Evening star., 1960-06-02
WIN, LOSE OR
DNAV By FRANCIS sTANN
Over Before 1t Started

WELL, THAT WAS racy managerial career for Theo-
dore Williams, over before it started And pity too in
sense Billy Juges nice and he has friends who are
happy TO know that he's been given of confidence by
Red Sox Owner Tom Yawkey. But whatever would have
happened if Williams all but elected by his arch enemies
the Boston baseball writer's had offered the Job and
had accepted?
Ted's regime may have gone down as one of the most
monumental in history Ones imagination runs riot To
of the Boston press he speaks others it is only
with unrendlineSs worse, derSon Oddly, many
Boston writer's find him entertaining informative
source of information The Associated Joe Recher
is one; John Carmichael of the Chicago Daily News is
another.
But the williams Boston press battle apparently is
duel to the death nice little guy like Hy Hurwz of the
Globe concevably could inquire of Manager Williams the
identity of tomorrow'S pitcher
II haven't spoken to you for years and why should
start now?" Theodore might retort.
Another to whom he might speak on occasion might
ask the same question and get reply such as this one
What difference does it make? You'll only second
guess me- anyway"
IN ALL FAIRNESS to Williams he was roundly gener-
Gus toward JurgeS the sorey putupon manager he
seemed to accentuate his public relations skllS he
denied that he had any managerial ambitions Even if
had, would never in Boston," Ted said don't
think there's alive who could satisfy the Boston
writer's They the biggest bunch in
the world They are managers pallbearers"
There was such fnaty about Williams feelings
about managerial career that may Ted in
the role So factors would appear against the
feowhiS lack of tact and patience among others Rut
he has been wonderful student of batting has given
generously of his intelligence to other batters including
the enemy Yet there be way telling for certain
whether Williams would have been on the
genius level.
Not many of the great stars-and Williams is headed
for the Hall of Fame when eigbe-have become stckout
managers Walter Johnson who liked people, was pretty
much OF dud said by critics that Johnson who was
SO superb couldn't understand why pitching so diff
fcult for mere mortas
Walter had a difficult experience in Cleveland leaving
him an embittered In 1885, when he relieved Roger
Pecknpaugh manager Johnson claimed that he'd barely
checked into town when sports editor called.
Can you come to my office right away?" Walter was
asked.
"wel just got n," johnson hedged whats up?"
"oh just wanted to go the batting order with
ROGERS HoRNsBY MANAGED the Cubs Reds
Braves Browns and Cardinasnot to mention the Giants
for brief period-but the magical touch of one of the
greatest hitters of all time didn't quite off on his play
ers. Some felt that just Johnson couldn't abide others
who couldn't pitch like he could Hornsby lacked patience
with hitterS who couldn't hit
Ty Cobb managed the Tigers for six years without
winning and Christy Mathewson isn't the Hall of Fame
for his managerial ability either Iris Speaker won flag
for Cleveland in 192Othe only pennant in nearly eight
SeaSonSbut helpful factor that hit 1888 that
season as the centerfeder too.
Babe Ruth got managerial chance although
unlike Williams he sought it and thought he deserved it.
In the twilight of his Babe president
of the Boston Braves but this more honorary than
anything else He had no authority.
Some of the least skilled ball players have made the
best managers, at least the most successful Joe Nc
Carthy never played a game in the majors and Walter
Aston appeared at bat only striking out Miller Hug
gins Bill McKechne Chuck Dresser and others more
or less Little LeaguerS Prime example, think it.
may have been Connie Mack, extremely hitting
catcher in the horse -and-buggy days
1T DIDN'T NECESSARILY follow that all of these big
winning managers were sweetness and light any than
Williams might have been pilot John McGraw accord
ing to his surviving players was tyrant.
Meanest and-So ever nto" Edd Roush is won't
to say i recoec in January of 1927 he wanted trade
for mel was with Cincinnati He called up Oakland
See WIN, LOSE OR DRAW, Page D-4