Steinbrenner as “a pal,” a term he saved for people he favored. He said he once invited the late Yankees owner on a trip to Europe to hunt quail.
“George said he was too busy trying to win back the city from the Mets.”
Doubleday’s involvement with the Mets’ day-to-day operations was inconsistent. His interest faded at times when personal matters — his daughter’s wedding — took precedence.
Early in his ownership years, Doubleday was a central figure in the successful effort to oust then-Commissioner Bowie Kuhn.
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Doubleday was an intensely private man who, unlike Steinbrenner, was most comfortable when the spotlight shone on another. He gave orders to television cameramen that his family member were never to be shown.
He had the common touch. He made a point of introducing himself to Sheppard in his 1997 visit to Yankee Stadium, because “I like the way he does things, so refined.”
Doubleday treated his players as he treated his children. Ron Darling noted Wednesday night that Doubleday was the same person when the Mets were the National League doormat and when they were World Series champions.
“He’s no stranger to success,” Cashen once said. “He knows how to handle it.” Cashen was always grateful for the chance to rebuild the Mets and for Doubleday’s patience during the reconstruction.
Doubleday had a special place in his heart for umpires and often visited them in their Shea Stadium dressing room.
He was a bear hug master.
He loved to throw parties and to make the arrangements himself. The night before the first game against the Yankees at Shea, Doubleday was checking a tent constructed beyond the left-field wall, where the party was to be staged. When someone suggested his guests would be uncomfortable in the forecasted heat and humidity, he pulled out his cellphone and ordered air-conditioning that he paid — $75,000 — for himself.
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The Mets’ World Series party in 1986 was an absolute extravaganza, with Carly Simon, Glenn Close and Broadway performers entertaining. Doubleday had handled most of the arrangements, and the club added to the monies the Commissioner’s Office had provided.
