By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

NEW YORK - Jack McKeon knew that decision could define his career.

Using Josh Beckett to start Game 6 of the World Series on three days' rest took a lot of guts and a lot of old baseball wisdom - two things that McKeon has plenty of.

"I am paid to make the decisions," he said. "I made the decision. If it's good, I'm going to be a genius. It doesn't work out, they will want my head."

Call him Genius Jack.

Beckett shut out the New York Yankees 2-0 to clinch the world championship.

Genius isn't often a tag given to 72-year-old, cigar-smoking throwbacks. But if ever one deserved it, it's McKeon.

Three years after the Reds unceremoniously sent him into retirement after averaging 91 wins his final two seasons, McKeon stands at the pinnacle of baseball.

"I'm elated," McKeon said. "I haven't had time to think about being in the World Series. Now, we're world champs."

When Beckett tagged out Jorge Posada for the final out, the Marlins exploded out of the dugout to celebrate. McKeon stayed in the dugout for a minute or two, then came out and embraced his wife, Carol, before going out to join the victory dance.

"I'd thought I waited a long time," said New York manager Joe Torre, who won his first series at 56. "He's worked a lifetime for this. I'm happy for him."

You can say what you like about McKeon's role in the Marlins' turnaround. But you can't deny his stamp on Game 6.

Beckett, the 23-year-old right-hander, pitched a complete-game five-hitter. He struck out nine and walked two.

The Yankees never got a runner past second base. Over his last 29 1/3 innings in the postseason, Beckett allowed three runs (0.92 ERA) on 11 hits. He struck out 33 and walked six.

McKeon heard all about how pitchers struggle on three days' rest. He went with his gut.

"I don't believe that," McKeon said. "That's in the past. We're dealing with the future. He's special."

To do it in Yankee Stadium made it a little more special for McKeon, who grew up across the river in South Amboy, N.J.

"When we're watching Boston and New York play after we won the NLCS, I wanted to play the Yankees," McKeon said. "They are the World Series to me. To win my first World Series in Yankee Stadium is a dream come true."

One thing you can bank on: McKeon wouldn't have to second-guess himself if Beckett had gotten blown out in the first inning. McKeon dislikes second-guessing as much as he likes cigars.

It's become a running joke between McKeon and the questioners at his press conferences.

McKeon's first remark in the postgame press conference: "Who's going to ask me about pitching Beckett on three days' rest?"

Despite the back-and-forth with the press, McKeon clearly enjoyed himself here. His career started in 1955. This was his first to the postseason as a big league manager. Most managers at the series avoid the media. McKeon sought out reporters. He loves to banter and tell stories.

McKeon preached the one-game-at-a-time approach every coach and manager uses. But there are times when he let himself imagine what it would be like to be a world champion at 72.

"That would be a nice to cap my career," he said.

That is not to say that McKeon's career ends with the world title.

The new Mercedes convertible coupe owner Jeffery Loria gave McKeon Thursday was a token of appreciation, not a parting gift.

McKeon's future is undecided, but it's clear Loria wants him back and McKeon wants to be back.