Joe Altobelli
Joseph Salvatore Altobelli
- Bats Left, Throws Left
- Height 6' 0", Weight 185 lb.
- High School Eastern High School (Detroit)
- Debut April 14, 1955
- Final Game October 1, 1961
- Born May 26, 1932 in Detroit, MI USA
- Died March 3, 2021 in Rochester, NY USA
Biographical Information[edit]
First baseman/outfielder Joe Altobelli set a Florida State League record in his first year of pro ball, getting a hit in 36 straight games while playing for the Daytona Beach Islanders in 1951. The record stood for 59 years until Harold Garcia broke it. Joe played in the majors in 1955 and 1957 with the Cleveland Indians, and 1961 with the Minnesota Twins. From 1963 to 1966, he played for the Rochester Red Wings, hitting 47 home runs over that span.
In 1966, Altobelli began managing in the Baltimore Orioles system with the Bluefield Orioles, and in 1967 guided them to the league title. He moved to the Stockton Ports in 1968, and the Dallas-Fort Worth Spurs in 1969 and 1970. Altobelli moved up to the Rochester Red Wings from 1971 to 1976, guiding them to the best record in the International League in 1971, 1974, and 1976, taking the playoffs in 1971 and 1974. In 1977, Altobelli took over as manager of the San Francisco Giants and stayed there until Dave Bristol replaced him in mid-1979. In 1980, Altobelli led the Columbus Clippers to the International League title, then coached for the New York Yankees in 1981 and 1982.
In 1983, he returned to the Orioles, succeeding the legendary Earl Weaver and managing the team to the World Series title his first year. In 1985, he was replaced mid-year by Weaver, who came out of retirement. He returned to coaching the Yankees in 1986. He was a coach for the Chicago Cubs from 1988 until 1991, serving as interim manager for one game between Don Zimmer and Jim Essian that last season. Overall, Altobelli's minor league teams were 870-670 in 12 years, with 4 league titles.
From 1998 to 2009, Altobelli was a radio broadcaster (color commentator) for the Rochester Red Wings. He was inducted into the Red Wings Hall of Fame in 1989. In 2008, he was elected to the International League Hall of Fame.
Notable Achievements[edit]
- Division Titles: 1 (1983)
- AL Pennants: 1 (1983)
- Managed one World Series Champion with the Baltimore Orioles in 1983
| Preceded by Bill Rigney |
San Francisco Giants Manager 1977-1979 |
Succeeded by Dave Bristol |
| Preceded by Earl Weaver |
Baltimore Orioles Manager 1983-1985 |
Succeeded by Earl Weaver |
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