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February 8
February 8 Mr. Mack
February 8, 1956, one of baseball’s most prominent figures, Connie Mack, dies at the age of 93 from old age and hip surgery.
He was known as “The Tall Tactician” and was baseball’s grand old gentleman for more than a generation. Statuesque, stately, and slim, he clutched a rolled-up scorecard as he sat or stood ramrod straight in the dugout, attired in a business suit rather than a uniform, a derby or bowler in place of a baseball cap. He carried himself with quiet dignity, and commanded the respect of friend and foe.
After his 11 year career as a journeyman catcher and managing Pittsburgh's National League he became a prominent figure in Ban Johnson's Western League. A founder of the American League in 1901, Mack managed and owned the Philadelphia Athletics from 1901 to 1950, leading the team to five World Series titles and nine American League pennants. The 'Tall Tactician' set records for the major league wins (3,731) and losses (3,948), compiling a .486 managerial mark during his 54 years as a skipper, including his three seasons with the Pirates before the turn of the century.
He won election to the Hall of Fame in 1937, as an active manager.
On the Podcast we feature an Interview with Connie Mack, conducted by legendary Joe Cook on his Shell Chateau radio broadcast of May 29, 1937, in which Mack picks his all-time all-star team and discusses his rivalry with New York Giants manager John McGraw.
Enjoy!
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Trivia:
From time to time Connie Mack over his 50 years took a break as the A’s Manager. Who filled in for him?
A. Connie Mack , JR
B. Earle Mack
C. Roy Mack
D. Jimmy Dykes
Hint: The answer is below
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February 8, 1941, the Detroit Tigers release future Hall of Famer Earl Averill and sign outfielder Hoot Evers, a star at the University of Illinois. Averill will eventually sign a contract with the Boston Braves but will hit only .118 in 17 at-bats, ending his major league career.
Born: Sunday, February 8, 1942, as a 1966 Yankee rookie with an average fastball and curve, but with great control and finesse, Fritz Peterson went 12-11. By 1970 he had improved to 20-11. Peterson's pitching career plateaued, but he and teammate Mike Kekich made headlines in 1973 when the two traded wives and families. The awkward situation prompted the Yankees to send Kekich to the Indians. By the time Peterson was exiled to Cleveland with three other pitchers the following year, Kekich was no longer there
February 8, 1956, one of baseball’s most prominent figures, Connie Mack, dies at the age of 93 from old age and hip surgery. He was known as “The Tall Tactician” and was baseball’s grand old gentleman for more than a generation. Statuesque, stately, and slim, he clutched a rolled-up scorecard as he sat or stood ramrod straight in the dugout, attired in a business suit rather than a uniform, a derby or bowler in place of a baseball cap. He carried himself with quiet dignity, and commanded the respect of friend and foe.
October 25, 1976, Thomas was sent to Texas, which had roster space, as the player to be named later in a deal in which the Brewers had purchased C/OF Ed Kirkpatrick from the Rangers back in August. Thomas never even made it to spring training with Texas; but on February 8, 1978, the Rangers sold him back to Milwaukee. He became a starter in the Brewers’ outfield that season and had his first productive year, playing 137 games in which he hit .246 with 32 homers and 86 RBI.
February 8 1983 — One day after taking a job as director of sports promotions for the Claridge Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, Mickey Mantle is ordered to sever his ties with Major League Baseball by Commissioner Bowie Kuhn. Mantle joins fellow Hall of Famer Willie Mays as players banned from baseball by Kuhn for involvement with legalized gambling.
Quote of the day:
"To me, the name of Connie Mack always has been synonymous with baseball, standing for everything that is best for the game he loved." - Will Harridge
MILESTONES
Birthday Boys!
Bob Oliver, Don Heffner, Fritz Peterson, Hoot Evers, Joe Black, Oscar Brown and Willard Marshall
Passings.
Connie Mack, Del Crandall, Dick Bass and Jim Hannan
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Trivia Answer: Earle Mack, He was an A's coach from 1924 to 1950, serving as interim manager for a time in 1937 and 1939. It was assumed that he would succeed his father as manager of the Athletics when he finally retired, but instead, it was Jimmy Dykes who took over. The move was the result of a front office putsch orchestrated by his younger half-brother, Connie Mack Jr. and the Shibe-MacFarland family who were minority shareholders.
