Joe Torre
| Birthdate | 7/18/1940 |
| Death Date | |
| Debut Year | 1960 |
| Year of Induction | 2014 |
| Teams | Braves, Cardinals, Dodgers, Mets, Yankees |
| Positions | Catcher, Manager, Third Base |
With 2,342 hits as a player and 2,326 wins as a manager, Joe Torre is the only man in MLB history to tally 2,000+ in each category.
In the collection:
Lineup card signed by Torre and his starters for the ALDS in 1997
Lineup card signed by Torre and his starters for the ALDS in 1997
Joe Torre managed the Yankees for 12 years, posting six American League championships and four World Series titles. In the collection is this lineup card from the American League Divisional Series Game 2, a 7-5 loss against the Cleveland Indians. A 23-year old Derek Jeter homered, playing in just his second post season of his young career. This card is signed by manager Torre at the bottom and by Jeter, Tim Raines, Paul O’Neill, Bernie Williams, Chad Curtis, and Andy Pettitte next to their names.
Backside of the 1997 ALDS lineup card
Backside of the 1997 ALDS lineup card
As is customary with all pocket lineup cards, this one has the home stadium’s ground rules, in this case those of Yankee Stadium. The rules are straight forward in the Bronx with thought about foul poles, bat racks, railings and the bat rack. Umpires and managers go over the ground rules before each and every game.
Official MLB document formalizing trade of Orlando Cepeda for Joe Torre
Official MLB document formalizing trade of Orlando Cepeda for Joe Torre
This official document dated March 17, 1969 formalizes the trade of Orlando Cepeda for Joe Torre. In the St. Patrick’s Day swap, the Braves gained Cepeda who two years earlier was the National League’s Most Valuable Player. The Cardinals in return gained Torre who two years later would win an MVP of his own. This is a piece of baseball history, a rare document trading two MVPs straight up for each other. The bottom of the document is signed by Hall of Fame candidate, GM Bing Devine.
Early signature of Joe Torre, two games into MLB career in 1961
Early signature of Joe Torre, two games into MLB career in 1961
In the collection is an early signature of Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre. Though known for his years as the pilot of the Yankees, Torre had a playing career worthy of Hall of Fame consideration. Shown here is a contract for Torre’s signature to appear on souvenir stamped autographed baseballs. In return for providing his signature, Torre receives a whopping one penny per ball sold. The contract is dated March 5, 1961 and signed at the bottom.
Early autograph collector gets an autograph of a 26-year old Joe Torre
Early autograph collector gets an autograph of a 26-year old Joe Torre
The work of an innovative autograph collectors is on display here. A 3×5 index card pre-printed with a place for the player’s autograph, teams, and years played for the team is filled out entirely in Joe Torre’s hand. Torre states that he played for Milwaukee from 1961-1965, and Atlanta from 1966-, making the card signed sometime during the 1966 season.
A pair of autographed baseball cards from the 1960s, including his rookie card
A pair of autographed baseball cards from the 1960s, including his rookie card
Before Torre’s immense popularity with the Yankees he was a willing signer through the mail. Seen here is his Topps rookie card from 1961, and his 1965 Topps card. Torre broke in as a catcher before moving out from behind the plate in 1971, the year he won the NL MVP Award. Torre is the first in MLB history to gain at least 2,000 hits as a player and at least 2,000 wins as a manager.
