"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
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Sunday, September 4, 2016
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.
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.
Friday, August 12, 2016
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.
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.
Saturday, July 16, 2016
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
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
Friday, June 17, 2016
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
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
Saturday, June 4, 2016
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.
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.
Sunday, May 15, 2016
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)
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)
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