As Yankees manager Joe Girardi prepares his team for a potential clinching game in their division series against the Orioles, he received bad news. Via the Peoria (Illinois) Journal-Star:

Jerry Girardi, the father of New York Yankees manager and East Peoria native Joe Girardi, has died.

Jerry Girardi, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, was 81.

Joe Girardi, the fourth of five children, credits his father for introducing him to the sport of baseball. Joe gave his first World Series ring to his father.

That love of the game means that Girardi will continue his managing duties as scheduled:

Joe Girardi's father, Jerry, died today. But I have confirmed Joe Girardi IS managing Game 4 tonight. #Yankees #Orioles

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) October 11, 2012

Game 4 in the Yankees/Orioles series is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

Edit: Apparently, Girardi's father passed away on Saturday, but he chose not to reveal the news.

For more on the Yankees and the division series, please visit Pinstriped Bible and SB Nation New York.