The MLB Managerial Career of Billy Martin

Billy Martin is considered by many to be one of the greatest field managers in the history of baseball. He managed 5 different teams and took 4 of them to the postseason. Billy had his greatest success with the New York Yankees where he won his only World Championship. However his temper often got the best of him and quickly wore out his welcome everywhere he managed. Here is a look at the managerial career of Billy Martin.

Minnesota Twins (1969) After spending 8 years in the Twins organization as a scout and coach, Billy was promoted to manage the big club in 1969. In his only season as manager he led the Twins to a 97 and 65 record and the American League Western Division Title. The Twins would lose to the Baltimore Orioles in the League Championship Series. However Billy got into a fight with one of his pitchers, Dave Boswell, in a bar after the season and was subsequently fired by team ownership.

Detroit Tigers (1971-1973) After a year out of baseball Billy resurfaced as manager of the Detroit Tigers. In 1971 he led the Tigers to a 91 and 71 record. In his second season as Tigers Manger he led them to the American League Eastern Division Title - the Tigers would lose to the Oakland A's in the League Championship Series. However Billy was fired during the 1973 season, allegedly for ordering his pitchers to throw at opposing batters.

Texas Rangers (1973-1975) Billy Martin took over the Texas Rangers at the end of the 1973 season. In 1974 Billy led the Rangers to their best record in franchise history (84-76). However Billy was once again fired during the 1975 season. His final record with the Texas Rangers was 137 and 141.

New York Yankees (1975-1978) Billy took over the Yankees with 56 games to go in 1975. In 1976 Billy Martin led Yankees to a 97 and 62 record winning the American League's Eastern Division. The Yankees defeated the Kansas City Royals in the League Championship Series to win their first American League Pennant in 12 years. However the Yankees were swept by the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series. In 1977, Billy Martin constantly clashed with team owner George Steinbrenner and newly acquired slugger Reggie Jackson. The Yankees went 100 and 62 in 1977 and once again won the American League Pennant. This time they faired better in the World Series defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in 6 games. In 1978 the Yankees got off to a slow start and Billy continued to clash with Steinbrenner and Jackson and subsequently resigned at the end of July. A few weeks later during Yankees Old-Timers day it was announced that Billy would return to the Yankee dugout in 1980.

New York Yankees II (1979) With the Yankees struggling in 1979, Billy return to manage the Yankees earlier than expected managing the last 95 games of the 1979 season. However, George Steinbrenner fired Billy after the season when he got into a fight with a marshmallow salesman.

Oakland A's (1980-1982) Managing the young Oakland A's Billy Martin led the A's to a winning season in 1980 with what became known as "Billy Ball". In 1981 Billy led the A's to the Western Division title where they lost to his old team the New York Yankees. In 1982 the A's began to struggle and Billy was criticized for overusing many of his young pitchers. Billy was fired after the 82 season. His record with the A's was 215 and 218.

New York Yankees III (1983) Billy returned to the Bronx in 1983 and led the Yankees to a 91 and 71 record and a 3^rd place finish.

New York Yankees IV (1985) Billy took over for the fired Yogi Berra 16 games into the 1985 season and the Yankees having a 6 and 10 record. Billy Martin went 91 and 54 the rest of the way to lead the Yankees to a 2^nd place finish.

New York Yankees V (1988) With the Yankees at 45 and 48, the Yankees fired manager Lou Piniella and brought back Billy one more time. Billy finished the season with a 40 and 28 record.

Billy Martin had a career record of 1253 and 1012 (.553). He won 5 division titles, 2 American Leagues Pennants and 1 World Championship.