My hero, my father, passed away on January 13th at the age of 77 after a 20-year fight with multiple myeloma. Dad pitched with the New York Yankees from 1964-1974. He was a 3x 20 game winner and a 5x all-star during his playing days. Dad won 164 games over the ten years with the Yankees and had 152 complete games and 40 career shutouts.
After his playing days, he went on to become one of the best if not best-pitching coach in the history of the game spanning 23 seasons. As a coach, he became a 5x World Champion. One with the New York Mets in 1986 and four World titles with the New York Yankees in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000. During his coaching time with the Yankees, two of his starting pitchers threw perfect games including the legendary David Cone.
My father coached some of the game’s greats as we know them now. Doc Gooden, Sid Fernandez, Ron Darling, David Cone, Andy Petite, Roger Clemons, and Mariano Rivera who was the first player in major league history to be voted into the Hall of Fame unanimously on the same day as Dads funeral.
He not only coached some of the greats but during his playing career, he played with some of the legends of the sport. Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Whitey Ford, Thurman Munson, and Bobby Murcer to name a few. Yogi Berra was his first manager in 1964 where he started Dad in his rookie season three times against Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson and the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series.
Dad touched a lot of people throughout his legendary baseball career on and off the field. The fans in New York will forever admire him. Players, writers, broadcasters, managers and even baseball owners praised the way my father carried himself as you will see below. It was more than the way he carried himself; it was indeed the man he was. Dad didn’t have one fake bone in his body. He was authentic to the core. He was a faithful servant leader where he cared about other people. Every moment you had with my father you walked away from him a better person. He had the gift of making every situation better for everyone that came into contact with him.
Ron Darling said, “when you were at your worst, Mel was at his best. He made you believe in yourself and feel good and then things would get better.”
Roger Clemons said, “I think about his smile, and his laugh even when I knew he wasn’t feeling well.”
Buster Olney, a senior writer for ESPN, said in a conversation with Clemons said that Stottlemyre was like John Wayne transported off the big screen, in how he carried himself.
David Cone said, “ he was more than a great pitcher and fantastic pitching coach. He was a father figure and touched so many in a positive way.
“Everything I accomplished in the game was because of him. He taught me so much more than balls and strikes; I’ll miss him dearly, Doc Gooden.”
In a recent conversation I had with the great Joe Torre, he expressed to me that my father was a mentor to everyone.
During Dads 33 years in major league baseball, 30 of those great years were spent in New York. 10 as a pitcher and 20 as a pitching coach. Of all the great moments and memories My father had in the great city of New York I am sure the day in 2015 at the Yankees Old Timers day will stand as his most significant. The Yankees honored this great man with a plaque that now resides in monument park. My father delivered an unforgettable speech that day at Yankee Stadium. “If I never get to come to another Old Timers Day, I will take these memories, and I’ll start another baseball club, coaching up there, whenever they need me.”
We lost a great man, “Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement. “His contributions to different eras in our history guided us through difficult times and brought us some of our greatest all-time success. As a result, Mets popularity transcended generations, all of whom thought of him as their own. His plaque in monument park will forever serve to celebrate the significance of his legacy.”
I remember my Mom calling with excitement. The Yankees had just called her to let her know that they were going to surprise Dad with the plaque at the old-timers game in June of 2015. Mom said that the Yankees would be flying our entire family in for this special event. This would go down in history as my fathers most prestigious personal award ever. Let us not forget, only the Yankee legends reside in monument park. Mom informed me of the dates and immediately I was sick to my stomach. I already had a prior commitment to be in California that weekend where I would have hundreds if not thousands of people counting on me to be there over that same weekend. My hero who was not feeling well at the time due to cancer and the Yankees were honoring him with the most prestigious award in Yankee franchise. I had to make one of the hardest decisions of my life. Do I take my wife and kids to New York to be with the rest of my family or do I go to California where I had already given my word that I would be at that event? To most people, the decision seems easy. Go to New York.
I idolized my father from the time I could walk. I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Those footsteps represented more than baseball although that was my childhood dream. I wanted to follow in the footsteps of not only the legendary Yankee but I wanted to follow in the footsteps of the man. My father stood by his word with no exceptions to the rule. His values and character were non-negotiable. His choices and actions always spoke louder than his words. You could count on him 100% of the time.
I made the decision to go to California praying that I would not regret it for the rest of my life. I prayed that we would have our special time in monument park at a later date.
When I look at the pictures from that special day in Yankee Stadium I have to admit that there is some pain deep down that me, Erica and my kids are missing from the photos. Those photos also remind me that I was truly following in my father’s footsteps. I kept my word to a team of people that were counting on me to keep my commitment. As hard as it was, I was like Dad on that weekend.
Mel Stottlemyre was more than a sports icon to our family. He set the example of how to treat women by being a loving, faithful husband to my mother. To my brothers and I, he was Dad, our best friend, mentor, coach, and leader. He was also crazy about his 8 grandkids. Outside of his sports legacy, he left us a valuable set of rules called life lessons to live by.
He was always positive even when we were in the middle of a storm. I never heard him ever say the words, I can’t or You can’t. He always believed in the best even when the odds were against him. He possessed the mindset of a champion.
When my younger brother Jason passed away from Leukemia in 1981, he displayed the highest form of leadership I have ever witnessed. He pulled our family together in the living room on our first day back in the house without Jason. Even though he was in great pain, he mustered the strength to declare that we will get through this as a family. We will stick together, and we will never forget Jason.
One time I recall dad walking out of the park with Mel jr and I after we had just played in an American Legion game. He asked, “did you guys have fun today.?” We both said yes. “ He said it didn’t look like it. If you don’t have fun playing the game, then you guys shouldn’t play.” Dad believed in pursuing your passion and striving to be the best you can at whatever you do. I took that advice into and throughout my major league career. Play every game likes it is your last one.
Dad was a firm believer in the KISS strategy. Keep it simple stupid. He had to remind me of this several times over my major league baseball career. Success is simple; It always boils down to mastering a handful of things Dad would say.
If you throw up, make sure you can sleep in it. What he meant by this is taking 100% responsibility for all of your words and actions.
About 3 years ago we left the hospital at a time my dad was very ill. When we got to his house, he wanted me to take him for a drive in the mountains. As we were driving, he admired the cabins in the mountains. He said, “ I might buy a cabin in the mountains someday.” I was floored, I was praying he would get through the day. I realized right then that Dad was refusing to give his power over to his current circumstances. He was giving all of his power to his vision. That was one hell of a lesson that day.
When things got tough, he would say narrow your focus to this moment. Just be the best you can right now. An excellent lesson for staying present in the moment.
He forgave George Steinbrenner for a dispute they had when the Yankees released my Dad, and his playing career came to an end. Years later, in 1996 George hired my Dad as the Yankees pitching coach under the great Joe Torre. The power of forgiveness. Without it, my father would have missed out on the 4 world titles he had with the Yankees as the pitching coach.
Commitment, discipline, integrity, character, consistency were all synonymous with his name. He lived life as if excuses were a disease.
I could go on and on because my Dad lived a legacy life where he positively touched millions of people.
Dad fought until the bitter end. He was without a doubt the greatest warrior I have ever witnessed. With my mom on one side of him, Mel Jr and me on the other side. Mel jr had his right hand, and I had my left hand on his heart. We were all together when he took in his last breath.
Goodbye, Dad,
I will never forget you. Thank you for the life that you provided for our family. Thank you for being the most excellent example of a human being. Thank you for being the greatest Dad, friend, mentor, coach, and leader. Thank you for your legacy and lessons. Thank you for all the memories. I will cherish every single one of them. Thank you for never quitting even in the midst of a storm. You will forever live in my heart. I want to be just like you Dad.
I miss you. I will see you in Heaven.
32 Responses
What a beautiful tribute. We communicated once before as I had mentioned a I went to your dad’s 2nd start in Baltimore in August of 1964. Never forget the game. Pitcher’s duel between Mel and Milt Pappas. It was 1-0 Baltimore going into to the top of the seventh. Pappass’s arm tightened up warming up. Yanks scored 3 runs in the seventh and won 3-1z
I met your dad at the sporting good store in Yakima a long time ago when I was very young and I do remember it because I could tell how much my dad was enjoying talking to him. My uncle Doug and my dad Terry reminisced a few days ago about how much they enjoyed your father. They said he was one of the nicest and most competitive people that they ever knew. They told a story of one day in the off-season he showed up with a football autographed by Joe Namath for a pick up game of football. They asked him if he was sure that he wanted to use it for the game and he said that it was no big deal. They told a few other fun stories and I enjoyed hearing about him. All the best to you and your family.
Great written tribute for your dad. It had life lessons for everyone, not just for you and your family. I am 70 and fighting leukemia. I have faith that I will beat because of my faith in God. I am not depressed or not going to give in to it.
Great words todd
I was already a Yankee fan before Mel pitched for the Yankees, but when I heard Mel was being called up. I was beyond excited. Being a Yankee fan had just taken on a whole new meaning. I’ll never forget the first ever Mel Stottlemyre Day. The park was packed. The whole town of Mabton plus fans from surrounding towns were there. Whenever Mel pitched and it was being covered on tv , I was glued to the tv until the game was over. I only got to talk to him on a couple of occasions at his sports stores in Sunnyside and Yakima. A total classy guy. He will be missed. Thanks for the memories Mel.
This says it all about a great human
My Deepest Condolences and Sincerest Sympathies go out to you and your family for your loss buddy!! What an Amazing Eulogy and description of exemplary character displayed by your father over all those years! How hard it must have been for you to muster up the courage and share his life with us and you seen him! It’s truly an HONOR and a PRIVILEGE!!
If you could be like him,
You are blessed Todd.
RIP Mel
May your soul find a
Worthy resting place…
Todd,
Your Dad will always be remembered as a father figure to all of us that worked at the store. He was a great individual that showed that through his family life. I am honored to have known him and your family.
Todd, this was such a beautiful memorial to your father. I am so deeply sorry for your loss, you and your family’s. What a wonderful man, I feel like I know him after your words. You are truly blessed to have had such a remarkable relationship with him. This is something I will keep and refer to when I need a swift kick! 😉 All the best, Judy Long
One of THE MOST heartfelt articles of one special man’s life I’ve ever read. What a beautiful man and beautiful family! I remember when Mel first pitched for our New York Yankees in the early ’60’s. ❤⚾
This is one of the most beautiful tributes to an individual I have ever seen. Mr. Todd Stottlemyre- While I never met your Dad in person, based on your eloquent words, you are your father’s son. I am so proud to know you and count you among my blessings. I am honored to be able to continue to watch you on this journey of life and the lives too that you will continue to enrich. God Bless you, know you are in my prayers, along with your dad on his next journey.
Todd,
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. I had your Dad’s baseball card when I was growing up dreaming of playing in the majors. Your Dad was always a favorite of mine; for his talent and for how he handled himself which I could see even as a youngster (I’m now 63). Cherish your memories and God Bless.
Tom
Todd, that was absolutely beautiful, brought tears to me .Hope you and your family are well
What a beautiful piece of writing as the tears roll down my face, these are life lessons that you shared with me about a beautiful human being, family to me is everything and above all his fame Stott’s family was the large factor in his success. It was the cream that was driven to the top as the biggest influence in his life, yes family. Your dad was mighty proud of you Todd, mostly after baseball being the leader that you are away from the game of baseball. I admire you for that also and thank you for sharing this beautiful story about your Dad truly inspiring.
Dear Todd, I don’t know if you remember me it’s been years but I was the Chiropractor for the Cardinals and a close friend of Joe Torre. I was blessed to know your dad and everything you wrote about your dad I could see. A Awesome man. You should be proud. My heart goes out to you and your family. May God bless you all. Best wishes to you Todd
Ralph Filson
What a beautiful tribute Todd. Bought tears to my eyes, actually made me wish I could have been half the person your Dad was. He was very proud of you boys and the whole family and I think this tribute says it all.
Thank you for writing, posting and sharing a wonderful piece on your father. I barely know you as a barely active ACN rep. 6 years for me. I assume I saw you in California. My family are Yankee fans. An eighth grade teacher of mine husband was an architect of the first remodel of Yankee stadium. One day she showed us the drawings and overlay showed changes in the field to home run distances in the corners of outfield. Once by chance when retired Whitey Ford wasn’t at the game, i was given his seat to sit in. I like many admired your father. He was the best.
Todd, your tribute to your Dad brought tears to my eyes. I got to know him well when he came to Arizona and helped out in major league spring training. I was just a AAA pitching coach but he made me feel like I was a significant part of the organization. I loved him too. He touched my life in a much smaller way than he did others but it was nonetheless powerful. I learned from watching him and talking to him how important it is that you treat everyone with respect and fairness. He lived his life fully and graciously…” he walked the talk.” I hope one day I can have another talk with your Dad and introduce him to mine. I think they will get along beautifully!!! You and your family have my deepest condolences. Sincerely, Mike Parrott.
So beautiful and well written. What a special man I got to look up to growing up. I’m so sorry for the loss of your father. Thinking about you and your family.
My sincere sympathies for y’all and my prayers for y’all. Mel , Sr. is in Heaven and pitching up there with a completely perfected body, mind, and soul.
Y’all carry on the good fight here. Y’all will all meet again.
God bless y’all , Randy Phillips
Mel was a very special person, he carried himself with dignity and even thought he suffered greatly from the ravages of cancer for so many years he was always a positive influence on anyone around him. He was truly one of the greatest person I have ever had the chance to meet.
RIP Mel 💔
During my three decades in the Washington state baseball community, the reputation of the Stottlemyre family was synonymous with excellence in instructing, coaching and mentoring boys in their transition into becoming young men. I have memories of your Dad, the pitcher, but my lasting memories are of his legacy, a family whose integrity and passion for excellence has always been second to none.
Condolences and fondest wishes going forward, Todd, to you and your entire family.
Great tribute to your dad. I was a big fan.
A wonderful, heartfelt, note to your Dad! Sounds like he was a first class big leaguer, just like you are…….Buddy Bates, St. Louis Cardinals ( retired)
A great tribute to your dad, Todd .My
sympathy to you and
your family.
I was a huge Yankee fan until my Blue Jays were born.Mel was my favorite pitcher on his Yankee teams.
So , it was great to have you here as a Blue Jay and World Series winner.
I had a great day fishing with you ,Mel
and Tom Henke at the Credit River back
in the early 1990’s and met you with Tom and Jimmy Key
a couple of times ,
including Dunedin.
Great fun memories !
I hope you are having
a great post-baseball
life .
Best ,
Bob McKenzie
Growing up in Ellensburg, WA in the 60’s and 70s, I followed Mel’s career with the Yankees. Still have fond memories of listening to a portable radio in elementary school to listen to Mel pitch in the World Series.
He was the closest thing we had to a hometown pro baseball hero. Wished I had known him personally, but he and all the Stottlemyre’s were worthy of our admiration, as they exemplified the class, dignity, grace and strength we all wanted in our hero’s….and ourselves.
Todd, what wonderful and heartfelt tribute of your father. A distinguished man in sports and most importantly, Life. I remember coming to YVC with my brother Lane Phillips. I remember watching you boys playing ball at Davis H.S. with my nephews Montie and Lonnie Phillips What a class of extraordinary, multi sport athletes in your H.S. days. I enjoyed being with your Dad, in recent years, as he generously stayed involved in Yakima Valley College baseball celebrations. And supporting Yakima baseball and, more so, all of our good friend and great baseball coach Bill Faller.
Todd
Such an incredible inspiring epitaph to your amazing Dad
I remember watching him pitch for the Yankees
Great athlete and obviously a great human being and Father
I also watched you with the Blue Jays
Best to you and your family
Sincerely
Philip Dawson
Champion!
A great story of a brave, faithful and kind human being.May Mel Stottlemyre rest in God’s peace.
He is one of my Yankee heroes.
Todd,You are doing a great job by keeping his memory alive not just in the hearts of baseball fans but,in everyone that reads or hears his story.Thank you and God Bless you and you family and friends and players who knew him best.
Beautiful tribute to your dad. Been a fan of him for 55 years. Always thought he didn’t get enough recognition. I watch when you and your brother came up and I could see your dad in each of you. Most importantly, when your dad began his coaching career, I could definitely see the effect he had on the students under his tutelage.
Over time, the more I studied the more convinced I was that your dad belongs in several halls of fame. He already is in the Hall of Life for the exemplary person he was and is. I have begun a campaign to see him honored by two other halls. Hopefully, these will see fruition before long.
#Mel4HoF.
You and your brothers honor his memory in the individuals you are. Continue being a positive force in this world.