Best of DLS: A Stocking Stuffer of Baseball Mangers

Holiday mode unlocked: after years of sprinting between families, I’m pumped to plant myself in one place each day and actually breathe.

I get the best of both worlds—Hanukkah at home and Christmas with my in-laws—and for this Christmas Eve we’ve got a treat: Stan Van Gundy sits down with Joe Torre, Joe Maddon, and Jim Leyland; listening back, Maddon felt years ahead of the curve on stuff teams do now.

Joe, if you had to pick one leadership model you admired most, who shaped how you carried yourself?

Gil Hodges set the standard by making it about the players, not himself, and I’ve always believed we point guys in the right direction and get out of the way, much like how Tom Coughlin weathered New York and earned it.

What was the hardest part of managing the Yankees, and did George ever call the dugout?

Winning big early made the scrutiny relentless, and the off-field swirl was tougher than the in-game stuff, but George never rang during games and I’d even call him first to disarm things, always recognizing he was the boss.

How did you help players handle New York’s pressure and expectations?

I told them to answer to the guys in the next lockers and focus on effort and preparation, and with a core like Jeter, O’Neill, Pettitte, Cone, and Rivera, accountability policed itself.

Ever get truly starstruck, and what cameo meant the most to you?

Dinner at Henry Kissinger’s with a table full of heavyweights had me feeling out of place until he started talking baseball, and my favorite cameo was filming Analyze That with De Niro and Billy Crystal at Gallagher’s.

Joe, you’ve been labeled different in baseball—what’s an unconventional belief you stand by?

I like power up top and value the two-hole differently, I chase reverse splits, and I want guys pushing to third with fewer than two outs; we also shift based on thresholds and won’t abandon it because of one ball the other way since getting hitters out of their comfort is a win.

Do you tune out criticism when you make those moves?

Outside noise doesn’t matter if ownership, the front office, and the room are aligned, so we prep players in advance, practice quality assurance by staying ahead of problems, handle conflict privately, and give freedom that earns respect.

Why the themed road trips and the anti–dress code stance?

It’s culture work—poke fun at stiff rules, take small social risks together, and build trust—so we’ve done all-white Miami Vice, Urban Cowboy, even Ed Hardy vibes, with the only rule being if you think you look hot, wear it.

Ever get players to ride bikes with you?

A couple joined once, but I mostly ride alone to think and reset, cruising Tampa waterways with dolphins and rays while I line up the day.

How do you balance being approachable with being the boss, and when do you raise your voice; also, what’s your marriage key?

Experience sets the line and everyone senses the office carries weight, I prefer rare blow-ups on the road and even after wins so they don’t linger, and at home the rule is simple—listen well—distance once helped us, and now we’re settled in Tampa.

Jim, people find your aura intimidating, but you’re a softie; when did baseball last hit you in the feels?

Mariano’s All-Star farewell had the whole park misty, and we still competed our tails off, which made me proud of everyone in that dugout.

Where does Miguel Cabrera rank among hitters you’ve seen?

Only Bonds is in that neighborhood, and Miggy’s magic is a simple, controlled swing that delivers big-man damage with small-ball discipline when the situation calls for it.

Let’s reminisce on 1997—do you have a favorite Marlin and what made that run special?

I had a soft spot for Kurt Abbott, and Darren Dalton changed our clubhouse the moment he walked in—truthfully, that series deserved even more shine because it was an all-timer.

Who were you closest to while keeping manager-player boundaries?

You separate friendship from authority, but guys like Bob Walk, who’d take the ball anytime, and Sean Casey, as genuine as they come, leave a mark.

What’s the toughest part of the job?

Meeting the media twice a day can be a grind, especially in October when everyone parachutes in, but I try to use them to inform our fans even if some questions get silly.

How many cigarettes did you sneak in the dugout, and what changed?

I smoke out of sight now because the example matters, and while I own the habit and try to be respectful, it’s wild you can sell beers all night at a game but a cigarette draws the scarlet letter.

Do you miss Miami?

I enjoyed both years—the second was a crash course for kids who grew into players—and that ’97 group delivered a classic, even if the crowds often leaned visiting colors.

Give us your favorite Gregg Zaun story.

I told him as a backup switching hitter to keep the commentary tight and build a long career, and the running joke was he could steal again when I jumped and didn’t come down; tough love worked out for him.

Always good catching up, Jim; we miss you down here and appreciate the time.