Revered GM built 4 Series winners

NEW YORK — Gene Michael, a shortstop nicknamed Stick who later managed the Yankees and then as an executive built a power that won four World Series, died Thursday. He was 79.

His wife, Joette, said, said Michael had a heart attack at home in Oldsmar, Fla.

Michael hit just .229 with 15 home runs in 10 big-league seasons, seven with the Yankees from 1968-74.

He made a far bigger impact during two terms as manager, two as general manager and then as an adviser to Brian Cashman, the GM since 1998. Michael also managed the Cubs for two years.

During his second term as GM, Michael put together the core of a roster that won the 1996, ’98, ’99 and 2000 World Series.

“He could project so well what players would become,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “He had a great feel for the game.”

After watching the Yankees fall short in the 1980s with high-priced free agents, Michael nurtured Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte through the farm system. He installed an organizational 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.

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 GM for two decades.

“Stick was a pillar of this organization for decades,” owner Hal Steinbrenner said. “His contributions to the Yankees over the years have been immeasurable.”