Joe Girardi was born on July 14, 1964, in Peoria, Illinois, United States. He is widely recognized as one of the most respected professional baseball managers, with a rich background as a former Major League Baseball (MLB) catcher. Girardi has had a multi-faceted career, excelling as a player, manager, coach, and broadcaster. His full name is Joseph Elliott Girardi.
Joe is the fourth of five children born to Jerry and Angela Girardi. He grew up in East Peoria, Illinois, where his father, a former blue-collar worker and military veteran, served as his first basketball coach and role model. Joe attended Neil Armstrong Grade School and then the Academy of Our Lady/Spalding Institute, where his athletic potential began to gain attention.
He later enrolled at Northwestern University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. While at Northwestern, he played collegiate baseball for the Wildcats, combining academic excellence with athletic talent—a foundation that would benefit his strategic approach as a professional manager.
Girardi began his professional career in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs in 1989. He later played for the Colorado Rockies and became a key member of the New York Yankees beginning in 1996. During his time with the Yankees, he won three World Series championships and provided veteran leadership behind the plate.
He also had a brief stint with the St. Louis Cardinals, appearing in 16 games. Over his MLB playing career, Girardi compiled a .267 batting average, hit 36 home runs, and scored a total of 422 runs. His 15-season career reflected consistency and solid defense, especially in the catching position.
After retiring as a player, Girardi began a successful broadcasting career as a commentator for the YES Network. His analytical skills and understanding of the game translated well to television. His insights as a former catcher enhanced his credibility and popularity among viewers.
He returned to the Yankees as a bench coach in 2005, setting the stage for his managerial career.
Girardi began his managerial career in 2006 with the Florida Marlins. Despite leading a young and inexperienced team to a surprisingly competitive season and being named the National League Manager of the Year, tensions with ownership led to his dismissal after one season.
In 2007, the New York Yankees hired him as manager, a role he held through 2017. His initial three-year contract was worth $7.5 million. Though his first season was a transition year, Girardi led the Yankees to a World Series championship in 2009. He later secured a new four-year contract in 2013 worth $16 million. Under his leadership, the Yankees consistently remained playoff contenders, emphasizing pitching and defense.
| Birth Date: | 14 Oct, 1964 |
| Age: | 55 yrs |
| Occupations: | Baseball player Baseball manager |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Peoria |
| Education: | Northwestern University |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | Baseball player and manager from the United States |
| Net Worth 2021: | 15 million |
