Thursday, 21 November 2024

Joe McCarthy

Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Coaches 2024
Embed from Getty Images
Sport(s): Baseball
Statistics: 7 World Series Championships (1932, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1941 & 1943)
2,125-1,333 Record
Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame
Joe McCarthy won two championships in the minors with Louisville of the American Association, and it led to an opportunity to take over the reins of the Chicago Cubs in 1926. McCarthy was the Cubs manager for five seasons, and he brought them to the World Series in 1929, but Cubs ownership determined it wasn't enough and let him go in 1930. The New York Yankees were more than happy to take him, but he was told bluntly by the owner, Jacob Ruppert, that he had three years to win a World Series. That would not be a problem.

The Yankees had a lot of stars but had arguably underachieved. New York won their first World Series under 1932 and four straight (1936-39) to end the decade. McCarthy would take them to two more titles (1941 & 1943), but he was a known alcoholic, and in 1946, after missing games and making a nuisance of himself, he resigned during the season.

Boston took a chance on McCarthy in 1948 and did well, but the same problems returned, and he resigned again two years later.

McCarthy's critics point that he had teams blessed with talent, so his winning percentage was more of a reflection of that. However, His low-key approach worked, and he was able to handle the egos of the stars he had, and anyone who never had a losing record in a season has to be commended.

We are proud to nominate Joe McCarthy for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.

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