1987 New York Yankees Broadcasters

"Phil Rizzuto and Bill White are the heart of the team that will call it for WPIX-TV (Channel 11). Mickey Mantle and Mel Allen work the games for SportsChannel cable, and voices were unconfirmed for radio coverage on a network originating with WABC (770)."

-The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1987 Edition

"Yankees baseball will be broadcast for the 49th consecutive year in 1987. WPIX-TV (channel 11) will be the New York City television station for the 37th straight season, while WABC Radio (770 AM) is leading the Yankees radio network as the flagship station for seventh straight year. A network covering 12 states also participates in the Yankees TV and radio coverage.
SportsChannel is the Yankees' pay-cable television outlet for the ninth consecutive year in the tri-state area. Yankees games will also be broadcast in Latin America by Vene International Productions for the 18th straight season. These broadcast outlets insure that Yankee baseball will be one of the most widely available sports events in the country."

-1987 New York Yankees Information Guide

PHIL RIZZUTO (WPIX)
"The one and only Scooter, the greatest shortstop in Yankees history, is in his 31st year of giving listeners the inside word on the Bronx Bombers. Phil's outgoing personality and lively banter have spiced up Yankee broadcasts since he started the job after ending his brilliant playing career.
He never rests while at work, and that dedication shows during broadcasts. Simply put, the Scooter on the air means fun for the fans."

-The New York Yankees Official 1987 Yearbook

"Phil Rizzuto, the greatest shortstop in Yankee history, is in his 31st season as a Yankee broadcaster. The 1950 American League MVP moved to the booth immediately following his playing career (1941-56) in 1957, giving him 47 consecutive seasons affiliated with the Yankees."

-1987 New York Yankees Information Guide


BILL WHITE (WPIX)
"Having shown his smarts on the playing field for 13 major league seasons, Bill White has continued to do the same in the Yankees broadcast booth for the past 16 campaigns.
Bill's insight and frankness make it a treat for Yankees fans watching the game on television. Having Bill White in the booth guarantees a well-reported game."

-The New York Yankees Official 1987 Yearbook

"Bill White, former star first baseman with the Giants, Cardinals and Phillies (1956-69), who also played in six All-Star Games and won seven Gold Gloves, is now in his 17th season with the Yankees."

-1987 New York Yankees Information Guide


TOMMY HUTTON (WABC)
"In his first season as a Yankees radio broadcaster is Tommy Hutton. After spending 17 years in pro ball, the former infielder turned to broadcasting in 1981 as a regular on the Montreal Expos broadcasts.
Tommy now brings his upbeat manner and knowledge of the game to the attention of Yankee fans. He will join another newcomer, Hank Greenwald, in the WABC Radio booth."

-The New York Yankees Official 1987 Yearbook

"Tommy Hutton joins the Yankees broadcast team after spending the previous five seasons as a broadcaster for the Montreal Expos. Before beginning his announcing career, he spent 12 seasons as a first baseman for the Dodgers, Phillies, Blue Jays and Expos."

-1987 New York Yankees Information Guide


HANK GREENWALD (WABC)
"Hank Greenwald may be new to the Yankees radio audience, but he is by no means new to his profession. In his 30 years of broadcasting, Hank has covered football, basketball and baseball and is most noted for his seven years of service as the voice of the San Francisco Giants.
His love of the game and endless enthusiasm will surely endear him to Yankees listeners as he teams with Tommy Hutton on WABC Radio."

-The New York Yankees Official 1987 Yearbook

"Hank Greenwald begins his first season as a Yankee radio announcer, but is no stranger to baseball broadcasts. He spent the previous eight years as the television and radio voice of the San Francisco Giants and has handled the play-by-play of such varied events as Golden State Warriors and University of San Francisco basketball and Syracuse University football."

-1987 New York Yankees Information Guide


BILLY MARTIN (WPIX)
"Billy Martin will again be joining Phil Rizzuto and Bill White on the Yankees telecasts. For Martin, one of the most popular players or managers in Yankees history, this is his second year as a broadcaster for the Bronx Bombers.
In his tenure as a Yankees manager, Martin posted a 516-358 record (.590) and won two American League pennants and one World Series (1977)."

-The New York Yankees Official 1987 Yearbook

"Billy Martin, one of the most popular players or managers in Yankee history, begins his second year as a television commentator on Yankee broadcasts. In his tenure as Yankee manager, Martin posted a 516-358 record (.590) and won two American League pennants and a World Championship."

-1987 New York Yankees Information Guide

1988 New York Yankees Broadcasters

"Yankee baseball will be broadcast for the 50th consecutive season in 1988. WPIX-TV (Channel 11) will be the New York City television outlet for the 38th straight season, while WABC Radio (770 AM) is leading the Yankee radio network as the flagship station for the eighth straight year. A network covering 12 states also participates in the Yankees' TV and radio coverage.
SportsChannel is the Yankee pay cable television outlet for the tenth straight year in the tri-state area, and Yankee games will also be broadcast in Spanish to Latin America for the 19th straight season. These comprehensive broadcast outlets insure that Yankee baseball will be one of the most widely available sports events in the country.
The popular duo of Phil Rizzuto and Bill White will handle the club's telecasts on WPIX, Hank Greenwald and Tommy Hutton will pair on the club's broadcasts on WABC, while Ken Harrelson will handle the microphone duties on the club's cablecasts on SportsChannel, and will be joined by former Yankee great Mickey Mantle on selected cablecasts."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


PHIL RIZZUTO (WPIX)
"The one and only Scooter, the greatest shortstop in Yankees history, is in his 32nd year of giving viewers the inside word on the Bronx Bombers. Phil's outgoing personality and lively banter have spiced up Yankees broadcasts since he started the job after ending his brilliant career on the playing field.
He never rests while at work and that dedication shows during broadcasts. Simply put, the Scooter on the air means fun for the fans."

-The New York Yankees Official 1988 Yearbook

"Phil Rizzuto, the greatest shortstop in Yankee history, is in his 32nd season as a Yankee broadcaster. The 1950 American League MVP moved into the broadcast booth immediately following his playing career (1941-56) in 1957, giving him 48 consecutive seasons affiliated with the Yankees."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


BILL WHITE (WPIX)
"Having shown his smarts on the playing field for 13 major league seasons, Bill White has continued to do the same in the Yankees broadcast booth for the past 17 campaigns.
Bill's insight and frankness make it a treat for Yankees fans watching the game on television. Having Bill White in the booth guarantees a well-reported game."

-The New York Yankees Official 1988 Yearbook

"Bill White, former star first baseman with the Giants, Cardinals and Phillies (1956-69), who also played in six All-Star Games and won seven Gold Gloves, is now in his 18th season broadcasting Yankee baseball."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


TOMMY HUTTON (WABC)
"This is Tommy Hutton's second season as a Yankees radio broadcaster. After spending 17 years in pro ball, the former infielder turned to broadcasting in 1981 as a regular on the Montreal Expos broadcasts.
Tommy now brings his upbeat manner and knowledge of the game to the attention of Yankee fans. He works alongside Hank Greenwald in the WABC Radio booth."

-The New York Yankees Official 1988 Yearbook

"Tommy Hutton is in his second season on the Yankee broadcast team after spending the previous five seasons as a broadcaster for the Montreal Expos. Before beginning his announcing career, he spent 12 seasons as a first baseman for the Dodgers, Phillies, Blue Jays and Expos."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


HANK GREENWALD (WABC)
"Hank Greenwald starts his second campaign as a Yankees radio voice, but he's no stranger to baseball broadcasts. In his 31 years of broadcasting, Hank has covered football, basketball and baseball and is most noted for his seven years of service as the voice of the San Francisco Giants.
His love of the game and endless enthusiasm has already endeared him to Yankees listeners over WABC Radio."

-The New York Yankees Official 1988 Yearbook

"Hank Greenwald starts his second season as a Yankee radio announcer, but is no stranger to baseball broadcasts. He spent the previous eight years as the television and radio voice of the San Francisco Giants and has handled the play-by-play of such varied events as Golden State Warriors and University of San Francisco basketball and Syracuse University football."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


BOBBY MURCER (SPORTSCHANNEL)
"After spending 1987 as a Yankees batting instructor, Bobby Murcer returns to his favorite duty as a Yankees broadcaster on SportsChannel, the club's cable affiliate.
Bobby left his playing days behind in 1983 to begin a career in broadcasting. He was in the booth for the second half of that season and again in 1986.
Few people know the Yankees organization better than Bobby Murcer."

-The New York Yankees Official 1988 Yearbook


KEN HARRELSON (SPORTSCHANNEL)
"One of the most colorful personalities in baseball, the Hawk is in his second season as a SportsChannel broadcaster.
Before he came to New York, Harrelson was Executive Vice-President of Baseball Operations for the White Sox. He also spent 10 years broadcasting White Sox and Red Sox games following a nine-year major league career.
The Hawk really knows how to make a baseball game an entertaining experience."

-The New York Yankees Official 1988 Yearbook

"Ken 'Hawk' Harrelson, one of the most colorful personalities in baseball returns for his second season after serving as Executive Vice-President, Baseball Operations for the Chicago White Sox. He also spent 10 years broadcasting White Sox and Red Sox games following a nine-year major league career that was highlighted by helping the Red Sox to the American League pennant in 1967."

-1988 New York Yankees Information Guide


MICKEY MANTLE (SPORTSCHANNEL)
"Mickey Mantle, one of the greatest and most popular players in major league history, is back for his third season on selected SportsChannel cablecasts. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1974, he holds countless Yankee team records and is a three-time MVP selection.
Mickey's presence in the booth is a very welcome sight for the Yankee faithful."

-The New York Yankees Official 1988 Yearbook

"Mickey Mantle, one of the greatest and most popular players in major league history, returns for his third season on selected SportsChannel cablecasts. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1974, he holds countless Yankee team records and is a three-time Most Valuable Player selection, including 1956 when he won the Triple Crown."

-1988 New York Yankee Information Guide

1989 New York Yankees Broadcasters

"Yankee baseball will be broadcast for the 51st consecutive season in 1989. WPIX-TV (Channel 11) will be the New York City television outlet for the 39th straight season, while WABC Radio (770 AM) is leading the Yankee radio network as the flagship station for the ninth straight year. A network covering 12 states also participates in the Yankees' TV and radio coverage.
The Madison Square Garden Network is beginning its first season as the Yankees' cable television outlet in the tri-state area, and Yankee games will also be broadcast in Spanish to Latin America for the 20th straight season. These comprehensive broadcast outlets ensure that Yankee baseball will be one of the most widely available sports events in the country."

-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide

"Yankees baseball will be broadcast for the 51st consecutive year in 1989. WPIX-TV will be the New York City television station for the 39th straight season. WABC TALKRADIO, 77 on your AM dial, is leading the Yankees radio network for the ninth straight year. MSG Network will be the Yankees' cable television carrier."

-1989 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program


PHIL RIZZUTO (WPIX)
"The one and only Scooter, the greatest shortstop in Yankees history, is in his 33rd year of giving viewers the inside word on the Bronx Bombers. Phil's outgoing personality and lively banter have spiced up Yankees broadcasts since he started the job after ending his brilliant career on the playing field.
He never rests while at work and that dedication shows during broadcasts. Simply put, the Scooter on the air means fun for the fans."

-The New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook

"Rizzuto, the greatest shortstop in Yankee history, is in his 33rd season as a Yankee broadcaster. The 1950 American League MVP moved into the broadcast booth immediately following his playing career (1941-56) in 1957, giving him 49 consecutive seasons affiliated with the Yankees."

-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide

"Phil Rizzuto, the greatest shortstop in Yankee history, is now in his 33rd season as a Yankees broadcaster. The 1950 American League MVP moved to the broadcast booth immediately following his playing career (1941-56) in 1957."

-1989 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program

PHILIP FRANCIS RIZZUTO: A YANKEE FOR LIFE
"A lot of water has flowed under a lot of bridges since a skinny, frightened 19-year-old kid from Brooklyn reported to the Basset, Virginia Class-D club, the lowest rung on the Yankee ladder, to start his career in professional baseball. Today, that same individual looks back on an outstanding career as a major league shortstop, followed by an equally scintillating career as a sports announcer.
Unless you have been living in a cave the past half-century, you know, of course, that we are speaking of Philip Francis Rizzuto, better known in sporting circles as 'The Scooter.' Ironically, the nickname is not only descriptive of his playing field movement but of all other phases of his life. From an airplane to the baggage area to a cab, or from the broadcast booth to his car and home.
There has been an argument raging for years about his exclusion from the Hall of Fame, which speaks volumes for the credentials he presents. He was voted the all-time Yankee shortstop in a landslide, which takes care of where Mr. Rizzuto rates among his peers.
The kid from Brooklyn traveled a long way from the day he reported to Ebbets Field for a tryout and was told by Casey Stengel, then Dodger manager, 'Get lost kid, get a shoeshine box, you're too small to be a ballplayer.' Casey wasn't wrong often, but this time he missed by a mile.
Ironically, Rizzuto wound up his playing career under Stengel and earned his plaudits as a key ingredient of several of Casey's championship teams. 'He was the best shortstop I ever had,' said Stengel.
'The only mid-century players who could have starred in my era,' said Ty Cobb, who some rate as the greatest ever, 'are Phil Rizzuto and Stan Musial.' Too bad Ty was never on the Veterans Committee for the Hall of Fame.
Rizzuto was voted Minor League Player of the Year in 1940, then 10 years later was voted Major League Player of the Year. That was the year, of course, when Phil hit .324, the highest batting average ever compiled by a Yankee shortstop. He won the MVP and the Hickok Belt, which denotes the Professional Athlete of the Year. A year later he won the Babe Ruth Award as the MVP of the World Series.
'I can't pick out any one event or day as the highlight of my career,' says Phil. 'Perhaps the biggest thrill came when they retired my number 10 and put a plaque in Monument Park. Not even getting into the Hall of Fame could top that. It was also a thrill to get the Pride of the Yankees Award.'
There is no disputing the biggest disappointment of his career- in fact, it has to be the nadir of his career. That would have been Old Timers Day in 1956 when he was given his release to clear roster space for Enos Slaughter.
'George Weiss and Casey called me in,' Phil recalls. 'They told me they thought the club needed another good left-handed bat for the stretch run. They I asked who I thought was expendable. I mentioned several names which were turned down and then it hit me, they were trying to tell me it was me. It was an awful feeling.'
Rizzuto disappeared for several days after that but never put the rap on the Yankees or the officials. When it came time to slice up the World Series pie, the Yankee players cut a full slice for their little leader. A year later, he surfaced as Mel Allen's broadcast partner, and Phil's second successful career was underway.
Fans of Rizzuto, the shortstop, have many memories of his acrobatics on the field. His flying leaps to avoid sliding runners on double plays, his own slides into a base to swipe a hassock, and his flashing tags to erase a would-be base stealer. And the most vivid memory of all, the squeeze bunt which sent home Joe DiMaggio with the winning run in a game that actually meant the pennant.
Rizzuto played on nine Yankee pennant winners and eight World Champions during his brilliant career, plus he was on five All-Star teams. In Yankee annals, he is among the giants: ninth all-time in games; 10th in at-bats; 13th in runs; 10th in hits; 15th in doubles; 16th in triples and ninth in stolen bases.
How did it happen that Phil moved from the field to the broadcast booth? Was it an accident? Did it come out of the blue? Had he ever thought about turning to the airwaves?
'Are you kidding?' Phil says. 'Holy cow, I was thinking about it for the last five years as a player. When Casey took me out of a game I would go up to the booth and Mel would let me do a half-inning. At home, I would turn off the sound on TV and broadcast the game myself.'
Rizzuto's career as a broadcaster has been as successful as his playing days. He is moving into his 33rd year in that capacity and 53rd as part of the Yankee organization.
There's only one Rizzuto, but he's a winner!"

-Jim Ogle, 1989 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program


BOBBY MURCER (MSG)
"Few people know the Yankees organization better than Bobby Murcer, who is broadcasting on MSG Network, the club's cable affiliate.
After finishing his playing career in 1983, Murcer started working in the broadcast booth and has found much success. Yankee fans are excited to see this familiar face talking Yankee baseball."

-The New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook

"Always a Yankee favorite, Bobby Murcer joins MSG Network in its first year covering the Yankees. Bobby has worked as a Yankee hitting instructor. He formerly worked in the booth in 1983, '86 and '88."

-1989 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program


GEORGE GRANDE (WPIX)
"In his first year as a Yankee broadcaster, George Grande brings to New York the kind of baseball knowledge Yankee fans will come to respect.
Grande was a charter broadcaster on ESPN in 1979 and went on to host the weekly 'Inside Baseball' highlights program. He also served as the baseball reporter for the nightly SportsCenter. George was twice named Connecticut's Sportscaster of the Year."

-The New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook

"George Grande, in his first year as a Yankees broadcaster, was a charter broadcaster of ESPN in 1979 and went on to host the weekly 'Inside Baseball' highlights program. Grande was twice named Connecticut's Sportscaster of the Year."

-1989 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program


GREG GUMBEL (MSG)
"The multi-dimensional Greg Gumbel joins the MSG Network telecasts of Yankees games as host of the pre- and postgame shows. Gumbel also hosts three weekly programs for the network, and calls play-by-play for selected New York Knicks telecasts."

-The New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook

"Greg Gumbel joins the MSG Network telecast of Yankees games as host of the pre- and postgame shows for the network and calls play-by-play for selected New York Knicks telecasts."

-1989 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program


TOM SEAVER (WPIX)
"One of New York's greatest sports heroes, Tom Seaver returns to the Big Apple as a Yankee broadcaster for WPIX. He has broadcast four World Series and five League Championship Series for network television.
Seaver collected 311 career wins and won the Cy Young Award three times in his 20-year career."

-The New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook

"Tom Seaver, one of the greatest pitchers in major league history, starts his first season as a Yankees broadcaster. Seaver won the Cy Young Award three times in his 20-year career and broadcast four World Series and five League Championship Series for network television."

-1989 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program


TOMMY HUTTON (MSG)
"This is Tommy Hutton's third season as a Yankee broadcaster. After spending 17 years in pro ball, the former infielder turned to broadcasting in 1981 as a regular on the Montreal Expos broadcasts.
Tommy now brings his upbeat manner and knowledge of the game to the attention of Yankee fans. He works alongside Bobby Murcer in the MSG Network booth."

-The New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook

"Tommy Hutton returns for his third year as a Yankee broadcaster, his first with MSG Network. He previously spent five years as a broadcaster for the Montreal Expos. Before his broadcast career, Tommy spent 12 seasons in the major leagues."

-1989 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program


JAY JOHNSTONE (WABC)
"There are few more personable individuals in the game of baseball than Jay Johnstone. He has been involved in baseball for 26 years and retired in 1985 after playing for eight major league teams.
Since his retirement, Jay has kept busy as the color analyst for college baseball on ESPN. His wit and enthusiasm for the game will make him popular among Yankee fans in his first year as a Yankees broadcaster."

-The New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook

"Johnstone, who played with the Yankees in 1978-79 during his 20 years in the major leagues, has become a nationally known broadcaster and author following the conclusion of his playing career."

-1989 New York Yankees Information Guide

"The always colorful Jay Johnstone enters the Yankee broadcast booth for the first time. A 20-year major league veteran, Jay played for the Yankees, Dodgers, Cubs, Padres, Phillies, A's, White Sox and Angels. After his playing career he worked as a college baseball analyst for ESPN."

-1989 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program


BILL WHITE, NATIONAL LEAGUE PRESIDENT
"Each summer for more years than he likes to count, Bill White would meet for dinner with an old friend from Hiram College. They would talk about those days on the placid Ohio campus and they would talk about the days since.
'He's a surgeon now and he would describe his work and talk about the lives he has saved,' remembers White. 'I would talk about the exciting games I played, the World Series and All-Star Games I enjoyed and the tremendous Yankee baseball I described through the years.'
There would be much joy at the reunion and a little sadness. The doctor would moan about his inability to hit the curve ball and march on into baseball as White did. The former Yankee broadcaster and new president of the National League would muse about what his own life might have been like if he had continued his educational dream and went through medical school.
The musings will certainly take on a different tone this summer as White begins his term as the 13th National League president and first to represent his race.
Baseball took a historic step on February 3, 1989 when it named William De Kova White as its new NL president to succeed A. Bartlett Giamatti.
What was truly significant about the acceptance of White as the NL boss was not the color of his skin but the quality of his work. White became the first National League president to move into the position from the playing ranks. The American League had made that historic move twice before with Hall of Famer Joe Cronin and present chief Bobby Brown, the former Yankee third baseman and retired physician.
After 18 years in the Yankees' broadcast booth- a more significant move in 1971 than his present promotion in 1989- followers of the former first baseman's career could hardly be surprised.
The smooth-fielding, sweet-stroking left-handed hitter with the Giants, Cardinals and Phillies was a leader on every team he played for, was a figure of dignity and style around the Yankees and has as many baseball friends without really trying as any man in the game.
'When I played with him,' says Hall of Famer Bob Gibson, 'he was a leader on our club. The 1964 Cardinals (Gibson, Curt Flood, Ken Boyer, Dick Groat, Lou Brock, Roger Craig, Curt Simmons, Ray Sadecki) was a veteran club. That was the year we passed the Phillies on the final day of the season. We probably didn't have the best talent but we played hard together.'
That Cardinal team was as famous for its clubhouse needling as its performance on the field. One of the lead characters, if not a lead performer, was Bob Uecker. Many of the lines now heard from him on the Tonight Show were tried out on his St. Louis teammates.
'Bill ran a little trading post in that clubhouse,' Gibson added. 'We used to get small gifts for appearing on radio and television in those days, a portable radio, a shaver, a small traveling bag, things like that. We gave everything to Bill for his trading post. Then we visited his locker when we needed an item and made a deal. I think that business experience will help him in his new job.'
Born in Florida and raised in Ohio, White's family always stressed education. Both his parents were school teachers and White clearly made his future intentions known early. He was going to medical school.
'I got through Hiram College on athletic scholarships and then I needed money for medical school. I had been accepted at Ohio State. I decided to postpone school and play one summer after the Giants signed me for a $5,000 bouns,' White says.
He reported to Danville in the Carolina League and hit .298. He got a pay raise from the Giants and decided to try one more season of professional baseball before starting medical school. He batted .319 at Sioux City in the Western League. His fate was fixed.
'I guess I surprised myself and everybody else by how well I did. The Giants were pressing me for a decision about my future. They had big plans for me and they didn't want me leaving them as I was moving up. I decided to cast my lot with baseball,' he says.
The Giants, Cardinals, Phillies and all of baseball would benefit from that decision. White would add his own style and grace to the game. He was not only a fine performer almost from the start, he was a wonderful representative of the game.
He joined the New York Giants in 1956 and was slightly in awe of his more famous teammates, especially Willie Mays, then reaching his peak as one of the game's greatest performers.
'Willie made it all look easy. I had to work for everything I got in baseball,' he says.
He hit .256 as a New York rookie, spent most of the next two years in the service and was traded to the Cardinals in the spring of 1959. He reported to them in St. Petersburg, Florida. He had previously trained with the Giants in Arizona.
'This was 1959, a dozen years after Jackie Robinson, and black players still lived separately from the whites. I wasn't about to sit still for that,' he says.
Led by White, Gibson, Flood and an outspoken militant named George Crowe, the minority players fought for and won housing with the rest of the ball club. It was a major step forward. When the Yankees followed suit in that town, it was a lot easier for the Mets when they landed in St. Petersburg in 1962.
White's peak year with the Cardinals probably was the pennant-winning season of 1964. He batted .305, had 102 RBI (White had four seasons over 100 RBI in 13 years), slugged 21 homers and led the league in fielding.
He was traded to the Phillies in 1966, tore his Achilles tendon there in 1968 and ended his career back in St. Louis in 1969. He batted .286 for those 13 seasons, not Hall of Fame numbers, but quality play for good teams.
As his career began winding down, White began revving up as a broadcaster. He did some broadcasting in Philadelphia and was taken on by KMOX in St. Louis in the off-season after the trade.
As the civil rights movement gained strength in the late 1960s, White's name came up often as a candidate for the first black manager. No less a personage than Jackie Robinson singled White out as the most qualified man for that historic breakthrough.
'I never really wanted to manage,' he says. 'I didn't want my job to depend on 25 other guys.'
He became more proficient in broadcasting. In 1971, former Yankee boss Michael Burke brought White to New York as a partner on radio with Phil Rizzuto. It was quite a gamble.
White, intelligent, quick-witted, fast with a quip and highly knowledgeable about the game, was an immediate hit. When George Steinbrenner took over the team in January of 1973 he quickly assured White he was a big part of the new New York Yankees.
'We went back a long way,' says Steinbrenner. 'I remember seeing him as a basketball player for Hiram College when I was coaching an Air Force team. I followed his career as a player and I was proud to have him with the Yankees.'
Steinbrenner never actually offered the managerial job on the team but he did discuss the managerial prospects on several occasions through the years.
'He could have been a great manager if he had wanted to go that way,' Steinbrenner says. 'He's a true leader. He could do anything in business. He could have run my shipping company. He's that good. He'll be as good as anyone the National League ever had in that position.'
For 18 years White and Rizzuto teamed together to bring fans the game on radio and television. There was much affection displayed and a lot of old-fashioned ballplayer humor.
When asked why he would leave the security of baseball broadcasting for the pressures of the National League executive suite, White explained, 'If you ever worked 18 years with Rizzuto you know my motivation. I sat next to that guy all those years and he still doesn't know my first name.'
White was kidding about that as everyone knew. In ball player parlance, no one ever has a first name. That was Rizzuto's way of calling White a teammate.
When the new president was installed at a lavish press conference, the reporters pressed the issue of race. They zeroed in on White's feeling about being the first black to hold the position.
'I don't know how I feel,' he laughed. 'I've been black all my life.'
Gibson is tired of that part of the story.
'The guy got the job because he was the best man the owners could find,' says the former fireballer. 'That should be the last time we have to listen to race questions.'
It is clear White got his new position because he is a solid, intelligent, experienced, dignified, popular baseball man. Color has as much bearing on his qualifications as the Yankees manager being Green or the AL's president being Brown.
The 55-year-old divorced father of five also recognized that there are different stages in a man's life. 'I wanted to get on with my life,' he explains. 'After 18 years of saying 'It's a groundball to second,' it was time for something a bit more definite.'
White had come a long way from those days when he was simply an ex-jock learning his new trade. He is clearly a professional broadcaster with all the skills and authority of some of his great predecessors- Mel Allen, Russ Hodges, Red Barber, Joe Garagiola, Curt Gowdy and Scooter.
'I hope to bring the job my experience as a player and a love of the game,' he says. 'I also hope to bring more harmony between the players and the owners.'
I have known Bill White for more than 30 years. He is an exceptional man. This may not be his final career move."

-Maury Allen, The New York Yankees Official 1989 Yearbook

1990 New York Yankees Broadcasters

"Yankee baseball will be broadcast for the 52nd consecutive season in 1990. WPIX-TV (Channel 11) will be the New York City television outlet for the 40th straight season, while WABC Radio (770 AM) is leading the Yankee radio network as the flagship station for the tenth straight year. A network covering 12 states also participates in the Yankees' TV and radio coverage. The Madison Square Garden Network is beginning its second season as the Yankees' cable television outlet in the tri-state area, and Yankee games will also be broadcast in Spanish to Latin America for the 21st straight season. These comprehensive broadcast outlets insure that Yankee baseball will be one of the most widely available sports events in the country.
On WPIX, the Yankee trio of Phil Rizzuto, George Grande and Tom Seaver begin their second season together in the television booth. Jay Johnstone begins his second season on WABC Radio Yankee broadcasts. On MSG, newcomers DeWayne Staats and Tony Kubek will handle play-by-play and color analysis in the broadcast booth."

-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide

"Yankees baseball will be broadcast for the 52nd consecutive year in 1990. WPIX-TV will be the New York City television station for the 40th straight season. WABC TALKRADIO, 77 on your AM dial, is leading the Yankees radio network for the tenth straight year. MSG Network will be the Yankees' cable television carrier."

-1990 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program


PHIL RIZZUTO (WPIX)
"The one and only Scooter, the greatest shortstop in Yankees history, is in his 34th year of giving viewers the inside word on the Bronx Bombers. Phil's outgoing personality and lively banter have spiced up Yankees broadcasts on WPIX since he started the job after ending his brilliant career on the playing field.
He never rests while at work and that dedication shows during broadcasts. Simply put, the Scooter on the air means fun for the fans."

-The New York Yankees Official 1990 Yearbook

"Rizzuto, the greatest shortstop in Yankee history, begins his 50th season of affiliation with the New York Yankees, his 34th as a broadcaster. The 1950 American League MVP moved into the broadcast booth immediately following his playing career (1941-56) in 1957."

-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide

"Phil Rizzuto, the greatest shortstop in Yankee history, is now in his 34th year as a Yankees broadcaster. The 1950 American League MVP moved to the broadcast booth immediately following his playing career (1941-56) in 1957."

-1990 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program


TONY KUBEK (MSG)
"The Yankees welcome a familiar face into the MSG booth this season. Tony Kubek, a Yankee shortstop for nine seasons, will serve as the network's analyst and will provide pregame insights on Yankees Scoreboard.
Kubek spent 24 years as an analyst for NBC's 'Baseball Game of the Week.'"

-The New York Yankees Official 1990 Yearbook

"Tony Kubek, the longtime analyst for NBC Sports' Baseball Game of the Week and one of the most respected voices in baseball, also joins the Yankee broadcasts. He spent the past 24 years in the NBC booth, working with Curt Gowdy, Joe Garagiola and Jim Simpson. He also spent the past 13 seasons as a television broadcaster for Toronto Blue Jays baseball.
Kubek was a popular Yankee shortstop for the duration of his career (1957-65), going to six World Series along the way."

-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide

"Tony Kubek, a Yankee shortstop for nine seasons, will serve as the network's analyst and will provide pregame insights on Yankees Scoreboard. Kubek spent 24 years as an analyst for NBC's Baseball Game of the Week."

-1990 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program


GEORGE GRANDE (WPIX)
"In his second year as a Yankee broadcaster on WPIX, George Grande brings to New York the kind of baseball knowledge Yankee fans have come to respect.
Grande was a charter broadcaster on ESPN in 1979 and went on to host the weekly 'Inside Baseball' highlights program. He also served as the baseball reporter for the nightly SportsCenter. George was twice named Connecticut's Sportscaster of the Year."

-The New York Yankees Official 1990 Yearbook

"A veteran broadcaster, Grande was a charter member of ESPN and worked for them from 1979-87. The native of Hamden, CT also handled CBS Radio's 'Game of the Week' and has been twice named Connecticut's Sportscaster of the Year."

-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide

"George Grande, in his second year as a Yankees broadcaster, was a charter broadcaster of ESPN in 1979 and went on to host the weekly 'Inside Baseball' highlights program. Grande was twice named Connecticut's Sportscaster of the Year."

-1990 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program


DEWAYNE STAATS (MSG)
"One of the most respected play-by-play announcers in the business, DeWayne Staats starts his first season as a Yankee broadcaster on MSG.
Staats worked the past five years as the voice of the Chicago Cubs on WGN-TV and radio. Before his stint in Chicago, he spent eight years as the Astros play-by-play man."

-The New York Yankees Official 1990 Yearbook

"Staats most recently served as the play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Cubs on WGN-TV and radio from 1985-89. He also handled play-by-play duties for the Houston Astros for eight seasons prior to joining the Cubs."

-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide

"DeWayne Staats, one of the most respected play-b-play announcers in the business, starts his first season as a Yankee broadcaster on MSG Network. DeWayne worked the past five years as the voice of the Chicago Cubs on WGN-TV and radio. Before his stint in Chicago, he spent eight seasons as the Astros play-by-play man."

-1990 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program


TOM SEAVER (WPIX)
"One of New York's greatest sports heroes, Tom Seaver returns for his second year as a Yankee broadcaster for WPIX. He has broadcast four World Series and five League Championship Series for network television.
Seaver collected 311 career wins and won the Cy Young Award three times in his 20-year career."

-The New York Yankees Official 1990 Yearbook

"Tom Seaver's broadcast career started in 1975 when he did work for Channel 2 in New York. He also worked the postseason for ABC and NBC from 1976-82, and for CBS Radio as well. The 311-game winner still holds four major league records as well as three Cy Young Awards."

-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide

"Tom Seaver, one of the greatest pitchers in major league history, is in his second season as a Yankees broadcaster. Seaver won the Cy Young Award three times in his 20-year career and broadcast four World Series and five League Championship Series for network television."

-1990 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program

JAY JOHNSTONE (WABC)
"There are few more personable individuals in the game of baseball than Jay Johnstone. He has been involved in baseball for 27 years and retired in 1985 after playing for eight major league teams.
Since his retirement, Jay has kept busy as the color analyst for college baseball on ESPN. His wit and enthusiasm for the game have made him popular among Yankee fans in his second year as a Yankees broadcaster on WABC radio."

-The New York Yankees Official 1990 Yearbook

"Johnstone, who played with the Yankees in 1978-79 during his 20 years in the major leagues, has become a nationally known broadcaster and author following the conclusion of his playing career."

-1990 New York Yankees Information Guide

"The always colorful Jay Johnstone enters the Yankees' WABC broadcast booth for for his second season. A 20-year major league veteran, Jay played for the Yankees, Dodgers, Cubs, Padres, Phillies, A's, White Sox and Angels. After his playing career, he worked as a college baseball analyst for ESPN."

-1990 New York Yankees Scorebook & Souvenir Program


NOTE: Bobby Murcer was not listed in either the New York Yankees Official 1990 Yearbook or the 1990 New York Yankees Information Guide.

1991 New York Yankees Broadcasters

"Yankee baseball will be broadcast for the 53rd consecutive season in 1991. WPIX-TV (Channel 11) will be the New York City television outlet for the 41st straight season, while WABC Radio (770 AM) is leading the Yankee radio network as the flagship station for the eleventh straight year. A network covering 12 states also participates in the Yankees' TV and radio coverage. The Madison Square Garden Network is beginning its third season as the Yankees' cable television outlet in the tri-state area, and Yankee games will also be broadcast in Spanish to Latin America for the 22nd straight season. These comprehensive broadcast outlets insure that Yankee baseball will be one of the most widely available sports events in the country.
Joe Angel begins his first season on the Yankee broadcasts on WABC radio, and engineer Brian Fergenson begins his 11th season in the booth. On MSG, DeWayne Staats and Tony Kubek both return for their second season to handle play-by-play and color analysis in the broadcast booth."

-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide


TONY KUBEK (MSG)
"Returning for his second year in the Madison Square Garden Network booth is Tony Kubek, one of the most respected voices in baseball. The former Yankee shortstop, who played in six World Series, previously spent 24 years with NBC Sports as analyst for the Baseball Game of the Week and 13 seasons as a television broadcaster for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Tony's insightful coverage of the Yankees has made a lasting impression with the team's fans."

-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook

"Kubek, the longtime analyst for NBC Sports' Baseball Game of the Week and one of the most respected voices in baseball, returns for his second campaign with the Yankees. He spent 24 years in the NBC booth, working with Curt Gowdy, Joe Garagiola and Jim Simpson. He also spent 13 seasons as a television broadcaster for Toronto Blue Jays baseball.
Kubek was a popular Yankee shortstop for the duration of his career (1957-65), going to six World Series along the way."

-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide


DEWAYNE STAATS (MSG)
"Known as one of the best play-by-play announcers in the business, DeWayne Staats in now in his second season broadcasting Yankees games for Madison Square Garden Network.
Staats served as play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Cubs on WGN-TV and radio from 1985-89. He also performed the same duties for the Houston Astros for eight seasons prior to joining the Cubs."

-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook

"Staats served as the play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Cubs on WGN-TV and radio from 1985-89. He also handled play-by-play duties for the Houston Astros for eight seasons prior to joining the Cubs."

-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide


JOE ANGEL (WABC)
"An 11-year veteran of broadcasting major league baseball games, Joe Angel begins his first year in the WABC radio booth. Angel had broadcast the Baltimore Orioles the past three seasons and had also had previously worked for the Minnesota Twins (1984-86), Oakland Athletics (1980-81) and San Francisco Giants (1976-78).
A native of Columbia, South America, Angel brings a fresh approach and insight to his broadcasts."

-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook

"Joe Angel joins the Yankees broadcasts this year after spending the past three seasons covering Baltimore Orioles games on the radio. This is his 12th season broadcasting major league baseball, having worked Minnesota Twins (1984-86) and San Francisco Giants (1976-78) games as well as providing play-by-play for Oakland Athletics telecasts (1980-81). He was raised in the San Francisco area and quarterbacked the Galileo High School football team that featured running back O.J. Simpson. A native of Columbia in South America, Joe makes his home in Rancho Murieta, California."

-1991 New York Yankees Information Guide

NOTE: Phil Rizzuto, Bobby Murcer and Tom Seaver were not listed in either the 1991 Yankees Yearbook or the 1991 Yankees Information Guide.

1992 New York Yankees Broadcasters

"Yankee baseball will be broadcast for the 54th consecutive season in 1992. WPIX-TV (Channel 11) will be the New York City television outlet for the 42nd straight season, while WABC Radio (770 AM) is leading the Yanks' radio network as the flagship station for the 12th straight year. A network covering 12 states also participates in the Yankees' TV and radio coverage. Director/Producer John Moore begins his 13th season with WPIX, and WABC Engineer/Producer Brian Fergenson begins his 12th season in the booth.
The Madison Square Garden Network is beginning its fourth season as the Yankees' cable television outlet in the tri-state area, and Yankee games will also be broadcast in Spanish to Latin America for the 23rd straight season.
These comprehensive broadcast outlets insure that Yankee baseball will be one of the most widely available sports events in the country."

-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide


PHIL RIZZUTO (WPIX)
"The one and only Scooter, the greatest shortstop in Yankee history, is in his 36th year of giving viewers the inside word on the Bronx Bombers. Phil's outgoing personality and lively banter have spiced up the Yankees' broadcasts on WPIX since he started the job after ending his brilliant career on the playing field. He never rests while at work and that dedication shows during broadcasts.
Simply put, the Scooter on the air means fun for the fans."

-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook

"Rizzuto, the greatest shortstop in Yankee history, begins his 52nd year of affiliation with the New York Yankees, and 36th as a broadcaster. The 1950 American League MVP moved into the broadcast booth immediately following his playing career (1941-56) in 1957."

-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide


BOBBY MURCER (WPIX)
"Murcer, a former star outfielder with the Yankees, returns for his fourth season and second consecutive as a Yankee broadcaster on WPIX.
After finishing his playing career in 1983, Murcer started working in the broadcast booth and has found much success. Yankee fans are always excited to see this familiar face talking Yankee baseball."

-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook

"Murcer, a former star outfielder for the Yankees, returns for his fourth season, and second consecutive, as a Yankee broadcaster."

-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide


TOM SEAVER (WPIX)
"One of New York's greatest sports heroes, Tom Seaver returns for his fourth year as a Yankees broadcaster for WPIX. He has broadcast four World Series and five League Championship Series for network television.
Seaver collected 311 career wins, won the Cy Young Award three times in his 20-year career and is a 1992 inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame."

-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook

"Seaver's broadcast career started in 1975 when he did work for Channel 2 in New York. He also worked the postseason for ABC and NBC from 1976-82 and for CBS Radio. He returns for his fourth season in the Yankee booth.
The 311-game winner is a three-time Cy Young Award winner and a 1992 inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame."

-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide


DEWAYNE STAATS (MSG)
"Known as one of the best play-by-play announcers in the business, DeWayne Staats in now in his third season broadcasting Yankees games for Madison Square Garden Network.
Staats served as play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Cubs on WGN-TV and radio from 1985-89. He also performed the same duties for the Houston Astros for eight seasons prior to joining the Cubs."

-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook

"Staats returns for his third season on MSG. He served as the play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Cubs on WGN-TV and radio from 1985-89. He also handled play-by-play duties for the Houston Astros for eight seasons prior to joining the Cubs."

-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide


TONY KUBEK (MSG)
"Returning for his third year in the Madison Square Garden Network booth is Tony Kubek, one of the most respected voices in baseball. The former Yankee shortstop, who played in six World Series, previously spent 24 years with NBC Sports as an analyst for the Baseball Game of the Week and 13 seasons as a television broadcaster for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Tony's insightful coverage of the Yankees has made a lasting impression with the team's fans."

-The New York Yankees Official 1992 Yearbook

"Kubek, the longtime analyst for NBC Sports' Baseball Game of the Week and one of the most respected voices in baseball, also returns for his third campaign with the Yankees. He spent 24 years in the NBC booth, working with Curt Gowdy, Joe Garagiola and Jim Simpson. He also spent 13 seasons as a television broadcaster for Toronto Blue Jays baseball.
Kubek was a popular Yankee shortstop for the duration of his career (1957-65), going to six World Series along the way."

-1992 New York Yankees Information Guide

1993 New York Yankees Broadcasters

"Yankee baseball will be broadcast for the 55th consecutive season in 1993. WPIX-TV (Channel 11) will be the New York City television outlet for the 43rd straight season, while WABC Radio (770 AM) is leading the Yanks' radio network as the flagship station for the 13th straight year. A network covering 12 states also participates in the Yankees' TV and radio coverage. Director/Producer John Moore begins his 14th season with WPIX, and WABC Engineer/Producer Brian Fergenson begins his 13th season in the booth.
The Madison Square Garden Network is beginning its fifth season as the Yankees' cable television outlet in the tri-state area, and Yankee games will also be broadcast in Spanish to Latin America for the 24th straight season.
These comprehensive broadcast outlets insure that Yankee baseball will be one of the most widely available sports events in the country."

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide


PHIL RIZZUTO (WPIX)
"The one and only Scooter, the greatest shortstop in Yankee history, is in his 37th year of giving viewers the inside word on the Bronx Bombers. Phil's outgoing personality and lively banter have spiced up Yankees broadcasts on WPIX since he started the job after ending his brilliant career on the playing field. He never rests while at work and that dedication shows during broadcasts.
Simply put, the Scooter on the air means fun for the fans."

-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook

"Rizzuto, the greatest shortstop in Yankee history, begins his 53rd year of affiliation with the New York Yankees, and 37th as a broadcaster. The 1950 American League MVP moved into the broadcast booth in 1957 immediately following his playing career (1941-56)."

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide


BOBBY MURCER (WPIX)
"Murcer, a former star outfielder with the Yankees, returns for his fifth season and third consecutive as a Yankee broadcaster on WPIX.
After finishing his playing career in 1983, Murcer started working in the broadcast booth and has found much success. Yankee fans are always excited to see this familiar face talking Yankee baseball."

-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook

"Murcer, a former star outfielder for the Yankees, returns for his fifth season, and third consecutive, as a Yankee broadcaster."

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide


TOM SEAVER (WPIX)
"One of New York's greatest sports heroes, Tom Seaver returns for his fifth year as a Yankee broadcaster for WPIX. He has broadcast four World Series and five League Championship Series for network television.
Seaver collected 311 career wins, won the Cy Young Award three times in his 20-year career and was a 1992 inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame."

-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook

"Seaver's broadcast career started in 1975 when he did work for Channel 2 in New York. He also worked the postseason for ABC and NBC from 1976-82 and for CBS as well.
The 311-game winner is a three-time Cy Young Award winner and a 1992 inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame."

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide


DEWAYNE STAATS (MSG)
"Known as one of the best play-by-play announcers in the business, DeWayne Staats in now in his fourth season broadcasting Yankees games for Madison Square Garden Network.
Staats served as play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Cubs on WGN-TV and radio from 1985-89. He also performed the same duties for the Houston Astros for eight seasons prior to joining the Cubs."

-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook

"Staats returns for his fourth season on MSG. He served as the play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Cubs on WGN-TV and radio from 1985-89. He also handled play-by-play duties for the Houston Astros for eight seasons prior to joining the Cubs."

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide


TONY KUBEK (MSG)
"Returning for his fourth year in the Madison Square Garden Network booth is Tony Kubek, one of the most respected voices in baseball. The former Yankee shortstop, who played in six World Series, previously spent 24 years with NBC Sports as analyst for the Baseball Game of the Week and 13 seasons as a television broadcaster for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Tony's insightful coverage of the Yankees has made a lasting impression with the team's fans."

-The New York Yankees Official 1993 Yearbook

"Kubek, the longtime analyst for NBC Sports' 'Baseball Game of the Week' and one of the most respected voices in baseball, also returns for his fourth campaign with the Yankees. He spent 24 years in the NBC booth, working with Curt Gowdy, Joe Garagiola and Jim Simpson. He also spent 13 seasons as a television broadcaster for Toronto Blue Jays baseball.
Kubek was a popular Yankee shortstop for the duration of his career (1957-65), going to six World Series along the way."

-1993 New York Yankees Information Guide

1994 New York Yankees Broadcasters

PHIL RIZZUTO (WPIX)
1994 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR TEAM CAPTAIN

JUSTICE IS SERVED ... PHIL RIZZUTO ENTERS THE HALL

"Equal and exact justice to all men ... "

-Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address, 1801

"Yankee fans, you of the great legion of Rizzuto admirers, raise the flag of Justice Triumphant.
Let it wave over kids in sandlots, rookie hopefuls in rinkydink ballparks, opulent major leaguers in massive stadiums, downy-cheeked Little Leaguers dreaming of the bigs.
In one voice sing out the good news that our Scooter,
Our Yankee legend and poet of the airwaves,
Our acrobatic, sure-handed shortstop from those shining days when it was great to be young and a Yankee,
The incomparable, the one and only Phillip Francis Rizzuto has made it to the Baseball Hall of Fame!
They gave Phil Rizzuto a 'Day,' at Yankee Stadium back on September 15, 1955, a happy occasion abounding with gifts from Phil's cherishing fans, speeches by dignitaries, and, to top it off, an exemplary gesture from Phil himself. When he accepted a check intended from his fans, he immediately signed it over to his hometown Hillside High School to establish the Phil Rizzuto Scholarship Fund (it still exists and grows) for deserving students.
A class act from a class guy and a great ballplayer during every moment of his wonderful Yankee years.
New York Times writer Joseph Sheehan wrote that day, 'Stadium fans have come to appreciate that Phil Rizzuto is a Yankee of heroic stature, destined for future enshrinement in Baseball's Hall of Fame.' Sheehan had the right idea, as no doubt did Phil's appreciative teammates and millions of fans. But who in his right mind would have thought it would take 38 long and frustrating years before the Scooter was enshrined in the Cooperstown Pantheon?
Whatever Phil thought of the years of stinging rejection, he never let it show. He was too big in heart to complain; too much a gentleman to grumble about the serial dismissal of his wonderful talents, his stats, his contributions to Yankee history and the lore of baseball. And too busy adding to his reputation as a winner by establishing himself as a unique personality in the broadcasting booth.
Still, despite his years of glory as the best Yankee shortstop ever, there was that unaccountable failure to vote Rizzuto into the exclusive company of baseball's immortals. When Pee Wee Reese, the great Dodger shortstop and Phil's contemporary, was voted into the Hall in 1984, Phil applauded the choice even as his supporters pointed out that Phil's stats and value to his club certainly matched Pee Wee's. As for Reese, though gratified when told he'd been chosen to the Hall, he was also puzzled by Phil's rejection. 'He called me to tell me how sorry he was,' Phil told Times writer Dave Anderson.
But rejection was nothing new to Phil; indeed, his pro ball career began with rebuffs that might have disheartened a lesser man. Like the immortal Lou Gehrig, Phil is one of New York City's gifts to the Yankees: his road to the Hall of Fame began on the streets and sandlots of New York. Born September 25, 1917 to immigrant parents, he grew up in Brooklyn.
Recalling his childhood he said, 'When I was a kid we used to choose up sides,' to play in the streets and local Brooklyn and Queens leagues. 'I got experience playing on those bad fields with rocks all over the infield,' experience that helped him snare erratic big league baseballs when they were rapped his way.
From rock-strewn sandlots he moved to Richmond Hills High School where he came under the aegis of coach Al Kunitz, a man Rizzuto still speaks of with esteem and gratitude.
'He's the one man who taught me how to bunt,' Phil explained (Phil is an acknowledged master of bunting). 'Kunitz would say, 'You're not going to hit home runs.' But he knew I was a pretty good fielder, and could run, and could steal bases. 'Your value will be getting on base so somebody can drive you in.' He gave me a lot of little things that helped me. Like never swearing, and never to get thrown out of a ball game.'
The astute Kunitz asked his prize pupil what he said when getting mad or excited. 'I usually say 'Holy Cow,'' answered Phil. 'Well, use that if you have an argument with an umpire,' advised Kunitz. 'They can't throw you out for saying that.' So Phil took his 'Holy Cow' with him throughout his major league career, into the broadcast booth- and into the American language.
Phil was only 4-11 when he played at Richmond Hill, hardly the typical image of the strapping ballplayer, but he wouldn't let his small size keep him out of pro ball. Not even when confronted by two dopey rejections from a couple of baseball eminences. With his trusty glove under his arm, and courage in his heart, the diminutive 18-year-old presented himself for a tryout at Ebbets Field.
Casey Stengel, then managing the Dodgers from the purgatory of the second division, looked at the youngster and snidely dismissed him with, 'Get yourself a shoe shine box, kid. You're too small.'
'I'd remind Casey when he managed the Yankees,' said the Scooter years later (of the shoe shine crack). 'He didn't like it because he was supposed to be such a great judge of talent. At the Polo Grounds, Giant manager Bill Terry matched Casey's bad judgment, though not his sarcasm. Though friendly, Terry didn't even let Phil try out. But across the river at Yankee Stadium, the Bombers were more hospitable and certainly smarter.
In his autobiography, My Fifty Years in Baseball, Yankee business manager Ed Barrow writes, 'In the very first group of youngsters who showed up, Phil Rizzuto was among them.' To fortify them for the ordeal, Barrow ordered that each kid be given two sandwiches and a bottle of milk while waiting to demonstrate his skills. 'Rizzuto was signed after that first turnout,' related Barrow, 'and since he had only one sandwich and a bottle of milk, we always figured we had got him for twenty cents.'
The mind reels and the cash register breaks down at the thought of what clubs would be offering Phil today.
Rizzuto's father pinned a $20 bill to his undershirt, told him to watch out for thieves and sent him south with misgiving and, finally, his blessing. 'He said he was going to let my try,' recalls Phil, 'and if I didn't make it right away, 'You've got to go to work.' He thought it was a little kids' game.'
The train ride south to play a kid's game was an obscure, lonely beginning, but the start of a journey to fame and fortune for Papa Rizzuto's son.
Through Barrow was generous with milk and sandwiches, he was sparing with hard cash. Phil spent 1937 in Bassett, hit .310 and played a spectacular short to help the club to a pennant- all for a paltry $75 a month. 1938 saw him in Norfolk, VA where he whacked the ball for a .336 batting average and swept up grounders like a famished bobcat going after prey. Naturally, Norfolk won the pennant.
In 1939 and 1940 the lucky citizens of Triple-A Kansas City watched Phil- by now all of 5-6- continue his outstanding fielding and hit .316 and .347. And did Kansas City win pennants in the Rizzuto years? Of course they did. It was in KC that teammate Billy Hitchcock nicknamed Phil 'The Scooter.' The name was appropriate and it stuck. A scooter might be a wheeled contraption for kids, but everybody, in and out of baseball, knows it really means a great shortstop named Rizzuto.
In 1941 Phil came to St. Petersburg, FL, then the Bomber training camp, and showed he was ready for the bigs. Frank Crosetti had masterfully covered short for the great 1930's Yankees but was slowing down. 'I was coming to take Crosetti's job,' recalled Phil. 'I wasn't exactly ostracized, but wasn't accepted. I was having big trouble getting into the batter's cage.'
The freeze-out didn't last. 'After four or five days DiMaggio came over and said, 'Look, let the kid in there to take his turn.' That broke the ice; Joe took me under his wing,' Rizzuto explains. So did Crosetti.
A no-nonsense guy and a superb future Yankee coach, the 'Crow' taught Phil how to hit and run, tricky plays with the bunt, how to position himself for major league hitters, even how to get hit with the ball without getting hurt. Employing Crosetti's baseball savvy, Phil said, '(I got) a lot of extra base hits I'd never have gotten.'
Those extra hits added up to a .307 batting average in 1941 and a .284 BA in 1942. Estimable as those averages were, it was Phil's fielding that triggered the fans cheering him and writers depicting him an infield marvel. That the Bombers won pennants in '41 and '42 was in great measure due to Phil's performance. In the 4-1 Yankee victory over the Dodgers in the 1941 Series, he continued his great play by handling 30 out of 31 chances. And although the Yankees dropped the 1942 Series to the Cards, Phil led the club with a hefty .381 batting average.
The day after the 1942 Series, Phil enlisted in the Navy. He served until the end of 1945, getting malaria in a jungle hell-hole, and came home to play 126 games in 1946 while hitting a malaria-weakened sub-par .257. But in 1947 the pre-war Scooter revived and once more cavorted at short for a Yankee championship club, as his exceptional numbers accumulated towards Hall of Fame levels.
In the '47 Series he hit .308 and was a key player in the Yankees' memorable seven-game World Series win over Brooklyn. From 1949 to 1952, Phil led the league in sacrifice hits. 1949 saw him hit a neat .275, field at a .971 clip and lead the Yankees in games played, hits, runs, doubles and total bases- and he was named Player of the Year by the baseball writers. And his manager from 1949 until Phil was released in 1956 was Casey Stengel.
In 1950 Phil was named the AL's Most Valuable Player and got the first Hickok Belt Award for Best Professional Athlete. He also garnered 200 hits and batted a rousing .324 that banner year. In the 1951 Series against the Giants, Phil accepted a record 40 chances, hit .320, was chosen Outstanding Series Player and given the Babe Ruth Award.
Phil appeared in five All-Star Games and starred on ten pennant winners and nine World Series winners. By the time he hung up the spikes in 1956, he was acknowledged as one of a select group of baseball's great shortstops.
No wonder manager Stengel gladly ate a plate of crow when he called Phil 'the greatest shortstop I have seen in my entire baseball career.' A judgment concurred by Pee Wee Reese when he said in 1972, 'Phil is the greatest shortstop I have ever seen.' High praise, indeed. Praise concurred by those who recall Phil's exceptional Yankee career, and by the millions of knowledgeable fans who have always felt that Phil belongs in the company of baseball's highest achievers.
Now that our inimitable Scooter, a Yankee natural, a man whose name has become a household word, will stand before an audience of notables at the Baseball Hall of Fame and accept an honor long overdue. He'll be enshrined with Pee Wee, Boudreau, Tinker and other great shortstops. And whatever he says on that great occasion when he takes his place alongside DiMaggio, Mickey, Yogi and other great Yankees will surely reflect the man and his estimable character.
But somehow the eight lines he spoke when covering a game on June 27, 1991, a spontaneous poem now immortalized in Phil's book of verse, Oh Holy Cow! also seems appropriate:

'Never!
That-
Never!
I shouldn't say 'Never.'
Even James Bond said
'Never say never.'
That was a hit.
Right?'

Right, Phil. And never turned out to be now.
Gentlemen of the Veterans Committee, you've not only honored Phillip Francis Rizzuto, but also served the cause of Justice. And all of baseball is in your debt."

-Leo Trachtenberg, The New York Yankees Official 1994 Yearbook


"Yankee baseball in 1994 will be broadcast for the 56th consecutive season. Madison Square Garden Network is beginning its sixth season as the team's television outlet, and WABC Radio (770 AM) for the 14th straight year is leading the Yanks' radio network as the flagship station. A network covering 12 states also participates in the Yankees' television and radio coverage. For the 25th straight season, Yankee games will be broadcast in Spanish to Latin America.
Leon Schweir will produce MSG broadcasts for the sixth season and WABC producer/engineer Brian Fergenson is in his 14th season."

-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide


DEWAYNE STAATS (MSG)
"Staats returns for his fifth season on MSG. He previously had served as the play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Cubs and for the Houston Astros."

-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide


TONY KUBEK (MSG)
"Kubek returns for his fifth season on MSG. He spent 24 years working for NBC and the Game of the Week alongside Curt Gowdy, Joe Garagiola and Jim Simpson. He also spent 13 seasons as a broadcaster for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Kubek played shortstop for the Yankees from 1957-65 and participated in six World Series [including three Yankee World Championships]."

-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide

No information about the WPIX-TV broadcast team was given in either the New York Yankees Official 1994 Yearbook or the 1994 New York Yankees Information Guide.

1995 New York Yankees Broadcasters

"Yankees baseball in 1995 will be broadcast for the 57th consecutive season. WPIX-TV (Channel 11) will broadcast games locally for the 45th straight season, and Madison Square Garden Network is beginning its seventh season in a row as the team's cable TV outlet. WABC Radio (770 AM) for the 15th consecutive year is leading the Yankees' radio network as the flagship station.
Director/producer John Moore begins his 16th season at WPIX, Leon Schweir will produce MSG broadcasts for the seventh season and WABC producer/engineer Brian Fergenson is in his 15th season."

-1995 New York Yankees Information Guide


PHIL RIZZUTO (WPIX)
"The one and only Scooter, the greatest shortstop in Yankees history, is in his 39th year of giving viewers the inside word on the Bronx Bombers. The 1994 Hall of Famer moved into the broadcast booth immediately following his playing career (1941-56). His dedication to the Yankees overflows during broadcasts, which always translates into fun for fans."

-The New York Yankees Official 1995 Yearbook

"Rizzuto begins his 55th season with the Yankees, including his 39th as a broadcaster. The 1950 American League MVP moved into the broadcast booth immediately following his playing career (1941-56). He hit .273 with 149 stolen bases in 1,661 major league games and at shortstop anchored the Yankees infield during their record five consecutive World Championships from 1949-53. The Scooter was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in February 1994."

-1995 New York Yankees Information Guide


BOBBY MURCER (WPIX)
"Murcer, one of the most popular Yankees of his era, returns for his seventh season and sixth consecutive as a Yankees broadcaster on WPIX. Murcer has found much success working in the broadcast booth since completing his playing career, and fans are always excited to see this familiar face talking Yankees baseball."

-The New York Yankees Official 1995 Yearbook

"Murcer, the most popular Yankee of his era (1969-83), is in his seventh season overall in the WPIX booth. He also has broadcast experience with WABC Radio, Sportschannel and Madison Square Garden Network. In 17 major league seasons, hit .277 with 252 home runs and 1,043 RBI in 1,908 games for the Yankees, Giants and Cubs. Murcer ranks 13th on the team's all-time home run list. He retired in 1983, clearing a roster spot for Don Mattingly."

-1995 New York Yankees Information Guide


PAUL OLDEN (WPIX)
"Olden is in his second season in the WPIX broadcast booth with partners Rizzuto and Murcer. He has also been heard for the past two seasons as the play-by-play voice of the New York Jets. Olden's smooth delivery and deep baseball knowledge were welcomed by fans in 1994 as they will be this year."

-The New York Yankees Official 1995 Yearbook

"Olden has also been the play-by-play voice of the New York Jets the past two seasons and has anchored SportsDesk on MSG. He has worked at ESPN and CBS Sports in addition to calling games for the Indians, Angels, Los Angeles Rams and UCLA basketball and football."

-1995 New York Yankees Information Guide


DAVE COHEN (MSG)
"Cohen, most recently the radio man for the Syracuse Chiefs, Toronto's Triple-A club, embarks on his first season as an announcer for MSG Network. A graduate of Brooklyn's Stuyvesant High School [and of Syracuse University], he has also served as the play-by-play announcer for the Syracuse University football and basketball teams."

-The New York Yankees Official 1995 Yearbook

"Cohen graduated from Manhattan's Stuyvesant High School [and from Syracuse University] and has served as the play-by-play announcer for the Syracuse University football and basketball teams and as the radio man for the Syracuse Chiefs, Toronto's Class-AAA club. He worked briefly at Channel 7 in 1980, and in 1982 was a Washington Bullets television announcer."

-1995 New York Yankees Information Guide


JIM KAAT (MSG)
"Kaat, like Cohen entering his rookie season at MSG, has served nationally as a broadcaster for ESPN and CBS, and as a team announcer for the Yankees on WPIX (1986), Atlanta on WTBS (1987) and Minnesota on WCCO (1988-93).
Kaat went 283-237 with a 3.45 ERA in 898 games (ninth all-time) covering 25 seasons with the Senators, Twins, White Sox, Phillies, Yankees and Cardinals (1959-83)."

-The New York Yankees Official 1995 Yearbook

"Kaat went 283-237 with a 3.45 ERA in 898 appearances (ninth all-time) covering 25 seasons with the Senators, Twins, White Sox, Phillies, Yankees and Cardinals (1959-83). From 1962-77 the left-hander won 16 consecutive Gold Gloves as the league's best fielding pitcher.
He has served nationally as a broadcaster for ESPN and CBS and as a team broadcaster for the Yankees on WPIX (1986), Atlanta on WTBS (1987) and Minnesota on WCCO (1988-93). Kaat spent the 1994 season as an analyst for ESPN, and from 1984-93 worked the College World Series for ESPN and CBS. He was Cincinnati's pitching coach in 1985."

-1995 New York Yankees Information Guide


STEVE PALERMO (MSG)
"A former American League umpire and a native of Worcester, Massachusetts, Steve brings his articulate insight to MSG's 'Yankees Scorecard,' providing periodic feature reports. He will also serve as a backup color analyst.
Steve began his broadcasting career in 1992 calling Seattle Mariners games, and in 1994 he was named one of the analysts for The Baseball Network."

-The New York Yankees Official 1995 Yearbook

"Former American League umpire Steve Palermo will join the MSG Network broadcast team. He was an umpire from 1977-91.
On July 7, 1991 Steve was helping two waitresses who were being mugged outside a Dallas restaurant when he was shot in the back and partially paralyzed. He has broadcast Mariners and Baseball Network games."

-1995 New York Yankees Information Guide


BEAT REPORTERS COVERING THE YANKEES (from 1995 New York Yankees Information Guide)
Jeff Bradley (New York Daily News)
Don Burke (Newark Star-Ledger)
Jack Curry (New York Times)
Bob Hertzel (Bergen Record)
Dave Lennon (New York Newsday)
Jack O'Connell (Hartford Courant)
Tom Pedulla (Gannett Suburban Newspapers)

1996 New York Yankees Broadcasters

"Yankees baseball in 1996 will be broadcast for the 58th consecutive season. WPIX-TV (Channel 11) will broadcast games locally for the 46th straight season, and Madison Square Garden Network is beginning its eighth season in a row as the team's cable TV outlet. WABC Radio (770 AM) for the 16th consecutive year is leading the Yankees' radio network as the flagship station.
Director/producer John Moore begins his 17th season at WPIX, Leon Schweir will produce MSG broadcasts for the eighth season and WABC producer/engineer Brian Fergenson is in his 16th season."

-1996 New York Yankees Information Guide


JIM KAAT (MSG)
"Embarking on his second season with Dave Cohen at MSG, Kaat, a former major league pitcher, has also served nationally as a broadcaster for ESPN and CBS. His broadcasting includes stints as an announcer for the Yankees on WPIX (1986), Atlanta on WTBS (1987) and Minnesota on WCCO (1988-93).
Kaat retired in 1983 with a 283-237 record and a 3.45 ERA in 898 games (fifth all-time) covering 25 seasons with the Senators, Twins, White Sox, Phillies, Yankees and Cardinals."

-The New York Yankees Official 1996 Yearbook

"Kaat went 283-237 with a 3.45 ERA in 898 appearances covering 25 seasons with the Senators, Twins, White Sox, Phillies, Yankees and Cardinals (1959-83). From 1962-77 the left-hander won 16 consecutive Gold Gloves as the league's best fielding pitcher.
He has served nationally as a broadcaster for ESPN and CBS and as a team broadcaster for the Yankees on WPIX (1986), Atlanta on WTBS (1987) and Minnesota on WCCO (1988-93). Kaat spent the 1994 season as an analyst for ESPN, and from 1984-93 worked the College World Series for ESPN and CBS. He was Cincinnati's pitching coach in 1985."

-1996 New York Yankees Information Guide


DAVE COHEN (MSG)
"Nicknamed 'Coney Island Dave' after growing up in Brooklyn, Cohen enters his second season as an announcer for MSG. Prior to joining MSG, Cohen spent 12 seasons, from 1982 to 1994, as the television play-by-play voice of the Syracuse Chiefs, Toronto's Triple-A affiliate.
A graduate of Stuyvesant High School in NYC [and of Syracuse University], he also served as the play-by-play voice for the Syracuse University football and basketball teams."

-The New York Yankees Official 1996 Yearbook

"Cohen graduated from Manhattan's Stuyvesant High School [and from Syracuse University] and has served as the play-by-play announcer for the Syracuse University football and basketball teams and as the radio man for the Syracuse Chiefs, Toronto's Class-AAA club. He worked briefly at Channel 7 in 1980, and in 1982 was a Washington Bullets television announcer."

-1996 New York Yankees Information Guide


STEVE PALERMO
"The former 15-year American League umpire starts his second year with MSG's 'Yankees Scorecard.' The native of Worcester, Massachusetts shares his insight in providing periodic feature reports including game regulations and rulings from the umpire's point of view. Palermo will also continue to serve as a backup color analyst.
Palermo began his broadcasting career in 1992 as a periodic analyst calling Seattle Mariners games, and in 1994 he was named one of the color analysts for The Baseball Network."

-The New York Yankees Official 1996 Yearbook


PHIL RIZZUTO (WPIX)
"The one and only Scooter, the greatest shortstop in Yankees history, is in his 40th year of giving viewers the inside word on the Bronx Bombers. The 1994 Hall of Famer moved into the broadcast booth immediately following his playing career (1941-56). His dedication to the Yankees manifests itself during broadcasts, which always translates into fun for fans."

-The New York Yankees Official 1996 Yearbook

"Rizzuto begins his 56th season with the Yankees, including his 40th as a broadcaster. The 1950 American League MVP moved into the broadcast booth immediately following his playing career (1941-56). He hit .273 with 149 stolen bases in 1,661 major league games and at shortstop anchored the Yankees infield during their record five consecutive World Championships from 1949-53. The Scooter was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994."

-1996 New York Yankees Information Guide


BOBBY MURCER (WPIX)
"Murcer, one of the most popular Yankees of his era, returns for his eighth season and seventh consecutive as a Yankees broadcaster on WPIX. Murcer has found much success working in the broadcast booth since completing his playing career, and fans are always excited to see this familiar face talking Yankees baseball."

-The New York Yankees Official 1996 Yearbook

"Murcer, the most popular Yankee of his era (1969-83), is in his eighth season overall in the WPIX booth. He also has broadcast experience with WABC Radio, Sportschannel and Madison Square Garden Network. In 17 major league seasons, hit .277 with 252 home runs and 1,043 RBI in 1,908 games for the Yankees, Giants and Cubs. Murcer ranks 13th on the team's all-time home run list. He retired in 1983, clearing a roster spot for Don Mattingly."

-1996 New York Yankees Information Guide


RICK CERONE (WPIX)
"The former Yankees All-Star catcher has traded in his bat for the microphone as he makes his WPIX broadcasting debut. Cerone joins former teammate Bobby Murcer (1980-83) in relaying all the action on the field.
He has co-hosted 'Inside Pitch' with Jim Hunter for CBS Radio and has served as an announcer on The Baseball Network and on Empire Sports Network. In addition, he has worked as a color commentator for the Arizona Fall League."

-The New York Yankees Official 1996 Yearbook


PAUL OLDEN (WPIX)
"Olden is in his third season in the WPIX broadcast booth and will announce approximately eight games during the 1996 season."

-The New York Yankees Official 1996 Yearbook

"Olden has also been the play-by-play voice of the New York Jets the past three seasons and has anchored SportsDesk on MSG. He has worked at ESPN and CBS Sports in addition to calling games for the Indians, Angels, Los Angeles Rams and UCLA basketball and football."

-1996 New York Yankees Information Guide

R.I.P. Joe Garagiola

A Yankee broadcaster we could all be proud of.

1997 New York Yankees Broadcasters

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN NETWORK
"Madison Square Garden Network is beginning its ninth consecutive season as the team's cable TV outlet. In 1997, MSG Network acquired the rights to the Yankees' radio broadcasts, which will air on WABC Radio, 770 AM (the 17th consecutive year as the flagship station).
MSG Radio producer/engineer Brian Fergenson is in his 17th season."

-1997 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide


JIM KAAT (MSG)
"One of the most respected and talented analysts in the game, former major league pitcher Jim Kaat has quickly established himself as MSG's baseball expert. While Kaat primarily served as color analyst in his first two seasons with MSG, this season he will split his duties between color commentary and play-by-play.
Remarkably, after only one season in the MSG Network booth, he was nominated for a New York Emmy in the 'On-Camera-Achievement' category. His broadcasting includes stints as an announcer for the Yankees on WPIX (1986), Atlanta on WTBS (1987) and Minnesota on WCCO (1988-93)."

-1997 New York Yankees Official Team Yearbook


BOBBY MURCER (MSG and WPIX)
"Longtime Yankees outfielder Bobby Murcer will join the MSG Network television booth this season after calling Yankees games on WPIX for the last seven years. Murcer will serve as a color analyst and will also call play-by-play.
He will contribute the viewpoint of a former left-handed hitter who not only followed in Mantle's footsteps, but also helped perpetuate the strength of the Yankees tradition in his 13 seasons with the team. Murcer has found much success working in the broadcast booth upon completion of his playing career, and fans are always excited to see this familiar face talking Yankee baseball."

-1997 New York Yankees Official Team Yearbook


KEN SINGLETON (MSG)
"Entering his first year with the MSG Network, Ken Singleton will divide his time between calling play-by-play and providing color commentary.
Throughout his 15-year major league career as an outfielder and DH, Singleton established himself as a consistent power hitter. He will team with Kaat and Murcer to provide Yankees viewers with analysis from the standpoint of both a hitter and a fielder.
Singleton joins MSG from The Sports Network (TSN), where he served as color analyst for the Montreal Expos from 1985-96. For the past six years, he also called play-by-play and served as color analyst for CIQC-TV, the Expos' flagship radio network."

-1997 New York Yankees Official Team Yearbook


RICK CERONE
"The former [Sporting News] All-Star Yankees catcher embarks on his first season in the MSG booth, coming from WPIX where he called 50 Yankees games last season. Cerone will serve as color analyst for 25 select games this season.
Cerone has been an occasional analyst for MSG SportsDesk in addition to co-hosting Inside Pitch with Jim Hunter for CBS Radio, and has also served as an announcer for The Baseball Network and Empire Sports Network."

-1997 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide


STEVE PALERMO
"The native of Worcester, Massachusetts enters his third season as a contributor to 'Yankees Scorecard', providing periodic feature reports for MSG Network. The former 15-year American League umpire will provide analysis of the middle innings for select games, including game regulations and rulings from the umpire's point of view. Palermo will also serve as a backup color analyst and contribute to the Post-Game Report."

-1997 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide


The Yankees Spanish language broadcasters were not listed in either the 1997 New York Yankees Official Team Yearbook or the 1997 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide.

1998 New York Yankees Broadcasters

JIM KAAT (MSG)
"A highly respected and knowledgeable analyst, Jim Kaat begins his fourth year calling games for MSG. As a player, Kaat won 16 consecutive Gold Gloves, but as a broadcaster he's just plain golden.
Last year, he was both a color analyst and a play-by-play announcer, as he split the two duties with Ken Singleton. He has established himself as MSG's resident expert on baseball and has garnered critical acclaim for his work.
His jobs in the broadcast booth have ranged from the chief analyst on ESPN's Baseball Tonight to calling games for CBS-TV, ABC Sports, The Baseball Network, WPIX-TV (1986), WTBS in Atlanta (1987) and WCCO in Minnesota (1988-93)."

-The Official 1998 New York Yankees Team Yearbook

"In his playing days, Kaat won 283 games in his 25-year playing career, posting a 3.45 ERA, and earned a record 16 Gold Gloves from 1962-77, a feat matched only by Brooks Robinson. His 898 appearances, covering four decades, places him 11th all-time.
He has worked nationally as a broadcaster for ESPN, CBS-TV, The Baseball Network and NBC Sports. Prior to joining MSG in 1995, Kaat spent a year as chief analyst on ESPN's Baseball Tonight as well as covering Yankee baseball for WPIX-TV in 1986, the Atlanta Braves on TBS in 1987 and the Minnesota Twins on WCCO from 1988-93."

-1998 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide


KEN SINGLETON (MSG)
"After a successful debut season as both a play-by-play announcer and a color analyst, Ken Singleton is back for his second year on MSG. He came to the Yankees from 'North of the Border' where he called games for the Montreal Expos on both the Sports Network and CIQC. In 1996, Singleton worked as the lead analyst for FOX Sports Saturday afternoon broadcasts.
With a deep baritone and expert insight, Singleton has quickly proven to be an important part of MSG's broadcast team."

-The Official 1998 New York Yankees Team Yearbook

"Singleton begins his second season behind the microphone for MSG calling Yankee games. He joined MSG from The Sports Network, where he served as color analyst for the Montreal Expos from 1985-96. Prior to that, he called play-by-play for six years on the Expos' flagship radio network, CIQC. He worked as the lead analyst for FOX Sports Saturday afternoon broadcasts in 1996.
In a 15-year career, primarily with the Baltimore Orioles, Singleton played in 2,082 games and batted .282 with 246 home runs and 1,065 RBI. In 1977 he set Oriole records by hitting .328 and accumulating a .438 on-base percentage."

-1998 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide


TOMMY JOHN (WPIX)
"The man who enjoyed two stints with the Yankees as a pitcher (1979-82 and 1986-89) is back in the Bronx as part of WPIX's broadcast team. John announced Minnesota Twins games from 1991-96 and coached high school baseball in Florida. The former pitcher will be reunited with his Yankee teammate Bobby Murcer on WPIX in 1998."

-The Official 1998 New York Yankees Team Yearbook


BOBBY MURCER (MSG and WPIX)
"Former Yankees outfielder Bobby Murcer will bring his insight to both MSG and WPIX broadcasts in his 10th season as a color analyst.
He joined the broadcast booth after his retirement in 1983, and except for a one-year stint as Assistant General Manager for the Yankees, his slight southern drawl has been a popular fixture ever since. Murcer has called games on SportsChannel New York, MSG and WPIX, and was a broadcast partner of the late Phil Rizzuto. In 1989, the first year MSG carried Yankee games, Murcer was the first color commentator to call games on the network."

-The Official 1998 New York Yankees Team Yearbook

"Murcer once again will share the booth with Kaat and Singleton, contributing insight and commentary on both MSG and WPIX broadcasts. Murcer joined the Yankees broadcast booth after his retirement from the game in 1983, serving as color analyst for WABC-Radio from 1983-85. After serving a season as Assistant General Manager for the Yankees, he returned to the booth as color analyst for Yankees games on SportsChannel New York. In 1989, the first year of Yankees games on MSG, Murcer served as color commentator alongside Tommy Hutton. In 1990, he joined the WPIX broadcast team and continues to serve in that capacity.
Over a 17-year career, he played in 1,908 games, hitting .277 with 252 home runs and 1,043 RBI. He joined Lou Gehrig as the only Yankees to hit home runs in four consecutive at-bats [in one day]."

-1998 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide


LEON SCHWEIR and BILL WEBB (MSG Television)
"Leon Schweir is in his 10th season producing Yankees games on MSG Network and Bill Webb is in his seventh year as director of Yankees telecasts for MSG."

-1998 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide


MSG Spanish
"In August of 1996, MSG Network, in conjunction with the New York Yankees and Cablevision Systems of New York City, made all Yankees games on MSG available with Spanish audio. This service, called Secondary Audio Programming (SAP), made the Yankees the first franchise in New York sports history to offer such a service. This season, Beto Villa, Roberto Clemente, Jr. and Armando Talavera will once again call the action for Los Yankees En Espanol."

-1998 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide

ARMANDO TALAVERA (MSG Spanish)
"Talavera is the color commentator for the Spanish broadcasts and has been calling games since the 1975 World Series. He has also covered such events as the NBA finals and the Super Bowl."

-The Official 1998 New York Yankees Team Yearbook


ROBERTO CLEMENTE, JR. (MSG Spanish)
"In his second year as a broadcaster, the son of Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente brings his first-hand knowledge and experience from his baseball background to the broadcasts."

-The Official 1998 New York Yankees Team Yearbook


BETO VILLA (MSG Spanish)
"A native of Caracas, Venezuela, Villa brings his vast knowledge of statistics to his role as the play-by-play announcer of the broadcasting trio. He has also worked as a co-producer and announcer for CBS Radio."

-The Official 1998 New York Yankees Team Yearbook

1999 New York Yankees Broadcasters

BOBBY MURCER
"Murcer began as a Yankees announcer after he retired from the game in 1983, serving as color analyst for WABC-Radio from 1983-85. After serving a season as Assistant General Manager for the Yankees, he returned to the booth as color analyst for Yankees games on Sportschannel New York. In 1989, the first year of Yankees games on MSG, Murcer served as color commentator alongside Tommy Hutton. In 1990, he joined the WPIX broadcast team and served in that capacity through the end of the 1998 season.
Over a 17-year career, he played in 1,908 games, hitting .277 with 252 home runs and 1,043 RBI. He joined Lou Gehrig as the only Yankees to hit home runs in four consecutive at-bats [in one day].
Murcer resides in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the town he grew up in with his wife Kay. They have a daughter, Tori, and a son, Todd."

-1999 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide


TIM MCCARVER
"McCarver begins his groundbreaking season in the Yankees broadcast booth after spending the last 16 seasons announcing Mets games. He will continue in his role as lead analyst for the FOX Saturday Baseball Game of the Week, a position he has held since joining FOX Sports in April 1996.
He is the only network television baseball analyst to broadcast the last eight regular seasons and postseasons, including 10 out of the last 12 World Series. He has also received 10 Emmy Award nominations during his 14 seasons as a network analyst for ABC, CBS and FOX, and was an anchor for both the 1988 and 1992 Winter Olympics.
He starred behind the plate for 21 major league seasons. Tim began his career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959 and is one of seven modern-day players to play in four decades. He participated in two All-Star Games (1966-67), three League Championship Series (1976-78), was a member of two World Championship teams in St. Louis (1964, 1967) and was the hottest hitter in the 1964 World Series against the Yankees when he led all regulars with a .478 batting average.
Tim and his wife Anne have two daughters, Kathy and Kelly."

-1999 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide


JIM KAAT (MSG Television)
"In his playing days, Kaat won 283 games in his 25-year playing career, posting a 3.45 ERA, and earned a record 16 Gold Gloves from 1962-77, a feat matched only by Brooks Robinson. His 898 appearances, covering four decades, places him 11th all-time.
He has worked nationally as a broadcaster for ESPN, CBS-TV, The Baseball Network and NBC Sports. Prior to joining MSG in 1995, Kaat spent one year as chief analyst on ESPN's Baseball Tonight and was the primary analyst for CBS Sports baseball coverage from 1990-93. He also covered Yankee baseball for WPIX-TV in 1986, the Atlanta Braves on TBS in 1987 and the Minnesota Twins on WCCO from 1988-93.
Kaat lives with his wife MaryAnn in Stuart, Florida and has four children, Jim Jr., Jill, Stacey and Drew."

-1999 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide


KEN SINGLETON (MSG Television)
"Singleton begins his third season behind the microphone for MSG calling Yankee games. He joined MSG in 1997 from The Sports Network, where he served as an analyst for the Montreal Expos from 1985-96. Prior to that, he also called play-by-play for six years on the Expos' flagship radio network, CIQC. He worked as the lead analyst for FOX Sports Saturday afternoon broadcasts in 1996.
In a 15-year career, primarily with the Baltimore Orioles, Singleton played in 2,082 games and batted .282 with 246 home runs and 1,065 RBI. In 1977 he set Oriole records by hitting .328 and accumulating a .438 on-base percentage.
Born in Manhattan and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, he played baseball in the Bronx Federation League at Macombs Dam Park, only feet from Yankee Stadium. Singleton lives in Sparks, Maryland with his wife Suzanne. They have four children."

-1999 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide


LEON SCHWEIR and BILL WEBB (MSG Television)
"Leon Schweir is in his 11th season producing Yankees games on MSG Network and Bill Webb is in his eighth year as director of Yankees telecasts for MSG."

-1999 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide


ARMANDO TALAVERA, BETO VILLA and ROBERTO CLEMENTE, JR. (MSG Spanish)
"In August of 1996, MSG Network, in conjunction with the New York Yankees and Cablevision Systems of New York City, made all Yankees games on MSG available with Spanish audio. This service, called Secondary Audio Programming (SAP), made the Yankees the first franchise in New York sports history to offer such a service. This season, Beto Villa, Roberto Clemente, Jr. and Armando Talavera will once again call the action for Los Yankees En Espanol."

-1999 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide

2000 New York Yankees Broadcasters

BOBBY MURCER
"Murcer began as a Yankees announcer after he retired from the game in 1983, serving as color analyst for WABC-Radio from 1983-85. After serving a season as Assistant General Manager for the Yankees, he returned to the booth as color analyst for Yankees games on Sportschannel New York. In 1989, the first year of Yankees games on MSG, Murcer served as color commentator alongside Tommy Hutton. In 1990, he joined the WPIX broadcast team and served in that capacity through the end of the 1998 season.
Over a 17-year career, he played in 1,908 games, batting .277 with 252 home runs and 1,043 RBI. He joined Lou Gehrig as the only Yankees to hit home runs in four consecutive at-bats [in one day].
Murcer resides in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the town he grew up in, with his wife Kay. They have a daughter, Tori, and a son, Todd."

-2000 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide


TIM MCCARVER
"McCarver returns for his second season in the Yankees broadcast booth after spending 16 seasons announcing Mets games. He continues his role as lead analyst for the FOX Saturday Baseball Game of the Week, a position he has held since joining FOX Sports in April 1996.
He is the only network television baseball analyst to broadcast the last nine regular seasons and postseasons, including 10 out of the last 13 World Series. He has also received 11 Emmy Award nominations during his 15 seasons as a network analyst for ABC, CBS and FOX, and was an anchor for both the 1988 and 1992 Winter Olympics.
He starred behind the plate for 21 major league seasons. Tim began his career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959 and is one of seven modern-day players to play in four decades. He participated in two All-Star Games (1966-67), three League Championship Series (1976-78), was a member of two World Championship teams in St. Louis (1964, 1967), and was the hottest hitter in the 1964 World Series against the Yankees when he led all regulars with a .478 batting average.
Tim and his wife Anne have two daughters, Kathy and Kelly."

-2000 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide


JIM KAAT (MSG Television)
"In his playing days, Kaat won 283 games in his 25-year playing career, posting a 3.45 ERA and earning a record 16 Gold Gloves from 1962-77, a feat matched only by Brooks Robinson. His 898 appearances, covering four decades, places him 11th all-time.
He has worked nationally as a broadcaster for ESPN, CBS-TV, The Baseball Network and NBC Sports. Prior to joining MSG in 1995, Kaat spent one year as chief analyst on ESPN's Baseball Tonight and was the primary analyst for CBS Sports baseball coverage from 1989-93. He also covered Yankee baseball for WPIX-TV in 1986, the Atlanta Braves on TBS in 1987 and the Minnesota Twins on WCCO from 1988-93.
Kaat lives with his wife MaryAnn in Stuart, Florida and has four children, Jim Jr., Jill, Stacey and Drew."

-2000 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide


KEN SINGLETON (MSG Television)
"Singleton begins his fourth season behind the microphone for MSG calling Yankee games. He joined MSG in 1997 from The Sports Network, where he served as an analyst for the Montreal Expos from 1985-96. Prior to that, he also called play-by-play for six years on the Expos' flagship radio network, CIQC. He worked as the lead analyst for FOX Sports Saturday afternoon broadcasts in 1996.
In a 15-year career, primarily with the Baltimore Orioles, Singleton played in 2,082 games and batted .282 with 246 home runs and 1,065 RBI. In 1977 he set Oriole records by hitting .328 and accumulating a .438 on-base percentage.
Born in Manhattan and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, he played baseball in the Bronx Federation League at Macombs Dam Park, only a long home run from Yankee Stadium. Singleton lives in Sparks, Maryland with his wife Suzanne. They have four children."

-2000 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide


LEON SCHWEIR and BILL WEBB (MSG Television)
"Leon Schweir is in his twelfth season producing Yankees games on MSG Network and Bill Webb is in his ninth year as director of Yankees telecasts for MSG. The pair led MSG's Yankee production staff that won four New York Emmy Awards in 1999, sweeping the professional sports category."

-2000 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide


ARMANDO TALAVERA, BETO VILLA and ROBERTO CLEMENTE, JR. (MSG Spanish)
"In August of 1996, MSG Network, in conjunction with the New York Yankees and Cablevision Systems of New York City, made all Yankees games on MSG available with Spanish audio. This service, called Secondary Audio Programming (SAP), made the Yankees the first franchise in New York sports history to offer such a service. This season, Beto Villa, Roberto Clemente, Jr. and Armando Talavera will once again call the action for Los Yankees En Espanol."

-2000 New York Yankees Information & Record Guide