Joe Torre

The American League's New York Yankees hired Torre the following year to manage their club, and his first year there saw the Yankees' triumph over the Atlanta Braves for their first World Series win since 1978. Torre never lost his touch with the Yankees, in 1998 leading his team to an American League record number of wins, 114. Also in 1998, Torre was named American League Manager of the Year.

Torre's success with the Yankees during this time was tempered by the death of his brother Rocco, who died of a heart attack in June 1996. Torre himself had a scare when, in March 1999, he was found in a routine exam to have prostate cancer. He left the team to undergo treatment, which included surgery. Treatment was successful, and he returned to managing the Yankees in May 1999. By 2001, the Yankees had won five World Series under Torre—in 1996 (the first since 1978), 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001.

Many observers credit Torre's rock-steady demeanor in part for the Yankees' phenomenal success with Torre as manager. As catcher Joe Girardi told the Denver Post's John Henderson, of Torre, "He has a calming effect.… He never panics. You can see it on the bench. He never panics when we're going through rough times. And he never gets too high."

Torre gives his players more credit than himself for their success. His job, as he sees it, is largely to stay out of their way and let them do their jobs. As he told Henderson in the Denver Post, "I know as a player, I wanted the manager to give me the benefit of the doubt that I knew how to play the game." And, "What I try to do…is insulate them from distractions and have them concentrate on playing the game."

To the title of manager, Torre has added the title of motivational speaker; in the off-season, he coaches executives on how to successfully manage their teams of employees. As a speaker, he commands fees of $50,000 to $75,000 per appearance.