DOG ASIDE:
The 1976 New York Yankees season was the 74th season for the Yankees in New York….and the 76th season overall for the franchise. The team finished with a record of 97-62….finishing 10½ games ahead of the Baltimore Orioles to win the American League East title. In the ALCS, the Yanks defeated the Kansas City Royals in 5 games….as Chris Chambliss’s walk-off home run in Game 5 clinched the pennant for the Yankees….their first since 1964 and a span of 12 years since their last A L Pennant.
The Yankees were defeated in a four-game sweep by the defending champion Cincinnati Reds in the 1976 World Series….marking only the second time that the Yankees had ever been swept in a World Series in their history….following the sweep in 1963 by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
New York was managed by Billy Martin….having returned to the newly renovated Yankee Stadium….their home stadium in The Bronx after a two-year absence. The team had played home games at Shea Stadium in Queens….the home of the New York Mets….while renovations to Yankee Stadium were completed…..as the 1975 club had finished in third place in the AL East….with a record of 83-79….finishing 12 games behind the division winning Boston Red Sox. The Yanks were beginning their first full season under manager Billy Martin….who had been hired following the mid-season firing of Bill Virdon.
Owner George Steinbrenner made three off-season moves to try to help the club….first, they brought in power-hitting outfielder/DH Oscar Gamble….who would find the ‘short porch’ in right field very inviting for his power swing….then the club made two deals on the same day….as they sent pitcher Doc Medich to Pittsburgh for three players….primarily seeking the services of pitcher Dock Ellis….while shipping outfielder Bobby Bonds to the California Angels for lead-off man Mickey Rivers and starter Ed Figueroa. The Pirates trade had the longest lasting impact, as then-unheralded minor leaguer Willie Randolph was included in the deal….and was a major catalyst on championship teams for years to come.
