Coming off their first championship in 16 years, the Yankees were a talented, combustible mix of personalities and egos. At the top, of course, was the owner George Steinbrenner, or simply "The Boss". In the dugout, it was Billy Martin, a pugnatious little terrier of a man who was at once egotistical and extremely insecure. On the roster, it was the self-proclaimed "Straw that Stirs the Drink", Reggie Jackson; a bull-dog of a catcher in Thurman Munson; the intimidating Goose Gossage; a lanky kid from the south nick-named Louisiana Lightning; plus Sparky, Bucky, Mickey, and assorted other characters. Despite the tumult of 1977, spring training began with the inmates proclaming that the drama was in the past, that they all knew and respected each other now, and that all they wanted to do was play ball. Despite great expectations, it took quite a while for the Yankees of 1978 to get going - beset by injuries and infighting they drifted through the first half, loitering 11.5 games back and in third place at the break. When Bob Lemon took over as manager on July 25, they began winning...and winning. They surged to overtake the Red Sox, fell off a bit in late September, and allowed the Sox to move into a first place tie as the season closed. A win in the resulting tie-breaker game put their record at 100-63, good enough for an ALCS rematch with their rivals in Kansas City.
The Yanks didn't have much developing in their minor league system - the biggest names were probably Willie McGee at Fort Lauderdale and Steve Balboni at West Haven.
Manager Billy Martin feuded with Reggie Jackson and Steinbrenner all year. On July 23rd, he was interviewed in Chicago and made his now-infamous statement about the two - "They deserve each other...one's a born liar, the other's convicted." The next day, Martin resigned before he could be fired. Dick Howser managed a single game before the Yankees hired Bob Lemon to replace Martin, but in one of the most bizarre PR moves on record they shortly thereafter announced at Yankee Stadium that in 1980, Lemon would move into a front office position, and Martin would return as field manager.
On the Yankee coaching staff in 1978 were Elston Howard at 1st, Dick Howser at 3rd, Art Fowler with the pitchers, Yogi Berra in the Bullpen, Gene Michael on the Bench and Clyde King as an assistant.
Opening Day Roster:
Ron Guidry, SP:
After six years in the Yankee system, including very limited time with the big club and a near-decision to quit playing ball, the skinny kid from Lafayette finally arrived in 1977 with a 16-9 record. Good, yes. But it didn't prepare anyone for what was to come in 1978. Not losing a game until July 7, Ron posted a 25-3 record, with a 1.74 ERA and 248 Ks against only 72 walks. Hard to imagine, then, that he almost went to the Blue Jays, straight up, for Bill Singer before the 1977 season. The Jays nixed it because Singer was featured on the team's very first program, and it would have been unseemly to trade their marquee player before ever taking the field.
Don Gullett, SP:
It was a bad omen when Don missed 4 days of camp with shoulder stiffness. He wound up being scratched from his first start of the year and placed on the DL on April 18 because of continued shoulder tightness. He returned to the roster on June 3, and won 4 straight starts (it would have been 5 straight but for an error by rookie Damaso Garcia) before his shoulder forced him back to the DL on July 15. He was never able to regain his old form - his final career appearance came July 9 in Milwaukee - he took the loss in New York's 8-4 defeat at the hands of the Brewers.
Dick Tidrow, SP:
Coming off surgery after pitching with a bone chip floating around in his elbow in 1977, there were questions concerning whether Dick would be effective in 1978. Though he remained healthy throughout the year, his 7-11 record and 3.84 ERA in 25 starts and 6 relief appearances were worse than when he pitched hurt the previous year and went 11-4 with a 3.16 ERA.
Ed Figueroa, SP:
Ed entered camp in 1978 with a sore shoulder, but it didn't affect him once the season started. Often overlooked because of Guidry's feats, Ed nevertheless had his best career win-loss performance in 1978, going 20-9 with 12 complete games.
Jim Hunter, SP:
Jim entered '78 with 2 years left on his contract, determined that if he was unable to pitch to his own high standards, he'd walk away from the game at the end of '79. In his first 5 starts, he went 2-3 with a 5.47 ERA. On May 28, after missing a couple starts, he was placed on the DL with a possible torn muscle behind his right shoulder. He was reactivated on June 17, but was still not right. He was sent back to the DL on June 23 and came back again on July 17. This time, he was good to go. He went 10-2 the rest of the way, including a period where he won 6 straight starts. In 1979, injuries continued to dog him, and after putting up a 2-9 record, true to his word, he retired.
Ken Clay, RP:
In his second big-league campaign, Ken worked in 28 games, six of which as a starter to help aid the depleted rotation. He had come out of spring training with a sore elbow, and was never really very effective. Finally, on July 2 he had to go on the DL. Martin was furious - he claimed to have had no idea Clay was throwing at less than 100%. He was reactivated on July 23, and performed better the rest of the way, lowering his ERA by more than 1.5 runs.
Ken Holtzman, RP:
Ken entered 1978 as a member of the Yankee bullpen, who would be called upon for spot starts when needed. Because of his limited role, the former 20 game winner was not shy about the fact he desired a trade. He made a few starts in Don Gullett's absence but was used less and less as April turned to May and May to June. At the beginning of June, he came to Mickey Rivers' defense when Rivers' was subjected to a Billy Martin tirade. Martin said he'd be rid of Holtzman in a week, and on June 3 he was placed on the DL. On June 10, while still on the DL, he was traded to the Cubs for minor leaguer Ron Davis.
Sparky Lyle, RP:
1978 got off to an awkward start for Sparky - he was late to spring training for which, by memo, he was labeled immature by Steinbrenner. From his home, Sparky said that New York had bigger things to worry about than his tardiness, that he'd join the team in a few days and that if that wasn't good enough for the Yankees "to Hell with them". Once the drama ended and the season started, he was fine - he still compiled a 9-3 record, with 9 saves, in 59 relief appearances, including 33 in which he finished out the game.
Rawly Eastwick, RP:
The 1976 National League Fireman of the Year was disappointed with what he perceived as the arrogant treatment he received from Cincinnati after the season, and signed with St. Louis. His experience with the Cardinals was disastrous - a terrible season on the mound and an inability to get along with Vern Rapp. Signed as a free agent by the Yankees in December of 1977, he had a lot to prove. He was assigned long relief, which was fine by him. As the season wore on, mediocre numbers and an excess of bullpen arms made him expendable. On June 14 he was traded to the Phillies for Jay Johnstone.
Rich Gossage, CL:
Rich was signed as a free agent in November of 1977. As the Yankees' closer in 1978, he pitched 134.1 innings over 68 relief appearances, gaining 27 saves and posting a 2.01 ERA. In 1978 those numbers were great. By today's standards, they'd be astounding.
Fran Healy, C:
Fran made a single appearance in 1978. On April 21, in what would be his final major league appearance, he was a late-inning defensive replacement for Thurman Munson. In his only plate appearance, he struck out to end the game. On May 10th, Fran was released and announced his retirement. He immediately joined the Yankees' local broadcasting crew.
Cliff Johnson, C:
Cliff spent 1978 as Thurman Munson's principal back-up and alternate DH. In 76 games, he hit 9 HR with 16 RBI and a less-than-stellar .184 batting average.
Thurman Munson, C:
In his final full season as the Yankees' catcher, Thurman hit .297, drove in 71 runs and had 6 HR, all down from 1977. Recurring pain in his right knee compelled Billy Martin to give him occasional starts as the DH, and during the second half of July he played right field regularly. His relationship with Billy and The Boss continued to be strained. He and Martin got into it on a team flight, and by mid-July he and Steinbrenner had stopped talking (Thurman said the next time Steinbrenner spoke to him, he hoped it would be to tell him he'd been traded to Cleveland or another team closer to his Ohio home). Munson was suspended from June 28-30 for bumping umpire Jim McKean.
Bucky Dent, IF:
The light-hitting shortstop had only 5 home runs all year - the most opportune coming on October 2nd at Fenway Park. He was on the DL from July 9 to the 31 with a hamstring injury. As in 1977, he was less than pleased with being pinch-hit for as often as he was, but his .243 average offers an explanation.
Chris Chambliss, IF:
Chris was the Yankees' regular first baseman in 1978, his fifth year on the job. He hit .274, with 12 HRs and 90 RBI. On a team filled with strife, he managed to keep himself out of the fray, at least publicly.
Mickey Klutts, IF:
Once considered the Yankees' potential shortstop of the future, Mickey's brief career had been dogged by injuries, and 1978 would be no different. After getting into a single game at third, he was sent to the DL on April 22 with a broken thumb. He was activated again in mid-May but, still hurting, was demoted to Tacoma to play his way back into shape. While at Tacoma, he was included in the deal that saw the Yankees acquire Gary Thomasson from Oakland.
Graig Nettles, IF:
Graig came to spring training with a stiff shoulder, a hold-over from his infamous scuffle with George Brett at third base in the 1977 ALCS. Regardless, 1978 was a good year for him - he collected 162 hits, his career high, hit 27 HRs and had 93 RBI. Defensively, he won the American League Gold Glove Award at third base. He had already developed a desire to play in San Diego (his home town), away from the insanity of the Bronx, but that would have to wait another 6 years.
Willie Randolph, IF:
1978 was Willie's third year as the Yankees' starting second baseman, and he continued to mature as a player. He posted his best average and RBI total so far, and led the team with 36 stolen bases. He was placed on the DL June 28 (retro-active to the 23rd) due to a slight tear in the muscle behind his left knee, and returned on July 14. He was forced to sit for the post-season due to a hamstring injury he suffered during the final week of the season.
Jim Spencer, IF:
Acquired in a trade with the White Sox in December 1977, Jim spent 1978 as a reserve (and occasional starter) at first base and DH. He was on the DL from August 2 through the 20th with a fracture in his left hand.
Fred Stanley, IF:
Fred was the Yankees' all-purpose infield reserve player for most of the 1970s. In 1978, he saw action in 81 games, primarily at shortstop and at second base. He wound up starting a good number of games while Willie Randolph and then Bucky Dent were on the DL.
Paul Blair, OF:
Formerly the starting center fielder on the great Orioles teams of the late '60s and early '70s, in 1978 Paul was New York's go-to reserve outfielder. He saw most of his action in center and in right.
Reggie Jackson, OF:
Having been established as "Mr. October" via the 1977 World Series, Reggie arrived at spring training, in his Rolls Royce, indicating he was "just here to play baseball", and presumably ready to put the distractions and disagreements of the previous year behind him. Apart from being displeased with some stints at DH, and a 5-day suspension for failing to take extra batting practice in July, 1978 did prove a bit more subdued for the right-fielder. He led the team in HR, RBI and slugging, though his numbers in each category were down slightly from 1977.
Lou Piniella, OF:
Lou made it into 130 games in 1978 - he started 75 in left where he was in a platoon with the switch-hitting Roy White. A fierce competitor, prone to clubhouse sermons (and throwing things), Lou led the Yankees with a .314 average and tallied a career-high 34 doubles.
Mickey Rivers, OF:
The appropriately-nicknamed "Mick the Quick" (25 stolen bases) was the Yankees' starting center fielder in 1978. Despite Billy Martin loudly threatening to bench him in favor of Paul Blair due to what Martin perceived as lackadaisical play, the only significant time he missed was when he was on the DL from June 17 through July 3 with a hairline fracture in his right hand.
Roy White, OF:
Roy was the Yankees' longest-serving veteran in 1978. He came up with the club in 1965, just after the team had won its final pennant for over a decade. He endured some pretty lean years in the Bronx, so the World Series victories in 1977 and 1978 must have been especially sweet for him. He got into just over 100 games in '78, mostly alternating in left with Lou Piniella. Due to a hamstring injury, Roy was on the DL from May 19 through June 4.
October 17, 1978 - the Yankees celebrate their World Series win in Dodger Stadium
In-Season Moves:
Jim Beattie, SP:
Jim was summoned from Tacoma when Don Gullett went to the DL on April 18. He was sent back to Tacoma to make room for Larry McCall on June 22, and came back up for the rest of the season when Gullett went on the DL again on July 15. Jim picked up the win in his major league debut at Baltimore on April 25.
Brian Doyle, IF:
Brian was called up from Tacoma when Mickey Klutts went to the DL on April 22. He went back to Tacoma when George Zeber was called up from the same club on May 13. He and Zeber passed each other going the other way on June 15, and Doyle stayed with the big club the rest of the way. Brian made his major league debut on April 30, but didn't play again until he was recalled the second time. He provided valuable infield support down the stretch and into the post-season. His performance in the World Series (7 hits, 4 runs) made him, for a time, a cult hero in New York.
Dell Alston, OF:
Dell was called up from Tacoma on May 10 to take Fran Healy's spot on the roster after Fran's release. On June 3, he was sent back down to make room for Mike Heath on the roster. On June 15, while still in the minors, Dell and Mickey Klutts were traded to the A's for Gary Thomasson. During his brief time with the Yankees in 1978, Dell had three pinch-hitting appearances without a hit.
George Zeber, IF:
Zeber was called up from Tacoma on May 13 to take Brian Doyle's spot on the roster when Doyle was sent down. He was sent back to Tacoma when Doyle was called back on on June 15. George saw action in only 3 games in 1978, including his final major league appearance on June 14 against the Mariners - he started at second and went 0-for-4.
Andy Messersmith, SP:
Having already started spring training recovering from elbow surgery, Andy's bad luck continued when, late in camp, he separated his shoulder while covering first. As a result, he started the season on the DL. It was initially thought he might miss the entire year, but he was activated on May 28 when Jim Hunter went down. He made 6 starts, compiling an 0-3 record and a 5.64 ERA. Still bothered by his shoulder, he was placed back on the DL on July 2, and remained there until September 5. Even though active, he didn't see any more action in '78.
Jay Johnstone, OF:
The well-traveled veteran arrived in The Bronx by way of a trade with the Phillies for Rawly Eastwick on June 14. He served as a reserve outfielder the rest of the way, mostly in left, and as an occasional DH. Ever the jokester, upon his arrival in New York he declared himself the key to the Yankees' pennant hopes.
Mike Heath, C:
Mike was called up from West Haven on June 3 when Dell Alston was sent to Tacoma. He made his major league debut that same day as a late inning defensive replacement for Thurman Munson in Oakland. He was returned to West Haven briefly in mid-June, but was recalled again on June 28 when Munson was suspended. After seeing a good number of starts when Munson was playing right field during the second half of July, he was sent back down on July 31 when Bucky Dent came off the DL. He was brought back up on August 10 when Larry McCall was sent to Tacoma, and he stayed with the big club the rest of the way.
Gary Thomasson, OF:
The Yanks acquired Thomasson via a trade with the A's for Dell Alston and Mickey Klutts on June 15. With Jay Johnstone he served as an outfield reserve for the rest of the season, playing in left, center and right as needed. He started in center for much of late June and early July when Mickey Rivers was on the DL.
Larry McCall, RP:
Larry was called up from Tacoma when Jim Beattie was sent down on June 22. He was with the Yankees until being demoted to West Haven when Mickey Rivers came off the DL on July 2. He was brought back on August 2 when Jim Spencer went on the DL, and was sent down to Tacoma when Mike Heath was recalled from West Haven on August 10. He was later recalled when rosters expanded in September. For all this movement, he only saw action in 5 games, throwing a total of 16 innings and earning a 1-1 record.
Damaso Garcia, IF:
Damaso was called up from Tacoma when Willie Randolph went on the DL on June 23, and was sent back down when Jim Hunter came off the DL on July 17. He was the Yankees' starting second baseman for much of this time, making his major league debut on June 24.
Dave Rajsich, SP:
Dave was called to the Yankees from Tacoma along with Bob Kammeyer when Andy Messersmith and Ken Clay went on the DL on July 2. He made his major league debut in a start against Detroit that same day, throwing 4.2 innings and taking a no decision. He started once more before being sent back to Tacoma on July 14 when Willie Randoplh came off the DL. He was brought back in September when rosters expanded.
Bob Kammeyer, RP:
Called up with Dave Rajsich when Messersmith and Clay went to the DL on July 2, he stayed with New York until being send back to Tacoma when Ron Davis was called up on July 29. Including his major league debut at Boston on July 3, he made 7 relief appearances, tossing 21.2 innings.
Ron Davis, RP:
Ron was summoned from Tacoma on July 29 when Bob Kammeyer was sent down. He made his major league debut that same day in relief against the Twins - he faced 3 batters, gave up 2 walks a hit and two runs without recording an out. He was sent back to Tacoma on August 1 when the Yankees signed Paul Lindblad, and was recalled again when rosters expanded in September.
Paul Lindblad, RP:
The veteran reliever was purchased from the Rangers on August 1st. In 7 appearances, including one emergency start, he threw 18.1 innings. On October 1, in the final appearance of his 14 year career, he threw the last third of an inning in the Yankees' 9-2 loss to the Indians, which forced the play-off against Boston.
Dennis Sherrill, IF:
A September call-up, Dennis made two appearances, including his major league debut on September 4 against Detroit in which he pinch-ran for Jim Spencer and wound up scoring a run.
Domingo Ramos, IF:
Another September call-up, Ramos got into a single game, his major league debut, as a defensive replacement for Bucky Dent at shortstop at Fenway on September 8.
Yankee Stadium
East 161st St. and River Ave., Bronx, NY
Other 1978 Yankees Stuff:
Dick Howser
Elston Howard
Yogi Berra
Art Fowler
Yankees' Coaches:
Owner - George Steinbrenner
General Manager - Cedric Tallis
Minor League Affiliates:
A (Short-Season): Oneonta Yankees (NY-Penn League)
51-19, 1st of 5
Manager: Art Mazmanian
Future Star: Rex Hudler
A: Fort Lauderdale Yankees (Florida State League)
74-68, 2nd of 5
Manager: Doug Holmquist
Future Star: Willie McGee
AA: West Haven Yankees (Eastern League)
82-57, 1st of 6
Manager: Stump Merrill
Future Star: Steve Balboni
AAA: Tacoma Yankees (Pacific Coast League)
80-57, 1st of 5
Manager: Mike Ferraro
Future Star: Jerry Narron
Gene Michael
Clyde King
Summary of Roster Moves:
April 18 - Gullett to DL, Beattie from Tacoma
April 22 - Klutts to DL, Doyle from Tacoma
May 10 - Healy released/retires, Alston from Tacoma
May 13 - Zeber from Tacoma, Doyle to Tacoma
May 19 - White to DL, Klutts from DL
May 28 - Messersmith from DL, Hunter to DL, Klutts to Tacoma (active roster to 24)
June 3 - Alston to Tacoma, Heath from West Haven
June 3 - Gullett and White from DL, Holtzman to DL (active roster to 25)
June 14 - Eastwick to Phillies for Johnstone
June 15 - Zeber to Tacoma, Doyle from Tacoma
June 15 - Thomasson from A's, Heath to West Haven
June 17 - Rivers to DL, Hunter from DL
June 22 - Beattie to Tacoma, McCall from Tacoma
June 23 - Hunter to DL (active roster to 24)
June 28 - Munson suspended, Heath from West Haven
June 28 - Randolph to DL, Garcia from Tacoma
June 30 - Munson activated (active roster to 25)
July 2 - Messersmith and Clay to DL, Rajsich and Kammeyer from Tacoma
July 2 - Rivers from DL, McCall to West Haven
July 9 - Dent to DL (active roster to 24)
July 14 - Randolph from DL, Rajsich to Tacoma
July 15 - Gullett to DL, Beattie from Tacoma
July 17 - Hunter from DL, Garcia to Tacoma
July 19 - Jackson suspended (active roster to 23)
July 23 - Clay from DL (active roster to 24)
July 24 - Jackson activated (active roster to 25)
July 29 - Davis from Tacoma, Kammeyer to Tacoma
July 31 - Dent from DL, Heath to West Haven
August 1 - Lindblad purchased, Davis to West Haven
August 2 - Spencer to DL, McCall from West Haven
August 10 - Heath from West Have, McCall to Tacoma
August 20 - Spencer from DL, Doyle to Tacoma
September 5 - Gullett and Messersmith from DL
September Call-Ups: Sherrill, Doyle, Ramos, McCall and Ramos