NEW YORK – Gene Michael, the slick-fielding shortstop nicknamed Stick who went on to manage the New York Yankees and then as an executive built a power that won four World Series in five years, died Thursday. He was 79.
Michael had a heart attack and died at his home in Oldsmar, Fla., said his wife, Joette.
At 6-2 and about 180 pounds in his playing days, Michael hit .229 with 15 home runs in 10 big-league seasons, seven with the Yankees from 1968 to '74 in one of the worst eras in team history. He made a far bigger impact during two terms as manager, two as general manager and then an adviser relied on by Brian Cashman, the team's GM since 1998.
"He was both a friend and mentor to me," Cashman said. "And I relied upon his advice and guidance throughout my career."
Michael maintained durability during George Steinbrenner's decades of tumult. During his second term as GM, Michael put together the core of a roster that won World Series titles in 1996 and from 1998 to '2000.
"He was able to project so well what players would become, and he did it through sitting and watching with his eyes," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "He just had a great feel for the game."
After watching the Yankees fall short in the 1980s with high-priced free agents, Michael preached patience with youth and nurtured Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams and other prospects. He installed an organization philosophy of patience at the plate to run up pitch counts.
"Gene Michael was not only largely responsible for the success of the Yankees organization but also for my development as a player," Jeter said.
