King began his professional baseball career as a pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1944. He was known for his right-handed throws and played for the Dodgers until 1951, with a brief stint in the military interrupting his career from 1945 to 1947. After leaving the Dodgers, he played for the Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals before retiring as a player in 1953.
However, King's retirement from playing did not mark the end of his involvement in baseball. He transitioned into coaching, starting with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1954. He then moved on to coach the Cincinnati Reds in 1957 and 1958, and the San Francisco Giants from 1959 to 1964. His coaching career was marked by his ability to develop young talent and his strategic approach to the game.
In 1969, King took on the role of manager for the San Francisco Giants, leading the team for two seasons. He then moved to the Atlanta Braves, where he served as both a coach and manager from 1974 to 1975. King's managerial style was characterized by his emphasis on teamwork and his ability to motivate his players.
King's career took another turn in 1976 when he became an executive for the New York Yankees. He served as a scout, special assistant to the owner, and general manager during his tenure with the Yankees. He also had two brief stints as the team's manager in 1982 and 1985. King was instrumental in the Yankees' success during this period, helping to build a team that won several World Series championships.
Throughout his career, King was known for his deep knowledge of the game, his ability to develop and motivate players, and his strategic approach to managing. He was respected by his peers and beloved by his players, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of baseball. King passed away in 2010, but his contributions to the sport continue to be remembered and celebrated.
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