1976 Topps #224 - Jim York

• Jim York pitched for three teams from 1970-1976. He was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1969. Jim spent 1969 and 1970 in the minors and was called up in September 1970. He pitched eight innings for the Royals with a 1-1 record.

• York had a good year in 1971 -- he was 5-5 with three saves and an ERA of 2.89 in 53 relief appearances. After the 1971 season Jim was sent to the Houston Astros as part of a trade that brought John Mayberry to the Royals. He didn't make the Astros team in 1972 and spent part of the season in AAA Oklahoma City. Jim went up and down between Oklahoma City and Houston and ended up going 0-1 with a 5.25 ERA in 26 games for the Astros. His season was hampered by blister problems on his pitching hand.

• Jim followed the same pattern in 1973, 1974, and 1975. He had pretty good years for the Astros, but spent some time in AAA in each of those seasons. In 1973 Jim was 3-4 with six saves and a 4.42 ERA in 41 appearances. York was 2-2 with one save and a 3.29 ERA in 28 games in 1974. In 1975 York had all four of his career starts. He pitched in a total of 19 games and was 4-4 with a 3.86 ERA.

• The New York Yankees purchased Jim from the Astros on January 8, 1976. He spent a good part of the season in AAA Syracuse, where he appeared in 22 games. After making three appearances in late July and early August, York was released by the Yankees and signed by the Chicago White Sox. He was sent to AAA Iowa, where he appeared in five games. Jim decided to retire after the season.

• Since his retirement York has been involved in the insurance industry. He spent 13 years in Houston and then moved to California to join an international insurance firm. He was there for a few years and is now in business for himself.

• Here is a good interview.