Weiss built Yankees dynasty

The greatest single dynasty in big league history belongs to the franchise with the most sustained success in pro baseball.

But when George Weiss was named the director of the Yankees' new minor league system on Feb. 12, 1932, the Bronx Bombers had but three World Series titles to their credit.

When Weiss left the Yankees following the 1960 season, New York had accumulated 18 total championships – and Weiss had forged his Hall of Fame career.

Born in New Haven, Conn., on June 23, 1895, Weiss was educated at Yale University and operated several successful minor league teams throughout the 1910s and 1920s.

After running the International League’s Baltimore Orioles for two years at the start of the 1930s, Weiss was hired by the Yankees to create a farm system similar to the one the St. Louis Cardinals had pioneered in the National League.

Starting with four minor league teams when he was hired, Weiss and the Yankees operated 16 clubs by 1939. The homegrown talent helped New York win four straight World Series titles from 1936-39, something no other team had ever accomplished.

“There is no such thing as second place,” Weiss said. “You’re either first or you’re nothing.”

Following the Yankees' World Series title in 1947, Weiss was named the team’s general manager.

He quickly hired Johnny Johnson – who eventually became the team’s farm director – and the pair led the Yankees to five straight World Series titles from 1949-53.

Under Weiss, the Yankees won a total of seven Fall Classic titles and 10 American League pennants before he retired following the 1960 season. He later served as the Mets’ general manager for their first five seasons, laying the groundwork for the Miracle Mets club that won the 1969 World Series.

He was named the Sporting News’ Executive of the Year three straight years from 1950-52 and in 1960.