Tallis then became the first executive director of the Kansas City Royals, a position he held from 1969 to 1974. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in building the Royals into a competitive team. He was instrumental in the development of the Royals Academy, a training facility designed to develop young players, which produced several future MLB stars. Under his leadership, the Royals became one of the most successful expansion teams in MLB history.
In 1974, Tallis left the Royals to join the New York Yankees as an executive vice president and general manager. He was part of the Yankees' front office during a period of great success for the team, which won three consecutive American League pennants and two World Series titles from 1976 to 1978.
Tallis was known for his ability to negotiate player contracts and manage the team's payroll. He was instrumental in the acquisition of several key players, including Catfish Hunter and Reggie Jackson, who played pivotal roles in the Yankees' World Series victories.
In 1979, Tallis was promoted to the position of Yankees' team president, a role he held until 1981. During his time as president, the Yankees continued to be successful, winning the American League pennant in 1981.
After leaving the Yankees, Tallis served as an executive consultant for the California Angels until his retirement. Throughout his career, he was respected for his business acumen, negotiation skills, and his ability to build successful teams. His contributions to the sport of baseball were recognized in 2002 when he was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame.
Cedric Tallis passed away in 1991, but his legacy in the world of baseball continues to be felt. His innovative approach to player development and team management helped shape the modern game and set a standard for future baseball executives.
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