Joe Altobelli, manager who led O’s to ’83 WS, dies at 88

BALTIMORE

(AP) — Joe Altobelli, the manager who led the Baltimore Orioles to their most recent World Series title in 1983, died Wednesday. He was 88.

The Orioles confirmed Altobelli’s death Wednesday, saying in a statement that the manager was a “tremendous leader.”

Altobelli was hired by the Orioles before the 1983 season — replacing future Hall of Famer Earl Weaver — and immediately found success. The team’s roster included future Hall of Famers like first baseman Eddie Murray, shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. and pitcher Jim Palmer.

The balanced club won the AL East by six games over the Detroit Tigers and then dominated in the playoffs, beating the Chicago White Sox 3 games to 1 before rolling to the World Series title over the Philadelphia Phillies in five games.

“A tremendous leader, Altobelli’s compassion, skill and baseball expertise contributed to the Hall of Fame careers of Eddie Murray, Jim Palmer, and Cal Ripken Jr.,” the Orioles said in a statement. “We send our sympathies to Altobelli’s family and many friends throughout the game.”

Altobelli managed the Orioles three seasons, then was fired after a 29-26 start in 1985. He also managed the San Francisco Giants from 1977-79. He led the Chicago Cubs for one game as the interim manager in 1991.

The 1978 Giants managed by Altobelli went 8973 for their first record above .500 since 1973 — winning 42 one-run games in the process for the highest single-season total in MLB history.

“In 1978 we got off to a really good start and were in first place until sometime in August,” recalled John Montefusco, a player for Altobelli then. “I thought we really had a shot at it and it was all because of Joe.

“He was a good guy. He’d talk to you, sit down with you and go over things with you. We had a lot in common. I really liked him. He brought a calm to the team and everyone liked him.