The New York tabloids read “Clueless Joe” when Joe Torre was announced as the new Yankee manager. Oh, how wrong they were. Joe Torre has been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
In 1995, the Yankees had their first playoff appearance since 1981. They were the first wild card team in MLB, though they did lose to Seattle in the memorable 95 Wild Card series. I was at Game 2 of that series, and I thought Yankee stadium would collapse – Yankee Stadium was literally shaking.
The optimism was there even after they lost. We had a new, innovative manager in Buck Showalter. But soon after he was gone, and the rumors began surrounding Herzog and Larussa if memory serves me. But neither was named the next manager of the fabled Yankees. I remember reading the “Clueless Joe” headlines. My optimism admittedly changed to pessimism. I was so wrong. Many of us where. I am sorry I so outspokenly doubted Joe Torre and George Steinbrenner.
Joe Torre had an above average career as a player. He was a 9-time All Star, an NL MVP and a Gold Glove winner. Not bad, but Joe wanted more. He, like most baseball players, wanted a World Series ring. So at the conclusion of his playing career, he sought to become a manager.
Before the Yankees, his managerial record was an unspectacular 894-1,003. Though in New York, he boasts a 1173 -767 record. He won 10 AL East titles, 6 AL titles and 4 World Series’. Twice he was named Manager of the Year. His career win-loss record was 2326 -1997. Joe Torre is a great leader, and the numbers don’t lie. But he is more than just a winning manager – he is a well-respected man.
Derek Jeter calls him his “other father”, and Mariano Rivera even credits him for changing his career when he was blowing saves in ’97. In 1997, after Rivera blew the game winning save against Cleveland, Joe sent a message to Rivera that he still believed in him. The pitcher credits that as a career-changing moment. The legend of Rivera was born thanks to a strong manager. The list of those coming forward with accolades after the announcement that Joe made Cooperstown is lengthy. Many of his former players value his knowledge and respect him as a leader.
Joe Torre is not only one of the greatest baseball managers of all-time, but is a perfect example of why you should never quit on your dreams.
It’s up to you now, New York Yankees, to respect Joe Torre like he respected our city and players, making them the Bronx Bombers once more. Retire his number please. It’s the right thing to do. Thank you “Mr. Torre” for all you did for The Yankees, New York, and MLB.
Thanks for reading. Feel free to follow me @yankeefever2011 as well as our baseball department on twitter – @BestCoastBias, @sellmyhomemike, @nvincelli, @tonytalkssports, @LWOS_ Sibo, @purplerocktober, and @lastwordmatt and can also follow the site while you are at it – @lastwordonsport and like our Facebook Page.
Interested in writing for LastWordOnSports? If so, check out our “Join Our Team” page to find out how.
