The Los Angeles Dodgers announced today that Joe Torre has been named the club’s field manager through the 2010 season. Torre becomes the 26th manager in franchise history.
“Joe Torre is one of the most respected men in the game of baseball,” said Dodger Owner and Chairman Frank McCourt. “As a player, a broadcaster, a manager and in his life off the field, Joe is a winner through and through. As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Dodgers moving to Los Angeles, we will again have a Hall of Fame caliber manager at the helm. Joe’s dedication, desire and ability will help lead the Dodgers to our ultimate goal – a World Championship.”
Torre, 67, has a 26-year Major League managerial record of 2,067-1,770 (.539) and ranks eighth all-time in victories among Major League managers, having passed former Dodgers Leo Durocher (2,009) and Alston (2,040) last season. Torre has more postseason victories (76) than any manager in Major League history.
Over the past 12 years, Torre posted a .605 winning percentage (1,173-767) and guided the Yankees to 12 consecutive postseason appearances, 10 American League Eastern Division titles, six American League pennants and four World Championships, including three consecutive titles from 1998-2000. He was named the AL’s Manager of the Year in 1996 and again in 1998 when the team won 114 games.