Thursday, December 9, 2021

1961 Profile: Johnny Blanchard

"Injuries to Berra and Howard late in the season gave him a chance to prove his ability. Blanchard showed he was a capable catcher and a dangerous left-handed hitter and delivered many vital pinch safeties toward the close of the year.
Born in Minneapolis, Blanchard played one game for the Yanks in 1955 and then went to the minors until 1959. He was desired by many clubs during the winter trading season, but the Yanks consider him too valuable to deal away."

-Don Schiffer, The Major League Baseball Handbook 1961

1960
August 16: Beats Orioles, 1-0, with single in 4th.
September 7: Two RBIs on pinch hit in win over Chisox.
Comment: "Blanchard's late-season and Series showing suggests he may be the No. 1 Yankee receiver."

-Joe Sheehan, Dell Sports Magazine Baseball, April 1961

"John Blanchard has been on the verge of stardom for several seasons now. A long ball hitter, handsome John had an impressive minor league record, twice leading leagues in home run production.
When both Yogi Berra and Elston Howard were forced out of action late last summer, Blanchard got his big opportunity and he did not muff it. He did a good job behind the plate, was a timely hitter and helped spark the club in its late-season pennant drive. Blanch hit .455 in World Series competition and established himself as a full-fledged Yankee this year.
Like Howard and Berra, Blanchard can play first or the outfield if need be, giving the Yankees essential bench strength. Just 28, John Blanchard figures in the Yankee future."

-The New York Yankees Official 1961 Yearbook

John Edwin Blanchard (C-OF)     #38
Born February 26, 1933, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, resides in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Height: 6-1, weight: 197. Bats left, throws right. 
Married and father of one boy, Tim (1).

-The New York Yankees Official 1961 Yearbook

"Johnny Blanchard's minor league record made him one of the most sought after players on the Yankee roster during the past few seasons. He had two home run crowns and was a polished receiver.
But with Yogi Berra and Elston Howard on hand, the 6'1" Minneapolis born-and-raised slugger had to wait for his break. This came last season, his second with the Bronx Bombers, and John made the most of it.
Blanchard's 24 hits were good for 41 bases and he sent 14 tallies across the plate. Now that he has shown his ability to hit big-league pitching, he has moved into the number two catching job with Berra slated for 'considerable' outfield duty.
The Yankees signed Blanchard in 1951. After trying his hand in the outfield and at third, Bill Dickey took him in hand and converted him into a backstop.
John split the '51 season with Kansas City of the American Association and Binghamton of the Eastern League. In '52 he was the home run king (hitting 30) for Joplin of the Western Association while driving in 112 runs.
After two years in the Army, the 198-pound left-handed hitter returned to the diamond. He was the EL's home run leader with 34 in 1955 and moved up to Birmingham of the Southern Association the following season. After two good summers with Denver of the American Association, he reached the Bronx, appearing in 48 games for the Yankees in 1959.
Now 28 years old, Blanchard has finally arrived. In addition to being a fine receiver, John can patrol the outfield if necessary."

-New York Yankees 1961 Yearbook (Jay Publishing Co.)

"John Blanchard, 28-year-old catcher, has been on the verge of stardom for several seasons. A long-ball hitter, the handsome 6-1, 197-pounder had an impressive minor league record, twice leading leagues in home run production. He topped the league with Joplin in 1952 with 30 round-trippers and in 1955 had 34 for Binghamton.
When both Yogi Berra and Elston Howard were forced out of action late in 1960, Blanchard got his big opportunity and didn't muff it. He responded with a fine job behind the plate, was a timely hitter and helped spark the club in its late-season pennant drive. He hit .455 in the 1960 World Series and established himself as a full-fledged Yankee in 1961.
Like Howard and Berra, Blanchard can play first or the outfield if needed, giving the Yankees essential bench strength. He bats left-handed and throws right.
John and his wife live in Golden Valley, Minnesota, with their son."

-1961 World Series Official Souvenir Program

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