Elston Howard: Strong and Smart Behind the Plate - 1965 Yankees Panel
The page from the 1965 Big Time Baseball publication highlights Elston Howard, a key player for the New York Yankees. Renowned for his durability and skill, Howard is credited as a major factor in the Yankees' success, contributing significantly to their string of five consecutive American League pennants. Manager Ralph Houk praised Howard's work with young pitchers like Al Downing and Jim Bouton, which played a vital role in the team's 1963 pennant win. In that season, Howard caught 135 games, hit .287, and scored 28 home runs with 85 RBIs, earning him the Most Valuable Player Award. By 1963, Howard set fielding records, catching 150 games, including double-headers and exceeding 939 putouts with 1,008 chances—both remarkable feats in major league history.