John McGraw was given the honor of being named the Greatest Manager. Even though I've been a coach for a long time, I've never spent much time reading about managers. I will probably learn a few things about him.
He played for 17 years but that is misleading. In his last five years, 1903 to 1907, he batted a total of 25 times. He began managing the Giants in 1902 so that probably had a lot to do with him not playing much at the end of his career. He was only 34 when he played in his last game.
He had two nicknames - Mugsy or Little Napoleon. He managed until 1932,
He had a "riotous, successful 30-year career with the New York Giants" says the card back. He is also mentioned as being an innovator. The card credits him with the hit-and-run and specific situational bunting.
This is stuff that won't be put on a PC card today. It is mentioned that McGraw insulted rival owners and managers and also used his fists on the field? Now we freak out over a bat flip following a home run.
He's also considered the first manager to hire someone for pinch-hitting only as well as someone for relief pitching only.
He is still second all-times in managerial wins, trailing Connie Mack by almost 1,000. Mack coached 53 years and even with a losing record over his career, that record is probably safe until a computer ends up managing a team. McGraw had a .586 winning percentage.
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