Former Yankee GM, manager Clyde King dies at 86

Clyde King, whose six-decade baseball career included the last 34 years with the Yankees, a stretch that included stints as a manager and general manager for George Steinbrenner during the tumultuous 1980s, died Tuesday in North Carolina.

He was 86.

King was hospitalized two weeks ago, according to The Associated Press, with several problems, including heart trouble.

King, the last of three managers Steinbrenner employed in 1982 and the team's general manager from 1985-86, joined the Yankees as a scout in 1976.

"Clyde was a loyal and dedicated friend and adviser to my father, our family and the Yankees organization," Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement. "Although his baseball achievements were impressive and deserving, he also lived a rich and fulfilling life away from the game. Clyde was a man of great faith who cared deeply about his friends and family, and he served as a role model to so many of us who had the great opportunity to spend time with him. We mourn Clyde's passing with his wonderful wife, Norma, and the entire King family."

King went 29-33 in the 62 games he served as Yankees manager to end the '82 season and the Yankees went 274-211 (.565) during his tenure as general manager. He was a member of the coaching staff in 1978, '81, '82 and '88 and served a variety of scouting and advisory roles for the franchise from 1989-2010, including special assistant to general manager Brian Cashman from 1998-2005.

King, who founded the Baseball Chapel fellowship of Christian players, went a combined 32-25 with a 4.14 ERA in his seven-year major-league career with the Brooklyn Dodgers and Reds.

He managed the Giants from 1969-1970 - leading them to a 90-72 record and second-place finish in 1969 - and managed the Braves from 1974-75.

King is survived by his wife of 64 years, Norma, their three daughters, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.