Steinbrenner Says Martin Will Be Involved in the Yankees’ Decision-Making Process

NEW YORK — New York Yankees’ owner George Steinbrenner said Wednesday that recently dismissed manager Billy Martin is expected to play a role in team decisions.

Steinbrenner met Wednesday with Martin, who was replaced as manager by Lou Piniella last Thursday, and Judge Eddie Sapir, Martin’s representative. Steinbrenner then released a statement saying Martin will “remain an integral part of the Yankees’ organization.

“And I expect him to function as one of the club’s top advisers on all player personnel matters, trades, and other baseball-related areas that he was involved with us last year.

“Billy now and always will be a part of the New York Yankees’ family. The change that was made was a difficult one, and Billy expressed a willingness to work with me and the Yankees in any way he could to help the organization, and I assured him he will be active.”