1960 Profile: Duke Maas

1959

June 20: Downs Indians, 10-2, on 8-hitter.

September 13: Shuts out Indians, 1-0, on eight hits.

Comment: "Maas did well as a spot starter and middle reliever. He may be in line for more work."

-Joe Sheehan, Dell Sports Magazine Baseball, April 1960

"Duke Maas has won 21 games, lost only 11 in his first year-and-a-half with the Yankees. Before coming to New York, the Utica, Michigan right-hander had an unimpressive 19-32 record with Detroit and Kansas City. His top accomplishment in his 14-victory 1959 season was five straight wins over the runner-up Cleveland Indians.

Despite a late start this spring, Duke is bidding for one of the four or five starting berths on Manager Casey Stengel's staff. He gives the club pitching depth, no matter what role he finally earns.

He's 29 years old and his full name is Duane Frederick Maas (but he answers to 'Duke')."

-The New York Yankees Official 1960 Yearbook

Duane Frederick Maas (P)     #24

Born January 31, 1931 in Utica, Michigan, where he resides. Height: 5-10, weight: 176. Bats right, throws right. Married and father of one boy, Kevin (2 1/2).

-The New York Yankees Official 1960 Yearbook

"Duke Maas reached a personal high last season when he won 14 games for the Yankees while losing eight. Prior to that, the 5'10" righty's best mark had been the 10 wins he chalked up for Detroit in 1957.

Maas, who was 29 in January, broke into Organized Ball in 1949. He spent the 1951 and 1952 seasons in military service and reported to Durham of the Carolina League following his discharge.

After stops in Wilkes-Barre and Buffalo, the Detroit Tigers called him up to the American League in 1955. He was 5-6 when the Bengals sent him to Buffalo.

After suffering seven reversals without a victory in 1956, Maas was again sent back to the minors, this time with Charleston of the American Association. His control was near perfect with the Senators as he walked only nine in 64 innings while winning six and losing three.

Detroit gave Maas another whirl in 1957. He worked 219 innings and had a 10-14 record. The A's acquired him in November of '57, along with Bill Tuttle and Frank House in a deal for Tom Morgan, Billy Martin, Lou Skizas and Gus Zernial.

Duke was 4-5 at Kansas City when he was dealt to New York in June 1958 for Harry Simpson and Bob Grim. The change was a good one, as Maas recorded seven wins in ten decisions for the Bombers.

Last season he was 14-8 and looks to improve on that mark this summer.

Married, with one tax deduction, Maas makes his off-season home in his native Utica, Michigan."

-New York Yankees 1960 Yearbook (Jay Publishing Co.)

"Duane 'Duke' Maas had his best major league season in 1959 when he won 14 games. He saw considerably less service this year but was effective as a middle relief man in several important games. Duke, a native of Utica, Michigan, appeared briefly against the Braves in the '58 World Series."

-1960 World Series Official Souvenir Program