Former Yankees executive Mark Newman died on Saturday at the age of 71.

Newman joined the Yankees’ front office in 1989 as coordinator of minor league. He was named senior vice president of baseball operations in 2002 and served in that position until his retirement in 2014.

Prior to his time with the Yankees, Newman was the head coach at Old Dominion University from 1981-1989. He also played in college at Southern Illinois University.

“You can’t reflect on the championships and postseason appearances during Mark’s time without recognizing how much he meant to the organization,” said Brian Cashman in a team-issued statement. “He had a great baseball acumen but also an uncanny ability to cultivate incredible loyalty and work ethic from the players he worked with, which was especially notable among our Latin players, whom he treated with a special care and respect. Countless players, even after achieving success in the Majors, would always go back to him for advice.

“Mark also had a tremendous influence on our coaches at every level and built a distinguished coaching tree in the process. Through his direction, our coaches were able to bring out the best in our talent and become the best baseball teachers they could be.

“However, what stands out most is that Mark profoundly loved being a Yankee and deeply respected what it meant to wear the pinstripes. We worked together for a long time, navigating some rough waters along the way, and he always spoke up for what he felt was right for the organization. I will miss him, and I know that all the people he touched along the way will miss him, too.”

Those players he developed include the famed “Core Four” of Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera, who helped lead the Yankees to four World Series titles from 1996-2000.

Popular in the Community