gene michael's armband

former dodger gene michael who was much more closely associated with the yankees, was honored by the bronx bombers with a memorial armband following his death on september 7, 2017 at the age of 79.  since it was later in the season, i figured that the easiest way to pick up a card featuring the armband was to purchase one of the seemingly millions of 2017 aaron judge topps now cards, and that is just what i did.

michael played for the pirates in 1966 before joining the dodgers as part of the maury wills trade. his contract was purchased by the yankees for the 1968 season, and he remained with the club through 1974. following his retirement as a player, michael returned to the yankees as a coach in 1976 before becoming their general manager in 1980.

working for george steinbrenner, he was a twice-hired, twice-fired field manager for the club, too - first in 1981 and then in 1982.  michael also managed the cubs during the 1980's, but returned to the yankees to reclaim the general manager spot in 1990 (while george was suspended from baseball).  even though michael was fired from that position in 1995, prior to the run of world series titles won by the yankees, he was instrumental in rebuilding their farm system and contributing to the talent on the field during that dynastic run.