Manager of Giants: The Tactics, Temper and True Record of John McGraw

by Lou Hernández

Overview

For decades prior to the rise of Babe Ruth, the most recognized name in baseball was John McGraw. An outstanding player in the 1890s, McGraw—nicknamed "Mugsy"—was molded in the rough and tumble pre-20th century game where sportsmanship and fair play took a back seat to competition. Later, he became the successful manager of the New York Giants, dominating the National League in New York City for more than 30 years.

McGraw led the Giants with authoritarian swagger—earning another moniker, "Little Napoleon"—from 1902 through 1932, before illness forced his retirement. In his 31 seasons in New York, his teams won three world championships and 10 pennants and rarely finished out of the first division. He was a trailblazer in the use of bullpen and position player substitutions, and pushed hit-and-run strategies over the then prevalent dictums of sacrifice bunting. An unconventional leader, McGraw missed considerable bench time during his reign on account of injury, illness and fiery temperament.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781476670706
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication date:	11/05/2018
Pages:	247
Product dimensions:	6.80(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Lou Hernández is the author of multiple baseball histories and biographies, and two fantasy novels. He resides in South Florida.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Preface
Introduction
One • John Joseph Gets His Start
Two • Birth of a Baseball Legend
Three • “The Most Hated Man in Baseball”
Four • World Promoter of the Game
Five • The Irresponsible John McGraw
Six • A Second Eluded Dynasty
Seven • Sidestepping More Scandal
Eight • Final Campaigns of the “Mastermind”
Nine • “Last of the Swashbuckling Managers”
Ten • Absenteeism as a Manager
Appendix A. Transactions as a Manager
Appendix B. Ejections and Suspensions
Appendix C. Career Managerial Record
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

A useful addition to the literature on John McGraw and the New York Giants.”—The Inside Game (SABR Deadball Era Committee Newsletter).

From the Publisher