Friday, November 24, 2000
`Popeye' coming to Hall
New York Yankees bench coach Don Zimmer, who has spent the last 52 years in professional baseball as a player, manager and coach, will be the featured guest in the next installment of the Hall of Fame's popular Legends series, set for Saturday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m.
A colorful storyteller, Zimmer is making the pilgrimage to Cooperstown in celebration of the Hall of Fame's exciting new exhibit, "Underground Movement: A History of the Subway Series." A former Brooklyn Dodger infielder, Zimmer played in the 1955 Subway Series against the Yankees and would have played in the '56 Series if not for having his cheekbone broken by a pitch in June. He was also the Opening Day third baseman for the expansion New York Mets in 1962.
"We are thrilled to have one of Baseball's most loved and respected figures, Don Zimmer, join us in celebrating our new Subway Series exhibit," said Hall of Fame president Dale Petroskey. "He is a direct link between the historic Subway Series of the past and this year's exciting Yankees-Mets World Series. He has dedicated over 50 years of his life to baseball, and is truly one of the game's great ambassadors."
The 69-year-old Zimmer has served as Joe Torre's right-hand man since 1996 and has been an integral part of the Yankees' four World Championships over the last five years.
He was interim manager of the club for the first 36 games of the 1999 season, when Torre was recovering from prostate cancer. Zimmer's playing career began in 1949 with Brooklyn's Cambridge farm club. While with Elmira in 1951, he married his high school sweetheart Jean (Soot) at home plate on Aug. 16. The Cincinnati, Ohio, native played parts of 12 seasons in the Major Leagues, batting .235 in 1095 games with the Dodgers, Cubs, Mets, Reds and Senators.
Following his playing career, "Popeye" served as minor league manager and Major League coach before accepting his first managerial post in 1972 with the Padres. Overall, in 13 seasons as a manager with the Padres, Red Sox, Rangers and Cubs, he compiled an 885-858 record (.508). His 1978 Red Sox club won 99 games, but lost a one-game playoff to the Yankees.
on Bucky Dent's memorable home run. He was named National League Manager of the Year in 1989, when his Cubs captured the N.L. East. Following his managerial days, he was a coach for the Red Sox and Rockies, before joining Torre and the Yankees in '96.
The Hall of Fame Legends series is exclusive to Friends of the Hall of Fame members only. Tickets are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Past guests in the 2000 Legends series included Bob Feller, Phil Rizzuto, Carlton Fisk, Tony Perez, Sparky Anderson and Tom Seaver. For reservations, call 888-Hall-of-Fame or 607-547-0397.