R.I.P. Luis Arroyo

"Joe Page, Johnny Sain, Ryne Duren, Sparky Lyle, Goose Gossage.
Along with providing instant R-E-L-E-I-F, all of these pitchers added up to a long line of P-E-N-N-A-N-T-S. They were the Yankees' own SWAT team, the troubleshooters who left the bullpen to face dangerous situations, douse last minute fires- and to make the Bronx the home of champions.
On equal footing with any of these aces, Luis 'Yo-Yo' Arroyo was another Mission Impossible specialist. While his own stay in New York was a short one (1960-63), the pudgy little left-hander from Puerto Rico carried the Yankees to two pennants, in 1960 and '61. Throwing nothing but screwballs or curves, he went 20-6 over those two seasons, with thirty-six saves and a razor-sharp 2.53 ERA. Arroyo was such a soothing sight jumping over the bullpen fence, Whitey Ford called him 'my personal bodyguard, the guy who kept me in the big leagues.' (Over half of Arroyo's twenty-nine saves in 1961 came after Ford pitched.) The fans, equally enthusiastic, signaled their respect by making LUIS-LUIS security blankets the hottest item at Yankee Stadium concession stands.
Arroyo first joined the Yankees halfway through the 1960 season, after four rather disappointing seasons in the majors (with the Cards, Pirates and Reds in quick succession). The Yankees were then six games out (on July 22) and, to complicate matters, one-time star reliever Ryne Duren was becoming progressively less effective. In desperation, the Yankees brought Arroyo up from the minors. Now manager Stengel had no choice. He had to rely on this relatively untested junk-throwing pitcher.
'Man, I couldn't believe it, none of it,' exclaims the fifty-six-year-old Arroyo, shaking his head until his Yankee cap falls off. Now a scout for New York in Puerto Rico, he dusts off his pride and joy and continues, 'Only a few months earlier I'd been pitching for a Reds' farm team in Jersey City; now I was with the champs. Man, I'll never forget. I was told to go to Yankee Stadium. I looked in the paper to see who was in town, and saw the White Sox were there. I never thought of the Yankees. I couldn't believe it. Nope. I could only think, 'Here we go again. Damn, why couldn't it be the Yankees?'
'Imagine my surprise. Especially when I was told I had to get to the Yankee locker room than night. I didn't know how to get there, so I took a taxi. It cost me sixty dollars, but it was worth it. I took out a cigar, walked up to the players' entrance, and the guard said, 'Who the hell are you?' The next thing I knew, I was walking into the clubhouse, puffing away, and there was Mantle and Maris, looking at me kind of funny.'
Poor Baltimore.
Pity the White Sox.
And goodbye to the rest of the league.
Casey's experiment immediately worked. Arroyo was hot. He won five games and saved seven, as the Yankees went on a tear. They won sixteen of their last eighteen games, and Arroyo had the honor of nailing down the pennant-clincher, by getting the Red Sox' Pete Runnels to pop up to Clete Boyer. No one laughed now at Arroyo's name (Stengel couldn't pronounce it, hence the Yo-Yo). For little Luis, it was big cigar time.
Arroyo had fantasized about becoming a Yankee since childhood, when he worked on his father's farm outside Ponce. He once saw Johnny Mize, Joe DiMaggio and Cliff Mapes at a local stadium, and the image of the flannel pinstripe never left him. It didn't matter where, or what he was doing- milking the cows, cutting sugar cane, or feeding the chickens- Arroyo carried his glove around with him, dreaming of playing on the same field with his heroes.
Only attending school until the eighth grade, the squat, five-foot-seven lefty signed his first pro contract with a Ponce team, and then it was, 'a lot of banging around, hamburgers, and bad buses.' As he pointedly says, 'I really got a chance to learn English. I saw every small town in America ... the smallest places you could imagine, that didn't even have sidewalks.' Making about $250 a month (in the early 1950s), he spent six years in the minors, moving from one team to another as rapidly as kids trade baseball cards. The struggle to make it often seemed futile. But despite feeling depressed at times, he was more worried about adjusting to America. 'The first few years in the minors were the toughest. I didn't want to make a fool of myself in restaurants. I had to learn how to eat hamburgers, french fries, shakes, to really be one of the guys.'
Forced to overcome various arm or shoulder injuries, Yo-Yo didn't make it to the biggies until 1955. He then broke in with St. Louis as a starter, and dazzled the league by winning his first nine games. Leo Durocher selected him for the All-Star Game, and Arroyo seemed headed for a brilliant career. But, inexplicably, he soon flip-flopped, going 2-8 the rest of the year.
'I still don't know what happened,' says Arroyo, who only won three games the following year, and then had a disastrous 3-11 mark in 1957. 'Nothing was bothering me; I felt fine. I was a fastball pitcher then, and I guess the batters caught up with me. Nothing worked. I couldn't even fool a rookie. I soon knew I had to come up with another pitch, or it would be back to the sugar cane fields.'
Consequently, it was screwball-screwball-screwball. Except for an occasional curve or slider, batters saw nothing else. And today, Arroyo's two middle fingers are permanently bent, seemingly wedged together in a question mark-like shape. They're also painfully arthritic. But the tricky pitch did keep Arroyo in the majors. In fact, the difference between the two phases of his career can only be described by one of Phil Rizzuto's Holy Cows. From that 3-11 record, Arroyo screwballed his way to 5-1 in 1960, and then a sensational 15-5 mark with a 2.19 ERA in '61. Those latter totals made him the Sporting News Fireman of the Year- and for a little icing on the proverbial cake, he won the third game of the World Series that year by retiring six straight Cincinnati batters. Oh, what sweet revenge.
Twisting his left arm, as if throwing a screwball could magically recreate 1961, Arroyo says, 'The Yankees did a super job of taking care of me that year. Houk never pitched me more than three innings. I was once in nine straight games, but other than that everything was super. What an organization. We had speed, defense, power. Going to the ballpark was better than being at home. At least six or seven times, Mantle or Maris hit a homer in the ninth to win the game for me. I couldn't do anything wrong. Even my batting average was good (.280).'
In two years time, however, Arroyo was out of baseball. A candidate for the Cy Young Award in 1961, he would have had trouble getting his grandmother out the following season. His screwball no longer danced or fluttered; and as for his curve, some of those are still in orbit. Statistically, he was 1-3 in 1962, with a 4.81 ERA, while the next season his 13.5 ERA (in six games) put him on a train to the minors with a one-way ticket.
Why the nosedive? Why did he become totally ineffective?
He had always played winter ball, but the Yankees convinced him not to that year, and that led to a lot of eating and drinking on the banquet circuit. Even though the Yankees strongly influenced his decision by giving a him check for what he would have would have earned in Puerto Rico ($6000), Arroyo shows now signs of being bitter. Instead, he talks glowingly about manager Ralph Houk, pre-Steinbrenner Yankee management, and the team's giving him a full 1963 World Series share.
'The Yankees are class. They did everything they could to get me through a tough time,' says Arroyo, sitting in a cafe near a stadium in Ponce.
'It bothers me a little that I didn't get more years in (he played eight) for my pension. I should have continued to play winter ball. It never hurt me to do that. But that's all in the past. When I quit, the Yankees made me a scout. I used to have the whole Caribbean. Just recently I signed a kid. It's getting tough, though. While kids used to sign for four to five thousand, now they're looking for twenty to twenty-five thousand. It's unbelievable.'
Taking out a long black cigar, Arroyo flashes an equally big smile and concludes, 'Not only am I proud of what I did in baseball, but it's also the best sport around. It treats people good. When I hear guys complaining about baseball I really get ticked off. It did so much for me. Right now my son's going to dental school at the University of Michigan. He's getting a great education, thanks to the Yankees and me screwball.'"

-Edward Kiersch, Yankees Magazine (May 12, 1983)

1986 New York Yankees Opening Day Roster

Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York (April 8)

Manager - Lou Piniella  14

No. Coaches
48  Joe Altobelli
41  Sammy Ellis
42  Stump Merrill
1    Gene Michael
44  Jeff Torborg
6    Roy White

No. Pitchers
43  Britt Burns (R-L) *
54  Brian Fisher (R-R)
49  Ron Guidry (L-L)
26  John Montefusco (R-R)
39  Joe Niekro (R-R)
45  Dennis Rasmussen (L-L)
19  Dave Righetti (L-L)
28  Rod Scurry (L-L)
29  Bob Shirley (R-L)
35  Bob Tewksbury (R-R)
38  Ed Whitson (R-R)

No. Catchers
12  Ron Hassey (L-R)
27  Butch Wynegar (S-R)

No. Infielders
2    Dale Berra (R-R)
22  Mike Fischlin (R-R)
23  Don Mattingly (L-L)
20  Bobby Meacham (S-R)
13  Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30  Willie Randolph (R-R)

No. Outfielders
46  Henry Cotto (R-R)
17  Mike Easler (L-R)
33  Ken Griffey (L-L)
24  Rickey Henderson (R-L)
11  Gary Roenicke (R-R)
31  Dave Winfield (R-R)

Trainers - Gene Monahan, Steve Donohue
Strength and Conditioning Coach - Jeff Mangold
Batting Practice Pitchers - Mark Batchko (57), John Moller (58)
Batting Practice Catcher - Mike Barnett (59)
Bullpen Catcher - Dom Scala (51)

* not on active roster


1986 New York Yankees Spring Training Team Photo
Joe Altobelli (coach)
Mike Armstrong
Don Baylor
Dale Berra
Britt Burns
Marty Bystrom
Henry Cotto
Orestes Destrade
Steve Donohue (trainer)
Doug Drabek
Sammy Ellis (coach)
Juan Espino
Mike Fischlin
Brian Fisher
Bill Fulton
Steve George
Ken Griffey
Ron Guidry
Ron Hassey
Rickey Henderson
Al Holland
Tommy John
Phil Lombardi
Mitch Lyden
Vic Mata
Don Mattingly
Bobby Meacham
Stump Merrill (coach)
Gene Michael (coach)
Gene Monahan (trainer)
John Montefusco
Joe Niekro
Phil Niekro
Mike Pagliarulo
Dan Pasqua
Lou Piniella (manager)
Willie Randolph
Dennis Rasmussen
Dave Righetti
Andre Robertson
Gary Roenicke
Dom Scala (bullpen catcher)
Rod Scurry
Bob Shirley
Mike Soper
Bob Tewksbury
Jeff Torborg (coach)
Roy White (coach)
Dave Winfield
Butch Wynegar

1986 Yankees Yearbook Roster, Taxi Squad and Prospects

Manager - Lou Piniella 14
First Base Coach/Batting Coach - Roy White 6
Third Base Coach - Gene Michael 40
Pitching Coach - Sammy Ellis 41
Bench Coach - Joe Altobelli 48
Bullpen Coach/Pitching Coach - Jeff Torborg 44
Administrative Coach - Stump Merrill 42

ROSTER
Catcher - Butch Wynegar 27, Ron Hassey 12, Scott Bradley 34
First Base - Don Mattingly 23
Second Base - Willie Randolph 30
Third Base - Mike Pagliarulo 13, Andre Robertson 18 (SS)
Shortstop - Bobby Meacham 20, Mike Fischlin 22 (2B)
Left Field - Dan Pasqua 21, Gary Roenicke 11
Center Field - Rickey Henderson 24, Ken Griffey 33
Right Field - Dave Winfield 31
Designated Hitter - Don Baylor 25

Starting Pitchers:
Ron Guidry 49
Phil Niekro 35
Joe Niekro 39
Ed Whitson 38
Dennis Rasmussen 45
Neil Allen 53

Relief Pitchers:
Dave Righetti 19
Brian Fisher 54
Rod Scurry 28
Al Holland 29*


TAXI SQUAD
Catcher - Juan Espino 58
Second Base - Wayne Tolleson 26* (SS)
Third Base - Dale Berra 2 (SS)
Outfield - Claudell Washington 51*, Ron Kittle 55*, Henry Cotto 46, Vic Mata 17
Designated Hitter - Mike Easler 47* (OF)

Starting Pitchers:
Britt Burns 43
Marty Bystrom 50

Relief Pitchers:
Mike Armstrong 36
Bob Shirley 56*


PROSPECTS
Catcher - Phil Lombardi, Mitch Lyden
First Base - Orestes Destrade
Second Base - Miguel Sosa
Shortstop - Carlos Martinez, Mike Soper
Outfield - Jay Buhner, Darren Reed

Starting Pitchers:
Bob Tewksbury
Doug Drabek
Brad Arnsberg
Alfonso Pulido
Steve George
Bill Fulton
Rick Balabon


* unofficial uniform number

1986 New York Yankees Player Development

Vice-President, Baseball Administration - Woody Woodward
Director of Player Development - Bobby Hofman
Assistant Player Development Director - Peter Jameson
Assistant Scouting Director - Roy Krasik
Computer Statistics Director - Mark Batchko
Video Coordination Director - Mike Barnett

YANKEES NAMED 1985 ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
"Building through your farm system has again become good business sense for major league clubs, especially the Yankees. And as a result of keeping its minor league system strong, the Yankees were recently named 1985 Baseball Organization of the Year by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc.
The Yankees, who edged the second place New York Mets, now have won the award a record five times. The trophy has been presented annually since 1966 to a major league team based upon the number of players in the organization who have received Topps awards during the past season. A specific number of points is given for each award.
In winning the award, the Yankees had one player, reliever Brian Fisher, on the Topps Major League Rookie All-Star team, three Minor League Players of the Month, five players selected for the Topps Minor League All-Star teams, and two players (Columbus' Dan Pasqua and Sarasota's Rob Lambert) as Players of the Year in their leagues. Other Yankee minor league standouts included Albany-Colonie pitcher Brad Arnsberg, Fort Lauderdale outfielder Jay Buhner and Sarasota outfielder Ted Higgins.
'The Yankees are very proud to receive this award,' said Woody Woodward, Vice-President of Baseball Operations. 'This award is recognized in the baseball world as a way of acknowledging what an organization does not only at the major league level, but at the scouting and player development levels. It means you're doing a good job throughout your system.'
The Yankees' minor league system enjoyed a tremendous season by recording a collective winning percentage of .596, the highest in baseball. The Yankees were also the only organization in baseball to have all five of their affiliates qualify for postseason play.
Woodward congratulated Director of Player Development Bobby Hofman and said: 'Our biggest thanks should go to Mr. Steinbrenner, who has totally supported a strong scouting and player development system. Without his total backing, the Yankees would not have been able to receive this award five times.'
The Yankees scouting department made pitching its main priority in last June's free agent draft and their selections played a major role in leading Oneonta (Class-A) to the New York-Penn League Championship. The staff finished with a miraculous 1.87 ERA and struck out 691 batters in 668 1/3 innings. Number two pick Troy Evers, a right-hander, went 11-1 in 13 starts and finished with a 1.35 ERA behind 97 strikeouts.
Mike Christopher, another right-hander, selected in the seventh round, compiled a 6-1 record (1.35 ERA) and struck out 68. After losing his first two decisions, number one pick Rick Balabon went on to win his next five games. The hard-throwing righty fanned 68 and recorded a 1.74 ERA.
The organization featured several no-hitters in 1985. Fort Lauderdale's Bill Fulton pitched a seven-inning no-hitter (minor league doubleheaders are seven-inning games) in the first game of a twin bill against Lakeland. Fulton struck out seven and walked only one in his July 2 masterpiece.
Teammate Steve George came back to pitch a no-hitter in the second game of an August 14 doubleheader with Miami. The game lasted only five innings before being rained out, but the no-hitter stood. In those five innings George struck out six and walked none. The only Miami baserunner reached on an error.
Evers pitched the organization's only postseason no-hitter. He threw his nine-inning gem in a one-game sudden death playoff win over Geneva.
Offensively, the organization featured two batting champions. Columbus' Juan Bonilla won the title in the International League (Triple-A) with a .330 batting average. Rob Lambert paced the Sarasota Yankees of the Rookie Gulf Coast League by winning the league batting title with a .350 mark.
Performances like this have the entire organization excited about its farm system once again.
Columbus was the only affiliate that did not win its regular season title. But the Clippers made up for it by reaching the finals of the International League playoffs. After finishing in a tie for third, the Clippers knocked out league champion Syracuse in the first round, but fell to Tidewater in the finals.
'Columbus ended up in a tie for third, but they had a lot of injuries and a lot of their players were taken away by the big club,' explains Bobby Hofman. 'They came on strong in the playoffs and showed that they could play winning baseball.'
The Clippers qualified for the playoffs on the last day of the season when Bob Tewksbury pitched a shutout over Toledo. Tewksbury was promoted to the Clippers from Double-A Albany on August 6, and in his six starts with Columbus went 3-0 with a 1.02 ERA. Alfonso Pulido led the team with 11 wins, and Clay Christiansen added 10.
In their first year of affiliation with the Yankees, the Albany-Colonie Yankees broke a 46-year-old Eastern League attendance record. The old mark of 317,249 set by Scranton way back in 1939 was erased when the 1985 Yankees drew 324,003. Despite being upset in the first round of the playoffs, the record-breaking crowds got their money's worth as the Yankees won the regular season title by seven games, racing to an 82-57 record under first-year manager Barry Foote.
The key for the Yankees was pitcher Brad Arnsberg, who posted a 14-2 record with a 1.59 ERA. Arnsberg won his first nine decisions before he dropped a 2-1 game on July 27. Doug Drabek led the league in strikeouts with 151, en route to a 13-7 record and a 2.99 ERA. Drabek had nine complete games and won his last seven decisions to help pace the Yankees.
'The pitching that the Yankees need on the major league level is on the way in the next few years,' says Hofman. In light of the pitching success throughout the organization he added, 'We believe that the kids who had surprisingly excellent first years will carry their success over to next year, and that they will be able to help the big club in a few years time.'
Switch-hitting Orestes Destrade provided Albany with power at the plate, hitting 23 homers and driving in 71 runs. Keith Hughes was second on the team in homers with 10 and was also second with 22 doubles. Hughes had seven RBI in one game in May against Waterbury.
Bucky Dent, in his first year as a manager, led the Class-A Fort Lauderdale Yankees to a 77-63 mark and a first place finish in the Southern Division of the Florida State League. After winning the opening round of the playoffs, the Yanks lost in the F.S.L. finals.
Steve George led the team with 13 wins, led the league in complete games (12) and shutouts (5), and was second in strikeouts with 141. Bill Fulton was second on the team with 11 wins and led Lauderdale with a 1.61 ERA.
The Fort Lauderdale offense was led by its outfield corps of Darren Reed, Roberto Kelly and Jay Buhner. Reed's .317 batting average was second in the league. The second-year pro from California also had 21 doubles, four triples, 10 homers and 61 RBI.
Left fielder Kelly led the F.S.L. in triples (13) and was third in runs (86) and stolen bases (49). In his first year in the Yankee system, Buhner led the team in both home runs (11) and RBI (76). The center fielder batted .296 with 18 doubles and 10 triples.
'We'll be keeping an eye on that unit in the years to come,' says Peter Jameson, the Yankees' Assistant Player Development Director. 'They all appear to be excellent prospects.'
Led by their lethal pitching staff, Oneonta set a new record for wins in the New York-Penn League. Their 55 victories clipped the old mark of 53, also set by the Oneonta Yankees back in 1974. After winning the regular season title with a 55-23 record, the Yankees, behind first-year manager Buck Showalter, captured the league title by sweeping through three straight playoff games. Oneonta won 42 of its last 50 games and led the league in hitting (.256).
Eleventh-round pick Scott Shaw posted impressive offensive numbers in his first year of pro ball. The third baseman from High Bridge, New Jersey led the club with a .293 batting average and was second with 37 RBI. Jason Maas, a left-handed hitting outfielder, was second with a .286 average.
Another Yankee club finished with an outstanding season in Florida [last] summer. Sarasota of the Rookie Gulf Coast League won 37 of its last 47 games to capture the league championship with a 43-18 record.
Sarasota used a talented mix of hitting and pitching to capture their crown. The team's .275 average was best in the G.C.L. and featured five .300 hitters: Rob Lambert (.350), Darren Mandel (.317), Art Calvert (.316), Yanko Hauradou (.309) and Ted Higgins (.306).
Ric Sisler paced the pitching staff with seven wins. Brent Blum was 6-0 with a 1.38 ERA and was promoted to Fort Lauderdale on August 12. Jeff Hellman went 4-0 with an ERA of only 0.87 in 41 innings. Mike McClear was the stopper, posting a 6-3 record with two saves coming out of the pen. McClear also fanned 48 batters in 40 innings."

-Charles J. Alfaro New York Yankees 1986 Scorebook and Souvenir Program


YANKEE FARM CLUBS
AAA
Columbus, Ohio
International League
Manager - Barry Foote
Coach - Dave LaRoche

AA
Albany-Colonie, New York
Eastern League
Manager - Jim Saul
Coaches - John Kennedy, Bill Monboquette

A
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Florida State League
Manager - Bucky Dent
Coaches - Jerry McNertney, Hoyt Wilhelm

A
Oneonta, New York
New York-Penn League
Manager - Buck Showalter
Coaches - Jack Gillis, Russ Meyer

Rookie
Sarasota, Florida
Gulf Coast League
Manager - Fred Ferreira
Coaches - Brian Butterfield, Carlos Lezcano, Carlos Tosca


SCOUTING
Major League Scouts:
Hank Bauer
Al Cuccinello
Bob Lemon
Eddie Lopat
Charlie Silvera
Mickey Vernon
Stan Williams
Free Agent Scouts:
National Crosschecker - Bill Livesey
Latin American Supervisor & Special Assignment - Fred Ferreira
East Coast Crosschecker - Jack Gillis
West Coast Crosschecker - Don Lindeberg
Luis Arroyo (Puerto Rico)
Joe DiCarlo (New York, New Jersey, Delaware)
Orrin Freeman (Southern California, New Mexico)
Jack Gillis (Mississippi, Alabama)
Ray Goodman (Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC)
Dick Groch (Michigan, Indiana, Ohio)
Jim Gruzdis (North Carolina, South Carolina)
Don Lindeberg (Southern California, New Mexico, Arizona)
Russ Meyer (Northern Illinois)
Jim Naples (Upstate New York)
Ramon Naranjo (Dominican Republic)
Dick Newberg (Connecticut, Rhode Island)
Greg Orr (Northern California, Nevada)
Meade Palmer (Pennsylvania)
Roberto Rivera (Puerto Rico)
Joe Robison (designated Texas areas, Louisiana)
Lou Saban (North Carolina)
Brian Sabean (Florida, Georgia)
Stan Saleski (Texas, Oklahoma)
Rudy Santin (Miami area)
Tommy Thompson (Kentucky, Tennessee)
Dick Tidrow (Iowa, Missouri, Southern Illinois)
Jerry Zimmerman (Washington, Oregon)

1986 Yankee Spring Training Scout Signings
JOE BEGANI: Greg Iavarone (1985), Robbie Robinson (1984), Jon Shane (1985)
WILLIE CALVINO: Vic Mata (1978)
VINCE CAPECE: Chris Lombardozzi (1985)
HOP CASSADY: Jeff Hellman (1985)
MURRAY COOK: Bill Fulton (1983)
AL CUCCINELLO: Tim Byron (1982), Dan Pasqua (1982)
WHITEY DEHART: Mitch Lyden (1983), Corey Viltz (1984)
JOE DICARLO: Maurice Guercio (1984), Matthew Harrison (1984), Al Leiter (1984)
ATLEY DONALD: Ron Guidry (1971)
SAMMY ELLIS: Ric Sisler (1985)
FRED FERREIRA: Oscar Azocar (1983), Casanova Brito (1985), Dennis Brow (1985), Ozzie Canseco (1983), Doug Carpenter (1983), Amalio Carreno (1983), Mo Ching (1982), Roberto Cuadrado (1984), Orestes Destrade (1981), Ray Didder (1985), Reynaldo Fernandez (1985), Fernando Figueroa (1985), Steve George (1982), Ysidro Giron (1985), Andres Gonzalez (1983), Fredi Gonzalez (1982), Jose Guzman (1985), Rafael Guzman (1985), Yanko Haurado (1985), William Hernandez (1985), Roberto Kelly (1982), Jose Laboy (1983), Duane Lawhon (1985), Harvey Lee (1984), Bill Lindsey (1981), Darren Mandel (1984), Ramon Manon (1985), Carlos Martinez (1983), Ricardo Martinez (1985), Hensley Meulens (1985), Edgar Morales (1985), Roberto Morales (1985), Mike Pagliarulo (1981), Julio Ramon (1985), Tim Reker (1985), Manny Rivas (1983), Gabriel Rodriguez (1984), Ricky Torres (1984), Hector Vargas (1985), Bernie Williams (1985)
ORRIN FREEMAN: Art Calvert (1984), Rob Lambert (1985), Jason Maas (1985), Darren Reed (1984)
JACK GILLIS: Gary Cathcart (1984), Bob Tewksbury (1981)
ROY GOODMAN: Ed Stanko (1985)
DICK GROCH: Mark Manering (1986), Michael McClear (1984)
JIM GRUZDIS: Scott Bradley (1981), Neal Cargile (1985), Mike Christopher (1985), Bob Davidson (1984), Scott Gay (1985)
EPY GUERRERO: Juan Espino (1975)
GARY HUGHES: Brad Arnsberg (1983), Mark Blaser (1981), Pete Dalena (1982), Randy Graham (1982)
JOHN KENNEDY: Tim Doyle (1985), Todd Ezold (1985), Dick Scott (1981)
DON LINDEBERG: Tom Barrett (1982), Phil Lombardi (1981), Joey Mackay (1982), Derwin McNealy (1985), Jeffrey Pries (1984), Mark Silva (1981), Keith Smith (1979), Shane Turner (1985)
BILL LIVESEY: Chris Carroll (1985), Jim Leyritz (1985)
GREG ORR: David Clark (1985), Ted Higgins (1985), Dino Johnson (1985), Tod Marston (1984)
MEADE PALMER: Rick Balabon (1985), Bill Englehart (1983), Steve Frey (1983)
GUST POULOS: Dennis Chastain (1984), Johnny Hawkins (1981), Don Mattingly (1979), Tony Russell (1982), Kelly Scott (1980)
JAX ROBERTSON: Don Mattingly (1979)
BRIAN SABEAN: Rick Bernaldo (1985), Bob Green (1985), Darryl Horton (1985), Matt Mainini (1985), Johnny Pleicones (1985), Scott Shaw (1985)
STAN SALESKI: Ken Patterson (1985)
STAN SANDERS: Jim Riggs (1982)
RUSS SEHON: Clay Christiansen (1980)
CHARLIE SILVERA: Brent Blum (1985)
CEDRIC TALLIS: Brad Winkler (1983)
TOMMY THOMPSON: David Banks (1985)
DICK TIDROW: Troy Evers (1985)
CARLOS TOSCA: Mitch Seone (1983)
DICK WILSON: Kevin Trudeau (1984)
JERRY ZIMMERMAN: Logan Easley (1981)


1986 YANKEES YEARBOOK "ON THE WAY UP"
Brad Arnsberg (RHP)
Rick Balabon (RHP)
Jay Buhner (OF)
Orestes Destrade (1B)
Doug Drabek (RHP)
Bill Fulton (RHP)
Steve George (LHP)
Phil Lombardi (C)
Mitch Lyden (C)
Carlos Martinez (SS)
Darren Reed (OF)
Miguel Sosa (2B)
Bob Tewksbury (RHP)

ALBANY-COLONIE GRADS MAKING MARK
"Throw out the wins and losses. Disregard the playoff finishes. The name of the game in minor league baseball is to develop talent for the major leagues.
To that end, Albany-Colonie has served its two masters well. A number of former Albany-Colonie A's are now key members of the Oakland A's, including catchers Mickey Tettleton and Charlie O'Brien, and pitcher Steve Ontiveros. By the end of the 1986 season, two members of the 1985 Albany-Colonie Yankees could be pitching in Yankee Stadium.
Tettleton, the Eastern League's All-Star catcher in 1984, first made the jump to the American League during that season. He was sent back to Double-A in '84, but stuck with Oakland for the entire 1985 season. Now, with Mike Heath traded away, Tettleton inherits the regular starting job.
'His job is to catch and handle the pitching staff,' says Oakland manager Jackie Moore. 'He is very gifted along those lines. Obviously we feel he can fill the role or we wouldn't have made the deal we made, sending Heath to St. Louis for Joaquin Andujar.'
The Oklahoma native hit .211 in 78 games last year, including three home runs. Oakland also expects his batting average to improve with regular duty.
Tettleton's backup in Oakland will be another former Albany-Colonie player, Charlie O'Brien. O'Brien spent time at all four levels of the Oakland organization last year as he recovered from a back injury. He hit .273 in 16 games with the parent club.
Left-hander Jeff Kaiser got into 15 games with Oakland last year and was 4-2, 1.75 in 27 games for Keith Lieppman's Tacoma Tigers. Fireballing right-hander Tim Belcher was 11-10 in Double-A, and if he keeps improving, he should be ready for the big leagues soon.
Infielder Steve Kiefer is a valuable backup for Oakland, spelling shortstop Alfredo Griffin and third baseman Carney Lansford. Kiefer hit .197 in 40 games with Oakland last year.
Three former Albany-Colonie standouts will be performing with three different teams this season. Right-hander Mike Warren, who threw a [major league] no-hitter at the end of the 1983 season, was released by Oakland and signed by Kansas City. Outfielder Tom Romano went to Montreal and Phil Stephenson to the Chicago Cubs in off-season minor league transactions.
Two more players will be trying to remain on the roster of the San Francisco Giants. Infielders Mike Woodard and Luis Quinones, the first player to go from Albany to the major leagues, are both fighting for spots with the National League team. Woodard was eighth in batting in the Pacific Coast League last year and hit .244 in 24 games with the NL team. Quinones came over to the Giants after from Oakland to Cleveland.
On the East Coast, two of last year's outstanding pitchers for Barry Foote's A-C Yankees could be in major league pinstripes by season's end. Bob Tewksbury (6-5, 3.54 at Albany, 3-0, 1.62 in six games with Columbus) was given every opportunity to make the roster of the American League team during spring training. Fellow righty Doug Drabek (13-7, 2.99 and 153 strikeouts) also got a long look in spring training. Even if he failed to stick with the Bronx Bombers before the season, he could be back by the end of the year.
Catcher Phil Lombardi, who is coming off a knee injury, and first baseman Orestes Destrade were also on the Yanks' 40-man roster. Destrade turned in a solid season in the Domincan League after leading Albany-Colonie with 23 home runs and 72 RBIs.
Tettleton and O'Brien will handling a pitching staff that could have as many as six former A-C players by season's end. Reliever Steve Ontiveros was the most pleasant surprise on the Oakland staff last season. Ontiveros, another original 1983 Albany-Colonie player, put together another outstanding rookie season with a 1-3 record, eight saves and a 1.93 ERA in 39 appearances in short and long relief.
Stan Kyles, Tom Dozier and Tim Lambert, all members of the regular season championship team, were protected by the A's over the winter. Dozier was 0-0 with a 4.24 ERA with Tacoma at the end of the season, after spending much of the season at Huntsville. Kyles posted 11 saves in 43 games with Tacoma, while Lambert was 10-10 with Tacoma and pitched well in the winter leagues.
In just four years, Albany-Colonie fans have seen a number of future major leaguers display their talents at Heritage Park. Who will be next? No one can say. But watch carefully!"

-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook

1986 Yankee Minor League Manager and Coaches Profiles

BRIAN BUTTERFIELD (Coach, Sarasota)
"Brian graduated from Florida Southern College with a B.S. in physical education in 1980. Signed as a free agent by the Yankees in June 1979, he coached at Eckerd College (1980-81) and Florida Southern (1979). He was named Most Valuable Player of the Ft. Lauderdale squad in 1981.
Brian is the son of the late Jack Butterfield, who was Yankees Vice-President of Player Development and Scouting."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


BUCKY DENT (Manager, Ft. Lauderdale)
"Drafted by the White Sox in the 1st round of the secondary phase of the June 1970 draft, Bucky played in the first major league game he ever saw in 1973. After four years in Chicago, he was acquired by the Yankees just prior to the start of the 1977 season.
In 1978, Dent won the Eastern Division playoff game for the Yankees at Boston with a dramatic three-run homer off Mike Torrez, erasing a two-run Red Sox lead. He went on to lead the Yankees in their six-game World Series victory over the Dodgers, hitting .417 while earning the Most Valuable Player award for the Series.
Bucky was traded to the Texas Rangers in August 1982 and played there through 1983. In 1984, he had a short stint with the Columbus Clippers before joining the Kansas City Royals for their stretch drive to the AL West title. Bucky will return to manage Ft. Lauderdale in 1986."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


BARRY FOOTE (Manager, Columbus)
"Barry was drafted in the first round by Montreal in the first round in June 1970. He was named [Sporting News] National League Rookie of the Year in 1974, leading NL catchers in assists with 83. He had an eight-RBI game against St. Louis in 1980 while playing for the Phillies. Barry homered in his first at-bat as a Yankee and hit five home runs in his first seven games as a Yankee.
He skippered Ft. Lauderdale to the Florida State League championship in 1984. Named Eastern League Manager of the Year in 1985, Barry will manage the Columbus Clippers in 1986."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


JACK GILLIS (Coach, Oneonta)
"Gillis did not play pro baseball but built a strong reputation as a college coach at two Florida schools- Eckerd and St. Leo. He joined the Yankees organization in 1980 as a coach at Oneonta. Jack managed the Sarasota Yankees in 1984. He returns to coach at Oneonta in 1986.
Jack also scouts high school and college talent for the Yankees in the off-season."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


JOHN KENNEDY (Coach, Albany-Colonie)
"John was originally signed by the Washington Senators in 1961. He was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers with pitcher Claude Osteen and cash for outfielder Frank Howard, infielder Ken McMullen and pitchers Phil Ortega and Pete Richert in December 1964; first baseman Dick Nen was transferred to the Senators later that month to complete the deal. John was traded to the Yankees for pitcher Jack Cullen, outfielder John Miller and $25,000 on April 3, 1967 and was sold to the Seattle Pilots in November 1968. He was purchased by the Boston Red Sox in June 1970 and retired after the 1974 season.
He managed in the Red Sox' system from 1975-77 and managed Jersey City [Oakland A's organization] in 1978, where Rickey Henderson played for him. John moved to the Yankees as a coach at Winter Haven in 1979, and scouted in the New England area for the Yankees from 1980-85.
John returns to coaching in 1986 for the Albany-Colonie Yankees."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide

"The 44-year-old Chicago native played 11 seasons as an infielder in the major leagues.
John played for the Washington Senators, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Seattle Pilots and finished up his playing career with the Boston Red Sox in 1974. His career batting average was .226. Kennedy played in the World Series with the Dodgers.
In 1975, Kennedy managed at Winston-Salem and in 1976 and '77 at Bristol of the Eastern League.
He has been with the Yankee organization since 1979. He was a coach for West Haven of the Eastern League and was a Yankee scout form 1980 to 1985."

-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook


DAVE LAROCHE (Pitching Coach, Columbus)
"Dave signed as a free agent with the California Angels organization in 1967. Originally an outfielder, he became a pitcher in 1968. Named the Indians' Man of the Year in 1975, tying the club record for saves with 17, he set the club record the following year with 21 saves. LaRoche came up with a 'trick' pitch, dubbed 'La Lob,' which stymied hitters and amused fans due to its unorthodox nature.
Pitching coach for Ft. Lauderdale in 1984 and serving in the same capacity for Albany-Colonie in 1985, Dave will move to Columbus with manager Barry Foote in 1986."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


CARLOS LEZCANO (Coach, Sarasota)
"Signed by the Cubs as a free agent in May 1977, Carlos signed as a six-year free agent with Oakland in January 1984 and was released in May of '84. He signed with Detroit as a free agent in June of '84 and was released that July. He worked as an outfield and hitting instructor for the Oneonta Yankees in 1985.
Carlos will coach at Sarasota in 1986."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


JERRY MCNERTNEY (Coach, Ft. Lauderdale)
"Jerry attended Iowa State University. His first 11 seasons in pro baseball were spent in the White Sox organization after signing with them in 1958. He began his career as a first baseman-outfielder, but switched to catching in 1961.
He caught four years in Chicago (1964-66-67-68), then went to the Seattle Pilots in the 1969 expansion draft. He wound up his playing career in the National League with the Cardinals and Pirates in 1971-72-73. Jerry joined the Yankees as a coach at West Haven in 1978 and has been coaching at Columbus since 1979.
Jerry's best year as a batter was 1960, when he hit .341 and drove in 125 runs for Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League. He tied for the Nebraska State League lead in doubles in 1958 with 16.
Jerry moves to Ft. Lauderdale in 1986."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


RUSS MEYER (Pitching Coach, Oneonta)
"Russ began his professional baseball career in 1942. He led 1946 Southern Association pitchers with 48 appearances. He made his major league debut in 1946 with the Cubs and played in the majors through 1959. Meyer was a member of the 1950 NL champion Philadelphia Phillies.
He coached at Illinois Valley Community College before joining the Yankees organization in 1981. Monk's 1985 Oneonta staff had a combined ERA of 1.87."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


BILL MONBOUQUETTE (Pitching Coach, Albany-Colonie)
"Bill set an American League record with 17 strikeouts in a night game on May 12, 1961, a mark later broken in 1974 by Nolan Ryan. He pitched a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox on August 1, 1962. He was named to the American League All-Star team in 1960, 1962 and 1963. In 1963, Bill won 20 games for the Red Sox.
He scouted for the Yankees in 1969-74. After scouting and doing instructional work for the Yankees in 1984, Monbo became the pitching coach at Ft. Lauderdale in 1985. Bill worked the last two months of '85 as the Yankees major league pitching coach.
Monbo will guide the Albany-Colonie hurlers in 1986."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide

"The 49-year-old Massachusetts native had an illustrious major league pitching career.
In 1961, he set an American League record of 17 strikeouts in a single [night] game, that later broken by Nolan Ryan. Monbouquette pitched with the Boston Red Sox for eight seasons, highlighted in 1962 by a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox. In 1963, he won 20 and lost 10 for the Red Sox. He finished his career with Detroit, the New York Yankees and San Francisco. Monbouquette had a career pitching record of 114-112 in 11 seasons of major league action.
The three-time American League All-Star is the former pitching coach of the New York Mets, and joined the Yankee organization as a minor league coach in 1984."

-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook


JIM SAUL (Manager, Albany-Colonie)
"Jim returns to the managing ranks in 1986 at the helm of the Albany-Colonie Yankees."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide

"The new Albany-Colony Yankees manager is no stranger to Heritage Park. The 46-year-old career baseball man was the third base coach for the A-C Yankees last season.
The Bristol, Virginia played 14 seasons in professional baseball, 11 of those seasons at Triple-A.
Saul coached in the major leagues for three seasons. In 1975-76 he was with the Chicago Cubs, and in 1979 Jim coached with the Oakland A's. Albany will be his eighth minor league managerial stop. He managed in the Carolina League, Texas League, at Holyoke of the Eastern League in 1981, and at Portland of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 1982 before joining the Yankee organization as a coach in 1983."

-1986 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Program/Yearbook

"Jim Saul returns for his second season at Albany-Colonie this summer, but he returns this time as manager of the New York Yankees' Class AA Eastern League club.
Saul, who has been a member of the Yankees organization since 1983, was the third base coach under manager Barry Foote in 1985. Saul has managed before, but this will be his first tour as the field skipper as a Yankee.
'The Yankees have given me a chance to do something I like to do,' said Saul. 'Being a coach the last three years has given me a lot of experience in the organization.'
Saul knows that winning is important in the Yankees' system, but he also recognizes the fact that one of his jobs is preparing the youngsters for the major leagues.
'I know that winning is stressed (in the Yankees organization), but we will do everything to help the young players,' said Saul.
'Hopefully we will do as well as last year and maybe even better,' he added. 'We will try to mold the club around the people we bring from spring training.'
The 46-year-old Saul, a native of Bristol, Va., played 14 years in the minor leagues, beginning with Daytona Beach in 1959. He played 11 of those seasons in Class AAA. He finished his career with a .246 average with 57 home runs and 338 RBI.
His best season as a player was in 1963, when he hit .251 with 12 home runs and 52 runs batted in for Portland and San Diego (when San Diego was still a minor league team).
Saul's last season as a player was 1972, when he hit .280 with one home run and seven RBI for Wichita while playing in 32 games.
He began his managerial career the next year, piloting Salinas to a 77-61 record (second place in the first half, fourth place in the second half) in the California League.
Saul managed Salinas again the next year (78-62, second- and third-place finishes) before being named a coach for the Chicago Cubs in 1975-76.
He returned to the minor leagues in 1977, managing Midland of the Texas League to a 70-60 record (second place) that season and a 70-65 record (third place) in 1978.
Saul returned to the major leagues in 1979, as a coach with the Oakland A's, but he was back in the minors in 1980 as manager of El Paso in the Texas League (50-86 record, fourth place).
He managed Holyoke in the Eastern League in 1981 (68-70, second- and fourth-place finishes) and piloted Portland in the Pacific Coast League in 1982 (65-79, fifth place).
Saul was a coach with the Nashville Sounds, the Yankees' Class AA affiliate in the Southern League in 1983-84, and stayed with the franchise when it was shifted to Albany-Colonie prior to the 1985 season.
His seven-year managerial career shows a 478-483 record (.497).
'A manager has got to give an individual the opportunity to prove himself at points in the ballgame,' he said, explaining his managing philosophy. 'He has to give him the opportunity to handle it and prove he can come through. You don't like to see them lose, but they're here to learn now for their future in the major leagues, things that are expected every day.'"

-Pete Cioffi, Assistant Sports Editor, Times Record (Albany, NY)


BUCK SHOWALTER (Manager, Oneonta)
"Buck graduated form Central (Florida) High School in 1975. He attended Chipola J.C. in Marianna, FL and graduated from Mississippi State University in 1979. Buck was named an All-American at both Chipola and Mississippi State.
In 1980 he led the Southern League in hits, finished second in batting and was named to the SL All-Star team. He also led the Southern League in hits in 1982.
Buck coached at Ft. Lauderdale in 1984, and in 1985 earned New York-Penn League Manager of the Year laurels in his inaugural campaign. The O-Yanks set a league record of 55 wins under Showalter's guidance.
He'll return to Oneonta in his second managerial season."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


CARLOS TOSCA (Manager, Sarasota)
"Carlos joined the Yankees organization as a coach in 1978. He made his debut as a manager at Bradenton in the Gulf Coast League in 1980. He managed the Greensboro Hornets to the first half division title in 1984. Carlos managed Sarasota to the Gulf Coast League Championship in 1985 and earned GCL Manager of the Year honors.
He will serve as a coach at Sarasota in 1986."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


HOYT WILHELM (Pitching Coach, Ft. Lauderdale)
"Hoyt began his pro career in 1942 for the independent Mooresville, North Carolina club near his hometown of Huntersville. He moved into the Giants' farm system in 1948 at Knoxville and reached the big leagues in 1952.
He remained in the majors for the next 21 years, retiring in 1972 at age 46- as baseball's all-time premier relief pitcher. He holds the following major league career records: most games pitched (1,070), most games in relief (1,018), most innings in relief (1,870), most games finished (651) and most wins in relief (124).
Hoyt was used as a starter in the middle of his career (1958-60) and hurled a no-hitter for the Orioles against the Yankees in 1958. He also holds the distinction of hitting a home run in his first major league at-bat (April 23, 1952). He participated in the 1954 World Series with the Giants and was named to the NL All-Star team in 1953 and 1970, and to the AL All-Star team in 1959, 1961 and 1962. Hoyt was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide

1986 Yankee Prospect Profiles

BRAD ARNSBERG (1985 Yankee Minor League Pitcher of the Year)
"The Yankees 1985 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Brad has a 26-7 record in only two years of pro ball. He led the Double-A Eastern League in winning percentage (.842) and ERA (1.59) and tied for the lead in wins (14) in 1985. He completed nine of 20 starts a year ago.
Brad has a good assortment of pitches."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Brad attended Merced Community College where he received his Associate degree in June of 1983. He was selected by the Cleveland Indians organization in the 18th round of the June 1981 free agent draft, selected by the St. Louis Cardinals organization in the 1st round of the secondary phase of the January 1982 free agent draft, selected by the Baltimore Orioles organization in the 1st round of the secondary phase of the June 1982 free agent draft, selected by the California Angels organization in the 1st round of the secondary phase of the January 1983 free agent draft, and signed by Gary Hughes as the Yankees' 1st round draft choice in the secondary phase of the June 1983 free agent draft.
In 1984 Brad tied for the South Atlantic League lead in shutouts (4) and complete games (10). In 1985, he led the Eastern League in winning percentage (.842) and ERA (1.59) and tied for the lead in wins (14). Brad was named the Eastern League All-Star right-handed pitcher, named to the Topps AA All-Star team and voted the Yankees 1985 Minor League Pitcher of the Year."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


RICK BALABON
"Rick was the Yankees' first pick in the June 1985 draft. He was 5-2 with a 1.74 ERA at Class-A Oneonta last season and struck out 68 batters in 72.1 innings.
He's a hard thrower with a major league fastball who's quickly learning to throw breaking pitches."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


JAY BUHNER
"Jay was acquired from Pittsburgh [after the 1984 season] along with Dale Berra. A Florida State League All-Star last year, he hit .296 and led Fort Lauderdale with 76 RBIs. Jay had a .323 batting average in the New York-Penn League in 1984.
He's an excellent fielder with a powerful arm."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


ORESTES DESTRADE
"Orestes led Albany-Colonie in numerous offensive categories last year including hits (119), home runs (23), RBIs (72) and slugging percentage (.471). He can also DH and play the outfield."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"In 1985 Destrade led Albany in games (136), at-bats (564), runs (82), hits (119), doubles (24), home runs (23), RBIs (72) and slugging percentage (.471). He was named Eastern League All-Star designated hitter despite leading the circuit in games played at first base (134), double plays (99), putouts (1,103) and total chances (1,194). He finished second in the EL in homers and total bases (222), tied for second in walks (86) and third in runs.
Destrade has progressed steadily through the minors while showing the ability to play both first and the outfield. In 1981 at Painstville he led the Appalachian League in home runs with 14 and was named the league's All-Star first baseman. In 1983 at Fort Lauderdale he led the Florida State League in walks with 82 and was named the league's All-Star first baseman; Orestes was second on the Lauderdale club in homers and RBIs with 18 and 74 respectively. In 1984, he led the Lauderdale team with 12 home runs. A switch-hitter, he hits the ball to all fields from both sides but makes better contact from the right side.
Orestes attended Coral Park High School and Christopher Columbus High School in Miami where he graduated in 1980. He was signed by Yankee scout Fred Ferreira."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


DOUG DRABEK
"Doug was acquired by the Yankees in 1984 in the Roy Smalley deal. He won 13 games with Double-A Albany-Colonie last year and owns a 2.88 ERA in three years of pro ball."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Drabek spent his first full season in the Yankee organization at Albany (AA Eastern League). He topped the league with 153 strikeouts and 192.2 innings pitched and was second in the league with 13 wins. He tied for first on the team with nine complete games and two shutouts and was second in wins and games started, and third with a 2.99 ERA (pitchers with at least 15 games). A fastball pitcher with good control and a good move to first, Doug had a mere .218 batting average-against.
He was drafted by the White Sox in the 12th round of the June 1983 draft and was second in the New York-Penn League in strikeouts with 103. In 1984, Doug was second in ERA (2.24) in the Eastern League before being acquired by the Yankees with Kevin Hickey for Roy Smalley in July.
Doug is a graduate of St. Joseph's High School where he was All-State in baseball, football and track."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


BILL FULTON
"Bill was the Yankees' second round pick (secondary phase) in the 1983 free agent draft and has pitched two no-hitters in the minors. He was 11-2 with a 1.61 ERA in Class-A last year and was tied for second in the Florida State League with nine complete games."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Bill started the 1985 season in Florida in the Florida Instructional League and moved to Fort Lauderdale on May 29. He hurled a seven inning no-hitter against Lakeland on July 2. He tied for second in the Florida State League with nine complete games, was third with a 1.61 ERA and had a .217 batting average-against.
Bill has a riding fastball which can sink, and also an outstanding curve.
Acquired as a second round pick in the secondary phase of the June 1983 free agent draft, Bill was signed by [former Yankee general manager] Murray Cook. He had been selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the first round of the January 1983 free agent draft. On July 25, 1983 Bill pitched a no-hitter against the Geneva Cubs as Oneonta won the game 1-0."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


STEVE GEORGE
"Steve was selected as the Yankees' 15th round pick in the June 1982 draft. Last year he led the Florida State League with five shutouts and 12 complete games. The All-Star hurler finished 13-7 (1.75 ERA), striking out 141 batters in 164.2 innings, and held opponents to a cumulative .201 batting average."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Steve led the Florida State League with five shutouts and 12 complete games and finished second in the FSL with 141 strikeouts. He led Fort Lauderdale with 13 wins and 164.2 innings pitched, was second with 24 games started and had a .201 batting average-against. Steve was named to the Florida State League All-Star team and threw a five inning no-hitter against Miami on August 14.
He has a sneaky fastball and a good slider. The lefty was used primarily as a reliever in his first three minor league seasons. He led the Greensboro club in games with 35 in 1983.
Steve graduated from Deerfield Senior High School in 1979 before attending Florida Southern College. He was signed by Fred Ferriera."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


PHIL LOMBARDI
"Phil was selected by the Yankees in the third round of the June 1981 draft and batted .256 at Double-A in 1985. He stole 22 of 26 bases in 1984 at Class-A Fort Lauderdalea and led the club with 70 RBIs.
He has a strong arm, good speed and can hit for power."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"A young catcher on the horizon, he plays his sixth year in the Yankee organization in 1986. Phil was unable to play a full season in '85, suffering an injured ligament in his left knee which required surgery to repair, and also played with a broken finger in early '85. He caught 65 games, played 10 in the outfield and one at shortstop.
Lombardi was the Yankees' third round selection (fourth overall) in the June 1981 free agent draft. He stole 22 of 26 bases in 1984 while leading the Lauderdale club in RBI (70). Phil has a strong arm, good speed and can hit for power, and has also played outfield, first base and third.
Phil graduated from Kennedy High School in Granada Hills, California. He was signed by Don Lindeberg."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


MITCH LYDEN
"Mitch was the Yankees' fourth round pick in the June 1983 draft. He caught 101 games and led the Florida State League in fielding percentage (.988), assists (63), putouts (607) and total chances (678) and was a league All-Star. His bat matured last year with 10 home runs and 58 RBIs."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Another catching prospect, Mitch played a full season at Fort Lauderdale in 1985. He was second on the club in games (116) and at-bats (438); tied for second in doubles (21) and homers (10); third in total bases (155) and RBIs (58). He caught 101 games, led FSL catchers in fielding percentage (.988), assists (63), putouts (607) and total chances (678), and was named to the Florida State League All-Star team.
Lyden was the Yankees' first pick (fourth round) in the June 1983 free agent draft. Exclusively a catcher as a professional, he led New York-Penn League catchers with a .991 fielding percentage in 1983. Mitch has a good arm and a quick release and is showing improvement as a hitter, using all fields.
Mitch graduated from Beaverton [Oregon] High School in 1983. He was signed by Whitey DeHart."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


CARLOS MARTINEZ
"Carlos signed as a free agent in November 1983. Named to the Florida State League All-Star team last year, he's a slick fielder with an exceptional arm who drove in 44 runs at Fort Lauderdale."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


DARREN REED
"Darren was the Yankees' third round pick in the secondary phase of the June 1984 draft. He hit .317 and collected 61 RBIs at Class-A Fort Lauderdale in '85 and was named to the Florida State League All-Star team. Darren showed a power stroke with 10 home runs."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


MIGUEL SOSA
"Miguel was acquired by the Yankees last winter from Atlanta for outfielder Billy Sample. He's averaged 20 home runs his last two years, mostly in Triple-A.
An infielder with power, Miguel is formerly a shortstop."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Miguel played the entire year at Richmond of the International League. He was the team's regular second baseman in 1985, playing in 100 games at that position while appearing at 12 games at third. He finished second on the club in homers with 14. Miguel hit three home runs against Pawtucket on May 9.
A power hitting infielder, he led the Richmond club in homers (15) in 1984, playing in only 53 games, and was second in Greenville with 11 homers in the same year. In 1983 he led the Southern League with 93 RBIs, hit two grand slams and played both second and short. In 1982 at Durham, he finished third in the league in total bases (247), fourth in homers (25) and fifth in hits (146), and was named the Carolina League All-Star shortstop. Miguel was named to the South Atlantic League all-star team while with Anderson in 1980.
Miguel graduated from Mercedes Lauka Giar (La Romana) High School in 1978. He was signed by Pedro Gonzalez, the man he credits for helping his career the most."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


BOB TEWKSBURY
"The Yankees' 19th pick in the 1981 free agent draft, Bob was the Yankees Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 1982. Last year he split time at Double-A Albany-Colonie and Triple-A Columbus to finish 9-5. He won all three decisions at Columbus with a 1.02 ERA.
Bob has good control with his fastball and sinker."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"After 17 games with Albany in 1985, going 6-5 with a 3.54 ERA, Bob was moved to Columbus where he posted a 3-0 mark and a 1.02 ERA in six starts. He had a .248 batting average-against at Albany, and just .174 at Columbus. Bob has good control on his fastball and sinker.
In 1984 Bob led the Nashville Sounds in victories and complete games, and in 1983 split his pitching time between Nashville and Fort Lauderdale, recording impressive numbers with each. In 1982, Bob led the Florida State League in ERA (1.88), wins (15), shutouts (5) and complete games (13). He was named the right-handed pitcher on the Florida State League's 1982 All-Star team and was New York Yankees Minor League Pitcher of the Year. In 1981, Bob was the top fielding pitcher in the New York-Penn League (1.000) while leading the Oneonta club in wins (7) and strikeouts (62).
Bob was signed by Jack Gillis."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


MIKE SOPER
"1985 was a very solid year from Mike both in the field and at the plate. He finished eighth in the Eastern League (AA) in batting (.296) while leading Glens Falls in hits (142). Appearing in 131 games at shortstop, Mike finished with a steady .945 fielding percentage.
In 1983 Mike led the Gulf Coast League in hit-by-pitch (7) and led Gulf Coast shortstops in games (53). In 1984, he led Midwest League shortstops in games (128).
Mike graduated from Palmetto High School in Miami where he was named MVP and earned All-State honors. He was signed by Walt Widmayer."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


ALFONSO PULIDO
"Alfonso signed his first professional contract with Arandas of the Mexican Center League league in 1977 after borrowing a glove and spikes and trying out in street clothes. Sold to the Pittsburgh Pirates in July 1983, he was traded to the Yankees with infielder Dale Berra and outfielder Jay Buhner for outfielder Steve Kemp, infielder Tim Foli and cash in December 1984.
He tied for the Mexican League lead in wins (17) in 1983 and a member of the All-Star team. Named the Pacific Coast League's left-handed pitcher of the year in 1984, Alfonso led the PCL in innings pitched (216), complete games (16) and shutouts (4)."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide

Other 1986 Yankee Profiles

BRITT BURNS
"The lefty pitcher the Yankees had sought since the end of the '85 season, Burns came from the White Sox with minor leaguers Mike Soper and Glen Braxton in a deal for Joe Cowley and Ron Hassey. He fell two wins short of 20 victories when he lost his last three starts, allowing 17 earned runs in 11 innings. His 18 wins still represented a career high.
Burns had four shutouts, tying him for the second spot in the AL in that department. He had three shutouts against Cleveland and combined for another against [them]. He went 21 1/3 without giving up a run during one stretch. Burns was bothered by a sore hip most of the season, though he did not miss any starts because of the injury.
Born in Houston, Burns was selected by the White Sox in the third round of the June 1978 draft. The Sox learned about him when a former Chicago Tribune book critic read an article about his high school heroics in Birmingham, Alabama and mailed it to White Sox president Bill Veeck; Burns was 35-2 with a 0.12 ERA in high school. He pitched in only 37 minor league games before sticking with the White Sox for good in 1980."

-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition

"Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, will sideline Britt Burns for the entire 1986 season.
'The worst part was that I was given the opportunity to play for this club, and now I don't have it,' said Britt after learning the news. 'You come to a new team, and you have the feeling that you're welcome and needed. There is a feeling of anticipation, and my presence helped contribute to that feeling. I'm disappointed I won't be able to do my part.'
In a much celebrated seven-player trade with the White Sox last winter, Burns became a Yankee. The 6'5" left-hander brought with him 70 wins in six-plus big league seasons. The medical experts will work this season at relieving the pain in Britt's right hip, and hopefully he'll be ready to pitch again next year.
Burns, who will be just 27 years old this season, says, 'I think I can be successful coming back. It's not completely over yet, but it's definitely a setback. The fat lady hasn't sung yet.'"

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Burns finished tied for third in the AL in victories with a team leading and personal high 18. He tied for second in the league with four shutouts, three of which were 4-hitters, the fourth being a 5-hit performance, and finished sixth in strikeouts with a career high 172.
Britt started a career high 34 games, appearing only twice in relief. He had four outings in which he achieved double figures in strikeouts, setting a personal single game high with 12 at Baltimore on July 1. Burns had three shutouts against Cleveland, ending the season with 33.2 consecutive scoreless innings against the Indians.
He volunteered to start the 1984 season in the bullpen due to the quality of White Sox starting pitching. Britt was placed back in the starting rotation six weeks into the season, his first start a May 13 8-1 win over Texas. He then went 0-8 in his next 11 starts and was returned to the bullpen on July 5. Britt returned to the starting rotation on September 7 and snapped a 10-game losing streak on September 12 with a 4-2 win at Oakland; his 10-game losing streak was the longest in the AL in 1984. His best game was on September 23 at Comiskey when he beat Seattle 4-0, allowing three hits in 8.2 innings. He recorded three seven-strikeout games in '84.
Burns began the 1983 season on the DL after being sidelined in spring training with a viral infection in his pitching arm. He didn't pitch in a game until May 9 and was inconsistent early. Burns returned to form late in the year and won several key games in the Sox' pennant chase. He pitched a 1-hit shutout against the Angels on September 9 in Chicago and followed that with a 2-hit blanking of the Angels in California on September 24. Despite only 26 starts, his four shutouts were second best in the AL. In 1982, Britt led the Sox in wins (13) and win-loss percentage (.722) despite missing the final weeks of the season with a shoulder injury.
Britt won six straight mid-season games in 1981 and was named to the AL All-Star team, but didn't appear in the game. His success was tempered when his father was struck by an automobile near Birmingham, Alabama on July 16 and passed away without regaining consciousness on September 12. Over his father's two-month fight for life, Britt commuted between his father's bedside and his starts in the rotation. He hurled 30 consecutive scoreless innings in August.
In 1980 he struck out 133 batters in his rookie season, second best in his career. Burns had a 15-13 record with a 2.84 ERA in only 32 starts and was named Sporting News rookie pitcher of the year.
He was 'discovered' by former Chicago Tribune book critic Robert Cromie, who read an article about Burns' high school heroics while in Birmingham on business. Cromie clipped the article and mailed it to White Sox president Bill Veeck, a friend of Cromie. Burns' sensational prep career included an 0.12 ERA and a 35-2 record with 30 hits, 30 walks and 292 strikeouts in 139 innings; included was an 18-game winning streak."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


DALE BERRA
"It was not an easy first year in pinstripes for the young infielder with the legendary last name. Dale Berra started the 1985 season platooning at third base, only to see limited playing time at that position after May.
The lack of playing time certainly didn't dampen Berra's spirits as me made the most of every opportunity. In the field he saw action at both third base and shortstop. As a baserunner, his aggressive style of play broke up several possible double plays, with Dale knocking opposing middle infielders to the dirt. His only homer of the year was a clutch ninth inning game-tying shot against Toronto. His only at-bat after August 31 was a September 15 pinch-hit RBI single, also against Toronto.
'I was certainly glad to play and contribute in any way I could,' says Berra."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Dale was used primarily at third base against left-handed pitchers in 1985, playing in 28 games through May. From June on, he totaled just 20 games played; he played four games in July, going 1-for-9, played three games in August, going 0-for-3, and had only one at-bat from August 31 on, getting a pinch-hit RBI single on September 15 against Toronto.
Dale was caught at home plate on August 2 against Chicago along with teammate Bobby Meacham on the same play. His only home run came on June 11 against Toronto- a ninth inning solo shot off Gary Lavelle tying the game- and his only game winning RBI came on June 8 at Milwaukee.
In 1975 Dale led the New York-Penn league with 49 RBI, making the league's All-Star team, and in 1976 led the Western Carolinas League (A) in games, was sixth in batting and made the WCL All-Star team. He made his major league debut on August 22, 1977 against San Diego and had his first big league hit and RBI on September 4 at Los Angeles. At Columbus [in '77], Dale tied for the team lead with 18 homers.
Dale was recalled from Columbus on July 29, 1978 and hit his first major league home run on August 20 off Houston's Tom Dixon. With Columbus that year, he tied for the club lead in homers and in stolen bases and was the top vote-getter for the International League All-Star team. Dale came north with the Pirates in April 1979 and saw action at both short and third. Sent to Portland (AAA) in mid-season, he was recalled on September 1 and hit .286 down the stretch run.
1980 was Dale's first full season in the majors. He hit his first career grand slam off the Mets' Mark Bomback on June 1, and filled in at shortstop for Tim Foli (injured) and third base for Bill Madlock (suspended). He opened the 1981 season as the regular second baseman due to an injury to Phil Garner. Dale filled in at second, short and third for the remainder of that year and stole 11 bases in 12 attempts.
In 1982 Dale became the full time Pirate shortstop, playing 153 games at the position, and combined with Johnny Ray to give Pittsburgh the best offensive double play combination in the league. In 1983, he set career highs for games, at-bats and walks, and tied career highs for doubles and home runs. He started all but two games and was the Pirate shortstop in all but 29 innings, playing more than other NL shortstop. Dale batted .333 with 10 doubles in his final 29 games, and [in '83] also established a new major league record by reaching first on catcher's interference seven times (his career total through '84 is 18). In 1984, Dale hit safely in a career high 11 [straight] games from July 13 to July 21. He hit his second career grand slam on August 8 at St. Louis, driving in a career high five runs [in a game] for the third time.
Dale is a graduate of Montclair (NJ) High School where he was twice All-State at shortstop, and was All-State and captain of both the football and hockey teams. He played Little League, American Legion and semi-pro ball in Montclair.
The son of Hall of Fame catcher and former Yankee manager Yogi Berra, Dale and his dad formed the first significant father-son/manager-player combination in baseball history. His brother Tim played NFL football and his brother Larry was a catcher in the Mets organization for two years."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


AL HOLLAND
"Not many ballplayers moved around as much as Al Holland did in 1985. In February [1986] he signed with the Yankees, the fourth team he's been with in the past year. The husky left-hander spent 1985 with the Phillies, Pirates and Angels, but he should have no worries about leaving the Yankees.
His career 2.72 ERA and knack for getting the big out coming out of the bullpen is exactly what the Yankees signed him for. Holland may not possess the stopper quality of a Dave Righetti, but he's a proven reliever. An 8-4 record and 24 saves in 1983 earned him the National League's Rolaids Fireman of the Year Award. A year later he picked up another 29 saves for Philadelphia.
Last year, however, he spent as much time packing as he did pitching. Consequently, he never got the opportunity to settle into a groove. Now, in New York, he's ready to regain the form that made him one of the game's best relievers just a short time ago."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


MARTY BYSTROM
"Trying to come back from off-season elbow surgery made the 1985 season generally an inactive and frustrating one for right-hander Marty Bystrom. He spent most of the year on the disabled list and pitched in only eight games for the Yankees, tallying a 3-2 record and 5.71 ERA. The arm never felt quite right, however, and he made his last start in early September. Good bye, 1985.
'There's not much you can do about injuries,' Bystrom says. 'But I'm thankful the Yankees have stuck by me. I worked hard to rehabilitate myself because I knew they were counting on me and I wanted to prove to them that the money they had spent on me would someday pay off.' Shaking off an injury-prone reputation is difficult for any athlete, but especially for a pitcher. His arm is his livelihood. It has to work. In 1986, Bystrom will make sure his does- and often."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"After undergoing ulnar nerve surgery on his right elbow in November 1984, Marty spent most of '85 rehabilitating. He was placed on the 60-day Emergency DL on April 8, remaining at Ft. Lauderdale to work, and was assigned to Columbus on injury rehab on June 16 where he remained until being brought to New York in July to continue his rehab. The right-hander was reinstated from the DL on July 23, making his first of '85 on July 28 at Texas and allowing seven runs (four earned) in 1.2 innings pitched. He won his next three decisions (in five starts), August 2-24, giving up eight homers in 41 innings pitched while allowing two homers in three of his eight starts. Elbow tenderness prevented him from pitching after his September 9 start.
In 1984 Bystrom was traded to the Yankees on June 30, joining the team on July 2 in Arlington where he won his first AL start on July 3. He was put on the disabled list on August 3 with a tender right elbow. Activated on September 3, Marty made only one appearance the remainder of he season. He underwent the elbow surgery on November 11.
Marty threw a shutout in his first major league start on September 10, 1980 at New York. He was 5-0 in the month of September, winning Pitcher of the Month honors, and the Phillies won every game he started, including Game 5 of the World Series. He had started the '80 season on the DL at Oklahoma City with a hamstring pull and did not pitch until May 18.
Bothered by a shoulder injury in 1981, Marty appeared in only 11 games between Philadelphia and Reading. He also began 1982 on the DL, this time due to the recurring shoulder problem carried over from 1981, and was activated on June 7. He was used primarily as a starter but made three relief appearances, missing two starts in July with shoulder stiffness. Marty then began the 1983 season on the DL with a strained rib cage muscle and was activated on May 3. He was sidelined again on August 21 with a tender right elbow and pitched one game at Peninsula as part of his injury rehabilitation program. Marty threw his second career shutout after returning from the DL, blanking Montreal 5-0.
In 1978 Marty led the Carolina League in innings pitched and shutouts while sharing the league lead with 15 wins. He pitched a 3-0 perfect game victory against Winston-Salem on August 12. In 1979, he jumped from Single-A to AAA where he tied for the American Association lead in games and was ninth in ERA.
Marty graduated from Killian (Miami) High School. He played American Legion baseball, played baseball at Miami-Dade Junior College and was originally signed by scouts Hugh Alexander and Catfish Smith."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


MIKE ARMSTRONG
"Mike Armstrong is on the rise, and not a minute too soon for the Yankees. During the 1985 off-season the team lost two right-handed relievers via the trade route, and Armstrong could be called onto fill that void.
Dealing with the pressure of big game situations is nothing new for Armstrong. In 1983, while with the Kansas City Royals, Mike was used as the all-important setup man for Dan Quisenberry, who set a then major league record with 45 saves.
After suffering arm and shoulder problems through much of 1984, Mike spent most of last season working his way back while pitching for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers. He wants to complete his comeback this year in New York."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Mike was assigned to Columbus on April 6, two days before Opening Day. He appeared in 13 games, going 1-0 with a save and 23 strikeouts in 20.2 innings. Recalled to the Yankees on June 3, Mike made his first Yankee appearance of the year on June 6 at Minnesota. He pitched in six games before being optioned to Columbus on July 17, and was again recalled on August 5. He made no appearances before another tip to the club's AAA affiliate on August 16 where he remained until September 5. He made just three appearances in September, allowing one run in eight innings pitched. Mike threw five innings on September 24 against Detroit, his longest outing as a Yankee.
Opposing batters hit just .173 against him. His nine games were the fewest of his [major league] career.
Mike began his career with the Reds organization as a 1st round selection in January 1974. He was traded to the Padres in 1979 and to the Royals in 1982. He made his major league debut with the Padres against Cincinnati on August 12, 1980, pitching one inning and allowing a walk. Mike made his AL debut on May 19, 1982 against the Yankees, allowing only two hits over three scoreless innings; he posted his first major league win on May 23 against Texas and his first major league save on June 29 against Oakland.
He had his first full major league season in 1983 and finished 32 of the 58 games he appeared in. He was the number two man in the Kansas City bullpen, often working in advance of Dan Quisenberry, who set a major league record with 45 saves (tied in 1984 by Bruce Sutter). In 1984, used primarily in middle inning relief, Mike notched his first Yankee win on July 16.
A native of Long Island, Mike played his college ball at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


VIC MATA
"An outstanding outfielder in waiting is the best way to describe the status of 24-year-old Vic Mata. He's traveled between New York and Triple-A Columbus the past two years, filling in where needed, but has yet to find a lasting spot on the Yankee bench. Mata's consistent bat, excellent range and strong arm make him a candidate for the Yankees' major league roster, but he's in the precarious position of playing behind some hefty talent in the Yankees outfield.
But the youngster from the Dominican Republic is in no hurry. Time is on his side, as they say. He'll contribute to the 1986 Yankees' pennant drive as a late-inning defensive replacement or pinch hitter. A talent like Mata's won't have to wait forever."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Mata came north with the Yankees at the outset of the '85 season due to the injury to Rickey Henderson. He made just two appearances (in right field on April 10 at Boston, and as a pinch hitter and in center on April 16 against Chicago) before being optioned to Columbus on April 22 to make room for Henderson's return. Vic was recalled from Columbus on June 2, when Ken Griffey was placed on the 15-day DL with a sprained left wrist, and played four games, going 1-for-5 with a run. He made only one start, June 11 at Toronto, before being optioned to Columbus on June 12 to make room for Griffey. He played in 104 games at Columbus in '85, 103 in the outfield, and hit .261. Vic was fourth on the team with 375 at-bats and 98 hits.
Now entering his ninth season in the Yankees organization, Vic progressed at each minor league level. Strictly an outfielder in his first three pro seasons, he played first, second and third base in addition to his outfield chores the following three years (playing 56 games at 2B in 1983 while in 74 as an outfielder). Signed by scout Willie Calvino for the 1978 season, Vic was named to the 1982 South Atlantic League All-Star team as an outfielder. He made his major league debut on July 22, 1984 against Minnesota, going 2-for-4.
What Vic remembers most about his first major league game is his first error (on the first ball hit to him) and his first hit. One of eight children, he graduated in 1977 from San Pablo High School in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


HENRY COTTO
"Henry Cotto has a problem. It's not an insurmountable problem but at times it can be troublesome. It's his glove. It's so good you never get around to noticing his potent bat. Cotto, a 25-year-old from Puerto Rico, came to New York from the Cubs before the 1985 season with the reputation of being an excellent outfielder with a strong arm. It was all true and still is.'
But many people don't realize he hit .304 in 34 games with the Yankees a year ago. A surplus of veteran outfielders squeezed Cotto off the Yankee bench and back to Triple-A Columbus for a good deal of the 1985 season. But when Cotto had the chance to swing the lumber in New York, he came through.
If he's given the opportunity to get his swings in this year he may develop a new problem- like having his bat overshadow his glove. He probably wouldn't mind dealing with that situation."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"He opened 1985 with the Yankees due to Rickey Henderson's injured ankle. After Henderson's late-April return, Henry was used as a late inning defensive replacement in both left and center fields. He went 8-for-26 (.286) in 21 games before being optioned to Columbus. He played 75 games in the Columbus outfield, hitting .257 and making just two errors. Recalled to New York on September 3, Henry played in 13 games through the season's end, starting his last six in left field. He went 2-for-4 with four RBIs in the final game of the season on October 6 at Toronto, hitting his first major league home run off Bill Caudill.
In 1984 Cotto earned his reputation as an excellent outfielder, appearing in 88 games in the Cubs' outfield, and his .984 fielding average was the team high for Cubs who appeared in more than 50 games. Inserted into three games of the NLCS against the Padres as a late inning defensive replacement, he went 1-for-1 in his only official at-bat in Game 1. Cotto appeared in Game 4 as a pinch runner and scored a run. He showed good speed on the bases as well as in the outfield in 1984, stealing nine bases in 12 attempts. Henry was traded to the Yankees in December of '84.
Henry displayed a good arm in 1981, leading Midwest League outfielders in assists, and in 1982 led Texas League outfielders in total chances (333) and putouts (310) while leading the league in stolen bases with 52. In 1983, he tied for the American Association lead in caught stealing with 17.
Henry has a perfect 1.000 percentage in both batting (1-for-1) and fielding (2-for-2) in postseason play."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


JUAN ESPINO
"In 1985 Juan had his contract purchased from Columbus on June 21. He played in six games between June 23 and July 2, all at catcher, starting three games, then was outrighted to Columbus on July 3. Juan went 2-for-4 on June 23 at Detroit and 2-for-3 on June 26 at Baltimore- the only games in which he hit safely, as he had only four at-bats the rest of the season.
Juan's contract was again purchased from Columbus on August 30. He appeared in only three games [more] games through October. At Columbus he hit .250 in 74 games, catching 73.
Juan had been in the Yankee organization for nine seasons before being sold to the Cleveland Indians organization in March of 1984. He was named to the International League All-Star team as a catcher for Maine.
Signed by Epy Guerrero for the 1975 season, Juan had his first major league hit on May 24, 1983 at California and his first major league homer on September 7 at Milwaukee off Jaime Cocanower."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


MIKE EASLER
"'The Hit Man' missed a lot in 1985. His average went from .313 in 1984 to .262 last year, his homers declined from 27 to 16 and his RBI total dropped from 91 to 74. Easler played 130 games as a designated hitter and 20 games as an outfielder. He hit 16 homers at Fenway in 1984, but managed only four at home in 1985.
Easler was a sixth round pick by the Astros in the June 1969 draft. A classic late bloomer, he spent 10 years in the minors with four organizations before finally spending an entire year in the big leagues with Pittsburgh in 1979. He hit for the cycle in 1980. Born in Cleveland, Easler played in the 1981 All-Star Game in his hometown.
He was acquired by the Red Sox by Pittsburgh for John Tudor after the 1983 season. His wife Brenda is the sister of the Blue Jays' Cliff Johnson."

-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition


RON KITTLE
"Kittle suffered through a miserable first half after injuring his right shoulder by running into the left field wall on the first weekend of the season. He tried to play with the injury before the White Sox finally put him on the disabled list on July 4. On August 8, he was hitting .191 with eight homers and 17 RBI; from that point on he hit 18 homers, drove in 41 runs and raised his average to .230. Kittle hit two homers in a game five times.
Born in Gary, Indiana, Kittle was signed by the Dodgers as a free agent in 1977. He underwent a spinal fusion after his first pro season and was released in 1978. He was signed by the White Sox after a special tryout in September 1978 that was arranged by former Chicago pitcher Billy Pierce. Kittle was an iron construction worker at the time. He was chosen Minor League Player of the Year in 1982, when he hit .345 with 50 homers and 144 RBI for Edmonton (AAA)."

-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition


WAYNE TOLLESON
"The White Sox acquired this second baseman from the Rangers along with Dave Schmidt for Scott Fletcher and Ed Correa during the off-season. In 123 games in 1985, Tolleson batted .313, a full 100 points higher than his 1984 average, and boasted the fifth highest average in the AL among players with 200 or more at-bats. He improved tremendously against right-handed pitching, hitting .333 from the left side in 1985, a big improvement over his .189 mark in 1984. Tolleson stole 21 bases, marking his third straight season in which he had at least 20.
Selected by Texas in the eighth round of the June 1978 draft, Tolleson was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He was a high school teammate of NFL quarterback Steve Fuller and was the wide receiver who led the NCAA in pass receptions in his senior year at Western Carolina."

-Tom Verducci, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition


CLAUDELL WASHINGTON
"Limited to 122 games by injuries, but this right fielder still enjoyed a consistent season. Washington had only one poor month, batting .257 in August. He batted .294 against right-handers. Washington has the distinction of being one of three men with three-homer games in each league, joining Babe Ruth and Johnny Mize.
Born in Los Angeles, he didn't play prep baseball, but was discovered on the sandlots and signed as a free agent by the A's in 1972. He reached the majors to stay in his third year as a pro and batted .308 for Oakland in his first full season.
Washington batted .571 in the 1974 World Series as a rookie and has two hits in three All-Star Game trips. He signed with the Braves as a free agent in 1981 and batted .333 for Atlanta in the 1982 NLCS."

-Nick Peters, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1986 Edition


DR. JOHN J. BONAMO (Team Physician)
"Dr. John J. Bonamo is in his eighth season as the Yankees team doctor. He is a clinical associate professor of orthopedic surgery at New York University Hospital in Manhattan."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Dr. John J. Bonamo enters his eighth year as the Yankees team physician. He is an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Staten Island and NYU Hospitals, and is a graduate of Boston College and New York Medical College."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


GENE MONAHAN (Trainer)
"Gene Monahan is in his 15th season as Yankees trainer. He has spent 24 years in pro baseball and is a certified member of N.A.T.A."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Gene was born in Rolla, Missouri and received a B.S. in physical education at Indiana University in 1969. A certified member of NATA [National Athletic Trainers Association] and a member of PBATS [Professional Baseball Athletics Trainers Society], serving as chairman of the grants and scholarships committee, he has 24 years of service in professional baseball. Gene started in 1962 at Ft. Lauderdale and is entering his 14th year at the helm of the Yankee training duties."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


STEVE DONOHUE (Assistant Trainer)
"Steve Donohue is in his first year as the Yankees assistant trainer. He has been in the Yankees organization since 1979. Steve graduated the University of Louisville."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Steve was born in Bronxville, New York and received a B.S. in physical education from the University of Louisville. A certified member of NATA and a certified member of New York State EMT [Emergency Medical Technicians], Steve is in his first season as the Yankees' assistant trainer. He has been a member of the Yankees organization since 1979 working at West Haven (1979), Nashville (1980-81) and Columbus (1982-85).
Steve was also assistant trainer for the New York Jets (1974-78) and assistant trainer for the University of Louisville's NCAA Championship basketball team in 1980."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


JEFF MANGOLD (Strength and Conditioning Coach)
"Jeff Mangold is in his third year as the Yankees strength and conditioning coach. He supervises in-season and off-season weight and conditioning programs."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


NICK PRIORE (Clubhouse Manager)
"Nick Priore has worked in the Yankees clubhouse for over 20 years. He was Pete Sheehy's assistant."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Nick Priore, who was Pete Sheehy's assistant in the Yankees clubhouse for over 20 years, is joined this year by Bob Fleming."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


BOB FLEMING (Assistant Clubhouse Manager)
"Bob Fleming is in his first year as the Yankees clubhouse man. He works closely with Nick Priore."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


LOU CUCUZZA (Visitors Clubhouse Manager)
"Lou Cucuzza is in his 11th season of hosting the visiting teams at Yankee Stadium."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Lou Cucuzza is in his 11th year running the visitors clubhouse at the Stadium."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


STEVE GREGORY (Umpires' Room Attendant)
"Steve Gregory is in charge of the umpires locker room for the eighth season."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


BOB SHEPPARD (Public Address Announcer)
"Bob Sheppard has been the public address Voice of the Yankees for 35 years. He also teaches speech at St. John's University."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


EDDIE LAYTON (Stadium Organist)
"Eddie Layton is the Yankee Stadium organist and has recorded over 25 albums. He also records commercials, and plays at Radio City and other New York entertainment centers."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


JIMMY ESPOSITO (Head Groundskeeper)
"Jimmy Esposito has been working on the Yankee Stadium field for over 26 years. He first started 40 years ago at Ebbets Field and also worked for the Los Angeles Dodgers."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Jimmy Esposito, chief of the Yankee ground crew, began his role in 1960 after 14 seasons with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


DOM SCALA (Bullpen Catcher)
"Dom Scala, former All-American from St. John's University, is the Yankees bullpen catcher and works closely with the coaching staff."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook

"Dom Scala, the Yankees' bullpen catcher, is in his ninth season in that capacity. He is a graduate of St. John's University and played in the Oakland organization."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


JIM OGLE (Yankees Alumni Association)
"Jim Ogle heads the Yankees Alumni Association and coordinates Old Timers' Day. He was a New York sportswriter for over 20 years."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


MARSH SAMUEL (Spring Training Coordinator)
"Marsh Samuel began his baseball career as a publicist with the 1946 White Sox. He developed the first press guide."

-The New York Yankees Official 1986 Yearbook


MIKE BATCHKO (Batting Practice Pitcher)
"Mark Batchko is in his second season as batting practice pitcher. He also charts the Yankee defense and is in charge of the Yankees' computer statistics."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide


MIKE BARNETT (Video Coordinator)
"Mike Barnett is in his fifth year coordinating the Yankees' videotape operations."

-1986 New York Yankees Information Guide