The Giants player development coach, who played with the team in the 1950s and 1960s, is retiring days before his 87th birthday.

By Brady Klopfer

On Saturday it was revealed that Joey Amalfitano, who held a player development role with the San Francisco Giants, was retiring.

According to current 3b Coach Ron Wotus:

The greatest 3B coach of all time just retired yesterday. Joe Amalfitano, a treasure in baseball. Wow, what a tremendous career you have had. The Giants will miss you!! I will miss you! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and for your tutelage! It will always be with me.

Amalfitano, who will turn 87 later this month, had one hell of a journey in baseball. It included three stints as a player with the Giants, including one while the team was still in New York. According to John Shea, Amalfitano was in a Giants jersey at the Polo Grounds when Willie Mays made perhaps the most iconic catch in baseball history.

He managed the Chicago Cubs, and worked as a coach for five different teams, including four seasons in the 1970s with the Giants. And in the latter stages of his career, he turned to consulting and developing.

What an impressive career. 67 years in the big leagues … enjoy retirement!