Billy Martin
| Birthdate | 05/16/1928 |
| Death Date | 12/25/1989 |
| Debut Year | 1950 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Athletics, Braves, Indians, Rangers, Reds, Tigers, Twins, Yankees |
| Positions | Manager, Second Base, Shortstop, Third Base |
When his #1 was retired by the Yanks Billy Martin said, “I may not have been the greatest Yankee to put on the uniform, but I am the proudest.”
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Document from Commissioner's Office that sent Billy Martin to the minors in 1950
Document from Commissioner's Office that sent Billy Martin to the minors in 1950
In the collection is the document that sent Billy Martin to Triple-A after just six big league games. It signed by Hall of Fame executive George Weiss and comes with quite a story. Yankee GM George Weiss never liked Billy Martin, preferring instead players who came up through the Yankee organization. Martin was one of Casey Stengel’s favorites, having played for Stengel with the Oakland Oaks from 1947 and 1948. When Stengel was brought on to manage the Yanks, he had New York acquire the gritty Martin. After making his debut on April 18, 1950, Martin played six more games before George Weiss decided to send him to the minor leagues the day after Martin’s 22nd birthday. Stengel called the young Martin into his office to tell him the news. Martin figured he would play hard and work his way back to the big leagues. Stengel however was angry that Weiss sent down one of his favorite players and told Martin this was a case of Weiss’ personal feelings getting in the way of the betterment of the team.
Martin went into Weiss’ office and had a heated exchange. Weiss was shocked at the tone and lack of respect from the 22-year old. This incident cemented the ill feelings between the two. Despite his popularity among Yankee players, Martin was traded away after his lone All Star season of 1956.
Billy Martin handwritten letter
Billy Martin handwritten letter
Billy Martin’s enthusiasm for the game can be seen in this handwritten letter written sometime after his firing in 1978. Martin writes to a fan who’s having trouble learning a foreign language. “Seems like you enjoy Latin as much as I like sitting out next year! I can’t wait for 1980.” After leading the team to consecutive AL pennants and the 1977 World Series championship, Martin was fired 94 games into the 1978 season. Bob Lemon replaced Martin and led them to their second straight title. Martin wrote the letter between his firing in 1978 and his hiring midway through the 1979 season.
