One day after taking several direct hits from Mel Stottlemyre on his way out, George Steinbrenner responded in a positive light through a statement.
“Mel Stottlemyre will always be a Yankee,” said Steinbrenner. “When I purchased the ball club more than 30 years ago, he was one of the team’s true stars and leaders and during his 10 seasons as pitching coach, we won six American League pennants and four World Championships.
“While it’s no secret that I can be a very difficult boss, Mel has always conducted himself as a professional and a gentleman. I wish he and Jean much success and happiness in the future.”
There was no statement from Billy Connors or Bill Emslie, a pair of Steinbrenner confidants who second-guessed Stottlemyre and Joe Torre all year long to The Boss and who are the main reason Stottlemyre resigned Wednesday.
Names to keep in mind for pitching coach are Brian Price, formerly of the Mariners and Chuck Hernandez, Tampa Bay’s pitching coach.