Keane to Sign as Yankee Manager

Oct. 19, 1964 - Johnny Keane is due in New York tomorrow to sign as manager of the New York Yankees.

The club has called a news conference for tomorrow afternoon at the Savoy Plaza to announce its choice. Ralph Houk, Yankee general manager, was in Houston today, talking to Keane about the position.

Houk arrived at Keane’s home late last night and spoke with the former St. Louis Cardinal manager for two hours. Today, the two men were in seclusion, presumably straightening out such details as length of contract and salary.

Keane had reiterated all weekend long that he would accept the post if it were offered.

His hiring would cap one of the most bizarre weeks in major league history. Keane resigned as the Cards’ manager on Friday, one day after his team had won the World Series by upsetting the Yanks. Two hours after Keane resigned, the Yanks dismissed Yogi Berra as manager.

It is believed that Keane will be accompanied to New York for the news conference by his wife, Lela.

The Keanes spent a hectic weekend, leaving St. Louis Friday afternoon and completing a 900-mile auto trip to Houston early yesterday.

A new manager usually means a change in coaches, and the appointment of Keane is expected to produce a new coaching staff. Among those whose jobs would be in jeopardy under a new manager is Frank Crosetti, who has been with the Yanks since 1932, first as a player and then as a coach.

Whitey Ford, who has been doubling as a pitching coach as well as player, is expected to be utilized only as a pitcher. Jim Hegan, the bullpen coach, and Jim Gleeson, the first base coach, are others who might be replaced.

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