April 12, 1983 Yankee Stadium
Billy's Back
Between 1973 and 1990 Steinbrenner hired 19 managers...
Billy Martin had played second base for the Yankees from 1950-1957, finishing his career with the Kansas City Athletics, Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Red, Milwaukee Brewers and Minnesota Twins (1957-1961)...
Martin would take charge of the Yankees in 1975, after experiences managing the Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers... in 1978 Matin would be replaced by Bob Lemon after an incident with Reggie Jackson during a game at Fenway Park. Martin learned that Steinbrenner was looking into a deal that would trade Martin for Lemon who was managing the White Sox. Martin issued a statement regarding Jackson and Steinbrenner stating They deserve each other. One's a born liar (Jackson) and the others convicted (Steinbrenner for illegal campaign contributions to Richard Nixon)...
Martin resigned the following day before he could be fired. Lemon was fired by the White Sox one month prior and hired immediately by Steinbrenner...
At the 1979 Old-Timers Day at Yankee Stadium an announcement was made that Martin would return in 1980 to replace Lemon as the Yankee manager. However due to a poor start in 1979, Lemon would be fired by Steinbrenner and Martin brought in early than anticipated. Following the 1979 season an altercation with a fan landed Martin in trouble and Steinbrenner fired him, bringing in Dick Howser for the 1980 season.
Martin would return to the Yankees 3-times more in 1983, 1985 and 1988 never lasting the complete season...
In 1983 the Yankees promoted Martin's return with "Billy's Back" campaign showing Martin pointing to his #1 jersey.
1983 Yankee souvenir program
1985 Sports Illustrated
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