Skip to main content
Tags: gene michael | dies | yankees | dynasty

Gene Michael Dies: Yankees Exec During '90s Dynasty Was 79

Gene Michael Dies: Yankees Exec During '90s Dynasty Was 79

Former New York Yankee Gene Michael waves to the crowd during the teams 63rd Old Timers Day before the game against the Detroit Tigers on July 19, 2009, at Yankee Stadium in New York City. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

By    |   Thursday, 07 September 2017 04:30 PM EDT

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.

© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.


TheWire
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.
gene michael, dies, yankees, dynasty
386
2017-30-07
Thursday, 07 September 2017 04:30 PM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.
Join the Newsmax Community
Read and Post Comments
Please review Community Guidelines before posting a comment.
 

Interest-Based Advertising | Do not sell or share my personal information

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© 2025 Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Download the Newsmax App
NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© 2025 Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved