Former Yankees ace and pitching coach Stottlemyre dies at 77
NEW YORK — Mel Stottlemyre, the former ace who later won five World Series rings as the longtime pitching coach for both the New York Yankees and Mets, has died. He was 77.
The Yankees said Stottlemyre died Sunday. He had been living in the Seattle area and had multiple myeloma for nearly 20 years.
A five-time all-star and three-time 20-game winner, Stottlemyre went 164-139 with a 2.97 earned-run average in 11 Major League Baseball seasons, all with the Yankees. The right-hander is the last pitcher to hit an inside-the-park grand slam, accomplishing the feat in 1965.
Stottlemyre made his major league debut in August 1964, providing a big boost in the pennant race. The 22-year-old rookie then started three times against St. Louis great Bob Gibson in the World Series, eventually losing Game 7 on two days’ rest.
The Yankees went into a tailspin after that, never again reaching the post-season during his playing days. But Stottlemyre wound up as a pitching coach for five teams that won the World Series, working with the likes of Dwight Gooden, David Cone and Roger Clemens.
Stottlemyre oversaw the Mets’ staff that won the 1986 title during a decade in Queens.
He then earned four rings as Yankees manager Joe Torre’s pitching coach during a decade in the Bronx. Stottlemyre was honoured with a plaque at Yankee Stadium in 2015.
Sons Mel Jr. and Todd both pitched in the majors. Todd won the World Series with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992 and ’93. Mel Jr. was hired last month as Miami Marlins pitching coach.