"Frank Messer, Phil Rizzuto and Bill White share duties on a TV network headed by WPIX-TV (Channel 11) and radio originating at WMCA (570)."
-The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1978 Edition
"Yankee baseball will be broadcast for the 40th consecutive year in 1978. WPIX-TV will be the New York City television station for the 28th straight season. WINS Radio, 1010 on the AM dial, will serve as the Yankees' new flagship station this year. A network covering five states also participates in the Yankee TV and radio coverage."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
PHIL RIZZUTO (WPIX, WINS)
"The greatest shortstop in Yankee history is in his 22nd season as a Yankee broadcaster. Phil moved right from the field to the booth in 1957, at the conclusion a career that included his winning the AL's MVP award in 1950."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Phil Rizzuto, the greatest shortstop in Yankee history, is in his 22nd season as a Yankee broadcaster. The 1950 American League MVP moved to the booth immediately following his playing career (1941-56) in 1957."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
FRANK MESSER (WPIX, WINS)
"One of the real pros in the business is a 10-year veteran of Yankee baseball. He joined the Yankee broadcast team in 1968 after four seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. Frank also served as the play-by-play man for Baltimore Colt football."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Frank Messer, one of the real pros in the business, is a 10-year veteran of Yankee baseball, joining the Yankee broadcast team in 1968 after four seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. Frank also did Baltimore Colt football."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
BILL WHITE (WPIX, WINS)
"Bill is now in his eighth season behind the mike for Yankee baseball after a distinguished major league playing career. A former star first baseman with the Giants, Cardinals and Phillies, Bill played in six All-Star Games and won seven Gold Glove Awards."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Bill White, former star first baseman with the Giants, Cardinals and Phillies (1956-69), who played in six All-Star Games and won seven Gold Gloves, is now in his eighth season with the Yankees."
-1978 New York Yankees Media Guide
FRAN HEALY (WINS)
"1977 saw Healy share the backup catching duties with Cliff Johnson. Acquired from Kansas City in mid-1976 for Larry Gura, Fran has proved a valuable asset to the Yankees.
He showed an ability to handle the bat when he hit .333 during one stretch in 1976 when Thurman Munson was hurt. Fran can also run well, and his 16 steals in 1974 were the most by a catcher since Frank Pytlak stole the same number for Cleveland in 1937.
Healy really excels in calling a game, his handling of the pitching staff, and in his overall catching tools. The lifelong resident of Holyoke, Massachusetts possesses a strong throwing arm and performed as a regular for the Royals in 1973 and '74. He caught both of Steve Busby's no-hitters while there.
Fran's great attitude, knowledge of the game, and versatility in all phases of the game make him a valuable man to have around."
-The New York Yankees Official 1978 Yearbook
"Fran shared backup catching duty last year with Cliff Johnson and was Munson's principal backup in 1976. He gained a reputation as the Yankee mediator in 1977.
Healy was a regular with the Royals in 1973 and 1974, and his 16 stolen bases in 1974 were the most by a catcher since 1937 when Frank Pytlak had 16 for Cleveland.
Fran starred in baseball and basketball at Holyoke High and was signed to a Cleveland contract in 1965. His father (Bernard) and an uncle (Frank) also played pro ball, Frank seeing action as a catcher for the Giants and Cardinals (1930-1934). Fran holds a B.S. in history.
The Royals took him in the 1968 expansion draft. Two years later he went to the Giants and was on the 1971 Giant division champion club. The Royals got him back in 1973, and Fran caught both of Steve Busby's no-hitters.
Fran spent the off-season as a TV director, producing public service spots for the Connecticut Optometric Society. He directed Sparky Lyle and Chris Chambliss in one venture, and Reggie Jackson in another."
-New York Yankees 1978 Media Guide
