Yankees: Legendary NYY exec responsible for dynasty passes away

Legendary Yankees executive Mark Newman, who was responsible for the team’s recent dynasty, sadly passed away.

Yankees fans are likely riding high after Friday’s doubleheader sweep of the Orioles, which saw the club establish a needed cushion over the other playoff hopeful teams in the AL. Not only did the offense showcase an incredible power surge, but Gerrit Cole finally delivered a lights out performance on the mound in a must-win game.

On that note, we hate to drive a nail into the good vibes, but the Yankees confirmed some sad news moments before first pitch on Saturday against Baltimore.

In a heartfelt post on Twitter, the Yankees announced the passing of legendary executive Mark Newman, who spent over 25 years with the organization. For more than half of that stint, he spent his time conducting New York’s distinguished minor league development program, which ultimately contributed massively to the club’s dynasty from 1995-2000.

He was 71 years old.

The cause of Newman’s death has yet to be revealed, but sources familiar with the situation told the New York Post that he passed peacefully in his sleep.

Newman, who joined the Yankees’ developmental staff in 1989 after spending nine years as the head coach at Old Dominion, is best known for establishing the Yankees’ mid-90s core.

Of course, that group featured the likes of Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, Bernie Williams and Andy Pettitte. That group comprised the core of the Yankees’ historic dynasty, which won four World Series (1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000) in a five-year span. With Newman and Bob Watson passing away this year, two key figures from that era are now gone.

In remembrance of Newman — as well as Dr. Gene Budig, who was the last president of the AL — both the Yankees and Orioles held a moment of silence ahead of Saturday’s game.

The world has lost an untold number of legends and icons in 2020, and Newman undoubtedly falls under that category as he was largely responsible for one of the most dominant teams in MLB history.

Our most sincere condolences go out to his loved ones in the wake of his passing.