 Joe Amalfitano was signed by the New York Giants in thh 1954 amateur free agent draft. Joe was a light hitting infielder and made his major league debut at 3B for the Giants in May of 1954. Joe played for the Giants from '54 through 1961 and was drafted by the Houston Colt .45's in the 1961 expansion draft. After 1 season in Houston, JOe was back in San Francisco with the Giants. Joe was traded the Cubs in 1964 and spent his final 3 seasons playing with the Cubs. JOe's best season came in 1960 with the Giants when he hit .277 with 27 RBIs. Joe played 10 seasons in the major leagues hitting .244 for his career with a .966 fielding percentage. After his playing days were over, Joe remained with the Cubs as a coach and in 1979 he took over the managing position with the Cubs. Joe became the Cubs full time manager half way through the 1980 season and remained the manager through most of the strike shortened 1981 season. Joe led the Cubs to just 66 wins in 185 games. Joe remained in baseball after his Cubs tenure and spent 14 seasons as the third base coach for the Dodgers and Tommy Lasorda. |
