History of Carl Yastrzemski in Timeline

Carl Yastrzemski, nicknamed "Yaz", was a Major League Baseball player who spent his entire career with the Boston Red Sox. Primarily a left fielder early on, he transitioned to third base, then first base, and designated hitter later. He is known for his longevity and versatility, playing multiple positions throughout his career with the Red Sox.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1927: Yastrzemski's WAR

In 1967, Carl Yastrzemski's 12.4 WAR was the highest since Babe Ruth's 1927 season.

August 22, 1939: Carl Yastrzemski Born

On August 22, 1939, Carl Michael Yastrzemski Sr., nicknamed "Yaz", was born. He would become a professional baseball player for the Boston Red Sox.

Others born on this day/year

1946: Red Sox Won American League Pennant

In 1967, the Red Sox won the American League pennant for the first time since 1946.

1957: Graduated from Bridgehampton School

In 1957, Carl Yastrzemski graduated from Bridgehampton School. During his time there, he set a Long Island high school scoring record in basketball, breaking a record previously held by Jim Brown.

1959: Signed with the Red Sox and Played for Raleigh Capitals

In 1959, Yastrzemski signed with the Red Sox organization and played for the minor-league Raleigh Capitals, leading the league with a .377 batting average.

1960: Played for the Minneapolis Millers

In 1960, Yastrzemski played for the Minneapolis Millers after being moved from the Raleigh Capitals organization after the post-season.

1961: Began Major-League Career

In 1961, Yastrzemski began his major-league career and hit his first home run off of Jerry Casale. He succeeded Ted Williams as a player.

1963: Competitive Advantages for Pitchers

Between 1963 and 1968 pitchers enjoyed competitive advantages leading to Yastrzemski's .301 mark being the lowest average of any batting champion in major league history.

1963: Won American League Batting Championship

In 1963, Yastrzemski won the American League batting championship with a .321 batting average, also leading the league in doubles and walks and finishing sixth in the Most Valuable Player voting.

1965: Played Against Tommy John

Tommy John recalled Yastrzemski hitting him well during his time with the White Sox from 1965-1971.

1966: Finished Degree at Merrimack College

In 1966, Yastrzemski fulfilled a promise to his parents by finishing his business degree at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts.

1966: Mention of All-Star Game MVP Award

In 1970 Yastrzemski was the second player to win the All-Star Game MVP Award despite playing for the losing team since Brooks Robinson done so in 1966.

November 1967: SPORT Magazine Article

In November 1967, Yastrzemski co-wrote an article for SPORT magazine, crediting the Red Sox's season to manager Dick Williams and the infusion of youth.

1967: Season of the Impossible Dream

1967 was the "Impossible Dream" season for the Red Sox, who won the American League pennant for the first time since 1946. Yastrzemski batted .513 over the last two weeks of the season.

1967: Won the American League Triple Crown

In 1967, Carl Yastrzemski won the American League Triple Crown with a .326 batting average, 44 home runs, and 121 RBIs. He was also voted Most Valuable Player.

1967: Led Red Sox to American League Pennant and Wins Triple Crown

In 1967, Yastrzemski led the Red Sox to the American League pennant and was voted the American League MVP. He also won the Triple Crown that year.

1968: Won Batting Championship

In 1968, Yastrzemski won the batting championship with a .301 mark, the lowest average of any batting champion in major league history, during "The Year of the Pitcher."

1969: First 40-Home Run Season

In 1969, Yastrzemski had the first of two consecutive 40-home run seasons, leading the Red Sox to a third-place finish that year.

1970: Named All-Star Game MVP

In 1970, Yastrzemski had four hits in the All-Star Game, tying the record, and was named the game MVP despite the American League losing. His .329 batting average that season was his career high.

1971: Suffered Hand Injuries

In the early 1970s, beginning in 1971, Yastrzemski suffered hand injuries that reduced his power and productivity.

1973: Finished Top Three in On-Base Percentage and Walks

In 1973 and 1974, Yastrzemski finished in the top 10 in batting and top three in on-base percentage and walks, leading the league in runs scored in 1974.

1974: Finished Top Three in On-Base Percentage and Walks

In 1973 and 1974, Yastrzemski finished in the top 10 in batting and top three in on-base percentage and walks, leading the league in runs scored in 1974.

1975: Lost World Series to Cincinnati Reds

In 1975, Yastrzemski and the Red Sox lost the World Series to the Cincinnati Reds in seven games. Yastrzemski made the final out in Game 7.

1975: Hit Home Run in All-Star Game

In the 1975 All-Star Game, Yastrzemski hit Tom Seaver's first pitch for a three-run home run to tie the score, without wearing a batting helmet. The American League ended up losing the game 6-3.

1975: Anniversary of 1975 Boston Red Sox Team

On April 4, 2025, Yastrzemski threw out the first pitch at Fenway Park after a ceremony honoring the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Boston Red Sox team.

May 19, 1976: Hit Three Home Runs Against Detroit Tigers

On May 19, 1976, Yastrzemski hit three home runs against the Detroit Tigers at Tiger Stadium and then hit two more at Yankee Stadium, tying the major league record of five home runs in two consecutive games.

1978: Made Final Out in Tie-Breaker Game

In 1978, Yastrzemski made the final out of the American League East tie-breaker game with a foul pop. He also hit a home run off Ron Guidry, the only one Guidry allowed to a left-hander all season.

1978: One of League's Oldest Players

In 1978, Yastrzemski, then 39, was one of the five oldest players in the league.

September 12, 1979: Achieved 3,000 Hits and 400 Home Runs

On September 12, 1979, Yastrzemski became the first American League player with 3,000 career hits and 400 home runs.

1979: Played Against Tommy John with Yankees

Tommy John believes Yastrzemski remembered the years starting in 1979 when John played for the Yankees and fared better in their matchups.

1982: Featured on Sports Illustrated Cover

In 1982, playing primarily as a designated hitter, Yastrzemski was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated and played in that year's All-Star game due to an early season hitting streak.

1983: Retired From Baseball

Yastrzemski retired at the end of the 1983 season at age 44.

1984: Son Drafted by Atlanta Braves

In 1984, Carl Yastrzemski Jr. (Mike) was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the third round.

1984: Planned to Play in 1984

Yastrzemski planned on playing the 1984 season until a midseason slump caused him to retire. He also regretted not playing with Roger Clemens.

1986: Inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame

In 1986, Yastrzemski was inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame.

1987: Son Played for Hawaii Islanders

In 1987, Carl Yastrzemski Jr. played for the Hawaii Islanders.

1988: Son Ended Playing Career

In 1988, Carl Yastrzemski Jr. ended his playing career with the Vancouver Canadians.

August 6, 1989: Red Sox Retired Number 8

On August 6, 1989, the Red Sox retired Yastrzemski's uniform number 8 after his election to the Hall of Fame.

1989: Inducted to Baseball Hall of Fame

In 1989, Yastrzemski was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, marking a significant achievement in his career.

1990: Inducted into Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame

In 1990, Yastrzemski was inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame on Long Island.

1999: Ranked on The Sporting News' List

In 1999, Yastrzemski ranked 72nd on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players and was named a finalist to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.

2004: Son's Death

In 2004, Carl Michael Yastrzemski Jr. (Mike) died at age 43 from a blood clot after hip surgery.

2004: Raised World Series Banner and Threw First Pitch

In 2004, along with Johnny Pesky, Yastrzemski raised the 2004 World Series championship banner over Fenway Park. He also threw out the ceremonial first pitch for Game 1 of the 2004 World Series.

2007: Threw First Pitch at World Series

Carl Yastrzemski threw out the ceremonial first pitch for Game 1 of the 2007 World Series.

August 2008: Underwent Heart Surgery

In August 2008, Yastrzemski underwent successful triple bypass heart surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital.

2009: Mike Yastrzemski Drafted by Red Sox

In 2009, Mike Yastrzemski was drafted by the Red Sox, but he did not sign with the team.

2012: Miguel Cabrera Won Triple Crown

In 2012, Miguel Cabrera became the first player since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967 to win the Batting Triple Crown in the Major Leagues.

2012: Mike Yastrzemski Drafted by Mariners

In 2012, Mike Yastrzemski was drafted by the Seattle Mariners, but he did not sign with the team.

September 23, 2013: Statue Honoring Yastrzemski

On September 23, 2013, the Red Sox honored Carl Yastrzemski with a statue outside Fenway Park.

2013: Mike Yastrzemski Signed with Orioles

In 2013, Mike Yastrzemski signed with the Baltimore Orioles after being selected in the MLB draft.

2016: Mike Yastrzemski reaches Triple-A

In 2016, Mike Yastrzemski reached Triple-A with the Norfolk Tides, in Baltimore's farm system.

2017: Yastrzemski's Rankings on All-Time MLB Lists

By the end of the 2017 season, Carl Yastrzemski held several high rankings on the all-time MLB lists, including first for games played for one team and second for total games played.

2018: Threw First Pitch at World Series

Carl Yastrzemski threw out the ceremonial first pitch for Game 1 of the 2018 World Series.

March 2019: Mike Yastrzemski Traded to Giants

In March 2019, Mike Yastrzemski was traded to the San Francisco Giants organization.

May 25, 2019: Mike Yastrzemski's MLB Debut

On May 25, 2019, Carl Yastrzemski's grandson, Mike Yastrzemski, made his Major League Baseball debut with the San Francisco Giants.

April 4, 2025: Threw First Pitch at Fenway Park

On April 4, 2025, Yastrzemski threw out the first pitch at Fenway Park after a ceremony honoring the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Boston Red Sox team.