Nov. 19, 1963 - Hank Bauer (pictured in 1956), a fighting Marine instilled with the winning spirit of the New York Yankees, was named manager of the Baltimore Orioles today. “I’ll be tough if I have to,” said the 41-year-old Bauer upon becoming a big-league manager for the second time in his career. He managed the Kansas City Athletics in 1961 and 1962. In agreeing on a one-year contract for a reported $30,000, both Bauer and general manager Lee MacPhail sought to dispel the feeling that Bauer had been the second choice. Bauer, an Oriole coach last season, had been available since MacPhail dismissed Billy Hitchcock 51 days ago. “Hank has been my personal preference all along,” said MacPhail today. “Only one other man was considered, Eddie Stanky. It would have been up to us to make a choice between them if Stanky had decided to throw his hat in the ring.” Stanky withdrew two weeks ago. Stanky, the farm director for the St. Louis Cardinals, was reported to have wanted a long-term contract, which MacPhail would not grant. “I don’t feel a bit hurt because the Orioles talked to Stanky first,” said Bauer today. “I’m the guy he picked, and that’s what counts.” Bauer, who played in nine World Series during his 11 years in the Yankee outfield, was traded to Kansas City in 1959. He took over as manager in 1961 and quit the day before the 1962 season ended. As a marine in the Pacific Theater during World War II, Bauer won two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and the Navy Commendation Medal. Since his contract with Baltimore is for only one year, Bauer will have to make good in a hurry. Managerial jobs aren’t often permanent in baseball, so he has decided not to move his wife and four children to Baltimore from their home in Prairie Village, near Kansas City.
Comments