Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Patterson grew up in Miami, Florida. He was a highly touted prospect until a devastating right shoulder injury cut his promising playing career short. Nevertheless, he developed into one of the most respected Minor League pitching coaches and instructors in baseball.\n', '

The Yankees selected Patterson in the first round (7th pick) of the 1975 MLB Draft out of Miami Dade Community College in Miami, FL. A 19-year-old rookie, he was immediately assigned to Class Low-A Oneonta Yankees, where he posted an 8–4 record with a 1.95 ERA and one shutout in 14 games (13 starts), while his 97 strikeouts in 106.0 innings pitched led the New York-Penn League. The Cincinnati Reds tried to trade for him, offering Tony Pérez, a future Hall of Famer, but the Yankees declined the offer.\n', '

In 1976, Patterson was impressive, going 9–2 with a 2.44 ERA at Double-A West Haven Yankees, and throwing the only no-hitter of the Eastern League season on June 28 against the Williamsport Tomahawks. He gained a promotion to Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs, where he was 7–2 with a 2.92 ERA. Overall, he went 16–4 with a 2.44 ERA in the two stints, including two shutouts and 12 complete games over 23 starts in 177.0 innings. A while later, he played winter ball with the Cardenales de Lara club of the Venezuelan League in its 1976-77 season while being managed by Bobby Cox.\n', '

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