"Signed originally by the Yankees as an 18-year-old bonus shortstop, Cletis Boyer spent his first two baseball seasons on the Kansas City roster. Obtained by the Yankees, he was sent to Binghamton and Richmond for needed playing experience.
Now at 23, Clete is a versatile, clever fielding shortstop. In the minors, he's shown power at the plate but has not yet developed into a consistent hitter. Once he masters big league pitching he should rival his distinguished brother, Ken, All-Star third baseman for the Cardinals."
-The New York Yankees Official 1960 Yearbook
Cletis Leroy Boyer (IF) #34
Born February 8, 1937 in Cassville, Missouri, resides in Webb City, Missouri. Height: 6-0, Weight: 183. Bats right, throws right. Married and father of two girls, Valerie (3) and Stephanie (6 months).
-The New York Yankees Official 1960 Yearbook
"The third member of his family to make the big leagues, young Clete Boyer may be one of the surprises on the Yankees this season.
Following in the footsteps of his older brothers Ken (the St. Louis Cardinals' third baseman) and Cloyd (a former big league hurler), Clete signed with the Kansas City Athletics for a sizable bonus in 1955.
He was chained to the bench for most of that season and 1956 by the rule which prevented bonus boys from being farmed out and this undoubtedly set him back a few years. The Yankees obtained him as a 'throw in' in one of their many package deals with the Athletics.
Boyer hit .243 at Binghamton in 1957 but showed enough to earn a promotion to the Triple A Richmond Virginians in 1958. With the International League club, he upped his mark to .284 and slugged 22 home runs.
Last season he was on the shuttle between the Bronx and Richmond. He hit 12 circuit clouts in the I.L but had only two doubles among his 20 American League hits.
Cletis can play second, short or third, though he looks best at second. His versatility, age (23) and potential power are all in his favor and he will probably be spending 1960- and many more seasons- with the Yankees."
-New York Yankees 1960 Yearbook (Jay Publishing Co.)
"One of the surprises of the 1960 season, 23-year-old Clete Boyer has added defensive strength to the left side of the infield, regardless of whether he plays third or short. While his hitting still leaves something to be desired, he has shown marked improvement. He has hit several game-winning home runs, and his defensive play has been on the brilliant side. Clete is the younger of St. Louis Cardinal All-Star Ken Boyer."
-1960 New York Yankees Official Program and Scorecard
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