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Yankees 1996 Anniversary Retrospective: Jimmy Key

Jimmy Key pitched just four short seasons for the Yankees. Yet somehow his legacy feels greater than the sum of his combined 98 regular season and postseason starts for the Pinstripes. I suppose that is what happens when you face the greatest pitcher of your generation in Game 6 of the World Series and come away with a victory.

Background

Key was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama where he excelled as both a hitter and pitcher for S.R. Butler Senior High School. His performance earned him a selection in the 10th round of the 1979 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox, but he declined to sign a professional contract and instead enrolled at Clemson University.