2008 Woodie Awards
An Unfair Goodbye to Joe Torre
Joe Beninati
Issue date: 10/25/07 Section: Op/Ed
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This past weekend brought about the end of one of the greatest eras that can be witnessed as a New York Yankee fan. The team had the talent, they had the drive, and they had the excellent leadership that can win a championship. Unfortunately, one of the most important pieces of the puzzle is gone. Joe Torre, New York Yankee Manager and winner of 4 World Series, is no longer the manager and leader of the New York Yankees. New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner has long hated and scrutinized Joe Torre, one of the most successful baseball managers in the history of the game. The New York Yankees premature departure from the playoffs this year gave Steinbrenner the opportunity he needed to get rid of Torre. Instead of just firing him, Torre was offered a one year offer, with incentives for further years if he succeeded. Torre declined the offer saying it was an insult, and it is just that; an absolute insult to his character and achievements of Joe.
Torre's achievements stand for themselves: 12 postseason appearances, 6 World Series berths, 4 World Series Championships, and a .601 winning percentage. Compared to the previous ten seasons before him, his numbers are staggering. The ten seasons from 1985-1995 saw nine different managers, a vastly lower winning percentage, no American League East titles, no World Series appearance, and not even a playoff appearance. Joe Torre managed to do what nine others before him couldn't do. What's more impressive than these stats is the manner in which he started the Yankee Dynasty. He didn't do it with superstars; he did it with a bunch of players with heart. He instilled in them what it is to be a team, to pick each other up, and to give 110% in every game. He kept alive the professionalism in baseball. The players respected who Joe Torre was, and out of respect, kept the sportsmanship in baseball alive, when so many other players showboat and are sluggish on the field. It is a shame that such a winning coach and a man who demanded professionalism from his players be treated like this.
Torre's achievements stand for themselves: 12 postseason appearances, 6 World Series berths, 4 World Series Championships, and a .601 winning percentage. Compared to the previous ten seasons before him, his numbers are staggering. The ten seasons from 1985-1995 saw nine different managers, a vastly lower winning percentage, no American League East titles, no World Series appearance, and not even a playoff appearance. Joe Torre managed to do what nine others before him couldn't do. What's more impressive than these stats is the manner in which he started the Yankee Dynasty. He didn't do it with superstars; he did it with a bunch of players with heart. He instilled in them what it is to be a team, to pick each other up, and to give 110% in every game. He kept alive the professionalism in baseball. The players respected who Joe Torre was, and out of respect, kept the sportsmanship in baseball alive, when so many other players showboat and are sluggish on the field. It is a shame that such a winning coach and a man who demanded professionalism from his players be treated like this.