career, facing the Washington Senators. In three innings, he allowed five runs on five hits and one walk, earning the loss. He pitched 42 games that season, going 7–3 with a 2.64 ERA. In 75 innings, he allowed 52 hits and 23 walks, while striking out 50 batters. He led the team in WHIP (1.00) and hits per nine innings ratio (6.2), while finishing second in winning percentage (.700), ERA and hit batsmen (tied, three) and third in games finished (26), saves (four), home runs per nine inning ratio (0.7) and strikeouts per nine innings ratio (6.0). He began the season by not allowing a run in his first six appearances and later in the season had a stretch of 26 innings without allowing an earned run. Following the season, Womack pitched for the Leones de Ponce of the Puerto Rico Baseball League. Last years with the Yankees In February 1967, prior to the team's first spring training workouts, Womack signed a major league contract with the Yankees. On May 14, he was the winning pitcher when Mickey Mantle hit his 500th career home run. Of the event, Womack said, "Most guys wouldn't have even thought of the pitcher at such an important time. His home run won the ball game for me, and after the game he came over and shook hands and thanked me for the opportunity to celebrate." Womack served as the team's closer in 1967, going 5–6 with 18 saves and a 2.41 ERA in 65 games, tying Pedro Ramos for the club record in pitching appearances. In 97 innings, he allowed 80 hits and 35 walks, while striking out 57 batters. He led the team in appearances, games finished (48), saves and intentional walks (14) and finished second on the squad in ERA. He was second in the league in appearances, behind Minnie Rojas, and fourth in appearances and saves. Dissatisfied by contract offers proposed by the Yankees, Womack and fellow pitcher Al Downing did not initially report to spring training in 1968 — they were holding out for a better offer. Womack's holdout was short-lived, however, as within a couple of days he came to terms with the New York club and reported to camp. The Yankees, who no longer had pitchers like Whitey Ford, Allie Reynolds and Vic Raschi on their roster, were counting on Womack to perform well in the upcoming campaign.