lineup and drove in some big runs.' The Babe is back!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
Friday, December 4, 2015
1986 Profile: Andre Robertson
"Talk about quality time. In 1985, Andre Robertson had plenty of it. He never played regularly last year, but when he did get playing time he made the most of it.
A spring training knee injury kept the personable Texan out until the end of May, but upon his return he homered in back-to-back games. He ended up batting .328 while appearing in 50 games, playing mostly at third base, which was something new for him. Robertson's play at third was as smooth as his time at shortstop, but his bat was a pleasant surprise.
'It's a good feeling to know that in limited playing time, you make the hits you get count, and help the team,' Robertson says. 'I certainly am glad to be playing and contributing any way I can. I don't think I've run away from too many balls at third, have I?'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Andre showed a good stick despite not playing regularly. He began 1985 by being placed on the 21-day disabled list on March 24 with torn cartilage in his left knee and was assigned to Columbus for rehabilitation on May 20.
He went 11-for-28 (.393) in nine games during his rehab and was recalled on May 29. Andre hit a home run in his first start on May 30 against California, and another in the following game on May 31 against Seattle, [hitting] homers in back-to-back games for the first time in his career. He went 7-for-15 (.467 BA) in his first six games, yet played in only five games in June. Andre 3-for-4 for the fifth time in his career (and first time since August 16, 1983) on June 1 against Seattle. He hit in 8 of 12 games in July, going 11-for-33 (.333), and had his third career two-RBI game on September 4 against Seattle.
Andre made his first major league start at third base on July 9 against Kansas City. He played 33 games at third, 14 at shortstop and two at second.
He began the 1984 season at Columbus, making a comeback from his August '83 car accident. He was recalled on April 16 and was the regular shortstop until being optioned back to Columbus on June 15. Andre was recalled to New York on September 9.
Andre anchored the Yankee infield in 1983 with his outstanding defense at shortstop. He hit in 10 straight games from June 8 to June 18, raising his batting average from .210 to .266. He was involved in a serious car accident on August 18 in which he suffered a broken neck, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season.
He 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. Andre was optioned to Columbus on July 8 and recalled to the Yankees on August 20. He 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 Yankee organization, 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. Andre singled in his first major league at-bat against Mike Jones at Kansas City on September 3 and played defensively in the 1981 ALCS and World Series.
Andre 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 fan as a youngster, particularly [of] Willie Mays. Andre spent three years at the University of Texas in Austin where he teamed with Jerry Don Gleaton and played against Tim Lollar of Arkansas."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
A spring training knee injury kept the personable Texan out until the end of May, but upon his return he homered in back-to-back games. He ended up batting .328 while appearing in 50 games, playing mostly at third base, which was something new for him. Robertson's play at third was as smooth as his time at shortstop, but his bat was a pleasant surprise.
'It's a good feeling to know that in limited playing time, you make the hits you get count, and help the team,' Robertson says. 'I certainly am glad to be playing and contributing any way I can. I don't think I've run away from too many balls at third, have I?'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Andre showed a good stick despite not playing regularly. He began 1985 by being placed on the 21-day disabled list on March 24 with torn cartilage in his left knee and was assigned to Columbus for rehabilitation on May 20.
He went 11-for-28 (.393) in nine games during his rehab and was recalled on May 29. Andre hit a home run in his first start on May 30 against California, and another in the following game on May 31 against Seattle, [hitting] homers in back-to-back games for the first time in his career. He went 7-for-15 (.467 BA) in his first six games, yet played in only five games in June. Andre 3-for-4 for the fifth time in his career (and first time since August 16, 1983) on June 1 against Seattle. He hit in 8 of 12 games in July, going 11-for-33 (.333), and had his third career two-RBI game on September 4 against Seattle.
Andre made his first major league start at third base on July 9 against Kansas City. He played 33 games at third, 14 at shortstop and two at second.
He began the 1984 season at Columbus, making a comeback from his August '83 car accident. He was recalled on April 16 and was the regular shortstop until being optioned back to Columbus on June 15. Andre was recalled to New York on September 9.
Andre anchored the Yankee infield in 1983 with his outstanding defense at shortstop. He hit in 10 straight games from June 8 to June 18, raising his batting average from .210 to .266. He was involved in a serious car accident on August 18 in which he suffered a broken neck, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season.
He 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. Andre was optioned to Columbus on July 8 and recalled to the Yankees on August 20. He 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 Yankee organization, 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. Andre singled in his first major league at-bat against Mike Jones at Kansas City on September 3 and played defensively in the 1981 ALCS and World Series.
Andre 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 fan as a youngster, particularly [of] Willie Mays. Andre spent three years at the University of Texas in Austin where he teamed with Jerry Don Gleaton and played against Tim Lollar of Arkansas."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Monday, November 30, 2015
1986 Profile: Butch Wynegar
"The ball took a funny bounce for Yankees catcher Butch Wynegar in 1985. Starting the season as the everyday catcher, he was playing excellent defense and batting close to .300. Then came a freak accident. Wynegar was struck in the head by a batted ball while waiting in the on-deck circle. He came back from the disabled list only to go back on the DL with back problems.
'Butch played consistent baseball for us early on, before he was sidelines with injuries,' says manager Lou Piniella. The rest of the season was a struggle, but he came around just in time for the Yankees. During the last weekend of the season (after not homering since June 4), Butch hit the memorable game-tying ninth inning home run against Toronto, keeping Yankees pennant hopes alive.
Butch became a free agent at the end of the 1985 season, and after again signing with the Yankees is hoping to get the right bounces in 1986."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"The 10-year veteran shared the catching chores with Ron Hassey in 1985. Wynegar became a free agent at season's end and re-signed with the Yankees just hours before the midnight January 8 deadline for clubs to sign their own free agents.
His '85 season was marked by two stints on the disabled list: June 18-July 3 on the 15-day DL with an inner ear problem after he was struck in the helmet with a foul line drive off the bat of Willie Randolph; and July 22-August 2 on the 15-day DL with a sprained lower back.
Butch hit .233 left-handed with three home runs and 21 RBI, and .212 right-handed with two home runs and 11 RBI. His fourth homer of the season was pinch-hit on June 7 at Milwaukee off Rollie Fingers, and his fifth and final homer was a game tying ninth inning shot on October 4 at Toronto off Tom Henke- eventually leading New York to a 4-3 win [and to within] a game and a half of first place.
In 1984 Wynegar was the Yankees regular catcher, appearing in his highest number of games since 1980 with Minnesota. He had the third highest fielding percentage for catchers with 100+ games at .993. Wynegar was the Yankees' regular catcher in 1983 and his batting average never fell below .290 all season. On May 10 he suffered a ruptured blood vessel in his left arm on a tag play at the plate and missed half a month on the DL, and was hampered by a sore foot in September. Butch caught Dave Righetti's July 4th no-hitter.
His 1982 trade to the Yankees (May 12) coincided with Rick Cerone's broken thumb (May 11), but the trade had been worked out with Minnesota in advance of Cerone's injury. Wynegar was the Yankees' No. 1 catcher with Cerone on the disabled list and split the catching duties with Cerone upon Rick's return on July 15; Butch was disabled on July 25 with a viral infection. He had missed the first month and a half of the 1981 season because of a bone chip that was found in his throwing elbow and which required surgery to remove.
Butch was an All-Star selection each of his first four seasons as a professional. In 1976 he became, to that point, the youngest player (20 years, 121 days) to appear in a major league All-Star Game. He hit his first [major league] home run off Catfish Hunter. Coming into 1986, Butch has thrown out 34% of runners trying to steal on him.
He played third base until he was moved to catcher in his junior year at Red Lion High in York, Pennsylvania. Wynegar was a four-year letterman in baseball and also lettered in football, basketball and wrestling."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
'Butch played consistent baseball for us early on, before he was sidelines with injuries,' says manager Lou Piniella. The rest of the season was a struggle, but he came around just in time for the Yankees. During the last weekend of the season (after not homering since June 4), Butch hit the memorable game-tying ninth inning home run against Toronto, keeping Yankees pennant hopes alive.
Butch became a free agent at the end of the 1985 season, and after again signing with the Yankees is hoping to get the right bounces in 1986."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"The 10-year veteran shared the catching chores with Ron Hassey in 1985. Wynegar became a free agent at season's end and re-signed with the Yankees just hours before the midnight January 8 deadline for clubs to sign their own free agents.
His '85 season was marked by two stints on the disabled list: June 18-July 3 on the 15-day DL with an inner ear problem after he was struck in the helmet with a foul line drive off the bat of Willie Randolph; and July 22-August 2 on the 15-day DL with a sprained lower back.
Butch hit .233 left-handed with three home runs and 21 RBI, and .212 right-handed with two home runs and 11 RBI. His fourth homer of the season was pinch-hit on June 7 at Milwaukee off Rollie Fingers, and his fifth and final homer was a game tying ninth inning shot on October 4 at Toronto off Tom Henke- eventually leading New York to a 4-3 win [and to within] a game and a half of first place.
In 1984 Wynegar was the Yankees regular catcher, appearing in his highest number of games since 1980 with Minnesota. He had the third highest fielding percentage for catchers with 100+ games at .993. Wynegar was the Yankees' regular catcher in 1983 and his batting average never fell below .290 all season. On May 10 he suffered a ruptured blood vessel in his left arm on a tag play at the plate and missed half a month on the DL, and was hampered by a sore foot in September. Butch caught Dave Righetti's July 4th no-hitter.
His 1982 trade to the Yankees (May 12) coincided with Rick Cerone's broken thumb (May 11), but the trade had been worked out with Minnesota in advance of Cerone's injury. Wynegar was the Yankees' No. 1 catcher with Cerone on the disabled list and split the catching duties with Cerone upon Rick's return on July 15; Butch was disabled on July 25 with a viral infection. He had missed the first month and a half of the 1981 season because of a bone chip that was found in his throwing elbow and which required surgery to remove.
Butch was an All-Star selection each of his first four seasons as a professional. In 1976 he became, to that point, the youngest player (20 years, 121 days) to appear in a major league All-Star Game. He hit his first [major league] home run off Catfish Hunter. Coming into 1986, Butch has thrown out 34% of runners trying to steal on him.
He played third base until he was moved to catcher in his junior year at Red Lion High in York, Pennsylvania. Wynegar was a four-year letterman in baseball and also lettered in football, basketball and wrestling."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Friday, November 27, 2015
1986 Profile: Dave Righetti
1986 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Turned in another outstanding season in his second year as a reliever. Righetti saved 29 games, two fewer than in 1984, but his total was fifth best in the AL last season. He appeared in a club record 74 games, third highest figure in the league.
Righetti suffered a dislocated toe in Anaheim on May 17 and promptly went into a slump. In 13 games between May 25 and June 20, he was 1-4 with two saves while allowing 14 earned runs in 17 1/3 innings. During that span, he allowed four of the five homers he surrendered in 1985 and his ERA at the end of that stretch was 3.66. Righetti lost only one more game after that and lowered his ERA to 2.78. He allowed no earned runs from August 9 to August 31, a stretch spanning 13 games and 17 1/3 innings.
He remains the center of controversy as the debate rages about whether he should start or relieve. He showed great potential as a starter in 1983 when he was 14-8 and threw a no-hitter against the Red Sox on July 4, the birthday of the nation and George Steinbrenner.
Born in San Jose, Cal., Righetti was a teammate of the Blue Jays' Dave Stieb at San Jose City College. The Rangers made him the ninth player selected overall in the January 1977 draft. Righetti was traded to the Yankees with Mike Griffin, Paul Mirabella, Juan Beniquez and Greg Jemison for Sparky Lyle, Larry McCall, Dave Rajscich, Mike Heath and Domingo Ramos prior to the 1979 season."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
"'There are times when I throw as hard as I can and the batters hit me. Other times I don't seem to have the real good fastball and I get batters out. I guess that's the main thing- getting batters out.' No need to worry, Dave Righetti, you get batters out as well as any pitcher in baseball.
His second year in the bullpen was another celebrated success for the 27-year-old southpaw. The former starter turned premier reliever led the Yankees with 29 saves backed up by 12 wins. He also proved durable by making 74 appearances, a new Yankees record.
The bullpen tandem of Righetti and young right-hander Brian Fisher blossomed in its first year, reminding Yankees fans of the stellar performances of Rich Gossage and Ron Davis several years ago. Having a pair like that could give manager Lou Piniella the best bullpen in the major leagues for years to come. That's the main thing. Just ask Righetti."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"As debate continued in 1985 on whether he should start or relieve, Dave once again proved to be one of baseball's premier relievers. His 74 appearances set a new Yankee record, breaking Sparky Lyle's mark of 72 in 1977.
Dave began the season impressively, not allowing any runs in his first seven outings, going 1-0 with four saves and throwing 8.1 innings. He struck out a season high four batters three times: May 30 against California, June 30 against Milwaukee and September 5 against Oakland. Dave had a rough stint from May 25 though June 20, going 1-4 with just two saves (17.1 IP, 14 ER, 7.27 ERA). Beginning with his next appearance, he went 8-1 with 18 saves through the season's end (60.1 IP, 14 ER, 2.09 ERA), lowering his ERA from 3.66 to 2.78. From July 29 through September 29, he went 5-0 with 10 saves. He recorded saves in his last four straight games.
Righetti was named AL Player of the Month in August (4-0 with five saves and a 1.17 ERA, 23 IP, 14 H, 3 ER and 22 K's). He did not allow an earned run in 13 consecutive outings, August 9-31 (17.2 IP, 5 BB, 17 K's), lowering his ERA from 3.26 to 2.62.
He was 29-for-43 in save situations and allowed just five home runs in 107 innings pitched. He combined with teammate Brian Fisher for one of the Yankees' best [ever] relief tandems; the combined stats: 16-11 with 43 saves, 205.1 IP, 59 ER, 2.59 ERA. Dave finished 60 of his 74 appearances (81%) and was 9-1 with a 2.24 ERA at Yankee Stadium. Opposing batters combined for a .231 average against him.
He moved to the bullpen in 1984 and registered saves in 31 of 40 save situations- only Lyle (35 saves in 1972) and Rich Gossage (33 saves in 1980) had better seasons as Yankees. He got his 500th career strikeout against the Angels' Brian Downing on September 1 at California. In 1983 he pitched his July 4th no-hitter against the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. He struck out 11 against Chicago on August 15 [of that year] and struck out seven or more on 12 occasions. Dave was 10-3 in the first half of the '83 season. In 1982, Dave suffered a slight sophomore jinx but still led the Yankee staff with 163 strikeouts, third in the AL.
He was named American League Rookie of the Year in 1981 and narrowly missed winning the AL ERA crown with a 2.06 ERA- he fell just 1.2 innings short [of qualifying]. In the '81 postseason he started and won Game 2 of the Division Series against Milwaukee and relieved in Game 5, earning the deciding win. Rags also won the clinching game 3 of the ALCS at Oakland, but started and got a no-decision in Game 3 of the World Series.
Pitching for Tulsa on July 16, 1978, Righetti struck out 21 batters at Midland, striking out the side four times and having a stretch of seven straight strikeouts. He made his major league debut on September 16, 1979 against Detroit at Yankee Stadium on Catfish Hunter Day, with no decision.
Dave grew up in San Jose where he was All-League in baseball at Pioneer High School, and also played basketball. A Giants and A's fan growing up, he played against A's third baseman Carney Lansford in American Legion ball. He attended San Jose City College where he was a teammate of Blue Jays pitcher Dave Stieb, and won JC Player of the Year honors in 1977. His brother Steve is in the Texas organization. His father is a former minor league shortstop, and the first time he saw Dave pitch professionally was in the clinching game of the ALCS at Oakland."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
"Turned in another outstanding season in his second year as a reliever. Righetti saved 29 games, two fewer than in 1984, but his total was fifth best in the AL last season. He appeared in a club record 74 games, third highest figure in the league.
Righetti suffered a dislocated toe in Anaheim on May 17 and promptly went into a slump. In 13 games between May 25 and June 20, he was 1-4 with two saves while allowing 14 earned runs in 17 1/3 innings. During that span, he allowed four of the five homers he surrendered in 1985 and his ERA at the end of that stretch was 3.66. Righetti lost only one more game after that and lowered his ERA to 2.78. He allowed no earned runs from August 9 to August 31, a stretch spanning 13 games and 17 1/3 innings.
He remains the center of controversy as the debate rages about whether he should start or relieve. He showed great potential as a starter in 1983 when he was 14-8 and threw a no-hitter against the Red Sox on July 4, the birthday of the nation and George Steinbrenner.
Born in San Jose, Cal., Righetti was a teammate of the Blue Jays' Dave Stieb at San Jose City College. The Rangers made him the ninth player selected overall in the January 1977 draft. Righetti was traded to the Yankees with Mike Griffin, Paul Mirabella, Juan Beniquez and Greg Jemison for Sparky Lyle, Larry McCall, Dave Rajscich, Mike Heath and Domingo Ramos prior to the 1979 season."
-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition
"'There are times when I throw as hard as I can and the batters hit me. Other times I don't seem to have the real good fastball and I get batters out. I guess that's the main thing- getting batters out.' No need to worry, Dave Righetti, you get batters out as well as any pitcher in baseball.
His second year in the bullpen was another celebrated success for the 27-year-old southpaw. The former starter turned premier reliever led the Yankees with 29 saves backed up by 12 wins. He also proved durable by making 74 appearances, a new Yankees record.
The bullpen tandem of Righetti and young right-hander Brian Fisher blossomed in its first year, reminding Yankees fans of the stellar performances of Rich Gossage and Ron Davis several years ago. Having a pair like that could give manager Lou Piniella the best bullpen in the major leagues for years to come. That's the main thing. Just ask Righetti."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"As debate continued in 1985 on whether he should start or relieve, Dave once again proved to be one of baseball's premier relievers. His 74 appearances set a new Yankee record, breaking Sparky Lyle's mark of 72 in 1977.
Dave began the season impressively, not allowing any runs in his first seven outings, going 1-0 with four saves and throwing 8.1 innings. He struck out a season high four batters three times: May 30 against California, June 30 against Milwaukee and September 5 against Oakland. Dave had a rough stint from May 25 though June 20, going 1-4 with just two saves (17.1 IP, 14 ER, 7.27 ERA). Beginning with his next appearance, he went 8-1 with 18 saves through the season's end (60.1 IP, 14 ER, 2.09 ERA), lowering his ERA from 3.66 to 2.78. From July 29 through September 29, he went 5-0 with 10 saves. He recorded saves in his last four straight games.
Righetti was named AL Player of the Month in August (4-0 with five saves and a 1.17 ERA, 23 IP, 14 H, 3 ER and 22 K's). He did not allow an earned run in 13 consecutive outings, August 9-31 (17.2 IP, 5 BB, 17 K's), lowering his ERA from 3.26 to 2.62.
He was 29-for-43 in save situations and allowed just five home runs in 107 innings pitched. He combined with teammate Brian Fisher for one of the Yankees' best [ever] relief tandems; the combined stats: 16-11 with 43 saves, 205.1 IP, 59 ER, 2.59 ERA. Dave finished 60 of his 74 appearances (81%) and was 9-1 with a 2.24 ERA at Yankee Stadium. Opposing batters combined for a .231 average against him.
He moved to the bullpen in 1984 and registered saves in 31 of 40 save situations- only Lyle (35 saves in 1972) and Rich Gossage (33 saves in 1980) had better seasons as Yankees. He got his 500th career strikeout against the Angels' Brian Downing on September 1 at California. In 1983 he pitched his July 4th no-hitter against the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. He struck out 11 against Chicago on August 15 [of that year] and struck out seven or more on 12 occasions. Dave was 10-3 in the first half of the '83 season. In 1982, Dave suffered a slight sophomore jinx but still led the Yankee staff with 163 strikeouts, third in the AL.
He was named American League Rookie of the Year in 1981 and narrowly missed winning the AL ERA crown with a 2.06 ERA- he fell just 1.2 innings short [of qualifying]. In the '81 postseason he started and won Game 2 of the Division Series against Milwaukee and relieved in Game 5, earning the deciding win. Rags also won the clinching game 3 of the ALCS at Oakland, but started and got a no-decision in Game 3 of the World Series.
Pitching for Tulsa on July 16, 1978, Righetti struck out 21 batters at Midland, striking out the side four times and having a stretch of seven straight strikeouts. He made his major league debut on September 16, 1979 against Detroit at Yankee Stadium on Catfish Hunter Day, with no decision.
Dave grew up in San Jose where he was All-League in baseball at Pioneer High School, and also played basketball. A Giants and A's fan growing up, he played against A's third baseman Carney Lansford in American Legion ball. He attended San Jose City College where he was a teammate of Blue Jays pitcher Dave Stieb, and won JC Player of the Year honors in 1977. His brother Steve is in the Texas organization. His father is a former minor league shortstop, and the first time he saw Dave pitch professionally was in the clinching game of the ALCS at Oakland."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
1986 Profile: Mike Pagliarulo
"The last Yankee third baseman to play both dazzling defense AND hit for power was named only the sixth captain in the team's history. While young Mike Pagliarulo is still a few years away from captain status, he has become a solid force at the hot corner.
Pags was brought up in July of 1984, primarily for his strong arm and quick glove. Since then he has provided all that and then some. The Yankees received a bonus when Pagliarulo blossomed into a bona fide power hitter. 'He has done very well here,' says manager Lou Piniella, 'especially in the power production and RBIs total.'
The left-hander came into his own in 1985, as he smashed 19 home runs and drove in 62 runs. And of course, Pagliarulo played third base like a vacuum cleaner."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Pags became New York's regular third baseman in 1985, his first full major league season. He set career highs in almost every offensive category and averaged a home run every 20 at-bats.
He went 4-for-6 on September 9 at Milwaukee- his first career four-hit game. He had his first career two-homer game on July 27 at Texas, hitting a pair of two-run homers good for four RBIs which equalled his career high.
Mike was hitting only .165 through June 9 (15-for-91) with two home runs and 16 RBIs, then went 76-for-289 (.263) with 17 homers and 46 RBIs through the remainder of the season. He matched his career long hitting streak of seven games, July 14-24, and hit seven home runs in August. Mike was sent to bat right-handed [by Billy Martin] against Mickey Mahler on September 18 at Detroit, striking out with runners at second and third, two out and the scored tied at 2.
He played 134 games at third base in '85, most by a Yankee since Graig Nettles played 144 in 1979, and made the third fewest errors for a third baseman with at least 100 games. Pags made 22 pinch-hit appearances, second highest on the club, hitting .278. He hit .254 in 126 games against right-handers, .151 in just 12 games against southpaws. Mike's 62 RBIs ranked sixth on the club.
Mike made his major league debut on July 7, 1984 when called up from Columbus to replace the injured Toby Harrah. He hit his first big league home run on July 13 (second game) off Kansas City's Bret Saberhagen. He hit his first grand slam on Sepetmber 18 off Baltimore's Dennis Martinez.
Mike played a full season at AA Nashville in 1983 and led Southern League third basemen in fielding with a .954 percentage in 133 games with 433 total chances (98 putouts and 315 assists). In 1982, he was named utility infielder on the South Atlantic All-Star team. Mike was signed in 1981 by Yankee scout Fred Ferreira.
He graduated in 1978 from Medford (Mass.) High School, where he played baseball, basketball and ran track. In baseball he was All-State two years, MVP and captain. Mike played South Medford Little League, Medford Babe Ruth League and Medford Post 45 American Legion baseball. He attended the University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL) and was a finance major. His father, Charles Pagliarulo , was an infielder in the Chicago Cubs organization in 1958.
Mike enjoys golf and going to Boston Celtics and Bruins games."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Pags was brought up in July of 1984, primarily for his strong arm and quick glove. Since then he has provided all that and then some. The Yankees received a bonus when Pagliarulo blossomed into a bona fide power hitter. 'He has done very well here,' says manager Lou Piniella, 'especially in the power production and RBIs total.'
The left-hander came into his own in 1985, as he smashed 19 home runs and drove in 62 runs. And of course, Pagliarulo played third base like a vacuum cleaner."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"Pags became New York's regular third baseman in 1985, his first full major league season. He set career highs in almost every offensive category and averaged a home run every 20 at-bats.
He went 4-for-6 on September 9 at Milwaukee- his first career four-hit game. He had his first career two-homer game on July 27 at Texas, hitting a pair of two-run homers good for four RBIs which equalled his career high.
Mike was hitting only .165 through June 9 (15-for-91) with two home runs and 16 RBIs, then went 76-for-289 (.263) with 17 homers and 46 RBIs through the remainder of the season. He matched his career long hitting streak of seven games, July 14-24, and hit seven home runs in August. Mike was sent to bat right-handed [by Billy Martin] against Mickey Mahler on September 18 at Detroit, striking out with runners at second and third, two out and the scored tied at 2.
He played 134 games at third base in '85, most by a Yankee since Graig Nettles played 144 in 1979, and made the third fewest errors for a third baseman with at least 100 games. Pags made 22 pinch-hit appearances, second highest on the club, hitting .278. He hit .254 in 126 games against right-handers, .151 in just 12 games against southpaws. Mike's 62 RBIs ranked sixth on the club.
Mike made his major league debut on July 7, 1984 when called up from Columbus to replace the injured Toby Harrah. He hit his first big league home run on July 13 (second game) off Kansas City's Bret Saberhagen. He hit his first grand slam on Sepetmber 18 off Baltimore's Dennis Martinez.
Mike played a full season at AA Nashville in 1983 and led Southern League third basemen in fielding with a .954 percentage in 133 games with 433 total chances (98 putouts and 315 assists). In 1982, he was named utility infielder on the South Atlantic All-Star team. Mike was signed in 1981 by Yankee scout Fred Ferreira.
He graduated in 1978 from Medford (Mass.) High School, where he played baseball, basketball and ran track. In baseball he was All-State two years, MVP and captain. Mike played South Medford Little League, Medford Babe Ruth League and Medford Post 45 American Legion baseball. He attended the University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL) and was a finance major. His father, Charles Pagliarulo , was an infielder in the Chicago Cubs organization in 1958.
Mike enjoys golf and going to Boston Celtics and Bruins games."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Friday, November 20, 2015
1986 Profile: Joe Niekro
"If two heads are better than one, it must be even better if both of them are from the same family. That's what the Yankees hoped when, on September 15, 1985 they reunited the Niekro brothers after obtaining Joe from the Houston Astros. The Niekros, who played together with the Atlanta Braves from 1973-74, offer the Yankees a tandem which has combined for 504 major league wins. Joe, the younger Niekro, has notched 204 of those wins through 1985, which was why he was acquired in the heat of last season's pennant race.
Now here for the full year in 1986, Joe will offer the pitching staff something they sorely missed last year- consistency. Joe has won 10 or more games in eight of the last nine years, and has pitched over 200 innings in seven of those seasons. This pitching consistency could be the missing element needed to capture the pennant in 1986, as Joe and Phil seek to become the winningest brother combination in baseball history."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"A veteran of 19 major league seasons, Joe came to the Yankees from Houston last September 15 in exchange for pitcher Jim Deshaies, a left-hander, minor league pitcher Dody Rather, a right-hander, and minor league infielder Neder Horta. His acquisition reunited him with brother Phil, as the two played for Atlanta in 1973-74.
Joe was 9-12, 3.72 ERA with Houston in '85, completing an 11-year career [with the Astros]. He had 100+ strikeouts for the fifth straight year and ninth time in his career. Joe notched his 200th career win at San Diego on July 2, winning 3-2. He became Houston's all-time winningest pitcher at 144 wins.
He made three starts after joining the Yankees. Joe lasted only 1.2 innings in his first start, losing 10-3 at Detroit, but combined for 10.2 innings pitched over his last two starts, yielding only two earned runs, beating Detroit and Milwaukee. A free agent at the end of the season, as was older brother Phil, both re-signed with New York hours prior to the midnight January 8 deadline.
Joe has obtained double figures in wins eight of the last nine seasons and ranks ninth on the active player career victory list with 204. He had a career high 153 strikeouts in 1983. In 1982, he was second in the National League in ERA (2.47) and tied for second in shutouts (5), third in complete games (16) and fourth in innings (270). He was 11th in the NL in ERA in 1981 (2.82).
He recorded back-to-back 20-win seasons with the Astros, as he was 21-11 in 1979 and 20-12 in 1980. Joe was the winning pitcher in the one-game playoff for the NL West title in 1980 against the Dodgers. He was the runner-up in the Cy Young balloting in 1979 and was fourth in 1980.
Joe tied for the NL lead in shutouts (5) in 1979. He was named to the '79 NL All-Star team as well as the postseason all-star squads as selected by AP and UPI. In '79 Joe was also picked as the NL Pitcher of the Year by the Sporting News.
He had a 1-hitter for Detroit against the Yankees on July 2, 1970- Horace Clarke broke up the no-hit bid with a single after 8.1 innings. Joe won a 4-hitter while hitting a homer off his brother Phil on May 26, 1976. Joe holds a 5-4 edge over Phil with the last decision being a 5-3 triumph for Joe at Atlanta on September 13, 1982.
A graduate of Bridgeport (OH) High School, Joe attended West Liberty (WV) College where he won All-American laurels in baseball. He is very active nationally with the Spina Bifida Association and has received many honors for his contributions."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
Now here for the full year in 1986, Joe will offer the pitching staff something they sorely missed last year- consistency. Joe has won 10 or more games in eight of the last nine years, and has pitched over 200 innings in seven of those seasons. This pitching consistency could be the missing element needed to capture the pennant in 1986, as Joe and Phil seek to become the winningest brother combination in baseball history."
-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook
"A veteran of 19 major league seasons, Joe came to the Yankees from Houston last September 15 in exchange for pitcher Jim Deshaies, a left-hander, minor league pitcher Dody Rather, a right-hander, and minor league infielder Neder Horta. His acquisition reunited him with brother Phil, as the two played for Atlanta in 1973-74.
Joe was 9-12, 3.72 ERA with Houston in '85, completing an 11-year career [with the Astros]. He had 100+ strikeouts for the fifth straight year and ninth time in his career. Joe notched his 200th career win at San Diego on July 2, winning 3-2. He became Houston's all-time winningest pitcher at 144 wins.
He made three starts after joining the Yankees. Joe lasted only 1.2 innings in his first start, losing 10-3 at Detroit, but combined for 10.2 innings pitched over his last two starts, yielding only two earned runs, beating Detroit and Milwaukee. A free agent at the end of the season, as was older brother Phil, both re-signed with New York hours prior to the midnight January 8 deadline.
Joe has obtained double figures in wins eight of the last nine seasons and ranks ninth on the active player career victory list with 204. He had a career high 153 strikeouts in 1983. In 1982, he was second in the National League in ERA (2.47) and tied for second in shutouts (5), third in complete games (16) and fourth in innings (270). He was 11th in the NL in ERA in 1981 (2.82).
He recorded back-to-back 20-win seasons with the Astros, as he was 21-11 in 1979 and 20-12 in 1980. Joe was the winning pitcher in the one-game playoff for the NL West title in 1980 against the Dodgers. He was the runner-up in the Cy Young balloting in 1979 and was fourth in 1980.
Joe tied for the NL lead in shutouts (5) in 1979. He was named to the '79 NL All-Star team as well as the postseason all-star squads as selected by AP and UPI. In '79 Joe was also picked as the NL Pitcher of the Year by the Sporting News.
He had a 1-hitter for Detroit against the Yankees on July 2, 1970- Horace Clarke broke up the no-hit bid with a single after 8.1 innings. Joe won a 4-hitter while hitting a homer off his brother Phil on May 26, 1976. Joe holds a 5-4 edge over Phil with the last decision being a 5-3 triumph for Joe at Atlanta on September 13, 1982.
A graduate of Bridgeport (OH) High School, Joe attended West Liberty (WV) College where he won All-American laurels in baseball. He is very active nationally with the Spina Bifida Association and has received many honors for his contributions."
-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide
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