1988 Albany-Colonie Yankees Program and Yearbook Notes

New York Yankees AA Farm Club (Eastern League)

Welcome, Yankee Faithful!
I'm happy to welcome the Eastern League's greatest fans back to Heritage Park for the 1988 season. Your tremendous support of the Albany-Colonie Yankees in our first three years of affiliation has resulted in record-setting attendance figures.
I'm sure you'll appreciate the friendliness and professionalism of new owner Paul Keating and his staff this year. They're eager to continue to provide great family entertainment in a new and improved facility.
Many of the players on this year's squad have advanced from the Ft. Lauderdale Yankees, who won the 1987 Florida State League championship. Manager Tommy Jones returns for his second season in charge and he's joined by ex-major leaguers Tony Cloninger and Deron Johnson on his staff.
I'm confident that you'll enjoy first-rate baseball this season, whether at Heritage Park or down the road at Yankee Stadium.

Sincerely,
George Steinbrenner [Principal Owner]


Dear Albany Yankees and Fans:
On behalf of the Eastern League I would like to wish the Albany Yankees and their fans the best of luck for the 1988 season.
The 1988 season will mark Albany's sixth season since baseball returned following a twenty-three-year absence. In that time Albany fans have placed their city firmly on the baseball map, and as the club has drawn over 1.3 million fans in five seasons, and led the Eastern League in attendance the past three seasons.
A new era of Albany Yankee baseball begins in 1988, and the Eastern League is pleased to welcome the new ownership group headed by Paul Keating. There will be a number of changes at Heritage Park in 1988, and more on the drawing board, as the new owners are dedicated to providing Albany fans with first class entertainment in a first class facility.
From April 8th until the playoffs end in September, the Eastern League will provide a great deal of exciting baseball throughout the northeast, and Albany is sure to have its share of the action in this the Eastern League's 66th year of operation.

Sincerely,
Charles Esbach [Eastern League President]


MEET THE NEW PRESIDENT OF THE ALBANY-COLONIE YANKEES
"The new President of the Albany-Colonie Yankees, Paul Keating, grew up with a passion for baseball. He is a lifelong fan with a flair for baseball memorabilia and statistics.
Paul is a native of Fitchburg, Mass., where he was a first baseman on his high school team along with an interest in track as a runner. Keating continued his education at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he was a member of the track team and graduated with a degree in civil engineering. He has maintained his interest as a runner for 30 years and works out often with Nautilus equipment. Although he doesn't get out on the golf course that often, he maintains his interest in the game.
A workaholic, Keating is Treasurer and Chief Executive Officer of P.J. Keating Company and is President of the following companies: Norlite in Cohoes; Keating Sports Group; Keating Materials Corp. of Dracut, Mass.; Roof Block Ltd.; and Keating Environmental Services.
On buying the A/C Yankees, Keating said, 'Since we purchased the Norlite Corporation in 1973, I have fallen in love with the Capital District and want to be a part of the community and take part in the growth of the area.'
What's on the horizon for the Albany-Colonie Yankees? Keating answers, 'Its future growth potential is unlimited.'
Paul lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Barbara Ann. They are the proud parents of sons Paul Jeffrey and Michael Anthony, and daughter Jennifer Lynn Keating."

-1988 Season Albany Colonie Yankees Official Year Book

RALPH ACAMPORA (General Manager)
"Saying it was, 'a lifelong dream come true to be associated with the Yankees,' Ralph Acampora now realizes that dream, being named the new General Manager of the Albany-Colonie Yankees.
Ralph comes to us by way of the New Haven, Connecticut area. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in West Haven (CT) and attended Providence College and Southern Connecticut University, which led to a degree in economics. He has been associated with the construction industry in various capacities, the last five years with the P.J. Keating Company.
As the G.M., Ralph promises a first-class family-oriented atmosphere at Heritage Park and promises that 1988 will produce 'many endeavors to ensure the enjoyment of all the fans who come to watch the Albany-Colonie Yankees and the rest of the Eastern League play."

-1988 Season Albany Colonie Yankees Official Year Book

MIKE HEIFFERON (Trainer)
"The 1988 season will see a familiar face in the role of trainer for the Albany-Colonie Yankees. Mike Heifferon returns after a year's absence, to the trainer's job. Last season Mike was with the Yankee organization's Prince William Yankees of the Carolina League.
Heifferon is a 26-year-old graduate of Ohio State University where he received his Master's degree in strength training. He is a native of Rochester, New York where he also attended Monroe Community College. A former athlete, Mike played tennis and basketball in high school and college.
The trainer's job is a busy one, taking care of the day-to-day health needs of the Albany-Colonie players, as well as a key role on the field just in case an injury pops up."

-1988 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Year Book


1988 ALBANY-COLONIE YANKEES DIRECTORY
Team Physician - Dr. Carl Wirth
Heritage Park Administrator - Gary Holle
Vice-President, Public Relations - Rip Rowan
Vice-President, Operations - Jay Derman
Director of Administrative Services - Isabelle Acampora
Sales - Steve Bernard
Musician - Tommy Ippolito
Team Photographer - Fritz Walker
Head Groundskeeper - John Liburdi
Intern - Cara Tayback
Vice-President-Comptroller - Jack Del Rossi
Vice-President - Lew Troxell
Vice-President - Frank Archambault
Vice-President - John Keating

1988 ALBANY-COLONIE YANKEES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Bishop Howard Hubbard (Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany)
John Strachan (Pepsi Cola)
Steve Fahey (Pepsi Cola)
Joe Richardson (Norstar Bank)
William Keis (Keis Distributors)
Doug Alix (Genessee Brewing Co.)
Walter Otto (Otto Oldsmobile-Cadillac-Isuzu)
Frank Staucett (Provident Mutual)
Salvadore DiCarlo (September's)
Robert Unger (Pyramid-Crossgates Mall Corp.)
Peter Campbell (First Albany Corp.)
Randy Wall (Piedmont Airlines)
Mike Tyson (Heavyweight Champ)


1988 ALBANY-COLONIE YANKEES YEARBOOK PORTRAIT PHOTOS
Oscar Azocar (OF) #17
Tim Becker (SS) #30
Amalio Carreno (P) #22
Gary Cathcart (OF) #29
Mike Christopher (P) #63
Bobby Davidson (P) #13
Dave Eiland (P) #42
Troy Evers (P) #58
Tony Ferriera (P) #55
Bobby Green (OF) #44
Tim Layana (P) #57
Jim Leyritz (C) #33
Jason Maas (OF) #21
Hensley Meulens (3B) #28
Dana Ridenour (P) #51
Mel Rosario (C) #50
Dick Scott (SS) #20
Rob Sepanek (1B) #27
Scott Shaw (3B) #38
Andy Stankiewicz (2B) #2
Aris Tirado (P) #18
Ricky Torres (P) #61

ALBANY-COLONIE GATEWAY TO THE BIG LEAGUES
"As each season goes by, the list of former Albany-Colonie players in the majors gets larger and larger.
Probably Roberto Kelly of the 1986 A/C Yankees is making the biggest move with his chance at making the big club in New York. The fleet center fielder hit .269 in 23 games for New York in'87, with nine stolen bases. Al Leiter from the '87 A/C Yanks also was making the big league transition, going 2-2 with New York in September of last season. Also on the '88 winter roster of New York were shortstop Randy Velarde and third baseman Chris Alvarez.
Over the winter, outfielder Darren Reed, catcher Phil Lombardi and reliever Steve Frey were all dealt to the New York Mets. Doug Drabek had an outstanding second half [of the '87 season] for Pittsburgh going 11-12, and the A/C Yankee Hall of Famer is looking for big things in '88. Bob Tewksbury of the '85 Albany-Colonie Yankees now finds himself in a Chicago Cub uniform, and recent Hall of Fame inductee Keith Hughes is now with the Philadelphia Phillies where he hit .263 in '87. Another former A/C Yankee, Logan Easley, had a great spring in '87 and made the Pittsburgh Pirates as a reliever, but arm trouble all but forced him from the game, until a comeback try this spring.
It will be interesting, to say the least, to see which of this year's crop of Albany-Colonie Yankees makes it to the big time. Stay tuned."

-Rip Rowan, 1988 Season Albany Colonie Yankees Official Year Book

HAZEL CHORNYAK MEMORIAL AWARD
"Outfielder Darren Reed was the fourth recipient of the annual Hazel Chornyak Memorial Award in 1987. The award is given annually in honor of Ben Bernard's aunt. The trophy is given is given to the player who provided the most inspiration to his teammates."

-1988 Season Albany Colonie Yankees Official Year Book


MEET THE PRESS
Jim Brennan (WRGB-TV)
Bob McNamara (WNYT-TV)
John Thomas (WGY)
John Graney (WQBK)
Richard Hill (WROW)
Sandy Taylor (WHRL)
Bill Edwardson (WABY)
Bill Palmer (Schenectady Gazette)
Paul Schwartz (Capital Newspapers)
Tim Wilkin (Capital Newspapers)
David Allan (Metroland WABY)
Steve Amedio (Record Newspapers)
Chris Martin (WMVI)
Steve Shapiro (WTEN-TV)
Bob Gordon (WABY)
Jim Connell (South End Scene)

A/C YANKEE BROADCASTS
"For the second year in a row, WABY AM1400 will broadcast Albany-Colonie Yankee baseball, Monday through Friday, for the entire season.
And once again our announcer will be Jack LeFaivre of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The Albany native came to us last year with a lot of promise and didn't let us down, as he proved to be a top-flight play-by-play man. His insight into the game of baseball and his professional manner makes his broadcasts easy to listen to. This past winter LeFaivre broadcast Davidson College basketball and covered much of the Atlantic Coast Conference for a local newspaper. Having been considered in the past for a major league play-by-play job, Jack not only has the great sound of a pro but a love of baseball, especially for the Yankees, to go along with it.
We also welcome back WABY. Last year's association proved to be a good working relationship between team and broadcaster, and this season will again provide A/C Yankee fans with exciting Yankee baseball."

-1988 Season Albany Colonie Yankees Official Year Book

ADVERTISEMENTS
-1st American: We go to bat for you.
-A to Z Rental Center: Everything You Need to Make Your Wedding a Memorable One
-A1 Active Construction Paving Co.: Specializing in Quality Work
-Albany Memorial Hospital
-Albany Patroons Professional Basketball: Best Of Luck Yankees
-Albany Savings Bank: We're more than a bank.
-Albany Valve & Fitting Company
-Altamont Fair: New York State's Capital Region Hometown Fair
-Amsure Associates, Inc.
-Army National Guard
-The Barnsider
-Barry, Bette & Led Duke: We build better.
-Barry S. Scott Insurance Agency: No Hassles! No Turndowns!
-Baseball America: For Baseball News You Can't Get Anywhere Else
-Big Dom's: Stop by after the game. Enjoy a sub.
-Bilinski's: The Official Hot Dog of the Albany-Colonie Yankees
-Bob & Ron's Fish Fry: Fried Seafood Our Specialty
-Bob Daubney's
-Bob's Sportsworld
-Bridgestone: Where New Ideas Take Hold
-Broadway Sporting Goods
-C.R. Drywall, Inc.
-California Closet Company
-Canteen: An Education in Good Taste
-Casey's East
-Central Business Equipment, Inc.
-Charley Weaver's
-Charlie Sez' Yankee Dodge: A Full-Service Dealership
-Chase Lincoln First: We take games seriously.
-Club East
-Cocca's: Appliance-TV-Video-Microwave
-Coors
-Coulson's: Albany's Original Convenience Store
-Council 82 Security and Law Enforcement Employees: From one winning team to another ... Go Albany-Colonie Yankees in '88.
-Cummins North Atlantic, Inc.
-Damshire Cleaners
-Data Management Associates: Get a grip on success.
-DePaula Chevrolet: Where More People Buy For Less
-Desmormeau Vending Corporation
-Earthworld: Comic Books-Baseball Cards
-Eastern League
-Empire Auto Radiator
-Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield: Imagine life without sports. It's not a healthy thought.
-Empire Limousine
-Esquire Motor Inn
-Executive Cleaning Services: Specialists in Office and Industrial Cleaning
-Express Mail
-Fannie's Pizza and Clam Bar: Before and After the Game
-Freihofer's: Always as good as you remember.
-Geier & Bluhm, Inc.: Precision and Quality
-Genesee Beer
-Gentile's: Quality Carpets & Vinyl Flooring
-Getty
-Grand Slam Baseball Cards: Area's Top Store for Sports Collectibles
-Grandma's Country Restaurant: Famous For Good Old-Fashioned Home Cookin'
-Hancock & Estabrook: Counselors at Law
-Hedley Cadillac-Oldsmobile and Hedley Limousine Service
-Heritage Cafe
-Hoffman's Playland: Capitaland's Family Fun Park
-Home & City Savings Bank: Your Financial Partner
-Hot Dog Charlie's
-Hudson Valley Paper Company: The People Behind the Paper
-Infopress, Inc.: The Quintuple Play Combination
-Joseph F. DiBella: Business and Personal Financial Services
-K & K Taping: Quality Work At A Quality Price
-Kelly Clothes: A Home Run in Menswear!
-Kinetco Water Conditioners
-King's Radiator
-KLite 101 FM: Just Right
-The Langan Group: A Total Transportation Company
-Lawrence Group: The Team Spirit
-Lazare Lincoln-Mercury: Let us do something nice for you today.
-Lexington Grill: Before and after the game join today's action crowd at the Lexington Grill.
-Lillian's Restaurant: Join us - we're only 10 minutes from Heritage Park.
-Long Oil Heat Inc.: A Warm-up Your Home Team Will Love
-Loyal Supply Corporation
-Luigi's: Italian American Restaurant
-Main-Care: The energy experts with the most home runs for Tri-City service.
-Mama Kay's: Pasta, Pizza
-Manufacturers Hanover: The Financial Source
-Metroland: We know the score.
-Mill Road Acres
-Miller Lite: There's only one Lite Beer. Miller Lite.
-Mohawk Honda
-Mohawk Paper Mills: When You Want to Look Good on Paper
-Mr. B's Best: Hungry?
-NAPA Auto Parts: We've got the part you need.
-National Car Rental: You deserve National attention.
-Nemith Lincoln-Mercury-Nissan-Volvo
-Norstar Bank: Team up with Norstar to win!
-Northway Inn
-Orange Motor Company, Inc.
-Orange Motors
-The Orchard: Tavern & Restaurant
-O'Flaherty's: Before or after the game, enjoy fine food and fun!
-OTB Teleplex
-Otto: Otto-Isuzu. The official vehicle of the Albany-Colonie Yankees.
-Papa Cicco's Pizza Express
-Patrick Whelan Associates Incorporated
-Pepsi: The Chill of Victory
-Piedmont: Piedmont. The airline for all seasons.
-Ping: For Those Who Want to Play Their Best
-Professional Business Forms Inc.
-The Professional Golfers' Association of America: Good Luck, Yankees!
-Purple Pub
-R. Kelly Freedman & Son, Inc.: Kelly for Scrap
-Rainbow Glass & Mirror
-Ralph's Restaurant & Tavern
-Raymond A. Kelly, Jr., Trial Lawyer
-Robinson Hardware Corp.
-Rosano's Hardware, Inc.
-Ryder: We're there at every turn.
-Schenectady Gazette: Not Just Another Newspaper ... Distinctly Different
-Semco
-September's: The Albany-Colonie Yankees are #1 in baseball. September's is #1 in live entertainment nightly.
-Shaker Lumber and Hardware: Be sure to visit our new, expanded location.
-Spector's
-Sperry Supply & Warehouse, Inc.
-Star Supermarkets: 7 Convenient Locations
-Sunshine Chemical & Supply Co.: Industrial Chemical & Cleaning Supplies
-Taylor Made Awnings: Always A Shade Better
-Ted's Fish Fry: An Ocean of Flavor
-Tri-City Food Specialties, Inc.: Finish first ... sell the snacks they love.
-V&C Associates: Excellent Service at a Fair Price for All Your Insurance Needs
-WABY: The all-time all-stars play on WABY.
-Watkins Spring Co.: Auto, Truck, Bus Parts
-West Mall Office Plaza
-WROW AM59
-Yankees Magazine
-Ye Ole Locksmith Shoppe: Emergency Service - Anyday Any Hour

1988 New York Yankees Scorecard and Program Notes

WELCOME
"Welcome to another exciting year of Yankees baseball.
This is the 85th anniversary of the most dominant team in the history of professional sports. The Yankees have 22 World Championships and 33 American League pennants in 85 years.
While most teams are still looking for their first championship or can only point to one standout period in their history, the Yankees can boast several distinct eras within their overall dominance of major league baseball.
Yankee greatness was sprouted by the combined talents of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. From Ruth's arrival in New York in 1920 to his departure from the Yankees in 1935, the Pinstripers won four World Championships and seven American League pennants.
Joe DiMaggio's arrival in 1936 started the tradition of great Yankee center fielders, and with his retirement in 1951, the Yankees had added 10 more World Series victories and 11 more pennants.
Mickey Mantle picked up the torch from there, contributing to six additional World Championships and another 11 league pennants that were won before he retired in 1969.
After a dry spell of several years, Thurman Munson and Reggie Jackson had the Yankees back on track in the late '70s, winning two more World Championships and three AL titles.
Now the team has been reshaped and regrouped and is ready to add to the Yankees' rich tradition. We don't know which Yankees in today's lineup will become legends. But already names like Don Mattingly, Rickey Henderson, Ron Guidry, Dave Righetti, Dave Winfield and a host of others are beginning to leave their mark in the Yankee record book.
The Yankees originally joined the American League in 1903 and were known as the 'Highlanders.' Around 1913 the nickname 'Yankees' was adopted and a couple of years later pinstripes appeared on their uniforms. Their first American League pennant was won in 1921 and they claimed their first World Championship in 1923. In 1929, the Yankees were the first team to add numbers to the backs of their uniforms. The Yankee Pride and Tradition was on its way.
Now in 1988 the Yankees proudly wear the same uniforms, play in the same ballpark, in the same great city and carry on the same traditions established when they won their first World Championship.
We take great pride in welcoming you to the 86th season of Yankee baseball ... be a part of it ... as the Bronx Bombers and their fans strive for yet another world title."

-New York Yankees 1988 Scorebook and Souvenir Program


YANKEE STADIUM GROUND RULES
"Foul poles are outside the playing field. Any batted ball hitting a foul pole above the fence line is a home run. Bat racks are within the dugouts.
Any thrown ball hitting a dugout railing or foundation and rebounding on the field is in play. A ball going into the dugout or hitting other parts of the dugout- out of play."

-New York Yankees 1988 Scorebook and Souvenir Program

AMERICAN LEAGUE UMPIRES
2 Bremigan
3 Evans
7 Phillips
8 McKean
9* Kunkel
10 McCoy
11 Denkinger
12 Cooney
13 Cousins
14 Palermo
15 Brinkman
16* DiMuro
17 Hirschbeck
18 Kosc
19 Garcia
20 Ford
21 Kaiser
22 Barnett
23 Reed
24 Clark
25 Johnson
26 Voltaggio
27 Roe
28 Young
29 Shulock
30 Welke
31 Reilly
33 Merrill
34 Morrison
35 Hendry
36 McClelland
37 Coble
38 Tschida

* retired number


WHERE THE YANKEES STAY ON THE ROAD
Baltimore- Marriott Inner Harbor
Boston- Boston Sheraton
California (Anaheim)- Anaheim Marriott
Chicago- The Palmer House
Cleveland- Hollenden House
Detroit- Pontchartrain
Kansas City- Westin Crown Centre
Milwaukee- Pfister Hotel
Minnesota (Minneapolis-St. Paul)- Crowne Plaza Metrodome
Oakland- Oakland Airport Hilton
Seattle- The Westin
Texas (Arlington)- Arlington Hilton
Toronto- The Westin

1988 NEW YORK YANKEES HOME OF CHAMPIONS RADIO NETWORK
NEW YORK
New York, NY (WABC) (flagship station)
Albany/Troy (WROW)
Attica/Batavia (WBTF)
Binghamton/Endicott (WNBF)
Corning/Elmira (WCLI)
Dansville (WDNY)
Dunkirk (WDOE)
Geneva (WGVA)
Gloversville/Johnstown (WENT)
Gouvernor (WIGS)
Ithaca/Cortland (WTKO)
Jamestown (WKSN)
Kingston (WKNY)
Lockport/Buffalo (WLVL)
Norwich (WCHN)
Ogdensburgh (WSLB)
Olean (WHDL)
Oneonta (WDOS)
Potsdam (WPDM)
Rochester (WHAM)
Schenectady (WWWD)
Syracuse (WSYR)
Utica/Rome (WRUN)
Watertown (WOTT)
Wellsville (WLSV)

CONNECTICUT
Hartford/New Britain (WPOP)
Ridgefield/Danbury (WREF)
Torrington (WSNG)
Waterbury (WATR)

FLORIDA
Boca Raton/West Palm Beach (WSBR)
Miami (WIOD)
Tampa/St. Petersburg (WRBQ)

MASSACHUSETTS
Pittsfield (WBRK)
Springfield/East Longmeadow (WIXY)

PENNSYLVANIA
Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton (WEEX)
Pittston (WARD)
Pottsville (WPAM)
Williamsport (WWPA)

VERMONT
Montpelier (WSKI)

1988 NEW YORK YANKEES TELEVISION NETWORK
New York, NY (WPIX) (originating station)

ADVERTISEMENTS
-1050AM WFAN: Catch the Yankees
-1988 Official New York Yankees Publications
-Alka-Seltzer: Don't count on the bullpen for all the relief.
-Amoco: Your Car Knows
-Amtrak: Train with the pros.
-Apple Bank: Keep your eye on the Apple.
-Beck's: The most famous German word in the English language.
-Budweiser: Baseball Fans ... this Bud's for you.
-Busch: Head for the Mountains.
-Clarion Car Audio: Drums. By Clarion.
-Coalition for Literacy
-Corsica: the sport sedan that puts the road in your hip pockets without turning them inside out.
-Dollar Dry Dock: Much More Than A Bank
-Equitable: This summer, the Equitable is giving over 1,000 retirees their old jobs back.
-Ford: Quality Care for Quality Cars
-French's: The Master of Mustards
-Gatorade: When you're playing hardball, Gatorade is thirst aid.
-Home Federal Savings: We're changing to meet your needs.
-Jeep Cherokee: 4x4 of the Year. Again.
-Konica: The Image of Perfection
-Marlboro
-Maxell: No one has done more to save the game.
-McGraw-Hill
-National Westminster Bank USA: It's easy, convenient and free!
-New York City Mission Society: Society needs help!
-New York Life: You need a financial game plan to get the most out of life.
-New York Yankees: An Illustrated History (revised edition) by Donald Honig
-New York Yankees Family Section, featuring alcohol-free seating
-Old Milwaukee Beer: It doesn't get any better than this.
-Prudential-Bache Securities: Rock Solid, Market Wise
-Roche
-Rolaids: In 1987 the Yankees spelled relief Dave Righetti.
-Rums of Puerto Rico
-Sharp: From Sharp minds come Sharp products.
-Sports Phone
-Sportschannel
-Starting Lineup Talking Baseball
-Steinbrenner's Bay Harbor Inn: Tampa's Unique Reflection of Your Good Taste
-Team: We've got the team spirit!
-Third Avenue Sports: Who's on third? For Sports ... For Great Food ... For Fun ...
-TWA: Today's TWA. Find out how good we really are.
-WABC Talkradio 77AM
-Whoppers/Milk Duds Candy
-WPIX
-Yankees Magazine

1988 New York Yankees Opening Day Roster

Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York  (April 5)

Manager - Billy Martin  1

No. Coaches
40  Clete Boyer
50  Chris Chambliss
34  Mike Ferraro
42  Art Fowler
48  George Mitterwald
44  Jeff Torborg

No. Pitchers
27  Neil Allen (R-R) *
45  John Candelaria (R-L)
36  Richard Dotson (R-R)
51  Cecilio Guante (R-R)
35  Lee Guetterman (L-L)
49  Ron Guidry (L-L) *
41  Charles Hudson (R-R)
25  Tommy John (R-L)
28  Al Leiter (L-L)
26  Rick Rhoden (R-R)
19  Dave Righetti (L-L)
43  Tim Stoddard (R-R)

No. Catchers
12  Joel Skinner (R-R)
11  Don Slaught (R-R)

No. Infielders
23  Don Mattingly (L-L)
20  Bobby Meacham (R-R)
13  Mike Pagliarulo (L-R)
30  Willie Randolph (R-R)
17  Rafael Santana (R-R)
 2  Wayne Tolleson (S-R) *

No. Outfielders
54  Jay Buhner (R-R)
33  Jack Clark (R-R) *
21  Jose Cruz (L-L)
24  Rickey Henderson (R-L)
39  Roberto Kelly (R-R)
22  Gary Ward (R-R)
18  Claudell Washington (L-L)
31  Dave Winfield (R-R)

Trainers - Gene Monahan, Steve Donohue
Strength and Conditioning Coach - Jeff Mangold

* not on active roster


SCOREBOOK & SOUVENIR PROGRAM PORTRAIT PHOTOS
Neil Allen (P) 27
John Candelaria (P) 45
Rick Cerone (C) 6
Jack Clark (DH) 21
Jose Cruz (OF) 88
Richard Dotson (P) 36
Cecilio Guante (P) 51
Lee Guetterman (P) 35
Ron Guidry (P) 49
Rickey Henderson (LF) 24
Charles Hudson (P) 41
Tommy John (P) 25
Roberto Kelly (CF) 39
Al Leiter (P) 28
Don Mattingly (1B) 23
Bobby Meacham (SS) 20
Scott Nielsen (P) 52
Mike Pagliarulo (3B) 13
Willie Randolph (2B) 30
Rick Rhoden (P) 26
Dave Righetti (P) 19
Jerry Royster (IF) 46
Rafael Santana (SS) 17
Joel Skinner (C) 12
Don Slaught (C) 11
Tim Stoddard (P) 43
Wayne Tolleson (IF) 2
Gary Ward (OF) 22
Claudell Washington (OF) 18
Dave Winfield (RF) 31

1988 Yankees Yearbook Roster, Taxi Squad and Prospects

Manager - Billy Martin 1
First Base Coach - Mike Ferraro 34
Third Base Coach - Clete Boyer 6
Pitching Coach - Art Fowler 42
Batting Coach - Chris Chambliss 50
Bench Coach - George Mitterwald 48
Bullpen Coach - Jeff Torborg 44

ROSTER
Catcher - Don Slaught 11, Joel Skinner 12, Rick Cerone 33*
First Base - Don Mattingly 23
Second Base - Willie Randolph 30
Third Base - Mike Pagliarulo 13, Wayne Tolleson 2 (2B)
Shortstop - Rafael Santana 17, Bobby Meacham 20
Left Field - Rickey Henderson 24
Center Field - Roberto Kelly 39, Claudell Washington 18
Right Field - Dave Winfield 31, Gary Ward 22 (LF)
Designated Hitter - Jack Clark 21

Starting Pitchers:
Rick Rhoden 26 (DH)
Tommy John 25
Rich Dotson 36
Ron Guidry 49
John Candelaria 45
Charles Hudson 41

Relief Pitchers:
Dave Righetti 19
Tim Stoddard 43
Lee Guetterman 35
Neil Allen 27


TAXI SQUAD
Catcher - +Bob Geren 53*
Third Base - Jerry Royster 46 (SS), +Jeff Moronko 29*
Designated Hitter - Jose Cruz 28* (OF)

Starting Pitchers:
Scott Nielsen 52
Pete Filson 47

Relief Pitchers:
+Steve Shields 40*
Pat Clements 38
Dale Mohorcic 54
Cecilio Guante 51
Mike Kinnunen 62


PROSPECTS
Catcher - Mitch Lyden
First Base - Orestes Destrade
Third Base - Chris Alvarez, Hensley Meulens
Shortstop - Randy Velarde
Outfield - Jay Buhner

Starting Pitchers:
Al Leiter
Clay Parker
Troy Evers

Relief Pitchers:
Bill Fulton
Amalio Carreno


* unofficial uniform number
+ six-year minor league free agent

1988 New York Yankees Player Development

General Manager - Lou Piniella
Vice-President, Baseball Administration - Bob Quinn
Director of Player Development - Bobby Hofman
Assistant Director of Player Development - Peter Jameson
Director of Scouting - Brian Sabean
Assistant Director of Scouting - Kevin Elfering
Assistant to Player Development and Scouting- Steve Logozzo
Director, Video Coordination - Jeff Sadler
Director, Computer Services - Jon Cook


YANKEE FARM CLUBS
AAA
Columbus, Ohio
International League
Manager - Bucky Dent
Coaches - Ken Rowe, Champ Summers
Trainer - Kevin Rand

AA
Albany-Colonie, New York
Eastern League
Manager - Tommy Jones
Coaches - Tony Cloninger
Trainer - Mike Heifferon

A
Prince William, Virginia
Carolina League
Manager - Wally Moon
Coaches - Gus Gil, Nick Willhite

A
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Florida State League
Manager - Buck Showalter
Coaches - Carlos Lezcano, Russ Meyer
Trainer - Paul Lessard

A
Oneonta, New York
New York-Penn League
Manager - Gary Allenson
Coaches - Jeff Taylor, Jim Saul

Rookie
Sarasota, Florida
Gulf Coast League
Manager - Brian Butterfield
Coaches - Jack Gillis, Rudy Santin, Hoyt Wilhelm

Minor League Coordinator - Stump Merrill
Minor League Hitting Instructor - Gene Tenace
Minor League Strength and Conditioning Coach - Hop Cassady


YANKEE SCOUTING
1988 Yankee Spring Training Scout Signings:

VINCE CAPECE: Chris Lombardozzi (1985)

HOP CASSADY: Jeff Hellman (1985)

MURRAY COOK: Bill Fulton (1983)

WHITEY DEHART: Mitch Lyden (1983)

JOE DICARLO: Dan Arendas (1986), Bill Dacosta (1987), Sean Gargin (1987), Maurice Guercio (1984), Matthew Harrison (1984), Al Leiter (1984), Mark Marris (1986)

FRED FERREIRA: Oscar Azocar (1983), Antonio Baldiris (1987), Francisco Benitez (1987), Tim Bishop (1987), Casanova Brito (1985), Dennis Brow (1985), Angel Cantres (1986), Amalio Carreno (1983), Jovino Carvajal (1986), Manuel Castillo (1987), Felipe Cespedes (1987), Jose Cleto (1987), Roberto Concepcion (1986), Henry Cruz (1986), Antonio DeLeon (1987), Orestes Destrade (1981), Ray Didder (1985), Antonio Drullard (1987), Luis Faccio (1986), Reynaldo Fernandez (1985), Fernando Figueroa (1985), Rene Francisco (1987), Robert Garcia (1986), Santos Garcia (1986), Steve George (1982), Ysidro Giron (1985), Ed Gonzalez (1986), Narcisco Gonzalez (1987), Yanko Hauradou (1985), Jose Herrera (1986), Ramon Jimenez (1986), Kenneth Juarbe (1987), Roberto Kelly (1982), Jose Laboy (1983), Ramon Lantigua (1986), Harvey Lee (1984), Johnny Leon (1987), Temis Liendo (1986), Fidel Mane (1987), Ramon Manon (1985), Mariano Mendez (1987), Hensley Meulens (1985), Orlando Miller (1987), William Morales (1986), Omar Obando (1987), Jose Ortiz (1987), Carlos Padilla (1987), Mike Pagliarulo (1981), Cesar Perez (1987), Inoa Perez (1986), Laureano Persia (1987), Jesse Pickrell (1987), Jose Plasencia (1987), Rafael Quirico (1987), Rolando Reyes (1986), Cesar Rivera (1986), Carlos Rodriguez (1987), Gabriel Rodriguez (1984), Ubaldo Rojas (1987), Aris Tirado (1985), Miguel Torres (1987), Ricky Torres (1984), Hector Vargas (1985), Yovanny Veras (1986), Bernie Williams (1985), Pedro Williams (1987)

ORRIN FREEMAN: Luc Berube (1986), Art Calvert (1984), Steve Erickson (1987), Rob Lambert (1985), Tim Layana (1986), Jason Maas (1985), Vince Phillips (1987), Dana Ridenour (1986), Andy Stankiewicz (1986)

JACK GILLIS: Tim Becker (1986), Gary Cathcart (1984), Rod Ehrhard (1987), Dave Eiland (1987), Randy Foster (1986), Dean Kelley (1987), Pop Popplewell (1987), Jerry Rub (1986), Turner Ward (1986)

DICK GROCH: Darrin Chapin (1986), Casey Close (1986), Doug Gogolewski (1987), Lew Hill (1987), Scott Kamieniecki (1986), Mark Manering (1986), Edward Martel (1987), Hal Morris (1986), Danny Roman (1987), Dennis Ryans (1987)

JIM GRUZDIS: Mike Christopher (1985), Bob Davidson (1984), Scott Gay (1985), Freddie Hailey (1987), Red Morrison (1987), Darrell Tingle (1987)

EPPY GUERRERO: Rafael Santana (1976)

BOB HARTSFIELD: Todd Gedaminski (1987), Don Stanford (1987)

BOBBY HOFMAN: Mickey Tresh (1986)

GARY HUGHES:  Pete Dalena (1982), Randy Graham (1982)

JOHN KENNEDY: Dick Scott (1981)

DON LINDEBERG: Royal Clayton (1987), Tony Gwinn (1986), Jay Makemson (1987), Vince Phillips (1987), Tom Weeks (1987)

BILL LIVESEY: Chris Carroll (1985), Jim Leyritz (1985), Kevin Maas (1986), John Ramos (1986), Chris Seaman (1987), David Turgeon (1987)

GREG ORR: Hernan Cortes (1987), Ted Higgins (1985), John Ramos (1986), Allen Warren (1988)

MEADE PALMER: Steve Adkins (1986), Rick Balabon (1985)

GUST POULOS: Don Mattingly (1979), Tony Russell (1982)

JAX ROBERTSON: Don Mattingly (1979)

JOE ROBISON: Bobby Dickerson (1987), Gerald Williams (1987)

BRIAN SABEAN: Chris Byrnes (1986), Kevin Crofton (1986), Bob Green (1985), Chris Howard (1986), Laureano Persia (1987), Mark Rose (1986), Scott Shaw (1985), Bill Voeltz (1986)

STAN SALESKI: Ralph Kraus (1986)

CHARLIE SILVERA: Brent Blum (1985)

JEFF TAYLOR: Rodney Imes (1987)

DICK TIDROW: Joey Blackwell (1987), Todd Brill (1987), Troy Evers (1985)

PAUL TURCO: Brad Ausmus (1987)


1988 YANKEES YEARBOOK "ON THE WAY UP"
Chris Alvarez (3B)
Amalio Carreno (RHP)
Orestes Destrade (1B)
Troy Evers (RHP)
Bill Fulton (RHP)
Mitch Lyden (C)
Hensley Meulens (3B)
Clay Parker (RHP)
Steve Shields (RHP)
Randy Velarde (SS)

ALBANY-COLONIE GATEWAY TO THE BIG LEAGUES
"As each season goes by, the list of former Albany-Colonie players in the majors gets larger and larger.
Probably Roberto Kelly of the 1986 A/C Yankees is making the biggest move with his chance at making the big club in New York. The fleet center fielder hit .269 in 23 games for New York in'87, with nine stolen bases. Al Leiter from the '87 A/C Yanks also was making the big league transition, going 2-2 with New York in September of last season. Also on the '88 winter roster of New York were shortstop Randy Velarde and third baseman Chris Alvarez.
Over the winter, outfielder Darren Reed, catcher Phil Lombardi and reliever Steve Frey were all dealt to the New York Mets. Doug Drabek had an outstanding second half [of the '87 season] for Pittsburgh going 11-12, and the A/C Yankee Hall of Famer is looking for big things in '88. Bob Tewksbury of the '85 Albany-Colonie Yankees now finds himself in a Chicago Cub uniform, and recent Hall of Fame inductee Keith Hughes is now with the Philadelphia Phillies where he hit .263 in '87. Another former A/C Yankee, Logan Easley, had a great spring in '87 and made the Pittsburgh Pirates as a reliever, but arm trouble all but forced him from the game, until a comeback try this spring.
It will be interesting, to say the least, to see which of this year's crop of Albany-Colonie Yankees makes it to the big time. Stay tuned."

-Rip Rowan, 1988 Season Albany Colonie Yankees Official Year Book

1988 Yankee Minor League Manager and Coaches Profiles

GARY ALLENSON (Manager, Oneonta)
"Gary attended Arizona State, where he played on their college World Series team in 1975. Selected by the Red Sox in the 9th round of the June 1976 free agent draft, he led Florida State League catchers in fielding percentage (.989) and assists (80) in 1977. Allenson was International League MVP and All-Star catcher in 1978, leading catchers in putouts (735), assists (86) and throwing out base stealers (43).
He hit his first major league home run on April 15, 1979 against Cleveland's Rick Wise. Gary signed with the Toronto Blue Jays as a free agent for the 1985 season.
Gary returns to Oneonta in his second year of managing in 1988."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


BRIAN BUTTERFIELD (Manager, 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 Florida Southern (1979) and Eckerd College (1980-81). He was named Most Valuable Player of the Ft. Lauderdale squad in 1981.
He is the son of the late Jack Butterfield, who was Yankees Vice-President of Player Development and Scouting. Brian will manage for the first time in 1988, at Sarasota."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


TONY CLONINGER (Pitching Coach, Albany-Colonie)
"Tony spent over eight seasons in the Milwaukee-Atlanta Braves organization. He won 19 games for the Braves in 1964 and bettered that with 24 wins in 1965, the Braves' last season playing in Milwaukee. He was traded to Cincinnati along with Clay Carroll and Woody Woodward for Milt Pappas, Ted Davidson and Bob Johnson on June 11, 1968.
He conducted baseball camps and clinics in the years following his retirement in 1972. Tony will be the pitching coach at Albany in 1988."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide

"For those of you who love baseball trivia, A-C Yankee pitching coach Tony Cloninger is certainly steeped in baseball history. On July 3, 1966, Tony, then pitching for the Atlanta Braves, hit two grand slam home runs, one in the first inning and the second in the fourth inning. Cloninger is the only pitcher in major league history to hit two grand slam homers in one game.
That's not to say that Tony couldn't pitch because he could. In 1964, with the Milwaukee Braves, he recorded a 19-14 record. The next season he bettered that with a 24-11 record with Milwaukee. In all, Cloninger played 12 seasons in the majors with the Braves, Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals. His career record was 113-97 with a win for the Reds in the 1970 Championship Series and a loss in the 1970 World Series.
This is Tony's second year in the Yankees organization as a coach, having been with Oneonta of the New York-Penn League last season."

-1988 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Year Book


BUCKY DENT (Manager, Columbus)
"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 World Championship 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 [Babe Ruth Award] for the Series.
He 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 managed Ft. Lauderdale in 1985-86, and his 1986 club narrowly missed the playoffs, by a .005 margin. His '87 Clippers swept through the International League playoffs (6-0) to capture the Governor's Cup. Bucky and his entire staff return to Columbus in 1988 to defend their title."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


GUS GIL (Coach, Prince William)
"Gus played professionally from 1959 to 1976 and also played winter ball in his native Venezuela for 19 years. He previously coached in the Yankees' system at Ft. Lauderdale in 1977 and at West Haven in 1978 and was Scouting Supervisor in Latin American for the California Angels in 1979.
Gus has worked as a television commentator on major league 'Game of the Week' broadcasts to Caracas, Venezuela. Founder and President of the Gonzalo Marquez Foundation for the Professional Player, he received a degree in sports administration from Santa Maria University in 1987."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


JACK GILLIS (Coach, Sarasota)
"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. The East Coast Cross-Checker for the Yankee scouting department, Jack moves to Sarasota as a coach in 1988."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


DERON JOHNSON (Hitting Instructor, Albany-Colonie)
"Deron Johnson joins the Yankee organization after nine straight years as a big league hitting coach with the California Angels, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners and, last season, with the Chicago White Sox.
The California native signed with the New York Yankees in 1956 and played for them briefly in 1960. He started the 1961 season with New York, spending a 16-year major league career with nine different organizations. Johnson spent four seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, highlighted by 1965 when he hit .287 with 32 home runs and 130 RBIs.
He also spent five seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, with 34 homers and 95 RBIs in 1971. When he finished his career, the big first baseman had a .244 lifetime average with 245 round-trippers and 923 RBIs. In 1971 he tied a major league record with four homers in four straight plate appearances.
Johnson still resides in California with his wife and three children."

-1988 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Year Book


TOMMY JONES (Manager, Albany-Colonie)
"Jones attended the University of California-Davis, where he played football, for two years. He graduated from the University of the Pacific with a B.A. in history in 1976. Tommy was named co-MVP of the baseball squad in his senior year. He signed as a free agent with the independent Grays Harbor Club in 1976 and led Northwest League outfielders in assists (10) and double plays (5) that year.
He joined the Padres major league coaching staff for the last month of the 1979 season. Jones was voted the Pioneer League Manager of the Year for 1982 and 1983. He spent five years managing in the Kansas City organization.
Tommy will manage Albany again in 1988."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide

"Tommy Jones is back for another season as the A-C Yankee skipper and, according to T.J., the only way to go is up.
Not afraid to speak his mind or stick up for his team, Tommy is a fiery competitor who lists Billy Martin as his idol.
Last season was one of some frustration for T.J. and he wants this season to be a most memorable one in winning fashion. His colorful manners are a crowd favorite as T.J. takes his job very seriously, as those who know him will attest.
An outstanding athlete himself, Tommy was the starting quarterback at the University of California-Davis as well as a varsity baseball player. T.J. spent seven years as a pro player in the minor leagues before his first managerial job in 1982. You will find Tommy in the Yankee workout room during off years or taking a big cut at the ball on the golf course."

-1988 Season Albany-Colonie Yankees Official Year Book


CARLOS LEZCANO (Coach, Ft. Lauderdale)
"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 and coached at Sarasota in 1986.
Carlos returns for his second season with the Ft. Lauderdale club."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


RUSS MEYER (Pitching Coach, Ft. Lauderdale)
"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 National League champion Philadelphia Phillies [and 1953 and 1955 NL champion Brooklyn Dodgers].
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.
In 1988 Monk will work with Buck Showalter for the fourth straight season."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


WALLY MOON (Manager, Prince William)
"Wally attended Texas A & M University, where he earned his Master's degree in education in 1951. He homered in his first major league at-bat on April 13, 1954 and was named National League Rookie of the Year that season. Moon was traded with pitcher Phil Paine to the Los Angeles Dodgers for outfielder Gino Cimoli in December of 1958. He won a Gold Glove as an outfielder in 1960 and tied the National League record for most home runs in the month of April (8) in 1961.
Head Baseball Coach at John Brown University (Arkansas), 1965-76, and President/Owner of the San Antonio Dodgers, 1977-81, Wally returns to Prince William as manager in 1988."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


KEN ROWE (Pitching Coach, Columbus)
"Ken signed with Detroit in 1953 and was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers in December 1955. After two years in the Army stationed in Germany, he returned to win 28 games over the next two seasons.
In 1962, he was converted to a reliever. Ken won 16 games and led the PCL in appearances (88) at Spokane in 1964. He was purchased by Baltimore later that year and earned a victory on his first day in the majors. He set a professional baseball record for appearances that season with 94.
Ken earned All-Star honors six times in his career. He spent 15 years in the Oriole organization, the last one and a half as the big league pitching coach. Ken returns to Columbus in 1988."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


JIM SAUL (Coach, Albany)
"Jim played 14 years in pro ball. He will coach at Albany in 1988."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


BUCK SHOWALTER (Manager, Ft. Lauderdale)
"Buck graduated from 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 Southern League All-Star team. He also led the Southern League in hits with 152 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. His O-Yanks set a league mark for wins with 55 in 1985, only to better that with 59 in 1986. Buck's '87 Ft. Lauderdale club had the Florida State League's best record, marking the third straight season a club of his has achieved that distinction."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


CHAMP SUMMERS (Hitting Instructor, Columbus)
"Champ graduated from Southern Illinois-Edwardsville with a B.S. degree in education in 1972. He played four years of college basketball but played only 35 games of college baseball in his senior year before signing with the Oakland A's in 1971. Champ did not play football but was offered a tryout with the Dallas Cowboys.
In 1974 he was the first player to pinch-hit for Reggie Jackson. Named American Association Player of the Year in 1978, Summers hit 20 homers in only 246 at-bats (1 HR every 12.3 at-bats) in 1979. He homered (career homer No. 50) in his first at-bat for San Francisco on April 14, 1982.
Champ will serve as the hitting instructor for Columbus again in 1988."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


JEFF TAYLOR (Pitching Coach, Oneonta)
"Taylor pitched in the Yankees farm system for five years. He was pitching coach at the University of Delaware in 1983 and head coach at Wilmington College in 1986.
He graduated from the University of Delaware in 1983 with a Master's Degree in physical education. Jeff scouted Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina for the Yankees prior to joining the Oneonta club in June."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


GENE TENACE (Roving Hitting Instructor)
"Gene played on four World Championship teams during his 15 major league seasons. In 1972 he became the first player to hit home runs in his first two World Series at-bats, while also setting the Series mark for slugging percentage (.913).
The minor league hitting instructor for the Milwaukee Brewers in 1984 following his retirement in 1983, Gene worked as bullpen coach for the Houston Astros in 1986 and 1987. He will instruct catchers and hitters throughout the Yankees' minor league system in 1988."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


HOYT WILHELM (Pitching Coach, Sarasota)
"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."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


NICK WILLHITE (Pitching Coach, Prince William)
"Willhite pitched in the Dodgers, Angels, Mets and Royals organizations during his professional career. He was the assistant baseball coach at Brigham Young University from 1970-76 and also coached in the Milwaukee Brewers' farm system in 1978-79. Nick will be reunited with ex-Dodger teammate Wally Moon at Prince William in 1988."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide

1988 Yankee Prospect Profiles

AL LEITER
"Made big impression after September promotion. Leiter went 2-2 with a 6.35 ERA in four starts but showed he could be overpowering as he fanned 28 in 22 2/3 innings. He recorded his first six major league outs on strikeouts and allowed one run in six innings to beat Milwaukee, 4-3, in his debut.
Leiter has excellent movement on his fastball and is frequently compared to Dave Righetti. He shows surprising poise for his age, but will the Yankees have the patience to live with his mistakes?
Born in Toms River, New Jersey, Leiter was selected by the Yankees in the second round of the June 1984 draft. His older brothers Kurt and Mark have pitched in the Baltimore system."

-Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1988 Edition

"Just by taking the mound for his first major league start last September, Al Leiter set a team record, becoming the 48th man to play for the Yankees in 1987. By the time the then 21-year-old southpaw left the mound he cut that number in half, giving himself a chance to make the 24-man roster in 1988. Right from the start, Leiter came out firing, striking out six batters in the first two innings of his major league debut.
He started 1987 in Columbus where he suffered a broken nose, and while working his way back at Double-A Albany he went on the DL with a tender left shoulder. Leiter came back strong, winning two postseason games for Columbus before making his debut for the Yankees.
After looking impressive for New York, the baseball world took note. The Yankee brass turned down several offers for the youngster over the winter, and now Leiter is vying for a spot in the team's rotation. 'After last year I have a real shot at making the team,' he says. 'That's all I can ask for.'"

-The New York Yankees Official 1988 Yearbook

"Leiter began the 1987 season at Columbus but was placed on the disabled list on May 1 with a broken nose, suffered while running sprints in the outfield. He was reinstated from the DL on May 23 and was re-optioned to Albany on May 24. While in AA ball, Leiter was placed on the DL on June 14, this time with a tender left shoulder. He was activated on July 3 and remained with Albany until being re-optioned to Columbus on August 27.
He finished his Albany season with a record of 3-3 with a 3.35 ERA, appearing in 15 games and starting 14. At Columbus he was 1-4 with a 6.17 ERA in five games, all starts, in the regular season. Al made two starts in the International League playoffs, defeating Rochester 15-3 on September 3 and downing Tidewater on September 8 in Game 2 of the Governor's Cup finals. In those two postseason starts, he allowed three earned runs in 15.1 innings pitched with nine hits, two walks and 11 strikeouts [0.72 WHIP].
Al pitched for the Yankees against the Atlanta Braves in the Hall of Fame exhibition game on July 27, going two scoreless, hitless innings with three strikeouts and was credited with the save in the Yankees' 3-0 win over Atlanta. He was recalled by the Yankees on September 10 and made his official Yankee debut at age 21 on September 15 in a starting assignment against Milwaukee. Al became the youngest player to pitch for the Yankees since 19-year-old Jose Rijo appeared on July 6, 1984 at Minnesota, and the youngest to start for the Yankees since Rijo on June 11, 1984 at Boston. In that start he also became the 48th man to play for the Yankees in 1987, breaking the record of 47 players used in 1979 and 1982.
In that first big league start, Al showed great poise while allowing the Brewers just one run on one hit in six innings, walking four and striking out eight en route to his first career victory as the Yanks defeated the Brewers 4-3. By winning that game he became the youngest Yankee pitcher to win a game since Rijo defeated Baltimore on June 23, 1984, and was the youngest Yankee starter to record a victory since 20-year-old Gene Nelson beat Baltimore on June 4, 1981.
Leiter suffered his first major league loss on September 20 against Toronto, losing 6-2 while allowing home runs to George Bell and Nelson Liriano. He won his second game on September 25 at Baltimore, winning 6-4 while allowing the Birds four runs on eight hits in 6.2 innings pitched, walking five and striking out 10, the first time Al struck out 10 or more batters in a game in his professional career. He finished the season by picking up his second loss with the Yankees, dropping a 7-0 decision to the Red Sox on September 30, going only 3.1 innings and giving up six runs on five hits with three walks and three strikeouts.
He finished with a 2-2 record with the Yankees in four starts with 6.35 ERA, along with 15 walks and 28 strikeouts in 22.2 innings pitched, giving up 16 runs (all earned) on 24 hits [1.72 WHIP]. Coming into 1987 he had a career minor league strikeout-to-walk ratio of 1.5 to 1, but in '87 it was 1.8 to 1.
Leiter was selected by the Yankees in the second round (regular phase) of the June 1984 free agent draft. He began his pro career at Oneonta of the 'A' New York-Penn League, going 3-2 in 10 starts with a 3.63 ERA. Al notched 48 strikeouts in 57 innings pitched.
He began the 1985 season with the 'A' Ft. Lauderdale Yankees and posted a 1-6 record and a 6.48 ERA in 17 starts and recorded a complete game. He finished the year at Oneonta and went 3-2 in six starts with a 2.37 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 38 innings, with two complete games.
In 1986 Leiter appeared in 22 games (21 starts) for Ft. Lauderdale Yankees and posted a 4-8 record with an ERA of 4.05 (117.2 IP, 96 H, 63 R, 53 ER, 90 BB. 101 K) [1.58 WHIP]. He had one complete game, a 2-hit 6-0 shutout of West Palm Beach on May 24, recording eight strikeouts in that contest. He followed that by pitching five shutout innings of 2-hit ball with seven strikeouts against Daytona Beach on May 30 and received credit for the Yankees' victory. Al had a season high nine strikeouts twice, on May 13 against Vero Beach and on July 9 at Ft. Myers, but did issue six or more walks six times including a season high of seven walks on June 17 at St. Petersburg. He missed two starts when he was sidelined with a bruised left elbow from July 26-August 8.
Al graduated from Central Regional High School in Bayville, New Jersey in 1984, where he participated in baseball, football and track and led the baseball team to the state championship. His older brother Kurt was a pitcher in the Orioles organization from 1982 through 1984 and his older brother Mark has been a pitcher in the Oriole system since 1983.
Al's favorite player is Tom Seaver and his favorite entertainer is Bruce Springsteen. His favorite spectator sport is college basketball, and his most memorable sports moment: 'My first six major league outs were strikeouts.'"

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


JAY BUHNER
"Ever since he was acquired from the Pittsburgh organization in 1984, Jay Buhner has done nothing but excel as a Yankee farmhand.
The strapping young Texan enjoyed his finest pro season last year as he hit .279 with 85 RBI and an International League-leading 31 home runs. He capped off the year by getting called up to New York for most of September. In the Bronx, Buhner impressed with his strong arm, good range and quick, powerful swing.
Buhner may have a tough time becoming a Yankee regular in 1988, but he is sure to be a prominent fixture in the near future."

-The New York Yankees Official 1988 Yearbook

"Buhner spent most of the 1987 season with the AAA Columbus Clippers of the International League, where he batted .279 (40-for-152) in 134 games with 31 home runs and 85 RBIs. He led the league in homers, ranked third in RBIs, second in total bases with 258 and finished tied for third with 12 game-winning RBIs. Jay was named one of the outfielders on the postseason International League All-Star team.
He hit 12 of his 31 homers in August, when he also had 26 RBIs, and was recalled from Columbus to New York on September 10. Buhner made his major league debut the next day, September 11 at Toronto, as the starter in left field. His first major league at-bat came in the second inning when he flew out to center field off Mike Flanagan. He went 0-for-4 in that contest but did record his first major league RBI. Jay started the next day, also at Toronto, and went 2-for-3 off Jimmy Key. His first major league hit, a single to left in the fifth inning, came off Key as did a single to left in the seventh.
Jay played in five more games with the Yanks. He went 1-for-3 on October 2 against Baltimore, hitting a double off Jeff Ballard for his first major league extra base hit, and had his second career multi-hit game on October 4 against Baltimore, going 2-for-4 with a double. In his seven games with the Yankees he hit .227 (5-for-22) with two doubles, a RBI, a walk and six strikeouts.
He was ticketed to start the 1986 campaign at the AA level but suffered a fractured ulna bone in a spring training game on April 1. As a result, he was placed on the disabled list on April 11 and remained there until July 27. Jay made his season debut on July 28 with the Ft. Lauderdale Yankees of the 'A' Florida State League. In 36 games with that club, Jay hit .304 (42-for-138) with 24 runs, nine doubles, seven home runs and 31 RBIs.
Jay was acquired by the Yankees along with Dale Berra and Alfonso Pulido in exchange for Steve Kemp and Tim Foli in December 1984. He spent the 1985 season with Ft. Lauderdale, batting .296 in 117 games with 11 home runs and 76 RBIs. Jay led the Florida State League in game winning RBIs (15) and was named 'Star of Stars' in the FSL All-Star Game.
He was the Pirates' second round pick (secondary phase) in the January 1984 draft. In his first pro season, at Watertown of the 'A' New York-Penn League, Buhner hit .323 in 65 games with nine home runs and a league leading 58 RBIs. He was named to the New York-Penn League All-Star team as an outfielder.
Buhner graduated in 1982 from Clear Creek High School in League City, Texas where he was All-State in baseball. He attended McClellan Community College in Waco, Texas. Selected in the ninth round of the regular phase of the June 1983 draft by Atlanta, Jay signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Texas prior to being drafted by the Pirates. He was awarded a college scholarship only after attending a tryout camp.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Jay's favorite spectator sports are pro basketball and baseball. His favorite team growing up was the Cincinnati Reds and his favorite players were Dave Parker and Willie Stargell. The greatest influences on his career were Stargell and Bucky Dent.
Jay would like to start a guiding business (hunting and fishing) after his baseball career. His favorite entertainers are Chuck Norris, John Wayne and Dominique Wilkins."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


ORESTES DESTRADE
"Destrade signed as a free agent with the Yankees in 1981 and has averaged over 22 homers a year since 1985. He spent most of 1987 with Columbus, hitting .263 with 25 home runs and 85 RBI, and hit .263 with the Yankees last September."

-The New York Yankees Official 1988 Yearbook

"Destrade spent most of 1987 with the AAA Columbus Clippers, where he hit .256 (119-for-465) in 135 games with 26 doubles, three triples, 25 home runs (fourth in the International League) and 81 RBIs (fifth in the IL). He also ranked fifth in the league in games played and second in walks (79). After finishing the season at Columbus, Destrade was recalled to the Yankees on September 10.
He made his major league debut on September 11 at Toronto in a pinch-hitting capacity, for Wayne Tolleson, and was walked by Mike Flanagan. Orestes went 2-for-5 on September 22 at Milwaukee (Game 2) with a run scored while notching his first major league hit in that contest, a single to center in the third inning off Dave Stapleton. He also made his first major league start in that game.
Destrade pinch-hit for Don Mattingly (who had the flu) in the fifth inning of an October 1 game against Boston and flied to left, becoming the first player to pinch-hit for Mattingly since Vic Mata did so on August 3, 1984. He then notched his first big league RBI on October 3 against Baltimore. In his final at-bat of the season, on October 4 against Baltimore, Orestes was in a pinch-hitting role for Roberto Kelly and was the fifth consecutive pinch hitter used by the Yankees in that inning (9th), tying a major league record.
In all, he played nine games with the Yankees in 1987, batting .263 (5-for-19) with five runs scored, a RBI, five walks and five strikeouts.
Destrade was having an exceptional year at Columbus in 1986 when he suffered a season-ending broken and dislocated right ankle sliding into second base in a game at Tidewater on July 23. He underwent surgery (by Dr. John Bonamo) to repair the injury on July 28 and missed the remainder of the season.
He finished with a batting average of .276 (99-for-359) in 98 games with 59 runs, 21 doubles, four triples, 19 home runs, 56 RBIs, 185 total bases and a slugging percentage of .515. At the time of his injury, he ranked first in the International League in total bases, second in home runs and third in runs scored. Despite missing more than a month of the season, Destrade still finished tied for third in the IL in home runs and was second in slugging percentage. He hit a home run once every 18.89 at-bats, the fourth-best ratio in the IL, led Columbus in home runs and finished third on the club in RBIs. He was named as the Rookie of the Year in the International League and was named IL Player of the Week for May 19-25.
Destrade has progressed steadily through the minors while showing the ability to play both first and the outfield. A switch-hitter, he hits the ball to all fields from both sides but makes better contact from the right side.
In 1981 at Paintsville he led the Appalachian League in home runs with 14 and in 1982 hit four homers with 30 RBIs in 64 games at Oneonta. In 1983 at Ft. 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 Ft. Lauderdale club in homers and RBIs with 18 and 74 respectively. In 1984, he led the Ft. Lauderdale Yankees with 12 home runs and also had six homers in 35 games with Nashville.
In 1985 Orestes led Albany (AA Eastern League) 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), total chances (1,194), putouts (1,103) and double plays (99). He finished second in the EL in homers and total bases (222), tied for second in walks (86) and third in runs.
Orestes attended Coral Park High School and Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, where he graduated in 1980. He was all-city in basketball and baseball and was offered college scholarships in both sports. Orestes was a junior college All-American at Florida College and was signed by Yankee scout Fred Ferreira.
His hobbies are basketball, reading, movies and computers and his favorite spectator sport is college basketball. His favorite teams growing up were the Yankees and the Cincinnati Reds and his favorite player was Tony Perez.
Orestes is nicknamed 'Big O.'"

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


CHRIS ALVAREZ
"Acquired from the White Sox in February 1986, Alvarez hit .305 with Albany-Colonie in 1987 and was named the starting third baseman in the Eastern League All-Star Game. He finished the season with Columbus.
Alvarez was voted the Yankees 1986 Minor League Player of the Year."

-The New York Yankees Official 1988 Yearbook

"Chris began 1987 with the Albany-Colonie Yankees (AA Eastern League). He was placed on the disabled list on May 23 with a bruised heel and was reinstated on June 2. In the month of May he hit .385 (25-for-65) in 17 games with three homers and 15 RBIs, and in June hit .310 (35-for-113) in 30 games with four home runs and 15 RBIs. Chris was promoted to the Columbus Clippers on July 2 (AAA International League).
At the time of his promotion, he was hitting .305 in 62 games with Albany (71-for-233) with 44 runs, 16 doubles, a triple, nine home runs and 37 RBIs and was named as the starting third baseman in the Eastern League All-Star Game. While at Columbus, Chris injured his hamstring and was placed on the DL on July 16. He was reinstated on August 1, then reinjured the hamstring on August 3 and went back on the DL until August 25.
His injuries limited him to just 19 games with Columbus, where he batted .203 (13-for-64) with nine runs, a double and two RBIs. This is his first appearance on the Yankees' 40-man roster.
Chris was obtained by the Yankees along with catcher Ron Hassey, pitcher Eric Schmidt and outfielder Matt Winters from the White Sox on February 13, 1986 in exchange for pitcher Neil Allen, catcher Scott Bradley and outfielder Glen Braxton. He spent the season with the Ft. Lauderdale Yankees ('A' Florida State League) and batted .322 (151-for-469) in 133 games with 79 runs, 30 doubles, eight homers and 90 RBIs and played 129 games at third base. Chris was named the 'Star of Stars' in the Florida State League All-Star Game after going 5-for-5 with two home runs. He was voted the 1986 Yankee Minor League Player of the Year.
He was selected by the White Sox in the 6th round of the January 1985 free agent draft. In his first pro season, Chris hit .276 (43-for-156) in 54 games for the Sarasota White Sox, Chicago's entry in the rookie Gulf Coast League, with 20 runs, four doubles, four triples, five home runs and 31 RBIs. He led the GCL in homers (5), game-winning RBIs (9) and intentional walks (5). In addition to his 41 games at third base, he also played two games in the outfield and caught in five games.
Chris grew up in Miami and attended Miami Senior High. His favorite team growing up was the Boston Red Sox. Chris' hobby is music and his favorite entertainer is Robin Williams."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


TROY EVERS
"Evers returned from 1986 elbow surgery to post excellent figures in 1987. He spent the entire year at Fort Lauderdale where he was 13-5 with a 3.05 ERA and seven complete games.
A hard thrower, Evers has a minor league career record of 24-6 with a 2.27 ERA."

-The New York Yankees Official 1988 Yearbook

"Evers had an outstanding season at Ft. Lauderdale ('A' Florida State League) in 1987. He posted a 13-5 record and a 3.05 ERA in 24 games (22 starts) with 73 strikeouts and 153 hits allowed in 147.2 innings pitched [and 52 walks for a 1.21 WHIP] and had seven complete games. This is his first appearance on the Yankees' 40-man roster.
He was handled gingerly at the start of the season after his surgery in 1986, but finished strongly, winning his last seven regular-season decisions and two playoff games. Beginning with his first start in July, Troy went 7-0 in his final nine regular season starts with a 2.63 ERA (18 ER, 61.2 IP). Included in that span were his five starts in August when he went 5-0 with a 0.95 ERA and four complete games (38 IP, 18 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 9 BB, 15 K [0.71 WHIP]), and was named Yankee Minor League Pitcher of the Month.
In 1986 Evers pitched in only one game, with Ft. Lauderdale, getting the win in a 2.2 inning scoreless relief outing. He underwent surgery on July 30 to have an ulnar nerve transposition in his right elbow and for the removal of bone spurs. The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama, and he missed the remainder of the 1986 season.
Troy was the Yankees' second-round pick in the regular phase of the June 1985 free agent draft. In his first pro season, he posted a 10-1 record with Oneonta ('A' New York-Penn League) with a 1.18 ERA in 14 games (12 starts) along with 85 strikeouts while allowing just 69 hits and 25 walks in 99.1 innings pitched [0.95 WHIP]. Troy pitched a no-hitter in the semifinal playoff game against the Geneva Cubs on September 3.
He attended Iowa State and was selected by the Mets in the tenth round of the regular phase of the June 1982 free agent draft but did not sign. His hobbies are golf and bowling and his favorite spectator sport is football.
Troy's favorite team growing up was the Pittsburgh Pirates, his favorite athlete was Roberto Clemente, and his most memorable moment was pitching his playoff no-hitter."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


CLAY PARKER
"Acquired from the Mariners in December 1987, Parker owns an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio. He was 15-6 with an ERA under 3.00 in Seattle's farm system [in 1987] and finished the year in Seattle.
Parker was a three-year starter for the Louisiana State football team."

-The New York Yankees Official 1988 Yearbook

"Parker began the 1987 season at the Mariners' AA Chattanooga affiliate and made 16 appearances (all starts), going 7-5 with a 2.73 ERA and five complete games along with 60 strikeouts in 112 innings pitched. He was promoted to AAA Calgary on July 5, and in 12 games with Calgary (all starts) was 8-1 with a 2.93 ERA and four complete games along with 44 strikeouts in 86 innings pitched. He was recalled from Calgary to the Mariners on September 12.
He made his major league debut in Seattle against Cleveland on September 14, pitching 2.1 innings of relief and giving up four runs (three earned) on five hits, one walk and four strikeouts, and was not involved in a decision in the Mariners' 11-8 defeat. He made his second appearance on September 23 against Kansas City, finishing that game by pitching one inning of relief, giving up two runs (earned) on two hits with two walks and a strikeout, and did not figure in the Royals' 9-0 win.
Clay made his third and final appearance of the season, a start on October 2 at Texas, going 4.1 innings and giving up four runs (all earned) on eight hits (including a two-run homer by Ruben Sierra) with a walk and three strikeouts, and again was not involved in a decision in the Mariners' 5-4 victory. In his three major league outings, Clay pitched 7.2 innings without a decision, giving up 10 runs (nine earned) for a 10.56 ERA while allowing 15 hits (including two home runs) with four walks [2.48 WHIP] and eight strikeouts.
He was acquired by the Yankees from Seattle along with Lee Guetterman and Wade Taylor in December of 1987 in exchange for Steve Trout and Henry Cotto.
In 1986, Parker was Wausau's top starter with a 2.88 ERA (eighth in the 'A' Midwest League). He led the club in innings pitched and shared honors in starts, was second in complete games and strikeouts, and was fifth in the league with a 1.92 walks-per-nine-innings pitched ratio (38 BB, 178 IP). Parker was Seattle's 15th round pick (16th selection) in the 1985 June draft. He led all Northwest League ('A') pitchers with a 1.55 ERA and a .857 winning percentage (6-1 record) in his first year in pro ball.
Clay graduated from Caldwell Parish (Columbia, LA) High School in 1981. He was named All-State in baseball, football and track, where he was the state javelin champion. He attended LSU on a football scholarship and was a three-year starter, playing in the 1983 Orange Bowl and the 1985 Sugar Bowl. He also played four years of baseball. Clay declined a free agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys and signed with the Mariners.
His hobbies are hunting and fishing and his favorite spectator sport is football. His favorite team growing up was the Miami Dolphins and his favorite player was Larry Csonka. His most dramatic moments in sports were playing in the 1983 Orange Bowl and 1985 Sugar Bowl. His most humorous moment: 'Celebrating after tackling Willie Gault, not realizing he had returned my 48-yard punt 47 yards.'
Clay's favorite entertainer is Randy Travis."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


MITCH LYDEN
"Selected by the Yankees in the fourth round of the 1983 June draft, Lyden opened the '87 campaign at Columbus but was optioned to Albany-Colonie in late May. He hit .253 in 71 games at Albany and committed only five errors in the 61 games he caught there.
Lyden still has home run potential."

-The New York Yankees Official 1988 Yearbook

"In 1987 Lyden was a member of the Yankees' 40-man roster at the start of spring training but was optioned to Columbus on March 19. He played in 29 games at Columbus and batted .220 (22-for-100) with three doubles and eight RBIs.
Mitch was optioned to Albany-Colonie on May 30, where he finished the season. In 71 games with Albany, he batted .253 (59-for-233) with 25 runs, eight homers and 36 RBIs and had a slugging percentage of .425. His home run total ranked fourth on the club while his RBI total was fifth best on the team. He committed just five errors in the 55 games he caught at Albany.
In 1986 Lyden suffered ligament damage to his left knee on April 6 in spring training after sliding into home plate as a baserunner. Surgery on the knee was performed the following day by Dr. Dan Kanell.
Following rehabilitation, Lyden joined Sarasota, the Yankees' entry in the Rookie Gulf Coast League, where he batted .340 (17-for-50) in 17 games with eight runs, seven doubles, three homers and 16 RBIs and had a slugging percentage of .660. He was promoted to Albany-Colonie (AA Eastern League) on July 13 and hit .302 (48-for-159) in 46 games with 14 doubles, a triple, eight home runs, 29 RBIs (including five game-winners) and had a slugging percentage of .553. He homered once every 19.9 at-bats and committed just three errors in his 31 games as a catcher. Mitch joined the Columbus on August 31 following the completion of Albany's schedule and was 0-for-7 in two games with the Clippers.
The Yankees' first pick (fourth round) in the June 1983 free agent draft, Lyden hit just .148 in 47 games with Oneonta in '83 but led New York-Penn League catchers with a .991 fielding percentage. He began the 1984 season at Sarasota and hit .235 in 54 games. He was promoted to Greensboro and batted .219 in 14 games.
Mitch played a full season at Fort Lauderdale ('A' Florida State League) in 1985. He was second on the club in games (116) and at-bats (438); tied for second in doubles (21) and home runs (10); and 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.
Mitch graduated from Beaverton [OR] High School in 1983 and was signed by [Yankee scout] Whitey DeHart. He played baseball, football and basketball in high school, was all-state in football as a defensive back and was offered both football and baseball scholarships by a number of PAC-10 colleges.
His hobbies are fishing, camping, skiing and traveling, and his favorite spectator sport is football. His favorite team growing up was the Cincinnati Reds and his favorite player was Johnny Bench. The greatest influence on Mitch's career was Bucky Dent.
Mitch likes uniform No. 13 because Wilt Chamberlain was his idol as a young basketball player."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


HENSLEY MEULENS
"Meulens signed with the Yankees as a free agent in October 1985 and had an outstanding 1987 campaign at Prince William. He showed tremendous home run potential at the plate, hitting .300 with 28 home runs and 103 RBI in 116 games. Developing as a fielder but already a lethal offensive weapon, Meulens was named to the Carolina League All-Star team in only his second year of pro ball. He finished the '87 season at Fort Lauderdale.
He's nicknamed 'Bam-Bam.'"

-The New York Yankees Official 1988 Yearbook


RANDY VELARDE
"Acquired from the White Sox in January 1987, Velarde split the '87 season with Albany-Colonie and Columbus, hitting .317 and .319, respectively. He played eight games in New York late in the year.
Velarde is an excellent glove man with a good bat."

-The New York Yankees Official 1988 Yearbook

"Velarde was acquired by the Yankees from the Chicago White Sox along with pitcher Pete Filson in exchange for pitcher Scott Nielsen and infielder Mike Soper in January of 1987. He began the season at Albany-Colonie (AA Eastern League) and in 71 games there batted .316 (83-for-262) with seven home runs and 32 RBIs. Randy was promoted to Columbus on June 29 and hit .319 (59-for-185) in 49 games there with five home runs and 33 RBIs.
His contract was purchased by the Yankees on August 20 and he made his major league debut that night in Seattle, starting at shortstop and going 0-for-5 with three strikeouts. In his next game on August 21 at Oakland, Velarde went 2-for-3 with a RBI, getting his first major league hit, a single off Steve Ontiveros. He became the 29th shortstop to play alongside Willie Randolph in Randolph's career with the Yankees. He had another two-hit game, on August 24 at California, going 2-for-3 with a run scored.
Randy played in six games with the Yankees, batting .190 (4-for-21) with no homers and a RBI before being optioned to Prince William ('A' Carolina League) on August 29. Randy never reported to that club, remaining with the Yankees and was recalled by the Yankees three days later, on September 1, at the conclusion of Prince William's season.
He was 0-for-1 in two games after rejoining the Yankees to finish with a .182 batting average (4-for-22) in his two stints with New York. He struck out six times and committed two errors at shortstop, both coming on August 21 at Oakland.
Velarde began the 1986 season playing for the White Sox 'A' affiliate in Appleton, batting .252 in 124 games (105-for-417) with 11 home runs and 50 RBIs. He was promoted to Buffalo (AAA American Association) and hit .200 (4-for-20) in nine games there.
In 1985, he broke into professional baseball playing 67 games at Niagara Falls, batting .220 (48-for-218) with a home run and 16 RBIs. He was used as an outfielder and at second base in addition to his normal shortstop position.
Velarde graduated from Robert E. Lee High in Midland, Texas."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


AMALIO CARRENO
"Carreno signed with the Yankees as a free agent in November 1983. He was 6-6 last with Columbus, Albany-Colonie, and Prince William.
He's a starter-turned-reliever who's beginning to mature."

-The New York Yankees Official 1988 Yearbook

"Carreno spent time on all three levels of minor league baseball within the Yankee organization in 1987. He began the season with the Prince William Yankees ('A' Carolina League) and was promoted to the Columbus Clippers (AAA International League) on June 4. He was sent down to the Albany-Colonie Yankees (AA Eastern League) on July 5 and was recalled to Columbus on July 16. He was returned to Prince William on July 30 and was again promoted to Albany on August 15. Carreno was added to the Yankees' 40-man roster following the conclusion of the 1987 season, making his first appearance on the Yankees' roster.
In his stint at Prince William, where he spent the bulk of the season, Amalio posted a 5-2 record and two saves with a 3.03 ERA in 26 games (including four starts) and tossed two complete games. He struck out 49 batters in 62.1 innings while allowing only 53 hits and 30 walks [1.33 WHIP]; he posted a 3-0 record in two starts in August with a 2.25 ERA when he notched his two complete games. In nine games with Albany (three starts) Carreno was 0-3 with a 7.88 ERA with one save, while in 11 appearances with Columbus, all in relief, he was 1-1 with one save and a 7.79 ERA.
He began the 1986 season with Sarasota, the Yankees' entry in the rookie Gulf Coast League, and went 5-0 in seven games (all starts) along with a 1.70 ERA and a shutout to earn a promotion to Ft. Lauderdale, where he was 1-1 with a 4.02 ERA in three games (all starts), including a complete game. Elbow problems in his right arm all but wiped out his 1985 campaign, when he was limited to only one game with Sarasota (2 IP, 1 H, 1 R) and did not get a decision.
Amalio was signed as a free agent by [Yankee scout] Fred Ferreira on November 22, 1983. In his first professional season, he was 1-6 with a 4.91 ERA in nine games (seven starts) with Sarasota, but did strike out 31 in 33 innings pitched."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


BILL FULTON
"The Yankees' second-round pick (secondary phase) in the 1983 June draft, Fulton spent the majority of last season with Columbus. He made 31 appearances (including 19 starts) and went 7-8 with one save, and made three relief appearances with the Yankees in September.
Fulton features a rising fastball and an outstanding curve."

-The New York Yankees Official 1988 Yearbook

"Bill spent the majority of 1987 with the Columbus Clippers (AAA International League). He made 31 appearances for the Clippers (including 19 starts) and went 7-8 with one save. In 144.2 innings pitched he allowed 179 hits, 89 runs (76 earned) with 30 walks and 73 strikeouts [1.45 WHIP] along with a 4.73 ERA. Bill was recalled by the Yankees from Columbus on September 10.
He made his major league debut at Toronto on September 12 and pitched 1.2 innings in relief, giving up five runs on six hits. Bill began the seventh inning of that game and pitched out of a bases loaded jam without giving up a run, but after retiring the first two batters in the eighth gave up three consecutive home runs to Ernie Whitt (3-run), Jesse Barfield and Kelly Gruber before being relieved.
Bill allowed one run (a Willie Upshaw homer) in his next outing, one inning of relief on September 20 against Toronto. In his third and final Yankee appearance of the year, on September 28 against Boston, he pitched two innings of scoreless innings of relief, giving up one hit and recording his first major league win in the Yankees' come-from-behind 9-7 victory as the Yanks scored six times in the ninth inning for the win.
In three appearances with the Yanks, he was 1-0 with an 11.57 ERA (6 ER, 4.2 IP), with nine hits, a walk [2.14 WHIP] and two strikeouts. Bill has a riding fastball which can sink and also features an outstanding curve.
The Yankees' second-round pick in the secondary phase of the June 1983 free agent draft, Bill 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 in a game won by Oneonta 1-0. In 1984 he posted a 2-3 record in 10 games (eight starts) with 'A' Greensboro, including three complete games, and had a 4.15 ERA.
He started the 1985 season in Florida in the Florida Instructional League and moved to the Fort Lauderdale Yankees on May 29. Bill 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 began 1986 with the Albany-Colonie Yankees in the AA Eastern League. In 14 games (all starts), he was 6-6 with a 4.73 ERA (80.0 IP, 90 H, 46 R, 42 ER, 24 BB, 46 K [1.43 WHIP]) along with five complete games and had a .289 batting average against.
He had two shutouts: a 4-hit blanking of Vermont on May 4 (with a season high seven strikeouts) and a 2-hit shutout of Glens Falls with five strikeouts; both shutouts were seven-inning complete games. Bill was named to the Eastern League All-Star team but did not pitch in that game because he was promoted to the Columbus Clippers on July 5.
In 12 starts at Columbus, he was 4-6 with a 3.84 ERA along with a .301 batting average against. Bill had two complete game wins, against Maine on July 11 and Toledo on July 26. His high strikeout game with Columbus came on August 15, recording five strikeouts at Maine.
Bill's nickname is 'Fulty,' started by Bucky Dent, and his favorite spectator sport is football. His favorite team growing up was the Pittsburgh Pirates and his favorite player was Pete Rose. Bill was signed by Murray Cook."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide