Joe Altobelli
From BR Bullpen
Joseph Salvatore Altobelli
- Bats Left, Throws Left
- Height 6' 0", Weight 185 lb.
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[edit] Biographical Information
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 Explorers in 1951. He went on to have cups of coffee in the majors in 1955, 1957, and 1961. 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 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. In 1985, he was replaced mid-year by Cal Ripken Sr.. 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.
Since 1998, Altobelli has been a radio broadcaster for the Rochester Red Wings. He was inducted into the Red Wings Hall of Fame in 1989.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 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 Cal Ripken, Sr |
