"The measure of young Tom Tresh is that while he was not having a good year in 1964, he was a dangerous man in the clutch. Even during his worst slump periods, Tom would come through with two strikes on him. He batted only .246 last year, but he chipped in with 131 hits, 25 doubles and 74 RBIs. He'll have to cut down on the 110 strikeouts, though, which were the most on the club. Defensively, Tom led all AL outfielders with a .996 fielding average, committing only one error."
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1965
"Late in the training season, Tommy Tresh moved to center field. In the last 30 years, the Yankees have had two regular center fielders - Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle. That's tough billing to follow! But Tom, who had played only in the infield when he came up to the Yankees and who moved to left field when Tony Kubek returned from service in 1962, has no fear of the latest move. A fine outfielder, Tresh is happy to trade places with Mickey Mantle if it means a longer career for the Switcher.
And speaking of switchers, Tresh is one, too. It was his Dad's idea way back when Tommy was a youngster and the senior Tresh was a fine catcher for the White Sox and Indians. Catcher Mike was never much of a hitter and he determined better things for his son ... and it has turned out that way. Not that Tom wouldn't welcome a better season than 1964 at bat. Last year was his poorest offensively of his first three. The 26-year-old Tresh has averaged better than 20 home runs each year, but he would sacrifice a bit of this power to be a more productive batsman and that was his goal this spring. Because he also walks a lot, Tom is now the Yankee leadoff man in the revised scheme of things established by Manager Johnny Keane."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"Tom Tresh had an off-year in 1964, batting only .246 with 16 homers and 73 runs batted in. But, knowing the type of ballplayer this talented switch-hitter is, you can be certain he'll bounce back, perhaps to even greater heights than before.
The son of former American League catcher Mike Tresh was inked by the Bomber organization on January 14, 1958. Working his way up the ladder, Tommy performed at New Orleans, St. Petersburg, Greensboro, Binghamton, Amarillo and Richmond before getting the call to join the New Yorkers at the tail end of the '61 season.
Tresh had been a shortstop all through his career and won a regular berth during the spring of '62 after battling Phil Linz for the post. That August, however, Tony Kubek returned from Army service. Ralph Houk, then the Yankee field pilot, switched Tom to left field, a position completely unfamiliar to him. But Tresh learned quickly and became one of the best around in a short time.
That rookie campaign saw Tresh finish with a .286 mark, as he accounted for 20 homers and 93 runs batted in. He topped that off by batting .321 against San Francisco in the World Series, with his biggest moment being a game-winning three-run homer in the fifth contest off Jack Sanford.
Tresh tailed off somewhat to .269 in '63, but upped his homer total to 25 and batted in 71 runs. But with Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris out for long periods of time with injuries, Tommy did yeoman work in carrying the outfield load.
Tom, winner of the James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding Yankee rookie of the 1962 spring training grind, has also appeared in two All-Star Games and will, no doubt, appear in quite a few more."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Son of former major league catcher Mike Tresh.
Signed by Yankee organization, January 14, 1958.
Named Rookie of the Year in International League, 1961.
Winner of James P. Dawson Award as outstanding Yankee rookie in spring training, 1962.
Named American League Rookie of the Year, 1962.
Led Yankees in runs scored (91) and doubles (28), 1963.
Led Yankees in stolen bases- 13 steals in 13 attempts, 1964.
Attends Central Michigan University during off-season.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
Monday, March 17, 2014
Sunday, March 16, 2014
1965 Profile: Roger Maris
"Since his epic year of 1961, when he hit 61 homers, Roger Maris seems to have stepped out of the hot glare of the spotlight and into the role of the solid man on the team behind Mantle. It is a role he performs with more grace. Last year, he was asked to take over in center field and he proceeded to show everyone what a superb outfielder he really was by making the transition so easily. At the plate, he raised his average 12 points over his 1963 mark with a .281, his highest figure since 1960. He hit 26 homers, to give him a total of 182 in his five years as a Yankee. He won the American League's MVP in 1960 and '61."
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1965
"In his first two years as a Yankee, Roger Maris hit exactly 100 home runs (including the record 61 in 1961). In the last three seasons, he's belted 'only' 82. But if the casual fan thinks there has been a diminution of Maris' performance, he's quite wrong.
Roger, of course, has not come close to repeating that fabulous home run performance, but he has been an exceptional ball player for all of his five seasons with the Yankees. While the 30-year-old slugger from Independence, Missouri has not been a .300 hitter, he has been a consistently good batter, with fine extra base and RBI power for the Bombers. Coupled with a strong bat has been Roger's exceptional outfielding talent. A normal right fielder, Rog also has done well in center.
To demonstrate his value, Roger hit .304 in the final 41 games of the stretch drive to the pennant late last summer while the Yankees were posting a 30-11 mark. In clutch situations last year, Maris led the club with a .311 batting average and .426 on-base average.
In spring training, Yankee Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio predicted a big year for Roger Maris.
'He has a beautiful style ... never swings too hard, has a fine attitude and ... well I think this just might be a big year for him,' said the Yankee Clipper."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"There's a 'new' Roger Maris playing for the Yankees this season. And because of it, Maris' pay was restored to an estimated $70,000, which he received during the 1962 and '63 campaigns.
According to General Manager Ralph Houk, who made the announcement of the slugging outfielder's contract signing, 'Roger made tremendous strides last year in learning to get along better with the press and public. Therefore he was rewarded with the pay cut he took last year being restored.'
Added Houk, 'Maris is a fine player. He has unseen qualities as an outfielder and is a very dangerous hitter in our ball park.'
Maris, incidentally, was the only player who had been given a salary cut during Houk's tenure as general manager.
The 1961 season, of course, is the one they'll always remember Maris for, when he belted 61 homers to top Babe Ruth's magic 60 mark. There are those, though, who will always maintain that Roger did not top the Babe because of the lengthier schedule.
Maris fell off in 1962 and dropped much further in '63, a season in which he was booed unmercifully by the fans. He was limited to 90 games that season due to injuries.
Roger bounced back in 1964, upping his homer total from 23 to 26, his RBI from 53 to 71 and his batting mark from .269 to .281.
When asked how he felt about possibly being moved from his familiar right field spot to center for 1965, Rog commented, 'It's okay. Right might be a bit easier, but I'm sure I can do an adequate job in center if I'm called upon.'
Maris, who ranks as the second-highest paid player in the A.L., behind Mantle, came to the Yankees on December 11, 1959, being obtained via a huge trade with the Kansas City Athletics.
Maris came to New York, along with shortstop Joe DeMaestri and first baseman Kent Hadley, in exchange for outfielders Hank Bauer and Norm Siebern, pitcher Don Larsen and first baseman Marv Throneberry.
Roger first came to the majors with the Cleveland Indians in 1957, then was swapped to KC on June 15, 1958, along with first baseman Preston Ward and southpaw Dick Tomanek, in exchange for first baseman Vic Power and utilityman Woody Held.
Maris was named the American League's Most Valuable Player in 1960 and 1961, also winning the $10,000 Hickock Belt as the Top Pro Athlete of the Year in '61. Rog also paced the junior loop in RBI in '60 and '61 and in slugging percentage in '60.
So the 'new' Maris begins in '65."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
" 'Nothing shakes me up,' says Roger Maris of the New York Yankees. The six-foot, 205-pound outfielder has had some tough sledding since he hit 61 home runs in 1961 to break Babe Ruth's famous record. Since then there have been boos from irate fans who expect the blond slugger to hit one out of the park every time he steps up to the plate - and there have been recurrent rumors that the Yankees might trade their highly-publicized star.
'That 1961 was a lot for Rog to handle,' says teammate Hal Reniff. Looking back at 1961 with the constant pressure of interviews before and after each game, Maris admits, 'More than once I wanted to throw in all in, pack up and get away from everything.'
Maris hasn't come close to matching his showing of four years ago. Last season he hit .281 with only 26 home runs and 71 runs batted in. But baseball men will tell you the 30-year-old outfielder is one of the best all-around players in the game.
Shifted to the strange confines of center field early last September, Maris played the new position like a veteran right from the start. 'Maris did just what was expected of him,' beamed manager Yogi Berra, who had made the switch to ease the strain on Mickey Mantle's weak legs. 'He has good hands, he can throw and he gets a good jump on the ball.'
Born in Hibbing, Minnesota, Maris grew up in Fargo, North Dakota, where he's remembered as a star high school athlete. He broke into organized baseball in 1953 after receiving a $15,000 bonus from Cleveland.
Maris joined the Indians in 1957 but was traded to Kansas City early in 1958. At the end of the 1959 campaign, the Athletics traded him to the Yankees where he proceeded to win the American League MVP Award in 1960 and '61. As for his diminishing home run output, Maris says, 'It's a matter of a split-second in timing. I hope it'll come around again for me.' "
-1965 Official Baseball Almanac
Traded to New York Yankees with first baseman Kent Hadley and shortstop Joe DeMaestri for pitcher Don Larsen, first baseman Marv Throneberry and outfielders Hank Bauer and Norm Siebern, December 1959.
Led American League in runs batted in (112), 1960.
Led American League in slugging percentage (.581), 1960.
Hit home run in first World Series at-bat, October 5, 1960.
American League MVP, 1960.
Hit 61 home runs in 1961- more than any player in one season.
Combined with Mickey Mantle to break Babe Ruth's and Lou Gehrig's 1927 home run [record for teammates] (107) with 115.
Set American League record for most home runs in six consecutive games (7), 1961.
Led American League in runs batted in (142), 1961.
Tied for American League lead in runs scored (132), 1961.
Winner of Hickok Belt as Top Professional Athlete of the Year, 1961.
American League MVP, 1961.
Associated Press Athlete of the Year, 1961.
Led Yankees in runs batted in (100), 1962.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1965
"In his first two years as a Yankee, Roger Maris hit exactly 100 home runs (including the record 61 in 1961). In the last three seasons, he's belted 'only' 82. But if the casual fan thinks there has been a diminution of Maris' performance, he's quite wrong.
Roger, of course, has not come close to repeating that fabulous home run performance, but he has been an exceptional ball player for all of his five seasons with the Yankees. While the 30-year-old slugger from Independence, Missouri has not been a .300 hitter, he has been a consistently good batter, with fine extra base and RBI power for the Bombers. Coupled with a strong bat has been Roger's exceptional outfielding talent. A normal right fielder, Rog also has done well in center.
To demonstrate his value, Roger hit .304 in the final 41 games of the stretch drive to the pennant late last summer while the Yankees were posting a 30-11 mark. In clutch situations last year, Maris led the club with a .311 batting average and .426 on-base average.
In spring training, Yankee Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio predicted a big year for Roger Maris.
'He has a beautiful style ... never swings too hard, has a fine attitude and ... well I think this just might be a big year for him,' said the Yankee Clipper."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"There's a 'new' Roger Maris playing for the Yankees this season. And because of it, Maris' pay was restored to an estimated $70,000, which he received during the 1962 and '63 campaigns.
According to General Manager Ralph Houk, who made the announcement of the slugging outfielder's contract signing, 'Roger made tremendous strides last year in learning to get along better with the press and public. Therefore he was rewarded with the pay cut he took last year being restored.'
Added Houk, 'Maris is a fine player. He has unseen qualities as an outfielder and is a very dangerous hitter in our ball park.'
Maris, incidentally, was the only player who had been given a salary cut during Houk's tenure as general manager.
The 1961 season, of course, is the one they'll always remember Maris for, when he belted 61 homers to top Babe Ruth's magic 60 mark. There are those, though, who will always maintain that Roger did not top the Babe because of the lengthier schedule.
Maris fell off in 1962 and dropped much further in '63, a season in which he was booed unmercifully by the fans. He was limited to 90 games that season due to injuries.
Roger bounced back in 1964, upping his homer total from 23 to 26, his RBI from 53 to 71 and his batting mark from .269 to .281.
When asked how he felt about possibly being moved from his familiar right field spot to center for 1965, Rog commented, 'It's okay. Right might be a bit easier, but I'm sure I can do an adequate job in center if I'm called upon.'
Maris, who ranks as the second-highest paid player in the A.L., behind Mantle, came to the Yankees on December 11, 1959, being obtained via a huge trade with the Kansas City Athletics.
Maris came to New York, along with shortstop Joe DeMaestri and first baseman Kent Hadley, in exchange for outfielders Hank Bauer and Norm Siebern, pitcher Don Larsen and first baseman Marv Throneberry.
Roger first came to the majors with the Cleveland Indians in 1957, then was swapped to KC on June 15, 1958, along with first baseman Preston Ward and southpaw Dick Tomanek, in exchange for first baseman Vic Power and utilityman Woody Held.
Maris was named the American League's Most Valuable Player in 1960 and 1961, also winning the $10,000 Hickock Belt as the Top Pro Athlete of the Year in '61. Rog also paced the junior loop in RBI in '60 and '61 and in slugging percentage in '60.
So the 'new' Maris begins in '65."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
" 'Nothing shakes me up,' says Roger Maris of the New York Yankees. The six-foot, 205-pound outfielder has had some tough sledding since he hit 61 home runs in 1961 to break Babe Ruth's famous record. Since then there have been boos from irate fans who expect the blond slugger to hit one out of the park every time he steps up to the plate - and there have been recurrent rumors that the Yankees might trade their highly-publicized star.
'That 1961 was a lot for Rog to handle,' says teammate Hal Reniff. Looking back at 1961 with the constant pressure of interviews before and after each game, Maris admits, 'More than once I wanted to throw in all in, pack up and get away from everything.'
Maris hasn't come close to matching his showing of four years ago. Last season he hit .281 with only 26 home runs and 71 runs batted in. But baseball men will tell you the 30-year-old outfielder is one of the best all-around players in the game.
Shifted to the strange confines of center field early last September, Maris played the new position like a veteran right from the start. 'Maris did just what was expected of him,' beamed manager Yogi Berra, who had made the switch to ease the strain on Mickey Mantle's weak legs. 'He has good hands, he can throw and he gets a good jump on the ball.'
Born in Hibbing, Minnesota, Maris grew up in Fargo, North Dakota, where he's remembered as a star high school athlete. He broke into organized baseball in 1953 after receiving a $15,000 bonus from Cleveland.
Maris joined the Indians in 1957 but was traded to Kansas City early in 1958. At the end of the 1959 campaign, the Athletics traded him to the Yankees where he proceeded to win the American League MVP Award in 1960 and '61. As for his diminishing home run output, Maris says, 'It's a matter of a split-second in timing. I hope it'll come around again for me.' "
-1965 Official Baseball Almanac
Traded to New York Yankees with first baseman Kent Hadley and shortstop Joe DeMaestri for pitcher Don Larsen, first baseman Marv Throneberry and outfielders Hank Bauer and Norm Siebern, December 1959.
Led American League in runs batted in (112), 1960.
Led American League in slugging percentage (.581), 1960.
Hit home run in first World Series at-bat, October 5, 1960.
American League MVP, 1960.
Hit 61 home runs in 1961- more than any player in one season.
Combined with Mickey Mantle to break Babe Ruth's and Lou Gehrig's 1927 home run [record for teammates] (107) with 115.
Set American League record for most home runs in six consecutive games (7), 1961.
Led American League in runs batted in (142), 1961.
Tied for American League lead in runs scored (132), 1961.
Winner of Hickok Belt as Top Professional Athlete of the Year, 1961.
American League MVP, 1961.
Associated Press Athlete of the Year, 1961.
Led Yankees in runs batted in (100), 1962.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
Saturday, March 15, 2014
1965 Profile: Mickey Mantle
1965 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"About the only award Mickey Mantle hasn't won is the Purple Heart. The star-crossed superstar was named the American League's Most Valuable Player three times, was the last man to win the Triple Crown (1956) and has led the league in home runs four times. Last year, playing on legs that would put most men in a hospital, Mickey batted .303 and led the club in runs (91), homers (35), runs batted in (111) and bases on balls (99). His 35 homers gave him a lifetime total of 475, moving him into seventh place on the all-time list, and he needs only 22 this season to pass Stan Musial. Mickey finally made a concession to his ailing legs in '64 by vacating center field. It's only a minor one. As long as Mick is in the lineup, the Yankees are dangerous."
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1965
"Now in his 15th year of Yankee stardom, Mickey Charles Mantle is certain to set a host of records before he completes his remarkable career.
He's already established many records ... 18 homers in World Series play, most times hitting homers from opposite sides of the plate in the same game (10) ; four times home run and four times slugging percentage leader in the American League, Most Valuable Player three times, the last player to win baseball's Triple Crown and winner of the Hickock Pro Athlete Belt in 1956.
In his injury-marked career, Mantle has hit a career .309 with more than 2,000 hits, including a major league leading 454 home runs going into the 1965 season. This total puts him in seventh place on the all-time homer list, needing only 22 to pass the total of Stan Musial.
Mickey might well be the first player to reach the 500 homer level since the late, great Mel Ott. Of Mickey's 454 up to this season, 322 had been hit left-handed, 132 right-handed, 226 at Yankee Stadium and 228 on the road.
Mickey, who needs just 282 games to pass Lou Gehrig's record 2,164 games played as a Yankee, has his eyes set on this mark. If desire and willpower can do it, Mickey will reach and pass that and other goals."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, June 13, 1949.
One of ten to hit grand slam home run in World Series game, thereby tying record for most RBIs, one inning (4), October 4, 1953.
Hit three home runs in one game, May 13, 1955.
Led American League in home runs (37), 1955.
Led Majors in slugging percentage (.611), 1955.
Led American League in home runs (52), 1956.
Led Majors in slugging percentage (.705), 1956.
Last player to win Triple Crown, 1956.
Winner of Hickok Belt as Top Professional Athlete, 1956.
Most Valuable Player in American League, 1956.
Named Major League Player of the Year by The Sporting News, 1956.
Most Valuable Player in American League, 1957.
Led American League in home runs (42), 1958.
One of four to twice hit two home runs in one World Series game, October 2, 1958 and October 6, 1960.
Led American League in home runs (40), 1960.
Shares World Series record for most hits in one game (4), October 8, 1960.
Shares World Series record for most runs scored, seven-game World Series (8), 1960, 1964.
Led Majors in slugging percentage (.687), 1961.
Tied major league record by hitting four home runs in four consecutive at-bats, July 4-6, 1962.
Led Majors in slugging percentage (.605), 1962.
Most Valuable Player in American League, 1962.
Led Yankees in runs scored (92), home runs (35) and RBIs (111), 1964.
18 World Series home runs - a record.
Has hit homers righty and lefty in the same game 10 times, a major league record.
Ranks seventh on all-time home run list (454).
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
"Looking forward to his 15th Yankee campaign, a very optimistic Mickey Mantle aims 'to play 140 games. I feel great. There is nothing to worry about.'
Considering his many travails and woes with his legs and knees down through the years, Mantle enjoyed a fine 1964 campaign. The Bomber bellwether participated in 143 games, batted .303, clouted 35 homers and knocked in 111 runs. Mickey also was runner-up to Baltimore's Brooks Robinson in the Most Valuable Player balloting.
Mantle was very pleased with the way Yogi Berra handled him in '64, as a result of which 'I got into more games than in any of the previous three campaigns.'
One of the big moves was the switch to left or right field from that big center garden in order to ease the strain on Mickey's legs.
Mickey will perhaps be the highest paid player in diamond annals in 1965, the fourth straight year in which he will have been in the six-figure pay class. The only other players to reach the magic $100,000 figure were Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Stan Musial and Willie Mays.
One of Mick's top moments of the '64 season occurred on the night of September 17 when he snapped out of a slight batting slump and joined the 2,000 hit club by banging a homer, double and single. That paced a Bombers' victory which enabled them to recapture first place in the torrid American League pennant race.
The Yanks had been six games out on August 22, then went on a 17-7 rampage while the Orioles and Chisox were slumping. And it was Mickey Mantle who powered the Yankee surge. It was during that drive that Mantle said, 'I feel better than I have in several weeks. I think it's due to deep diathermy treatments. What they are trying to do is shrink the fatty pad on my knee. If feels better and I hope it stays that way.'
Giving much of the credit to his being moved out of the center field post he has roamed for years, Mickey commented, 'I haven't been nearly as tired playing left or right as I was playing center, where you have to keep moving to back up plays all the time.'
Mickey has his sights on playing 'at least five more years. In fact, I have played longer than I expected to after some of those early injuries.'
A list of Mickey's accomplishments would fill a book, so let it suffice to say that during his enviable career he has belted 454 home runs, batted in 1298 runs and belted 2016 hits for a lifetime batting mark of .309. Voted the junior circuit's MVP three times, Mickey won the $10,000 Hickock Belt as the Top Pro Athlete of 1956, captured the AL home run crown four times, the slugging title on four occasions, and is the author of 18 World Series home runs, the all-time mark.
Not bad for a chap who, during his Bomber career, has been bothered by such mishaps as knee injuries, shoulder injuries, fractured fingers, shin splints, hip abscesses, pulled thigh muscles, rib cage injuries, a broken foot and knee cartilage operations."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
"At 33, with a medical history of repeated injuries, Mickey Charles Mantle still reigns as one of the game's superstars. Although his weak legs probably will force him out of center field, and possibly move him to first base, Mickey still wields one of baseball's most potent bats.
'I'll play center field until my legs are gone and when my legs are gone, I won't play baseball,' Mickey was quoted as saying when it was suggested that right or left field would place less strain on his often-injured underpinnings. But towards the end of last season, manager Yogi Berra shifted Mickey to left field and then to right. Mickey is intensely proud of the fact he's played center for the Yankees since the great Joe DiMaggio retired in 1952 but he's also a great team player. He took the switch without a murmur.
During the World Series, the booming Mantle bat was very much in evidence. He collected eight hits in 24 trips to the plate, including a brace of doubles and three home runs, and batted eight runs across the plate. In the third game he beat the Cardinals, 2-1, with a ninth-inning blast on the first pitch from Barney Schultz. Grinned Berra, 'Before Mickey went to the plate I told him this thing was getting late and serious, and he oughta hit a home run. That's what you call getting results.' The six-foot, 200-pound outfielder hit another in the sixth game and then delivered a three-run blast in the final game of the Series.
There have been many high spots in Mickey's career since he first joined the Yankees in 1951, a 19-year-old youngster out of the drab mining town of Commerce, Oklahoma. He's topped the American League in runs scored six times and in home runs on four occasions. In 1956, 1957 and 1962, he took the league's Most Valuable Player Award. Out for most of 1963 with a broken foot, Mickey bounced back last year and played in 143 games, hitting .303 with 35 homers and 111 RBI."
-1965 Official Baseball Almanac
MICKEY MANTLE, YANKEE GREAT
"Mantle, the 33-year-old star, holds a host of records. Chief among these, of course, is the 18 home run record he set last fall in World Series play. His three 1964 Series homers cracked Babe Ruth's long-standing record of 15. As the 1965 season started, Mantle ranked seventh on the all-time home run list with a career total of 454, only 21 short of Stan Musial's sixth-place total of 475. A record ten times, Mickey has hit homers from both sides of the plate in the same game. He is a three-time American League Most Valuable Player and was the last Triple Crown winner (1956). He won the Hickock Belt as the outstanding professional athlete of '56 when he also named Sporting News Player of the Year. The popular Mantle, injured often during his distinguished career, has been moved to left field to save his legs after playing a great center field during most of his Yankee seasons."
-1965 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
"About the only award Mickey Mantle hasn't won is the Purple Heart. The star-crossed superstar was named the American League's Most Valuable Player three times, was the last man to win the Triple Crown (1956) and has led the league in home runs four times. Last year, playing on legs that would put most men in a hospital, Mickey batted .303 and led the club in runs (91), homers (35), runs batted in (111) and bases on balls (99). His 35 homers gave him a lifetime total of 475, moving him into seventh place on the all-time list, and he needs only 22 this season to pass Stan Musial. Mickey finally made a concession to his ailing legs in '64 by vacating center field. It's only a minor one. As long as Mick is in the lineup, the Yankees are dangerous."
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1965
"Now in his 15th year of Yankee stardom, Mickey Charles Mantle is certain to set a host of records before he completes his remarkable career.
He's already established many records ... 18 homers in World Series play, most times hitting homers from opposite sides of the plate in the same game (10) ; four times home run and four times slugging percentage leader in the American League, Most Valuable Player three times, the last player to win baseball's Triple Crown and winner of the Hickock Pro Athlete Belt in 1956.
In his injury-marked career, Mantle has hit a career .309 with more than 2,000 hits, including a major league leading 454 home runs going into the 1965 season. This total puts him in seventh place on the all-time homer list, needing only 22 to pass the total of Stan Musial.
Mickey might well be the first player to reach the 500 homer level since the late, great Mel Ott. Of Mickey's 454 up to this season, 322 had been hit left-handed, 132 right-handed, 226 at Yankee Stadium and 228 on the road.
Mickey, who needs just 282 games to pass Lou Gehrig's record 2,164 games played as a Yankee, has his eyes set on this mark. If desire and willpower can do it, Mickey will reach and pass that and other goals."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, June 13, 1949.
One of ten to hit grand slam home run in World Series game, thereby tying record for most RBIs, one inning (4), October 4, 1953.
Hit three home runs in one game, May 13, 1955.
Led American League in home runs (37), 1955.
Led Majors in slugging percentage (.611), 1955.
Led American League in home runs (52), 1956.
Led Majors in slugging percentage (.705), 1956.
Last player to win Triple Crown, 1956.
Winner of Hickok Belt as Top Professional Athlete, 1956.
Most Valuable Player in American League, 1956.
Named Major League Player of the Year by The Sporting News, 1956.
Most Valuable Player in American League, 1957.
Led American League in home runs (42), 1958.
One of four to twice hit two home runs in one World Series game, October 2, 1958 and October 6, 1960.
Led American League in home runs (40), 1960.
Shares World Series record for most hits in one game (4), October 8, 1960.
Shares World Series record for most runs scored, seven-game World Series (8), 1960, 1964.
Led Majors in slugging percentage (.687), 1961.
Tied major league record by hitting four home runs in four consecutive at-bats, July 4-6, 1962.
Led Majors in slugging percentage (.605), 1962.
Most Valuable Player in American League, 1962.
Led Yankees in runs scored (92), home runs (35) and RBIs (111), 1964.
18 World Series home runs - a record.
Has hit homers righty and lefty in the same game 10 times, a major league record.
Ranks seventh on all-time home run list (454).
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
"Looking forward to his 15th Yankee campaign, a very optimistic Mickey Mantle aims 'to play 140 games. I feel great. There is nothing to worry about.'
Considering his many travails and woes with his legs and knees down through the years, Mantle enjoyed a fine 1964 campaign. The Bomber bellwether participated in 143 games, batted .303, clouted 35 homers and knocked in 111 runs. Mickey also was runner-up to Baltimore's Brooks Robinson in the Most Valuable Player balloting.
Mantle was very pleased with the way Yogi Berra handled him in '64, as a result of which 'I got into more games than in any of the previous three campaigns.'
One of the big moves was the switch to left or right field from that big center garden in order to ease the strain on Mickey's legs.
Mickey will perhaps be the highest paid player in diamond annals in 1965, the fourth straight year in which he will have been in the six-figure pay class. The only other players to reach the magic $100,000 figure were Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Stan Musial and Willie Mays.
One of Mick's top moments of the '64 season occurred on the night of September 17 when he snapped out of a slight batting slump and joined the 2,000 hit club by banging a homer, double and single. That paced a Bombers' victory which enabled them to recapture first place in the torrid American League pennant race.
The Yanks had been six games out on August 22, then went on a 17-7 rampage while the Orioles and Chisox were slumping. And it was Mickey Mantle who powered the Yankee surge. It was during that drive that Mantle said, 'I feel better than I have in several weeks. I think it's due to deep diathermy treatments. What they are trying to do is shrink the fatty pad on my knee. If feels better and I hope it stays that way.'
Giving much of the credit to his being moved out of the center field post he has roamed for years, Mickey commented, 'I haven't been nearly as tired playing left or right as I was playing center, where you have to keep moving to back up plays all the time.'
Mickey has his sights on playing 'at least five more years. In fact, I have played longer than I expected to after some of those early injuries.'
A list of Mickey's accomplishments would fill a book, so let it suffice to say that during his enviable career he has belted 454 home runs, batted in 1298 runs and belted 2016 hits for a lifetime batting mark of .309. Voted the junior circuit's MVP three times, Mickey won the $10,000 Hickock Belt as the Top Pro Athlete of 1956, captured the AL home run crown four times, the slugging title on four occasions, and is the author of 18 World Series home runs, the all-time mark.
Not bad for a chap who, during his Bomber career, has been bothered by such mishaps as knee injuries, shoulder injuries, fractured fingers, shin splints, hip abscesses, pulled thigh muscles, rib cage injuries, a broken foot and knee cartilage operations."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
"At 33, with a medical history of repeated injuries, Mickey Charles Mantle still reigns as one of the game's superstars. Although his weak legs probably will force him out of center field, and possibly move him to first base, Mickey still wields one of baseball's most potent bats.
'I'll play center field until my legs are gone and when my legs are gone, I won't play baseball,' Mickey was quoted as saying when it was suggested that right or left field would place less strain on his often-injured underpinnings. But towards the end of last season, manager Yogi Berra shifted Mickey to left field and then to right. Mickey is intensely proud of the fact he's played center for the Yankees since the great Joe DiMaggio retired in 1952 but he's also a great team player. He took the switch without a murmur.
During the World Series, the booming Mantle bat was very much in evidence. He collected eight hits in 24 trips to the plate, including a brace of doubles and three home runs, and batted eight runs across the plate. In the third game he beat the Cardinals, 2-1, with a ninth-inning blast on the first pitch from Barney Schultz. Grinned Berra, 'Before Mickey went to the plate I told him this thing was getting late and serious, and he oughta hit a home run. That's what you call getting results.' The six-foot, 200-pound outfielder hit another in the sixth game and then delivered a three-run blast in the final game of the Series.
There have been many high spots in Mickey's career since he first joined the Yankees in 1951, a 19-year-old youngster out of the drab mining town of Commerce, Oklahoma. He's topped the American League in runs scored six times and in home runs on four occasions. In 1956, 1957 and 1962, he took the league's Most Valuable Player Award. Out for most of 1963 with a broken foot, Mickey bounced back last year and played in 143 games, hitting .303 with 35 homers and 111 RBI."
-1965 Official Baseball Almanac
MICKEY MANTLE, YANKEE GREAT
"Mantle, the 33-year-old star, holds a host of records. Chief among these, of course, is the 18 home run record he set last fall in World Series play. His three 1964 Series homers cracked Babe Ruth's long-standing record of 15. As the 1965 season started, Mantle ranked seventh on the all-time home run list with a career total of 454, only 21 short of Stan Musial's sixth-place total of 475. A record ten times, Mickey has hit homers from both sides of the plate in the same game. He is a three-time American League Most Valuable Player and was the last Triple Crown winner (1956). He won the Hickock Belt as the outstanding professional athlete of '56 when he also named Sporting News Player of the Year. The popular Mantle, injured often during his distinguished career, has been moved to left field to save his legs after playing a great center field during most of his Yankee seasons."
-1965 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program
Friday, March 14, 2014
1965 Profile: Phil Linz
"The harmonica rascal of 1964, Phil Linz proved a handy fill-in last year for both a slumping Clete Boyer and an injured Tony Kubek. He got into 112 games and hit a timely, if not overpowering, .250. Few teams have players of his caliber (or musical ability) who can come off the bench and do the job for them. Which is why he is frequently sought after by other clubs in trade talks."
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1965
"He dubbed himself the 'supersub,' some writers have called him the Yanks' 'Harmonicat' and others have referred to his bright personality and 'clown' image. But Phil Linz would actually rather be known for his ability as a Yankee infielder. As far as the players and Yankee management are concerned, that's what exactly what Phil is best known for.
A lot has been written about the 25-year-old Baltimorean. The story of his harmonica playing on the bus last August, his humor and modesty - all are well known. But this young infielder is an intense competitor. He gives it all he's got ... and that's quite a bit. A flashy fielder and dangerous hitter, Phil sometimes surprises by showing power at the plate despite his 'choked up' style. He hit two homers in the 1964 World Series ... the second one in the ninth inning of the seventh game in a desperate effort to get the Yanks back in the ball game.
Phil does a competent job all around the infield and he can play the outfield, too, though he's a natural shortstop. On his way up to the Yankees, the bespectacled Linz led the Carolina and Texas Leagues in hitting.
Linz got into 112 games last season, proving he was ready whenever the opportunity was present. He's ready for more of the same this year. Phil served last winter as a special Yankee ticket representative."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"The bespectacled, speedy Phil Linz will, in all probability, go down in baseball history as the game's 'Harmonica Rascal,' a result of his famous incident with former manager Yogi Berra last season. At any rate, Phil will find it mighty hard for anyone not to associate him with the playing of a mouth organ instead of his legitimate business of playing baseball.
There are those who maintain the Yankees' successful drive for the pennant in '64 came as a direct result of the incident in which Berra got mad at Linz for his harmonica-playing on a bus after a defeat in Chicago. In fact, it may go down as some sort of diamond legend. It seems the Yankees had suffered four straight losses at the hands of the White Sox at Comiskey Park. On the way to O'Hare Field, Linz was told to desist from his musical chores by the Bomber boss. When Phil tooted an extra toot, Berra rushed toward him, and Linz flipped the harmonica toward Berra, who swiped at it with his hand, causing it to bang into Joe Pepitone's knee.
As a result of the fuss, Linz was fined $200 and the harmonica became the national instrument. The Yanks then went on to win the flag.
Linz finished up the campaign batting .250 in 112 contests, filling in very capably for Tony Kubek at short and at third for Clete Boyer when called upon. In fact, there was one stretch when Phil was one of the hottest Yankee players of them all.
The former batting champion of the Carolina League (1960) and Texas League (1961) has the distinction of making his first major league hit a home run, connecting against the Kansas City A's on May 23, 1962."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, June 9, 1957.
Leading hitter in Carolina League (.321), 1960.
Leading hitter in Texas League (.349), 1961.
First major league hit was a home run, against Kansas City, May 23, 1962.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1965
"He dubbed himself the 'supersub,' some writers have called him the Yanks' 'Harmonicat' and others have referred to his bright personality and 'clown' image. But Phil Linz would actually rather be known for his ability as a Yankee infielder. As far as the players and Yankee management are concerned, that's what exactly what Phil is best known for.
A lot has been written about the 25-year-old Baltimorean. The story of his harmonica playing on the bus last August, his humor and modesty - all are well known. But this young infielder is an intense competitor. He gives it all he's got ... and that's quite a bit. A flashy fielder and dangerous hitter, Phil sometimes surprises by showing power at the plate despite his 'choked up' style. He hit two homers in the 1964 World Series ... the second one in the ninth inning of the seventh game in a desperate effort to get the Yanks back in the ball game.
Phil does a competent job all around the infield and he can play the outfield, too, though he's a natural shortstop. On his way up to the Yankees, the bespectacled Linz led the Carolina and Texas Leagues in hitting.
Linz got into 112 games last season, proving he was ready whenever the opportunity was present. He's ready for more of the same this year. Phil served last winter as a special Yankee ticket representative."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"The bespectacled, speedy Phil Linz will, in all probability, go down in baseball history as the game's 'Harmonica Rascal,' a result of his famous incident with former manager Yogi Berra last season. At any rate, Phil will find it mighty hard for anyone not to associate him with the playing of a mouth organ instead of his legitimate business of playing baseball.
There are those who maintain the Yankees' successful drive for the pennant in '64 came as a direct result of the incident in which Berra got mad at Linz for his harmonica-playing on a bus after a defeat in Chicago. In fact, it may go down as some sort of diamond legend. It seems the Yankees had suffered four straight losses at the hands of the White Sox at Comiskey Park. On the way to O'Hare Field, Linz was told to desist from his musical chores by the Bomber boss. When Phil tooted an extra toot, Berra rushed toward him, and Linz flipped the harmonica toward Berra, who swiped at it with his hand, causing it to bang into Joe Pepitone's knee.
As a result of the fuss, Linz was fined $200 and the harmonica became the national instrument. The Yanks then went on to win the flag.
Linz finished up the campaign batting .250 in 112 contests, filling in very capably for Tony Kubek at short and at third for Clete Boyer when called upon. In fact, there was one stretch when Phil was one of the hottest Yankee players of them all.
The former batting champion of the Carolina League (1960) and Texas League (1961) has the distinction of making his first major league hit a home run, connecting against the Kansas City A's on May 23, 1962."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, June 9, 1957.
Leading hitter in Carolina League (.321), 1960.
Leading hitter in Texas League (.349), 1961.
First major league hit was a home run, against Kansas City, May 23, 1962.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
Thursday, March 13, 2014
1965 Profile: Joe Pepitone
1965 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Joe Pepitone set personal highs in home runs and RBIs in 1964, yet had a disappointing season in the eyes of his rooters. Not that 28 home runs and 100 RBIs isn't an enviable record.
But so much more was expected of the Brooklyn-born first sacker. His batting average dropped 20 points and his fielding was way off from his first full season as regular Yankee first baseman. Joe attributes these deficiencies to lack of concentration, and he concentrated this spring. He feels he must concentrate more at bat and not go for the long ball. He doesn't have to swing hard to hit home runs. He has supple wrists and what the trade calls a fast bat.
Pepitone came up through the Yankee farm system as a center fielder but was converted to first base. He played it so well when he broke in with the Bombers that Bobby Richardson was able to play close to second base, and the entire infield had greater range and far more protection.
Pepitone, at 24, should have his biggest years still ahead of him. With natural power that is best suited for the construction of Yankee Stadium, with a good swing, good speed and an inherent grace in the field, Joseph Anthony Pepitone could be a Yankee star for years to come. How far he goes depends, as he says, on his own drive and concentration."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"In many ways, the 1964 season was Joe Pepitone's finest. After all, didn't he hit 28 home runs, the highest total of his diamond career? In addition, didn't he also bang home 100 runs, the highest total of his career in that category? As a result of such batting feats, the 24-year-old first sacker, who also doubles as an occasional center fielder, received a slight raise for 1965, which no doubt makes him quite happy.
Though Pepi finished with a lowly .154 average in the '64 Series, he nevertheless connected for a grand slam off reliever Gordon Richardson in the sixth game to go down in Series annals as the 10th player to accomplish that sterling feat.
Pepi likes to play and is very durable as witness his having appeared in 157 games in '63 and 160 last year. The Brooklyn-born first sacker, who now resides in River Edge, New Jersey with his wife and two youngsters, accomplished the rare feat of coming to bat 250 consecutive times between July 4 and Labor Day last season without receiving a walk.
Joe has been criticized for his comparatively erratic fielding in '64 after showing up brilliantly in previous campaigns. It could be that some future campaign could see him wind up permanently in the outer garden because of his fine mobility and range. But then again, the club would have to find someone capable of playing a better initial sack than Joe in order to make that move.
Pepi, who signed with the Bombers on August 13, 1958, tied a major league mark by hitting a pair of homers in one inning against the Kansas City A's on May 23, 1962. On his way up the ladder to the Yankees, Joe's way-stops included Auburn, Fargo-Moorehead, Binghamton, Amarillo and Richmond. He first came up at the start of 1962 but was sent to the Virginians midway through the campaign. Permanently assigned to first in '63, he aims to stick around for a long, long time."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, April 13, 1958.
Tied major league record by hitting two home runs in one inning, against Kansas City, May 23, 1962.
Led Yankees in games played (157), total bases (260) and RBIs (89), 1963.
Knocked in winning run 16 times, more than any other Yankee, 1963.
One of 10 to hit a grand slam in the World Series, 8th inning, October 14, 1964.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
"Joe Pepitone set personal highs in home runs and RBIs in 1964, yet had a disappointing season in the eyes of his rooters. Not that 28 home runs and 100 RBIs isn't an enviable record.
But so much more was expected of the Brooklyn-born first sacker. His batting average dropped 20 points and his fielding was way off from his first full season as regular Yankee first baseman. Joe attributes these deficiencies to lack of concentration, and he concentrated this spring. He feels he must concentrate more at bat and not go for the long ball. He doesn't have to swing hard to hit home runs. He has supple wrists and what the trade calls a fast bat.
Pepitone came up through the Yankee farm system as a center fielder but was converted to first base. He played it so well when he broke in with the Bombers that Bobby Richardson was able to play close to second base, and the entire infield had greater range and far more protection.
Pepitone, at 24, should have his biggest years still ahead of him. With natural power that is best suited for the construction of Yankee Stadium, with a good swing, good speed and an inherent grace in the field, Joseph Anthony Pepitone could be a Yankee star for years to come. How far he goes depends, as he says, on his own drive and concentration."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"In many ways, the 1964 season was Joe Pepitone's finest. After all, didn't he hit 28 home runs, the highest total of his diamond career? In addition, didn't he also bang home 100 runs, the highest total of his career in that category? As a result of such batting feats, the 24-year-old first sacker, who also doubles as an occasional center fielder, received a slight raise for 1965, which no doubt makes him quite happy.
Though Pepi finished with a lowly .154 average in the '64 Series, he nevertheless connected for a grand slam off reliever Gordon Richardson in the sixth game to go down in Series annals as the 10th player to accomplish that sterling feat.
Pepi likes to play and is very durable as witness his having appeared in 157 games in '63 and 160 last year. The Brooklyn-born first sacker, who now resides in River Edge, New Jersey with his wife and two youngsters, accomplished the rare feat of coming to bat 250 consecutive times between July 4 and Labor Day last season without receiving a walk.
Joe has been criticized for his comparatively erratic fielding in '64 after showing up brilliantly in previous campaigns. It could be that some future campaign could see him wind up permanently in the outer garden because of his fine mobility and range. But then again, the club would have to find someone capable of playing a better initial sack than Joe in order to make that move.
Pepi, who signed with the Bombers on August 13, 1958, tied a major league mark by hitting a pair of homers in one inning against the Kansas City A's on May 23, 1962. On his way up the ladder to the Yankees, Joe's way-stops included Auburn, Fargo-Moorehead, Binghamton, Amarillo and Richmond. He first came up at the start of 1962 but was sent to the Virginians midway through the campaign. Permanently assigned to first in '63, he aims to stick around for a long, long time."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, April 13, 1958.
Tied major league record by hitting two home runs in one inning, against Kansas City, May 23, 1962.
Led Yankees in games played (157), total bases (260) and RBIs (89), 1963.
Knocked in winning run 16 times, more than any other Yankee, 1963.
One of 10 to hit a grand slam in the World Series, 8th inning, October 14, 1964.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
1965 Profile: Clete Boyer
"It's been said that the kind of magic Clete Boyer performs with glove and arm at third base would keep him in the lineup, regardless of his hitting. But when his average sank down to about the level of his shoe tops last season, he finally had to be sent to the bench for a while. It was his clearly his poorest season at the plate since becoming a regular in 1960; Clete limped home with a .218 mark, after .272 and .251 years in '62 and '63."
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1965
"When you mention the name of Clete Boyer to a Yankee fan, his eyes will generally sparkle with thoughts of the dazzling fielding gems turned in by the Bombers' third baseman. With quick hands and even quicker reflexes, Clete has earned the reputation of being the league's most spectacular hot corner guardian.
But he isn't satisfied with being an outstanding 'glove man.' He wants to improve on that lifetime .239 batting average that was brought to that low point by a .218 season in 1964. Clete worked long and hard this spring to improve his hitting and made marked strides in the spring games. But then he has done well before in the early going. This year the 28-year-old brother of the Cards' Ken hopes to keep that early hitting a feature of his full season.
Boyer was acquired by the Yankees in a big trade with Kansas City back in 1957 and was developed in the Yankee farm system. An older brother, Cloyd, is now the Yankees' minor league pitching coach, and a younger brother, Ronnie, is a prospect in the Yankees' minor league system.
Clete's greatness on the left side of the infield is with that magic glove. His patented plays back of third and those diving stops and throws to first from a kneeling position have earned the plaudits of fans everywhere."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"While retaining his copyright on being a veritable human vacuum cleaner at third base, Clete Boyer had just about his worst season at the plate in 1964. He batted only .218, hit eight homers and collected 52 RBI.
Though he has never approached the .300 mark during any campaign as a major leaguer, it was thought earlier in his career that Boyer would prove to be at least adequate at bat, thus enabling him to be carried because of his unusual ability as a fielder. It seemed he had arrived as a batter in 1962 when he hit .272, with 18 homers and 68 RBI. But in '63, Clete fell to .251, with 12 round trippers and 54 RBI. Then came last year's failure. There's not much question but that Boyer will have to pick up at the plate in '65, and the feeling around is that he definitely will.
Clete, the brother of National League MVP winner Ken Boyer of the Cardinals, became a Yankee on February 19, 1957 when he was traded by the Kansas City A's, along with pitchers Art Ditmar, Bobby Shantz and Jack McMahan and first baseman Wayne Belardi to New York in exchange for pitchers Tom Morgan, Maurice McDermott and Rip Coleman, infielders Billy Hunter and Milt Graff and outfielder Irv Noren.
Boyer, however, had been a 1955 bonus baby with the A's, so he wasn't permitted to officially become Yankee property until June of '57, due to a ruling by the commissioner. He was immediately sent to the Bombers' Binghamton farm where he batted .243 for the balance of the '57 campaign. Performing for Richmond in '58, Clete hit .284. He then split the '59 campaign between by the Virginians and Yanks, hitting .224 for the minor league club and .175 for the parent team. In 1960 he became a full-time major leaguer and has been performing his miraculous feats at the hot corner ever since."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Acquired along with Art Ditmar, Bobby Shantz, Jack McMahon and Wayne Belardi from Kansas City Athletics in exchange for Rip Coleman, Tom Morgan, Maury McDermott, Billy Hunter, Milt Graff and Irv Noren, February 19, 1957.
Led American League third basemen in assists (373), 1961.
Led American League third basemen in assists (396), 1962.
Led American League third basemen in putouts (187), 1962.
Hit .291 during first half of 1963 season with 10 home runs (through July 5).
Second highest fielding average for American League third basemen (.968), 1964.
Brother of Ken Boyer of Cardinals, Cloyd Boyer, former pitcher for Cardinals and currently a pitching coach in Yankee farm system, and Ronnie Boyer, who signed a Yankee contract on May 30, 1962.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1965
"When you mention the name of Clete Boyer to a Yankee fan, his eyes will generally sparkle with thoughts of the dazzling fielding gems turned in by the Bombers' third baseman. With quick hands and even quicker reflexes, Clete has earned the reputation of being the league's most spectacular hot corner guardian.
But he isn't satisfied with being an outstanding 'glove man.' He wants to improve on that lifetime .239 batting average that was brought to that low point by a .218 season in 1964. Clete worked long and hard this spring to improve his hitting and made marked strides in the spring games. But then he has done well before in the early going. This year the 28-year-old brother of the Cards' Ken hopes to keep that early hitting a feature of his full season.
Boyer was acquired by the Yankees in a big trade with Kansas City back in 1957 and was developed in the Yankee farm system. An older brother, Cloyd, is now the Yankees' minor league pitching coach, and a younger brother, Ronnie, is a prospect in the Yankees' minor league system.
Clete's greatness on the left side of the infield is with that magic glove. His patented plays back of third and those diving stops and throws to first from a kneeling position have earned the plaudits of fans everywhere."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"While retaining his copyright on being a veritable human vacuum cleaner at third base, Clete Boyer had just about his worst season at the plate in 1964. He batted only .218, hit eight homers and collected 52 RBI.
Though he has never approached the .300 mark during any campaign as a major leaguer, it was thought earlier in his career that Boyer would prove to be at least adequate at bat, thus enabling him to be carried because of his unusual ability as a fielder. It seemed he had arrived as a batter in 1962 when he hit .272, with 18 homers and 68 RBI. But in '63, Clete fell to .251, with 12 round trippers and 54 RBI. Then came last year's failure. There's not much question but that Boyer will have to pick up at the plate in '65, and the feeling around is that he definitely will.
Clete, the brother of National League MVP winner Ken Boyer of the Cardinals, became a Yankee on February 19, 1957 when he was traded by the Kansas City A's, along with pitchers Art Ditmar, Bobby Shantz and Jack McMahan and first baseman Wayne Belardi to New York in exchange for pitchers Tom Morgan, Maurice McDermott and Rip Coleman, infielders Billy Hunter and Milt Graff and outfielder Irv Noren.
Boyer, however, had been a 1955 bonus baby with the A's, so he wasn't permitted to officially become Yankee property until June of '57, due to a ruling by the commissioner. He was immediately sent to the Bombers' Binghamton farm where he batted .243 for the balance of the '57 campaign. Performing for Richmond in '58, Clete hit .284. He then split the '59 campaign between by the Virginians and Yanks, hitting .224 for the minor league club and .175 for the parent team. In 1960 he became a full-time major leaguer and has been performing his miraculous feats at the hot corner ever since."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Acquired along with Art Ditmar, Bobby Shantz, Jack McMahon and Wayne Belardi from Kansas City Athletics in exchange for Rip Coleman, Tom Morgan, Maury McDermott, Billy Hunter, Milt Graff and Irv Noren, February 19, 1957.
Led American League third basemen in assists (373), 1961.
Led American League third basemen in assists (396), 1962.
Led American League third basemen in putouts (187), 1962.
Hit .291 during first half of 1963 season with 10 home runs (through July 5).
Second highest fielding average for American League third basemen (.968), 1964.
Brother of Ken Boyer of Cardinals, Cloyd Boyer, former pitcher for Cardinals and currently a pitching coach in Yankee farm system, and Ronnie Boyer, who signed a Yankee contract on May 30, 1962.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
1965 Profile: Tony Kubek
"A succession of injuries and never being able to get untracked contributed to Tony Kubek's sub-par year. A lifetime .275 hitter, Tony's average dipped to .229 last year when he was only able to get into 105 games. The American League's Rookie of the Year in 1957, Tony has played every infield and outfield position and is regarded as a thinking man's ballplayer. When he's in the lineup every day, he hits righties and lefties with equal effectiveness and prefers going with the pitch rather than for the long ball."
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1965
" 'The ball player's ball player' may be a trite and somewhat worn out baseball expression, but it certainly applies to Yankee shortstop Tony Kubek.
He has never hit .300 over a full season; he's not a league leader in the fielding averages; he's never hit more than 14 homers in a season and his top RBI year was 62. But he has been the Yankees' most efficient regular shortstop since 1957. And he's a 'good one.'
The Milwaukee-born Kubek is now in his ninth season as a Yankee regular. A key performer in the infield, and a quiet though influential personality in the clubhouse, Tony has been teamed up with his road roommate, Bobby Richardson, since the two first worked together at Denver in 1956. Kubek is effective at short without being graceful in the traditional, classic style. He gets a great jump on the ball and makes difficult plays look simple. Kubek hit .297 in his 1957 freshman season when he won the Longines Watch as the top rookie in spring training and then went on to American League Rookie of the Year honors.
Tony would just as soon forget the 1964 season. It was a frustrating one as he suffered a series of injuries from the first to the last day of the season.
But this is another year and Tony is in shape to return as the regular shortstop and attempt to improve on his more than adequate lifetime batting average of .270."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"Tony Kubek had the worst season of his career during 1964, but he did not suffer financially for it. According to General Manager Ralph Houk, no member of the American League champions was asked to take a cut, so Kubek will receive the same $37,000 salary he took home in 1964.
Tony's sad figures, as injuries limited him to 106 games, were a .229 batting average and 31 runs batted in. He missed the first nine games of the campaign with an inflamed back. Then, in May, he was sidelined for 12 contests due to a strained muscle in his left side. In late June and the early part of July, Tony sat out 16 games because of a pulled leg muscle. An upset stomach was the cause of his missing three contests in early August, while a jammed right hip muscle forced him out of the lineup again for five games later that month.
To cap off the dismal season, Tony jammed his right hand during a slide two weeks before the end of the campaign. It was such a severe injury that he was unable to play anymore, being removed from the World Series eligibility list prior to the Fall Classic.
The 28-year-old Kubek has a lifetime batting mark of .270 for his eight Yankee seasons. He also has collected 1,035 hits. Perhaps the only bright spot of '64 occurred when he went along playing errorless ball until June 6, finishing with a fielding mark of .978.
A member of the Bomber organization since his signing on September 1, 1953, Tony prepped at Owensboro, Quincy and Denver before reporting to the Yankee camp in the spring of 1957. After the grind, he was voted the James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding rookie in camp for the season. Tony was also named the American League Rookie of the Year for '57, due to his skillful performance at bat and in the field.
This all-arounder has played every position as a Yankee except pitcher and catcher. It wouldn't surprise anyone if he could make good in those spots, too. But Tony is concentrating strictly on a good year at shortstop."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, September 1, 1953.
Winner of James P. Dawson Award as outstanding Yankee rookie in spring training, 1957.
American League Rookie of the Year, 1957.
Shares record for most home runs in a World Series game by a rookie (2), October 5, 1957.
Recalled to active military duty with his Wisconsin Army Reserve unit, November 3, 1961- rejoined Yankees, August 4, 1962, hitting a home run his first time at-bat, against Minnesota, August 7, 1962.
Has played every position except pitcher and catcher for the Yankees.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1965
" 'The ball player's ball player' may be a trite and somewhat worn out baseball expression, but it certainly applies to Yankee shortstop Tony Kubek.
He has never hit .300 over a full season; he's not a league leader in the fielding averages; he's never hit more than 14 homers in a season and his top RBI year was 62. But he has been the Yankees' most efficient regular shortstop since 1957. And he's a 'good one.'
The Milwaukee-born Kubek is now in his ninth season as a Yankee regular. A key performer in the infield, and a quiet though influential personality in the clubhouse, Tony has been teamed up with his road roommate, Bobby Richardson, since the two first worked together at Denver in 1956. Kubek is effective at short without being graceful in the traditional, classic style. He gets a great jump on the ball and makes difficult plays look simple. Kubek hit .297 in his 1957 freshman season when he won the Longines Watch as the top rookie in spring training and then went on to American League Rookie of the Year honors.
Tony would just as soon forget the 1964 season. It was a frustrating one as he suffered a series of injuries from the first to the last day of the season.
But this is another year and Tony is in shape to return as the regular shortstop and attempt to improve on his more than adequate lifetime batting average of .270."
-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook
"Tony Kubek had the worst season of his career during 1964, but he did not suffer financially for it. According to General Manager Ralph Houk, no member of the American League champions was asked to take a cut, so Kubek will receive the same $37,000 salary he took home in 1964.
Tony's sad figures, as injuries limited him to 106 games, were a .229 batting average and 31 runs batted in. He missed the first nine games of the campaign with an inflamed back. Then, in May, he was sidelined for 12 contests due to a strained muscle in his left side. In late June and the early part of July, Tony sat out 16 games because of a pulled leg muscle. An upset stomach was the cause of his missing three contests in early August, while a jammed right hip muscle forced him out of the lineup again for five games later that month.
To cap off the dismal season, Tony jammed his right hand during a slide two weeks before the end of the campaign. It was such a severe injury that he was unable to play anymore, being removed from the World Series eligibility list prior to the Fall Classic.
The 28-year-old Kubek has a lifetime batting mark of .270 for his eight Yankee seasons. He also has collected 1,035 hits. Perhaps the only bright spot of '64 occurred when he went along playing errorless ball until June 6, finishing with a fielding mark of .978.
A member of the Bomber organization since his signing on September 1, 1953, Tony prepped at Owensboro, Quincy and Denver before reporting to the Yankee camp in the spring of 1957. After the grind, he was voted the James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding rookie in camp for the season. Tony was also named the American League Rookie of the Year for '57, due to his skillful performance at bat and in the field.
This all-arounder has played every position as a Yankee except pitcher and catcher. It wouldn't surprise anyone if he could make good in those spots, too. But Tony is concentrating strictly on a good year at shortstop."
-Jay Publishing 1965 New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, September 1, 1953.
Winner of James P. Dawson Award as outstanding Yankee rookie in spring training, 1957.
American League Rookie of the Year, 1957.
Shares record for most home runs in a World Series game by a rookie (2), October 5, 1957.
Recalled to active military duty with his Wisconsin Army Reserve unit, November 3, 1961- rejoined Yankees, August 4, 1962, hitting a home run his first time at-bat, against Minnesota, August 7, 1962.
Has played every position except pitcher and catcher for the Yankees.
-1965 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)