An outstanding defensive catcher, Wynegar was TSN AL Rookie of the Year in 1976 and represented the Twins at the All-Star Game his first two seasons, becoming the youngest player (to that point) to appear in
the mid-summer game in 1976. A slow-footed switch-hitter, he had initial success
after being traded to the Yankees, batting .295 for them in 1982-83 and catching
Dave Righetti's 1983 no'ah)''@@hitter. He became a full-time starter in 1984. After
an injury-riddled 1985, Wynegar succumbed to the high-pressure atmosphere and suffered
from physical and mental fatigue in 1986. Various foot problems in 1987 caused more
trouble.
Wynegar won the Appalachian League batting title (.346) in his first pro
season (1974).
(ME)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»June 5, 1974:
The June draft produces just 725 picks, the fewest in history, and only 300 of these are from the college ranks, with the low number blamed on the introduction of aluminum bats this past season. The Padres, with their 3rd number-one free-agent pick in five years, select Brown University SS Bill Almon, the TSN College Player of the Year. They had selected him three years earlier out of high school, but he attended college instead. The Rangers take P Tommy Boggs with the 2nd pick and the Phils follow with prep OF Lonnie Smith. With the 5th pick, the Braves select Dale Murphy; the Angels, picking 10th take the ill-fated Mike Miley, who quarterbacked LSU to a win in the Orange Bowl. the Tigers take Lance Parrish with the 16th pick, the Royals pick prep football star Willie Wilson with the 18th, and the Red Sox, picking 20th, take SS Eddie Ford, son of Whitey Ford. Picking next, the Dodgers get Rick Sutcliffe. The Orioles, with the 24th pick in round one pick Rich Dauer, the top player for USC's championship team; four of their other picks will end up in the NFL (QB's Andy Johnson, Steve Bartkowski, and John Sciarra, and Anthony Davis). The Cards use a pick on the NFL Giants Brad Van Pelt, the 5th time he's been selected. The Twins pick up prep C Butch Wynegar, who will make the American League All-star team at age 20.
»May 12, 1982: In their 2nd major trade in as many days, the Twins deal C Butch Wynegar and P Roger Erickson to the Yankees for IF Larry Milbourne, minor leaguers John Pacella and Pete Filson, and cash. The Twins' frugal owner, Calvin Griffith, is roundly criticized for the deals, in which he appears to be unloading high-salaried veterans at the expense of a winning ball club.
»April 8, 1986:
The Royals are the first defending champions—besides the Yankees—in 61 years to open at Yankee Stadium, and they start the season on the wrong foot by losing, 4–2. New York scores all four runs off starter Bud Black, who gives up a three-run homer to Butch Wynegar in the 2nd. Hal McRae accounts for both KC runs with a two-run homer off starter Ron Guidry, one of two hits Guidry gives up in five innings. Guidry wins his first opener with relief help from Rod Scurry and Dave Righetti.
»January 22, 1988: As a result of the Players' Association's 1985 collusion suit against the owners, arbitrator Thomas Roberts declares seven players no-risk free agents until March 1st, giving them a chance to sign with other clubs despite already having contracts. The seven are Kirk Gibson, Carlton Fisk, Donnie Moore, Joe Niekro, Butch Wynegar, Tom Brookens, and Juan Beniquez.
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