Gene Monahan

Gene Monahan (Geno)

• School Indiana University

Biographical Information

Gene Monahan was a New York Yankees trainer for 49 seasons, beginning in 1969, after obtaining a degree in physical education from Indiana University; he became the head trainer 10 years later. He was a part of the Yankees' return to glory after a lull in the late 1960s, performing his functions for 7 World Series champions and a slew of managers, especially between 1974 and 1996, when owner George Steinbrenner went through managers at a dizzying pace. However, Monahan was one of the constants in the Yankee dugout and clubhouse during all those years, quietly recognized as one of the best of the profession.

Monahan got his start with the Yankees even before he became a full-time employee of the team. Growing up in the Fort Lauderdale, FL area, where the Yankees held their spring training, he wrote to assistant General Manager Dan Topping, Jr. in 1962, asking for a job and was hired as a batboy. That's when he met legendary equipment man Pete Sheehy, who took him under his wing, showed him the ropes and encouraged him to take a formal education to become a trainer. Joe DiMaggio was also a spring training instructor at the time and took a liking to the young Monahan, helping him along.

He fought a bout with throat cancer in 2010, but recovered fully. He announced his retirement in September, 2011, effective at the end of the year, as the Yankees were gearing up for another postseason appearance. He planned to move to Mooresville, NC after retirement, to be with his two grown daughters.

Related Sites

• Article from USA Today