July 20, 1977 – Mickey Rivers

A few days ago, I wrote about the money-filled envelopes George Steinbrenner doled out to the Yankees, a little perk for the players at the All-Star break. But this wasn’t the only time Steinbrenner slipped his guys some cash on the side.

As legend has it, the boss often gave Mickey Rivers “advances” on his salary to help cover his gambling debts because as good as Rivers was at getting on base and creating havoc on the base paths, he was as bad at betting the pony’s.

Rivers would lose money, and he would let it affect him on the field to the point where he’d be so upset that he wouldn’t hustle. His teammates knew it, but what could they do? Ultimately, word reached Steinbrenner’s office, so like he did with so many things, the owner threw money at the problem. His envelopes were usually enough to snap Rivers out of his doldrums, at least until the next debt rolled up.

But even for Steinbrenner there was a limit, and during the 1978 season, the Yankees removed the telephone from the clubhouse at Yankee Stadium to prevent Rivers from calling in his bets to the track.

Rivers began his career with the Angels, and after leading the American League in triples in 1974 and 1975, and in stolen bases with 70 in 1975, Rivers was acquired along with Ed Figueroa in the trade that sent Bobby Bonds to California. It proved to be one of the Yankees best trades.

In four years with New York, Rivers compiled a .324 on-base percentage, and in 1977, he had what was arguably the best season of his career, rapping out 184 hits for a .326 average, a .350 on-base, and career highs in home runs (12) and RBI (69).

And perhaps just as impressive as his on-field play was his philosophies on life. He once said, “I don't get upset over things I can't control, because if I can't control them, there's no use getting upset. And I don't get upset over things I can control, because if I can control them, what's the use in getting upset?” Imagine the conversations he and Yogi Berra must have had.

Here's a video tribute to the Yankees' center fielder.

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