Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. issued the following statement regarding the death of longtime New York Yankees executive Gene Michael, who was 79:
"I was saddened to learn of the passing of Gene Michael, a baseball man to his core and an important part of the New York Yankees for decades. 'Stick' was vital to the franchise's renaissance in the '90s, balancing his incredible scouting intuition with analytical thinking that is prevalent throughout the game today. In many different capacities, Gene played a pivotal role in shaping great baseball careers on and off the field. We appreciate his many contributions to the National Pastime.
"On behalf of all of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Gene's wife Joette, their family and the entire Yankee organization."