1967 New York Yankees Management Profiles

MICHAEL BURKE (Chairman and President)
"Michael Burke was elected Chairman of the Board and President of the New York Yankees on September 19, 1966. In the months that followed he gave vigorous leadership to the 'new' Yankees, giving the club direction in its pursuit of championship attainment on and off the baseball field.
As a Vice-President of Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., Mr. Burke was involved in negotiations to acquire the ball club in 1964 and was the direct contact between the Yankees and CBS until the network purchased all of the club's stock last fall.
Mr. Burke was born in Enfield, Connecticut 50 years ago, received his secondary schooling in Hartford (after spending several of his earlier years in Ireland) and was an honor graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where he played football as a halfback. Mr. Burke was commissioned in the U.S. Navy and served with the original Office of Strategic Services. Landing and operating behind enemy lines in several key operations in World War II, Mike Burke was honored for 'conspicuous gallantry' and 'extraordinary bravery.' He then served as a special advisor to the U.S. High Commissioner for Germany.
In 1954, he returned to the U.S. to become Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus. In 1956, he joined CBS, served later as President of CBS Europe and now has the exciting challenge of his life with the New York Yankees."

-The New York Yankees Official 1967 Yearbook


LEE MACPHAIL (Executive Vice President and General Manager)
"Lee MacPhail came home to the Yankees this past winter. And his return was welcomed.
The new Executive Vice President and General Manager had served the Yankee organization well for 13 years as farm director and later as Director of Player Personnel. He left eight years ago to assume the post of General Manager of the Baltimore Orioles, whom he served subsequently as team President. It was Mr. MacPhail who built the Orioles into the powerful World Championship organization that swept the Dodgers in four straight in the last World Series.
In 1966, the new Yankee G.M. was Administrator of Baseball as first assistant to Commissioner William D. Eckert. But the lure of competition and the opportunity of building with his old club compelled him to accept Mr. Burke's offer to join the new Yankee management team.
An outstanding baseball administrator and astute developer of baseball talent, Lee MacPhail was named Major League Executive of the Year by The Sporting News this past winter. The award was for his excellence in developing the Orioles to championship contention and for his fine work in the Commissioner's office.
The new triumvirate of Burke, MacPhail and Houk has tackled the job of rebuilding the Yankees with enthusiasm, confidence and sincere application. The Yankees are on the way!"

-The New York Yankees Official 1967 Yearbook