Joe Torre

Won National League MVP honors with the Cardinals in 1971, highlighting an 18-year playing career split between catcher (Gold Glove in 1965), first base and third base. Grounded into four double-plays in one game with the Mets in 1975, setting a National League record. Ranks among the top-five managers on the all-time wins list. Torre's career began with an 18-game stint as player-manager for the '77 Mets and three firings (Mets, Braves, Cardinals) before leading the Yankees to four titles and 12 playoff appearances in 12 seasons. Co-owned several Thoroughbred racehorses, including Sis City (2005 Ashland Stakes winner); Wild Desert ('05 Queen's Plate winner); Vineyard Haven (won two Grade I stakes in '08); and 2010 Kentucky Derby runner Homeboykris (took 16th).  Ran with the Olympic torch for 450 meters in Florence, handing it off at the famed Ponte Vecchio on its route to the 2006 Games in Turin.  Saw his autobiography, "Chasing the Dream" (written with Tom Verducci), turned into a movie starring Paul Sorvino. ~ Rovi