The First Closer I Remember

I was saddened to read this morning that Luis Arroyo passed away on Wednesday. For Yankee fans who grew up during the Mantle-Maris era of the early-'60s, Arroyo was the club's top relief pitcher, the guy (who might have even still been called a fireman) who doused late inning threats, helping Whitey Ford, Ralph Terry or Bill Stafford earn the victory. Years later, he became a fixture at Old Timers Day, including the 2013 event, when I had the chance to snap these photos.
   
Unlike his later-day heirs Goose Gossage and Mariano Rivera, Luis didn't enjoy a long career in New York or the majors. He first arrived as a 28-year-rookie with the 1955 Cardinals (and was named to the All Star Team). Ineffectiveness -- likely the relatively primitive sports medicine technology of the era -- plagued him as he bounced to Pittsburgh, then Cincinnati. But he put it all together once he arrived in the Bronx in 1960. This crafy lefty's strengths fit well with the original ballpark's lopsided dimensions. Effective in 1960, he was dominating in 1961, with the greatest Yankee team of the Stengel-Houk-Berra dynasty, posting a 15-5 record out of the bullpen, finishing a league-high 54 games and topping the AL with 29 saves. He not only made the All Star Team again, but in an error when relievers were never considered for the Cy Young Award, Arroyo finished 6th for the MVP!
Luis never had another season like that again. 1962 and '63 were plagued by what just labeled "arm trouble" in those days. Turning 35, he was considered another older pitcher in decline. Still, 1961 earned his place in Yankee history -- and an invitation back to the Bronx for many an Old Timers Day. Here, he's pictured with Rickey Henderson.
Besides his skills, Luis Arroyo also holds one other mark of distinction. He was the first Puerto Rican player in Yankee history.
So adios to a memorable player and a gentleman who was always nice to chat with on the field before my favorite event of the summer.

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