Bobby Mattick, ex-Jays skipper, dies at 89

TORONTO, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Bobby Mattick, who joined the Toronto Blue Jays in 1976 and became the team's manager in 1980-81, has died at the age of 89, the team reported Friday.

Mattick died in Arizona Thursday night after suffering a stroke earlier in the day at his home.

"Bobby Mattick was the senior statesman of the Blue Jays family since day one," CEO Paul Godfrey said.

"He not only served in many positions on the baseball side of our operation, but also acted as an adviser to General Manager J.P. Ricciardi in recent years. Bobby will be sadly missed by the entire organization, not only for his baseball knowledge and advice, but also for his wit, sense of fun and personable manner.

Mattick, a native of Sioux City, Iowa, had a baseball career that spanned parts of eight decades. He was a scouting supervisor when he first joined the Blue Jays.