The late Gene “Stick” Michael had a modest playing career that spanned from 1966 to 1975 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers. Michael’s last days of a player were with the Boston Red Sox in 1976, but was never used and released in May of that season. Upon retiring as a player, Michael joined the New York Yankees coaching staff, where he especially excelled as a scout. Reggie Jackson gave credit to Michael’s scouting reports that enabled him to belt three home runs against the Dodgers in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series. Michael would serve as manager of the Yankees from 1981-82 and as general manager from 1980-81 and 1991-1995 where he was responsible for the drafting of and signings of players like Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada that formed the famed “Core Four” group that led the Yankees to four World Series titles in five seasons.

Offered here is a 19 x 22-inch painting of Gene Michael in his home white Yankees uniform with a black armband on his left sleeve. The painting is from the waist up and was painted by Bob Brower, whose name is printed on the lower right corner in green. This portrait was hung in the General Manager’s office at the Old Yankee Stadium. Also included in this lot is Gene Michael’s desk name plate. The desk name plate is a three-sided wood piece that has a silver plate on the front that has “GENE MICHAEL” in bold black print and the Yankees logo in black in the upper right corner. This piece shows some edge wear and other marks but is good overall condition. Two great items from one of the most successful executives in the Yankees storied history. These items come with a LOA from the family of Gene Michael.

Auction Notepad