A figure as synonymous with developing a winning culture and sustaining championship-level success in sports as anyone, Joe Torre is arguably the most successful manager in Major League Baseball history. At the time of his retirement in 2010, Torre ranked fifth on the all-time managerial wins list with 2,326. Over the course of his 29-year managerial career Torre won four World Series titles with the New York Yankees between 1996 and 2000 and he also earned American League Manager of the Year honors twice during that span.

Torre made his managerial debut with the New York Mets in May of 1977 when he became the first player-manager in the majors since 1959. He went on to manage the Mets until 1981. Following stints as manager of the Atlanta Braves (1982 to 1984) and a California Angels broadcaster (1985 to 1989), Torre returned to the bench in 1990, this time with a former team of his, the St. Louis Cardinals. Torre managed the Cardinals through the 1995 season before he signed with the Yankees and cemented his legacy as a great tactician and leader of men. During his 12-year tenure at the helm of the Yankees, Torre led the Bronx Bombers to 1,173 victories, a .605 winning percentage and six trips to the World Series.

After his unprecedented run as Yankees skipper, Torre managed the Los Angeles Dodgers for three seasons before transitioning to an executive role in Major League Baseball. Not to be overshadowed by his managerial success, Torre enjoyed a 17-year playing career with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets. Torre compiled a lifetime .297 batting average, accumulated 2,342 hits and 252 home runs, and hit over .300 five times. He was a nine-time All-Star and was named the National League’s 1971 Most Valuable Player. Since February 2011 Torre has served as MLB’s Executive Vice President for Baseball Operations, overseeing Major League Operations, On-Field Operations, On-Field Discipline and Umpiring.

He serves as the Office of the Commissioner’s primary liaison to the general managers and field managers. Since December 2009, he has served on the Commissioner’s Special Committee for On-Field Matters. In 2010 Torre was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the National Advisory Committee on Violence Against Women and since October 2011 he has served as Co-Chair of the US Justice Department’s National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence.

The Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation, which he and his wife Ali launched in 2002, develops educational programs geared to end the cycle of domestic violence and save lives. Since its inception the Foundation has educated thousands of students, parents, teachers and school faculty about the devastating effects of domestic violence. Torre is also the co-author of three books: The Yankee Years (2009), Chasing the Dream: My Lifelong Journey to the World Series (1998) and Joe Torre’s Ground Rules for Winners: 12 Keys to Managing Team Players, Tough Bosses, Setbacks and Success (1999).