Joe Girardi
Encyclopedia
Joseph Elliott Girardi (born October 14, 1964) is a former Major League Baseball
catcher
and current manager
of the New York Yankees
. During a 15-year playing career, he played from 1989–2003 for the Chicago Cubs
, the Colorado Rockies
, the New York Yankees
, and St. Louis Cardinals
. He also previously managed the Florida Marlins
in 2006, where he was named National League
Manager of the Year
.
, and is a native of East Peoria, Illinois
, he attended East Peoria Neil Armstrong grade school, Sacred Heart/Fr Sweeny where he was coached in basketball by his father. He then attended Academy of Our Lady/Spalding Institute (now merged into Peoria Notre Dame High School
) in Peoria, Illinois, where he played quarterback for the football team (coached by Tommy Kahn) and catcher for the baseball team (coached by David Lang). He went on to play baseball at Northwestern University
in Evanston, Illinois
, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering
. He was the first freshman to be elected president of a fraternity (Alpha Tau Omega
) at Northwestern.
in the Venezuelan winter league. He began his major league career in 1989 with the Cubs, staying with them through 1992. He was taken by the Colorado Rockies in the expansion draft
before the 1993 season. Girardi played for the Rockies through 1995. He was traded in 1995 to the New York Yankees for pitcher Mike DeJean
.
Girardi served as the Yankees' regular catcher from 1996 through 1999, earning three World Series
rings in 1996
, 1998
, and 1999
. In 1996, Girardi caught Dwight Gooden
's no-hitter
and in 1999, he caught David Cone
's perfect game
. When the Yankees promoted Jorge Posada
, a 25-year-old prospect, to serve as his backup, Girardi served as Posada's mentor. The two catchers split time for the Yankees through 1999.
In 2000, Girardi left the Yankees and returned to the Cubs, where he was named to that year's All-Star
team, his only All-Star appearance as a player (he would later manage the 2010 AL All-Star team). He played with the Cubs again in 2001 and 2002. On June 22, 2002, before the Cubs' game with the Cardinals, St. Louis' Darryl Kile
was found dead. When Major League Baseball decided to cancel the nationally televised game, Girardi announced the cancellation to the fans at Wrigley Field
without directly mentioning Kile's death. At 2:37 pm, he tearfully told the fans, "I thank you for your patience. We regret to inform you because of a tragedy in the Cardinal family, the commissioner has canceled the game today. Please be respectful. You will find out eventually what has happened, and I ask that you say a prayer for the St. Louis Cardinals' family."
In 2003, Girardi played for the Cardinals.
stint with the Yankees in 2004, Girardi retired and became a commentator
for the YES Network
. He hosted the youth-oriented Yankees on Deck, received good reviews, and was offered a larger role on 2005 Yankee broadcasts.
But he rejected that offer, as well as an offer by Florida Marlins
to become the bench coach
with a guarantee to become the team's manager in 2006 (he eventually got that job anyway). Instead, he became the Yankees' bench coach. He managed a game during a Joe Torre
suspension, a loss to the Kansas City Royals
. Girardi remained the host of Kids on Deck in 2005, having shot his shows before spring training. During games, YES promoted Kids on Deck by showing Girardi sitting in the dugout during breaks in the game.
Girardi worked Games 3–5 of the 2006 World Series
for Fox as part of the network's pregame and postgame team, along with host Jeanne Zelasko
and regular analyst Kevin Kennedy
.
After fielding managerial offers for the 2007 season, Joe Girardi instead came to terms with the YES network to return to the broadcast booth for 60-plus games as a Yankees analyst, and co-host a new show on the network, Behind The Plate, with John Flaherty
, also a former Yankee catcher. Girardi also served as color commentator for the No.2 booth (usually with Thom Brennaman
) on Major League Baseball on Fox.
. His first notable action as manager was to prohibit facial hair, a policy similar to that of Yankees owner George Steinbrenner
, except Girardi prohibited mustaches as well.
Girardi guided the team into a 78–84 record and a surprising wild-card contention even though the team had the lowest payroll in Major League Baseball. About $14 million, the Marlins' 2006 payroll was lower than the salaries of several MLB players. But Girardi was nearly fired in early August when he got into a vocal (and visible) argument with Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria
during a game. According to witnesses and video footage, the Marlins owner was heckling homeplate umpire Larry Vanover. When the umpire warned Girardi about the harassment, Girardi and his bench coach Gary Tuck then turned to Loria and told him to stop. Loria had to be talked out of firing Girardi immediately after the game.
On October 3, 2006, the Marlins announced that they had fired Girardi, despite him winning manager of the year. Girardi said only that he appreciated the opportunity to manage the club, a move that was seen as classy across the Major Leagues and kept him at the top of many teams' list of manager candidates. Girardi was thought to be among the leading candidates to replace Yankee manager Joe Torre
after the Yankees' loss in the 2006 American League Division Series
, but Torre remained with the Yankees. He was also a candidate for the Cubs' manager position, to succeed Dusty Baker
; he interviewed for the job just days after leaving the Marlins. With his playing experience in Chicago, he was considered a front-runner for the position even before the season was over. However, the Cubs chose to go with veteran manager Lou Piniella
. Girardi took himself out of the running for the Washington Nationals
' managerial job shortly thereafter and returned to the broadcast booth for the YES Network in 2007. He said taking another managerial job would have meant a third move in as many years for his family. Despite Girardi's firing, he was rewarded for his achievements with the Marlins in 2006 with the National League
Manager of the Year Award
and The Sporting News Manager of the Year Award
for the National League.
fired manager Sam Perlozzo
, Girardi interviewed for and was offered the job, but turned it down, his agent said on June 21.
When the Yankees' managerial position became vacant after the 2007 season, the Yankees interviewed Girardi, Tony Peña
, and Don Mattingly
. Girardi was reported to be the Yankees' managerial choice on October 29, and he officially accepted the deal on October 30. He signed a three-year contract, reportedly worth about $7.5 million.
Girardi chose to wear No. 27 to signify his wish to lead the Yankees to their 27th world championship. On April 1, 2008, Girardi won his first game as manager of the Yankees, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays
3–2. On August 2, 2008, Girardi participated in his first Old Timer's Day, the last such game played at the original Yankee Stadium. Girardi participated in the next Old Timer's Day, on July 19, 2009, the first in the new Yankee Stadium
.
Girardi's first year as Yankee manager was the first time since 1993 the Yankees did not reach the postseason (the 1994 season-ending strike came with the Yankees in first place in the AL East.) In 2009, his second year as manager, he led the Yankees to win their 40th AL pennant, leading to their 27th World Series title (defeating the Philadelphia Phillies), his first World Series title as manager, and the Yankees' first since 2000. Before the 2010 season, Girardi changed his number to 28. Newly acquired center-fielder Curtis Granderson
had worn 28, but agreed to change his number to 14.
Following the 2010 season, Girardi and the Yankees agreed to a three-year deal to keep Girardi as the Yankees' manager.
The 2011 Yankees
had predictions about them finishing behind the Red Sox due to Boston's high profile free agency moves and the Yankees lack of action. The Yankees season was plagued by injuries that caused disabled list stints for Derek Jeter
, Alex Rodriguez
, Mariano Rivera
, Phil Hughes, Bartolo Colon
, Freddy Garcia
, Joba Chamberlain
, Pedro Feliciano
and Damaso Marte
, with the latter two not playing even one game, in addition to the injuries to other players that did not result in them being placed on the disabled list. Despite the setbacks, Girardi managed to lead the team to the AL East title. Rob Parker
of ESPN
commended Girardi's performance and felt his efforts were deserving of American League Manager of the Year
, but felt he would not get the award due to the Yankees high payroll and what Parker alleges is an anti-New York Yankee bias. The Yankees were bounced from the playoffs by the Detroit Tigers in the divisional round, 3–2.
While driving home after winning the 2009 World Series, Girardi stopped to help a crash victim on a dangerous part of the highway. Police said he put his life at risk while trying to help the driver who had just crashed into a wall. The woman said she had no idea who Girardi was until the responding officers pointed it out. In an interview the next day, he said, "I think the most important thing is that, obviously, there's a lot of joy in what we do, but we can't forget to be human beings when we help others out."
Girardi is also a known health enthusiast and has banned sweets such as ice cream
and soda from the clubhouse.
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
catcher
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
and current manager
Manager (baseball)
In baseball, the field manager is an individual who is responsible for matters of team strategy on the field and team leadership. Managers are typically assisted by between one and six assistant coaches, whose responsibilities are specialized...
of the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
. During a 15-year playing career, he played from 1989–2003 for the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
, the Colorado Rockies
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
, the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
, and St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
. He also previously managed the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
in 2006, where he was named National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
Manager of the Year
Manager of the Year Award
In Major League Baseball, the Manager of the Year Award is an honor given annually since 1983 to the best managers in the American League and the National League . The winner is voted on by 28 members of the Baseball Writers Association of America . Each places a vote for first, second, and third...
.
Early life
Girardi, was born in Peoria, IllinoisPeoria, Illinois
Peoria is the largest city on the Illinois River and the county seat of Peoria County, Illinois, in the United States. It is named after the Peoria tribe. As of the 2010 census, the city was the seventh-most populated in Illinois, with a population of 115,007, and is the third-most populated...
, and is a native of East Peoria, Illinois
East Peoria, Illinois
East Peoria is a city in Tazewell County, Illinois, United States. The population was 23,402 at the 2010 census. East Peoria is part of the Peoria, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area, located across the Illinois River from downtown Peoria. It is home to many Caterpillar Inc. facilities...
, he attended East Peoria Neil Armstrong grade school, Sacred Heart/Fr Sweeny where he was coached in basketball by his father. He then attended Academy of Our Lady/Spalding Institute (now merged into Peoria Notre Dame High School
Peoria Notre Dame High School
Peoria Notre Dame High School is a Catholic parochial high school in Peoria, Illinois. It is the largest parochial school in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria with approximately 815 students and has a college preparatory curriculum. According to the school, more than 99% of students graduating...
) in Peoria, Illinois, where he played quarterback for the football team (coached by Tommy Kahn) and catcher for the baseball team (coached by David Lang). He went on to play baseball at Northwestern University
Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston and Chicago, Illinois, USA. Northwestern has eleven undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools offering 124 undergraduate degrees and 145 graduate and professional degrees....
in Evanston, Illinois
Evanston, Illinois
Evanston is a suburban municipality in Cook County, Illinois 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, bordering Chicago to the south, Skokie to the west, and Wilmette to the north, with an estimated population of 74,360 as of 2003. It is one of the North Shore communities that adjoin Lake Michigan...
, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering
Industrial engineering
Industrial engineering is a branch of engineering dealing with the optimization of complex processes or systems. It is concerned with the development, improvement, implementation and evaluation of integrated systems of people, money, knowledge, information, equipment, energy, materials, analysis...
. He was the first freshman to be elected president of a fraternity (Alpha Tau Omega
Alpha Tau Omega
Alpha Tau Omega is a secret American leadership and social fraternity.The Fraternity has more than 250 active and inactive chapters, more than 200,000 initiates, and over 7,000 active undergraduate members. The 200,000th member was initiated in early 2009...
) at Northwestern.
Playing career
In 1989, while a prospect for the Chicago Cubs, Girardi played for the Águilas del ZuliaÁguilas del Zulia
The Águilas del Zulia is a Venezuelan winter league team that plays in the Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional, and one of the most popular teams in Venezuela.-History:The team was founded in 1969...
in the Venezuelan winter league. He began his major league career in 1989 with the Cubs, staying with them through 1992. He was taken by the Colorado Rockies in the expansion draft
1992 MLB Expansion Draft
The 1992 Major League Baseball expansion draft was held November 17, 1992 in New York City. This expansion draft was conducted by Major League Baseball to stock the major league rosters of the Colorado Rockies and Florida Marlins, new major league expansion franchises that were set to start play...
before the 1993 season. Girardi played for the Rockies through 1995. He was traded in 1995 to the New York Yankees for pitcher Mike DeJean
Mike DeJean
Michael Dwain DeJean is a former right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball.DeJean played shortstop during his college career at Mississippi Delta Community College and Livingston University. In , while playing for Livingston in the Division II College World Series, DeJean pitched to two...
.
Girardi served as the Yankees' regular catcher from 1996 through 1999, earning three World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
rings in 1996
1996 World Series
-Game 1:Sunday, October 20, 1996 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkGame 1 and Game 2 were originally scheduled for Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20, respectively. Rain on October 19, however, washed out Game 1. The schedule was moved up one day, with Game 1 and Game 2 rescheduled for...
, 1998
1998 World Series
The 1998 World Series, the 94th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series, matched the New York Yankees against the San Diego Padres . The Yankees swept the Series in four games to capture their second championship in three years, and their 24th overall...
, and 1999
1999 World Series
The 1999 World Series, the 95th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series, featured a rematch between the defending champions New York Yankees against the Atlanta Braves during the month of October, with the Yankees sweeping the Series in four games for their second title in a row,...
. In 1996, Girardi caught Dwight Gooden
Dwight Gooden
Dwight Eugene Gooden , nicknamed "Doc Gooden" or "Dr. K", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He was one of the most dominant and feared pitchers in the National League in the middle and late 1980s.-Career:...
's no-hitter
No-hitter
A no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
and in 1999, he caught David Cone
David Cone
David Brian Cone is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. During a 17-year baseball career, he pitched from 1986-2003 for six different teams. Cone pitched the sixteenth perfect game in baseball history. He also set the MLB record for most years between 20-win seasons. He was a member of five...
's perfect game
Perfect game
A perfect game is defined by Major League Baseball as a game in which a pitcher pitches a victory that lasts a minimum of nine innings and in which no opposing player reaches base. Thus, the pitcher cannot allow any hits, walks, hit batsmen, or any opposing player to reach base safely for any...
. When the Yankees promoted Jorge Posada
Jorge Posada
Jorge Rafael Posada Villeta is a Major League Baseball player who is currently a free agent and has played his entire career for the New York Yankees. He served as the Yankees primary catcher for most of his career, though following off-season knee surgery, he was moved to designated hitter for...
, a 25-year-old prospect, to serve as his backup, Girardi served as Posada's mentor. The two catchers split time for the Yankees through 1999.
In 2000, Girardi left the Yankees and returned to the Cubs, where he was named to that year's All-Star
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
team, his only All-Star appearance as a player (he would later manage the 2010 AL All-Star team). He played with the Cubs again in 2001 and 2002. On June 22, 2002, before the Cubs' game with the Cardinals, St. Louis' Darryl Kile
Darryl Kile
Darryl Andrew Kile was an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He pitched from 1991-2002 for three different teams in his career. In his first season for the Cardinals, he won 20 games in 2000 as the team reached the postseason for the first time in four years. They advanced to the...
was found dead. When Major League Baseball decided to cancel the nationally televised game, Girardi announced the cancellation to the fans at Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is a baseball stadium in Chicago, Illinois, United States that has served as the home ballpark of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It was built in 1914 as Weeghman Park for the Chicago Federal League baseball team, the Chicago Whales...
without directly mentioning Kile's death. At 2:37 pm, he tearfully told the fans, "I thank you for your patience. We regret to inform you because of a tragedy in the Cardinal family, the commissioner has canceled the game today. Please be respectful. You will find out eventually what has happened, and I ask that you say a prayer for the St. Louis Cardinals' family."
In 2003, Girardi played for the Cardinals.
Broadcasting and coaching career
After a spring trainingSpring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
stint with the Yankees in 2004, Girardi retired and became a commentator
Sportscaster
In sports broadcasting, a commentator gives a running commentary of a game or event in real time, usually during a live broadcast. The comments are normally a voiceover, with the sounds of the action and spectators also heard in the background. In the case of television commentary, the commentator...
for the YES Network
YES Network
The Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network is a New York City-based, regional cable television channel; it broadcasts a variety of sports events, with an emphasis on New York Yankees baseball games, and New Jersey Nets basketball games. YES made its debut on March 19, 2002...
. He hosted the youth-oriented Yankees on Deck, received good reviews, and was offered a larger role on 2005 Yankee broadcasts.
But he rejected that offer, as well as an offer by Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
to become the bench coach
Coach (baseball)
In baseball, a number of coaches assist in the smooth functioning of a team. They are assistants to the manager, or head coach, who determines the lineup and decides how to substitute players during the game...
with a guarantee to become the team's manager in 2006 (he eventually got that job anyway). Instead, he became the Yankees' bench coach. He managed a game during a Joe Torre
Joe Torre
Joseph Paul Torre is a former American professional baseball player and manager who currently serves as Major League Baseball’s Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations. A nine-time All-Star, he played in Major League Baseball as a catcher, first baseman and a third baseman for the...
suspension, a loss to the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
. Girardi remained the host of Kids on Deck in 2005, having shot his shows before spring training. During games, YES promoted Kids on Deck by showing Girardi sitting in the dugout during breaks in the game.
Girardi worked Games 3–5 of the 2006 World Series
2006 World Series
The 2006 World Series, the 102nd edition of Major League Baseball's championship series, began on October 21 and ended on October 27, and matched the American League champion Detroit Tigers against the National League champion St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals won the Series in five games, taking...
for Fox as part of the network's pregame and postgame team, along with host Jeanne Zelasko
Jeanne Zelasko
Jeanne Zelasko is a journalist and sportscaster who took over as the pre-game host of Fox's MLB games in 2001 after the departure of Keith Olbermann until October 2008. She also covered pre-game for MLB 2K6, MLB 2K7, and MLB 2K8 alongside Steve Physioc...
and regular analyst Kevin Kennedy
Kevin Kennedy (baseball)
Kevin Curtis Kennedy is a former manager in American Major League Baseball and a former television host for Fox Sports' baseball coverage. He was given the nickname "The Skipper" by Fox Sports due to his prior managerial career...
.
After fielding managerial offers for the 2007 season, Joe Girardi instead came to terms with the YES network to return to the broadcast booth for 60-plus games as a Yankees analyst, and co-host a new show on the network, Behind The Plate, with John Flaherty
John Flaherty
John Timothy Flaherty is a television baseball broadcaster and a retired Major League Baseball player. Flaherty was a catcher, and last played in the major leagues for the New York Yankees.-Early life:...
, also a former Yankee catcher. Girardi also served as color commentator for the No.2 booth (usually with Thom Brennaman
Thom Brennaman
Thomas Wade "Thom" Brennaman is an American sportscaster, and the son of current Cincinnati Reds radio sportscaster Marty Brennaman.-Broadcasting career:...
) on Major League Baseball on Fox.
Florida Marlins (2006)
After the 2005 regular season, Girardi was named the manager of the Marlins, replacing departed manager Jack McKeonJack McKeon
John Aloysius McKeon , nicknamed Trader Jack, is a former Major League Baseball manager. In 2003, he won a World Series with the Florida Marlins...
. His first notable action as manager was to prohibit facial hair, a policy similar to that of Yankees owner George Steinbrenner
George Steinbrenner
George Michael Steinbrenner III was an American businessman who was the principal owner and managing partner of Major League Baseball's New York Yankees. During Steinbrenner's 37-year ownership from 1973 to his death in July 2010, the longest in club history, the Yankees earned seven World Series...
, except Girardi prohibited mustaches as well.
Girardi guided the team into a 78–84 record and a surprising wild-card contention even though the team had the lowest payroll in Major League Baseball. About $14 million, the Marlins' 2006 payroll was lower than the salaries of several MLB players. But Girardi was nearly fired in early August when he got into a vocal (and visible) argument with Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria
Jeffrey Loria
Jeffrey H. Loria is an art dealer and is the owner of the Miami Marlins. Raised in Manhattan, Loria took an early interest in baseball, attending his first New York Yankees game in the late 1940s. Loria attended New York City's Stuyvesant High School and Yale University, where he initially took...
during a game. According to witnesses and video footage, the Marlins owner was heckling homeplate umpire Larry Vanover. When the umpire warned Girardi about the harassment, Girardi and his bench coach Gary Tuck then turned to Loria and told him to stop. Loria had to be talked out of firing Girardi immediately after the game.
On October 3, 2006, the Marlins announced that they had fired Girardi, despite him winning manager of the year. Girardi said only that he appreciated the opportunity to manage the club, a move that was seen as classy across the Major Leagues and kept him at the top of many teams' list of manager candidates. Girardi was thought to be among the leading candidates to replace Yankee manager Joe Torre
Joe Torre
Joseph Paul Torre is a former American professional baseball player and manager who currently serves as Major League Baseball’s Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations. A nine-time All-Star, he played in Major League Baseball as a catcher, first baseman and a third baseman for the...
after the Yankees' loss in the 2006 American League Division Series
2006 American League Division Series
-Game 1, October 3:Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkA five-run third inning by the Yankees put the game out of reach for the Tigers. Bobby Abreu doubled to score Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter . Gary Sheffield then singled in Abreu, and Jason Giambi launched a two-run home run for a commanding 5–0...
, but Torre remained with the Yankees. He was also a candidate for the Cubs' manager position, to succeed Dusty Baker
Dusty Baker
Johnnie B. "Dusty" Baker, Jr. is a former player and current manager in Major League Baseball, currently the manager of the Cincinnati Reds. He enjoyed a 19-year career as a hard-hitting outfielder, mostly with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers...
; he interviewed for the job just days after leaving the Marlins. With his playing experience in Chicago, he was considered a front-runner for the position even before the season was over. However, the Cubs chose to go with veteran manager Lou Piniella
Lou Piniella
Louis Victor Piniella is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and manager. He has been nicknamed "Sweet Lou," both for his swing as a major league hitter and, facetiously, to describe his demeanor as a player and manager...
. Girardi took himself out of the running for the Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
' managerial job shortly thereafter and returned to the broadcast booth for the YES Network in 2007. He said taking another managerial job would have meant a third move in as many years for his family. Despite Girardi's firing, he was rewarded for his achievements with the Marlins in 2006 with the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
Manager of the Year Award
Manager of the Year Award
In Major League Baseball, the Manager of the Year Award is an honor given annually since 1983 to the best managers in the American League and the National League . The winner is voted on by 28 members of the Baseball Writers Association of America . Each places a vote for first, second, and third...
and The Sporting News Manager of the Year Award
The Sporting News Manager of the Year Award
The Sporting News Manager of the Year Award was established in 1936 by The Sporting News and was given annually to one manager in Major League Baseball...
for the National League.
New York Yankees (2008–present)
In June 2007, after the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
fired manager Sam Perlozzo
Sam Perlozzo
Samuel Benedict Perlozzo is a former second baseman and manager in Major League Baseball, most recently with the Baltimore Orioles...
, Girardi interviewed for and was offered the job, but turned it down, his agent said on June 21.
When the Yankees' managerial position became vacant after the 2007 season, the Yankees interviewed Girardi, Tony Peña
Tony Peña
Antonio Francisco Peña Padilla is a former professional baseball player, manager and current coach. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball for the Pirates, Cardinals, Red Sox, Indians, White Sox, and Astros. Peña was the manager of the Kansas City Royals between 2002 and 2005. He...
, and Don Mattingly
Don Mattingly
Donald Arthur "Don" Mattingly is a former Major League Baseball first baseman and current manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nicknamed "The Hit Man" and "Donnie Baseball", he played his entire 14-year baseball career for the New York Yankees...
. Girardi was reported to be the Yankees' managerial choice on October 29, and he officially accepted the deal on October 30. He signed a three-year contract, reportedly worth about $7.5 million.
Girardi chose to wear No. 27 to signify his wish to lead the Yankees to their 27th world championship. On April 1, 2008, Girardi won his first game as manager of the Yankees, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays
2008 Toronto Blue Jays season
The Toronto Blue Jays season, the team's 32nd year of existence, saw the Blue Jays finish in fourth place in the American League East with a record of 86 wins and 76 losses for a .531 winning percentage, thus making this season the third consecutive winning season for the Jays, as well as being...
3–2. On August 2, 2008, Girardi participated in his first Old Timer's Day, the last such game played at the original Yankee Stadium. Girardi participated in the next Old Timer's Day, on July 19, 2009, the first in the new Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium was a stadium located in The Bronx in New York City, New York. It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1973 and from 1976 to 2008. The stadium hosted 6,581 Yankees regular season home games during its 85-year history. It was also the former home of the New York...
.
Girardi's first year as Yankee manager was the first time since 1993 the Yankees did not reach the postseason (the 1994 season-ending strike came with the Yankees in first place in the AL East.) In 2009, his second year as manager, he led the Yankees to win their 40th AL pennant, leading to their 27th World Series title (defeating the Philadelphia Phillies), his first World Series title as manager, and the Yankees' first since 2000. Before the 2010 season, Girardi changed his number to 28. Newly acquired center-fielder Curtis Granderson
Curtis Granderson
Curtis Granderson is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Before joining the Yankees in 2010, he played with the Detroit Tigers . A center fielder, Granderson is known for being a five-tool player...
had worn 28, but agreed to change his number to 14.
Following the 2010 season, Girardi and the Yankees agreed to a three-year deal to keep Girardi as the Yankees' manager.
The 2011 Yankees
2011 New York Yankees season
The 2011 New York Yankees season was the 111th season for the New York Yankees franchise. The Yankees began the season at home against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, March 31. The Yankees clinched a playoff berth in the first game of a doubleheader on September 21, 2011, and clinched the AL East...
had predictions about them finishing behind the Red Sox due to Boston's high profile free agency moves and the Yankees lack of action. The Yankees season was plagued by injuries that caused disabled list stints for Derek Jeter
Derek Jeter
Derek Sanderson Jeter is an American baseball shortstop who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. A twelve-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, Jeter's clubhouse presence, on-field leadership, hitting ability, and baserunning have made him a central...
, Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez
Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
, Mariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera is a Panamanian right-handed baseball pitcher who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. Nicknamed "Mo", Rivera has served as a relief pitcher for most of his career, and since 1997, he has been the Yankees' closer...
, Phil Hughes, Bartolo Colon
Bartolo Colón
Bartolo Colón is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He played in Major League Baseball from 1997 to 2009 and again in 2011...
, Freddy Garcia
Freddy García
Freddy Antonio García , nicknamed "The Chief", is a Venezuelan Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher who is currently a free agent...
, Joba Chamberlain
Joba Chamberlain
Justin Louis "Joba" Chamberlain is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees.-Early life:Chamberlain was born and grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. Chamberlain's parents, Harlan Chamberlain and Jackie Standley, were never married and split up when Joba was 18 months old...
, Pedro Feliciano
Pedro Feliciano
Pedro Juan Feliciano Molina is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees.-Early career:...
and Damaso Marte
Dámaso Marté
Dámaso Marté Sabinon is a Dominican Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently a free agent. He previously played for the Seattle Mariners , Pittsburgh Pirates , and Chicago White Sox .-Seattle Mariners:...
, with the latter two not playing even one game, in addition to the injuries to other players that did not result in them being placed on the disabled list. Despite the setbacks, Girardi managed to lead the team to the AL East title. Rob Parker
Rob Parker (sports journalist)
Rob Parker is an American sports columnist for ESPNNewYork.com and ClickOnDetroit.com. Parker is also a regular on ESPN's First Take, where he debates Skip Bayless on the 1st and 10 segment...
of ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
commended Girardi's performance and felt his efforts were deserving of American League Manager of the Year
Manager of the Year Award
In Major League Baseball, the Manager of the Year Award is an honor given annually since 1983 to the best managers in the American League and the National League . The winner is voted on by 28 members of the Baseball Writers Association of America . Each places a vote for first, second, and third...
, but felt he would not get the award due to the Yankees high payroll and what Parker alleges is an anti-New York Yankee bias. The Yankees were bounced from the playoffs by the Detroit Tigers in the divisional round, 3–2.
Personal life
Girardi is married to Kimberly Girardi, and has three children, Serena, Dante, and Lena. He lives in Purchase, New York. Girardi is the son of Jerry and Angela Girardi, both from Illinois. Girardi is of Italian descent and is a devout Christian.While driving home after winning the 2009 World Series, Girardi stopped to help a crash victim on a dangerous part of the highway. Police said he put his life at risk while trying to help the driver who had just crashed into a wall. The woman said she had no idea who Girardi was until the responding officers pointed it out. In an interview the next day, he said, "I think the most important thing is that, obviously, there's a lot of joy in what we do, but we can't forget to be human beings when we help others out."
Girardi is also a known health enthusiast and has banned sweets such as ice cream
Ice cream
Ice cream is a frozen dessert usually made from dairy products, such as milk and cream, and often combined with fruits or other ingredients and flavours. Most varieties contain sugar, although some are made with other sweeteners...
and soda from the clubhouse.
External links
- Profile of Joe Girardi Northwestern Magazine