Alfred Manuel "Billy" Martin was a Major League Baseball second baseman and manager who spent most of his playing and managerial career with the New York Yankees. As a manager, Billy Martin frequently argued animatedly with umpires, and his trademark sign up frustration—kicking dirt on their feet—was widely imitated.

1. Born: May 16, 1928
2. Died: December 25, 1989
3. Birthplace: Berkeley, California
4. Nicknames: "Billy the Kid", "Whiskey Slick"
5. Won 4 World Series with Yankees as player and another as manager
6. Played Major League Baseball from 1950 until 1961 with six different teams
7. Named MVP of 1953 World Series
8. 1969: 1st MLB managing job with the Minnesota Twins
9. Posted a .591 winning percentage
10. Only manager to lead 4 different teams to the post-season
11. Portrayed by John Turturro in the ESPN miniseries: The Bronx is Burning

Born in Berkeley, California in 1928, Martin obtained a reputation as a fiery, aggressive player while playing for the Pacific Coast League. Discovered by Yankee manager Casey Stengel, Martin began playing for the Yankees in 1950, and had his best year for the team in 1953. He would go on to manage five different teams: the Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, and, of course, the New York Yankees. He managed the Yankees to a World Series title in 1977, despite frequently feuding with star outfielder Reggie Jackson, and although he returned in 1978, he was fired before the season ended and replaced with Bob Lemon. Throughout his life, Martin struggled with alcoholism. Martin died in a car crash in Binghamton, New York on Christmas Day, 1989.

• Mahalo's Guide to New York Yankees
• Career Stats
  • Height: 5'11 1/2"
  • Weight: 165 lbs
  • Rookie Year: 1950
  • Batted: Right
  • Threw: Right
  • Position: 2nd Base, Manager

• May 16, 1928: Born

• 1950-1957: Played second base for the New York Yankees

• 1953: Babe Ruth Award Recipient

• 1956: Represented American League in All-Star Game

• 1957: Following infamous brawl at the Copacabana, traded to the Kansas City Athletics

• 1958: Played for Detroit Tigers

• 1959: Played for Cleveland Indians

• 1960: Played for Cincinnati Reds

• 1961: Played for Milwaukee Braves and Minnesota Twins

• 1969: Named manager of Minnesota Twins and led them to the AL West title

• 1971-1973: Named manager of Detroit Tigers and led them to AL East title in 1972

• 1974-1975: Named manager of Texas Rangers

• 1975-1978: 1st of 5 stints as New York Yankees manager; led them to 1977 World Series title

• 1979: 2nd stint as New York Yankees manager; fired after getting into fight with marshmallow salesman

• 1980-1982: Named manager of Oakland Athletics and led them to 1981 AL West title

• 1983-1988: 3 more stints as New York Yankees manager, never for more than 1 season

• 1986: New York Yankees Retired Uniform #1

• Dec 25, 1989: Died in one-vehicle accident

• Amazon.com: Wild, High and Tight: The Life and Death of Billy Martin

• Amazon.com: Dugout Days : Untold Tales and Leadership Lessons...

• Amazon.com: Number 1 Billy Martin by Billy Martin & Peter Golenbock

• Amazon.com: The Last Yankee: The Turbulent Life of Billy Martin

• eBay: Billy Martin Merchandise and Memorabilia

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