EUGENE “GENE” MICHAEL, whose two stints as the Yankees’ general manager included the 1981 American League pennant and acquiring or keeping the homegrown players at the heart of the 1990s Yankees dynasty, died Sept. 7 in Oldsmar, Fla. He was 79.
Michael, who carried the nickname “Stick” due to his listed 6-foot-2, 183-pound frame, had a 10-year major league career from 1966-75, when he played second base and shortstop for the Pirates, Dodgers, Yankees and Tigers. After a brief stint as the Yankees GM in 1980, Michael managed the Yankees from 1981-82 and served as a organizational scout from 1983-85. He then took over as the Cubs manager from 1986-87, finishing his career with a 206-200 managerial record.
Michael became the Yankees GM for a second time on Aug. 20,…