SI's Best Don Zimmer Photos

SI Staff | Jun 5, 2014

SI's Best Don Zimmer Photos /

SI's Best Don Zimmer Photos

Don Zimmer

Here are SI's best photos of Don Zimmer, who passed away on June 4 at age 83. Playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Don Zimmer throws out Yogi Berra of the New York Yankees during the 1955 World Series. Then a 24-year-old second baseman, Zimmer contributed to Brooklyn's seven-game series victory, the first of his two titles as a Dodger, in a 12-year major league career.

Don Zimmer

Zimmer at Ebbets Field, wearing a couple of hats before a game with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 1957 season was the Dodgers' last in Brooklyn before moving cross-country to Los Angeles.

Don Zimmer

In 1976, Zimmer was named acting manager of the Red Sox. Here, he and shortstop Rick Burleson voice their displeasure during a game with the rival New York Yankees.

Don Zimmer

Red Sox manager Zimmer looks on during a game against the Yankees. He'd coach the Sox to a 99-win season that year, but a collapse down the stretch saw the team bounced by the Yanks and Bucky Dent's famous home run in a one-game playoff.

Don Zimmer

After stops managing the Rangers and Cubs (with whom he won manager of the year in 1989) and on the staffs of the Yankees, Giants, Red Sox and Rockies, Zimmer settled in as bench coach for the Yanks under Joe Torre. Derek Jeter, seen here, would frequently rub Zimmer's head and belly before at-bats for good luck.

Don Zimmer and Jim Leyland

Zimmer catches an earful from Florida Marlins manager Jim Leyland during a 1997 interleague game. Zimmer sat on the bench for New York's World Series runs in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Don Zimmer

Zimmer dons a custom military helmet during an SI photo shoot at Yankee Stadium. Zimmer spent eight seasons as bench coach of the Yankees.

Don Zimmer and Joe Torre

Zimmer poses with Joe Torre. In 1999, Zimmer filled in for Torre while the manager recovered from prostate cancer, leading the team to a 21-15 record in the first 36 games of the season.

Don Zimmer

A fisheye portrait of Zimmer in the Yankees dugout during spring training.

Don Zimmer and Yogi Berra

Zimmer and Yankees legend/guest instructor Yogi Berra sit together at spring training.

Don Zimmer

Torre and Zimmer watch carefully as the Yankees take on the Mets.

Don Zimmer

In one of his most memorable moments, a furious Zimmer is restrained after getting into a fight with Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez during the ALCS.

Don Zimmer

Zimmer leaves the field after the brawl, comforted by pitcher Roger Clemens.

Don Zimmer

In 2004, Zimmer took a post with the Tampa Bay Rays as senior advisor. Here he signs autographs for fans during spring training.

Don Zimmer and Joe Maddon

Rays manager Joe Maddon and Zimmer chop it up during a spring training game.

Don Zimmer

Zimmer liked to note that every paycheck he ever received came from baseball-- never working a day in any other business. In 1951, he was married on the diamond.

Don Zimmer and Evan Longoria

Zimmer gives third baseman Evan Longoria some pointers. He spent 11 years as part of the Rays, for whom he worked until his death.

Don Zimmer

Zimmer tosses a pitch before Game 7 of the 2008 ALCS against the Red Sox. With the Rays, Zimmer adjusted the number on the back of his jersey by one every year to represent his number of years spent in baseball. 2014 was number 66.

Don Zimmer

Zimmer waves to fans during the Yankees World Series victory parade on Broadway after defeating the Atlanta Braves. He'll be missed throughout baseball.

Published Jun 5, 2014

SI STAFF