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.
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Joe Torre guided the Yankees to 6 pennants and 4 World Series titles
Joe Torre guided the Yankees to 6 pennants and 4 World Series titles
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 on the card.
As a player, Joe Torre was a batting champ and Most Valuable Player
As a player, Joe Torre was a batting champ and Most Valuable Player
Though known for his years as the pilot of the Yankees, Joe Torre had a playing career worthy of Hall of Fame consideration.
Torre broke into the big leagues with the Milwaukee Braves as a 20-year old in 1960. He finished second in Rookie of the Year balloting in his first full season.
From 1960-1968 his primary position was catcher. As his knees gave out he switched to the corner spots in the infield.
Torre made 9 All Star teams in his 18 seasons in the majors. His finest year came in 1971 when he led the NL in hits, batting average RBI, and total bases. His efforts were rewarded with the MVP Award.
By the time he hung up his spikes in 1977 his career totals included 2,342 hits, 252 homers, 1,185 RBI, and a slash line of .297/.365/.452. Torre’s career WAR stands at 57.5.
In the collection is this contract signed by Torre in the month before his rookie season. The deal calls 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.
Torre played 9 seasons with the Braves, 6 in Milwaukee and 3 in Atlanta
Torre played 9 seasons with the Braves, 6 in Milwaukee and 3 in Atlanta
Joe Torre played 9 seasons with the Braves, 6 with the Cardinals and 3 with the Mets. He began his career with a half-dozen years in Milwuakee before the Bravos moved to Atlanta.
Five of his 9 seasons with the Braves were All Star campaigns. Torre made the Mid Summer Classic squad each year from 1963-1967.
After the trade to St. Louis Torre regained his All Star form. All four years from 1970-73 he made the ASG. His stats during that time include a .318 average, and a .390 on-base percentage.
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.
In 1966 Torre blasted a career-high 36 home runs for the Braves
In 1966 Torre blasted a career-high 36 home runs for the Braves
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.
That year Torre slammed a career-high 36 homers. He complimented that with 101 RBI, a .315 average and 306 total bases.
In 1969 Torre was traded straight up for HoFer Orlando Cepeda
In 1969 Torre was traded straight up for HoFer Orlando Cepeda
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 gained Torre in return. Two years later he won 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.
