Gene Michael, who was a New York Yankees player and manager for nearly 50 years, died Thursday at his home in Florida at age 79.
Michael played shortstop in the late 1960s and into the '70s during a time of decline for the team. During his playing days, he was known as a brawler who would often square off against an opposing player when something was said or done to offend him. He was given the nickname “Stick” because he was 6-foot-1 and weighed only 180 pounds.
When his playing career ended, George Steinbrenner hired Michael to manage the team. He was hired and fired several times by Steinbrenner, but served as general manager again for the first half of the 1990s and had a large part in assembling the team that would win the World Series in 1996, then again in 1998-2000, the Times reported.
Michael recommended hiring Joe Torre to manage the team, and also had a part in hiring and recruiting Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada, Paul O’Neill, Bernie Williams, Tino Martinez, David Cone and Joe Girardi — all of whom participated in one or more of the World Series teams.
Michael also coached the team, handled scouting, and was a senior adviser in the front office during his later years.
“Gene Michael was not only largely responsible for the success of the Yankees organization, but also for my development as a player,” Derek Jeter said of Michael, ESPN reported.
Other colleagues, former players, and fans on Twitter reacted to Michael's death with condolences.
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