Durham, NC – Joe Torre has been named the manager for Team USA in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.
"We are thrilled to announce Joe Torre as the manager of the U.S. for the upcoming World Baseball Classic," said USA baseball executive director/CEO Paul Seiler in a statement Thursday. "Joe's track record as a manager speaks for itself, and we're excited to have his leadership in place as we attempt to secure our first World Baseball Classic title."
Currently the executive vice president for baseball operations for Major League Baseball, Torre previously served as a manager for 29 big league seasons, leading the New York Mets (1977-81), the Atlanta Braves (1982-84), the St. Louis Cardinals (1990-95), the New York Yankees (1996-2007) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (2008-10).
During his time with the Yankees, Torre guided the team to four World Series titles -- the first in 1996 followed by a three-year run from 1998-2000.
"I am honored to be selected to lead Team USA in the 2013 World Baseball Classic," said Torre. "I have been fortunate to have many different experiences throughout my career, but being a part of Team USA will be a first, and I am very excited about it. I look forward to the challenge of representing the United States when this tournament celebrates the global growth of our national pastime next year."
Team USA has not placed higher than fourth in the WBC, finishing sixth in the inaugural event in 2006 and fourth in 2009.