Ex-Yankees exec Michael dies at 79

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, Florida, his wife said.

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 ma d e a f a r b i g g e r impact during t wo 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.

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 wa s a b l e t o p r o j - e c t s o well what pl ayer s 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.

Nationals: Top prospect Victor Robles was promoted from Double-A Harrisburg. Robles, 20, hit .300 with 10 homers, 47 RBIs and 27 steals in 114 games over two minor league stops this season.

Braves: The team is offering free tickets to fans from Florida, Georgia and South Carolina displaced by Hurricane Irma for this weekend’s series against Miami.

Cubs: The Chicago City Council voted to lift for one game a ban on Friday night games at Wrigley Field so that the players can get a little more rest before playing Milwaukee tonight. The game originally was scheduled for this afternoon.