Clyde King, 86; pitcher later managed Giants, Yankees

Wayne Memorial Hospital spokeswoman Amy Cain said Mr. King died Tuesday in Goldsboro, N.C. He was hospitalized two weeks ago with several problems, including heart trouble.

Mr. King pitched with the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds during a seven-year big-league career, compiling a 32-25 record and an ERA of 4.14. His best season was in 1951, when he went 14-7. He was 3-6 in his only season at Cincinnati.

Mr. King, who was the founder of the Baseball Chapel fellowship of Christian players, was a close friend of Dodgers great Jackie Robinson, the first black player in the major leagues.

After coaching for Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh, Mr. King managed the 1969 San Francisco Giants to a 90-72 record and second place in the National League. Mr. King took over the Atlanta Braves in the midst of the 1974 season and managed the team for part of 1975.

Mr. King was the last of three managers to lead the New York Yankees in 1982. He then served as general manager of the Yankees from 1984-86 and was a member of the coaching staff again in 1988. From 1998 to 2005, he was a special assistant to the general manager.

“Clyde was a loyal and dedicated friend and adviser to my father, our family, and the Yankees organization,’’ Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said.

“Although his baseball achievements were impressive and deserving, he also lived a rich and fulfilling life away from the game. Clyde was a man of great faith who cared deeply about his friends and family, and he served as a role model to so many of us.’’

He leaves his wife of 64 years, Norma, their three daughters and sons-in-law, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.