‘Stick’, great Yankees player, talent spotter and manager

BALTIMORE: Gene Michael, nicknamed ‘‘Stick’’ for his slender frame and best known for laying the foundation of the Yankees’ dynasty in the late 1990s, died of a heart attack last month at the age of 79.

In addition to making an impression at every level of the sport, from player to coach to manager to general manager, Michael’s gamesmart, funloving side came through in a way that many fans fondly remember — his flair for the hiddenball trick, which he pulled off roughly a halfdozen times.

Michael excelled at finding talent that others failed to spot, or just couldn’t identify like he could. Michael batted .229 during his 10year playing career from 196877, including seven seasons with the Yankees (196874), and went 206200 as a manager, in the Bronx (198182) and for the Cubs (198687).

Michael performed his greatest work in the front office, where he helped transform the Yankees, a dormant empire in disrepair, into a championship franchise again.

‘‘Stick was a pillar of this organisation for decades,’’ managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said. ‘‘He knew the game of baseball like few others did, and was always willing and excited to talk about it with anyone in earshot. His contributions to the Yankees over the years have been immeasurable. He loved baseball and this organisation, and he will be profoundly missed,’’ Steinbrenner said.

Michael never played on a championship team in the Bronx, as the Yankees failed to qualify for the postseason during his time as an infielder there. But his fingerprints are all over the last five World Series trophies, and that dynasty is a huge part of his legacy.

‘‘Stick was a great man with enormous heart and integrity,’’ Yankees president Randy Levine told MLB.com. ‘‘One of the greatest baseball executives of our time. He was central to the success of the Yankees.’’