1963 Profile: Clete Boyer

"The 'Glove' turned into a 'Bat' last season and the Yankees couldn't have been happier.

If this Glove-Bat business should sound like something out of a horror story ... relax. It is simply the easiest way of conveying the thought that third baseman Cletis Boyer became almost everything the Yankees could expect last year.

Easily one of the most improved Yankees, Clete raised his batting average to a respectable .272, nearly 50 points better than his old lifetime average. His glovework, however, fell off from its fantastic rating of previous seasons and this year Clete is determined to match his improved hitting and fantastic fielding potential.

In the World Series against San Francisco, he finished second to Tom Tresh as a hitter, batting .318. He hit 18 homers during the regular season and added another during Series competition.

Boyer bowed into baseball as a bonus boy, signing first with Kansas City in 1955. He joined the Yankee organization in 1957 and played two years with Richmond before cracking the Yankee lineup in 1960."

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

"The man who uses a built-in snapping turtle as a glove is Clete Boyer, the Cassville, Mo., native who is so sensational on defense. He reached career highs for average (.272), homers (18) and RBIs (68) in '62 and has good power to all fields, but shows a definite weakness against right-hand curve ballers.

Boyer was nursed in the Yankee system and then traded to the Athletics. He was dealt back to New York without ever playing in K.C."

-Don Schiffer, 1963 Major League Baseball Handbook

"Improvement is a word clearly understood by Clete Boyer. The "Fancy Dan" third baseman put in a claim as the top fielding third baseman in all of baseball in 1961. Last year, Clete worked hard on his hitting and upped his batting average some 48 points to .272. But in so doing, the lithe third sacker slipped a bit in the field. This spring Boyer concentrated on his fielding and gave every indication that this would be his biggest major league season yet. Last year, the 26-year-old Boyer set personal highs with 18 home runs and 68 runs batted in.

Clete is one of seven ball-playing brothers, six of whom have already taken a fling at pro baseball. Ken, the Cardinals' great slugging third sacker, was the first successful Boyer. Cloyd, former Cardinal and Kansas City Athletic, is a minor league pitching coach for the Yankees. Young Ronnie, in his first spring training with the World Champions, made a fine showing as an infielder.

In the World Series against the Giants, Clete pounded out a .318 average, second only to teammate Tom Tresh. Clete has recently moved to New Jersey and he will become a Yankee of the first flight. He's made great strides, but the future of Clete Boyer is still ahead of him."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Cletis Leroy Boyer (IF)     #6

Born February 8, 1937, in  Cassville, Missouri, resides in Webb City, Missouri. Height: 6-0, Weight: 182. Bats right, throws right. 

Married and father of two girls, Valerie (6) and Stephanie (3).

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Acquired along with Art Ditmar, Bobby Shantz, Jack McMahon and Wayne Belardi from Kansas City Athletics in exchange for Rip Coleman, Tom Morgan, Maury McDermott, Billy Hunter, Milt Graff and Irv Noren, February 19, 1957.

Brother of Ken Boyer of the Cardinals, Cloyd Boyer, former pitcher for the Cardinals and currently a pitching coach in the Yankee farm system, and Ronnie Boyer, who signed a Yankee contract on May 30, 1962.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Already rated a magician around third base due to his tremendous fielding ability, Clete Boyer is also maturing as a batsman.

The 1962 campaign was Boyer's best at the dish since he's been in the majors. During his first two full years with the Bombers - 1960 and 1961 - Clete's batting averages were .242 and .224, respectively. Last year, however, he zoomed to .272.

Boyer's home run production rose from 11 to 18 and his RBI from 55 to 68. Why, he even batted .318 in the World Series, connecting for his first Fall Classic round-tripper in the process.

Boyer, a member of a true baseball family, is a native of Cassville, MO. His brother, Ken, is the star third baseman of the St. Louis Cardinals. Another brother, Cloyd, formerly hurled for the Cards and Kansas City A's and is currently the pitching coach at Richmond. Still another brother, Ronnie, was signed to a Bomber contract in May 1962.

Clete was signed to a big bonus contract by the A's in 1955 and sat on the bench with them for two seasons before being acquired by the Yanks in a huge deal on February 19, 1957. In the trade, Boyer, along with pitchers Art Ditmar, Bobby Shantz and Jack McMahon and first baseman Wayne Belardi, came to New York in exchange for hurlers Rip Coleman, Tom Morgan and Maurice McDermott, infielders Billy Hunter and Milt Graff and outfielder Irv Noren.

Through a ruling by Commissioner Ford Frick, however, Boyer wasn't permitted to become Yankee property until June, having to serve out his bonus term with the A's."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

1963 Profile: Tony Kubek

"Shortstop Tony Kubek traded his U.S. Army khaki for more comfortable Yankee Pinstripes late last season and proved to be a driving force behind New York's championship assault. Kubek returned to action with less than a third of the season remaining and helped the Yankees pull away from the persistent Minnesota Twins and the surprising Los Angeles Angels.

Kubek hit .314 in 45 games and cracked four home runs. Despite his long Army layoff, he came back to duty fit and ready to reclaim the shortstop job held most of the season by Rookie of the Year Tom Tresh.

He possesses a lifetime batting average of .279 for six seasons with the Yankees."

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

1963 Profile: Tony Kubek

"Tony Kubek is proof that it's possible to continue to improve each year. The master of many positions is now permanently established at shortstop, reclaiming his post after returning from military service late last year.

Born in Milwaukee, he had three brilliant minor league campaigns, averaging .333. Kubek joined the Yanks in 1957 and has been a regular at one position or another ever since. His best power year was 1960 with 14 homers and 62 RBIs."

-Don Schiffer, 1963 Major League Baseball Handbook

"Last August 7th wasn't like any other day in the 1962 pennant race. The Yankees were playing in Minnesota and beat the strong runner-up club by a 14-1 score. But the significant event was the return of shortstop Tony Kubek to the lineup. After nine months of service with the Wisconsin National Guard (on his second tour of duty), Tony stepped to the plate and belted a home run. From there he went on to hit a neat .314 in 45 games, the first time he's been over the .300 mark. But Manager Ralph Houk and his teammates think it will happen again often in the future ... batting .300 and hitting home runs, that is.

Kubek first joined the Bombers in 1957 as a 20-year-old shortstop. He won the Longines Watch as the top rookie in spring training and went on to win Rookie of the Year designation, while hitting a robust .297. In the World Series that fall in his native Milwaukee, Tony hit two homers in one game. In the intervening years, the personable and talented shortstop has played seven positions (all except the battery). But now he's back at shortstop to stay unless an emergency should dictate otherwise, although he's an excellent outfielder.

Tony was married just before going back into military service in 1961. On road trips, Tony appropriately rooms with his keystone mate and good friend, Bobby Richardson."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Anthony Christopher Kubek (SS)     #10

Born October 12, 1936, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he resides. Height: 6-3, weight: 189. Bats left, throws right.

Married and father of one boy, Anthony Jr. (5 months).

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Signed by Yankee organization, September 1, 1953.

Winner of James P. Dawson Award as outstanding Yankee rookie in spring training, 1957.

American League Rookie of the Year, 1957.

Shares record for most home runs in a World Series game by a rookie (2), October 5, 1957.

Recalled to active military duty with his Wisconsin Army Reserve unit, November 3, 1961- rejoined Yankees, August 4, 1962, hitting a home run his first time at bat, against Minnesota, August 7, 1962.

Has played every position except pitcher and catcher for the Yankees.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"One of the most valuable of all the Yankees is steady Tony Kubek. He proved it last year by the kind of ball he played upon his return to the club after serving nine months of Army duty.

Kubek reported to the Yanks on August 4. He played his first game - in left field - on August 7. On his first time at bat, he socked a three-run homer against the Minnesota Twins. Manager Houk reinstalled Tony at his old shortstop position 10 days later. With Kubek back, most of Houk's worries were over. In 45 games, Kubek ended up a .314 mark with four homers and 17 RBI.

The 26-year-old Kubek was signed by the Bomber organization in September of 1953, advancing through the chain with Owensboro, Quincy and Denver until his big chance came with the Yanks in 1957.

After annexing the James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding Yankee rookie in Spring Training, Tony's first-year performance was such that he was named American League Rookie of the Year by The Sporting News.

Against the Milwaukee Braves in the World Series that Fall, Kubek tied a record by hitting two homers in a single game.

Besides performing in five Series, Tony has represented the American League in two All-Star Games."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

1963 Profile: Bobby Richardson

1963 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR

"A change from a stand-up stance to a crouch and a harder swing have made a better hitter of Bobby Richardson, the steadying influence of the Yankee infield. The solid man out of Sumter, South Carolina, hit .302 in 1962 and collected more hits (209) than all others in the American League.  Pitchers respect his ability to manipulate the bat and hit to all fields.

Richardson spends his winters teaching sports to boys."

-Don Schiffer, 1963 Major League Baseball Handbook

"The smallest regular on the New York Yankees' roster is the guy they call 'Iron Man.' Second baseman Bobby Richardson, the 5-9 wonder, was one of the biggest reasons for New York's success in 1962. And his game-winning catch in the World Series is only a small part of the story.

Richardson played in all but one of New York's games last year and shattered a record for batting appearances. He rapped 209 hits during his 692 at-bats during 1962, good for a .302 average.

That figure tops by a percentage point his previous big-league average, when he batted .301 in 1959. And his 209 hits marked the first time a Yankee has accumulated more than 200 hits in a season since Phil Rizzuto did it in 1950.

Bobby's tremendous value to the Yankees is displayed in the results of the Most Valuable Player balloting at the end of the season. Only teammate Mickey Mantle polled more votes than Bobby did.

Strangely enough, Richardson had a rather mediocre Series in 1962. And he is an old hand at starring in postseason competition. In 1960 he broke a batch of Series records in a spree that saw him crash a grand-slam home run and knock in a dozen runs. In '61 he bashed nine hits in five games for a .391 average.

Last fall, however, his hitting fell off to .148 ... but all was forgiven when he grabbed Willie McCovey's line drive for the last out in the final game."

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

"At 27, Robert Clinton Richardson is the dean of the Yankee infield. He was up briefly in 1955 and 1956 but came to stay in 1957 along with his shortstop sidekick, Tony Kubek. Bobby, at 5'9", may be the smallest man on the club, but he has become an increasingly big man in the Yankee scheme of things.

His sixth full season as a Yankee was easily Bob's best. He was the iron man of the team, playing in 161 games and setting an American League seasonal record with 692 times at bat. Richardson led the league in total hits with 209, the first American Leaguer to get 200 hits since Al Kaline turned the trick in 1955 and the first Yankee since Phil Rizzuto's MVP season of 1950.

Bobby completed a tremendous season in 1962 by snaring Willie McCovey's hot smash with men on second and third to close out a thrilling and victorious World Series. "Rich" gained much support for the Most Valuable Player award and ran a strong second to teammate Mickey Mantle.

Richardson, a brilliant fielder and double-play pivot man, took some advice from Wally Moses after last year's Old Timers' Game. The Hillerich & Bradsby people (makers of the Louisville Slugger bat) sent original model bats to each old-timer at the Yankee classic. Moses brought his bat to Bobby and suggested he try it. He did and hit .302. "

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Robert Clinton Richardson Jr. (2B)     #1

Born August 19, 1935, in Sumter, South Carolina, where he resides. Height: 5-9, weight: 174. Bats right, throws right. 

Married and father of two boys, Robert (5) and Ronald (4), and one girl, Christie (2).

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Signed by Yankee organization, June 12, 1953.

One of ten players to hit grand slam in World Series game, connecting in 1st inning off Clem Labine of Pittsburgh at Yankee Stadium, October 8, 1960.

Set World Series record for most runs batted in, one game (6), against Pittsburgh, October 8, 1960.

Set record for most runs batted in, one World Series (12), against Pittsburgh, 1960.

Tied World Series record for most triples, one game (2), against Pittsburgh, October 12, 1960.

Tied World Series record for most runs scored, one Series (8), against Pittsburgh, 1960.

Won Sport Magazine Corvette as outstanding performer, 1960 World Series.

Tied record for most hits, five-game World Series (9), against Cincinnati, 1961.

Set American League record, most at-bats, one season (692), 1962.

Led American League in hits (209), 1962.

Placed second to Mickey Mantle in American League MVP voting, 1962.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"One of the hardest things for a major league player to do is to improve on the best season he's ever had. That's the problem Bobby Richardson faces this year.

In 1962 the little South Carolinian not only batted .302 but led the American League in hits with 209, set a junior loop mark for most times at bat - 692 - and finished second to Mickey Mantle in the A.L. Most Valuable Player poll.

It is needless to mention that he was also outstanding in the field.

Bobby, who has been a member of the Yankee organization since June 1953, has other top moments as a Bomber.

He hit a grand slam homer in the World Series off Pittsburgh's Clem Labine on October 8, 1960, the same contest in which he set a record by batting in six runs. He also batted in a total of 12 runs for the entire Classic for another record. Richardson tied two other marks in the same Series by scoring eight runs and hitting two triples in one contest.

As a result of his top-notch work, he was awarded the Sport Magazine Corvette as the outstanding performer in the '60 Series. In the 1961 Classic against the Cincinnati Reds, Bobby again tied a Series mark by collecting nine hits in the five-game set.

Richardson has appeared in five Series, averaging .282, and one All-Star Game.

For a little guy, he sure carries a lot of weight."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

"For a baseball player who never drinks, smokes, swears or argues, and who rarely hits home runs, Robert Clinton Richardson of Sumter, South Carolina and the New York Yankees leads an exciting life. Remember last October 16 in San Francisco's Candlestick Park. In front of 49 players, 43,948 fans and 55 million televiewers, second baseman Richardson ended the split-second suspense by throwing his hands chest high and catching Willie McCovey's line drive that ended the seven-game World Series.

Remember the 1961 World Series? Richardson tied a Series record with nine hits in five games, and his .391 batting average helped crush the Cincinnati Reds.

Remember the 1960 World Series? Richardson, who had a .252 average, one home run and 26 runs batted in all season, turned tiger against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In seven games, with six singles, two doubles, two triples and a grand slam home run, he hit .367 and drove in a record 12 runs.

'I always thought records like this belonged to men such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio,' explained the 5-foot-9, soft-speaking singles hitter. 'I certainly shouldn't be classified in their category.'

Two years earlier, Richardson had rated himself much lower- in the failure range. 'Early in 1958, I was considering quitting baseball,' he admitted last season. 'I didn't feel as though my future was too solid as I had played only on a part-time basis in 1956 and 1957. I was thinking of going to school to get myself prepared for youth work.'

Now, limiting his youth work to the off-season, Richardson is the best all-around second baseman in the American League. 'He has wonderful hands, so quick and so sure,' says Yankee manager Ralph Houk. 'He can make the double play on the pivot and he can make it on the starting end.' As a hitter, Richardson improved immensely in 1962. Aided by his fastest start in six major league seasons, he finished with .302 and 209 hits in 161 games."

-Bill Wise, 1963 Official Baseball Almanac

"It seems merely the day before yesterday that Richardson came to the Yankees from Sumter, South Carolina via their farm operations in Binghamton and Denver (where he played for Ralph Houk). He was a chunky, quiet, bright-eyed youth in search of a job in a championship infield. Jerry  Coleman had gone past his peak; Billy Martin was a half-step slower than before. The job was waiting.

Could Bobby fill it? Said Coleman: 'Just a little polishing, like getting the ball away quicker, and he's your Yankee second baseman for the next 10 years.' Said Casey Stengel, in the midst of the most prosperous period ever enjoyed by a Yankee manager: 'This young fella makes the play toward first base better than any man I've ever seen. He's going to be great.'

Both prophecies have been more than fulfilled. Neither said anything about Bobby's becoming one of the game's most dangerous hitters, holder of a World Series batting record and a dynamic threat as the Yankee leadoff man.

In the company of such as Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Elston Howard and Tony Kubek, Richardson radiates his own brilliance, not a reflected glory. Last season he was the second-best hitter on the Yankee club behind Mantle. He batted at a .302 clip, topping his previous high of 1959 by one percentage point. He collected 209 hits, most in the American League.

In company with the majority of Yankee hitters, Richardson had a poor '62 Series. Pitching won for the Yankees, just as pitching almost beat them. But in the previous two Series, the Yankees had good plate performances, and Bobby contributed more than his share. In the five-game crushing of the Reds in '61, he was the outstanding hitter with a .391 average. The year before he came up with such records as six RBI's in a single game and 12 RBI's in a seven-game Series. He was the outstanding performer despite the Yankees' loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, and he got a shiny new sports car as evidence.

The 209 hits Bobby collected en route to his fifth World Series represent the first over-200 performance on the club since Phil Rizzuto had a Most Valuable Player year in '50 and hit 200 right on the nose. Richardson has come along in the traditional Yankee mold: quiet, confident, and kill-you-if-you-make-a-mistake, buddy."

-Harold Rosenthal, Sports All-Stars 1963 Baseball

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)