May 31, New York (He was the Yankees new GM in 1978)

Before the game Billy was talking to a couple of reporters who told him that the Yankees had just called up catcher Mike Heath from our West Haven farm club. A few minutes later, Rosen called Billy on the phone to tell him about it. Billy said, "I just heard about it from a couple of newspaper guys." Then he slammed the phone down in Rosen's ear.

June 10, Anaheim: (I remember watching this game on the Yankees TV broadcast ... the link below is how the Angels TV crew called it)

Heath tagged Grich out, but Grich whacked him pretty good with his elbow as he slid in. I was pitching and Heath said, "I should have killed the son ** * b****." Billy came out and told him, "If they try to knock you over, hit the m**********r right in the mouth with the ball."

Video of incidents with Grich and Lansford -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mVqUeHJC3o

June 10, Anaheim:

Billy and Messersmith have a conflict about something ... The thing is, Andy's just gotten here, and he can't believe the crap that goes on here. He's amazed we can still play ball at all.

June 15, New York:

Beattie was complaining that he wasn't being used right. Beat says he's a better pitcher when he goes every fourth day instead of every fifth.

When Billy heard about that, he said, "He'll pitch every fourth day. As soon as Catfish comes back, he'll pitch every fourth day in Tacoma."

June 16, New York:

Tito Fuentes, who has been one of the most renowned hot dogs in baseball history, came to the stadium today to work out. He hit and fielded, and I guess he's looking for a job. Willie's out and we need a second baseman. Brian Doyle can't hit his weight, and we have this kid Garcia, who looks like a good ballplayer but he doesn't have experience either. Fuentes, I understand, wants $180,000 to sign. If George signs him, that's going to be it for me. I'm going home - for good.

June 20, Boston:

Last week against Seattle George Zeber screwed up a pop-up, and the next day he was sent down. By the time he got to the park the next day, Brian Doyle had already been called up and was walking around with Zeber's uniform on. That's as quick as you can be. You can't be any quicker unless you get the guy on the CB on his way to the ball park. "Ah, breaker 19, breaker 19, Zeber, don't bother coming to the ball park. Somebody else is already wearing your uniform."

June 23, Detroit

Amid all the talk that Billy's going to get fired, he came over to me and asked, "How much pension can I get?" I said, "I think it's about two grand a month." He said, "I might just quit and live off my pension. Screw it. Let the bastard fire me." I said, "You want to keep your medical and dental coverage?" He laughed.

July 16, New York:

Another time Reggie was giving Mickey Rivers the same jive. "My IQ is 160," he told Mickey. Mickey looked at Reggie and said, "Out of what, Buck, a thousand?" Cracked everybody up. Reggie's always trying to show Mickey how much smarter he is. One day he asked Mickey, "What am I doing arguing with someone who can't read or write?" Mickey replied, You oughta stop reading and writing and start hitting."

July 21, Chicago:

After the game Jim Spencer was griping that after he struck out three times against the Red Sox two weeks ago, he hasn't played since. I don't know what he's bitching about. Jay Johnstone NEVER plays.

July 24, Kansas City:

Steve Braun hit a liner at Munson, who waited it for it, ran in, caught it, and then dropped it. Thurm, not being an outfielder, stepped on it, kicked it, and two runs scored on what was ruled a double. It was really funny to watch. We laughed our a**es off.