Gene Michael enjoyed ten seasons in the Major Leagues and seven of them with the New York Yankees. Nicknamed "Stick" from his skinny frame, Michael made his big league debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1966. He was traded the following year in played the Dodgers in 1967. HIs contract was purchased by the Yankees the following year and Michael soon established himself as the team's regular shortstop. After his tenure with the Yankees, Michael signed as a free agent with the Detroit Tigers and played there in 1975. He was signed by the Boston Red Sox in 1976, but did not play a game with the club.
After his playing career ended, Michael continued to remain involved in baseball. Michael became a coach with the Yankees after retirement. He managed the club in 1981 and 1982. He later managed the Cubs in 1986 and 1987. In 1990, Michael became the Yankees' general manager. In 1996, he was promoted to vice president of Major League scouting. In 2003, he was promoted to vice president and senior advisor.
About This Card
Although known more for his defense than his hitting, Gene Michael is shown following through with a hit. I enjoy this card for its photograph. The composition is laid in a landscape layout and the crowd looking on in the background.
I've seen so many '73 action shots, but that's one I've never seen. I like it!
ReplyDeleteA lot of the action pictures that were taken at Yankee Stadium were done by Michael Grossbardt. Grossbardt was the Yankees photographer from 1968-1980.His work was seen in Yankees Yearbooks,Programs,Promotional billboards. If you read the book written by Marty Appel about Thurman Munson which has been out for 2 years, Appel talks about the work of Grossbardt and his friendship with the late Yankee Catcher.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was great that Topps used Michael Grossbardt work for the action cards in the early 70's...
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