Joey Amalfitano
From BR Bullpen
John Joseph Amalfitano
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 11", Weight 180 lb.
- School Loyola Marymount University
- Debut May 3, 1954
- Final Game June 27, 1967
- Born January 23, 1934 in San Pedro, CA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Infielder Joey Amalfitano was signed to a $40,000 bonus contact by the 1954 New York Giants. Under the rule of the day, Joey had to remain on the major league roster for two years, and saw minimal playing time for the 1954 National League champions that season, going hitless in five at bats. Yet he still earned a full World Series share when the Giants swept the Cleveland Indians in four games.
After some minor league seasoning in the late 1950s he had his best year in the majors in 1960 with a .277 average in 106 games for the 1960 Giants who were by now in San Francisco. Joey was with the expansion 1962 Houston Colt 45s before spending the final four years of a ten year career with the 1964-1967 Chicago Cubs.
The 1980 Cubs were in last place in the National League East under manager Preston Gomez and Amalfitano assumed the reins. He remained the 1981 Cubs manager through-out the season and turned the managers job over to Lee Elia for the 1982 Cubs season.
He remained in baseball as a long-time coach for the Giants, Padres, Reds, Cubs and in recent years with the Dodgers, retiring after the 1998 season as the longest tenured coach with 29 years of consecutive service. He rejoined the 1999 Giants as a special assistant in player development and was named senior advisor to baseball operations for the 2002 Los Angeles Dodgers.
His nephew, Erik Morrison, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 49th round of the 2007 amateur draft.
[edit] Managing
| Preceded by Preston Gomez | Chicago Cubs Manager 1980-1981 | Succeeded by Lee Elia |
