“HE WAS THE BEST. A MAN OF CHARACTER AND INTEGRITY, AND CENTRAL TO THE SUCCESS OF THE NEW YORK YANKEES.”
Yankees President Randy Levine to USA TODAY Sports about former general manager Gene “Stick” Michael, who died at 79. He played a crucial role in the development of the Yankees’ most recent dynasty, having let homegrown prospects develop, a group that eventually included Mariano Rivera, Bernie Williams, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada. Michael’s regime drafted Derek Jeter sixth overall in 1992. He also played for and managed the Yankees.