July 19, 1997; May 14, 2008 – Joe Torre is best remembered as the manager who led the Yankees to four World Series wins between 1996 and 2000. But while it was his managerial success that led to his 2014 induction into the Hall of Fame, his outstanding career as a player should not be overlooked. In 1971 he was the NL MVP, leading the league in average, RBIs, hits, and total bases. Over the course of his 18-year career (1960–77) as a catcher, first baseman, and third baseman for the Braves, Cardinals, and Mets, he hit .297 with 252 home runs and 1,185 RBIs, won a Gold Glove, and was a nine-time All-Star.

When the Brooklyn native was signed by the Milwaukee Braves in 1959, his older brother, Frank, who played a significant role in Joe’s development as a player, was in his fourth season as a first baseman with the Braves. After five seasons in Milwaukee, he played his final two years (1962–63) with the Phillies.

Before beginning his stint as the Yankees manager in 2006, Torre had managed the Mets, Braves, and Cardinals for a total of 14 seasons between 1977 and 1995, making it to the postseason only in 1982 with the Braves, winners of the NL West division. In his 12 years as manager of the Yankees, the team went to the postseason every year and played in six World Series. He then managed the Los Angeles Dodgers for three years, leading them to the NLCS in his first two years. Twice named NL Manager of the Year by the Associated Press, Torre ranked fifth all-time in wins when he retired in 2010.

The following year Commissioner Bud Selig appointed him Major League Baseball’s executive vice president of baseball operations, a post he held until 2020. Also in 2011, Torre was a recipient of the Ellis Island Family Heritage Award, which celebrates the extraordinary achievements of Americans who trace their ancestry through Ellis Island.