Legendary Yankees manager Bill Martin once accused Reggie Jackson and George Steinbrenner of being 'liars,' leading to his dismissal
Billy Martin was probably one of the best managers the New York Yankees ever had. However, his beef with Reggie Jackson and George Steinbrenner is equally as notable as his managerial career.
Reggie Jackson was part of the New York Yankees from 1977-1981. He was in contention with his teammates and especially with Martin. Once, when he was part of the Oakland Athletics, Martin was managing Detroit in 1972. The two clashed and the Athletics won. Jackson at the time had given an interview, saying this about Martin:
"I hate him, but if I played for him, I'd probably love him."
However, when Martin started managing the Yankees, Jackson was also part of the team as a player. The two did not get along. Martin also did not get along with Steinbrenner, but it could be because the Yankees owner felt that Martin was bad for the team.
Martin was a party person and was known for his wild ways. Steinbrenner felt Martin's recklessness was a bad influence on the other team members. When the team acquired Jackson, Martin felt even more estranged from the Yankees.
In 1978, Martin resigned from the team, and Bob Lemon of the Chicago White Sox was acquired. While announcing his resignation, Martin said to reporters:
"The two of them deserve each other—one's a born liar [Jackson], the other's convicted [Steinbrenner]."
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Martin's strained relationship with Steinbrenner and Jackson probably led to him losing his spot. Nevertheless, he is still remembered as one of the greatest Yankees managers.
When Reggie Jackson said he was the Yankees' driving force
Reggie Jackson and his Yankees teammates were never quiet, but it especially got worse when the 1977 issue of SPORT came out.
The Yankees were not pleased with Jackson, especially when he shaded Thurman Munson. Munson was a favorite of many Yankees team members. However, Jackson called himself the driving force for the Yankees before simultaneously shading Munson:
"This team, it all flows from me. I'm the straw that stirs the drink. Maybe I should say me and Munson, but he can only stir it bad."
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Reggie Jackson stayed with the Yankees until 1981 when he was traded to the California Angels.