Longtime fan visits Sep 22, 2008
09/21/2008 3:59 PM ET Longtime fan bears witness to finale Lang in Cathedral with husband, Seeing Eye dog L 00004000 aramie By Samantha Newman / MLB.com. NEW YORK -- As Jane Lang stepped on the warning track at Yankee Stadium on Sunday morning, she bent down to touch the dirt beneath her before she walked any further. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
Generations merge Sep 22, 2008
Some showcased the flair from their playing days: Willie Randolph ran onto the field and, instead of joining Billy Martin Jr. and Bobby Richardson at his former position, made a tight left turn and slid into second base, grinning and waving to the roaring crowd ... SECOND BASE Billy Martin Jr.; Bobby Richardson; Willie Randolph. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
Fans' stories Sep 22, 2008
09/21/2008 5:23 PM ET Cathedral leaves lasting mark on fans Generations of Yankees faithful have passed through the gates By Jon Blau / MLB.com. Joba Chamberlain signs autographs for fans outside of Yankee Stadium. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
They'll bring down the House, but it's no time to cheer Sep 21, 2008
This is where Billy Martin managed the Yankees. And again. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Cathedral has Torre, Mattingly reminiscing Sep 19, 2008
" Zimmer later would serve three stints wearing pinstripes on the coaching staffs for Billy Martin, Piniella and Torre. Zimmer played a key role in one of the most controversial moments in stadium history, the George Brett pine tar incident in 1983. "I'm not proud of it, but I said to Billy, 'I think the pine tar is too high on the bat,' " said Zimmer. "And Billy went out to check and all hell broke loose. I talked to Brett about that. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
Despite switch, Cubs wary of Brewers Sep 17, 2008
Billy Martin was dismissed, and Bob Lemon replaced him and went on to win the World Series. "I don't really remember that far back," Piniella said. (MLB.com -- Chi Cubs Cubs)
Yankee Stadium hosted many characters Sep 17, 2008
Whitson, of course, might have been better received had he broken a few more bats and one less arm attached to manager Billy Martin ... Alex Rodriguez, slap-happy against Bronson Arroyo in the 2004 AL Championship Series; Carl Pavano, an American Idle even Simon Cowell loves; Billy Martin in an umpire's face; Reggie Jackson on a candy bar and the one-and-only Boss changing managers the way most people change channels. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
Mr. October reflects on Yankee Stadium Sep 17, 2008
Despite his confrontations with principal owner George Steinbrenner, manager Billy Martin and some teammates, Jackson never lost sight of the hallowed ground on which he played, the same patch Ruth patrolled 50 years earlier. "I remember the first time I came here as a visiting player with Oakland in 1968," Jackson said. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
Braves prospects impressing Wellman Sep 17, 2008
"I want you to make it a nice, easy toss," Jurrjens said while mimicking the grenade-like toss that Wellman made with a rosin bag during the heated tirade that would have made both Billy Martin and Lou Piniella proud. While many around the baseball world know Wellman because of this episode, the Braves know him as one of the most-respected managers in their Minor League organization. (MLB.com -- Atlanta Braves)
3-Dot Lounge: Dodgers are fun again with Manny Sep 13, 2008
His photo rests on the wall alongside Billy Martin, Bobby Knight and other mad, eccentric geniuses of our time. We defy you to name a more efficient, dangerous (in every sense of the word), wildly entertaining powerhouse than the Stabler-Biletnikoff-Hendricks-Matuszak Raiders teams of the 1970s, among other Davis works of art. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Tom VerducciINSIDE BASEBALL Sep 10, 2008
Isn't there a Whitey Herzog, a Billy Martin, even a Herman Franks out there any more. The quick answer is that baseball operates with much more of a groupthink mentality than one that encourages innovation. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
More > Sep 5, 2008
Another nickname was affixed to him later by Mantle and second baseman Billy Martin, "Slick," which they actually called each other, but stuck to Ford especially because he was the "city slicker" of the trio. His. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
Braves fans: Feeling left out? Aug 29, 2008
No, and you won t because unlike Billy Martin and his Billy ball , Bobby Cox just does not have any spark in his coaching style. By KJ. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Manuel accepting feedback Aug 19, 2008
"'You have to fire those guys up. Let's go! That's what Billy Martin would do.'". Manuel may have played for Martin, but he isn't Martin, and he believes yelling or tossing over clubhouse spreads isn't going to wake up a cold offense. (MLB.com -- Philadelphia Phillies)
Who wore No. 8? Aug 8, 2008
Georgia Tech, Billy Martin, 88. Martin wore 88 at Gainesville High School the first player in school history to wear it, he said and then kept it for his three seasons at Tech, 1961-63. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Hampton wins, remains uninjured! Aug 7, 2008
Even Billy Martin grins. When the Fish is in the game. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Yanks greats gather for Old-Timers' Day Aug 3, 2008
His widow, Diana Munson, was among a group of five Yankees ladies invited to take part in the pregame introductions, joining Arlene Howard, widow of Elston Howard; Helen Hunter, widow of Jim "Catfish" Hunter; Jill Martin, widow of Billy Martin; and Cora Rizzuto, the widow of Phil Rizzuto. "It's a sad day -- I always get sad every year when I remember the date," said Graig Nettles, a teammate of Munson's that fateful season. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
Scioscia recalls first visit to Bronx Aug 1, 2008
Scioscia recalls meeting then-manager Billy Martin, and he used the bat of third baseman Graig Nettles as he stepped up to the plate for the workout. "It was like putting on a Yankees uniform," Scioscia said. (MLB.com -- Anaheim Angels)
Ozzie remains calm, defends decisions Jul 30, 2008
In fact, Guillen stated on Tuesday how his words at that point will make past commentary from managers such as Billy Martin and Earl Weaver look like child's play. "I'm going to rip a lot of people apart if we win this thing this year," Guillen said. (MLB.com -- Chi White Sox White Sox)
'Pine Tar Game' sticks with Cocoa ump Jul 30, 2008
After Brett had circled the bases and took his seat on the bench, Yankees manager Billy Martin approached home plate umpire Tim McClelland to point out Brett's bat had a little too much pine tar, a legal substance used by hitters to improve their grip. The umpires, including Brinkman -- who was at second base that day -- huddled for an impromptu conference. (Florida Today)
Pine Tar Game remembered Jul 25, 2008
Yankee manager Billy Martin approached home-plate umpire Tim McClelland and informed him that the pine tar on Brett's bat exceeded the 18-inch limit ... ") The future Hall of Famer would win batting titles in a record three decades and join the 3,000 hit club. Billy Martin could hardly open his mouth without creating controversy. As a player, he had been traded from his beloved Yankees in 1957 following his role in the Copacabana nightclub rumble on his 29th birthday and years later was sued for... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
Brett's pine-tar tantrum has sticking power Jul 24, 2008
After the blast, Yankees manager Billy Martin immediately protested. Plate umpire Tim McCle 00004000 lland agreed, nullified the home run and called Brett out. (MSNBC -- Sports)
MLB MAILBAG: Discussing firemen, pitch counts and steroids Jul 24, 2008
Manager Billy Martin used only six other relief pitchers the entire season for a total of 40 appearances. Amazing. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Brett, Goose recall 'Pine Tar Incident' Jul 24, 2008
After Brett returned to the Royals dugout, Yankees manager Billy Martin asked home-plate umpire Tim McClelland to inspect the bat with which Brett had goosed the Goose. McClelland obliged, found the pine tar to be excessively illegal under baseball's rules, turned to the Royals dugout, pointed the bat at Brett and raised his fist. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
Pine Tar Game nets no sticking points Jul 24, 2008
Yankees manager Billy Martin protested that Brett illegally had pine tar on his bat beyond 18 inches from the knob. Umpire Tim McClelland agreed, called Brett out and declared the Yankees 4-3 winners. (MLB.com -- Kansas City Royals)
So-longtoa realbaseball gentleman Jul 22, 2008
In 1988, with the Yankees going through another tumultuous season with Billy Martin at the helm, I managed to have the Yankees beat for the North Jersey Advance newspaper in Flanders, N.J. Dean Singleton, the owner, didn't know it, but I would have paid him to have that kind of assignment. And it was at the Old-Timers' Game that year that I was able to meet Murcer again not on the field or in the clubhouse, but in the broadcast booth for WPIX. And he was the very same good-natured,... (Elizabethtown Bladen Journal, NC)
It's a sticky situation in baseball Jul 16, 2008
Briefly, Brett had just homered with a runner on and two outs in the ninth to put the Royals ahead of New York, 5-4, when Yankees manager Billy Martin, acting on months old intelligence, advised the home plate umpire that Brett's bat violated what was then Rule 1. 10 (b), limiting the amount of pine tar on any bat to the area within 18 inches of its handle. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Celizic: Derby adds another Yankee Stadium memory Jul 15, 2008
I watched Billy Martin sit there wasting away by the day like a consumptive, starring balefully at the red phone on his desk that always rang after a loss and always carried unpleasant tidings from the resident owner ... I remember Billy Martin showing up in the clubhouse to start a new hitch as manager. (MSNBC -- Sports)
GREATEST LIVING YANKEE? Jul 14, 2008
Forget his celebrated clashes with manager Billy Martin or the controversial quotes attributed to him such as "I'm the straw that stirs the drink." His mark on Yankees lore was as indelible as his timing was impeccable on Oct. 18, 1977. That's the night Jackson hit three home runs against three Dodgers pitchers to drive in five runs in an 8-4 Game 6 victory that gave the Yankees their first World Series championship in 15 years and their first under George Steinbrenner's ownership. (USA Today -- Sports)
Labor vs. management can get physical Jul 2, 2008
Yankees manager Billy Martin, left, engages Reggie Jackson in the Fenway Park dugout on June 18, 1977 ... June 18, 1977 Reggie Jackson vs. Billy Martin. (USA Today -- Sports)
The Fives: Basebrawls to remember, from Martin to Cobb to Ryan Jul 2, 2008
Nobody every questioned the toughness of Billy Martin. He had a reputation for going toe-to-toe with anyone and everyone, even his own players -- just ask the Minnesota Twins' Dave Boswell about that one. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Mets mailbag: Do leadership changes help? Jun 24, 2008
The change that comes to my mind immediately is the Yankees appointing Bob Lemon to replace Billy Martin in 1978. The move changed everything about the Yankees' season and was the primary factor in their overcoming a 14-game deficit to catch the Red Sox. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
John DonovanINSIDE BASEBALL Jun 24, 2008
(That'd be the '03 Marlins, who switched from Jeff Torborg to Jack McKeon, and the 1978 Yankees, from Billy Martin to Bob Lemon. . (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Celizic: Piniella has changed culture of Cubs Jun 23, 2008
Piniella has changed culture of the Cubs. Manager erased that reputation in a hurry. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Reds ready for Yankee Stadium visit Jun 20, 2008
Dave Pepe's partner is Billy Joe Martin, son of the late Yankee player and manager, Billy Martin. "There's a lot of history," Burton said. (MLB.com -- Cincinnati Reds)
YOU'RE FIRED: Memories of some odd exterminations from the past Jun 19, 2008
Billy Martin took five trips on the Yankee managerial carousel; Yogi Berra, who was told he'd manage the whole 1985 season, win or lose, got the boot after 16 games, and the team went through three skippers during both the 1978 and '82 seasons. Arguably the most memorable of those firings came in November 1980. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NHL)
Clock strikes midnight for Randolph, Mets coaches Jun 18, 2008
He had no managing experience at any level at the time, but had played and coached under some of the best in the business, including Torre, Buck Showalter, Billy Martin, Lou Piniella. He had gone through the interview process several times before getting the Mets job in 2004, managing just miles from his native Brooklyn. (USA Today -- Sports)
Mets Wait Until Late, Fire Willie Randolph Jun 18, 2008
Surrounded by stars Reggie Jackson and Thurman Munson, characters Sparky Lyle and Mickey Rivers and volatile George Steinbrenner and Billy Martin, Randolph merely went about his business. He made for a good fit in pinstripes, and later became a Yankees co-captain. (FOX23 News, NY)
Mariners mailbag: Is Felix a true ace? Jun 17, 2008
The late Billy Martin, for example, relied on five starters in 1981 to reach the playoffs with the A's, but at a heavy cost. Between them, Rick Langford, Steve McCatty, Mike Norris, Matt Keough and Brian Kingman started 103 of the Athletics' 109 games that strike-interrupted season and combined to pitch 59 complete games. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
MIAMI MAN?: Griffey may consider trade to surprising Rays Jun 14, 2008
He's thought by friends to be interested in playing the final All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, where he has often told of how once felt slighted by Billy Martin as a kid running around the clubhouse when his father, Ken Sr., played in the Bronx. As fortune has it, the improving Rays, who at 38-28 are currently leading the wild-card race by three games, may have a spot for Griffey, provided they don't have to surrender one of their very top prospects or pay exorbitantly. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Dogs-Miami Saturday on ESPN Jun 11, 2008
Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford and Billy Martin would be destroyed in newspapers today. All this talk about thugs gripes My butt, because none of this stuff is new, it just wasn t reported in the old days. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Three of a kind Jun 7, 2008
When Texas outfielder Jeff Burroughs reacted violently to a fan stealing his glove and cap, the Rangers, led by manager Billy Martin big surprise , charged onto the field wielding bats. Dozens of fans charged onto the field, and "realizing the Rangers' lives might be in danger, Ken Aspromonte, the Indians' manager, ordered his players to grab bats and help the Rangers. Rioters began throwing steel folding chairs and Cleveland relief pitcher Tom Hilgendorf was hit in the head by one of them.... (CBS News)
Replay would drag life out of baseball May 28, 2008
Billy Martin was never meant to kick dirt on a machine. The columnist can be reached at or (559) 441-6217. (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
Dear Mr. Yamauchi: Time to shake up Mariners May 28, 2008
In other words, the GM who once envisioned Scott Spiezio and Rich Aurilia as impact acquisitions needs only a prototype composite to burst into the clubhouse with the clenched fists of Leo Durocher, the sharpened spikes of Ty Cobb, the piercing voice of Billy Martin, and the amiable ruthlessness of Don Drysdale, although I suspect Bavasi would settle for a few Texas-drenched profanities from the mouth of Jay Buhner. It's an elusive acquisition. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Rumors don't worry Randolph May 25, 2008
"advertisementMinaya and Randolph havent had any significant conversations this weekend outside of idle small talk.Obviously, when all this stuff is going on around me, when he shows up, Why is he here? Randolph said. Im comfortable around Omar and I told him he should come on more road trips, be around the team. I dont feel any different about him being here.Randolph and Mets executives planned to meet soon to review the teams play a quarter of the way through the... (MSNBC -- Sports)
WILLIE FOCUSED ON WINNING May 25, 2008
He felt the same way when rumors swirled around Billy Martin when they were together on a the Yankees. "As a player, you feel for your manager," Randolph said. (New York Post)
Instant replay would strip baseball of its soul May 24, 2008
With instant replay, there aren t highlights for the ages of Ralph Houk, Billy Martin and Earl Weaver kicking dirt and slinging caps. With instant replay, there isn t Bobby Cox adding to his record each week for ejections from a game. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Anyone for Fun 'n' games May 18, 2008
And, as Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times writes, in the spirit of the late Billy Martin, they'll even kick in the dirt for free. Or, as Fun 'n' games might correct: They'll even kick the dirt on you for free. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Randolph plays it cool before opener May 17, 2008
One day after his team completed a losing homestand against two last-place teams, Randolph was back where Billy Martin had served five times, where Pine Tar had been the substance of endless stories, where stability feared to tread. In some ways, the Mets' 20-19 record paled in comparison, even if his own job security had been called into question in newspaper accounts and radio talk shows. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
COURT NOTES ESTATE NOTICES MARRIAGE LICENSES May 15, 2008
Henry Gordon Martin Jr., 5 N. Sherman St., Wilkes-Barre; letters of administration to Billy Martin, RR 1, Box 282C, Wapwallopen. Laura Bubowski, 656 Kuschke St., Plymouth; letters of administration to Gloria Dobrowalski, 25 Laflin Road, Laflin. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
This prep track champ is a do-it-yourselfer May 13, 2008
They remember Billy Martin because he was the crazy one. WHO'S THE REAL SOCCER FAN. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Lieberman To Be Inducted Into Hampton Roads Sports Hall Of Fame May 10, 2008
The class consists of football legends Bruce Smith, Clarence "Ace" Parker, basketball coaches Charles "Lefty" Driesell, and Marcellus "Boo" Williams, baseball executive Dave Rosenfield, and wrestling coach Billy Martin, Sr.. A 19-person committee, with input from fans through online surveys, made the selections: coaches, players, or administrators who left a lasting impact on the community were eligible for election. (Odusports.com)
Men's Tennis Opens NCAA Run With Wisconson Rematch May 9, 2008
Billy Martin is in his 15th season as head coach. SCOUTING EASTERN WASHINGTON: The Eagles from across the state pulled off consecutive comebacks in the Big Sky Conference tournament to earn a trip to NCAA's. (Gohuskies.com)
White Sox's Ozzie knows what sells May 9, 2008
"Who's the manager they remember the most? ... Billy Martin. They don't remember Sparky Anderson. ... They remember Billy Martin because he was the crazy one," Guillen said. "Why do you think they like Lou Piniella? Because Lou is good? Great guy. Great baseball people. But people love Lou Piniella because he's ... up!". (Freeport Journal-Standard, IL)
Conley made a name for himself, and Olneys field May 8, 2008
Maybe even the quietly confident Conley could not have predicted what heights he was going to reach without ever having to deal with George Steinbrenner as 14 managers, including a couple of stints by Billy Martin, have the past 28 years. How was Conley to know that nearly three decades after getting the junior college job shortly after earning his master s degree at Eastern, he would be standing with tears in his eyes at an Olney Central College baseball field that was being named after him. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
All-Star Game has rich tradition in Bronx May 8, 2008
Also heated up was AL manager Billy Martin of the Yankees, although his ire was aimed this time not in the direction of owner George Steinbrenner or right fielder Reggie Jackson, but rather Angels pitcher Nolan Ryan. Baseball's eventual strikeout king was miffed at not being named originally to the AL staff, so much so that when teammate Frank Tanana developed a shoulder injury requiring his removal from the roster, Ryan refused to take his place. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
Doctor Hankenstein Apr 23, 2008
Maybe Billy Martin III, IV, V, without the third, fourth and fifth chances. No Miller Lite beer commercials for you, Joe. (Albany Times Union)
Royal treatment Apr 19, 2008
When Pope John Paul II said Mass in 1979, the defending World Series champions went 89-71 under Bob Lemon and Billy Martin and finished fourth in the AL East. Nevertheless, the Yankees are doing what they can to accommodate His Excellency, playing 18 of 20 games on the road. (CBS News)
Yankee Series: 1998 team takes Game 1 on Paul O'Neill's single Apr 12, 2008
Meanwhile, the 1998 Yankees were winning their division by a relatively comfortable five-game margin over the 1953 team (featuring Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, Whitey Ford and a 21-year-old Mickey Mantle) and the famed 1961 M&M boys squad (with Roger Maris and an older Mantle). That set the stage for the all-time Yankee Series. (USA Today -- Sports)
Piniella has no problem with umpires Apr 11, 2008
PITTSBURGH -- Lou Piniella says umpires are his friends, and doesn't have a problem with any the way White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen does with Phil Cuzzi. "Umpires are all my buddies," Piniella said Thursday. (MLB.com -- Chi Cubs Cubs)
Tom VerducciBASEBALL MAILBAG Apr 10, 2008
Is there another Billy Martin out there. I would like to see the Atlanta Braves win some games they are supposed to win (Nationals, Pirates). (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
No. 5 Men's Tennis Heads to Arizona Apr 9, 2008
Head Coach Billy Martin UCLA head coach owns a 339-64 overall coaching record in his 15th season at the helm of the Bruin tennis program. In his 14 seasons, Martin has never had a team finish out of the top 5 at the NCAA Championships, leading UCLA to the school's 16th NCAA men's tennis title in 2005. (Uclabruins.com)
The Pitchers and Catchers Report Mar 29, 2008
Shropshire's no romantic, though: The Last Real Season is the sportswriter's Ball Four, a hilarious, profane diary of a year spent dodging punches from booze-infused Rangers manager Billy Martin and trying to wring copy out of a dead-end team. (My favorite excerpt from the author's 1975 clippings: "[Rangers first baseman Jim] Fregosi is old enough to be somebody's grandfather, although, to the best of his knowledge, he's not."). (Slate)
Manuel Pleased With Phils Spring Turn Around Mar 28, 2008
On the wall of his office at the Phillies' spring training complex, has a quote from the late Billy Martin, his former manager with the. It reads, "It's not a light bulb. You can't turn it on and off.". (Philadelphia, TheInsiders.com)
Santa Clara, UCLA, and USC Make Up Busy Week for Men's Tennis Mar 25, 2008
Billy Martin is in his 15th season as Bruins coach. SCOUTING USC: The ninth-ranked Trojans head to Seattle red hot after pulling two consecutive road upsets over Top-10 teams. (Gohuskies.com)
