You knew that there would be some major fallout from the multitude of revelations in Joe Torre’s new tell-all tome, and it seems that it will be severe. According to Wally Matthews, the Yankee organization is quietly fuming, and Joe will join the likes of Jim Bouton and be banned from Yankee functions.
That means all those little perks that go with being a Legendary Former Yankee have probably gone up in smoke, like all those burning bridges along the Harlem River. The plaque in Monument Park? Back in the box. The retired number? Cross it out. The chance to march out and flash the Papal Wave at Old-Timer’s Day? Wave bye-bye to that idea……..Although none of the principals have commented publicly, I have it on impeccable authority that general manager Brian Cashman is “devastated,” team president Randy Levine angry enough to be considering having future managers sign some sort of confidentiality agreement, and various players so disgusted with their former manager that they’ll even embrace Alex Rodriguez……. “The same thing he was so upset with Wells and Jose Canseco about, he did himself,” the source said. “He violated the sanctity of the organization, the sanctity of the clubhouse. He broke the trust we had in him.”
I hate when exiles of this nature happen, as all it does is mar our memories of the good times that the now exiled individual was a part of. Joe Torre belongs in monument park and should have his number retired. His tenure as manager should be recalled fondly as a time when a soft spoken manager captured the hearts of Yankees fans and helped the team to glory. However, it is only for the fans and their remembrances that I feel for. In regard to Joe, he brought this upon himself, and he must reap what he has sown. As the “source” says, he violated the trust that the organization put in him, and there is no reason for the organization to take steps to honor him. Hopefully, this will all blow over some day, and Joe will take his rightful place among the pantheon of Yankee greats. Until then, his absence at Old Timer’s days and similar ceremonies will serve as a strong reminder that betraying the trust of the people close to you has its consequences.
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8 Responses to Torre Persona Non Grata In Bronx
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TIQ IQ
Lets be real here, the book has not even been read in full context. The man wrote a book, you want him to lie? He told the truth and his co-writer made it sound Juicy.
I would give my left Nut to win 4 more world series. If Brian Cashman had to make a reality TV show in the Yankees locker room to assure him a few rings, guess what? He would do it.
The Yankees can try to write Joe off, but his legacy and his popularity remain strong.
I would be outraged if he was not included in the Yankee Lore.
I think they will leave him out of things until he retires, and then when this all blows over (yesterday) he will be revered and remembered as an all time great Manager (who blew out Scott Proctors arm and career)
It may blow over for me and you, but this organization under the Steinbrenners has had a penchant for holding grudges. In regard to lying, I dont expect that from Joe. But wholesale ripping of players? Not appropriate.
Its only not appropriate because of this “Omerta” rule, but I think when the book is actually read by all it wont be as bad. This is not Canseco or even Wells.
Im only upset that Joe didn’t wait till after he retired, I wonder what his new team thinks?
That is also a good point. I bet hes glad Nomar left and Kent retired, because they certainly would have had opinions on the matter.
You know I always felt that Torre’s legend was a product of right place at the right time. He inherited a team that was ready for greatness and a few very special kids in Jeter,Pettite,Rivera and eventually Posada. Yes, He did a masterful job in 96 in keeping the team focused and not letting them get down on themselves. However, in 97 The Yankees had owned the Indians in the regular season and I always thought he had taken his foot off the throttle and let the Indians believe in them selves their last regular season visit. The Yankees should have stepped on their throats when they had them down. That was the first evidence that Torre was not the Manager he gets credit for, and the lack of fire he was later notorius for.In 98 it didn’t matter who managed that team, they were a machine… a perfect blend of talent and desire. 99 and 2000 were a by-product of that incredible 98 season. They had built an aura and were invincible in the post season. That was the players, not the Manager. 2001 was just the beginning of untimely decision making and lack of fire that Torre was becoming known for. Still I really liked the man for all he stood for, and was happy the have him as my teams manager. Now that he has betrayed all of that, he has nothing left in my eyes. RIP Legend of Torre…RIP
I can’t agree with the previous comment. I team can’t manage itself. If you want to argue that Wolhlers threw that slider in 96 to Giardi, and Jefferey Meyers, and all the other “lucky stuff” that happened along the way, then fine.
Torre was brilliant manager of star talents, and thats what this Yankee team needed desperately.
How many managers don’t win in the right place and the right time? World series teams (that come out of the American League) have talent, the key is to have a manager and a coaching staff that can bring it all together.
I can only agree that 98 was a freak year, but remember, the Mariners won MORE games then the Yankees id that year, and the Yankees knocked them off.
I think he was the perfect manager for that team. He’s extremely good at managing certain personality types, but he clearly struggles with guys who march to the beat of their own drum (Wells, Johnson) or have issues (A-Rod, Brown) or with genuinely aggressive types (Sheffield). The dynasty team happened to be loaded with players who were “Joe’s guys”.
Keep in mind that this is a Wally Matthews article so I wouldn’t exactly take it as fact. This may very well be sheer speculation.