Torre’s Brother Keeps Managing a Big Smile

For Frank Torre, all was right with the world Sunday. His newly transplanted heart was working perfectly and his brother Joe had just managed the New York Yankees to the World Series title.

Frank Torre watched every second of the Yankees’ 3-2 series clincher against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday night. “Except for a few blinks,” he said.

His new heart, he joked, already survived the stress test of the final inning when Yankee reliever John Wetteland came in with a 3-1 lead, allowed a run and then got the final out with the potential tying run on second base.

“I can’t go wrong,” he said. “I’ve got a 28-year-old heart to go with a 64-year-old body.”

The Yankees got the title only a day after Frank Torre got his new heart. It came from a man who died in the Bronx, home of Yankee Stadium.

Torre probably will remain in Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center for two to three weeks, and he has a 50% chance of living at least 10 more years.

As he sat up in his bed waiting for another family visit, Torre spoke of all the publicity that has accompanied his transplant and how he proud he is of his brother.

Joe Torre finally made it to the World Series after 4,272 games as a player and manager, and he often spoke of the inspiration he received from Frank and his late brother Rocco, who died of a heart attack during the season.

Watching Joe thank him on television after the series victory made Frank smile.

“It was exciting and thrilling. Even though he’s my brother and I might be prejudiced, I can’t think of anyone more deserving.”