The Pasqua-pagliarulo Era

Born in Yonkers, New York, and drafted by the Yankees in the third round of the 1982 MLB Draft, Danny Pasqua was destined to be a hometown hero. By 1985, the Yankees were salivating over the prospect of Pasqua’s mighty swing. In a league where home runs were the currency of cool, Pasqua’s power at the plate was like finding a vintage Corvette at a garage sale. His promotion to the big leagues was seen as the Yankees’ next great hope to revive their storied, yet recently stumbling, franchise.

Pasqua’s impact was immediate. Despite a somewhat pedestrian batting average, his knack for hitting timely home runs quickly earned him a place in the hearts of Yankee fans. His ability to launch balls into the stratosphere, especially in the cavernous confines of Yankee Stadium, was a sight to behold. It wasn’t long before he became a fan favorite, not just for his power but for his blue-collar work ethic and humble demeanor—a refreshing contrast to the often prima donna nature of MLB stars.

But what truly solidified Pasqua’s place in the Yankee lore was his partnership with fellow slugger Mike Pagliarulo. Pags, as he was affectionately known, was another homegrown talent, coming up through the Yankees’ farm system around the same time as Pasqua. Together, they formed a lefty-righty power duo that could send shivers down the spines of opposing pitchers.

While Pasqua provided the raw power, Pagliarulo added a touch of flair and consistency. Pags wasn’t just a home run hitter; he was also a slick-fielding third baseman who could make the tough plays look easy. With his distinctive batting stance and clutch hitting, Pagliarulo complemented Pasqua perfectly, and their combined ability to hit homers made them an exciting, must-watch tandem.

The Pasqua-Pagliarulo duo gave Yankees fans something to cheer about during a period that was otherwise marked by turmoil and underperformance. The 1980s were not kind to the Bronx Bombers; they were often overshadowed by rivals and plagued by internal chaos. Yet, Pasqua and Pagliarulo offered a glimmer of hope and excitement, a reminder of the raw, untamed power that could one day return the Yankees to their former glory.

Their popularity wasn’t just about the long balls, although that was a big part of it. It was also about their personas—both players were seen as gritty, hard-working, and relatable. They weren’t superstars with egos the size of Manhattan; they were guys you could imagine having a beer with after the game. This relatability endeared them to fans, who saw in Pasqua and Pagliarulo not just talented athletes, but reflections of their own love for the game.

So, while Danny Pasqua’s journey to the Yankees might have started with a combination of luck and need, his legacy was built on the sheer joy he brought to fans every time he stepped up to the plate. And when he teamed up with Mike Pagliarulo, it was a one-two punch that reminded everyone why baseball is called America’s pastime—because sometimes, it’s just about the pure, unadulterated thrill of watching the ball fly over the fence.

–Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor