HENRY COTTO
"In 1985 Henry Cotto returns to the Bronx, his birthplace, to show he's more than just an excellent, fleet-footed outfielder. The Yankees acquired Cotto in the off-season from the Cubs because they know he's not a one-dimensional player.
He played winter ball in Puerto Rico for the Caguas club for the fourth straight year and his offensive stats were impressive. In 60 games, batted .308, stole 21 bases and scored 36 runs, best in the league.
The rap against Cotto was that he was primarily a defensive replacement. But the fact is, he batted over .285 in over four years of minor league ball, and as a part-time player in Chicago last year, he hit a respectable .274. The Yankees recognize Cotto's potential as an offensive weapon, and if he continues his hot hitting, he'll find his way onto the New York roster."
-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook
BILLY SAMPLE
"When the Yankees traded Toby Harrah to the Rangers for Billy Sample during spring training, they got more than they bargained for. Sample is talented and hungry for a winner, and with him on the roster, the Yankees may have the best group of outfielders in the A.L. In fact, Sample is similar to the other Yankee outfielders since he has speed (he averaged 31 stolen bases the past two seasons) and a good glove.
He did falter a bit at the plate last year, batting .247 in 130 games, but before 1984 Sample's lifetime batting average was a consistent .276. Two years ago he collected 12 home runs and 54 RBI, both career highs, while batting in every spot in the order.
The 30-year-old right-handed swinger will back up left fielder Ken Griffey, as well as pinch-hit and pinch-run."
-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook
CLAY CHRISTIANSEN
"Primarily a starter in the Yankees' farm system, right-hander Clay Christiansen may have found a niche in the majors as a middle reliever. The 26-year-old from Kansas finished the 1984 season with a few sub-par outings but in his first five appearances for the Yankees, Clay was 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA. For the year, his strikeout-to-walk ratio was better than 2:1.
Christiansen has a fine sinker and an above average fastball to go along with his above average frame (6'4", 220 lbs.). In the minors, Clay has shown his worth, going 50-30 with a 3.33 ERA since the Yankees drafted him in June 1980. He's been a steady performer all through the farm system, and the Yankees believe in time he'll the same in New York."
-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook
"Christiansen was 1-0 with a 2.84 ERA in spring training in 1984 and was called up on May 10 when Dale Murray was placed on the disabled list. He made his major league debut that night in the Yankees' 16 inning affair against Cleveland- Clay pitched the 8th, 9th and 10th, facing 10 batters, striking out two and retiring the side in the 8th and 10th. He was 2-3 with a 4.88 ERA and two saves before being optioned to Columbus on July 2. Recalled on September 9, Clay made his first major league start on September 22 at Detroit, allowing three runs in 4.2 innings and getting the loss. He was 0-1 with a 6.23 ERA in September.
Clay has progressed steadily through the Yankee minor league system. In 1981 he was second in the Florida State League with 16 wins, trailing teammate Ben Callahan's 17. In 1982, he tied with teammate Stefan Wever for the Southern League with 16 wins and also tied for the league lead for fielding among pitchers with a perfect 1.000 percentage. In 1983, he played the entire year at AAA Columbus, and for the first time in his career saw considerable action out of the bullpen, making 13 relief appearances.
He graduated from Columbus (Kansas) Unified High School in 1976 where he participated in baseball, basketball, football and track- he was offered a football scholarship by Wichita State. Clay attended the University of Kansas in Lawrence and was signed by Yankee scout Russ Sehon.
Clay lists hunting and fishing as his hobbies."
-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide
MARTY BYSTROM
"It might sound crazy, but if Marty Bystrom had to miss half a season because of an injury, this may well be the best year for it to happen. The 26-year-old right-hander was married last winter, and even though he's missing a portion of the season he does have some consolation- an encouraging wife!
Bystrom had surgery on the right elbow last November but is expected to join the team by the All-Star break. Based on his short performance last year, Bystrom could turn out to be a key pitcher in the starting rotation."
-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook
"Bystrom was traded to the Yankees on June 30 with minor league outfielder Keith Hughes, with left-handed pitcher Shane Rawley going to Philadelphia. He began the '84 season at Portland (AAA) when the Phillies decided to open the season with nine pitchers. Marty was 0-2 with a 5.56 ERA when recalled by the Phillies on May 1 and had a 4-4 record, 5.08 ERA with the parent club before the trade.
He joined the Yankees on July 2 in Arlington where he won his first AL start on July 3, allowing two runs in six innings pitched. Marty was 2-0 in his first five Yankee starts with a 1.91 ERA in 33 innings pitched. He was put on the disabled list on August 3 with a tender right elbow. Activated on September 3, Marty made only one appearance the remainder of the season, starting on September 9 (1.1 IP, 4 R, 2 ER). With the Yankees, Marty had a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2:1. He underwent ulnar nerve surgery on his right elbow on November 11.
Marty threw a shutout in his first major league start on September 10, 1980 at New York. He was 5-0 in the month of September, winning Pitcher of the Month honors, and the Phillies won every game he started, including Game 5 of the World Series. He had started the '80 season on the DL at Oklahoma City with a hamstring pull and did not pitch until May 18.
Bothered by a shoulder injury in 1981, Marty appeared in only 11 games between Philadelphia and Reading. He also began 1982 on the DL, this time due to the recurring shoulder problem carried over from 1981, and was activated on June 7. He was used primarily as a starter but made three relief appearances, missing two starts in July with shoulder stiffness. Marty then began the 1983 season on the DL with a strained rib cage muscle and was activated on May 3. He was sidelined again on August 21 with a tender right elbow and pitched one game at Peninsula as part of his injury rehabilitation program. Marty threw his second career shutout after returning from the DL, blanking Montreal 5-0.
In 1978 Marty led the Carolina League in innings pitched and strikeouts while sharing the league lead with 15 wins. He pitched a 3-0 perfect game victory against Winston-Salem on August 12. In 1979, he jumped from A to AAA where he tied for the American Association lead in games and was ninth in ERA.
Marty graduated from Killian (Miami) High School. He played American Legion baseball, played baseball at Miami-Dade Junior College and was originally signed by scouts Hugh Alexander and Catfish Smith."
-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide
TOBY HARRAH
"A poor first season in pinstripes for Harrah in 1984, batting under .200 as late in the season as August 9 and as low as .170 on July 24. He fared better as the season neared its end, hitting .260 in August and .310 in September. He hit .279 after August 10 to raise average 17 points.
Toby split time at third base with Roy Smalley and Mike Pagliarulo. He had three 4-for-4 days during the season (May 9 against Cleveland, July 25 at Milwaukee and September 8 at Boston). Toby scored the 1,000th run of his career in the second game of a doubleheader at Cleveland on September 10.
On August 13, 1972 Toby bunted into a triple play at Arlington Stadium. He played in all 161 Ranger games in 1974 and was named the top shortstop in the American League by UPI and the Sporting News. On August 8, 1977 against Oakland, Toby started a 5-4-3 triple play fielding Manny Sanguillen's grounder, stepping on third and firing around the horn- 1977 saw him make the switch to third full time.
On August 27, 1977 at New York Toby hit the first of successive pitch inside-the-park homers off Ken Clay, Bump Wills following with his home run. He collected his 1,000th major league hit on September 27, 1978 against Minnesota. Toby had seven RBI against Minnesota on June 15, 1980 and was named AL Player of the Week June 9-15, collecting 10 hits in 21 at-bats (.476) including four doubles, a homer and eight RBI.
He played in every game of the 1981 season (103) and stole home against Kansas City on August 16. Toby began the 1982 campaign on fire, hitting safely in his first 14 games and his first 24 of 25 games. He led the Indians in games (162), at-bats, runs, hits, average (304), doubles and slugging percentage (.490), becoming a .300 hitter for the first time in his career. On June 23 he collected his 1,500th career hit, a first-inning single off Jim Palmer. Harrah shared the Cleveland Baseball Writers Man of the Year Award with Andre Thornton.
Harrah is a graduate of Elgin (Ohio) High School, lettering in football, baseball, basketball and track. He attended Ohio Northern University on a football scholarship. He pitched in one game for his Marion, Ohio Legion team in 1966 and turned in a no-hitter. Toby missed part of the '69 season due to military duty.
Toby is one of nine children- five brothers and three sisters. His hobbies include antiques, basketball, horseback riding and motorcycles."
-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide
JUAN BONILLA
"In 1983 Juan had the fewest errors (11) among National League second basemen playing at least 117 games. He finished second in fielding to Ryne Sandberg by .0003% (.9858 to .9855). His .290 batting average in 1981 led all NL second basemen."
-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide
DAN BRIGGS
"Briggs was the California Angels' second round pick in the June 1970 draft. Loaned to Indianapolis in June 1977, he was recalled by the Angels in July 1977. Dan was signed as a free agent in March 1978 by the Cleveland Indians. Traded to the San Diego Padres in March 1979 for a player-to-be-named-later (Mike Champion), Dan was traded with Bill Almon to Montreal for Dave Cash in November 1979.
Resigned as a free agent by the Expos in March 1981, Briggs was traded to the Chicago Cubs for a player-to-be-named-later (Mike Griffin) in March 1982. He signed as a free agent with the Yakult Swallows in the Japanese Central League during the 1982 season. Dan was signed as a free agent by the New York Yankees on February 9, 1984.
Dan graduated from Sonoma Valley High School and attended the University of California at Berkeley. He was signed to his first professional contract as a pitcher. In 1977 Dan tied the major league record for most unassisted double plays by a first baseman in a game (2). In 1978, he led the Pacific Coast League with 42 doubles and 286 total bases, and in 1981 led the American Association in total bases with 263."
-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide
BUTCH HOBSON
"Butch was the Boston Red Sox' eighth selection in the 1973 June free agent draft. He was traded to the California Angels with Rick Burleson in exchange for Rick Miller, Mark Clear and Carney Lansford in December 1980. He was traded to the New York Yankees for in exchange Bill Castro in March 1982.
Hobson graduated from the University of Alabama in 1973. He played quarterback for Paul 'Bear' Bryant's Alabama team in the 1972 Orange Bowl against Nebraska for the National Championship.
Butch holds the Boston record for third basemen for home runs (30) and for RBIs (112) in a season."
-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide
MIKE O'BERRY
"O'Berry was selected by the Boston Red Sox organization in the 22nd round of the June 1975 free agent draft. He was traded to the Chicago Cubs in October 1979 completing the deal in which Chicago traded second baseman Ted Sizemore to Boston for a player to be named later in August 1979. Mike was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher Jay Howell in October 1980.
He was acquired by the Yankees as a six-year minor league free agent on December 7, 1983."
-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide
JOE NIEKRO
"The knuckleball specialist enjoyed a solid season as the club ERA leader and crept closer to the 200 victory plateau. Niekro was at his best in the midsummer months, going 5-0 with a 2.84 ERA in June and 4-1 with a 1.69 ERA in July. Like his brother Phil, he seems to improve with age. Joe threw more than 200 innings for the sixth time in the last seven years.
Born in Martins Ferry, Ohio, Joe was an All-American at West Liberty College. He holds a 5-4 edge over his brother in head-to-head meetings. He fired a one-hitter for the Tigers against the Yankees in 1970 as Horace Clarke spoiled things with a one-out single in the ninth. Niekro won a dozen games that year but didn't reach double figures again until the knuckler revived his career in 1977.
Niekro signed with the Cubs as a third round pick in 1966. The Astros purchased him from the Braves in 1975. He finished second in the NL in ERA in 1982."
-Nick Peters, The Complete Handbook of Baseball,1985 Edition
BOB SHIRLEY
"Home is where the heart is and home is where Yankees reliever Bob Shirley pitches his best baseball. Shirley is not exactly the Road Warrior, but at Yankee Stadium he is at ease and his record proves it. In his first two years as a Yankee pitcher, Shirley had a Stadium record of 6-3 with a 2.59 ERA.
He also has the resilient arm that is required of a middle reliever. The 30-year-old left-hander appeared in 41 games in 1984. Only Dave Righetti and Jay Howell (since traded) saw more action. His versatility also makes him valuable to manager Yogi Berra as a short man when Righetti isn't available or as a spot starter when a regular needs a breather.
With Shirley in the bullpen, the Yankees will continue to dominate opponents in the House That Ruth Built."
-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook
"Bob split time between starting and relieving again in 1984. He pitched 5-hit shutout baseball over five innings in his first start of the season on May 13 against Seattle, earning the win in the Yankees' 7-0 victory, and pitched a complete game, losing 2-1, on June 15 at Baltimore. His 41 appearances were third high on the Yankees behind Dave Righetti and Jay Howell.
He overall pitched better at Yankee Stadium for the second year in a row, winning two and losing one with a 2.02 ERA. Bob has a two-year Stadium record of 6-3 with a 2.59 ERA compared to 2-8 with a 6.75 ERA on the road.
A versatile and consistent performer, Bob has split his time between starting and relieving in the big leagues. In his rookie season with San Diego, 1977, he posted career highs with 12 wins, 25 starts, 214 innings pitched and 146 strikeouts. Bob made his major league debut beating Cincinnati 12-4 with all runs against him unearned, pitching eight and two-thirds innings while allowing only four hits and striking out 11. On April 23 of '77, he retired the first 25 batters in a game at Houston in registering a 4-2 victory. In 1976, Bob split time between Hawaii and Amarillo, both teams winning championships.
In 1983 Bob recorded his first Yankee and first American League win with an 8-hit shutout at Yankee Stadium against the Royals on April 27. He had a 4-1 record at Yankee Stadium.
Bob grew up in Cushing, Oklahoma and attended Putnam City (OK) High School. He had a fine collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma, was an All-American in 1975, and a teammate of [former Yankee] George Frazier. Bob enjoys golf, restoring antiques, and Bill Murray movies."
-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide
DR. JOHN J. BONAMO (Team Physician)
"Dr. John J. Bonamo is in his seventh season as the Yankees team doctor. He is a clinical associate professor of orthopedic surgery at New York University Hospital in Manhattan."
-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook
"Dr. John J. Bonamo enters his seventh year as the Yankees team physician. He is an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Staten Island and NYU Hospitals and is a graduate of Boston College and New York Medical College."
-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide
GENE MONAHAN (Trainer)
"Gene Monahan is in his 14th season as Yankees trainer. He studied at Indiana University and is a certified member of N.A.T.A."
-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook
"Gene was born in Rolla, Missouri and received a B.S. in physical education from Indiana University in 1969. A certified member of NATA [National Athletic Trainers Association], serving as a member of the NATA grants and scholarships committee, he has 23 years of service in professional baseball. Gene started in 1962 at Ft. Lauderdale and is entering his 13th year at the helm of the Yankee training duties."
-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide
MARK LETENDRE (Assistant Trainer)
"Mark Letendre is in his fourth year as the Yankees' assistant trainer. He also served in the Yankees' minor league system.
Mark graduated from the University of Maine."
-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook
"Mark was born in Manchester, New Hampshire and received a B.S. in physical education and health from the University of Maine at Orono in 1978. A certified member of NATA, he started at West Haven in 1978 and was the trainer at Columbus from 1979-81. 1985 will be Mark's fourth season with the Yankees.
During the off-season he is the assistant trainer of the Rutgers football team."
-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide
JEFF MANGOLD
"Jeff Mangold is in his second season as the Yankees strength and conditioning coach. He supervises in-season and off-season weight and conditioning programs."
-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook
PETE SHEEHY (Clubhouse Man and Equipment Manager)
"Pete Sheehy started working in the Yankees clubhouse in 1926. He knew all the Yankees greats- Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, etc. Now the clubhouse is named after Pete."
-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook
"Peter Sheehy, after whom the Yankee clubhouse is named, is now in his 60th season as equipment man and clubhouse attendant. The likeable Pete was among those specially honored at Opening Day of the 'new' Yankee Stadium in 1976."
-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide
LOU CUCUZZA (Visitors Clubhouse Manager)
"Lou Cucuzza is in his 10th season of hosting the visiting teams at Yankee Stadium."
-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook
"Lou Cucuzza is in his 10th year running the visitors clubhouse at the Stadium."
-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide
STEVE GREGORY (Umpires' Room Attendant)
"Steve Gregory for the seventh season is in charge of the umpires locker room."
-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook
BOB SHEPPARD (Public Address Announcer)
"Bob Sheppard has been the public address Voice of the Yankees for 34 years. He also teaches at St. John's University."
-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook
EDDIE LAYTON (Stadium Organist)
"Eddie Layton has recorded over 25 albums. He also records commercials, and plays at Madison Square Garden and at Radio City."
-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook
JIMMY ESPOSITO (Head Groundskeeper)
"Jimmy Esposito has been working on the Yankee Stadium field for over 25 years. He first started at Ebbets Field 39 years ago."
-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook
"Jimmy Esposito, chief of the Yankee ground crew, began his role in 1960 after 14 seasons with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers."
-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide
JIM OGLE (Yankees Alumni Association)
"Jim Ogle, former New York sportswriter for over 25 years, now heads the Yankees Alumni Association and coordinates Old Timers' Day."
-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook
MARSH SAMUEL (Spring Training Coordinator)
"Marsh Samuel began his baseball career as a publicist with the 1946 White Sox. He developed the first press guide."
-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook
DOM SCALA (Bullpen Catcher)
"Dom Scala, former All-American from St. John's University, is the Yankees bullpen catcher and works closely with the coaching staff."
-The New York Yankees Official 1985 Yearbook
"Dom Scala, the Yankees' bullpen catcher, is in his eighth season in that capacity. He is a graduate of St. John's University and played in the Oakland organization."
-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide
MIKE BATCHKO (Batting Practice Pitcher)
"Mark Batchko starts his first full season as batting practice pitcher. He also charts the Yankee defense and is in charge of the Yankees' computer operations."
-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide
MIKE BARNETT (Video Coordinator)
"Mike Barnett is in his fourth year coordinating the Yankees' videotape operations."
-1985 New York Yankees Information Guide
