Over the course of 66 years in baseball Don Zimmer came in contact with thousands. If you ask around about Don the answers given would be pretty much the same. Don was known for his great energy, positive attitude and always being a go getter.
Even in his later years Don was revered around MLB. He was Joe Torre's guy during baseball's last great dynasty. The 1998-2000 New York Yankees were a better team due to Don's years of experience around the game.
Don lead the 1989 Chicago Cubs to an N.L East crown. That Cubs squad is known as one of the best managed teams in MLB history. That year the Cubs won a surprising 93 games before bowing out to the San Francisco Giants in the NLCS.
Don is one of the few players to have had the honor to play with the great Jackie Robinson. He epitomized what being a baseball lifer is all about. Even getting married couldn't get him away from the baseball diamond. In 1951 Don married his high school sweetheart, Carol Jean Bauerle at home plate while playing for Elmira Pioneers of upstate New York. Legend has it Don hit 3-4 that night after tying the knot.
Don got into coaching right after his playing days were over. Most guys would take some time off, but not Don. The zest for baseball lived inside of him down to his last days. He still was on salary as an advisor for the Tampa Bay Rays up until his death.
Don Zimmer passed away at the age of 83. His contributions to the game of baseball are greatly appreciated.
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