Joe Torre's 8 year Odyssey
Eight years under the New York sun. We thought he'd burn by now. But instead he didn't just glow, he was absolutely radiant. They dubbed him clueless Joe when he first arrived. And the label fit. In some ways he was born with the losing hand. The house always had 21, and he always busted. He never played in a World Series as a player nor took a ballclub to one as a manger. Then he came to New York, where great expectations are the only expectations. And fault us for our naivety, but we didn't think he'd be here for the long haul. Joe Torre would've loved to manage the Yanks for a decade. But 10 years with one coach - doesn't fit the hiring trend of a restless win-at-all costs owner. But here we stand eight seasons later; eight seasons decorated by four championships and six pennants. Eight seasons where Torre's transformed from the likable loser to the cool, confident winner. He resonates a grandfatherly calm, he can walk with kings, and still keep the common touch. The eyes sparkle now, maybe they always did, but when you win people start to take notice. The stars come to New York now. Why? Partly to play for him. And now after a career of losing, Torre's authored a different story in 8 glorious seasons under the glare of Broadway. Joe Torre and winning have become synonymous. So the Boss decides to keep him around for three more years. And then Joe can leave -on his terms - and as a winner. Call us clueless, but in this city - we remember winners.