1963 Profile: Hector Lopez

"No other utility man in the American League has the versatility of Hector Lopez, and few can hit as well to all fields. Born in Colon, Panama, he was a regular at Kansas City for four years, shuttling between second and third base. Dealt to New York in 1959, he was shifted to the outfield and has been extremely effective as a pinch-batter against left-handers.

Lopez will learn how to make the moves at first base this year and could be platooned with Joe Pepitone."

-Don Schiffer, 1963 Major League Baseball Handbook

"Comeback stories are regular features of big league baseball, and outfielder Hector Lopez wrote several chapters last season. Hec, who slumped to a woeful .222 batting average in 1961, got back on the ball last season and hit .275, an increase of 53 percentage points.

That left Hector with a career average of .275 for eight American League campaigns, the first four with Kansas City.

Lopez competed in 106 games last year and is expecting to see as much action this time, either in the outfield or as a part-time first baseman."

-1963 New York Yankees Official Spring Guidebook and Scorecard (Fort Lauderdale Stadium)

"In his fifth season as a Yankee, Hector Lopez is now available as a first baseman, as well as an outfielder and pinch-hitter. A valuable all-around ball player, Hector upped his average to .275 last year, equal to his lifetime major league record. Of the Yankees' 96 wins in '62, Hec drove home the winning run seven times, four of these in the last two innings, and scored the winning runs 10 times. A pretty valuable man!"

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

"Hector Lopez has been a Yankee for four full seasons and has made consistently valuable contributions to the Yankee pennant cause in each of those seasons, as he will again this year. The 31-year-old native of Colon in the Republic of Panama, but now residing in Brooklyn, has played infield and outfield positions for the Yankees but serves primarily as a left fielder.

Last year Hec upped his average to .275, equal to his lifetime major league record. Of the Yankees' 96 wins in 1962, Lopez drove across the winning run seven times, four of these in the last two innings, and scored the winning run 10 times.

This year, with Mickey Mantle out for a long spell because of a broken bone in his left foot, Lopez again proved his value by getting key hits in several winning games.

Lopez entered the 1963 season with 101 homers to his credit, although most of these were hit with Kansas City before the Yanks acquired his services during the 1959 season. He reached the 1,000 hit milestone in Boston with a key double on June 22.

A mighty valuable man is Hector Lopez."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Hector Headly Lopez (OF)     #11

Born July 8, 1932, in Colon, Panama, where he resides. Height: 5-11 1/2, weight: 182. 

Married and father of one boy, Hugh (8 months).

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Hit three home runs in one game for Kansas City against Washington, June 26, 1958.

Acquired by New York Yankees along with pitcher Ralph Terry for pitchers Johnny Kucks and Tom Sturdivant and infielder Jerry Lumpe, May 26, 1959.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Another one of the Yankee all-arounders is Hector Lopez, who was born and still lives in Colon, Panama. Since he arrived in the majors with the Kansas City A's in 1955, Hector has seen service at every position except pitcher and catcher. Last season, playing in 106 contests, Lopez batted .275, which just happens to be his lifetime big time mark.

Hector came to New York on May 26, 1959, along with pitcher Ralph Terry for hurlers Johnny Kucks and Tom Sturdivant and infielder Jerry Lumpe. Lopez's top slugging feat in the majors occurred on June 26, 1958, when he smote three homers for the A's against the Washington Senators.

Hector has appeared in three World Series for the Bombers. He tied a Series mark in 1961 by batting across seven runs in the five-game set.

It's hard to say exactly where Lopez will play this season, but you can be sure manager Ralph Houk will make good use of the 30-year-old Handy Andy."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

1963 Proifle: Tom Tresh

1963 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR

"Tom Tresh proved that sons of big-leaguers can improve on Daddy. Cracking 20 homers and sending in 93 runs, he also sparkled enough at shortstop and left field to earn Rookie of the Year laurels.

Born in Detroit, his father, Mike, was a meek-hitting catcher with the White Sox. Tom's training took him to New Orleans, St. Petersburg, Greensboro, Binghamton, Amarillo and Richmond. He attends Central Michigan U. between seasons."

-Don Schiffer, 1963 Major League Baseball Handbook

"When Tom Tresh won the coveted James Dawson Memorial Award (Longines watch) as the outstanding rookie in the Yankee spring training camp in 1962, it was obvious he was to become a top candidate for American League Rookie of the Year honors. He became the fourth Yankee to win the Rookie award, following Gil McDougald, Bob Grim and Tony Kubek. But no one, probably least of all himself, could have imagined that Tom would be the league's runner-up shortstop on the All-Star team, then move to left field to become the defensive star of the World Series.

Tom had a tremendous freshman season, filling in for Kubek at short until Tony returned from service. When Tresh moved to the outfield for the first time in his professional career, he played it as though it were second nature. He hit 20 homers, most in his pro career, 15 of these as a shortstop. He was third in club batting at .286, second to Roger Maris in RBIs at 93, and third in runs scored. Ten times Tommy knocked in the winning run, batting .356 in late-inning clutch situations. Tresh hit .307 right-handed, .287 lefty with 13 homers as a southpaw swinger.

He reported early to spring training this year to perfect his outfield play. During the winter, this fine young competitor resumed his college courses at Central Michigan University."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Tom Michael Tresh (SS)     #15

Born September 20, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, resides in Taylor, Michigan. Height: 6-1/2 inch, weight: 180. Bats left and right, throws right. 

Married and father of one girl, Michelle (5 months).

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

"Son of former major league catcher Mike Tresh.

Signed by Yankee organization, January 14, 1958.

Named Rookie of the Year in International League, 1961.

Winner of James P. Dawson Award as outstanding Yankee rookie in spring training, 1962.

Named American League Rookie of the Year, 1962.

Attends Central Michigan University during off-season."

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Tom Tresh, the American League Rookie of the Year in 1962, is ready to make his mark in 1963 as an equal partner in a Mantle-Maris-Tresh outfield, a combination that could blend into one of the top trios of the big time.

Tresh enjoyed a fabulous first year as a Yankee. Named by Manager Houk as the team's regular shortstop after a Spring battle for the spot with Phil Linz, Tresh took over the position like an old pro. His timely hitting, sharp fielding and all-around savvy quickly earned praise from players and fans alike.

When Tony Kubek returned from military service in August, Manager Houk had himself a problem. Kubek had been the Yanks' ace shortfielder before he went away. But Tresh was too good to sit on the bench.

So Houk moved young Tom to left field, a position he was unfamiliar with. Tresh solved the problem, though, as Houk felt he would, by performing in fine style as if he'd been New York's left fielder for years.

But the 24-year-old Tresh's finest hour was yet to come. It occurred in the fifth game of the World Series before 63,000 people at the Stadium. The Yanks and Giants were deadlocked at two games apiece, and this pivotal contest was tied at 2-2 as Tresh faced tough Jack Sanford in the eighth inning with two Yanks on base.

Batting left-handed, the switch-hitting rookie tied into one of Sanford's shots, lining it into the right field stands to clinch the victory.

Keep your eye on this son of former A.L. catcher Mike Tresh. He's going to be around for a long, long time."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

"He uses a Mickey Mantle model glove. He wears T-shirts with the portraits and autographs of Roger Maris and Yogi Berra printed on them. And he clips and saves New York Yankee box scores from the newspapers. At 24, Tom Tresh, a blond All-America boy type, is one of the Yankees' biggest fans. He is also a Yankee star and the American League's Rookie of 1962.

'We expected Tommy to have a good rookie season, but he surprised us,' says New York manager Ralph Houk. 'He did an exceptional job at shortstop for us until Tony Kubek came back from the Army. Then he did an even better job in left field. Tommy's got quite a future.'

In the 1962 World Series, Tresh, who batted .286 with 20 home runs and 93 runs batted in (four more than hero Mantle and only seven less than Yankee leader Maris) during the regular season, was sensational. He had nine hits (including a three-run homer to win the fifth game), more than anyone else in the Series, and made a spectacular catch to save the seventh game.

Yet as late as the last two weeks of spring training, Tresh, a $30,000 Yankee bonus boy and son of one-time Chicago White Sox catcher Mike Tresh, was one of two New York rookies (the other: Phil Linz) competing for the job left open by Kubek's recall to service. 'Even when I went to a game when my father was catching, I always dreamed of one day being a Yankee,' said Tresh last spring. 'I'd rather sit on the Yankee bench than play for any other team.'

After the Series, Tresh returned to his home in Taylor, Michigan and his physical education studies at Central Michigan University. 'It's still a little dreamlike,' said folk singing, guitar playing Tresh last winter. 'You want something so much for so long and then suddenly it all happens in one season. Making the Yankees, playing in the World Series, and winning the award. I don't think I'll be getting over this season for a long, long time.'"

-1963 Official Baseball Almanac

"Tom Tresh, the American League's prize rookie, hits second behind Bobby Richardson [Sports All-Stars 1963 Baseball all-star batting order]. In a number of games in the '62 season, Tom batted third. It has been many a year since a Yankee rookie has been accorded this distinction.

Tresh was equal to the spot, just as he was equal to Houk's decision to switch him from shortstop to left field, traditional Yankee trouble spot, when Tony Kubek returned from Army service. In the World Series, Tresh won a game with a homer and saved the finale with an almost-forgotten heart-stopping catch. Had the longest Series in a half-century dragged on even further, the crew-cut young man from Michigan would undoubtedly have found more ways to show his talents.

These he comes by naturally. Tom's father, Mike, was a catcher with the White Sox and Indians a couple of decades ago. He helped his son toward a major league career, taught him to become a switch-hitter. The Yankees can give the opposition successive switch-hitters in Tresh and Mantle, an awesome handicap for rival [pitching] staffs.

Tresh is a Yankee all the way, from the $30,000 investment spread over a three-year period as a bonus and salary, to his Rookie of the Year selection. He climbed the ladder from Class D with stops at St. Petersburg, New Orleans, Greensboro, N.C., Binghamton, N.Y., and finally Richmond before coming up to the big leagues.

In St. Pete he came close to changing his batting style, and he smiles when he recalls it: 'A day or two before the season started we played an exhibition game and I asked our manager if it was all right if I batted right-handed against this right-handed pitcher they had going.

' 'Okay,' he said, so I did, and hit two home runs and got two other hits for a [4-for-4] game. Afterward, I got to feeling pretty good. I asked him if it was all right if I forgot about being a switch-hitter.

' 'I'll call New York and let you know,' he said. The next day, in the clubhouse I asked about it. The manager almost jumped. 'Hey,' he shouted, 'you should have heard what they said when I suggested it. The answer is 'NO!' '

Does Tresh's future lie in the outfield or infield? The question was first spotlighted on the August night Houk moved him into left field.

'Let's face it,' offered Tom. 'As an outfielder, I'll have to hit a lot more than .280 to do well. With that kind of hitting, a shortstop in demand, but a .280 outfielder isn't as valuable, so I may not make as much money.

'On the other hand, I realize that if I do hit well enough, I can have a longer and better career as an outfielder. I'm pretty big and pounding those hard infields takes something out of your legs.'

He took the sting out of the initial Giant bid in the final game of the World Series with a tremendous catch on a Willie Mays drive curving into the left field corner. Willie hit it so hard the gusty wind in Candlestick Park had scant effect on the ball.

Tresh chased it into the corner, realizing it was going to be a one-hander. He gloved the ball, reached over with his bare hand to keep it from falling out, then smashed into the wall.

This momentous catch set the stage for Bobby Richardson's equally dramatic one on Willie McCovey for the final out two innings later.

He's in our all-star lineup at short to put extra power in the infield. Come to think of it, 20 homers and 93 runs batted in doesn't constitute any powder-puff performance for an outfielder, either."

-Harold Rosenthal, Sports All-Stars 1963 Baseball

"Tom Tresh came to Fort Lauderdale Stadium last spring looking for a job. Tom Tresh left Yankee Stadium in New York last fall with the American League's Rookie of the Year award under lock and key. In one flashing season the versatile young switch-hitter pushed his way into the lineup of the world's finest ball club and covered himself with glory.

Last spring at this time he hoped only for a chance to make the majors. The 1962 edition of the Yankee Spring Training Guidebook gives a good example of where Tresh stood at this point last year. Buried back on page 49 was a paragraph that read, 'Tom Tresh, who hit .315 at Richmond last season, is a prime contender for shortstop duty. He is a son of former major leaguer Mike Tresh.'

Tom was soon carving out his own headlines, however. And by the time the season ended he had compiled a .293 batting average, 93 runs batted in and 20 homers. He did a commendable job covering shortstop until Tony Kubek returned from the Army, then moved to left field where he performed like a seasoned big leaguer. Few people will forget his great catch in the seventh inning of the final World Series game.

Speed, both on defense and on the bases, is certainly one of young Tom's most important attributes. But his consistency at the plate is the most important item. In his first season of big league ball he hit more home runs than he did in any minor league season.

You can expect plenty of continued improvement from this young man, who doesn't appear to be frightened by the old 'sophomore jinx' legend."

-1963 New York Yankees Official Spring Guidebook and Scorecard (Fort Lauderdale Stadium)

1963 Profile: Roger Maris

"For those who expected too much of him, Roger Maris disappointed in 1962 with 33 homers and 100 RBIs. Few gave him credit, however, for his outstanding defensive play and superior team spirit in a year when he was hampered by a lame shoulder.

The Fargo (ND) fireball, who exploded a record 61 homers in 1961, has led the club in driving home runs in his three years in New York. He was with the Indians and Athletics and has yet to hit .300 in six seasons."

-Don Schiffer, 1963 Major League Baseball Handbook

"The other half of the legendary M & M outfield duo, Roger Maris has had three highly productive seasons as a Yankee. The all-time home run champion (61 in 1961) retained his Yankee laurels last season with a reduced output of 33 to bring his three-season total to 133. Roger is famed for his home run production, but it is his all-around play that has contributed to the last three pennants and two World Series triumphs scored by the Yanks. A fine outfielder and a good baserunner, Rog is still aiming at that .300 batting mark for a season. He has totaled 100 or more runs batted in a year for all three Yankee seasons and twice has won the American League's Most Valuable Player award (1960 and 1961). Winner of the coveted Hickock Belt as the Top Professional Athlete of 1961 and a host of other awards, Roger Maris at 28 should still have his most productive seasons ahead of him.

But despite his personal accomplishments, the right fielder aims to contribute to another successful pennant drive for the Yankees."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Roger Eugene Maris (OF)     #9

Born September 10, 1934, in Hibbing, Minnesota, resides in Independence, Missouri. Height: 6-0, weight: 200. Bats left, throws right. 

Married and father of one girl, Susan (5), and three boys, Roger Eugene Jr. (4) and Kevin Joseph (2) and Randy (1).

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Traded to New York Yankees with first baseman Kent Hadley and shortstop Joe DeMaestri for pitcher Don Larsen, first baseman Marv Throneberry and outfielders Hank Bauer and Norm Siebern, December 1959.

Led American League in runs batted in (112), 1960.

Led American League in slugging percentage (.581), 1960.

Hit home run in first World Series at-bat, October 5, 1960.

American League Most Valuable Player, 1960.

Hit 61 home runs in 1961- more than any player in one season.

Combined with Mickey Mantle to break Babe Ruth's and Lou Gehrig's 1927 home run record for teammates (107) with 115.

Set American League record for most home runs in six consecutive games (7), 1961.

Led American League in runs batted in (142), 1961.

Tied for American League lead in runs scored (132), 1961.

Winner of Hickok Belt as Top Professional Athlete of the Year, 1961.

American League Most Valuable Player, 1961.

Associated Press Athlete of the Year, 1961.

Led Yankees in runs batted in (100), 1962.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Although Roger Maris dropped off greatly from his 1961 performance of 61 home runs and 142 runs batted to 33 HR and 100 RBI for 1962, he still was an important factor in the Yankee pennant victory.

On many occasions, he contributed the key hit or game-winning round-tripper that kept the Bombers going in the right direction.

True, with his .256 average and forced benching for a short period, Rog lost much prestige, as witnessed by his not getting a single vote in the MVP poll in which Mantle and Richardson ran one-two. Maris had won that prize two years running, in 1960 and 1961. So you can be sure he's really out to bounce back to the top of the heap in 1963.

Rog began his major league career with the Cleveland Indians in 1957 after four years of minor league experience. He was swapped by the Tribe on June 15, 1958, to the Kansas City A's, along with pitcher Dick Tomanek and infielder Preston Ward, in exchange for first baseman Vic Power and shortstop Woody Held.

After a fair-to-middling 1959 campaign, the A's traded Maris to the Yanks that December, along with first sacker Kent Hadley and shortstop Joe DeMaestri, for outfielders Hank Bauer and Norm Siebern, first baseman Marv Throneberry and pitcher Don Larsen.

Since he became a member of the Stadium crew, Rog has done many things and won many honors. Here are a few:

Won the Hickock Belt as Top Pro Athlete of 1961; A.L. MVP 1960-61; AP Pro Athlete of the Year, 1961; set A.L. mark with seven homers in six straight games in '61; led A.L. in slugging percentage, 1960; hit home run in first time at bat in World Series, October 5, 1960; named Player of the Year by The Sporting News in 1961.

The 28-year-old Maris, who resides in Independence, Mo., has appeared in three World Series with the Bombers and has represented the junior loop in seven All-Star contests."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

"In 1960 when he came to the New York Yankees from Kansas City, Roger Maris was criticized for not being as good as his teammate Mickey Mantle. That season, Maris drove in 112 runs to lead the American League and won the Most Valuable Player award.

In 1961, Maris was criticized for not being as good as Babe Ruth. That season Maris hit 61 home runs, surpassing Ruth's record of 60, and again won the MVP award.

In 1962, Maris finally met his match. He hit 33 home runs and drove in 100 runs, but to everyone, including the outfielder himself, it was obvious that Maris was not as good as Roger Maris and probably never would be. 'Even when he hit 61, Roger knew he wasn't that good,' says one Yankee. 'He's a fine ballplayer, but when people know you've done it once and when they're paying you $100,000 to do it again, they expect perfection.'

By mid-season, he was barely batting over .200 and was the favorite target of every sniping writer and booing fan in every American League city, including New York. 'After a while, I just tried to forget about everything and just try to salvage something out of the season,' he says. Though he hit only .256, he still led the club in homers and RBIs, and he still was one of the best defensive right fielders in baseball."

-Bill Wise, 1963 Official Baseball Almanac

"The trouble with 'fantastic seasons' in baseball is that people are never satisfied. Rockin' Roger Maris, the Yankees' stellar outfielder, is certainly a case in point.

The 1962 season saw Maris lead the Yankees in runs batted in for the third straight year and top the World Champions in home runs for the second straight campaign. Unfortunately, through the eyes of some critical 'fans,' Roger's performance was nothing to shout about.

In 1962 he failed to top the 'fantastic' season of 1961, when he became the first player in major league baseball history to belt 61 home runs in a single season, knock in 142 runs to boot and capture his second straight Most Valuable Player award.

So ... in some people's books, Roger had a 'bad' year. To Yankees manager Ralph Houk and the players, however, he played an integral part in the club's third straight pennant and second consecutive World Series victory. Maris' steady play in the Series, and his ability to fill in for ailing Mickey Mantle during the regular campaign are part and parcel of New York's success story.

In short, Roger became a player's player in '62 and is expected to be of even more value this season.

A 6-0, 200-pounder who resides in Independence, Mo., Rog whacked 33 homers during '62's pennant drive and drove in 100 runs. His goal for 1963 is to boost his lifetime major league batting average above his current .260 mark without jeopardizing his most important attribute ... knocking in runs when the Yankees really need them.

Maris holds the major league record for the most home runs in six consecutive games (7). Maris and Mantle combined to break the Babe Ruth-Lou Gehrig record for home runs by teammates, set in 1927. The M&M boys bashed 115 in 161, 112 of them in the first 154 games. Ruth and Gehrig teamed up for 107 during their great year."

-1963 New York Yankees Official Spring Guidebook and Scorecard (Fort Lauderdale Stadium)

1963 Profile: Mickey Mantle

1963 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR

"Neither tape nor aches could prevent Mickey Mantle from gaining the Most Valuable Player award for the third time. The Spavinaw (OK) switcher was the second-best hitter (.321) and rapped 30 circuits to go to 404 in the lifetime tables. Experts claim he would be the greatest of all if blessed with freedom from physical ailments.

Mantle  joined the Yankees in 1951, has bettered .300 in eight seasons and has hit .309 lifetime."

-Don Schiffer, 1963 Major League Baseball Handbook

"No man has won more Most Valuable Player Awards than Yankee star Mickey Mantle. Last summer, despite physical handicaps, Mickey captured his third MVP. He is one of the most honored men in baseball history.

Today he ranks seventh on the all-time home run list with 404 at the start of the season. He needs just one more homer to equal Babe Ruth's still-standing World Series record of 15. One of the game's more dynamic figures, Mantle is a versatile player on the field. A great outfielder and brilliant switch-hitter, Mantle is also a fine base runner. He stole nine bases last year without being tossed out. For his career, he has swiped 133 bases and been thrown out only 30 times, a remarkable .816 average.

Mantle was the last player to win the Triple Crown. He is a past Hickock Belt winner and won the Sporting News designation as Player of the Year 1956. For 12 seasons Mickey Mantle has been a truly great Yankee, in the tradition of his predecessor, Joe DiMaggio. Mickey, too, is a team man as 10 American League pennants since he joined the club would testify."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Mickey Charles Mantle (OF)     #7

Born October 20, 1931, in Spavinaw, OK, resides in Dallas, Texas. Height: 6-0, weight: 200. Bats left and right, throws right. 

Married and father of four boys, Mickey (10), David (7), Billy (5) and Danny (3).

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Signed by Yankee organization, June 13, 1949.

One of eight to hit grand slam home run in World Series game, thereby tying record for most RBIs, one inning (4), October 4, 1953.

Hit three home runs in one game, May 13, 1955.

Led American League in home runs (37), 1955.

Led majors in slugging percentage (.611), 1955.

Led American League in home runs (52), 1956.

Led majors in slugging percentage (.705), 1956.

Last player to win Triple Crown, 1956.

Winner of Hickok Belt as Top Professional Athlete, 1956.

Most Valuable Player in American League, 1956.

Named Major League Player of the Year by The Sporting News, 1956.

Most Valuable Player in American League, 1957.

Led American League in home runs (42), 1958.

One of four to twice hit two home runs in one World Series game, October 2, 1958, and October 6, 1960.

Led American League in home runs (40), 1960.

Shares World Series record for most hits in one game (4), October 8, 1960.

Shares World Series record for most runs scored, seven-game World Series (8), 1960.

Led majors in slugging percentage (.687), 1961.

Tied major league record by hitting four home runs in four consecutive at-bats, July 4-6, 1962.

Led majors in slugging percentage (.605), 1962.

Most Valuable Player in American League, 1962.

Needs one more World Series home run to equal Babe Ruth's all-time record (15).

Has hit homers righty and lefty in the same game nine times, a major league record.

Ranks seventh on all-time home run list (404).

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Mickey Mantle is being paid $100,000 by the Yankees this year. If he again leads them to the American League flag, he'll be cheap at the price.

A very crippled Mr. Mantle paced the Bombers to the 1962 pennant while appearing in only 123 games. When he was in the lineup, the Bombers were at their best. Without Mickey, the Yankees were, well, just not quite the same ball club. That's why he was voted the American League's Most Valuable Player for the third time in his spectacular career.

Compared to other seasons, 1962 wasn't one of his best statistically. He made only 121 hits, hit 30 homers and knocked in 89 runs.

But he was the clutch man when the going got rough.

To wit:

On May 17, he scored the winning run in the ninth against the Boston Red Sox on a walk, stolen base, wild throw and sacrifice. The next night, against the Minnesota Twins, his leg buckled under him, tearing a thigh muscle and sidelining him for a month.

On June 16, in his first time up since the injury, he hit a three-run pinch-homer against the Cleveland Indians.

He tied a major league mark by hitting four homers in four consecutive times at bat on July 4 and 6.

On July 20, his two-run round-tripper and a pair of singles downed the Washington Senators, 3-2.

On August 19, he batted in seven runs against the A's, one of his hits being a grand slam.

On August 28, his two-run homer nipped the Tribe.

After being out a week with a strained rib muscle, he belted the 400th homer of his career on September 10 to beat the Tigers.

On September 12, his three-run home run downed the Indians, 5-2.

On September 18, his two boundary blasts accounted for five RBI in a 7-1 triumph over the Nats.

For the curious, the switch-hitting slugger batted .325 left-handed (83-for-255 with 26 HR) and .311 right-handed (38-for-122 with four HR).

On May 6, 1962, Mickey switch-hit two homers in a contest against Washington, the ninth time he has performed that feat, which is a major league record.

Mantle also stole nine bases in nine attempts. Since he joined the Bombers in 1951, Mantle has stolen 133 bases in 163 attempts for a neat .816 percentage.

Among the highlights of Mantle's career have been:

Most Valuable Player, AL 1956-57-62; seventh in all-time home run derby with 404 at the beginning of the 1963 campaign; last player to win the Triple Crown (BA, HR, RBI titles) in 1956; won the Hickock Belt as Top Pro Athlete of 1956; Sporting News Major League Player of the Year, 1956; American League home run king, 1955-56-58-60; hit three homers in one game, May 13, 1955; hit grand slam in the World Series twice; made four hits in one Series game in 1960; hit two HR in a Series game twice and has 14 Series homers, one short of Babe Ruth's all-time mark."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

"In the spring of 1951, New York Yankee scout Bill Essick was asked about a very promising 19-year-old rookie named Mickey Mantle. 'This is the kind of kid a scout dreams of,' said the scout who had signed Tony Lazzeri, Lefty Gomez, Frank Crosetti and Joe DiMaggio. 'If you come up with one like this in your lifetime, you're lucky.'

In the fall of 1951, after center fielder DiMaggio retired, Yankee manager Casey Stengel named Mantle the probable successor. 'I could never begin to fill the shoes of Joe DiMaggio,' said Mantle, humbly but hopefully. 'All I can do is my best, and I'll sure give that. It's a great break for me.'

The change also worked out well for New York. The Yankees, who had won ten pennants in thirteen years with DiMaggio, won nine pennants in eleven years with Mantle. DiMaggio won the American League's Most Valuable Player award three times; Mantle, after losing to teammate Roger Maris by four points in 1960 and three points in 1961, finally won his third MVP award in 1962- by a landslide over teammate Bobby Richardson.

'It really was a big surprise,' said Mantle, who, in 123 games, hit .321 [.486 OBP, .605 SA, 1.091 OPS] with 30 home runs and 89 runs batted in. 'I thought Bobby would win. I'm happy to receive the award, and I'd like to be the first (major leaguer ever) to win it four times.'

He will be, if last season is any criterion. The blond, 6-foot, 200-pound muscleman, who in previous seasons had missed games because of a tonsillectomy, a cyst, an abscess, and injuries to his right knee, right thigh, right shoulder and right index finger, tore a muscle in his upper right thigh on May 18. The Yankees split their next 30 games and tumbled to fourth place. Mantle, called B and G (for Blood and Guts) by some teammates, limped back into the starting lineup on June 22. Ten days later, the Yankees were back in first place."

-Bill Wise, 1963 Official Baseball Almanac

"Mickey Charles Mantle, the No. 1 star of the American League, has the position of honor in the all-star batting order, fourth [Sports All-Stars 1963 Baseball all-star batting order]. The Yankees' ace, three times Most Valuable Player, twice runner-up, stroked 30 homers, drove in 89 runs, won his fourth slugging title and rose from tenth to seventh on the all-time home run list. He and Stan Musial are the only active players who have topped the 400-homer mark. (Eddie Mathews has 399).

Mantle came up to the Yankees in 1951 as Joe DiMaggio was fading from the picture. Desperate for a new box office hero, the club ordered a full head of steam on promotion and publicity about the 19-year-old Oklahoma country boy. Some of the cacophony sounded almost as silly as it did raucous. 'DiMaggio? Mickey will be greater,' was the incredible assertion. 'The kid can do everything.'

Red were the faces of the front office tub-thumpers when the youth was sent down to Kansas City for further seasoning. 'See,' said the scoffers, 'now they'll have to go find someone else.'

But Mantle was back the next year and gained No. 3 honors in the Most Valuable Player balloting. His showing in the MVP competition placed him far beyond any other player once Yogi Berra, the Yankees' senior citizen, dropped out of the running.

Just as ballplayers rate the MVP award as a true measure of a player's value, they rate the Yankees as just another ball club without Mickey.

'They [the Yankees] might be able to make it without someone else; they can't do it without Mantle,' is the word around the A.L.

Hurt attempting to beat out a game-ending roller against the Twins on May 18, Mickey missed 28 games with a combination of a pulled groin muscle and an injured knee. During that time the Yankees lost exactly half their games, a non-pennant pace.

The New Yorkers finally won the flag in the last week of the season after surprising opposition from the Twins and the Angels. They won with a .593 rate. (The year before, crushing a Detroit bid, they racked up a .673 percentage.) Without Mantle, they played at a .500 pace- with him they were .625. Even if his career record wasn't there for all to see, 1962's statistics would prove his value.

In the last decade, the Yankees have been pretty much made over. Only three survivors of the 1951 club- Mantle, Berra and Whitey Ford- played in last year's Series. (Whitey was in the Army in '51, but he had been a member of the championship 1950 club.)

The fat part of Mickey's career is behind him. With friends, he discusses how much more time he has left in the majors. Four years, three years?

There are two Yankee immortals ahead of the Mick among the all-time hitters, Ruth and Gehrig, both lefty swingers. Mickey is the only switch-hitter who has come this far.

Like Musial and one or two others, Mickey is ticketed for certain Hall of Fame distinction when his playing days are over. Unlike Musial and the others, he has overcome a series of injuries and ailments that would have floored a player less determined. The Yankees list eight major medical crises in his life just before the 1961 World Series. They've thrown out the countless 'pulls, twists and aches' as inconsequential, just as Mickey has.

One of these seasons, some bright, eager-eyed youth is going to step into center field for the Yankees, pound his glove in anticipation, and embark on a star career, just as Mantle did in 1951. When that time comes, Mantle's memory will diminish, as it must. But it will fade slowly."

-Harold Rosenthal, Sports All-Stars 1963 Baseball

"What makes a Most Valuable Player?

In Mickey Mantle's case ... during the 1962 season ... batting championships, home run titles and RBI leadership had nothing to do with it. He did not win any one of those 'prestige' titles.

Nevertheless, when the ballots of the baseball writers were totaled at the end of the season, it was Mantle who stood out over everyone as the indisputable leader of the World Champion Yankees.

Overcoming severe physical problems, which forced him to relinquish his familiar center fielder's post to Roger Maris for a time, Mantle played a vital role in the Yanks' third straight pennant. He led the league in slugging percentage at season's end with a .605 figure, missed the batting championship by a whisker when he hit .321, hit 30 homers and drove home 89 runs. The homer and RBI totals may be well below some of Mick's previous feats, but the fact that he missed 39 games and was hobbled in many others certainly had an effect.

It was Mickey's third MVP award and marked the ninth time in the last 13 years that a Yankee has captured the honor."

-1963 New York Yankees Official Spring Guidebook and Scorecard (Fort Lauderdale Stadium)

1963 Yankees Manager and Coaches Profiles

RALPH HOUK (Manager)

1963 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR (Manager)

"Ralph Houk is for his men, right or wrong. Never known to criticize, unless directly to the player, he's tactful and discreet but goes into uncontrollable rages when disagreeing with umpires. Born in Lawrence, Kansas, he was a Yankee catcher for parts of eight years and set some sort of record by never hitting a home run.

He managed three years at Denver, molding some of the Yankees who later helped him win pennants. A combat officer in World II, he's affectionately called Major."

-Don Schiffer, 1963 Major League Baseball Handbook

"Ralph George Houk, the player, finished his major league playing career with a lifetime batting average of .272.

Ralph Houk, the manager, is heading into his third major league season with a 1.000 batting average, compiled on two league titles and two World Series titles in two years of effort.

A native Kansan who now resides in Saddle River, New Jersey, Houk has laid the groundwork for a fantastic managerial career. One of baseball's best liked and most respected leaders, he has set his sights on a third consecutive American League title and Series victory this year.

'We certainly believe we can win the American League pennant,' Houk says, 'but it won't be easy. The competition is getting tougher every year ... look what Los Angeles and Minnesota did in '62. I expect the upcoming race to be just as difficult.'

Ralph impressed Fort Lauderdale Stadium spectators with his team's effort here last year and everyone is confident of a similarly brilliant showing this spring."

-1963 New York Yankees Official Spring Guidebook and Scorecard (Fort Lauderdale Stadium)

"Ralph Houk has been a man of destiny in the New York Yankee organization. Through perseverance, aggressiveness and intelligent application, Ralph Houk succeeded to the most glamorous and yet most challenging position in sports - manager of the Yankees. To term his first two years an unqualified success is to say the obvious.

Only three managers in the game's history ever won a World Series in their first year as a pilot. Houk is the first ever to win in his first two seasons at the helm. It would be hard to improve on "two for two."

But Ralph had to do it the hard way, and maybe that's why his success has been so rewarding and so gratifying.

Houk first signed with the Yankee organization in 1939. He worked his way up through the minor league system with stops at Neosho, Joplin, Binghamton, Augusta, Beaumont and Kansas City before he was finally assigned to the Yankee club in 1947. He had spent four full seasons in military service and came out a decorated combat hero with the rank of Major.

Now, after eight long years, he was a Yankee. But there were more disappointments. There was a young catcher by the name of Berra who was just starting to make it big with the Bombers. And so, Ralph went back to the K.C. Blues for most of the 1948 and '49 seasons. He came close to quitting, but his desire to be a Yankee kept him in baseball. He was a sub catcher from 1950 through 1954 and served also as a coach in 1953 and '54.

Then the Major got his opportunity to manage in the minors, taking over the Yanks' top farm club at Denver. His clubs always were in the race and he piloted the Bears to a Little World Series triumph in 1957. This was an indication of things to come. He returned to the Yankees as first base coach in 1958 and was fully prepared for the manager's post when the opportunity came after the 1960 season.

In 1961, he won The Sporting News designation as American League Manager of the Year. He has earned the confidence and respect of his players and the admiration of his opponents. Ralph Houk today is manager of the World Champions in the truest tradition of his Yankee predecessors."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Ralph George Houk (MGR)     #35

Born August 9, 1919, in Lawrence, Kansas, resides in Saddle River, N.J. 

Married and father of one girl, Donna (21), and two boys, Dick (20) and Bobby (13).

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Coach, New York Yankees, 1953, 1954, 1958, 1959 and 1960.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Bomber Boss Ralph Houk is out to tie an old record this season. Not since Hughie Jennings guided the Detroit Tigers to successive pennants in 1907-08-09 has a major league manager won flags during his first three seasons as a big-time pilot. Houk has two to his credit thus far. There's one big difference between Houk's and Jennings' marks. The old Tiger manager never captured a World Series, while Ralph has yet to drop one.

Though a veteran of only 91 major league games as a catcher spread over eight active years with the Yankees, Houk has long been regarded as one of the game's best brains. Discovered by the late Bomber scout Bill Essick, Houk began his pro career with Neosho of the Arkansas-Missouri loop in 1939. He also performed with Joplin, Binghamton and Augusta before enlisting in the army as a private. He came out of the service a major in the Rangers, receiving a battlefield commission. He was awarded, among other citations, the Silver Star for heroic action in Luxembourg in 1944.

After catching for Kansas City and Beaumont, Houk joined the Yanks in 1947, remaining with the parent club through the '54 campaign, except for short tenures with the KC American Association farm in '48 and '49.

Ralph piloted Denver for three seasons, 1955-56-57, finishing second twice and third once, before returning to the stadium as a coach under Casey Stengel in 1958.

The Bomber pilot resides in Saddle River, New Jersey, with his wife, Bette, and two of his three children - Dick, 19 and Bobby, 13. Donna, 21, is married.

Houk's favorite hobbies are hunting, fishing and winning pennants."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

YOGI BERRA (Coach)

"It may seem a bit strange to read of Yogi Berra on the coaching page but the indomitable Berra now serves as first base signalman along with his catching and pinch-hitting duties. After 17 seasons in the Yankee pinstripes, no one could be better qualified to handle the coaching reins than the popular Yogi."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Born May 12, 1925, in St. Louis, Missouri, resides in Montclair, N.J. Height: 5-8, weight: 194. Bats left, throws right. 

Married and father of three boys, Larry (13), Timmy (11) and Dale (6).

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Signed by Yankee organization, November 11, 1942.

First player to hit pinch homer in World Series, accomplishing feat against Brooklyn, October 2, 1947.

Named American League's Most Valuable Player, 1951.

Tied with Gus Triandos, most home runs in one season by American League catcher (30), 1952 and 1956.

Named American League's Most Valuable Player, 1954.

Named American League's Most Valuable Player, 1955.

One of eight players, six of whom are Yankees, to hit a grand slam in a World Series game, October 5, 1956, against Brooklyn.

Has hit more home runs than any major league catcher in history (305) while hitting 45 as an outfielder.

Has played in most World Series games (74) in major league history.

Has most hits in World Series (71) in major league history.

Has most RBIs in World Series (39) in major league history.

Has most chances, catcher in World Series, lifetime

Has most putouts, catcher in World Series, lifetime

Has most assists, catcher in World Series, lifetme.

Signed dual contract as player-coach, January 17, 1963.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

FRANKIE CROSETTI (Coach)

"After 111 World Series games as a player and coach in 21 of the Yankees' record 27 classics, Frank Crosetti still has the enthusiasm of a young player. Cro has been third base coach since 1949 after playing shortstop for 17 years. Crosetti is now in his 32nd consecutive year as a Yankee."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Frank Peter Joseph Crosetti (CH)     #2

Born October 4, 1910, in San Francisco, California, resides in Stockton, California. 

Married and father of two.

-The New York Yankees Official 1963  Yearbook

"The familiar figure of Frank Crosetti will man the third base coaching box at the Stadium once again this season, the 32nd straight campaign he has worn a Bomber uniform.

Frank was one of the game's top shortstops, coming to New York from the San Francisco Seals in 1932. He stepped aside for Phil Rizzuto in 1941.

Crosetti, 51, is a father of two. A Yank coach since 1947, he appeared in seven World Series and one All-Star game. He holds several major league and Series marks."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

Has appeared on 21 of the 27 Yankee pennant-winning clubs.

Played or coached in record 111 World Series games.

Coach, New York Yankees, 1947 through 1962.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

JIM HEGAN (Coach)

"Jim is now in his fourth season as Yankee catching and bullpen coach, after a distinguished career of 18 seasons behind the plate, most of them in Cleveland. He was in two Series with the Indians and twice played in the All-Star game. Jim's son, Mike, is an outstanding first base prospect in the Yankee farm system."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

James Edward Hegan (CH)     #44

Born August 3, 1920, in Lynn, Mass., resides in Lakewood, Ohio. 

Married and father of three.

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

"Head man of the Bomber bullpen brigade is rangy Jim Hegan, a Yankee aide since July 1960. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, Hegan is married and has two children.

A fine defensive catcher during his playing days, Hegan caught three no-hit games for the Cleveland Indians: Don Black's triumph over Philadelphia, July 10, 1947; Lemon's gem against Detroit, June 30, 1948; and Bob Feller's third no-hitter, July 1, 1951, against Detroit."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

Coach, New York Yankees, 1960 through 1962.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

JOHNNY SAIN (Coach)

"Johnny is credited with an important contribution to the improvement of the Yankee pitching staff. This is his third season in that capacity. He was a standout pitcher for the Boston Braves, winning 20 games four times. Late in his career he was a relief ace for the Yankees."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

John Franklin Sain (CH)     #31

Born September 25, 1917, in Havana, Arkansas, resides in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. 

Married and father of four.

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

"Launching his third season as Yankee pitching mentor is 43-year-old Johnny Sain, Yankee relief ace of 1952-53-54.

Sain, a major league hurler from 1942 through 1955 with the Boston Braves, Yanks and Kansas City A's, coached for KC briefly in 1959.

A 20-game winner four times, Sain led the NL in complete games twice, teaming with Warren Spahn in 1948 to pitch the Braves to the pennant.

Sain is married and has four children."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

Coach, Kansas City Athletics, 1959.

Coach, New York Yankees, 1961 and 1962.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

DALE LONG (Player-Coach)

"Dale Long won't be seen in action too often at Yankee Stadium this year, but he plays a vital role nevertheless. The 37-year-old veteran from Massachusetts is an important left-handed pinch-hitter and utility first baseman. In the latter category, Dale will fill in at first whenever Manager Houk thinks it advisable. And he'll do a competent job in both duties.

His first 1963 game will be Dale's 1,000th as a major leaguer. He won early recognition as a first baseman in the National League, serving with six other clubs before getting to the Yanks. In 1956 with the Pirates, Dale hit eight home runs in eight consecutive games, a major league record. Lifetime, Dale has hit .267 (.270 in the National League and .257 in the American)."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Richard Dale Long (CH-1B)     #26

Born February 6, 1926, in Springfield, Missouri, resides in North Adams, Mass. Height: 6-4, weight: 219. Bats left and throws left.

Married and the father of two boys, Dale Jr. (14) and John (7).

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Established major league record with eight home runs in eight consecutive games, with Pirates, May 19-28, 1956.

Tied major league record with two consecutive pinch-hit home runs, August 13-14, 1959.

Released to New York Yankees from San Francisco Giants, August 22, 1960.

Tied major league record by scoring three men on a single, September 21, 1960.

Selected by Washington Senators from Yankees in American League Expansion Draft, December 1960.

Purchased by Yankees from Senators on waivers, July 11, 1962.

His first game in 1963 will be his 1,000th in the majors.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Handy to Manager Ralph Houk to beckon for spot duty at the initial sack or for late-inning pinch-hit calls is Dale Long, the 37-year-old veteran now in his second stint with the Bombers.

Long, purchased on waivers by the Yanks from the San Francisco Giants on August 22, 1960, was selected by the Washington Senators in the A.L. expansion draft in December of 1960. The Yanks didn't feel too good about losing Long, either, for in 26 games with the club, he compiled a .366 average. Seven of his 15 hits were for extra bases, three being home runs. He also had 10 RBI.

Thus, when the Nats put Long on waivers last July, the Yanks brought him back.

Long established a major league mark in May 1956 while with the Pirates, by clouting eight homers in eight consecutive games. He tied big-time marks with two straight pinch-hit round-trippers in August of 1959, and by scoring three men on a single, September 21, 1960."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

1963 Yankees Management Profiles

"Keeping the Yankees strong is the task which Yankee General Manager Roy Hamey has assumed. And, like Manager Ralph Houk, the proof is in the pudding after his first two years with a pair of pennants and World Championships. Strengthening the Yankee minor league operation is also the aim of Roy Hamey in a determined effort to keep top-flight talent coming to the club. 

Roy has been in baseball 39 years and some 19 of these have been in the Yankee organization. He started in the game in 1925 as a minor league business manager and joined the Yanks nine years later, working up through the farm system. Later, he served as President of the American Association, general manager of both the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies, and twice as assistant GM of the Bombers."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

"The front office chief of the World Champion New York Yankees, Roy H. Hamey, has virtually a lifetime of baseball experience. In fact, Roy has been in baseball longer (38 years) than the oldest Yankee, Yogi Berra (37 years).

Hamey and his field manager Ralph Houk head into the 1963 American League season looking for a third straight pennant and a third straight World Series championship. Past performances make this team a solid choice to accomplish this feat, but the last man to admit this is Hamey. Baseball, as a business, has been Roy's life, and nowhere along the line has success come easily.

Hamey started in the National League in 1925 when he served as the business manager of his hometown ball club in Springfield, Illinois. Nine years later he joined the New York Yankee organization for the first time and began a steady climb up through the farm system.

He left the Yankee organization for a while, becoming president of the American Association, at that time minor league baseball's number one circuit. Just last fall Hamey attended the convention in Rochester, N.Y., which resulted in the end of the old Triple-A circuit. American Association teams were absorbed by the Pacific Coast and International Leagues in an effort to strengthen baseball's minor league system.

General managership of the National League Pittsburgh and Philadelphia ball clubs are other important chapters of the Roy Hamey story. In between those two posts he served as assistant general manager of the Yankees. He assumed the general manager's position after the 1960 season and immediately began modelling what would be two championship outfits.

The scope of Hamey's operations in New York are not limited to the activities on American League fields alone. He is vitally concerned about every player in the Yankee farm system and is a firm believer in the Topping-Webb theory that world championship teams are first constructed in the minor leagues.

Just by watching Roy work one can appreciate his concern about the younger members of the Yankee organization. He was among the first of the Yankee front office executives to arrive in Fort Lauderdale (he was there before February 1) and spent many studious hours viewing the Yankee farmhands during New York's rookie camp at Fort Lauderdale Stadium."

-1963 New York Yankees Official Spring Guidebook and Scorecard (Fort Lauderdale Stadium)

DAN TOPPING JR. (Assistant General Manager)

"This is the first year that Dan Topping Jr. has served as assistant to the general manager. He has had excellent training for his new position, serving in several capacities at Yankee Stadium. Last year he was the highly successful GM of the Ft. Lauderdale Yankees, helping his club win the Florida State League title."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

J. ARTHUR FRIEDLUND (Secretary and General Counsel)

"A highly successful Chicago attorney, Art Friedlund has served as secretary and general counsel of the Yankees since the start of the Topping-Webb regime. Director and counsel for many important firms in the country, he finds time to see and represent the Yankees throughout the championship season."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

1963 Profiles: Dan Topping and Del Webb

"The Yankee co-owners - Dan Topping and Del Webb - certainly have at least one thing in common. That is a dedication to the game of baseball in general and, of course, to their Yankees in particular. Both men are interested in the welfare and progress of our National Game, the American League and certainly of the New York Yankees.

They bought the club near the end of World War II. In the ensuing years, the Yankees have captured 13 American League pennants and 10 World Championships, a record unmatched in the history of baseball.

Topping serves as the acting executive head of the club, residing in New York. While Dan has many other interests, including serving as a board member of several important corporations, his primary concern is the welfare of the New York Yankees. He sees most of the home games and spring training contests and plays an active role in the direction of the team's operations. He comes by his sports interest honestly, having participated in his early years. He was an outstanding amateur golfer, played college baseball, and later co-owned the old Brooklyn Football Dodgers and the New York Yankees of the All-American Conference.

Del Webb was a frustrated baseball player. He was making excellent progress as a pitcher in pro ball when an arm injury forced his retirement from active competition. He turned to carpentry and from there to the construction business, building the Del E. Webb Corporation into one of the largest and most successful firms in its field. Despite an amazing schedule of activity that takes him from one corner of the nation to another almost daily, Del finds time to watch his Yankees and concern himself with the club's problems. He sees the club regularly in Los Angeles, as well as frequently in New York, at spring training and elsewhere during the season.

Both owners are dedicated to bringing Yankee fans the very best in baseball entertainment in the finest ball park in America.

Baseball fans have a primary interest in the field personnel of a baseball team, but the basic success of any club starts at the top. Continuous strong management is vital to the success of any organization, and certainly this is true of the Yankees. Under the Topping-Webb ownership, no club has had a better winning record nor attracted more fans. The Yankees are dedicated to continuing the policies that have made the Yankees the most exciting and greatest attraction in sports."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

"The New York Yankees have long proven that teamwork pays off in big dividends. As far as the organization is concerned, great teamwork begins right at the top, in the offices of co-owners Dan Topping and Del Webb.

Topping and Webb have been associated with the Yankees since 1945 and the record of their success speaks for itself. Over that stretch the Yankees have captured 13 American League championships and 10 World Series titles.

Dan is an ardent sports fan and has been such all of his life. Although a director of many corporations, he gives most of his time to the operation of the Yankees.

He was named Major League Executive of the Year in 1961 and, that same year, endeared himself to Fort Lauderdale through his efforts to secure a 10-year spring training contract for the Yankees.

In addition to his baseball ties Dan is a strong golfer and certainly enjoys the South Florida links. He was the owner of professional football teams before entering baseball near the end of World War II.

Webb, head of one of the nation's largest construction firms, the Del E. Webb Corporation, almost made it to the major leagues in his younger days as a pitcher. But arm trouble thwarted that dream until he became co-owner of the Yankees.

Both spend considerable time in Fort Lauderdale and can be seen regularly at Yankee spring training games."

-1963 New York Yankees Official Spring Guidebook and Scorecard (Fort Lauderdale Stadium)