1962 Profile: Tony Kubek

"Replacing an All-Star shortstop is no easy task. While the Yankees have fine young talent competing for the vital shortstop berth, Manager Ralph Houk will welcome Tony Kubek when he completes his tour of duty with the Wisconsin 32nd Infantry Division. The 25-year-old veteran of five full Yankee seasons was recalled into service last November, shortly after his wedding.

In addition to being named the American League's All-Star shortstop last summer, the blond Milwaukeean was named to the major league's mythical All-Star team by the Associated Press. He has been winning honors ever since he first donned the famed Yankee Pinstripes. In 1957, Tony won the James P. Dawson Memorial Award as the top rookie in the Yankee training camp and then went on to cop Rookie of the Year honors in the American League.

Although he has played every position, except pitcher and catcher, as a Yankee, Tony was used only at short last year by Manager Houk. Kubek's Dad played in the  American Association, and Tony played in the AA under Houk at Denver in 1956. Although he has yet to hit .300 in the majors, Tony is improving offensively and defensively and should have many valuable Yankee years ahead of him after he completes service for Uncle Sam."

-The New York Yankees Official 1962 Yearbook

Anthony Christopher Kubek (SS)     #10

Born October 12, 1936, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he resides. Height: 6-3, weight: 190. Bats left, throws right.

Married.

-The New York Yankees Official 1962 Yearbook

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.

All-Star shortstop, American League, 1961.

Recalled to active military duty with his Wisconsin Army Reserve unit, November 3, 1961.

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

-1962 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

REGAINING THAT OLD 'TOUCH' NO. 1 TASK FOR EX-GI TONY

Kubek Helps Pick Up Slack Caused by Mantle Injury

"Tony Kubek says the biggest obstacle he's had to overcome in fighting his way back into topflight condition is clumsiness.

Kubek, back in a Yankee uniform after nine months in service, says that regaining the proper physical condition is 'the least of my worries.'

'The big thing is to regain the touch a player has when he's in the lineup every day,' the Yankee shortstop said. 'Once I get rid of that clumsy feeling, I'll be ready to play every day- and anywhere they want me to play.'"

-The Sporting News (August 18, 1962)

OLD FRIEND GREETS KUBEK

"Ed Hurley, the only American League umpire to chase Tony Kubek from a game, extended his hand to the Yankee star when he went to bat the first time, August 7, following his release from the Army.

'He said, 'Nice to have you back. I hope you have a good year the rest of the way,' Kubek reported.

'Yes, that's what I said,' Hurley admitted, 'and I like Tony. He's a nice boy.' Hurley gave Kubek the thumb last year in his only banishment from a major league game."

-The Sporting News (August 18, 1962)

1962 Profile: Hector Lopez

"Things will be different in 1962, avers Yankee outfielder Hector Lopez. The Panamanian right-hand hitter, a native of Brooklyn during the summer season, is sure that 1961 was just one of those 'bad years' that every athlete suffers now and then. Hec was off in all offensive departments last year but suddenly found himself late in September. He started hitting and the form reversal carried into the World Series in which he hit .333 including a mighty line-drive home run in the finale at Cincinnati. Playing winter ball in Panama and Nicaragua, Lopez continued to hit well.

An infielder by trade, Hector has been used primarily as an outfielder by the Yankees. And he found Yankee Stadium's fabled left field on the treacherous side for a while. But no more! 'I used to read about how tough it was to play. I think it made me worse than I really was. Now that I look back, I'm sure left field at Yankee Stadium isn't nearly as tough as the stories make it out to be.'

Hector has had highs of 22 homers, 93 RBIs and a .294 batting average. He'd like to combine these all into the 1962 season. He thinks this will be a good year for Lopez and for the Yankees."

-The New York Yankees Official 1962 Yearbook

Hector Headly Lopez (OF)     #11

Born July 8, 1932, in Colon, Panama where he resides. Height: 5-11 1/2, weight: 182. 

Married.

-The New York Yankees Official 1962 Yearbook

Hit three home runs in one game for Kansas City against Washington, June 26, 1958.

-1962 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"One of the many players to come to New York from Kansas City, Lopez was acquired from the Athletics along with Ralph Terry in May of 1959. The Bombers gave up Jerry Lumpe, Johnny Kucks and Tom Sturdivant in the transaction.

Hector was a third baseman during his minor league years and in his first five years as an American Leaguer. His fielding, however, left a lot to be desired and the Yankees converted him into an outfielder in 1960.

During his first year as a New Yorker, Hec led the club in runs batted in with 93. He has good power, having been credited with 95 home runs since coming to the big time in 1955.

Lopez's best day in the majors was with the A's in 1958 when he hit three homers in a contest against the Washington Senators."

-The 1962 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook