"The Magic Juan. A defensive genius who can roam the outfield with anyone. He won a Gold Glove in 1977. He can also play the infield.
Juan developed into a much better hitter in Texas than he was with Boston. He credits the fact that he's now playing regularly.
'I don't like the bench.' Born in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, Juan was traded to Texas in November 1975 for Fergie Jenkins. The Yanks got him for Sparky Lyle.
A good-natured speedster, Juan stole 36 bases in the past two years."
-Phil Pepe and Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1979 Edition
"Over the winter, Juan Beniquez was acquired from the Texas Rangers in a multi-player package. Outstanding defensive ability and strong hitting potential are his long suits and the main reasons the Yankees sought him.
As a product of the Red Sox organization, Juan started as an infielder, being transferred to the outfield in his first big league season. Always a great fielder, Juan hit a surprising .291 in Boston's 1975 drive for the pennant.
From 1976 through 1978, Texas became home for Juan. He made a name for himself in the South by winning a Gold Glove in '77, committing only four errors for a .988 fielding percentage, along with 10 assists. Last year he continued his fielding brilliance with a .972 fielding percentage and eight assists. He also collected 50 RBIs and 11 home runs, his best home run total ever. Besides the defense, the Yankees feel Juan can provide some special depth on the basepaths with his fine speed. If his past performances are a prelude to his future, Juan will be a welcome to the Yankee squad."
-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook
"Beniquez, an eight-year major league veteran, is rated one of the top defensive outfielders in baseball. Juan won a Gold Glove in 1977 with a .988 fielding percentage, committing just four errors in 325 chances, and had 10 outfield assists. Last year he had a .972 fielding percentage with eight assists. Originally an infielder, Juan was transferred to the outfield his first year in the majors, with the Red Sox.
Juan batted .260 last year with 11 home runs, a career high, and 50 RBIs, tying his big league best. After hitting just eight homers in his first five years in the majors, Juan has shown some power lately, hitting 21 the last two years.
Beniquez had joined the Rangers in November of 1975, coming over from the Red Sox in the Ferguson Jenkins deal. He came up in the Red Sox organization, making his pro debut in 1969 at Winter Haven, and his major league debut in 1971. He plays winter ball for Santurce in the Puerto Rican winter league, where he has consistently been a star."
-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide
Sunday, November 16, 2014
1979 Profile: Jim Kaat
"Few, if any, pitchers know hitters like Jim Kaat. He's spent 19 years in the big leagues with both National and American League clubs. He has been on playoff teams (Minnesota and Philadelphia) in both leagues.
Jim can mix experience and baseball knowledge well enough to do the job. Middle and late-inning appearances, as well as spot starting, are what Kitty lives on. 261 career victories have given him the finesse to handcuff even the most dangerous hitters. In fact, Jim is second only to Gaylord Perry as the winningest active hurler in baseball and that is good enough for 24th on the all-time list.
Kaat's addition to the Yankee staff gives them three pitchers with 200 or more career victories (Hunter and Tiant are the others). The last club to boast that many 200-game winners was the 1956 Cleveland Indians with Early Wynn, Bob Feller and Bob Lemon."
-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook
Jim can mix experience and baseball knowledge well enough to do the job. Middle and late-inning appearances, as well as spot starting, are what Kitty lives on. 261 career victories have given him the finesse to handcuff even the most dangerous hitters. In fact, Jim is second only to Gaylord Perry as the winningest active hurler in baseball and that is good enough for 24th on the all-time list.
Kaat's addition to the Yankee staff gives them three pitchers with 200 or more career victories (Hunter and Tiant are the others). The last club to boast that many 200-game winners was the 1956 Cleveland Indians with Early Wynn, Bob Feller and Bob Lemon."
-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook
1979 Profile: Jerry Narron
"At 6'3" and 205 pounds, Jerry Narron appears to be a budding prospect for the Dallas Cowboys. Instead, he finds himself in a battle to become a New York Yankee.
Jerry is one of the more highly regarded catching prospects in baseball. For the past two seasons, at West Haven and Tacoma, Jerry has shown power along with consistency behind the plate and at bat. Most recently, Jerry batted .278 and knocked in 84 RBIs during Tacoma's run for the Pacific Coast League co-championship. That kind of a season earned him a spot on the big club in late 1978.
This Greensboro, North Carolina resident would like to pick up stakes and move to the Big Apple as a permanent member of the Yankees, and with talent like his, it's only a matter of time."
-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook
"Jerry comes off his first full year at the triple-A level with some good credentials. He batted .278 with 15 homers and knocked in 84 runs for the Yankees' championship Tacoma club, and spent some time with the Yanks at the end of last season. Used primarily as a catcher, Jerry did play some first base early in the season but will be looked upon as the Yanks' promising young catching prospect.
This is the second straight year that Jerry has appeared on the Yankees' major league roster. He made his first appearance in 1978 after a fine year at West Haven in 1977, in which he developed into a home run hitter, banging out 28 for the Eastern League champs. Jerry also had 93 RBIs for West Haven in '77 and was named to the Eastern League's All-Star team. He hit .301 his first year in organized ball in 1974 at Johnson City and played against Mark Fidrych, who was on the Bristol team in the Appalachian League that year.
An All-State baseball player at Goldsboro High School where he also played football and basketball, Jerry played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion ball. He was a business major at East Carolina University. His great uncle Sam Narron played with the Cardinals, Dodgers and Pirates.
Jerry lists Mickey Mantle as his baseball hero."
-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide
Jerry is one of the more highly regarded catching prospects in baseball. For the past two seasons, at West Haven and Tacoma, Jerry has shown power along with consistency behind the plate and at bat. Most recently, Jerry batted .278 and knocked in 84 RBIs during Tacoma's run for the Pacific Coast League co-championship. That kind of a season earned him a spot on the big club in late 1978.
This Greensboro, North Carolina resident would like to pick up stakes and move to the Big Apple as a permanent member of the Yankees, and with talent like his, it's only a matter of time."
-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook
"Jerry comes off his first full year at the triple-A level with some good credentials. He batted .278 with 15 homers and knocked in 84 runs for the Yankees' championship Tacoma club, and spent some time with the Yanks at the end of last season. Used primarily as a catcher, Jerry did play some first base early in the season but will be looked upon as the Yanks' promising young catching prospect.
This is the second straight year that Jerry has appeared on the Yankees' major league roster. He made his first appearance in 1978 after a fine year at West Haven in 1977, in which he developed into a home run hitter, banging out 28 for the Eastern League champs. Jerry also had 93 RBIs for West Haven in '77 and was named to the Eastern League's All-Star team. He hit .301 his first year in organized ball in 1974 at Johnson City and played against Mark Fidrych, who was on the Bristol team in the Appalachian League that year.
An All-State baseball player at Goldsboro High School where he also played football and basketball, Jerry played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion ball. He was a business major at East Carolina University. His great uncle Sam Narron played with the Cardinals, Dodgers and Pirates.
Jerry lists Mickey Mantle as his baseball hero."
-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide
1979 Profile: Brad Gulden
"Brad Gulden joined the Yankee roster just four days prior to the first spring training workout of 1979. Gulden had previously been in the Dodger system where had batted .284 or above for each of the last three seasons, moving one notch up the ladder every year. Last year, the 22-year old catcher hit .294 in Triple-A ball, and his left-hand hitting stroke accounted for 72 RBIs. Brad also led Pacific Coast League receivers in putouts, assists and double plays, and displayed a powerful throwing arm.
A fine athlete, Goldie played football and basketball in high school in addition to being a four-year baseball letterman. A native of the Minnesota north country, the 5-11, 175-pounder enjoys hunting and fishing in the off-season. But it's his in-season ability that makes him valuable Yankee property now."
-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook
A fine athlete, Goldie played football and basketball in high school in addition to being a four-year baseball letterman. A native of the Minnesota north country, the 5-11, 175-pounder enjoys hunting and fishing in the off-season. But it's his in-season ability that makes him valuable Yankee property now."
-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook
1979 Profile: Jim Beattie
"Last year's yearbook introduced this man as 'one of the most promising pitching prospects in the Yankee organization.' Jim Beattie went on to show that promise by winning the 1978 Dawson Award as the outstanding Yankee rookie in spring training.
After opening the season in Tacoma with a 5-hitter, Jim was recalled and made his debut in Yankee pinstripes by beating Jim Palmer and the Orioles 4-3. He had his ups and downs after that, and after a seven-inning complete game no-hitter at Tacoma, he came back to stay.
It was down the stretch that Jim really began to shine. He beat the Red Sox 13-2 at Fenway with 8.2 classic innings, allowing only six hits and no earned runs. With that in mind, Bob Lemon gave Jim the start in Game One of the ALCS, and he responded by combining with Ken Clay on a 2-hitter. Later, during the World Series, Jim pitched his first major league complete game, beating the Dodgers 12-2, to put the Yankees up three games to two.
During the off-season, 'Beats' coaches basketball at Phillips Academy, and is working on his Master's Degree in business administration. He is a former captain of the Dartmouth College basketball team. His philosophy on life should prove beneficial in his baseball career: constant learning to become the best you possibly can."
-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook
"In 1978 Jim became the pitcher the Yankees knew he would be. He was the winner of the James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding rookie in the Yanks' spring training camp. Jim started the year at Tacoma, and after one start, a complete-game victory, was brought up to the Yankees on April 18. He made his major league debut on April 25 at Baltimore, and he beat Jim Palmer and the Orioles, 4-3. After winning his first two major league decisions, Jim then dropped his next three and was returned to Tacoma after pitching against the Red Sox on June 21.
Jim worked with coach Clyde King at Tacoma on a no-windup delivery. He showed improvement, and after pitching a seven-inning complete game no-hitter against Spokane on July 9, was recalled by the Yanks on July 13. Jim pitched well for the Yanks down the stretch, winning four of his last six decisions. His high point of the year was pitching 8.2 innings at Fenway Park on September 8, yielding no earned runs and just six hits to the Red Sox, winning 13-2. Over his last seven regular-season starts, Jim was 4-2 with a no-decision, giving up just 14 earned runs in 47 innings for a 2.68 ERA, lowering his overall ERA from 4.39 to 3.73.
Jim started Game One of the ALCS and combined with Ken Clay to 2-hit the Royals. He then pitched a 2-hitter in his first major league complete game, beating the Dodgers 12-2, in the fifth game of the World Series.
Jim was captain elect of the Dartmouth basketball team when selected by the Yankees, and he decided to sign a pro contract. An honorable mention All-American basketball player, All-New England in 1974, MVP of the Kodak Classic in 1975, and MVP on the Dartmouth team for the 1974-1975 season, Jim was also an All-Ivy League baseball player. Originally a third baseman, he played American Legion ball and in the Cape Cod League in South Portland, Maine. Jim was a member of the 1976 West Haven championship team.
An art major, he is attending business administration graduate school. Jim was the basketball coach this winter at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., where his new bride Martha Johnson is a teacher.
His hobbies are painting and outdoor sports."
-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide
After opening the season in Tacoma with a 5-hitter, Jim was recalled and made his debut in Yankee pinstripes by beating Jim Palmer and the Orioles 4-3. He had his ups and downs after that, and after a seven-inning complete game no-hitter at Tacoma, he came back to stay.
It was down the stretch that Jim really began to shine. He beat the Red Sox 13-2 at Fenway with 8.2 classic innings, allowing only six hits and no earned runs. With that in mind, Bob Lemon gave Jim the start in Game One of the ALCS, and he responded by combining with Ken Clay on a 2-hitter. Later, during the World Series, Jim pitched his first major league complete game, beating the Dodgers 12-2, to put the Yankees up three games to two.
During the off-season, 'Beats' coaches basketball at Phillips Academy, and is working on his Master's Degree in business administration. He is a former captain of the Dartmouth College basketball team. His philosophy on life should prove beneficial in his baseball career: constant learning to become the best you possibly can."
-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook
"In 1978 Jim became the pitcher the Yankees knew he would be. He was the winner of the James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding rookie in the Yanks' spring training camp. Jim started the year at Tacoma, and after one start, a complete-game victory, was brought up to the Yankees on April 18. He made his major league debut on April 25 at Baltimore, and he beat Jim Palmer and the Orioles, 4-3. After winning his first two major league decisions, Jim then dropped his next three and was returned to Tacoma after pitching against the Red Sox on June 21.
Jim worked with coach Clyde King at Tacoma on a no-windup delivery. He showed improvement, and after pitching a seven-inning complete game no-hitter against Spokane on July 9, was recalled by the Yanks on July 13. Jim pitched well for the Yanks down the stretch, winning four of his last six decisions. His high point of the year was pitching 8.2 innings at Fenway Park on September 8, yielding no earned runs and just six hits to the Red Sox, winning 13-2. Over his last seven regular-season starts, Jim was 4-2 with a no-decision, giving up just 14 earned runs in 47 innings for a 2.68 ERA, lowering his overall ERA from 4.39 to 3.73.
Jim started Game One of the ALCS and combined with Ken Clay to 2-hit the Royals. He then pitched a 2-hitter in his first major league complete game, beating the Dodgers 12-2, in the fifth game of the World Series.
Jim was captain elect of the Dartmouth basketball team when selected by the Yankees, and he decided to sign a pro contract. An honorable mention All-American basketball player, All-New England in 1974, MVP of the Kodak Classic in 1975, and MVP on the Dartmouth team for the 1974-1975 season, Jim was also an All-Ivy League baseball player. Originally a third baseman, he played American Legion ball and in the Cape Cod League in South Portland, Maine. Jim was a member of the 1976 West Haven championship team.
An art major, he is attending business administration graduate school. Jim was the basketball coach this winter at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., where his new bride Martha Johnson is a teacher.
His hobbies are painting and outdoor sports."
-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide
Friday, November 14, 2014
1979 Profile: Lou Piniella
"Lou found a permanent place in the lineup after Bob Lemon replaced Billy Martin, and boasted the fourth best batting average in the AL. One of the most serious, devoted students of hitting in the game, he's extremely popular with Yankee fans. He's a fierce competitor whose temper tantrums are legendary, yet he's charming off the field with the press and with the public. Born in Tampa, Lou is one of the best needlers around."
-Phil Pepe and Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1979 Edition
"Once and for all, we'd like to set the record straight. Lou Piniella has hit .300 or more five times in his career, and in both of the Yankee championship years of '77 and '78. Last year his .314 batting average was the fourth best in the league, and he was only one of six batters to reach that magic .300 mark. His 34 doubles, seventh highest total in the A.L., disproved the rumors that Lou was slowing down.
Sweet Lou, of proud Spanish ancestry, is more than statistics and superlatives. The crowd cheering 'Lou, Lou' tells you that he has a unique style all his own. Whether on the ballfield, in the clubhouse or in the middle of a crowd, Lou manages to light up the scene. Quick wit and a real sincerity make everyone who comes in contact with Lou want to get to know him better.
While Lou is known for his artistry with the bat, he can also get the job done defensively. Few will forget his two game-saving plays in right field in the playoff game at Boston last year, or his leaping grab in left field to rob Ron Cey of a home run in the 1977 World Series.
Being completely skilled and well liked by all, along with an astute knowledge of the game, make Lou Piniella a respected athlete and a valuable asset to have on any club. We're glad that club is the New York Yankees, and so is Lou."
-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook
"Lou topped the .300 mark for the fifth time in his career in 1978, and for the second straight year. He finished at .314, fourth best in the American League, and was one of only six batters in the league to finish over .300. Lou played in more games last year (130) than in any year since 1974, being used as a left fielder, right fielder and designated hitter. He batted .372 as a DH last year (29-78) and was also very effective as a pinch hitter, going 4-for-9 (.444) in that role. Lou was a good clutch hitter all year, batting .302 with men on base, and hit safely in all six World Series games. His 34 doubles ranked him seventh in the American League. Credited with four outfield assists, Lou also did a super job defensively, coming up with some clutch plays in the Yanks' playoff win over the Red Sox and in the World Series.
Lou had a 13-game hitting streak last year (April 21-May 16) and finished the year hitting in 12 straight games. Consistent all year, his average sunk below the .300 mark for only one day. He went 4-for-5 on June 14 against Seattle. His three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth on July 26 beat Rick Wise and the Cleveland Indians, 3-1. Lou went 10-for-16 (.625) with three doubles, a triple, a home run and five RBIs in the Yanks' four-game sweep of the Red Sox in September. He had nine game-winning RBIs, three of them coming in important games against the Red Sox.
Lou finished off the 1977 season hot, as he became an everyday player midway through August. He hit .342 from August 10 to the end of the season and hit safely in all five ALCS games and in the first four World Series games.
Lou returned to regular duty in 1976 after sitting out most of the 1975 season with an inner ear problem that required mid-season surgery. He was runner-up to teammate Dock Ellis for Comeback Player of the Year.
Lou was originally signed by Cleveland scout Spud Chandler in 1962, drafted by Washington later that year, dealt to Baltimore in 1964 and back to Cleveland in 1966. He was Rookie of the Year in 1969 with the Royals, after K.C. acquired him from the Seattle Pilots prior to the start of the season for ex-Yankee Steve Whitaker. A member of the 1972 All-Star team, Lou was the Royals' all-time leader in games, at-bats, hits, doubles, triples, RBIs and total bases before his trade to the Yankees.
Not known for his speed, Lou has still managed leg out 14 triples in the last three years. Fans welcome each at-bat of his with chants of 'Lou, Lou'."
-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide
-Phil Pepe and Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1979 Edition
"Once and for all, we'd like to set the record straight. Lou Piniella has hit .300 or more five times in his career, and in both of the Yankee championship years of '77 and '78. Last year his .314 batting average was the fourth best in the league, and he was only one of six batters to reach that magic .300 mark. His 34 doubles, seventh highest total in the A.L., disproved the rumors that Lou was slowing down.
Sweet Lou, of proud Spanish ancestry, is more than statistics and superlatives. The crowd cheering 'Lou, Lou' tells you that he has a unique style all his own. Whether on the ballfield, in the clubhouse or in the middle of a crowd, Lou manages to light up the scene. Quick wit and a real sincerity make everyone who comes in contact with Lou want to get to know him better.
While Lou is known for his artistry with the bat, he can also get the job done defensively. Few will forget his two game-saving plays in right field in the playoff game at Boston last year, or his leaping grab in left field to rob Ron Cey of a home run in the 1977 World Series.
Being completely skilled and well liked by all, along with an astute knowledge of the game, make Lou Piniella a respected athlete and a valuable asset to have on any club. We're glad that club is the New York Yankees, and so is Lou."
-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook
"Lou topped the .300 mark for the fifth time in his career in 1978, and for the second straight year. He finished at .314, fourth best in the American League, and was one of only six batters in the league to finish over .300. Lou played in more games last year (130) than in any year since 1974, being used as a left fielder, right fielder and designated hitter. He batted .372 as a DH last year (29-78) and was also very effective as a pinch hitter, going 4-for-9 (.444) in that role. Lou was a good clutch hitter all year, batting .302 with men on base, and hit safely in all six World Series games. His 34 doubles ranked him seventh in the American League. Credited with four outfield assists, Lou also did a super job defensively, coming up with some clutch plays in the Yanks' playoff win over the Red Sox and in the World Series.
Lou had a 13-game hitting streak last year (April 21-May 16) and finished the year hitting in 12 straight games. Consistent all year, his average sunk below the .300 mark for only one day. He went 4-for-5 on June 14 against Seattle. His three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth on July 26 beat Rick Wise and the Cleveland Indians, 3-1. Lou went 10-for-16 (.625) with three doubles, a triple, a home run and five RBIs in the Yanks' four-game sweep of the Red Sox in September. He had nine game-winning RBIs, three of them coming in important games against the Red Sox.
Lou finished off the 1977 season hot, as he became an everyday player midway through August. He hit .342 from August 10 to the end of the season and hit safely in all five ALCS games and in the first four World Series games.
Lou returned to regular duty in 1976 after sitting out most of the 1975 season with an inner ear problem that required mid-season surgery. He was runner-up to teammate Dock Ellis for Comeback Player of the Year.
Lou was originally signed by Cleveland scout Spud Chandler in 1962, drafted by Washington later that year, dealt to Baltimore in 1964 and back to Cleveland in 1966. He was Rookie of the Year in 1969 with the Royals, after K.C. acquired him from the Seattle Pilots prior to the start of the season for ex-Yankee Steve Whitaker. A member of the 1972 All-Star team, Lou was the Royals' all-time leader in games, at-bats, hits, doubles, triples, RBIs and total bases before his trade to the Yankees.
Not known for his speed, Lou has still managed leg out 14 triples in the last three years. Fans welcome each at-bat of his with chants of 'Lou, Lou'."
-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide
Thursday, November 13, 2014
1979 Profile: Reggie Jackson
1979 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"The 'straw that stirs the drink.' Mr. October. He's a sensitive man with a massive ego that is easily hurt, but he can carry a club all by himself when he's hot. Reggie is at his best under pressure. He homered in the final game of the 1978 World Series after hitting three dramatic homers to climax the '77 Series.
Reggie drives a Rolls Royce. He's only the second player in history to have a candy bar named him. The other was Ty Cobb, not Babe Ruth.
Born in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, Reggie was signed by the Yankees for $3 million as a free agent before 1977. He was suspended for five games last year by Billy Martin for refusing to bunt. His lack of contrition led to Martin's final outburst and subsequent resignation. Reggie enjoyed peace under Bob Lemon. He finished the year as a DH."
-Phil Pepe and Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1979 Edition
"Each time he steps to the plate, the cry of 'Reggie, Reggie' rocks the overflowing ballpark. The excitement builds, but the beautiful noise doesn't alter this man's concentration and it is rare when he disappoints the Stadium faithful. It's been that way ever since he first donned the Yankee pinstripes.
1977 saw Reggie win the World Series MVP in a landslide as he had the most productive Series performance ever. Well, one of the best-kept secrets is that he also had a tremendous Series last fall.
Reggie wound up the '78 Fall Classic batting .391 and leading the club with two home runs and eight RBIs. He also tied Lou Gehrig's record of at least one RBI in eight consecutive Series games.
But Reggie Jackson is more than a World Series player. Over the past ten years no one in baseball has hit more home runs than he has and only Mike Schmidt has more over the last five. In his two years in New York, he has led the club in RBIs twice and only Graig Nettles has more home runs. Reggie shows no signs of slowing down and that spells nothing but trouble for American League pitchers in '79."
-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook
"A second straight outstanding year for Reggie as a Yankee, and he finished it off with a second straight outstanding World Series performance. Few people will ever forget his three-homer performance in the final game of the 1977 Series. He carried on in the '78 Series, hitting a homer in the first game against the Dodgers; he hit two more in last year's Series and now has nine World Series home runs. Reggie batted .391 in the '78 Series with a hit in each game and now has a 10-game World Series hitting streak (17-37, .459). Last year he tied Lou Gehrig's record for at least one RBI in eight straight World Series games, and now has 23 Series RBIs, putting him in 12th place on the World Series list. Reggie set five World Series records in 1977 and tied three others; without saying, he was the World Series MVP in '77.
Reggie had two homers and a .462 average in the ALCS against the Royals. He has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 postseason games (23-50, .460), and has reached base in 29 of his last 50 trips to the plate in postseason play, a .580 on-base percentage.
Reggie led the Yanks in RBIs last year with 97, seventh best in the league, he tied Graig Nettles for the club homer lead with 27, ninth in the league, and he led the Yanks in slugging at .478, 14th in the league. He had two grand slams last year, and now has seven for his career. Reggie had a five-RBI game against the Tigers on June 30, and had two four-hit days. He's a good clutch hitter, with 11 game-winning RBIs last year after leading the Yanks with 20 in 1977. Reggie's longest hitting streak last year was 10 games. He was used as the Yanks' DH in 35 games, but worked hard to improve his defense and came up with six outfield assists last year. Reggie got hot towards the end of the year, hitting eight of his 27 homers in September, along with 26 RBIs that month, and added four homers in the ALCS and World Series.
Reggie became the 19th player in major league history to hit 20 or more homers for 11 straight seasons. He also drove in the 1,000th run of his career during the season and continued to move up on the all-time home run list. Over the last five years, Reggie has hit 151 home runs, the most in the American League, and only Mike Schmidt in all of baseball has hit more in that period. Reggie has hit over 30 homers in five seasons and has driven in over 100 runs four times.
In his first year in New York in 1977, Reggie was fifth in the league with 32 homers. He led the Yanks with 110 RBIs, sixth in the league, and led the team with 39 doubles and a .550 slugging percentage. He stole 17 bases in 20 attempts and had a 14-game hitting streak, his longest since a 15-game streak in 1974. The Yanks took off in '77 after Reggie was inserted into the cleanup spot on a permanent basis on August 10; from that point on until the end of the season, Reggie had 13 homers and 49 RBIs as the Yanks won 40 of their final 53 games.
The Yanks signed Reggie to a five-year contract after the 1976 season when he had played out his option with Baltimore. He was an Oriole for only one season, achieving much of his fame as a member of the Oakland A's from 1967-1975. Reggie helped the A's to five Western Division titles and three World Championships. Having served as the A's' (and now the Yankees') player rep, Oakland traded him to Baltimore on April 2, 1976.
Reggie has led the league in slugging percentage three times. He missed a month of the 1976 season but still wound up second to Nettles in the league in homers. He led the league in homers in 1973 and tied for the lead in 1975. Only Carl Yastrzemski has more lifetime homers among active American Leaguers. In 1969 Reggie challenged the Maris home run record and wound up with a career high of 47 homers. In 1975 he became the only player to homer in all 12 American League parks in one season.
An eight-time All-Star, Reggie is remembered for his tape-measure home run in Detroit in the 1971 game, a shot that bounced off the transformer on the right-field roof at Tiger Stadium. He was the top vote-getter in the 1974 balloting among the fans.
In 1973 Reggie was MVP in the American League and in the World Series, and also the Sporting News Major League Player of the Year. Reggie had missed the 1972 World Series after a pulled hamstring injury in a play at the plate in the final game of the ALCS against the Tigers.
Reggie was one of six children born to Martinez and Clara Jackson just outside of Philadelphia. His father was a tailor. Reggie played baseball, basketball, football and ran track at Cheltenham High School near Philly, where he ran the 100 in 9.7, was a halfback on the football team, and pitched three no-hitters. He batted .550 in his senior year and got a scholarship to Arizona State, where he played baseball and football. Reggie was drafted number one by Oakland in 1966 and left after his sophomore year for a reported $95,000 bonus. In 1967, he was the Player of the Year in the Southern League and reached the majors by the end of the season.
Reggie grounded into only three double plays in 1977, one short of the Yankee record held by Mickey Mantle and Mickey Rivers."
-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide
REGGIE HONORED BY ALS FOUNDATION
"Reggie Jackson was presented with a plaque by the National ALS Foundation in appreciation of his participation as the Honorary National Chairman.
The plaque was presented in ceremonies prior to the Yankees-Brewers game on Monday, July 3 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Lou Gehrig's famous farewell speech at Yankee Stadium on July 3, 1939. Gehrig was stricken by the rare terminal disease, and the National ALS Foundation, with Reggie's help, is dedicated to finding the cause and cure of the disease."
-New York Yankees 1979 Scorebook & Official Magazine
"The 'straw that stirs the drink.' Mr. October. He's a sensitive man with a massive ego that is easily hurt, but he can carry a club all by himself when he's hot. Reggie is at his best under pressure. He homered in the final game of the 1978 World Series after hitting three dramatic homers to climax the '77 Series.
Reggie drives a Rolls Royce. He's only the second player in history to have a candy bar named him. The other was Ty Cobb, not Babe Ruth.
Born in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, Reggie was signed by the Yankees for $3 million as a free agent before 1977. He was suspended for five games last year by Billy Martin for refusing to bunt. His lack of contrition led to Martin's final outburst and subsequent resignation. Reggie enjoyed peace under Bob Lemon. He finished the year as a DH."
-Phil Pepe and Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1979 Edition
"Each time he steps to the plate, the cry of 'Reggie, Reggie' rocks the overflowing ballpark. The excitement builds, but the beautiful noise doesn't alter this man's concentration and it is rare when he disappoints the Stadium faithful. It's been that way ever since he first donned the Yankee pinstripes.
1977 saw Reggie win the World Series MVP in a landslide as he had the most productive Series performance ever. Well, one of the best-kept secrets is that he also had a tremendous Series last fall.
Reggie wound up the '78 Fall Classic batting .391 and leading the club with two home runs and eight RBIs. He also tied Lou Gehrig's record of at least one RBI in eight consecutive Series games.
But Reggie Jackson is more than a World Series player. Over the past ten years no one in baseball has hit more home runs than he has and only Mike Schmidt has more over the last five. In his two years in New York, he has led the club in RBIs twice and only Graig Nettles has more home runs. Reggie shows no signs of slowing down and that spells nothing but trouble for American League pitchers in '79."
-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook
"A second straight outstanding year for Reggie as a Yankee, and he finished it off with a second straight outstanding World Series performance. Few people will ever forget his three-homer performance in the final game of the 1977 Series. He carried on in the '78 Series, hitting a homer in the first game against the Dodgers; he hit two more in last year's Series and now has nine World Series home runs. Reggie batted .391 in the '78 Series with a hit in each game and now has a 10-game World Series hitting streak (17-37, .459). Last year he tied Lou Gehrig's record for at least one RBI in eight straight World Series games, and now has 23 Series RBIs, putting him in 12th place on the World Series list. Reggie set five World Series records in 1977 and tied three others; without saying, he was the World Series MVP in '77.
Reggie had two homers and a .462 average in the ALCS against the Royals. He has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 postseason games (23-50, .460), and has reached base in 29 of his last 50 trips to the plate in postseason play, a .580 on-base percentage.
Reggie led the Yanks in RBIs last year with 97, seventh best in the league, he tied Graig Nettles for the club homer lead with 27, ninth in the league, and he led the Yanks in slugging at .478, 14th in the league. He had two grand slams last year, and now has seven for his career. Reggie had a five-RBI game against the Tigers on June 30, and had two four-hit days. He's a good clutch hitter, with 11 game-winning RBIs last year after leading the Yanks with 20 in 1977. Reggie's longest hitting streak last year was 10 games. He was used as the Yanks' DH in 35 games, but worked hard to improve his defense and came up with six outfield assists last year. Reggie got hot towards the end of the year, hitting eight of his 27 homers in September, along with 26 RBIs that month, and added four homers in the ALCS and World Series.
Reggie became the 19th player in major league history to hit 20 or more homers for 11 straight seasons. He also drove in the 1,000th run of his career during the season and continued to move up on the all-time home run list. Over the last five years, Reggie has hit 151 home runs, the most in the American League, and only Mike Schmidt in all of baseball has hit more in that period. Reggie has hit over 30 homers in five seasons and has driven in over 100 runs four times.
In his first year in New York in 1977, Reggie was fifth in the league with 32 homers. He led the Yanks with 110 RBIs, sixth in the league, and led the team with 39 doubles and a .550 slugging percentage. He stole 17 bases in 20 attempts and had a 14-game hitting streak, his longest since a 15-game streak in 1974. The Yanks took off in '77 after Reggie was inserted into the cleanup spot on a permanent basis on August 10; from that point on until the end of the season, Reggie had 13 homers and 49 RBIs as the Yanks won 40 of their final 53 games.
The Yanks signed Reggie to a five-year contract after the 1976 season when he had played out his option with Baltimore. He was an Oriole for only one season, achieving much of his fame as a member of the Oakland A's from 1967-1975. Reggie helped the A's to five Western Division titles and three World Championships. Having served as the A's' (and now the Yankees') player rep, Oakland traded him to Baltimore on April 2, 1976.
Reggie has led the league in slugging percentage three times. He missed a month of the 1976 season but still wound up second to Nettles in the league in homers. He led the league in homers in 1973 and tied for the lead in 1975. Only Carl Yastrzemski has more lifetime homers among active American Leaguers. In 1969 Reggie challenged the Maris home run record and wound up with a career high of 47 homers. In 1975 he became the only player to homer in all 12 American League parks in one season.
An eight-time All-Star, Reggie is remembered for his tape-measure home run in Detroit in the 1971 game, a shot that bounced off the transformer on the right-field roof at Tiger Stadium. He was the top vote-getter in the 1974 balloting among the fans.
In 1973 Reggie was MVP in the American League and in the World Series, and also the Sporting News Major League Player of the Year. Reggie had missed the 1972 World Series after a pulled hamstring injury in a play at the plate in the final game of the ALCS against the Tigers.
Reggie was one of six children born to Martinez and Clara Jackson just outside of Philadelphia. His father was a tailor. Reggie played baseball, basketball, football and ran track at Cheltenham High School near Philly, where he ran the 100 in 9.7, was a halfback on the football team, and pitched three no-hitters. He batted .550 in his senior year and got a scholarship to Arizona State, where he played baseball and football. Reggie was drafted number one by Oakland in 1966 and left after his sophomore year for a reported $95,000 bonus. In 1967, he was the Player of the Year in the Southern League and reached the majors by the end of the season.
Reggie grounded into only three double plays in 1977, one short of the Yankee record held by Mickey Mantle and Mickey Rivers."
-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide
REGGIE HONORED BY ALS FOUNDATION
"Reggie Jackson was presented with a plaque by the National ALS Foundation in appreciation of his participation as the Honorary National Chairman.
The plaque was presented in ceremonies prior to the Yankees-Brewers game on Monday, July 3 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Lou Gehrig's famous farewell speech at Yankee Stadium on July 3, 1939. Gehrig was stricken by the rare terminal disease, and the National ALS Foundation, with Reggie's help, is dedicated to finding the cause and cure of the disease."
-New York Yankees 1979 Scorebook & Official Magazine
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)