Clevenger would be one of the most unknown Yankees of 1961.
He didn't even start the season with The Bronx Bombers. Actually, his first 1961 team was the expansion Los Angeles Angels, where he posted some good numbers. The Angels had acquired the right handed pitcher in the 1960 expansion draft from Cleveland.
In 12 games with the Angels, Clevenger posted a 2-1 record with a more than fine 1.69 ERA. Then, on May 8th, the Yankees traded pitchers Ryne Duren, Johnny James and outfielder / first baseman Lee Thomas to Los Angeles for Tex and Bob Cerv. This would be Cerv's third time around as a Yankee.
For Clevenger, 1961 was a bit of a letdown with the Yankees. He made 21 appearances, posted a high ERA (4.83) and more than a hit per inning (35 in 31 2/3 innings).
He did have his moments, though. His very first Yankee game (May 10) saw him polish off the Kansas City A's with 4 strong innings reliving Ralph Terry. Although it goes into the record books as a blown save, he picked up the win by allowing just 1 hit and 1 walk. It also goes into the books as a win for Tex.
He also tossed 2 innings of scoreless relief on May 16th, May 22nd, June 8th and Sept 15th.
References
Gallagher, Mark. Explosion! Mickey Mantle's Legendary Home Runs. New York: Arbor House, 1987. Print, pp. 160-177, 345-353.
Mantle, Mickey and Herskowitz, Mickey. All My Octobers: My Memories of Twelve World Series When the Yankees Ruled Baseball. Harper Collins, 1994. Print. pp. 129-145.
Smith, Ron. 61* The Story Of Roger Maris And Mickey Mantle And One Magical Summer. The Sporting News, 2001. Print.
Sports Reference LLC. Baseball-Reference.com - Major League Statistics and Information. http://www.baseball-reference.com/. Web. 25 May. 2011.
The World Series Of 1961. Dir. Lew Fonseca. Prod. Dick Borden. Perf. Mel Allen. Major League Baseball Productions., 1961. DVD.
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