Gene Michael New Cub Manager

Gene Michael, once part of George Steinbrenner’s revolving-door manager policy with the New York Yankees, was named manager of the Chicago Cubs Friday.

Michael, the Yankees’ third base coach the last two years, will take over for Jim Frey, who was fired Thursday. John Vukovich managed the Cubs during Friday’s doubleheader split with St. Louis.

“He’s been through pennant races and he’s managed a club that was always under the media spotlight,” said Dallas Green, Cub president and general manager. “He’s certainly shown he can handle all the pressure of managing and has always produced.”

Michael had two tours of duty as a manager of the Yankees, in 1981 and 1982. He was 34-22 in the strike-torn 1981 season but was replaced on Sept. 6 by Bob Lemon. Michael, 48, returned the next year on April 26, replacing Lemon, only to be replaced again by Clyde King on Aug. 3.