Carl Michael Yastrzemski Sr., commonly known as "Yaz", is a former professional baseball player who dedicated his entire career to the Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball (MLB). Initially, Yastrzemski was recognized for his role as a left fielder, demonstrating versatility by playing 33 games as a third baseman. As his career progressed, he transitioned to playing primarily as a first baseman and designated hitter. Yastrzemski is celebrated for his enduring commitment to the Red Sox, marking a significant presence in the baseball community.
August 22, 1939: Birth of Carl Yastrzemski
Carl Michael Yastrzemski, known as 'Yaz', was born on August 22, 1939, in Southampton, New York. He would go on to become a legendary American baseball player for the Boston Red Sox.
1957: Graduation from Bridgehampton School
In 1957, Carl Yastrzemski graduated from Bridgehampton School. He had been a standout athlete, setting a scoring record in high school basketball, and was on his way to a career in baseball.
1959: Joining the Raleigh Capitals
In 1959, Carl Yastrzemski began his professional baseball career with the Raleigh Capitals, where he led the league with a .377 batting average, marking the start of his rise in the sport.
1960: Playing for the Minneapolis Millers
Carl Yastrzemski played for the Minneapolis Millers during the 1960 season, continuing his development as a professional baseball player before joining the Major Leagues.
1961: Major League Debut
Carl Yastrzemski began his major league career in 1961, succeeding the legendary Ted Williams at the Boston Red Sox. He quickly established himself as a formidable player with a strong defensive game.
1963: Winning the American League Batting Championship
In 1963, Carl Yastrzemski won the American League batting championship with a .321 average, establishing himself as a rising star in baseball.
1965: Difficult matchups with Tommy John
Between 1965 and 1971, Carl Yastrzemski had challenging matchups against pitcher Tommy John while John was with the Chicago White Sox, though John later recalled that Yastrzemski hit well against him during that period.
1966: Completion of Business Degree at Merrimack College
In 1966, Carl Yastrzemski fulfilled a promise to his parents by completing his business degree at Merrimack College, balancing education with his burgeoning baseball career.
November 1967: SPORT Magazine Article Co-Authorship
In November 1967, Carl Yastrzemski co-authored an article for SPORT magazine, crediting the Red Sox's success to manager Dick Williams and the team's youthful energy.
1967: The Impossible Dream album
In 1967, a record album titled The Impossible Dream was released, featuring a song by DJ Jess Cain praising Carl Yastrzemski, highlighting his significance during the Red Sox season.
1967: Leading Red Sox to the American League Pennant
In 1967, Carl Yastrzemski played a pivotal role in leading the Boston Red Sox to the American League pennant, hitting .513 in the final two weeks and delivering key performances in the decisive games.
1967: Winning the Triple Crown and MVP
In 1967, Carl Yastrzemski won the American League Triple Crown and was named MVP, achieving a .326 batting average, 44 home runs, and 121 RBIs. This season is remembered as one of his best.
1967: 1967 American League MVP and Triple Crown Winner
In 1967, Carl Yastrzemski led the Boston Red Sox to the American League pennant, won the American League MVP award, and achieved the Triple Crown. This marked a peak in his career and a significant moment in baseball history.
1968: Winning the Batting Championship in 'The Year of the Pitcher'
In 1968, Carl Yastrzemski won the American League batting championship with a .301 average, the lowest ever for a champion, in a season dominated by pitchers. He was the only AL player to hit .300 that year.
1969: 40-Home Run Season
In 1969, Carl Yastrzemski had his first of two consecutive 40-home run seasons, leading the Red Sox to a third-place finish and solidifying his status as a power hitter.
1970: All-Star Game MVP and Career High Batting Average
In the 1970 season, Yastrzemski was named MVP of the All-Star Game and achieved a career-high .329 batting average, missing the batting title by a narrow margin.
1975: 1975 All-Star Game Home Run
During the 1975 All-Star Game, Carl Yastrzemski hit a three-run homer without wearing a helmet, tying the score in a memorable performance, although the American League eventually lost.
1975: World Series loss to Cincinnati Reds
In 1975, Carl Yastrzemski and the Boston Red Sox faced a challenging World Series, ultimately losing to the Cincinnati Reds in a close series, four games to three. Yastrzemski made the final out in Game 7 with a fly out to center, trailing by one run.
May 19, 1976: Three home runs against the Detroit Tigers
On May 19, 1976, Carl Yastrzemski hit three home runs in a single game against the Detroit Tigers at Tiger Stadium. This performance was part of a record-tying streak where he hit five home runs in two consecutive games.
1978: One of the oldest players in the league
In 1978, at the age of 39, Carl Yastrzemski was among the five oldest players in Major League Baseball, showcasing his longevity and continued skill in the sport.
1978: American League East tie-breaker game
In 1978, Carl Yastrzemski played in the American League East tie-breaker game, where he made the final out with a foul pop to third base. Earlier in the game, he hit a home run against Ron Guidry, marking the only home run Guidry allowed to a left-hander that season.
September 12, 1979: 3,000 career hits and 400 home runs
On September 12, 1979, Carl Yastrzemski became the first American League player to achieve both 3,000 career hits and 400 home runs, marking a significant milestone in his career.
1979: Continued challenges against Tommy John
In 1979, Carl Yastrzemski continued to face difficulties against pitcher Tommy John, who by then was with the New York Yankees, as John had improved in their matchups.
1982: Featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated
In 1982, Carl Yastrzemski had a strong start to the season as a designated hitter, leading to his feature on the cover of Sports Illustrated and participation in the All-Star game.
1983: Retirement from Major League Baseball
In 1983, Carl Yastrzemski retired from Major League Baseball at the age of 44. He had initially planned to continue playing in 1984 but decided to retire after experiencing a midseason slump.
1984: Mike Yastrzemski's professional baseball career begins
In 1984, Carl Yastrzemski's son, Carl Michael Yastrzemski Jr., known as Mike, was drafted by the Atlanta Braves and began his professional baseball career with the Durham Bulls.
1986: Induction into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame
In 1986, Carl Yastrzemski was inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame, acknowledging his contributions to sports and his Polish-American heritage.
1988: End of Mike Yastrzemski's playing career
In 1988, Carl Yastrzemski's son, Mike, ended his playing career with the Vancouver Canadians, another team affiliated with the Chicago White Sox.
August 6, 1989: Number 8 retired by the Red Sox
On August 6, 1989, the Boston Red Sox retired Carl Yastrzemski's uniform number 8 in honor of his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
1989: Induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame
In 1989, Carl Yastrzemski was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. This honor recognized his outstanding career, during which he became an 18-time All-Star and a key figure in baseball history.
1990: Inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame
In 1990, Carl Yastrzemski was inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame on Long Island in the Baseball Category, further cementing his legacy in the sport.
1999: Named a finalist for the MLB All-Century Team
In 1999, Carl Yastrzemski was recognized as one of the sport's greats by being named a finalist for the Major League Baseball All-Century Team and ranked 72nd on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players.
2004: Mike Yastrzemski's death
In 2004, Carl Yastrzemski's son, Mike Yastrzemski, passed away at the age of 43 due to a blood clot following hip surgery.
2004: World Series championship banner raising
In 2004, Carl Yastrzemski, along with Johnny Pesky, raised the World Series championship banner at Fenway Park, marking a historic victory for the Red Sox.
2005: Mention in the film Fever Pitch
In 2005, the film Fever Pitch featured a reference to Carl Yastrzemski, with a song about him appearing in the movie and characters discussing his name, reflecting his enduring impact on baseball culture.
August 2008: Triple bypass heart surgery
In August 2008, Carl Yastrzemski underwent successful triple bypass heart surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, highlighting a significant health event in his life.
September 23, 2013: Yastrzemski honored with a statue at Fenway Park
On September 23, 2013, Carl Yastrzemski was honored by the Boston Red Sox with a statue outside Fenway Park, commemorating his contributions to the team.
2017: High rankings on MLB all-time lists
Through the end of the 2017 season, Carl Yastrzemski held impressive rankings on Major League Baseball's all-time lists, including first for games played for one team and second for total games played.
March 2019: Trade to San Francisco Giants
In March 2019, Mike Yastrzemski was traded to the San Francisco Giants organization, leading to his eventual MLB debut with the team.
May 25, 2019: Mike Yastrzemski's MLB debut with the Giants
On May 25, 2019, Carl Yastrzemski's grandson, Mike Yastrzemski, made his Major League Baseball debut with the San Francisco Giants, marking the continuation of the Yastrzemski legacy in baseball.