Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Happy # 83 Joe Torre

Atlanta Braves Franchise best catchers: Number four Joe Torre
Many years ago, I had a Joe Torre baseball card.   I had no idea that he'd go on to become a great major league manager, too.

Joe was born on this day in Brooklyn in 1940 and made his major league debut with the Milwaukee Braves in 1960.   

By 1964, he was an NL star hitting .321 with 20 HR & 109 RBI.    

The Braves traded Torre to St Louis after the 1968 season.   My guess is that they regretted that move for years.

In 1971, Torre hit .363 with 230 hits & 137 RBI.    It was one of the best offensive years of the post-war era.    It earned him an MVP and batting title.    In 6 years with St Louis, Torre hit .308 with 558 RBI.    He was one of the best hitters in the NL.

Torre started out as a catcher in Milwaukee but played most of his career between first and third base.

As a hitter, he retired with a .297 BA, 252 HR, 2,343 hits & 1,185 RBI.

As a manager, he won 2,326 games, 4 World Series titles and 84 post season games.

Joe was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

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