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Gene Michael
1938 - 2017
Gene Michael
1938 - 2017
Obituary
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BORN
1938
DIED
2017
Gene Michael Obituary
Michael had a heart attack and died at his home in Oldsmar, Florida, his wife, Joette, said.
At 6-foot-2 and about 180 pounds in his playing days, Michael hit just .229 with 15 home runs in 10 big league seasons, seven with the Yankees from 1968-74 in one of the worst eras in team history. He was known for pulling off the hidden ball trick, which he was said to have done five times.
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 also managed the Chicago Cubs for two seasons.
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A Yankees lifer, Michael maintained durability during George Steinbrenner's decades of tumult. During his second term as general manager, Michael put together the core of a roster that won World Series titles in 1996 and from 1998-2000.
"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 in a statement.
Michael gave Buck Showalter his first major league managing job. Showalter, now Baltimore's manager, called Michael "blatantly honest" and the "best baseball guy that I ever saw."
Showalter also said Michael "never missed on an infielder."
"Jeter had made like 40-some errors, but he tells me this guy is going to be an All-Star shortstop. He said he's got a little footwork issue," Showalter recalled. "How do you project those things and stand by them?"
Michael also acquired key veterans who contributed to the 1996 title, including Paul O'Neill, Jimmy Key, Wade Boggs and David Cone. He promoted a young staffer to assistant general manager. Cashman went on to become general manager for two decades.
"He was both a friend and mentor to me," Cashman said in a statement. "And I relied upon his advice and guidance throughout my career."
Michael quit as general manager after the 1995 season and became a key adviser.
"Stick was a pillar of this organization for decades," Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement. "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."
Michael signed with Pittsburgh before the 1959 season out of Kent State, made his big league debut in July 1966, then was traded after the season with third baseman Bob Bailey to the Dodgers for Maury Wills, a five-time All-Star shortstop. After one season in Los Angeles, he was purchased by the Yankees. He arrived for Mickey Mantle's final season and got to pitch three shutout innings against the California Angels in a lopsided loss that ended an August doubleheader. He was released in 1975, the year before the Yankees made it back to the World Series led by Thurman Munson.
Michael played a final season with Detroit, signed with Boston ahead of the 1976 season, was released by the Red Sox in May without playing in a big league game and joined the Yankees as a coach for the rest of the season. He became an administrative assistant during the next two years, when George Steinbrenner was at his bombastic height, then managed the Yankees' Triple-A Columbus Clippers to the 1979 regular and postseason International League titles.
Michael replaced Cedric Tallis as general manager after the 1979 season. When Dick Howser led the Yankees to the AL East title and a 103 wins in his first season as a manager but was forced out by Steinbrenner when the team was swept by Kansas City in the playoffs, Michael replaced Howser.
He led the team to a 34-22 record before players struck, but the Yankees started just 14-12 when they returned and Steinbrenner fired Michael and replaced him with Bob Lemon.
Lemon managed the team to an AL pennant but lost to the Dodgers in the World Series, then returned to the dugout when Lemon was fired the following April 26. He led the Yankees to a 44-42 mark when he was replaced by Clyde King on Aug. 3.
Michael was the Yankees' third-base coach from 1984-86, leaving in June 1986 to replace Jim Frey as the Chicago Cubs manager. They went 46-56 and were 68-68 in 1987 when he quit on Sept. 8.
He was back with the Yankees as third-base coach in 1988 and was a scout when Steinbrenner reinstalled him as general manager on Aug. 20, 1990, the last day before Steinbrenner started serving a suspension from baseball that stretched until May 1993.
Holding the job until October 1995, Michael promoted Williams to the major league roster, nurtured the rise of Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte through the farm system.
"Gene Michael always supported me when I was a young up-and-coming player and, despite some struggles along the way, always believed that I would become a significant part of the Yankees organization," Williams said in a statement. "I never forgot that."
After Steinbrenner returned, Michael quit as general manager after the 1995 season and was followed by Bob Watson, who quit before the 1998 season and was replaced by Cashman.
Spending much of the year in Florida, where he often played golf, Michael served as vice president of major league scouting from 1996-2002. He then became vice president and adviser until 2006, when his title changed to vice president and senior adviser.
The Yankees will wear black armbands on their jerseys for the rest of this season.
In addition to his wife, Michael is survived by sons Mark and Matthew and daughters Sandra and Haley.
___
Written by RONALD BLUM, AP Baseball Writer
AP Sports Writer David Ginsburg in Baltimore contributed to this report.
Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
70 Entries
Debbie Wells
January 30, 2021
Deepest sympathy to the Michael family. I had the privilege of meeting Gene a lifetime ago when I worked for the Yankees organization during their years of spring training in Ft.Lauderdale ,Fl. During those spring training years he always " touched base " (excuse the pun) with me, to see how I was doing and to talk a little baseball. I will never forget him.
Shannon Chouinard
June 8, 2020
I met Mr. Michael one time when I rented his property in Weeki Wachee, FL for a few years. He seemed to be such a super nice man. He even offered to give me the blueprints to his rental when I told him how much I loved his house. I was sad to read of his passing. It seems like he had a great life and made a good impact on other people's lives. God bless his family. My condolences to everyone who loved him.
Bill Butcher
August 11, 2019
We learned the game together at reservoir park. You done good Gene.
Matthew Michael
April 23, 2018
Sweet dreams Dad, I'm so proud you achieved your dreams,gone too soon, you will be missed!
How you can show support
Ray Birmingham
January 21, 2018
Gene gave me one of his broken bats after a game in 1961 in Hobbs NM. I am now the head Coach at the University of NM. I still have He bat. He was my first pro baseball favorite and remained a person I always followed. God bless Gene
Randall Horsler
January 18, 2018
To the family of gene,my name is Randy Horsler ,I work at Lowe's in Brooksville fl .I remember netting gene at the millwork desk .he was looking to install Windows .I ask him his name .he told me it was gene Michael's .I told him gene Michael s ,I've heard that name before ,yes he said,that's gene gene the stick ,I said,sure you are .then he show me his ring ,so as time went on ,gene comes in were looking for each other .we form a bond to one another ,then I didn't see him around ,so I thought he was in new York ,I went home that day and my wife told me the bad news ,I was heart broken ,part of me was gone from my heart ,this man is one of the best friend ,I could ever have .he was like a dad to me ,GOD Bless YOU ,GENE SEE YOU In HEAVEN .Really miss you
Jack Kathis
December 29, 2017
I had the honor and privilege of meeting Mr. Michael; a true gentleman, very kind and loved talking baseball. God bless you
November 13, 2017
TO THE FAMILY OF Gene Michael
We were teammates on the Krispy Kreme Team In Akron. He was a great teammate and a super friend.I WILL MISS HIM..
Rest in peace Stick!
Jim DiLauro
G Scribner
October 27, 2017
Gene was indeed a slick fielding shortstop and good teammate that the New York Yankees appreciated and for these and other reasons he will certainly be missed and mourned by many many fans. For his grieving family members, these trustworthy words of comfort and reassurance : " Your dead will live. My corpses will rise up. Awake and shout joyfully you residents in the dust !... And the earth will let those powerless in death come to life.
Jack
October 10, 2017
The Yankees will never be the same Stick
Raymond Wolff
September 21, 2017
My condolences to Gene's family. I first met Gene in 1972. I was a senior at Pascack Valley HS in Hillsdale NJ and was a pretty good basketball player. Bob Stenner, who lived in Hillsdale and used to produce the Yankees' games on WPIX, would come to our basketball practices and brought a few of the Yankee players to work out with us. You can imagine the thrill of scrimmaging with Gene Michael, who was a very good basketball player at Kent State Univ., Curt Blefary, Roy White and others. During the offseason, the same guys would play basketball exhibition games throughout NJ and I got to tag along and get to know them better. Gene was a great guy, so friendly and easy to be around, and I would see him now and then years later around northern Bergen County. He would still remember me and we would talk about some of the other players and things they were doing. It was a pleasure to know him and I know he will be missed by all.
September 20, 2017
To Mark & family,
Your Dad was a real gentleman to me and my family.
I met him through you in the eighties, and he never forgot... He was very nice to all my kids. Your Dad was a humble, generous man who always had time to say hello, and reminisce with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Dan Begen and family
Hillsdale, NJ
Joe Lomascolo
September 17, 2017
My condolences to the Michael family. I will miss the times Stick and I had meeting for breakfast at the Dunkin Donuts in Oldsmar and reminiscing about his Yankees days as a player. God Bless.
william bertka
September 16, 2017
In loving memory . I had the privilege to Coach Gene as a basketball player at Kent State University. He was a very special athlete in basketball and baseball. He was destined to be great . He chose baseball and enjoyed great success. I will always cherish his friendship, smile and caring attitude. Bill Bertka Los Angeles Lakers
Mike Bertisch
September 15, 2017
Joette, Haley, my deepest condolences to you both. I really enjoyed talking to Gene throughout the little league years and HS softball years that our daughters played together. He will be missed.
Carlotta
September 12, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Michael family and friends at this difficult time.
L
September 12, 2017
Rest in peace Mr Gene Michael.
September 11, 2017
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Michael. Please accept my sincerest condolences. May our Life Giver sustain you during this difficult time.
Wilmer Gracia
September 10, 2017
Gene Michael as true a NNY as Babe Ruth. He rebuilt the team into a championship for two decades. Thank you RIP
September 10, 2017
My deepest sympathies for the family of Gene. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure in your heart and it lives forever. May the wonderful treasures fill your hearts with love and bring you peace. May God provide true comfort during this most challenging time. With Love & Prayers
September 10, 2017
To me, Gene Michael was the epitome of " class." He was a terrific baseball man in every respect, but it's his personal makeup that I will always remember. He didn't need the limelight. He worked behind the scenes. People who knew the game knew how valuable his work was. The people who loved him knew it too. That was enough for him. I admire that greatly. We'll all miss you, Gene. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Bill Lee ( Baseball and Yankees fan )
Neil Greenberg
September 9, 2017
From a lifelong Yankee fan from the mid 1950s I will miss Gene Michael as much as any other Yankee for all his contributions to my team and for being such a class act. He deserves a plaque in monument park along with the other icons of the team. RIP STICK.
Steve Watson
September 9, 2017
Mark, I was very sorry to see that your dad has passed away. Please accept my condolences to you and your entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Steve
September 9, 2017
My deepest sympathy to Joette and family,
I grew up with Gene in Akron, Ohio.
He was a very special man. He had exceptional qualities even as a young man. He lived with his Grandmother and worked hard to get to his greatness as an athlete. I would see him as a young boy delivering newspaper before school.
It is a great loss of a very great man.
With sympathy, Jean Pavelchak Rosater
Bull Valley, Illinois
Danny Barrett
September 9, 2017
Baseball, has lost one of the most brilliant minds, that of Gene Michael..He did it all, from field to front office..always with passion for Baseball...You will be Missed...Gene 'Stick' Michael.
Heavens gift
Yankees Fan
September 9, 2017
Another great Yankee gone but never forgotten for your smile humor and disagreement with the boss. It was great to see him at old timer's game.
September 9, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the pain and heartache you are feeling. You all are in our prayers. We pray that the God of all comfort gives you the strength that you need during this difficult time.
Our Heavenly Father understands the sadness this situation brought to your life. He promises to heal the brokenhearted, and to bind up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)
September 9, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Joe Pepitone
September 8, 2017
My sincerist condolences to the Michales familyGene was a great guy always talk to me and everyone at killingsworthi insurance office in Brooksville when he came in we always talk Yankee talk I'll miss him a lot Joe Pepitone Brooksville fl
JENNIFER BARIBAULT
September 8, 2017
TO THE FAMILY OF GENE (STICK) MICHAEL;
THERE ARE NO WORDS THAT ANYONE COULD SAY AT DIFFICULT TIME, YET I DO BELIEVE THAT ALL YANKEE FANS ARE MOURNING THE LOST OF THE GREAT GENE (STICK) MICHAEL WAS THE FORMER SHORTSTOP AND GENERAL MANGER WHO BUILT THE DYNASTY OF THE NEW YORK YANKEES IN 1990. ALSO, I SAW THE OLD TIMERS DAY ON JUNE 25TH WHEN THEY WERE HAVING FUN PLAYING THE GAME, JOKING AROUND ON THE FIELD, HAVING A GREAT TIME, NEXT YEAR IT WOULDN'T BE THE SAME TO SEE GENE (STICK) MICHAEL WORKING OUT ON THE FIELD. IT WAS SAD TO HEAR THAT WE LOST A LEGEND LIKE GENE WHO PAST AWAY OF HEART ATTACK, HE WE BE REMEMBER BY EVERYONE, YET NOT FORGOTTEN AND HIS LEGACY WILL LIVE ON. MAY YOU CHERISH THOSE MEMORIES THAT YOU HAVE, KEEP THEM CLOSE TO YOUR HEART AND MAY YOU FEEL THE STRENGTH, LOVE BY THE COMFORTED AND SUPPORT BY FAMILY, FRIEND. WE ALL KNOW THAT GENE IS IN A GOOD PLACE NOW, HE IS REUNITED WITH HIS OLD TEAMMATES, STILL TELLING THOSE OLD STORIES & JOKING AROUND AND PLAYING BALL. MY THOUGHTS, PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY OF GENE MICHAEL.......
James Edgeworth
September 8, 2017
Matt
I played cards with your dad at sidelines. Truly one of my greatest memories. He was so kind. I loved our talks about the Yankees and Mets. He was a great Gm and a great yankee, but most of all a great person. God bless your family in this tough time.
Jesse Taylor
September 8, 2017
I was blessed with the opportunity to meet Gene years ago in New Jersey with my brother. Once Gene met you it didn't matter who you were, he would remember you and take time to talk to you. There are few people like him that I have met in my lifetime.
My sincerest condolences to the Michael family. He was a great man.
Regards,
Jesse Taylor
Jim Hofstetter
September 8, 2017
Matt
I'm really sorry to hear about your dad. I'll always remember how proud and happy he was of you when I'd run into him and tell him to say hi.
Wishing you and the the family the best.
Warm Regards
September 8, 2017
My heartfelt condolences go out to the whole Michael family. I am originally from Tallmadge a suburb of Akron and we used to scrimmage Akron East when Bill Sudak was Gene's basketball coach. Gene was a great, very personable guy. I last saw him on Briad Street in Columbus when he was managing the Clippers and we had a nice conversation. Oddly enough I have a cousin who lives in Oldsmar who I visit in the winter. If only I had known he lived there, I would have tried to see him. J. Thomas Jones. Columbus, Ohio
Joe Shuman
September 8, 2017
My condolences go out to the family of Gene Michael. I followed him from the time he was a student at East High School in Akron Ohio. He was an outstanding baseball and basketball player and would have been an outstanding quarterback if he chose to play football. One winter he came back from one of his baseball seasons and said they were thinking about making him into a pitcher so I got my catchers glove and we would go to the Goodyear Gym to work on it. He would have made a great pitcher. When we finished we would play basketball and he would spot me twenty points in a game of twenty-one and give me the ball. It was impossible to beat him. He was so competitive and wanted to win in everything he did. We will certainly miss him.
Joel Bierig
September 8, 2017
Gene Michael was a great baseball man and an even a greater man--kind, loyal and a tremendous friend. My pal Bruce Levine and I had the pleasure of covering him for Chicago media outlets when he managed the Cubs in the mid-'80s.
Gene's skills as a talent evaluator were exceeded only by his backbone and fortitude. Despite his quiet exterior, he stood his ground against the likes of George Steinbrenner and Dallas Green. To be sure, Dallas got more than he bargained for with the hiring of this former Yankee. "Stick" Michael was, always, a man of truth and principle, a dedicated employee but never a yes man. To Gene, doing the job was more important than keeping it.
With players and media, he was tough but abundantly fair. Alas, those days in Gene's office--talking baseball and so much more--were the times of our young professional lives. As smart as he was, he was interested in what YOU thought as well, and perhaps that was made him wiser than so many others. The man's capacity to speak was surpassed by his penchant for listening. He was interested in what you knew, but he also was interested in who you were.
The game has lost a great one, but anyone who had the honor of knowing Gene Michael--on the field, but most importantly, off--will never forget him.
Alan Schuck
September 8, 2017
My deepest condolences to Joette and the family. Stick was one of the best humans on the planet. I was lucky enough to call him my friend. Please remember, Legends never die...Godspeed Stick...
Joh'ni Kimberlin
September 8, 2017
Gene you were one of the greatest Yankees of all time!!! So glad I had the pleasure of meeting you and becoming poker friendsYou were a tough opponent in Poker and God knows you made the Yankees what they were in the 90's! To his youngest daughter he was very proud of you
Deborah Kurland Adams
September 8, 2017
Sandy, Mark, Matthew & Haley.....so sorry about the loss of your Dad
Debbie Kurland (Adams)
Bruce Price
September 8, 2017
What a great man that I had the pleasure to get to know along with great conversation and memories.
September 8, 2017
My condolences to the family.
Ana Landazabal Mann
September 8, 2017
I was already a big fan, when Mr. Michael made a huge impact on my life. I was a high school senior with good grades and big dreams, and very little money for college. Mr. Michael generously donated a scholarship to our high school, Northern Valley R.H.S., Demarest, which I received in 1978.
I went on to college and law school and to a career in public service at the Dept of Justice. I thank Mr. Michael for giving back to his community, for setting an example that I have followed with great affection, for paying it forward, as I have done in his honor, and for helping make this world a better place in so many ways.
My condolences to the Michael family. In the years since his gift, I have prayed for him and his family with such gratitude. God bless you.
Harry Simpson
September 8, 2017
Godspeed Gene, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Richard McHugh
September 8, 2017
A kind and generous man to many. He helped Pine Plains,NY baseball and Red Hook athletics. We just saw Gene at the Yankees Old Timer's Day. We pray for Gene and his family. A memorial should be held at Sidelines in the future.
Doris R
September 8, 2017
I'm heartbroken. This man was a real class act. May he rest in heavenly peace.
James Brozzetti
September 8, 2017
Gene Michael's is the smartest baseball man I've ever meet. I know him for 37 yrs. and will miss his calls saying "Jimmy boy we'll be going to Chicks Diner tonight". Rest in peace, love you always. My sincere condolence to his family.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Brozzetti
L Wu
September 8, 2017
The baseball world will miss a great legend. May all friends and family be comforted by the promise that he will return to his youth as promised at Job 33:25.
Wanda
September 8, 2017
To the family of Gene (Stick) Michael you have my deepest condolences. I am so sorry. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. And may the fact that Gene is safe in the memory of God, who will remember every detail about him, and bring him back again console you at this difficult time.
A super fan
September 8, 2017
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to Ms Joette & children. I'm was saddened to hear of the loss of Gene. Gene was truly was an amazing and talented Husband & father. He was also a true sportsman. Gene will be truly missed by all. May God grant solace to the family and acquaintances during this most challenging time. With Love & Prayers
R D
September 8, 2017
The family and friends of Gene Michael have my heartfelt condolences. May the God of comfort and peace be with you during this most difficult time.
JULIE ROSARIO
September 8, 2017
GENE MAY THE LORD COMFORT YOUR SOUL AND YOUR LOVE ONES. R.I.P.
Minnie Emanuel
September 8, 2017
May the God of all comfort be with the Michael family and friends at this time.
2 Corithians 1:2.
Robert Mansour
September 8, 2017
My condolenses to the entire Michael family.
Gene was the best, his talent and contributions to the Yankee family of fans will never be measured or matched.
Always remembered and never forgotten.
Thanks Gene...God Bless+
September 8, 2017
Jonette, Michael, Mark, Matthew, Sandra, Haley, Family,
Please accept our condolences on the passing of your dear loved one. Our prayers are with the Family in your grief. He heals the brokenhearted: He binds up their wounds.-PS.147:3
Nancy
September 8, 2017
I am sorry to read of the passing of this influential person. He will be missed. May the love and memories you have for him sustain your family now and in the difficult days ahead. May the God of peace (Romans 15:33) be with your family as well.
Darlene and family
September 8, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family
of Mr. Gene Michael.
May you find comfort in Jesus words
at John 6:44 at this difficult time.
September 8, 2017
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
I'm on the left my son on the right Johnathan
John Hoch
September 8, 2017
Meet Gene when he was manager for the Columbus Jets back in the late 70's or it could of been in the late 60's with my old Junior High Basketball coach Louie Mott.
Thoughts and Prayers!
John Hoch
chris cazzato
September 8, 2017
As a Yankee fan I'm pretty upset over his death.god bless his family, now he's hitting homers with the legends in heaven.
Steve Pastore
September 7, 2017
I Had The Privilege Of Meeting Gene In 1969 At An Autograph
Signing Appearance Here In Yonkers.
Without Him, The 1996-2009 Championship Seasons Might
Not Have Happened. A Plaque In Monument Park Would Be
Well Deserved.
A Sad Day For Gene's Family And For The Yankee Family.
Mike Fisher
September 7, 2017
Gene was my hero back at East High School in Akron, Ohio. Always took time to help or instruct me in baseball or basketball.
Will always fondly remember him.
Adrian Barnette
September 7, 2017
We'll miss you !
Lenny Kosberg
September 7, 2017
A great Yankee and more importantly a great human being. My condolences to the family.
September 7, 2017
I am truly sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort give you strength and peace during this difficult time. Psalms 29:11.
Carl Franks and Connie Sullivan
September 7, 2017
Thank you Gene "Stick" Michael for all you have done for the sport of baseball and for The New York Yankees. You deserve to be in the Baseball Hall Of Fame.
Barry Pagano
September 7, 2017
True baseball genius . Will miss a very good sense of humor , sense of baseball & organization . My condolences to his family & friends.
A long time Yankees fan
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