"Selected by the Yankees in the 9th round of the 1988 June draft as a shortstop, Kelly has made the switch to second with great ease. He's an outstanding defensive player and a consistent offensive performer.
Kelly played all of 1990 at Albany-Colonie, where he hit .270 with eight home runs, 44 RBIs and 31 stolen bases in 126 games. He hit .412 in post-season play and was named the starting second baseman in the Eastern League All-Star game."
-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook
"In 1990 Pat spent his third season in professional baseball at AA Albany and hit .270 with 19 doubles, six triples, eight home runs and 44 RBIs. He had 31 stolen bases for the second straight season, finishing fourth in the Eastern League. Pat hit .291 at home and .255 on the road. He had a .970 fielding percentage, making six errors in 667 total chances and participating in 97 double plays.
His best monthly batting average was in June, as he hit .346 with 16 RBIs and 11 stolen bases. Named the starting second baseman on the Eastern League All-Star team, Pat excelled in postseason competition, hitting .412 (7-for-17) over five games.
He signed a contract for the 1991 season.
Pat was drafted by the Yankees in the 9th round of the June 1988 free agent draft. He was signed by Yankee scout Joe DiCarlo. That season he spent his first year in professional baseball at Class-A Oneonta and hit .327 and stole 25 bases. Drafted as a shortstop, he was converted to a second baseman by manager Gary Allenson. Pat was named to the New York-Penn League All-Star team as the starting second baseman and helped lead Oneonta to the league championship.
In 1989 he played in 124 games at Class-A Prince William and hit .266 with 21 doubles, seven triples, three home runs and 45 RBIs and stole 31 bases. He was named as the starting second baseman on the Carolina League All-Star team and helped lead Prince William to the league championship. Pat led the league in triples (7) and led second basemen in assists (367) and double plays (67).
Pat attended West Chester University where he was a four-year letterman in baseball. He was also a regional All-American and was named a first-team shortstop on the ECAC All-Star team. He attended Catasauqua High School (PA) where he was All-State in baseball and All-League in basketball and football. He played Little League and American Legion ball.
Pat enjoys golf, music, basketball and tennis."
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
Thursday, August 15, 2019
1991 Profile: Bernie Williams
"Possesses plenty of ability but needs to develop. Williams has spent most of the last two years with Albany (AA) and hit [.281 with eight homers and 54 RBIs] for that club last year. The gifted center fielder also recorded [39 stolen bases], and his improved feel for the strike zone resulted in [98 walks].
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Williams was signed as a free agent in September 1985."
-John Shea and Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1991 Edition
"Signed by the Yankees as a free agent in September 1985, Bernie spent the entire 1990 season in Albany-Colonie, hitting .281 with eight homers and 54 RBI in 134 games. He led the Eastern League in runs scored (91), walks (98) and stolen bases (39).
A native of Puerto Rico, Bernie is a remarkable all-around talent who is nearing his major league debut."
-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook
"Bernie posted all-star numbers in 1990, playing all year at AA Albany. He hit .289 with 28 doubles, five triples, eight home runs and 54 RBIs while stealing 39 bases over 134 games. He led the Eastern League in stolen bases, runs (91) and walks (98) and was named to the Eastern League All-Star team. Bernie was also named to Baseball America's AA All-Star team and was named in Baseball America's postseason poll as the No. 2 prospect overall in the Eastern League. He led Albany in games (134), at-bats (466), runs (91), hits (131), doubles (28), walks (98) and stolen bases (39).
He had a strong middle of the season- over June and July combined he hit .348 (78-for-244) with 14 doubles, three triples, four home runs and 34 RBIs over 63 games. He was named Eastern League Player of the Week for July 16-22, hitting .441 (15-for-34) with nine runs and six steals over nine games.
Bernie sparkled in postseason play for Albany when he hit .350 (7-for-20). He played winter league baseball for Arecibo in the Puerto Rican League. He signed a contract for the 1991 season.
Bernie was signed by the Yankees as a free agent on September 13, 1985. He was signed by Yankee scout Fred Ferreira and recommended by Yankee scout Roberto Rivera. He spent his first professional season at Sarasota in 1986, batting .270 (62-for-230) in 61 games with two home runs, 25 RBIs and 33 stolen bases. He led the Gulf Coast League in runs (45) and caught stealing (12) and led GCL outfielders in total chances (123) and putouts (117). Bernie was named as an outfielder on the Gulf Coast League All-Star team.
In 1987 he split time between Ft. Lauderdale and Oneonta. Bernie started the season at Ft. Lauderdale, where he batted .155 (11-for-71) in 25 games with no home runs, four RBIs and nine stolen bases. He separated his shoulder on May 17, missing a month of the season. Upon his return he was assigned to Oneonta, where in 25 games he hit .344 (32-for-93) with no homers, 15 RBIs and nine stolen bases. He missed additional games later in the year with a groin pull.
Bernie played 91 games for 'A' Prince William in 1988 and batted .338 with 72 runs, 16 doubles, seven triples, seven home runs, 45 RBIs and 29 stolen bases. His season ended on July 14 when he ran into an outfield wall at Hagerstown chasing a fly ball, suffering a right navicular (wrist) fracture. He was placed on the disabled list, where he remained for the rest of the season. Despite his curtailed season Williams led the Carolina League in hitting and finished tied for third in triples. Bernie was added to the Yankee 40-man roster in November of 1988.
In 1989, Bernie combined to split a full season of playing time between Albany and Columbus. He started the season with the Clippers, where he hit .216 with eight doubles, a triple, two home runs and 16 RBIs over 50 games. He joined Albany where he hit for both power and a better average. Over 91 games, Bernie hit .252 with 11 doubles, eight triples, 11 home runs and 42 RBIs; his eight triples ranked third in the Eastern League. 30 of his 79 hits went for extra bases and he posted a .443 slugging percentage. "
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Williams was signed as a free agent in September 1985."
-John Shea and Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1991 Edition
"Signed by the Yankees as a free agent in September 1985, Bernie spent the entire 1990 season in Albany-Colonie, hitting .281 with eight homers and 54 RBI in 134 games. He led the Eastern League in runs scored (91), walks (98) and stolen bases (39).
A native of Puerto Rico, Bernie is a remarkable all-around talent who is nearing his major league debut."
-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook
"Bernie posted all-star numbers in 1990, playing all year at AA Albany. He hit .289 with 28 doubles, five triples, eight home runs and 54 RBIs while stealing 39 bases over 134 games. He led the Eastern League in stolen bases, runs (91) and walks (98) and was named to the Eastern League All-Star team. Bernie was also named to Baseball America's AA All-Star team and was named in Baseball America's postseason poll as the No. 2 prospect overall in the Eastern League. He led Albany in games (134), at-bats (466), runs (91), hits (131), doubles (28), walks (98) and stolen bases (39).
He had a strong middle of the season- over June and July combined he hit .348 (78-for-244) with 14 doubles, three triples, four home runs and 34 RBIs over 63 games. He was named Eastern League Player of the Week for July 16-22, hitting .441 (15-for-34) with nine runs and six steals over nine games.
Bernie sparkled in postseason play for Albany when he hit .350 (7-for-20). He played winter league baseball for Arecibo in the Puerto Rican League. He signed a contract for the 1991 season.
Bernie was signed by the Yankees as a free agent on September 13, 1985. He was signed by Yankee scout Fred Ferreira and recommended by Yankee scout Roberto Rivera. He spent his first professional season at Sarasota in 1986, batting .270 (62-for-230) in 61 games with two home runs, 25 RBIs and 33 stolen bases. He led the Gulf Coast League in runs (45) and caught stealing (12) and led GCL outfielders in total chances (123) and putouts (117). Bernie was named as an outfielder on the Gulf Coast League All-Star team.
In 1987 he split time between Ft. Lauderdale and Oneonta. Bernie started the season at Ft. Lauderdale, where he batted .155 (11-for-71) in 25 games with no home runs, four RBIs and nine stolen bases. He separated his shoulder on May 17, missing a month of the season. Upon his return he was assigned to Oneonta, where in 25 games he hit .344 (32-for-93) with no homers, 15 RBIs and nine stolen bases. He missed additional games later in the year with a groin pull.
Bernie played 91 games for 'A' Prince William in 1988 and batted .338 with 72 runs, 16 doubles, seven triples, seven home runs, 45 RBIs and 29 stolen bases. His season ended on July 14 when he ran into an outfield wall at Hagerstown chasing a fly ball, suffering a right navicular (wrist) fracture. He was placed on the disabled list, where he remained for the rest of the season. Despite his curtailed season Williams led the Carolina League in hitting and finished tied for third in triples. Bernie was added to the Yankee 40-man roster in November of 1988.
In 1989, Bernie combined to split a full season of playing time between Albany and Columbus. He started the season with the Clippers, where he hit .216 with eight doubles, a triple, two home runs and 16 RBIs over 50 games. He joined Albany where he hit for both power and a better average. Over 91 games, Bernie hit .252 with 11 doubles, eight triples, 11 home runs and 42 RBIs; his eight triples ranked third in the Eastern League. 30 of his 79 hits went for extra bases and he posted a .443 slugging percentage. "
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
THE WALKER CUP
"Through the efforts of area businessmen Joe Vellano and Frank Staucet, The Walker Cup was implemented during the 1990 Eastern League season.
The three-foot trophy of sterling silver is awarded each season to the Albany-Colonie Yankee Most Valuable Player. The 1990 winner was outfielder Bernie Williams. Williams' name is the first to go on the permanent trophy that is on display in the A-C Yankee offices. Bernie was given a similar replica to take home to his trophy case. A similar replica will be given to the winner each year.
The cup is in memory of Frederick 'Fritz' Walker who passed away in November of 1989. Fritz was the number one A-C Yankee fan as well as being our official photographer. We feel it's fitting that the cup is named in honor of Walker. Our thanks to Vellano Bros. and Staucet (a former Albany Senator player) for their donation of the Walker Cup."
-1991 Albany-Colonie Yankees Yearbook
Thursday, August 8, 2019
1991 Profile: Wade Taylor
"Acquired from the Seattle organization in December 1987, Wade is an aggressive, hard-working talent who made enormous strides toward the big leagues in 1990. He split the season between Columbus and Albany-Colonie with a combined record of 12-8 with a 2.51 ERA. He threw three shutouts in only 14 Columbus starts for the International League lead.
Wade possesses excellent control and likes to challenge hitters. In college, he also played shortstop."
-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook
"Wade split time between AA Albany and AAA Columbus in 1990. Overall, he was 12-8 with five complete games, three shutouts and a 2.51 ERA over 26 games (all starts). He allowed 162 hits and 48 walks while fanning 101 batters over 183.0 innings and averaged 2.4 walks per nine innings. He had played winter ball in for Magallanes in the Venezuelan League where he was 1-3 with a 2.25 ERA over five starts.
Named to the Eastern League All-Star team, Taylor began the season with Albany, and over 12 starts was 6-4 with a 2.88 ERA. He allowed 18 walks over 84.1 innings, an average of 1.92 per nine innings.
Taylor was promoted to Columbus in June and continued his strong pitching. Over 14 starts he posted a 6-4 record with a 2.19 ERA. In the final month of the season (August), he started six games and was 3-1 with two complete-game shutouts and a 1.07 ERA. Taylor started a game in the playoffs for the Clippers and did not get a decision.
He signed a contract for the 1991 season.
Taylor was drafted by the Blue Jays and Dodgers in 1986 but signed with the Mariners as a free agent on June 30, 1987. He was 3-5 with a 4.47 ERA with Bellingham, and in December was traded with pitchers Lee Guetterman and Clay Parker to the Yankees in exchange for pitcher Steve Trout and outfielder Henry Cotto. In 1988 Taylor was 4-11 with a 3.45 ERA over 24 games (17 GS) for Class-A Ft. Lauderdale Yankees.
In 1989, he was 9-8 with a 3.34 ERA for Prince William and posted career highs in virtually every statistical category. He was named to the Carolina League All-Star team.
Wade has an Associate degree in business from Jefferson Davis State Junior College in Brentwood, Alabama. He was an All-State shortstop (1985) and pitcher (1986) at Jefferson Davis. He played Little League ball in Houston, TX and Mobile, AL and Babe Ruth ball in Mobile.
Wade enjoys fishing and reading non-fiction and is a fan of Clint Eastwood and Chevy Chase."
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
Wade possesses excellent control and likes to challenge hitters. In college, he also played shortstop."
-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook
"Wade split time between AA Albany and AAA Columbus in 1990. Overall, he was 12-8 with five complete games, three shutouts and a 2.51 ERA over 26 games (all starts). He allowed 162 hits and 48 walks while fanning 101 batters over 183.0 innings and averaged 2.4 walks per nine innings. He had played winter ball in for Magallanes in the Venezuelan League where he was 1-3 with a 2.25 ERA over five starts.
Named to the Eastern League All-Star team, Taylor began the season with Albany, and over 12 starts was 6-4 with a 2.88 ERA. He allowed 18 walks over 84.1 innings, an average of 1.92 per nine innings.
Taylor was promoted to Columbus in June and continued his strong pitching. Over 14 starts he posted a 6-4 record with a 2.19 ERA. In the final month of the season (August), he started six games and was 3-1 with two complete-game shutouts and a 1.07 ERA. Taylor started a game in the playoffs for the Clippers and did not get a decision.
He signed a contract for the 1991 season.
Taylor was drafted by the Blue Jays and Dodgers in 1986 but signed with the Mariners as a free agent on June 30, 1987. He was 3-5 with a 4.47 ERA with Bellingham, and in December was traded with pitchers Lee Guetterman and Clay Parker to the Yankees in exchange for pitcher Steve Trout and outfielder Henry Cotto. In 1988 Taylor was 4-11 with a 3.45 ERA over 24 games (17 GS) for Class-A Ft. Lauderdale Yankees.
In 1989, he was 9-8 with a 3.34 ERA for Prince William and posted career highs in virtually every statistical category. He was named to the Carolina League All-Star team.
Wade has an Associate degree in business from Jefferson Davis State Junior College in Brentwood, Alabama. He was an All-State shortstop (1985) and pitcher (1986) at Jefferson Davis. He played Little League ball in Houston, TX and Mobile, AL and Babe Ruth ball in Mobile.
Wade enjoys fishing and reading non-fiction and is a fan of Clint Eastwood and Chevy Chase."
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
1991 Profile: Jeff Johnson
"Selected by the Yankees in the 6th round of the 1988 June draft, Jeff is a hard-throwing starting pitcher who has steadily progressed through the Yankees' minor league system.
Jeff spent the first half of 1990 at Fort Lauderdale before being promoted to Albany-Colonie where he went 4-3 with a 1.63 ERA. In Albany he completed three of his nine starts, allowing only 44 hits in 60.2 innings.
In three pro seasons, Jeff has struck out 315 batters in only 390.2 innings."
-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook
"Jeff started the 1990 season at Class-A Ft. Lauderdale and was promoted to AA Albany in mid-July. He combined to post a 10-11 record with four complete games and a 2.90 ERA over 26 starts.
At Ft. Lauderdale, Johnson was 6-8 with a complete game and a 3.65 ERA, including 4-3 with a 2.60 ERA at Ft. Lauderdale Stadium. His best month was May when he registered a 4-1 record with a 1.85 ERA in five starts. At Albany, he was 4-3 with three complete games and a 1.63 ERA in nine starts- Jeff was unbeatable at home, posting a 3-0 record with a 0.86 ERA (21.0 IP, 2 ER) in three starts.
He signed a contract for the 1991 season.
In 1989 Johnson spent a full season at Class-A Prince William of the Carolina League, with a 4-10 record and a 2.92 ERA over 25 games (24 starts), allowing 125 hits over 138.2 innings. 1988 was his first season in professional baseball. Johnson spent that season at Oneonta, achieving an impressive 6-1 record with a 2.98 ERA over 14 starts. He allowed just 67 hits and fanned 91 batters over 87.2 innings.
Jeff was the Yankees' 6th round pick in the June 1988 free agent draft. He was signed by New York scout Jeff Taylor. He attended the University of North Carolina."
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
Jeff spent the first half of 1990 at Fort Lauderdale before being promoted to Albany-Colonie where he went 4-3 with a 1.63 ERA. In Albany he completed three of his nine starts, allowing only 44 hits in 60.2 innings.
In three pro seasons, Jeff has struck out 315 batters in only 390.2 innings."
-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook
"Jeff started the 1990 season at Class-A Ft. Lauderdale and was promoted to AA Albany in mid-July. He combined to post a 10-11 record with four complete games and a 2.90 ERA over 26 starts.
At Ft. Lauderdale, Johnson was 6-8 with a complete game and a 3.65 ERA, including 4-3 with a 2.60 ERA at Ft. Lauderdale Stadium. His best month was May when he registered a 4-1 record with a 1.85 ERA in five starts. At Albany, he was 4-3 with three complete games and a 1.63 ERA in nine starts- Jeff was unbeatable at home, posting a 3-0 record with a 0.86 ERA (21.0 IP, 2 ER) in three starts.
He signed a contract for the 1991 season.
In 1989 Johnson spent a full season at Class-A Prince William of the Carolina League, with a 4-10 record and a 2.92 ERA over 25 games (24 starts), allowing 125 hits over 138.2 innings. 1988 was his first season in professional baseball. Johnson spent that season at Oneonta, achieving an impressive 6-1 record with a 2.98 ERA over 14 starts. He allowed just 67 hits and fanned 91 batters over 87.2 innings.
Jeff was the Yankees' 6th round pick in the June 1988 free agent draft. He was signed by New York scout Jeff Taylor. He attended the University of North Carolina."
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
Sunday, July 28, 2019
1991 Profile: Steve Howe
"Steve has taken a lot of chances in his career and in his life. However, this year he asked the Yankees to take a chance on him. In February, the ex-Dodger walked into the Yankees' spring training facility in Fort Lauderdale, FL and attempted to regain the pitching form that made him one of the game's brightest young stars in the early 1980s.
He had not pitched to major league batters since he left the Texas Rangers in 1987. His only pro experience since then came last year with Salinas, an independent club in the Class-A California League, where he was 0-1 with a 2.12 ERA in 10 appearances. Elbow surgery robbed him of a good portion of the 1990 season so he played winter ball in the Mexican League. A strong showing there convinced Howe to take another shot at the majors.
Howe accepted his Yankee opportunity with much gratitude. Placed in a situation he had yearned for, the 33-year-old left-hander was intent on showing people his new life and his renewed ability. Finding a spot for his 92-mph fastball in the New York bullpen was utmost in his mind.
'I feel good,' Howe said before the season began. 'This is what kept me going- the dream that I would be back.'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook
He had not pitched to major league batters since he left the Texas Rangers in 1987. His only pro experience since then came last year with Salinas, an independent club in the Class-A California League, where he was 0-1 with a 2.12 ERA in 10 appearances. Elbow surgery robbed him of a good portion of the 1990 season so he played winter ball in the Mexican League. A strong showing there convinced Howe to take another shot at the majors.
Howe accepted his Yankee opportunity with much gratitude. Placed in a situation he had yearned for, the 33-year-old left-hander was intent on showing people his new life and his renewed ability. Finding a spot for his 92-mph fastball in the New York bullpen was utmost in his mind.
'I feel good,' Howe said before the season began. 'This is what kept me going- the dream that I would be back.'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook
Saturday, July 27, 2019
1991 Profile: Mike Witt
"Witt showed he could still be a solid starter after his May 11 acquisition from the Angels for Dave Winfield. He worked six-plus innings in 12 of 16 starts.
He was disabled for the first time in nine-plus big league seasons when he suffered a strained elbow during a June 8 start in Baltimore. He displayed impressive ability in the final month.
Witt pitched a 1-0 perfect game against Texas on September 30, 1984. He won 15 or more games for California from 1984-87. Born in Fullerton, California, Witt was California's fourth pick in the 1978 draft."
-John Shea and Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1991 Edition
"Right-hander Mike Witt could not have asked for a better start to his 1990 season. Combining with Mark Langston, Witt, the then-California Angel, helped no-hit the Seattle Mariners in the Angels home opener. One month later the ten-year veteran was relegated to the role of reliever and was traded for long-time Yankee outfielder Dave Winfield.
Once in Pinstripes, Witt was inserted into his familiar role as starter and expressed his enthusiasm.
'My job is to go seven, eight, nine (innings), keep us in the game, give up three runs or less and let the chips fall where they may. I look forward to that,' he said.
In his six starts for the Yankees, Witt won five games. His season was interrupted on June 8 when he heard his arm 'pop' pitching against Baltimore. He was placed on the disabled list for the first time in his career, but came back strong after the injury.
Right-handed hitters batted just .208 against the big righty, and in his six losses, the Yankees scored just 10 runs.
Yankee fans are excited to see this tower of power healthy again, and with a little more offensive support he could be just what the doctor ordered."
-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook
"Witt was acquired by the Yankees last year on May 11 in exchange for outfielder Dave Winfield. Prior to the trade, he appeared in 10 games for the Angels, all in relief. He was 0-3 with a save and a 1.77 ERA (20.1 IP, 4 ER, 19 H, 9 R, 13 BB [1.57 WHIP], 14 K) and opposing hitters hit .250 against him. His only save came in the Angels' opener against Seattle in California as he pitched two perfect innings (2 K) to combine with Mark Langston on the first no-hitter of 1990. It was the second no-hitter Witt was involved with along with his perfect game in 1984.
With the Yankees he was used exclusively as a starter, going 5-6 with a 4.47 ERA over 16 starts. He made his Yankee debut on May 19 against Kansas City and did not get a decision in a 5-4 New York win (6.0 IP, 1 R, 0 ER. 3 H). Mike, in fact, did not get a decision in any of his first three starts, with all three coming in May. For the month he posted a 3.79 ERA (19.1 IP).
Mike's first decision came on June 3 against Baltimore- he took the loss in a 4-3 defeat (7.1 IP, 4 ER, 7 H). He made his next start on June 8 at Baltimore and had to leave after 1.2 innings when he heard a pop in his right elbow while pitching to Greg Walker (and left the game with a 2-2 count on Walker). He was placed on the 15-day disabled list the next day (and was subsequently moved to the 21-day DL on July 16) with a sore elbow requiring rest. It marked the first time in his 10-year career that Mike spent any time on the DL. At the time of the injury he was 0-1 with a 3.86 ERA (28.1 IP) through five starts. The Yankees were 1-4 in those starts, with each game being decided by one run.
Activated on August 6, missing 55 games, Mike did not miss a start the rest of the way (11 GS). His first start after the injury was on August 7 at Seattle, resulting in his first 1990 win (6.4 IP, 1 ER, 4 H) in a 3-1 Yankee victory. Mike's first Yankee Stadium win as a Yankee came on August 18 against Seattle when he threw a 2-hit shutout, allowing two singles in a 6-0 triumph. He was 3-2 in August with a 4.66 ERA in five starts.
He went 2-3 in September with a 4.76 ERA. His fifth and final win was on September 23 against Boston (7.0 IP, 2 ER, 8 H), a 5-4 Yankee victory. He was 5-5 with a 4.72 ERA (68.2 IP) over 11 starts after his injury.
Witt was used exclusively as a reliever by the Angels in 1990, breaking a string of 208 straight starts dating back to the 1983 season. His career record as a starter is 110-105 with a 3.84 ERA (1974.2 IP). As a reliever, he's 4-8 with a 2.58 ERA (87.1 IP).
In his five Yankee wins he had a 2.08 ERA (39.0 IP, 9 ER) and was supported with 32 runs (6.4 runs/game). In his six Yankee losses he had a 9.00 ERA (29.0 IP, 29 ER) and was supported with 10 runs (1.7 runs/game). In his five no-decisions he had a 3.14 ERA (28.2 IP, 10 ER) and was supported with 19 runs (3.8 runs/game).
Witt was 2-3, 3.51 at Yankee Stadium and 3-3, 5.17 on the road. He was better against right-handed hitters (.207 batting average against) than against left-handed hitters (.270 batting against); overall, opponents hit .240 against him. Witt had a 3.00 ERA (21.0 IP), 4.88 (75.2 IP) on grass. He went six-plus innings in 12 of 16 starts and averaged 6.0 innings per start overall. He held the opposition to three runs or less in eight of his 16 starts.
He signed a three-year contract in January 1991. The contract extends through the 1993 season.
Selected in the fourth round of the June 1978 draft, Witt was originally signed by Larry Himes. In 1981, he was promoted from AA El Paso to the Angels with less than 70 games of professional experience. He made his major league debut at Seattle on April 11, and on April 26 at Minnesota recorded his first victory and first complete game in a 7-1 decision. On September 28 against Chicago, Witt pitched his first shutout. In 1982 he registered five wins in the first four months of the season before winning three in August.
Mike set a personal best for most appearances (43) in 1983, splitting time between starting and relief. In relief he pitched 24 games, finishing with a 3-3 record, five saves and a 3.48 ERA (41.1 IP, 16 ER).
In 1984, Mike pitched a perfect game on September 30 when he defeated Texas 1-0 at Arlington in the season finale. He threw 94 pitches, 70 for strikes, going to a 3-ball count only twice, both times to Wayne Tolleson. Mike's last no-hitter had come as a member of the Fullerton (CA) Little League.
With 35 starts, 250.0 innings pitched and 180 strikeouts in 1985, he won 13 of his last 17 decisions after June 1. He worked into the 7th inning or later 28 times.
Witt compiled an 18-10 record and a 2.84 ERA in 1986, finishing among the league leaders in several categories including wins, ERA, complete games (14), shutouts (3) and innings pitched (269.0). His opponents batting average against was .221.
He dominated the month of August when he was named American League Pitcher of the Month: Mike posted a 5-0 record and a 0.21 ERA (43.1 IP, 1 ER), fanning 28 and allowing 17 hits for a .110 batting average against. He won a career high seven straight from August 5-September 18.
Mike finished with a 16-14 record in 1987, marking his fourth straight season with 15 or more wins. He was honored as the AL Player of the Week for June 1-7 with a 2-0 record in two starts while posting a 0.95 ERA (19.0 IP, 2 ER) and fanning 19 batters while walking only three and limiting opposing hitters to a .176 batting average (12 H). Mike's 10 complete games were half the team's total, he pitched into 7th inning or later 28 times and allowed three earned runs or less in 21 starts.
Leading the Angels with 13 victories in 1988, Mike recorded a 5-0 shutout of Baltimore on May 28, his first shutout since August 26, 1986 when he blanked the Yankees 2-0 at Yankee Stadium. He was selected AL Player of the Week for June 13-19, going 2-0 with a 0.51 ERA (17.2 IP, 12 H, 1 ER). He registered his 100th career win on September 8 at Texas but did not strike out a batter in that win, the first time he failed to do so since April 30, 1982, a span of 209 starts. Mike allowed only 14 home runs during the season. Of his 12 complete games, six were in losing efforts.
In 1989, he pitched 200-plus innings for the sixth consecutive season. After surrendering 87 walks in 1988, he allowed only 48 walks in '89. Mike pitched into the seventh inning or later in 21 of 33 games, allowed three earned runs or less in 18 of 33 games and walked two batters or less in 28 of 33 games. He finished with a 9-15 record and a 4.54 ERA (220.0 IP).
Mike graduated from Servite High School (CA) in 1978, posting a 14-0 record in a California Interscholastic Federation 4-A championship season. In high school he was a teammate of Steve Buechele and played against Mike Gallego and Bobby Meacham. He was also a standout basketball player. He played in the Babe Ruth League (West Anaheim) and in Little League (Fullerton).
Mike enjoys playing golf. His most dramatic moment was pitching his 1984 perfect game and his favorite entertainer is Billy Joel."
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tied for American League lead in hit batsmen (11), 1981.
Pitched 1-0 perfect game against Texas Rangers, September 30, 1984.
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
He was disabled for the first time in nine-plus big league seasons when he suffered a strained elbow during a June 8 start in Baltimore. He displayed impressive ability in the final month.
Witt pitched a 1-0 perfect game against Texas on September 30, 1984. He won 15 or more games for California from 1984-87. Born in Fullerton, California, Witt was California's fourth pick in the 1978 draft."
-John Shea and Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1991 Edition
"Right-hander Mike Witt could not have asked for a better start to his 1990 season. Combining with Mark Langston, Witt, the then-California Angel, helped no-hit the Seattle Mariners in the Angels home opener. One month later the ten-year veteran was relegated to the role of reliever and was traded for long-time Yankee outfielder Dave Winfield.
Once in Pinstripes, Witt was inserted into his familiar role as starter and expressed his enthusiasm.
'My job is to go seven, eight, nine (innings), keep us in the game, give up three runs or less and let the chips fall where they may. I look forward to that,' he said.
In his six starts for the Yankees, Witt won five games. His season was interrupted on June 8 when he heard his arm 'pop' pitching against Baltimore. He was placed on the disabled list for the first time in his career, but came back strong after the injury.
Right-handed hitters batted just .208 against the big righty, and in his six losses, the Yankees scored just 10 runs.
Yankee fans are excited to see this tower of power healthy again, and with a little more offensive support he could be just what the doctor ordered."
-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook
"Witt was acquired by the Yankees last year on May 11 in exchange for outfielder Dave Winfield. Prior to the trade, he appeared in 10 games for the Angels, all in relief. He was 0-3 with a save and a 1.77 ERA (20.1 IP, 4 ER, 19 H, 9 R, 13 BB [1.57 WHIP], 14 K) and opposing hitters hit .250 against him. His only save came in the Angels' opener against Seattle in California as he pitched two perfect innings (2 K) to combine with Mark Langston on the first no-hitter of 1990. It was the second no-hitter Witt was involved with along with his perfect game in 1984.
With the Yankees he was used exclusively as a starter, going 5-6 with a 4.47 ERA over 16 starts. He made his Yankee debut on May 19 against Kansas City and did not get a decision in a 5-4 New York win (6.0 IP, 1 R, 0 ER. 3 H). Mike, in fact, did not get a decision in any of his first three starts, with all three coming in May. For the month he posted a 3.79 ERA (19.1 IP).
Mike's first decision came on June 3 against Baltimore- he took the loss in a 4-3 defeat (7.1 IP, 4 ER, 7 H). He made his next start on June 8 at Baltimore and had to leave after 1.2 innings when he heard a pop in his right elbow while pitching to Greg Walker (and left the game with a 2-2 count on Walker). He was placed on the 15-day disabled list the next day (and was subsequently moved to the 21-day DL on July 16) with a sore elbow requiring rest. It marked the first time in his 10-year career that Mike spent any time on the DL. At the time of the injury he was 0-1 with a 3.86 ERA (28.1 IP) through five starts. The Yankees were 1-4 in those starts, with each game being decided by one run.
Activated on August 6, missing 55 games, Mike did not miss a start the rest of the way (11 GS). His first start after the injury was on August 7 at Seattle, resulting in his first 1990 win (6.4 IP, 1 ER, 4 H) in a 3-1 Yankee victory. Mike's first Yankee Stadium win as a Yankee came on August 18 against Seattle when he threw a 2-hit shutout, allowing two singles in a 6-0 triumph. He was 3-2 in August with a 4.66 ERA in five starts.
He went 2-3 in September with a 4.76 ERA. His fifth and final win was on September 23 against Boston (7.0 IP, 2 ER, 8 H), a 5-4 Yankee victory. He was 5-5 with a 4.72 ERA (68.2 IP) over 11 starts after his injury.
Witt was used exclusively as a reliever by the Angels in 1990, breaking a string of 208 straight starts dating back to the 1983 season. His career record as a starter is 110-105 with a 3.84 ERA (1974.2 IP). As a reliever, he's 4-8 with a 2.58 ERA (87.1 IP).
In his five Yankee wins he had a 2.08 ERA (39.0 IP, 9 ER) and was supported with 32 runs (6.4 runs/game). In his six Yankee losses he had a 9.00 ERA (29.0 IP, 29 ER) and was supported with 10 runs (1.7 runs/game). In his five no-decisions he had a 3.14 ERA (28.2 IP, 10 ER) and was supported with 19 runs (3.8 runs/game).
Witt was 2-3, 3.51 at Yankee Stadium and 3-3, 5.17 on the road. He was better against right-handed hitters (.207 batting average against) than against left-handed hitters (.270 batting against); overall, opponents hit .240 against him. Witt had a 3.00 ERA (21.0 IP), 4.88 (75.2 IP) on grass. He went six-plus innings in 12 of 16 starts and averaged 6.0 innings per start overall. He held the opposition to three runs or less in eight of his 16 starts.
He signed a three-year contract in January 1991. The contract extends through the 1993 season.
Selected in the fourth round of the June 1978 draft, Witt was originally signed by Larry Himes. In 1981, he was promoted from AA El Paso to the Angels with less than 70 games of professional experience. He made his major league debut at Seattle on April 11, and on April 26 at Minnesota recorded his first victory and first complete game in a 7-1 decision. On September 28 against Chicago, Witt pitched his first shutout. In 1982 he registered five wins in the first four months of the season before winning three in August.
Mike set a personal best for most appearances (43) in 1983, splitting time between starting and relief. In relief he pitched 24 games, finishing with a 3-3 record, five saves and a 3.48 ERA (41.1 IP, 16 ER).
In 1984, Mike pitched a perfect game on September 30 when he defeated Texas 1-0 at Arlington in the season finale. He threw 94 pitches, 70 for strikes, going to a 3-ball count only twice, both times to Wayne Tolleson. Mike's last no-hitter had come as a member of the Fullerton (CA) Little League.
With 35 starts, 250.0 innings pitched and 180 strikeouts in 1985, he won 13 of his last 17 decisions after June 1. He worked into the 7th inning or later 28 times.
Witt compiled an 18-10 record and a 2.84 ERA in 1986, finishing among the league leaders in several categories including wins, ERA, complete games (14), shutouts (3) and innings pitched (269.0). His opponents batting average against was .221.
He dominated the month of August when he was named American League Pitcher of the Month: Mike posted a 5-0 record and a 0.21 ERA (43.1 IP, 1 ER), fanning 28 and allowing 17 hits for a .110 batting average against. He won a career high seven straight from August 5-September 18.
Mike finished with a 16-14 record in 1987, marking his fourth straight season with 15 or more wins. He was honored as the AL Player of the Week for June 1-7 with a 2-0 record in two starts while posting a 0.95 ERA (19.0 IP, 2 ER) and fanning 19 batters while walking only three and limiting opposing hitters to a .176 batting average (12 H). Mike's 10 complete games were half the team's total, he pitched into 7th inning or later 28 times and allowed three earned runs or less in 21 starts.
Leading the Angels with 13 victories in 1988, Mike recorded a 5-0 shutout of Baltimore on May 28, his first shutout since August 26, 1986 when he blanked the Yankees 2-0 at Yankee Stadium. He was selected AL Player of the Week for June 13-19, going 2-0 with a 0.51 ERA (17.2 IP, 12 H, 1 ER). He registered his 100th career win on September 8 at Texas but did not strike out a batter in that win, the first time he failed to do so since April 30, 1982, a span of 209 starts. Mike allowed only 14 home runs during the season. Of his 12 complete games, six were in losing efforts.
In 1989, he pitched 200-plus innings for the sixth consecutive season. After surrendering 87 walks in 1988, he allowed only 48 walks in '89. Mike pitched into the seventh inning or later in 21 of 33 games, allowed three earned runs or less in 18 of 33 games and walked two batters or less in 28 of 33 games. He finished with a 9-15 record and a 4.54 ERA (220.0 IP).
Mike graduated from Servite High School (CA) in 1978, posting a 14-0 record in a California Interscholastic Federation 4-A championship season. In high school he was a teammate of Steve Buechele and played against Mike Gallego and Bobby Meacham. He was also a standout basketball player. He played in the Babe Ruth League (West Anaheim) and in Little League (Fullerton).
Mike enjoys playing golf. His most dramatic moment was pitching his 1984 perfect game and his favorite entertainer is Billy Joel."
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
Tied for American League lead in hit batsmen (11), 1981.
Pitched 1-0 perfect game against Texas Rangers, September 30, 1984.
-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
R.I.P. Joe Grzenda
Pitching for the Yankees' Triple-A farm club at Syracuse in 1973, Joe was 7-6 with a 2.43 ERA and a 1.108 WHIP.
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