Gene Michael, architect of 1990s Yankees dynasty, dies at age 79
He was not on the list.
Gene Michael has died at age 79 due to a heart attack, Major
League Baseball announced on Thursday morning.
Michael, known lovingly to those who knew him as
"Stick," is most well-known for being the architect of the 1990s
Yankees dynasty.
"I am heartbroken by Stick's passing," general
manager Brian Cashman said in a statement. "He was both a friend and
mentor to me, and I relied upon his advice and guidance throughout my career.
He did it all in this industry – player, coach, manager, general manager and
scout – and his knowledge base was second to none. My condolences go out to his
family, friends and all those he touched throughout his lifetime in the game. I
will miss him."
Michael took over as general manager in 1990, when the
Yankees finished with a losing record for the second consecutive season and
hadn't been to the playoffs since 1981, a seeming eternity for that franchise.
He would serve in the role until he was fired in 1995, despite the Yankees
having the best record in the AL when the strike happened in 1994 and then
winning the AL East in 1995.
With Michael at the helm, the Yankees would acquire either
via draft, trade or international signing the nucleus of the next Yankees
dynasty in players such as Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, Jorge
Posada, Paul O'Neil and David Cone. As we all know now, that was the foundation
of Yankees teams that would win the World Series in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000
while also winning the 2001 and 2003 AL pennants.
Starting in 1996, Michael would serve as vice president of
major-league scouting for the Yankees. He would hold the title of vice
president and senior adviser from 2006 until his passing. A prominent fixture
at Yankee Stadium for years, Michael has touched both past and present players
as we saw on Thursday from David Cone:
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David Cone ✔ @dcone36
Crushed. We just lost a great man on and off the field.
Touched so many lives. RIP Stick
10:23 AM - Sep 7, 2017
122 122 Replies 1,175 1,175 Retweets 4,353 4,353 likes
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And Brett Gardner:
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Bryan Hoch ✔ @BryanHoch
Brett Gardner on Gene Michael: "He'd seen the game from
a lot of different angles. We really respected his opinion. I was a big fan of
him."
11:04 AM - Sep 7, 2017
2 2 Replies 70 70 Retweets 454 454 likes
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"Gene Michael was not only largely responsible for the
success of the Yankees organization, but also for my development as a
player," said Jeter. "He was always accessible and willing to share
his personal knowledge as well as support. He will be greatly missed. My
thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family."
Back in his playing days, Michael appeared in parts of 10
MLB seasons for the Yankees (seven years), Pirates, Dodgers and Tigers. He was
mostly a shortstop but also played third and second. He was a career
.229/.288/.284 hitter. He earned the nickname "Stick" back in those
days for his slender frame.
Post-playing days, Michael's first managerial job was with
the Yankees in 1981, when he led them to the World Series. They lost and after
his team played to a 44-42 record the next season, Michael was fired. He ended
up managing the Cubs for parts of 1986 and 1987 before moving on.
It was his next stint with the Yankees for which Michael was
most remembered. And he'll be both greatly remembered and sorely missed by the
Major League Baseball family.
"Stick was a pillar of this organization for
decades," Yankees managing partner Hal Steinbrenner said. "He knew
the game of baseball like few others did, and was always willing and excited to
talk about it with anyone in earshot. His contributions to the Yankees over the
years have been immeasurable. He loved baseball and this organization, and he
will be profoundly missed. I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, Joette,
and his entire family."
In Michael's memory, the Yankees will wear black arm band on
the left sleeve of their jerseys the rest of the season.
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