"A big help down the 1960 stretch, closing at 10-8 after early-season setbacks. Terry has vast equipment and possesses more natural ability than any other pitcher on the staff.
Born in Big Cabin, Oklahoma, Terry was a Yankee farmhand for three seasons, getting his first chance in 1956. Traded to the Athletics in '57, he won 11 in '58 and showed great promise. The Yanks got him back in a '59 deal. Terry has a 32-46 lifetime mark."
-Don Schiffer, The Major League Baseball Handbook 1961
1960
April 22: Goes last two in 5-0 win over Orioles.
May 7: Stops A's, 4-1, on 5-hitter.
May 12: Loses 11-inning 9-hitter to Indians, 3-2.
May 18: Downs Indians, 4-2, on 6-hitter, fans eight.
August 27: Shuts out Indians, 3-0, on two hits.
September 11: Blanks Indians, 5-0, on 5-hitter.
September 18: Shuts out Orioles, 2-0, on two hits.
September 25: Goes 8 2/3 to beat Red Sox, 4-3, in pennant clincher.
Comment: "Terry has real talent and may be ready to move up into the top echelon."
-Joe Sheehan, Dell Sports Magazine Baseball, April 1961
"Ralph Terry has been a major league pitcher for nearly five years though he's only 25 now. A somewhat controversial pitcher, he's been on the edge of stardom for several seasons.
He was signed by the Yankees after a contract controversy with a National League club. He was traded to Kansas City in the Billy Martin deal in 1957 and reacquired, along with Hector Lopez, two years ago. Typical of Terry, he won the 1960 pennant-clinching game at Boston and threw the famed Bill Mazeroski home run pitch in the World Series finale.
Now married to a lovely former airline hostess, and now a prospective father, Ralph is determined to make this 'his' big year with the Yankees. He has all the tools- the fast ball, curve, change and slider. 'Those are enough for me to handle,' says Ralph in referring to the accusation that he frequently experiments (unsuccessfully) with new pitches.
He's pitched some great games, with several near no-hitters, and was almost unbeatable in the last six weeks of 1960. He'd like to be for all of 1961."
-The New York Yankees Official 1961 Yearbook
Ralph Willard Terry (P) #23
Born January 9, 1936 in Big Cabin, OK, resides in Kansas, City, MO. Height: 6-3, weight: 190. Bats - right, throws - right.
Married.
-The New York Yankees Official 1961 Yearbook
"Twenty-five-year-old Ralph Terry has everything necessary to become a 20-game winner and this could be his season. With five seasons under his belt in the American League along with speed, control and a fine assortment of stuff, the 6'3" righty will be one of Ralph Houk's starters.
The Big Cabin, Oklahoma, native was signed by the Yankees in 1954. The St. Louis Cardinals also claimed the 192-pounder, but the Commissioner ruled in favor of New York. He was assigned to Binghamton of the Eastern League and was 11-9 while fanning 120. His control was terrific, 64 walks in 191 innings.
The Bombers farmed him to Denver of the American Association in 1955. He split the season with the Bears and Birmingham of the Southern Association. A 13-4 record in Denver in 1956 earned him a promotion to the varsity late in that season.
Traded to Kansas City in June 1957, along with Billy Martin and Woodie Held, for Harry Simpson and Ryne Duren, he posted a 5-12 mark with the hapless A's. He was 11-3 n 1958, fanned 134 and issued only 61 free passes.
The Yanks re-acquired Ralph in a 1959 trade that also bought Hector Lopez to the Bronx. The Athletics received Jerry Lumpe, Johnny Kucks and Tom Sturdivant in this transaction.
Last season Terry had a 10-8 mark for the Yankees and included seven complete games. He led the team in strikeouts, whiffing 92 batsmen.
A recent bridegroom, Ralph makes his off-season home in Chelsea, Oklahoma. And Ralph isn't going to let last fall's Series affect him this summer."
-New York Yankees 1961 Yearbook (Jay Publishing Co.)
"Predictions that Ralph Terry would develop into an outstanding right-handed pitcher in the American League came true in 1961. This was Ralph's biggest year, by far. He moved into the No. 2 spot as Ralph Houk remodeled his pitching staff during the season. If a bit of arm trouble had not shelved him early in the season, Terry might have joined Whitey Ford as a 20-game winner.
He has been a major-league pitcher for nearly six years although he is only 25. Terry pitched the pennant-clinching game in 1960 and again in 1961. The 6-3, 190-pound righthander has appeared in one World Series.
He was signed by the Yankees after a contract controversy with a National League club. He was traded to Kansas City in the Billy Martin deal in 1957 and reacquired, along with Hector Lopez, two years ago. Terry won the 1960 pennant-clinching game at Boston and threw the famed Bill Mazeroski home run pitch in the World Series finale.
He has all the tools- the fast ball, curve, change and slider. 'Those are enough for me to handle,' says Ralph, referring to the accusation that he frequently experiments unsuccessfully with new pitches. He has pitched some great games, several near no-hitters and was almost unbeatable in the last six weeks of 1960.
Now married to a lovely former airline hostess, Ralph is determined to make his mark with the Yankees."
-1961 World Series Official Souvenir Program
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