BRIEN TAYLOR
"The first player picked in the 1991 draft lived up to expectations in his first full pro season. Taylor fashioned a 2.57 ERA in 27 starts for Fort Lauderdale (A). He used a fastball clocked at 99 miles per hour to fan 187 in 161 1/3 innings. His only negative was a 6-8 record, but his club finished 17 games below .500. Taylor should be ready for his Yankee Stadium unveiling in 1994.
Born December 26, 1971, in Beaufort, North Carolina, he became an instant millionaire when received a record $1.55 million minor league contract after protracted negotiations."
-Tony DeMarco (Ft. Worth Star-Telegram) and Tom Pedulla (Gannett Newspapers), The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1993 Edition
"Brien was selected by the Yankees as the number one pick in the 1991 June Amateur draft. He spent the entire 1992 season in Fort Lauderdale, finishing with a 6-8 record and a 2.57 ERA. He allowed only 121 hits in 161 innings pitched and led the Florida State League with 187 strikeouts. Brien began the 1993 season at Double-A Albany-Colonie.
Possibly the best major league prospect in minor league baseball, Brien features an overpowering fastball and excellent breaking pitches. His fastball has been clocked as high as 98 mph.
Brien was signed out of East Carteret High School in North Carolina where he posted a scholastic record of 29-6 with a 1.25 ERA."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"1992 was Brien's first season of professional baseball. Pitching at A Ft. Lauderdale, he posted a 6-8 record with a 2.57 ERA in 27 starts. He struck out 187 batters in 161.1 innings, leading the Florida State League in strikeouts and leading the league's starters in strikeouts per nine innings pitched (10.4). Brien also tied for the league lead for errors by a pitcher (6). He ranked favorably among Yankee minor league hurlers in many categories: first in strikeouts, tied for second in games started and third in ERA.
Taylor was named FSL Pitcher of the Week for April 26-May 2 after posting a 2-0 mark, including a win at Charlotte on April 27 in which he struck out 13 batters over seven scoreless innings. He struck out 12 batters in each of his last two starts of the season: on August 27 at West Palm Beach and at home on September 1 against West Palm Beach.
He was rated the second best prospect in the Florida State League, and for the second consecutive season was rated the top prospect in the Yankee system in Baseball America's postseason review. Invited to spring training by the Yankees in February of 1993, he signed a contract for the 1993 season.
Brien was the number one pick overall in the 1991 June free agent draft. He was scouted for the Yankees by Jeff Taylor. He became the second number-one pick ever for the Yankees, joining Ron Blomberg, selected in 1967. He was the first high school pitcher selected in the first slot since the Texas Rangers chose David Clyde in 1973. Brien signed his contract on August 26, 1991.
He pitched in the Instructional League in Tampa after the 1991 season. He started four games and compiled a 2.25 ERA (16.0 IP, 8 H. 6 R, 4ER, 8 BB, 27 K). Brien averaged 15.2 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. His roommate in Tampa was Yankee minor league catcher Kiki Hernandez.
Brien's first outing in Pinstripes came on October 9 against the Lucky-Goldstar Baseball club, a touring team from Seoul, South Korea. He pitched two innings, hitting 98 on the radar gun. He capped his Instructional League stint with a game against the Cleveland Instructional team, tossing 5.1 innings of 1-hit ball while striking out 10 batters.
He graduated from East Carteret High School. As a senior, he posted an 8-2 record with a 0.86 ERA (84.0 IP, 18 H, 8 ER, 24 BB, 203 K) and averaged 21.8 strikeouts, 1.9 hits and 2.6 walks per nine innings. Brien took the loss in the state semifinals by a score of 1-0 despite throwing a 1-hitter.
In his high school career, Brien was 29-6 with a 1.25 ERA (239.1 IP, 85 H, 158 BB, 476 K). He once threw back-to-back no-hitters for East Carteret. He also struck out 20 of 21 batters in a game. He was clocked as high as 99 mph in high school.
He was honored in November by Topps as the Junior Player of the Year. He was ranked the No. 1 prospect in the Yankee organization by Baseball America."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Led Florida State League in strikeouts (187), 1992.
Led Florida State League in balks (10), 1992.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Brien M. Taylor (P) #47
Born December 26, 1971, in Beaufort, North Carolina, where he resides. Ht: 6-3, Wt.: 195. Bats left and throws left.
Opening Day age: 21. No major league service.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
TAYLOR, THE FLAME THROWER
"Brien Taylor may be known as the million-dollar man. But make no mistake, this guy is for real.
And so is his arm. Albany-Colonie Yankee fans will have a chance to see Taylor's bionic pitching form this season.
Taylor is happy to make his Double-A debut in Albany, just two and a half hours from the Bronx and the big-league Yankees.
'I can get acclimated to that,' said Taylor in a phone conversation from Ft. Lauderdale at the New York Yankees' spring training camp. 'They tell me it's pretty cold up there. I don't think I'll have a problem with it, though. We started the season back home in high school in winter. You don't throw as hard when it's cold, but you adapt and throw harder as the weather warms up.'
The Yankees' No. 1 draft pick of 1991 favors a hearty meal to start his championship days. 'I like scrambled eggs, French toast, bacon or sausage,' says the 6-foot- 4, 204-pound Taylor.
While Taylor loves a home-cooked meal, he has found that life in baseball isn't always conducive to such luxuries. In his 1992 rookie season at Class-A Ft. Lauderdale, he found the next best thing to be a meal at TGI Friday's, Denny's or Bennigans. Taylor will be in luck. He will have two of his three favorite eateries in Albany.
Taylor was drafted at age 19, after he graduated from East Carteret High School in his hometown of Beaufort, North Carolina. He signed with the Yankees for $1.55 million in August of '91 with the help of his mom, Bettie Taylor.
While Bettie grappled with the fundamentals of contracts and tie idiosyncracies of major league baseball negotiations, the bottom line was Brien's fastball that sealed the deal. He has been clocked as high as 99 m.p.h. and consistently in the mid-90s.
'In spring training he was very impressive. He's one of the ones who doesn't come along very often,' says Buck Showalter, New York Yankees manager.
With the signing, Taylor's bonus was the highest paid to a minor league player in the 125-year history of professional baseball. He knows economics- after all, it isn't every day that the Yankees or any ballclub has the chance to sign a pitcher who throws heat like Taylor with a 0.86 ERA in 80 innings of play and 213 strikeouts to his credit as a schoolboy.
Bettie Taylor also knows the theory of supply and demand. 'It took us by complete surprise when Brien was named the No. 1 pick,' she says. 'Brien was thrilled. That was indeed an honor for him.'
And she admits it wasn't easy going up against the Yankee brass. She turned down two offers, the second of which was reported to be $650,000 before the final offer was accepted.
'Some of the neighbors thought I had lost my senses, but nobody came right out to tell me that,' she says. 'Todd Van Poppel had signed (with Oakland) for $1.2 million in 1990, and Brien was every bit as talented. I only wanted for him what was fair.'
She spoke proudly of Brien, and of his brothers and sisters. 'Brien is a quiet person,' she says. 'He's not loud. He doesn't wear his emotions on his sleeve. He gets along well with his friends, and he'll socialize, but he's a private person. He keeps to himself. He gets that from me.'
At age 14, Bettie was one of two black students to integrate East Carteret High School back in 1965, and she says she feels what she learned from her situation has helped her to prepare her children for success.
'That strengthened me,' she says. 'It realized that a person can do anything he or she wants to do in life. I've tried to raise all my kids to have that attitude. With hard work and stick-to-itiveness, anything is possible.
'Brien's older brother, Brenden, played basketball and he was very good,' Bettie Taylor said from in a phone interview from her North Carolina home. 'His sister, Wyleen, plays J.V. basketball, and she's into softball. She'll play in the county league at first base. She's 14. Wutasha is only seven. She's started playing basketball and softball. We're a sports-oriented family. We have cable TV, and that's where we are now, watching basketball.'
Brien's dad Willie, who Bettie affectionately calls 'Ray,' has been a positive influence, too, as the family was thrust into the national spotlight with Brien's signing. 'Ray is an outgoing person. He's an outdoorsman, energetic, hardworking and involved,' she says. 'He was my pillar of strength through Brien's contract negotiations.'
Willie 'Ray' Taylor supports his family as a self-employed stonemason, and Bettie has worked as a crab processor in their coastal town. The Taylors have a modest lifestyle, making their home in a trailer until September 1992. It was then that the family moved into a house they had begun to build through Brien's high school years. With a contribution from his signing bonus, the finishing touches were complete for Brien's homecoming after his first full season of professional baseball.
Taylor got his first look at minor-league life after his signing with the Instructional League in Tampa. He played at Class-A Ft. Lauderdale in 1992, after having a taste of major-league baseball as a non-roster invitee to the Yankees spring training camp. He lived in an Econolodge suite with roommates Rickey Rhodes, Brian Faw and John Quintell, who joined Albany in late 1991 and served as a backup catcher in 1992 for two months before heading to Ft. Lauderdale to see more playing time.
'Brian is a good guy. He was just himself and he handled his situation very well,' Quintell says. 'He is easy to live and work with. He has his own opinion, but he isn't afraid to take instruction. At first, batters are in awe of him. The publicity gets there before he does. In a game, that goes out the window.
'He handles the media well, and there are plenty of reporters after him. They've been pretty kind to him. It could put a lot of pressure on him, but for the kind of money he signed for, he's got to expect it.
'As a roommate, we stayed out of each other's way, but we all went to dinner together, or to clubs or to the beach. He didn't flaunt his money or his status at all. A few of the guys had cars. Brian drove a Mustang.'
The minor-league salary range for Double-A ballplayers in the Yankee system is $1,500 to $2,100 a month. Luckily for Taylor, he has his signing bonus and money from baseball card royalties to fall back on, if necessary. He signed with Scoreboard's Classics Division and Topps.
'I laugh at the amounts that I supposedly make,' Taylor says.
Taylor would rather not talk about money.
He'd rather talk about baseball.
'I try to throw strikes, keep control and communicate with my catcher, ' he says. 'I don't usually notice who the batter is ... I need to work on my pick-off move and my defense.'
He'll talk basketball.
'It was my second love in high school. I played wing and low post. I played every year. I think I was averaging 18-20 points per game with 10 or 11 rebounds. My brother played, too.'
He'll share his music interests.
'I listen to Christopher Williams, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, a little bit of soul, a little bit of rap.'
Brien remembers his friends.
'They all act the same toward me now. That's good. My cousin, Duane Davis, and I are close. My friend, Timmy Reels, is still in school, a junior in high school. He's a pretty good basketball player. He may be ranked (on national recruiting lists) next year.'
He'll discuss family.
'They have been my inspiration. They help me keep my love of the game. Brenden is an easy-going guy, very popular in our town. He works with my dad. Wyleen is trying to develop her athletic talents. Wutasha is bright and mature for her age.'
Brien Taylor lived a normal childhood and outside of baseball he leds the life of a quiet, yet sociable, 21-year-old. He loves Cosby. He lifts weights at the gym. He reads. He eats. He sleeps. On occasion, he'll show up at a nightclub with his friends.
'My life hasn't changed much,' Taylor says. 'I can obtain things now that I couldn't before, but my values haven't changed.'
Taylor is adjusting to all of the attention, and he doesn't mind signing autographs as long as people understand he has a job to do.'
'It gets tough when you see the same people day after day in line to get autographs. You want to give everyone a chance. You look for the kids.'
Taylor hopes to be a role model for young kids. And he plans to continue his education. When he was summoned by the Yankees, he had begun his college career at Louisburg Junior College. He would like to study psychology.
'An education is good for everybody. It is an important part of life. It is something that no one can take away. You learn to do things for yourself.'
Taylor started his baseball education with tee-ball at age five. He's never stopped learning.
He loves to watch his favorite pitchers, but he does his own thing on the mound. Orel Hershiser, Roger Clemens and Dwight Gooden have Taylor's professional respect. On a personal and professional level, Taylor is just getting to know one of the newest Yankee pitchers, Jim Abbott.
'He is a real nice guy for the caliber of pitcher that he is. You look forward to running into him and talking to him. I don't imagine there are too many people like him in his position.'
In his rookie season at Ft. Lauderdale, Taylor posted impressive numbers. In 161 1/3 innings, Taylor struck out 187, walked 66 and gave up 121 hits in 27 games with a 2.57 ERA. He had a 6-8 overall record as a starter.
His goals are modest. He hopes to pitch as well as he did as a rookie with a few more games in the win column.
Taylor knows the road to the Bronx goes through Albany, and for a left-hander, that can sometimes mean skipping the next usual stop, Triple-A Columbus.
'Brien needs another full year in the minor leagues,' says New York Yankees General Partner Joe Molloy. 'A lot depends on what he does this year. He could come up in September and see what it is like.'
He never knew much about the Capital District, but he looks forward to getting settled in Albany and do what he loves to do. Play ball."
-Denise Romard, 1993 Albany-Colonie Yankees Souvenir Yearbook
DEREK JETER
"Derek was selected by the Yankees in the first round (sixth overall and the first high school player chosen) of the 1992 June draft. He played most of the '92 season at Tampa where he hit .202 with three home runs and 25 RBI in 47 games. He finished the year at Greensboro hitting .243 in 11 games.
An excellent fielder with great range and a strong throwing arm, Derek is projected to develop into a very productive offensive player with some power.
Derek hit .508 in his senior year at Kalamazoo High. He attends the University of Michigan in the off-season."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"1992 was Jeter's first year of professional baseball. He was the Yankees' first-round selection and the sixth pick overall in the June 1, 1992, free-agent draft. He was signed on June 28 by Yankee scout Dick Groch. Jeter was the first high school player chosen in the draft and became the third shortstop ever selected by the Yankees with a first-round pick, joining Dennis Sherill (1974) and Rex Hudler (1978).
Jeter spent time at both rookie-league Tampa and Class-A Greensboro. At Tampa, seven of his first 13 hits went for extra bases, and his 13 extra-base hits overall tied for second on the club.
He combined to hit .210 with four home runs and 29 RBIs between the two clubs, playing 57 games at shortstop. He was ranked as the second best prospect in the Yankee farm system in Baseball America's postseason analysis. Derek signed a contract for the 1993 season and was invited to spring training in February.
Derek is currently attending the University of Michigan. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1992, where as a senior he hit .508 (30-for-59) with five doubles, a triple, four home runs, 23 RBIs, 28 runs, one strikeout and 21 walks. He was 12-for-12 in stolen base attempts, slugged .831 and had a .637 on-base percentage. Last October, Jeter was named High School Player of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association.
As a junior he hit .557 with seven homers. Derek played Little League and Connie Mack ball as a youth, playing second and third in Little League."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Derek Sanderson Jeter (SS) #73
Born June 26, 1974, in Pequannock, New Jersey, resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Ht: 6-3, Wt: 175. Bats right and throws right.
Attending University of Michigan.
Opening Day Age: 18. No Major League service time.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
DOMINGO JEAN
"Domingo was acquired from the Chicago White Sox organization along with Melido Perez and Bob Wickman in January 1992. He pitched virtually all of last season in Fort Lauderdale going 6-11 with a 2.61 ERA in 23 starts. His five complete games led the organization. Domingo struck 172 batters in 158.2 innings while walking only 49.
He is a hard thrower with an outstanding split-finger. He is projected to rise quickly through the minor league ranks.
Domingo is a native of the Dominican Republic."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"Domingo was obtained from the Chicago White Sox in January of 1992 along with pitchers Melido Perez and Bob Wickman in exchange for second baseman Steve Sax and cash considerations. He spent most of the season at Class-A Ft. Lauderdale while also making one start for AA Albany.
At Ft. Lauderdale, Domingo went 6-11 with a 2.61 ERA in 23 starts, tossing five complete games. He struck out 172 batters in 158.2 innings, an average of 9.8 strikeouts every nine innings. His highlights included seven no-hit innings in a 12-inning loss and a 5-hit, 3-0 shutout on May 31 at Baseball City.
Domingo led the Yankee organization in complete games and strikeouts (178). He was second in the Florida State League in strikeouts and strikeouts per nine innings, and sixth in batting average against (.207). He was rated the sixth best prospect in the Yankee minor league system by Baseball America.
He played winter ball in the Dominican Republic (Escogido) going 0-2 in three starts (14.1 IP). Domingo was added to the 40-man roster in November and signed a contract for the 1993 season.
Domingo was signed by the White Sox organization as a free agent on May 8, 1989. He was signed by scouts Preston Douglas and Danny Monzon.
In 1990, his first year of professional ball, he was 2-5 with a 2.29 ERA in 13 starts for rookie league Sarasota. He allowed 55 hits in 78.2 innings and struck out 65. In 1991, Domingo pitched at A South Bend, going 12-8 with a 3.30 ERA in 25 starts. He struck out 141 over 158.0 innings while allowing 121 hits, an average of eight strikeouts every nine innings. His 12 wins were second in the White Sox organization.
Domingo attended Divina Providencia High School in San Pedro de Macoris where he played baseball. He was a fan of Nolan Ryan as a youngster. Domingo credits his family with helping his career."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Domingo Jean (P) #62
Born January 9, 1969, in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, where he resides. Ht.: 6-2, Wt.: 175. Bats right and throws right.
Married, Jennifer (5/18/92).
Opening Day age: 21. No Major League service time.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
RUSS DAVIS
"Russ was selected by the Yankees in the 29th round of the 1988 June draft. Last year he blossomed as an offensive force as he hit .285 with 22 home runs and 71 RBI in 132 games for Albany-Colonie. Russ was named Eastern League Most Valuable Player.
He is a solid defensive player who only needs to continue his growth at the Triple-A level.
Russ attended Shelton State Community College in Alabama."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"Davis spent his second straight season at AA Albany of the Eastern League in 1992. He had a career year, reaching personal bests in batting (.285), home runs (22) and RBIs (71). He reached base safely in 21 straight games from May 12-June 2 and had a 10-game hitting streak from July 11-20.
He was named Eastern League MVP, tying for first in slugging (.482) and was tied for second in homers, and was fourth in runs (77) and seventh in batting average. Russ was second in the Yankee organization in homers, fourth in total bases (237), fifth in hits (140), sixth in runs and at-bats (492) and ninth in RBIs. He was named to the EL All-Star team and Baseball America's Double-A All-Star team. Baseball America rated Davis the third best prospect in the EL and fourth best prospect in the Yankee organization. He was added to the 40-man roster in November and signed a contract for the 1993 season.
Davis was selected by the Yankees in the 26th round of the June 1988 free agent draft and was signed by Bob Hartsfield. He spent his first professional season in Rookie League Sarasota. He hit .230 in 58 games, scoring 33 runs and driving in 30, and had 16 extra-base hits.
He split the 1989 season between short-A Oneonta and A Ft. Lauderdale. He hit .288 at Oneonta with seven home runs, 42 RBIs, seven doubles and five triples. He tied for the New York-Penn League for double plays by a third baseman (11). With Ft. Lauderdale, Russ hit .184 in 48 games. For the season he hit .248 with nine homers and 64 RBIs.
Davis spent the entire 1990 season at High-A Prince William. He hit .249 with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs, leading the league in doubles (37). He was named to the Carolina League All-Star team. Russ led the circuit's third basemen in games (131), putouts (68), assists (244), total chances (336) and double plays (18). He set personal bests in games (137), runs (55), at-bats (510) and hits (127).
In 1991, his first season at AA Albany, he hit .218 with eight home runs and 58 RBIs, along with 23 doubles and a career best 50 bases on balls. Davis tied Eastern League third basemen for the lead in fielding percentage (.917), leading in putouts (83) and assists (205) and total chances (314).
Russ attended Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, earning all-conference honors in 1987. He graduated from Hueytown High School where he played shortstop. He earned MVP and All-County honors and led in homers as a senior (1986).
Russ played Dixie Youth baseball as a youngster. His father played college baseball at Mississippi State and three years in the Orioles farm system.
Russ enjoys playing golf in the off-season. He grew up a George Brett fan. He's also a fan of Clint Eastwood."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Russell Stuart Davis "Russ" (3B) #63
Born September 13, 1969, in Birmingham, Alabama, resides in Hueytown, AL. Ht: 6-0, Wt. 170. Bats right, throws right.
Attended Shelton State Community College.
Opening Day age: 23. No major league service time.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
"The McCaffrey Award is presented each season to the A-C Yankee who gave their best effort on and off the field. Jim McCaffrey presents the award to honor his late father, Tom McCaffrey, former owner of the Albany Senators.
Third baseman Russell Davis was the recipient of the 1992 McCaffrey Award. Davis had a banner year, posting impressive numbers (.285-22-71) while en route to the 1992 Eastern League All-Star Team and, more impressively, the league's Most Valuable Player award for the 1992 season.
Russ is a fan favorite who is more than willing to sign autographs and lend a helping hand when the need arises."
-1993 Albany-Colonie Yankees Souvenir Yearbook
MARIANO RIVERA
"Mariano was signed by the Yankees as a free agent in February 1990 out of Panama. Elbow surgery cut short his 1992 season at Fort Lauderdale, but he posted a 5-3 record and a 2.28 ERA in 10 starts before shutting down in August. He struck out 42 and walked just five batters in 59-plus innings.
He is already a savvy hurler with good velocity and pinpoint control. He has walked only 48 batters in 226 professional innings, a career strikeout-to-walk ratio of 4.6:1.
Mariano proved himself healthy in spring training this year."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"1992 was an injury-plagued season for the right-hander who pitcher at A Ft. Lauderdale. He went 5-3 with a 2.28 ERA, three complete games and a shutout in 10 starts. Over 59.1 innings, Rivera allowed just 40 hits and five walks while striking out an impressive 42 batters. He averaged a minuscule 0.76 walks per nine innings and struck out 8.4 batters for every walk allowed. Rivera's season was cut due to in-season surgery on his right elbow. The surgery was performed by Dr. Frank Jobe on August 27.
Over his career, he has averaged 8.9 strikeouts for every nine innings pitched. He was rated the ninth best prospect in the Yankee system by Baseball America. He signed a contract for the 1993 season.
In 1991, he went 4-9 with a 2.75 ERA in a full season at A Greensboro. He appeared in 29 games, striking out 15, and pitched 114.2 innings. He allowed just 103 hits and 36 bases on balls while striking out 123 batters, an average of 9.7 Ks every nine innings.
Rivera was signed by the Yankees organization as a free agent on February 17,1990. He was signed by Yankee scout Herb Raybourn and spent his first professional season at A Tampa. He posted a 5-1 record and a 0.17 ERA in 22 games and picked up one save. He led the Gulf Coast League in ERA, and over 52.0 innings allowed just 17 hits and seven bases on balls while striking out 58. Rivera was named the Gulf Coast League Star of Stars.
In his lone start on August 31 against the Bradenton Pirates, he threw a seven-inning no-hitter in a 3-0 win.
Mariano Rivera (P) #58
Born November 29, 1969, in Panama City, Panama, resides in LaChorrera, Panama.Ht.: 6-4, Wt.: 175. Bats right and throws right.
Opening Day age: 23. No major league service time.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
KIKI HERNANDEZ
"Kiki was signed by the Yankees as a free agent in July 1988. He was the Yankees' 1991 Minor League Co-Player of the Year. He continued his progress as a potent hitter in 1992 at Albany-Colonie, batting .280 with four home runs and 40 RBI in 99 games.
A career .279 hitter, Kiki is a solid defensive player with a good arm behind the plate.
He is a native of Puerto Rico."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"After starting the 1992 season at A Fort Lauderdale, Kiki spent almost a full season at AA Albany. He played in just three games prior to the promotion.
In his first action at the AA level, Kiki hit .280 with four home runs and 40 RBIs in 99 games and was one of four Albany Yankees to hit above .280 last year. He caught a combined 100 games for the two clubs. In his career he has caught 250 games and played two at first base.
A non-roster player invited to spring training in February, he signed a contract for 1993.
Hernandez was the Yankees Co-Minor League Player of the Year in 1991. He spent the entire season at the Class-A level, playing for Greensboro and Prince William. He hit a combined .328 with 16 home runs and 83 RBIs in 115 games. Kiki hit .322 with 29 doubles, two triples 15 homers and 78 RBIs for Greensboro in notching South Atlantic League MVP honors. He was named to the SAL all-star team and was Topps SAL MVP. He led the circuit in both slugging (.535) and fielding percentage among catchers (.989) while throwing out 49 of 117 baserunners (42%), the fifth best percentage in the league.
In the Yankee organization, he ranked first in batting average, second in home runs (16), second in hits (136), RBIs and doubles (31). He caught 84 games and played two at first.
Hernandez hit .365 in May, earning Jack Butterfield Player of the Month honors. He went to the Instructional League (where he was Brien Taylor's roommate) and played winter ball in Venezuela.
He was signed as a minor league free agent on July 15, 1988. He was signed by Yankee scout Fred Ferreira. In his first season of pro ball, he hit .160 in nine games at Sarasota. In 1989, he hit .233 at Short-A Oneonta, followed by .250 for Prince William in 1990, where he caught 37 games."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Enrique Hernandez "Kiki" (C) #61
Born October 3, 1969, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, resides in Florida, Puerto Rico. Ht. 5-11, Wt.: 195. Bats right and throws right.
Opening Day age: 23. No major league service time.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
ANDY COOK
"Andy was selected by the Yankees in the 11th round of the 1988 June draft. A starter in his first four seasons, he spent a majority of 1992 in the Columbus Clippers' bullpen. He made 32 appearances overall, posting a 7-5 record and 3.16 ERA with two saves. He allowed only 85 hits in 92.2 innings. Andy pitched three times in the International League playoffs, going 2-0 witn a 0.96 ERA.
He played in the Arizona Fall League for Phoenix. He was used exclusively as a starter and went 6-2 with a 2.48 ERA.
Andy attended Memphis State University."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"Primarily a starter in his first four years in the pros, Andy spent a majority of the 1992 season in the Columbus (International League) bullpen. In his first full season at the AAA level, he was 7-5 with a 3.16 ERA in 32 games pitched.
Andy was 3-1 with a 3.16 ERA in nine starts and 4-4 with two saves and a 3.06 ERA in 23 relief appearances with the IL hitting .232 off him. He pitched three times in the playoffs, going 2-0 with a 0.96 ERA.
He played winter ball in the Arizona Fall League with the Phoenix Saguaros. Used exclusively as a starter, Cook compiled a 6-2 record with a 2.48 ERA in 10 starts, with his ERA ranking fourth best in the league. He was added to the Yankees' 40-man roster in November. He signed a contract for the 1993 season.
Cook split the 1991 season between Albany (Eastern League) and Columbus, combining to go 11-8 with a 3.74 ERA with three complete games in 27 starts. He was promoted to Columbus on June 26 after going 6-3, 3.95 at Albany. He earned the promotion by going 3-0 with a 1.59 ERA in his last four starts.
His highlights at Columbus include winning his first start and throwing a 2-hitter at Nashville on July 8. Cook was 1-1 with a 6.00 ERA in two playoff starts.
The IL hit .219 against him. He tied with Russ Springer for most starts in the organization. Andy played winter ball for Aragua in Venezuela.
Andy was drafted by the Yankees in the 11th round of the June 1988 free agent draft. He was signed by scout Stan Saleski. In his first season of professional ball, playing at Short Season-A Oneonta (New York-Penn League), Andy went 6-4 with a 3.62 ERA and two complete games in 16 starts. He led the league's pitchers in fielding percentage (1.000), hits allowed and double plays (3).
In 1989, Cook was 8-12 but had a 3.29 ERA in 24 starts. He also tossed five complete games, including his only shutout to date, with 83 strikeouts, still his professional best.
Andy attended Memphis State (1985-88). He was named to Baseball America's All-Freshman team in 1985 and to the All-Metro Conference team as a junior. Andy is working toward a degree in finance.
He played baseball, basketball and football at Christian Brothers High School. As a youth he played Babe Ruth, Pee Wee Reese, American Legion and Connie Mack ball. Andy went to the World Series with his Pee Wee Reese team (Georgia) and with his Connie Mack team (New Mexico). In the Connie Mack World Series he played current major leaguers Ken Griffey Jr. and Mark Lewis and Yankee farmhand Todd Popplewell.
Andy was a fan of Reggie Jackson as a youngster. He started out as an outfielder-pitcher.
He spends the winter as a merchandiser."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Andrew Bernard Cook "Andy" "ABC" (P) #65
Born August 30, 1967, in Memphis, Tennessee, resides in Memphis, TN. Ht: 6-5, weight: 215. Bats right and throws right.
Married, Sharon (12/4/91). Attends Memphis State University.
Opening Day age: 25. No major league service time.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
ROBERT EEHNOORN
"Robert was selected by the Yankees in the second round of the 1990 June draft. He is a superior defensive talent who began to produce at the plate in 1992, splitting the season between Fort Lauderdale and Albany-Colonie. Overall, hit .271 with career highs in runs (47), hits (108), doubles (16), triples (4), home runs (5) and RBI (56). He hit .305 in 57 games at Fort Lauderdale.
Robert was a member of the 1988 Netherlands Olympic team and attended Davidson College in North Carolina."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"Eenhoorn began the 1992 season at Class-A Ft. Lauderdale. He was leading the team in batting with a .305 average when he was promoted to AA Albany. He hit .235 over 60 games in his first action at the AA level. Overall, Eenhoorn hit .271 in 1992.
He played in 117 games, 109 at shortstop, reaching personal highs in virtually every offensive category, including runs (47), hits (108), doubles (16), triples (4), homers (5) and RBIs (56). Robert has played 208 games at shortstop in his professional career. Rated the seventh best prospect in the Yankees' minor league system by Baseball America, he was added to the Yankees' 40-man roster last November. He signed a contract for the 1993 season.
Eenhoorn was the Yankees' second-round pick in the June 1990 free agent draft. He was signed by scout Jeff Taylor. He was a member of the 1988 Netherlands Olympic baseball team.
He attended Davidson College (Davidson, NC) for one year (1990) and hit .363 with 49 runs, 15 doubles, two triples, eight homers and 44 RBIs. He stole 17 bases, had a .594 slugging percentage and led the team in hits (74) and RBIs, with his hit total still a school record. For the 1990 season, Eenhoorn was named the shortstop on Baseball America's All-Freshman team.
In his first year of professional baseball, he hit .268 for Short-A Oneonta. He was ranked as the Yankees' eighth best prospect by Baseball America.
Robert started the 1991 season at rookie league Tampa where he hit .350 in 13 games. He finished the season at Class-A Prince Williams where he played in 29 games. He played in a total of just 42 games as he was bothered by a bad back. He was subsequently invited to spring training as a non-roster player.
Robert enjoys golf."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Robert F. Eenhoorn "Dutchy" (SS) #59
Born February 9, 1968, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where he resides. Ht.: 6-3, weight: 185. Bats and throws right.
Attended Davidson College.
Opening Day age: 25. No major league service time.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
DON SPARKS
"Don was selected by the Yankees in the fifth round of the 1988 June draft. He is formerly a third baseman.
He spent the entire 1992 campaign at Albany-Colonie where he posted his best season as pro. He hit .313, with 14 home runs, 31 doubles, 72 RBI and 64 runs scored. He led the Eastern League as all Yankee minor leaguers with 158 hits.
Don attended Loyola Marymount University in California."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"Sparks had perhaps his best season as a pro in 1992, playing a full year at AA Albany while making the switch from third base to first base. He hit .313 with 14 home runs and 72 RBIs and was named to the Eastern League All-Star team as the utility infielder. He led the Eastern League in hits (158), and among Yankee minor leaguers ranked first in hits, sacrifice flys (8, tied for 1st), average (2nd), doubles (31, tied for 2nd), at-bats (505, 4th) and total bases (235, 5th). His season highlights include hitting streaks of 11 games, from May 22-June 1, and 16 games, from June 9-24.
He played 92 games at third, 29 at first and two at second. For his career, Don has played 347 games at third, 129 at first, three at second and one at shortstop. Invited to spring training in February, he signed a contract for the 1993 season.
Sparks was the Yankees' fifth-round selection in the June 1988 free agent draft. He was signed by Yankee scout Chris Smith. In his first year of professional baseball, he hit .247 at A Prince William. He played 68 games at third, one at first and one at second. In 1989, Don hit .281 with six homers for Prince William and was named to the Carolina League All-Star team as the designated hitter. He led the circuit in grounded-into-double plays (20) and tied for the lead in double plays by a third baseman (24). He played 111 games at third and five at first.
He hit a combined .249 between Albany and AAA Columbus in 1990. He started at Albany where his .277 batting average earned him a promotion to Columbus on June 20. Returned to Albany on July 11 after 16 games with the Clippers, he was named the starting third baseman on the EL All-Star team. Sparks led Eastern League third basemen in fielding percentage (.933) while playing 126 games at third, two at first and one at shortstop.
In 1991, he played 51 games at Columbus, hitting .257. Don was on the disabled list from May 21-July 11 with a broken wrist. From July 12 on he hit .267, with nine multi-hit games. He played 29 games at third and 13 at first.
Don attended Loyola Marymount (Los Angeles)."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Donald E. Sparks "Don" (1B-3B) #68
Born June 19, 1966, in Long Beach, California, where he resides. Ht.: 6-2, Wt: 195. Bats right and throws right.
Attended Loyola Marymount University.
Opening Day age: 26. No major league service time.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
"The recipient of the 1992 Walker Cup was first baseman Don Sparks. The Walker Cup is given each year to the Albany-Colonie Yankees' most valuable player in honor of the A-C Yankees' official team photographer and number-one fan, the late 'Fritz' Walker.
During the 1992 season, Sparks had a phenomenal 27-game hitting streak, the longest in Albany baseball history. He led Yankee minor league teams in hits with 157, tied with J.T. Snow at .313 for highest batting average and tied with Gerald Williams for second in doubles. Sparks was also among the leaders in games (134), home runs (14), RBIs (72), at-bats (505) and total bases (234). Don's name will join that of 1990 winner Bernie Williams and 1991 winner Dave Silvestri.
The trophy is donated by area businessman Joe Vellano of Vellano Brothers and former Albany Senators player Frank Staucet. The Albany-Colonie Yankees would like to thank them for their support and effort."
-1993 Albany-Colonie Yankees Souvenir Yearbook
MARK HUTTON
"Mark was signed by the Yankees as a free agent in December 1988. He is a native of South Adelaide, Australia.
He led Albany-Colonie in wins (13), starts (25) and innings (165.1) and posted a 3.59 ERA. He allowed only 146 hits while striking out 128.
Mark owns an overpowering fastball and may be converted to a closer this year at Columbus."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"A non-roster invitee to spring training in 1992, Mark spent a full season at AA Albany before moving up to AAA Columbus for one appearance.
At Albany, he led the team in wins (13), starts (25) and innings (165.1). He posted a 3.59 ERA and struck out 126 batters while allowing only 146 hits. In his only game for Columbus, Hutton lost in relief. Overall in 1992, he ranked second in wins, innings pitched (170.1) and was sixth in strikeouts (132).
Mark went 5-0 with a 1.85 ERA in May. According to Baseball America, he had the best fastball in the Eastern League and is the eighth best prospect in the Yankee organization. He held opposing batters to a .235 batting average.
The Australian native was added to the Yankees' 40-man roster on November 20. He signed a contract for the 1993 season.
In 1991 he spent a full season at Class-A Ft. Lauderdale. Through posting a 5-8 record, Mark had a 2.45 ERA and three complete games in 24 starts, allowing just 98 hits in 147.0 innings. He made one start at Columbus, notching the win.
He threw a 1-hitter in a 1-0 Ft. Lauderdale loss to Baseball City on July 19. He led all Florida State League starters in batting average against (.188). Ranked by Baseball America as the number four prospect in the Yankee organization, Hutton led the organization in walks (90), was third in strikeouts (157), fourth in ERA (2.41) and tied for sixth in starts (25) and complete games (3).
Mark was signed as a free agent in December 1988. He was signed by Yankee scout Dick Groch. In his first professional baseball season in 1989, he pitched at 'short-A' Oneonta and was 6-2 with a 4.07 ERA over 12 starts and struck out 62 in 66.1 innings. Mark was 1-10 at 'A' Greensboro in 1990 and struck out 72 in 81.1 innings.
He attended Scotch College Private School in Adelaide where he played Australian rules football, cricket and tennis. He played for the Sturt Baseball Club as a youth and was originally a third baseman and a pitcher. He has sports in his bloodlines as his great-grandfather (cricket), grandfather (cricket and baseball) and his father (cricket, baseball, tennis) were all athletes.
Mark grew up a Roger Clemens fan. He credits Columbus pitching coach Mike Brown with helping his career.
Mark enjoys fast cars and heavy metal music."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Mark Stephen Hutton "Mate" (P) #54
Born May 6, 1970, in South Adelaide, Australia, resides in West Lake, South Adelaide. Ht.: 6-6, Wt.: 240. Bats right and throws right.
Opening Day age: 23. No major league service.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
DAVE SILVESTRI
"Dave was acquired from the Houston organization in March 1990. He was the Yankees' 1991 Minor Co-Player of the Year.
He played most of 1992 at Columbus but was called up twice to New York where he hit .308 in seven games. As a Clipper, he hit .279 with 25 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs and 73 RBI.
A strong offensive performer throughout his career, the longtime shortstop began to learn catching duties in spring training duties this year.
A member of the 1988 gold medal-winning USA Olympic team, Dave was All-America at the University of Missouri."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"Silvestri spent the majority of 1992 at AAA Columbus, but also spent time at the major league level.
He hit .400 in spring training but started the season at Columbus. He hit .333 in 11 games for the Clippers before the first of his two recalls, on April 21 when Pat Kelly went on the disabled list. He made his major league debut against Texas on April 27, replacing Randy Velarde at shortstop in the 8th inning. Silvestri was struck out in his first at-bat by Calvin Jones at Seattle on May 4. The next night, at Seattle, he started at shortstop and went 1-for-3 with a run scored. His first major league hit was a single in the 8th inning off Dave Fleming. Silvestri was optioned to Columbus on May 8.
Overall with the Clippers, he hit .279 in 118 games. Sly added 13 homers and 73 RBIs while playing 114 games at shortstop. He made only 11 errors at shortstop, leading International League shortstops with a .977 fielding percentage. Named to the IL All-Star team, Dave was third in the circuit with 83 runs scored. He hit two of the three Clippers grand slams (May 16 against Rochester and July 24 against Tidewater) and had a two-homer game on July 12 at Toledo. 43 of his 117 hits were for extra bases (37%) and he stole 19 bases in 30 attempts (63%). Dave led the team with eight hit-by-pitches.
Twice named IL Player of the Week (July 19-25, August 31-Sept. 7), he ended the regular season at Columbus by hitting in 11 straight games (.531). He was recalled by the Yankees for the second time on September 19 at the conclusion of the Clippers' playoff games.
Silvestri started the second game of a September 22 doubleheader against Detroit and went 2-for-4 with a triple. Overall with the Yankees he hit .308 (3-for-14) with two triples.
He has played 502 games at shortstop in the minors. He was rated the 10th best prospect in the Yankee system by Baseball America. He signed a contract for the 1993 season.
Added to the 40-man roster on October 3, 1990, Dave spent the entire 1991 season at AA Albany where he had his best season as a professional. He played in 142 games and hit .262 with 19 home runs and 83 RBIs. He hit .282 with nine home runs at home, .244 with ten home runs on the road. He was the team leader in home runs, hits (134), walks (83), slugging percentage (.465), runs (97), triples (8), games and at-bats (512). He was second on the club in doubles (31) and stolen bases (20) and third in on-base percentage (.366). Among all Yankee minor leaguers, Silvestri was the organizational leader in home runs, runs (tied with Carl Everett) and total bases (238), was second in doubles and RBIs, tied for third in triples and fourth in hits.
Dave was named the Jack Butterfield Player of the Month for June (.280, 9 HR, 28 RBIs). He was named to the Eastern League All-Star team and went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases in the All-Star Game in Huntsville. He hit .500 (6-for-12) in the Eastern League Final.
He was ranked as the seventh best prospect in the Yankee organization by Baseball America.
Silvestri was the second round pick of the Houston Astros in the June 1988 free agent draft. He was signed by Bill Kelso. He did not join the Astros organization that year as he was the starting shortstop on the U.S. Olympic team in the Seoul Summer Olympics. On the 53-day Olympic tour he hit .285 in 35 games and hit .200 in five games at the Olympics.
1989 was Dave's first year of professional baseball. Over 129 games for Houston's Class-A affiliate in Osceola, he hit .254 with 20 doubles and 28 stolen bases.
Dave was acquired with a 'player to be named later' by the Yankees from the Astros in March of 1990 in exchange for infielder Orlando Miller. Daven Bond was named that player on June 11. Silvestri spent a majority of the season at 'A' Prince William, hitting .258 with 30 doubles, seven triples, five home runs, 56 RBIs and 37 stolen bases in 131 games. He led Carolina League shortstops in fielding percentage (.965), assists (382), total chances (622), double plays (96) and tied for the league lead in games (130). He was promoted to Albany for two games.
He attended the University of Missouri (1986-88) where he lettered in baseball for three years. For his career he hit .379 (35 HR, 167 RBI, 47 SB, .660 slugging, 432 TB) including a .406 batting average (89 R, 21 HR, 79 RBI, .849 slugging) as a junior. Silvestri holds single-season school records for home runs, runs and slugging and his career totals of homers, runs and hits (248) are second in Missouri history. He was named a first team All-American (1987-88), first team all Big-Eight (1988) and to the Big-Eight All-Tournament team (1988).
Dave is working toward a degree in athletic administration. He played Little League in St. Louis."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
First-team All-American (University of Missouri), 1987.
First-team All-American (University of Missouri), 1988.
Starting shortstop for U.S. Olympic Team, Seoul Olympics, 1988.
Led Carolina League shortstops in fielding percentage (.965), 1990.
Led Carolina League shortstops in total chances (622), 1990.
Led Carolina League shortstops in double plays (96), 1990.
Led Carolina League shortstops in assists (382), 1990.
Tied for Carolina League lead in games played, shortstop (130), 1990.
Named to Eastern League All-Star team (SS), 1991.
Named International League Batter of the Week, July 19-25, 1992.
Named International League Batter of the Week, August 31- September 7, 1992.
Led International League shortstops in fielding percentage (.977), 1992.
Named to International League All-Star team (SS), 1992.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
David Joseph Silvestri "Dave" "Sly" (SS) #36
Born September 29, 1967, in St. Louis, Missouri, resides in Chesterfield, MO. Ht.: 6-0, Wt.: 196. Bats right and throws right.
Attended University of Missouri.
Opening Day age: 25. Major League service time: 34 days.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
STERLING HITCHCOCK
"Sterling was selected by the Yankees in the ninth round of the 1989 June draft. He became the first Yankee starter in 10 years to make the jump to the majors from Double-A.
A budding southpaw who owns a career minor league ERA of 2.56 with 525 strikeouts in only 516 innings, Sterling was 6-9 with a 2.58 ERA at Albany-Colonie in 1992. He led the Eastern League with 155 strikeouts and averaged 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. He was called up to New York in September for three starts, going 0-2 with an 8.31 ERA.
Sterling is a strong thrower with an excellent assortment of breaking pitches."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"Hitchcock spent time at two levels in 1992, making his professional debuts at the AA and major league levels. He combined to go 6-11 with a 3.04 ERA. Over 159.2 innings, he allowed 139 hits, walked 48 and struck out 161.
He started the season with the AA Albany-Colonie Yankees, before having his contract purchased on September 8. After just 24 starts and no AAA starts, Sterling went 0-2 with an 8.31 ERA in three starts for the Yankees, all at the Stadium. He made his major league on September 11 against the Royals. He did not earn a decision in a 2-1 Yankee victory despite allowing no runs in six innings. The first batter he faced: Gregg Jeffries; his first out: Jeffries; his first strikeout: Juan Samuel and the first hit he allowed was to Keith Miller.
His other two starts were losses. On September 16 against Chicago he lasted just 2.2 innings. Sterling made his final start on September 23 against Detroit and took the loss in a 10-8 decision, allowing a three-run homer to Mickey Tettleton and a two-run blast to Rob Deer.
With Albany, he posted a 6-9 record with a 2.58 ERA in 24 starts, striking out 149 batters in 155.2 innings (9.6 K/9.0 IP). Hitchcock led the Eastern League in strikeouts and was fourth in ERA. He allowed 116 hits (7.1 H/9.0 IP) and opposing batters hit .213 against him.
Sterling was the Yankees' Minor League Pitcher of the Month for April (1-2, 0.73 ERA). He made only one start from July 15-August 8, resting a tired arm. In his last five starts before his promotion he was 1-1 with a 1.08 ERA.
He made his major league debut at the age 21 years, four months and 13 days, the youngest Yankee to take the mound since Jose Rijo in 1984. Hitchcock was the youngest pitcher in the American League in 1992. He was the first Yankee starter to jump from AA to the majors since Stefan Wever in 1982. Baseball America rated Hitchcock the fifth best prospect in the Yankee minor league system.
Opposing teams hit .377 (23-for-61) off Sterling; 16 of the 23 hits were singles. Six of the 16 batters leading off an inning reached base. The Yankees hit .272 and scored 16 runs in his three starts.
He signed a contract for the 1993 season.
In 1991, Sterling went 7-7 with a 2.64 ERA in 19 starts for A Prince William, the fifth best ERA in the Carolina League. Opposing batters hit .240 against him and he allowed 1.96 BB/9.0 IP, good for second best in the circuit.
He spent the entire 1990 season at Class-A Greensboro. He led the South Atlantic League in strikeouts (171) and shutouts (5). He tossed a 1-0 no-hitter on July 16 against Sumter. Five days later, he threw a 3-hitter against Savannah. He also threw a 2-hitter against Spartanburg.
Rated by Baseball America as the seventh-best prospect in the Sally League, Hitchcock was fifth in the loop in innings (173.1) and strikeouts per nine innings (8.9).
He was the 9th-round pick of the Yankees in the June 1989 free agent draft. He was signed by Yankee scout Jack Gillis. In 1989 Hitch went 9-1 with a 1.64 ERA for rookie league Sarasota. He was named to the Gulf Coast League's 'Star of Stars' after leading the circuit in wins (9) and strikeouts (98), tying for the lead in starts (13). Topps Player of the Month for August, following the season Sterling was rated by Baseball America as the top prospect in the Gulf Coast League.
Sterling played three years of high school ball at Armwood High. He combined to go 13-6 with a 1.32 ERA, fanning 209 hitters in 143 innings. His ERA, innings and strikeouts are still school records. Sterling is the first athlete out of Armwood to make the pros in any on the big-4 sports. He was All-Conference and named to the league's All-Star team as a senior.
Sterling played Little League and American Legion ball as a youngster. He credits former Yankee minor league pitching Dave Jorn for helping him along.
Hitch is a Bruce Springsteen fan."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Led Gulf Coast League in wins (9), 1989.
Led Gulf Coast League in strikeouts (98), 1989.
Tied for Gulf Coast League in games started (13), 1989.
Named to Gulf Coast League All-Star team, 1989.
Led South Atlantic League in strikeouts (171), 1990.
Led South Atlantic League in shutouts (5), 1990.
Led Eastern League in strikeouts (155), 1992.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Sterling Alex Hitchcock "Hitch" (P) #35
Born April 29, 1971, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, resides in Seffner, Florida. Ht.: 6-1, Wt.: 192. Bats left and throws left.
Opening Day Age: 21. Major league service time: 27 days.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
BOBBY MUNOZ
"Bobby was selected by the Yankees in the 15th round of the 1988 June draft. He is a hard thrower who has steadily built an assortment of breaking pitches.
He made 22 starts at Albany-Colonie in 1992, going 7-5 with a 3.28 ERA. He allowed only 96 hits in 112.1 innings, struck out 66 and held opponents to a .234 batting average against.
Bobby played winter ball in Puerto Rico (Arecibo), throwing 16.2 innings in three starts. He attended Palm Beach Junior College and Polk Community College, both in Florida."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"In 1992, Munoz spent a full season at AA Albany in his fourth season of professional ball. He made 22 starts and posted a 7-5 record with a 3.28 ERA, allowing 96 hits in 112.1 innings. He ranked third on the staff in wins and fourth in starts. He held opponents to a .234 batting average. Munoz threw five no-hit innings on July 17 at Reading before leaving the game in accordance with a predetermined pitch count.
He played winter ball in Puerto Rico (Arecibo), throwing 16.2 innings in three starts. He signed a contract for the 1993 season
Munoz had an outstanding year in 1991 for 'A' Fort Lauderdale, posting a 5-8 record with a staff-low 2.33 ERA in 19 starts. He allowed only 91 hits in 108.0 innings, an average of 7.6 hits per nine innings. Munoz had four shutouts and two complete games among his 19 starts. Opponents batted only .232 off of him and he allowed only four home runs, one every 27.0 innings.
He pitched in the Florida State League All-Star Game, tossing one inning and allowing one run. He was promoted to Columbus on August 31 and pitched the next day in game two of a doubleheader at Toledo. It was his only appearance in triple-A, with Bobby taking the loss in a 9-7 defeat. He was sent to the Instructional League on September 11 and posted a 1.17 ERA (15.1 IP, 2 ER).
Bobby was ranked the ninth best prospect in Baseball America's ranking of the Yankee organization.
He was drafted by the Yankees in the 15th round of the June 1988 free agent draft. He was signed by Yankee scout Rudy Santin. 1989 was his first year of pro ball. Munoz split time between Sarasota and Ft. Lauderdale, combining to post a 2-3 record with a 4.18 ERA over five starts and 22.3 innings. In 1990, he spent a full season at 'A' Greensboro, posting a 5-12 record with a 3.73 ERA over 24 starts.
Bobby attended Palm Beach Junior College and Polk Community College, both in Florida. He played for Puerto Rico on the 1987 bronze medal-winning basketball team in the Junior Olympics in Italy.
He graduated from Hialeah Lakes Miami High School where he played baseball and basketball. He led the 1986 team to the State Championship and was tournament MVP.
Bobby played in the Amateur Baseball Association in Rio Piedras as a youngster. He participated in the National Championship Willie Mays baseball tournament in Atlanta in 1977, earning MVP honors."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Roberto Munoz "Bobby" (P) #56
Born March 3, 1968, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, resides in Hialeah, Florida. Ht: 6-7, Wt.: 237. Bats right and throws right.
Attended West Palm Beach Community College and Polk Community College.
Married, Mayra (11/10/89).
Major League service: none. Opening Day age: 25.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
BILLY MASSE
"Billy was selected by the Yankees in the seventh round of the 1988 June draft. He features good power and run-producing ability.
He played a key role in Columbus' 1992 championship season. He hit .266 in 110 games with 12 home runs and 60 RBI. He had a pair of two-home run games last year.
Billy attended Wake Forest University and was a member of the 1988 USA Olympic team."
-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook
"Billy spent a full season at Columbus in 1992, his first action at the AAA level. He hit .266 with 12 home runs and 60 RBIs. His 1992 highlights included a pair of two-homer games, on July 11 at Toledo and on July 31 at Scranton-Wilkes Barre. Invited to spring training on February 2, Billy
signed a contract for the 1993 season.
In 1991, his first full season at the AA level, Billy hit .295 with 17 doubles, 2 triples, 11 home runs and 61 RBIs for Albany. He led the Eastern League in on-base percentage (.418), was tied for fourth in batting average and walks (74) and was fifth in slugging (.447). Billy led EL outfielders in fielding percentage (.990). He had a grand slam on June 19 against London. In 1990, he spent time at both Class-A Ft. Lauderdale and Albany, stealing nine bases in 10 attempts.
Billy was the Yankees seventh-round pick in the June 1988 free agent. He was signed by Yankee scout Jeff Taylor. He was a member of the 1988 gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic baseball team. In 1989, his first year of professional baseball, Billy hit .239 for A Prince William and was named to the Carolina League all-star team. He led the league in walks (89) and led the circuit's outfielders in asssists (18) In four professional seasons, he has played 384 games in the outfield and one game at third base (1989).
Billy attended Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC)."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
William Arthur Masse "Billy" (OF) #67
Born July 6, 1966, in Manchester, CT, resides in Wethersfield, CT. Ht: 6-1, Wt.: 185. Bats right and throws right.
College: attended Wake Forest University.
Opening Day age: 26. No major league service time.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
BOBBY DEJARDIN
"Bobby spent a full season at Columbus in 1992, his first action at the AAA level. He hit .238 over 124 games, spending his second consecutive season as a second baseman, also playing 38 games at shortstop. In his career he has played shortstop (345 games), second (197) and third (14).
In 1992 he had eight sacrifices, tied for most in the organization, broke up two no-hit bids and also had a two-home run game (August 28). Bobby played winter ball in Arizona and hit .282 in 41 games. Invited to spring training on February 2, 1993, he signed a contract for the 1993 season.
Bobby spent his second consecutive season at Albany in 1991, hitting .295. He drew 62 walks, striking out only 55 times, and had 18 stolen bases. He ranked fifth in the Eastern League in fewest strikeouts per plate appearance (1/10.09) and tied for the club best in batting average, ranking fifth in the league. He led the Yankee organization in hits (142), good for fifth in the EL. He was second on the club in runs (74), good for sixth in the Yankee organization. Bobby sparkled in the postseason, hitting .320.
After playing only one game at second base over the 1988-90 seasons, he became the every day Albany second baseman in 1991. He played at three different seasons during the season: second (104), shortstop (16) and third (14).
In 1990, his first season at the AA level, Bobby hit .263 with a home run and 27 RBIs for Albany. A steady fielder, he led the league's shortstops in fielding percentage (.963) and double plays (83). He played in 103 games, all at shortstop. He also led the EL in hit-by-pitches (10).
The Yankees' 8th round pick in the June 1988 free agent draft, Bobby was signed by Chris Smith. He was previously selected by the Cubs in the 30th round of the June 1985 free agent draft.
In his first season of pro ball Bobby hit .295 for Class-A Oneonta. He was named to the New York-Penn League all-star team while leading the circuit's shortstops in assists (199). Playing only at shortstop he appeared in 57 games.
In 1989 at high-A Prince William, Bobby hit .278 and stole 38 bases. Named starting shortstop on the Carolina League all-star team, he led the league's shortstops in putouts (194), assists (395), total chances (626) and double plays (74). He played 131 games at shortstop and one at second. Bobby also led the Carolina League in sacrifice hits (15).
Bobby attended Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles), where he played three years of baseball (1986-88), hit .320 and captained the team as a junior. He played second base in 1986-87 and shortstop in 1988, playing alongside current Astro infielder Chris Donnels. The team played in the College World Series in 1987 and Bobby was named All-West Coast Conference second baseman that year.
Bobby played Little League, Babe Ruth League, American Legion and Jayhawk League baseball. Out of high school he was also offered baseball scholarships to USC, Cal-Berkeley and Arizona."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Robert Collins DeJardin "Bobby" "DJ" (IF-C) #74
Born January 8, 1967, in Lawton, Oklahoma, resides in Huntington Beach, CA. Ht: 5-11, Wt: 180. Bats left and right, throws right.
Married, Kelly (10/12/91). Attended Loyola Marymount University.
Major league service: none. Opening Day age: 26.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
FRANCISCO DE LA ROSA
"In 1992 De La Rosa spent a full season at AAA Columbus after being obtained by the Yankees in spring training. He was acquired on March 5 as one of two minor leaguers to be named in completion of the February 29 trade of right-handed pitcher Alan Mills to the Orioles. The Yankees obtained Mark Carper on June 8 to complete the trade.
De La Rosa pitched 48 games in relief for Columbus, compiling a 6-1 record with three saves and a 3.72 ERA. He allowed 55 hits in 47.2 innings. He led the Columbus staff in games finished (50) and was third in appearances. Francisco held opponents to a .224 batting and over the past five seasons has held opponents to a .216 batting average.
He played winter ball for Estrellas in the Dominican Republic posting a 1-2 record with a 4.55 ERA over 31.2 innings in nine games (six starts). He was signed by the Yankees as a six-year minor league free agent prior to spring training and was invited to spring training on February 2, 1993.
De La Rosa was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays on March 4, 1985. He was signed by Epy Guererro. In his first year of professional baseball he pitched in 16 games for rookie league Bradenton, going 0-1 with a 5.52 ERA. He was released by the Blue Jays on September 29.
After being out of baseball for two years, Francisco was signed by the Baltimore Orioles on October 24, 1987. Pitching for Hagerstown in '88, he held opponents to a .198 batting average, second lowest in the Carolina League. He struck out 11.2 batters every nine innings. Francisco led Hagerstown with eight saves in 1989 and was 3-4 with a 2.38 ERA with Frederick. He played winter ball in the Domincan Republic, going 3-0 with a 1.41 ERA for Estrellas.
In 1990, De La Rosa was 9-5 with a 2.06 ERA for Hagerstown, ranking second in the Eastern League in ERA. He made 23 appearances of which 20 were starts. As a starter he allowed five hits or less in 16 of 20 starts, two earned runs or less in 17 of 20 starts and one earned run or less in 13 of 20 starts and opposing batters hit .207 against him. He allowed five home runs in 131 innings.
Francisco earned a September promotion to Rochester and earned his first AAA save on September 2 at Syracuse. He played winter ball for Estrellas going 7-1 with a 3.49 ERA in 11 starts.
He went 4-1 with three saves and a 2.67 ERA in 38 games for Rochester in 1991. He allowed 71 hits over 84.1 innings and led the Red Wing in lowest ERA and was second in appearances. Francisco was recalled from Rochester on September 3, making two appearances for the Orioles and allowing two runs in four innings. He made his major league debut against Kansas City on September 7, pitching 1.1 scoreless innings. His other appearance was at Yankee Stadium on October 3. He played winter ball for Estrellas, going 3-2 with a 3.19 ERA in 11 games."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Francisco De La Rosa (P) #74
Born March 3, 1966, in LaRoma, Dominican Republic, where he resides. Ht: 5-11, Wt: 185. Bats both, throws right.
Opening Day age: 27. Major League service: 34 days.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
KENNY GREER
"Kenny spent time at three levels in 1992, combining to go 5-3 with a 2.42 ERA in 54 games. He started the season at A Prince William and after going 1-2 with a save and a 3.67 ERA in 13 games was promoted to AA Albany. Kenny spent the majority of the season there, going 4-1 with four saves and a 1.83 ERA in 40 games, then pitched in one game at AAA Columbus. His 54 appearances were tied for fifth most in the Yankee farm system. He was invited to spring training in February of 1993. He signed a contract for the 1993 season.
Kenny was the Yankees' 10th round selection in the June 1988 free agent draft. He was signed by Yankee scout Paul Turco. In his first year he was 5-5 with a 2.40 ERA in 15 starts (four complete games) for Short-A Oneonta. In 1989, he was 7-3 with a 4.19 ERA for Prince William with three complete games in 13 starts. In 1990 Kenny spent time with two Class-A clubs, combining to go 5-9 with a save and a 5.20 ERA pitching in 39 games.
He spent a full season at A Ft. Lauderdale in 1991, going 4-3 with a 4.24 ERA in 31 games. He allowed 49 hits in 57.1 innings.
Kenny attended the University of Massachusetts (Amherst)."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Kenneth William Greer "Kenny" (P) #72
Born May 12, 1967, in Boston, Mass., resides in Hull, Mass. Ht: 6-2, Wt: 215. Bats right and throws right.
Attended University of Massachusetts.
Opening Day age: 25. No major league service.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
ED MARTEL
"1992 was Martel's first season pitching at the AAA level, spending the entire year at Columbus. He compiled a 10-9 record with a 5.56 ERA over 25 starts (26 G). He led the club in starts, was tied for first in complete games (3) and shutouts (2), second in innings pitched (150.2), tied for third in wins and fourth in strikeouts (94). Martel also led the team in losses, walks and hits allowed.
The highlights of his season included a 4-hit shutout against Toledo on April 21, tossing five no-hit innings to begin the game, and a 3-hit shutout of Richmond on July 10. Ed won three straight games from June 18-28 and six straight decisions from June 18-July 18.
Ed signed a contract for the 1993 season.
He spent the entire 1991 season at AA Albany, making the Eastern League All-Star team after a 13-6, 2.81 season. Martel was the Eastern League leader in strikeouts with 141, tied for the league lead in wins and was third in ERA. He held opponents to a .217 batting average, third best in the EL.
Martel was named the Yankee organization Co-Pitcher of the Year, along with Sam Militello. Eastern League managers named him as the top right-handed pitching prospect in the league and the seventh-best prospect overall.
He was named Jack Butterfield Pitcher of the Month for August (4-1, 1.89). Ed threw a 2-hit shutout against New Britain and a 3-hit shutout against Reading on August 30. He was ranked as the fifth-best prospect in the Yankee organization by Baseball America.
Upon graduation from high school, Ed was the Yankees' 11th round pick in the regular phase of the June 1987 free agent draft. He was signed by Yankee scout Dick Groch. He was assigned to 'Short-A' Oneonta where he pitched twice in relief, going 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA over 3.0 innings.
In 1988 Ed pitched at Oneonta, appearing in nine games (eight starts) and going 2-2 with a 3.02 ERA. He walked only eight batters while striking out 24 over 41.2 innings. Ed was 10-8 with a 4.04 ERA over 25 starts for 'A' Ft. Lauderdale in 1989 and was named to the Florida State League All-Star team. He spent a full season at 'A' Prince William in 1990. He was 8-13 with a 4.08 ERA over 25 starts and allowed 134 hits over 143.1 innings.
Ed attends Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) in the off-season where he is working toward a degree in mechanical engineering. He graduated from Delasalle Collegiate High School in June of 1987 where he played against Toronto's Pat Hentgen. His team went to the Connie Mack World Series in New Mexico in 1986.
Ed pitched and played first base and third base in high school. As a youngster, he played Little League, Babe Ruth League and Federation League baseball as a youngster."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Edward Joseph Martel "Ed" (P) #64
Born March 2, 1969, in Mount Clemens, Michigan, resides in New Baltimore, MI. Ht: 6-1, Wt: 200. Bats right and throws right.
College: attending Northwestern University.
Opening Day age: 24. No Major League service time.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
GORDON SANCHEZ
"Gordon was the Yankees' 19th round selection in the June 1992 free agent draft. He was signed by Yankee scout Bill Geivett.
In his first season of professional baseball, Gordon spent time with three clubs. He played four games at Short-A Oneonta, three games at A Ft. Lauderdale and 24 games at AA Albany. He combined to hit .213 in the 31 games and was behind the plate for all 31 games.
Invited to spring training on February of 1993, Gordon signed a contract for the 1993 season."
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
Gordon Douglas Sanchez (C) #78
Born December 23, 1970, in Oceanside, California, resides in Ramona, CA. Ht: 6-2, Wt: 185. Bats left, throws right.
Attended Long Beach State.
Opening Day age: 22. No Major League service time.
-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide
