Lindy McDaniel
20 Years in the Pen
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
I was obtained by the New York Yankees for pitcher Bill Monbouquette on July 12, 1968. Best thing that happened to my career. My 5 ½ years with Yankees revived my career.
Those Yankee Pin-stripe Home Uniforms are, in my opinion, the beat looking uniforms in baseball. The next photo is my favorite Yankee picture taking my sign from the catcher and showing the large McGreggor pitching glove which was good for hiding the baseball.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Next we have a photo of the road uniform.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
This second road uniform shot was taken in Comiskey Park in Chicago. This particular photo was obtained from a man who had a display at an autograph show in Milwaukee. I have a large blow up of this in my baseball room at home. This is one of my favorite photos.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
The next two photos were taken at Yankee Stadium during the second game of a twilight double-header against the Detroit Tigers. In that game I pitched seven perfect innings in relief. During a span of 4 games I retired 32 consecutive batters to tie a major league record. This game lasted 18 innings and was called due to curfew and had to be rescheduled. It shows my modified high kick delivery giving me a lot of balance and control. It was during this period of time that the Yankees played what was the equivalent of 10 games in 5 days. We even had to use our shortstop, Gene Michael, and right-fielder, Rocky Colavito, to take turns on the mound. Yankee Stadium was one of my favorite parks to pitch in because of my success in pitching to left-handed batters. They were trying to pull my pitches to the short porch in right field, and my tailing fastball and forkball made that rather impossible.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
I was popular with the fans in New York because of my success in Yankee Stadium, and I experienced many occasions where I would pitch 3 or more shutout innings to pick up a win or a save.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
This photo appeared in the 1971 Yankee Yearbook. This shows motion just before delivery of baseball to home plate. The left arm is extended with right arm fully extended backward and weight being shifted from right to left leg.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Waiting my turn at bat. For many, many years I was the last pitcher in the American League to hit a home run. I hit a home run off of Mickey Lolich into the upper deck in Tiger Stadium in Detroit at the end of the 1972 season. The next year the “designated hitter” rule came into effect so that pitchers did not hit in the American League. That of course was not done to stop my hot bat (Ha,Ha), but to allow over-the-hill players to bat but not have to field. This ruling is still controversial today.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Here I am checking the runners on base. A relief pitcher must keep his “cool” under all circumstances. One must be relaxed but able to react instantly. One of the biggest problems pitchers have is “rushing their delivery” where the upper part of the body gets ahead of the lower part of the body.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Here I am showing my “fork ball” grip where I grip the ball between my first and index finger with my thumb underneath. My first and index fingers do not touch any seam allowing less friction resulting in the ball rotating opposite to fastball.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Starting pitchers Mel Stottlemeyre and Fritz Peterson showing their appreciation for my relief work. A good relief pitcher is the starter’s best friend. Once I saved Peterson’s 20th win at Fenway Park in Boston in 1970. Mel didn’t need much of my help for he usually completed his games.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
This photo is of Steve Hamilton, myself, and Jack Acker. We were the “big three” in the Bullpen in 1970. That year we probably had the best relief core in history with 75 wins and saves in the bullpen. The Yankees had 92 games won or lost by one run. If we had a lead by the fifth, we almost had a lock on the game. They called us “the professor” (Steve Hamilton), “the preacher (Lindy McDaniel) and “the chief” (Jack Acker) who was mostly Indian.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Steve Hamilton, also shown on this page, was my best friend on the Yankees. He was the Yankee’s player representative and also represented the American League. He was from Kentucky and could talk just like “Gomer Pile”. He was a competitive bench rest shooter and on off days we would drive into Connecticut to shoot woodchucks at 300 yards on a neat rock fence farm owned by a Jewish farmer. I became the Yankee’s player rep after Steve was traded to Giants.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Here in the next photo I am in the final part of my delivering a pitch to home plate. Once the front leg lands, it must not move. If it slips because of mud or loose dirt, it can affect both control and speed.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
The Yankee Bull-pen was really bad before I joined the club and was even criticized publically by the manager, Ralph Houk. But we were able to turn things around and the Yankees made a big comeback in the second half of the season in ’68. Since that time the Yankees have consistently had a good relief staff over the years. Hopefully I had some part in this transformation of the Yankee Bull-pen. The bullpen bench was located in right field with the bleachers on both sides. As you can see, the bullpen fence was very short.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Above is the Yankee Bullpen in 1973 consisting of Sparky Lyle, Fred Beene and myself. Sparky was our short relief stopper in the bullpen and I was used in multiple roles often pitching as many as 5 or 6 innings. In one game against the Tigers in Detroit, I entered the game in the 1st inning in relief of Fritz Petterson and pitched 13 innings. We won the game 2 to 1.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Here is a random photo of me as a Yankee.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
The above photo was furnished by the Yankees to answer fan mail.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Another random photo of me as a Yankee.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
This photo was taken at F.B.I. headquarters in Chicago. Steve Hamilton and I were given a tour of the place. We saw photos of mobster murders that are too gross to show here.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
The Yankees were extremely good at having “Old Timers” days at the Stadium. They had so many great players of the past to invite to these affairs. Here they are playing an “Old Timer’s” game at the Stadium that Ruth Built. Yogi Berra is walking to the dugout after a time at bat. This is 1970.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Casey Stengel, great Yankee manger, being interviewed by Phil Rizzuto, great shortstop turned announcer after retirement. This was during “Old Timers Day” in 1970. Casey was never at a loss for words. Under-standing what he said was a different matter.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
In the Yankee dugout with Bob Turley, Phil Rizzuto, and some of the guys. The Yankee Dugout was always on the first base side.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
The next photo is of the great Joe DiMaggio, trotting to the dugout after scoring in the “Old Timer’s” Game.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Allie Reynolds, a great pitcher from Oklahoma, being inter-viewed by Frank Messer along with Enos Slaughter to his right. This photo was taken in 1972.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
The next photo is of Allie Reynolds in the center with Bobby Murcer on the left and Jim Hegan to the right.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
This photo is followed by a picture of famous Satchel Paige being weighed in with on lookers. Sorry I didn’t get a better picture. He was about 6ft 4in tall and weighed 180 during his playing days.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
This is a photo of Bobby Shantz, a little guy with a big heart and one of the best fielding pitchers who ever lived.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
This is a photo of Yogi Berra, in the middle, talking with Gene Woodling and to his right is Hank Bauer. This and following photos were taken in 1972 at the Old Timers Festivities in Yankee Stadium.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Bobby Murcer and Mickey Mantle. Bobby played center field for Yankees after Mantle retired. Bobby was good, but never lived up to the standard set by Mantle, who was probably the greatest Yankee player outside of Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio. You might get a chuckle out of Bobby’s stripped pants! Bobby was my presenter when I was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. He died of cancer in 2009.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
This is a picture of myself and Bobby Richardson, who played second base for the Yankees during many of their championship years. Bobby had the reputation for being very religious.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Here is a photo of Phil Rizzuto
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Here is a photo of Casey Stengel.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
A cartoon of me not long after I joined the Yankees in 1968.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
This photo is of Jerry Coleman, former player turned announcer, Bobby Cox, our utility infielder who later became the great manager for the Atlanta Braves, and myself.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
On the opposite page is my friend and teammate Felipe Alou. He had a great career as both a player and a manager. He was the oldest of the Alou brothers (Felipe, Matty and Jesus). Moises Alou, who also played Major League baseball, was the son of Felipe. This was quite a distinguished baseball family from the Dominican Republic. The Giants were the first baseball organization to really tap into that market of players. At one time they employed all of the Alou brothers.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
The famous “Yankee Stadium”. This park was torn down and replaced by a new park in 2009.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
The bus would take us across the Brooklyn Bridge when we played against the Dodgers in Ebbets field in Brooklyn. This was in 1956 and 1957 before the Dodgers and Giants moved to the west coast.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Some photos of my Yankee cards. There are about 23 different tops baseball cards of me from all the various teams.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
After retiring, the Upper Deck company put out a “Classic Series” of cards reproducing many of my old cards.
My record with the 5 ½ years I played for the Yankees was 38 wins, 28 losses, 58 Saves, 363 strike outs, 156 walks, and an E.R.A. of 2.90. They had a young club and not the balance and power of the Yankee clubs of the past. During my first 4 ½ years with the Yankees they were owned by C.B.S. George Steinbrenner owned the Yankees my last year in 1973.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
The photos on opposite side were taken in the Rose Garden at the White House with 15 Yankees meeting the president Richard Nixon. We had a young club and I was the only player he recognized as he followed me when I played for the Cardinals. He is shaking my hand as all of the players look on. When we were given a tour of the White House, nobody knew that we would meet the president.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Here I am shaking the hand of the president, Richard Nixon.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Card photos of my great Yankee manager, Ralph Houk, who once said to a large audience attending a function honoring Yankee Old-timers, “I love Lindy as a son.” Also a photo of the great Yankee catcher, Thurman Munson, who died while flying solo in a small plane.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Family photo taken on “Family Day” 1970. The Yankees furnished the uniforms for the kids. On this day we were entertained by Walt Disney characters. In photo are Dale Lyn, myself, Augie, Jonathan & Kathi
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
A photo of myself and Jonathan
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Photo taken on “Family Day”, 1970. My sons Dale and Jonathan along with myself in Yankee Stadium in center field.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Observe in the following photos that Jonathan is always following “Goofy” around. It is impossible for “Goofy” to get away from Jonathan.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Other photos show both Jonathan and Kathi right in the middle of the action. Yankees are always good about having special days for the families of the players and furnish small uniforms for the children.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Here is a photo where Jonathan and “Goofy” are engaging in a staring contest.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
There is even a photo of me entering into the fun. I think that Goofy is talking to me about my son, Jonathan. “Now about that son of yours, can’t you just tie him up or something?”
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Here Kathi is getting her turn at bat. She is all concentration and in full game mode. After all, isn’t this the same home plate where Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle batted?
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
The next photo shows my daughter Kathi swinging the bat. Notice the perfect form – level bat swing, hitting the ball square, keeping eye on the ball, moving weight from back to front foot when making contact, etc. Maybe the Yankees should make this into a training film. Oblivious to the exploits of his sister, and the roar of the crowd as she hits the ball, Jonathan is busy holding on to Goofy. He never let Goofy out of his sight! A real tough day for this Walt Disney character.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
On the next page the Yankee ground crew is quietly looking on and enjoying all the festivities although a bit anxious about the kids tearing up the infield.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
This family photo taken below taken on Family day (1971 or 1972). In photo are Kathi, Augie, myself, Dale and Jonathan.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
A photo of myself and Jonathan.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Next page shows the same family day. The first picture was taken of myself, Jonathan, Kathi, Dale and a friend, next to the monuments in center field honoring “Babe Ruth” and “Miller Higgins”. This is the stadium “that Ruth built” and “Miller Huggins” was a notable player and Yankee manager during the time of Babe Ruth.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Dale romping in the outfield at Yankee Stadium. Notice the style of his pants. Those were the days . . .
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Chapter Five
The Yankees - the Best of the Best
Another of John and I.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
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