6. Joe Girardi
Before manager Joe Girardi was giving fans across Yankee land insane migraines, he was busy being one of the greatest catchers in team history.
Girardi, despite spending a mere four seasons in New York, caught Dwight Gooden’s exhilarating no-hitter in 1996 and David Cone’s perfect game in 1999.
He was also one of the major pieces of the 1996 New York Yankees. A highlight imprinted in every fan’s mind is the dramatic triple that sparked a rally off Greg Maddux in Game Six of that World Series.
This Yankee backstop was known for his defense, but one of his greatest attributes was his ability to lead a pitching staff. Hell, that’s why he’s a World Champion manager.
Although this has nothing to do wit where he ranks, he led a miserable Florida Marlins team with a dwindling payroll near .500 in 2006 and earned the National League Manager of the Year award. He was named the Yankees manager in 2008 and anchored that ship to a 2009 World Series win.
