Billy Martin
Fiery manager who made the 1974 Rangers winners.
Alfred Manuel "Billy" Martin (1928-1989), from Berkeley, California, was a second baseman on the Yankees title teams of the 1950s and later a manager known for lifting poor clubs quickly and then losing his job amid turmoil. He managed the Yankees on five separate occasions.
Quick Facts
- Rangers manager
- 1973-1975
- Yankees stints
- 5
Lore & Background
As a player he saved Game 7 of the 1952 World Series with a catch on a windblown Jackie Robinson pop-up and was MVP of the 1953 Series. He began managing in the majors with the 1969 Twins, who won the AL West, then took Detroit to the 1972 AL East title. Texas owner Bob Short, whom Martin knew from his Minnesota years, hired him in 1973. Martin brought Jim Sundberg and Mike Hargrove up from the low minors, and the 1974 Rangers, given 50-1 odds by Las Vegas, finished second in the West at 84-76, five games out and far better than a year earlier. Clashes with ownership got him fired in 1975.
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