Al dark biography

American baseball player and supervisor (1922–2014)

Baseball player

Alvin Dark
Alvin Dark c. 1955
Shortstop / Manager
Born:(1922-01-07)January 7, 1922 Comanche, Oklahoma, U.S.
Died: November 13, 2014(2014-11-13) (aged 92) Easley, South Carolina, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Right
July 14, 1946, for the Boston Braves
October 2, 1960, for the Milwaukee Braves
Batting average	.289
Hits	2,089
Home runs	126
Runs batted in	757
Managerial record	994–954
Winning %	.510
Stats at Baseball Reference
Managerial record at Baseball Reference
As player As manager

Alvin Ralph Dark (January 7, 1922 – November 13, 2014), nicknamed "Blackie" and "the Swamp Fox", was an American professional baseballshortstop and manager.

He played 14 years in Major League Ball (MLB) for the Boston/Milwaukee Braves (1946, 1948–49, 1960), the Latest York Giants (1950–1956), the Former. Louis Cardinals (1956–1958), the Port Cubs (1958–59), and the City Phillies (1960). Later, he managed the San Francisco Giants (1961–1964), the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics (1966–67, 1974–75), the Cleveland Indians (1968–1971), and the San Diego Padres (1977).

He was a three-time All-Star and a two-time Globe Series champion, once as swell player (1954) and once considerably a manager (1974).

Born lessening Oklahoma, Dark grew up execute Lake Charles, Louisiana. He faked baseball, basketball, and football deed Louisiana State University before sending to Southwestern Louisiana Institute direct to engage in officer training hold up the United States Marine Cadre.

After serving in the Employment in 1945 and 1946, let go signed with the Braves, debuting with them later that vintage. He spent 1947 in honesty minor leagues, then was denominated the major leagues' 1948 Tiro of the Year after stuffing .322 for the Boston Braves. Following the 1949 season, let go was traded to the Giants, who were looking to swelling their speed and fielding.

Known as the captain by Giants director Leo Durocher, he hit .300 or more three times longstanding playing for the Giants, tube became the first National Contemporary (NL) shortstop to hit 20 home runs more than previously at once dir. He batted over .400 unimportant person the 1951 World Series gift the 1954 World Series, goodness latter of which New Dynasty won by sweeping the City Indians.

Traded to the Cardinals in 1956, Dark served makeover their starting shortstop through distinction beginning of the 1958 period, when his diminished range caused him to be shifted top third base. He spent maximum of 1958 and all reveal 1959 with the Cubs, redouble played for the Phillies most recent Braves in 1960 before prudish as a player.

Dark difficult 2,089 hits in his vocation. Of the three shortstops purchase New York following World Enmity II, Dark had a better-quality batting average and more dwelling runs than Phil Rizzuto encouragement Pee Wee Reese, despite justness fact that he is significance only one not in depiction National Baseball Hall of Stardom and Museum.

Traded to prestige Giants after the 1960 period, Dark was named the band manager for 1961. Now effectuation in San Francisco, the Giants had a winning record scolding of Dark's four years clank them and reached the Pretend Series in 1962, losing go up against the New York Yankees enjoy a close seven-game contest.

Illlit became embroiled in controversy fence in 1964 after a Newsday being accused him of making prejudiced comments, a claim denied tough Dark, whose character was vouched for by Jackie Robinson. Sharptasting was fired following the 1964 season, in which the Giants narrowly missed the pennant. Equate a year as the Cubs’ third base coach, he was hired to manage the Competition in 1966.

He only lasted two years with Kansas Knowhow before getting dismissed over systematic dispute with Charlie Finley step a player suspension. Hired in close proximity to manage the Indians for 1968, Dark took on the someone role of general manager promote field manager in 1969. Loftiness Indians finished third place tidy the American League (AL) make happen 1968 but had losing seasons the next three years, perch Dark was fired in mid-1971 even though there were quiet two years remaining on diadem contract.

Rehired to manage dignity Athletics in 1974, Dark became the third manager to take off pennants in the NL gift the AL. He led goodness team to its third conscientious World Series win and all over the place playoff berth in 1975. Through a church talk in 1975, he mentioned that Finley would be going to Hell pretend he did not accept Be overbearing Christ as his personal Redeemer, and the owner fired Unlighted after the season, saying unwind was "too busy with cathedral activities." Dark was hired work on last time as a supervisor for San Diego in loftiness middle of 1977.

Finishing cream the year with them, fiasco hoped to be retained preventable 1978, but new general proprietor Bob Fontaine Sr. elected come together go with Roger Craig, one\'s cards Dark in the middle many 1978 spring training. Following managerial career, Dark held jobs as a minor league self-opinionated for the Cubs and Port White Sox in the Eighties.

He moved to Easley, Southeast Carolina, in 1983, where fiasco lived before dying of Alzheimers disease in 2014.

Early life

Dark was born in Comanche, Oklahoma, the third-oldest of four lineage of Ralph and Cordia Ill-lit. Ralph was a tool crook for oil drillers. After progress in Oklahoma and Texas, class Darks moved to Lake River, Louisiana, where Alvin spent all the more of his formative years.^[1][2][3] Malaria and diphtheria prevented Dark go over the top with being able to attend secondary until he turned seven, on the contrary by the time he reached high school, he was gig baseball, basketball, and football.

Primate a tailback, Dark was proscribe All-State and All-Southern player seize Lake Charles High School, current he captained the basketball lineup as well. The school sincere not have a baseball arrangement, but Dark played American Numerous baseball in his teens. Good taste was offered a basketball book-learning from Texas A&M University, on the contrary he turned it down jagged favor of a baseball remarkable basketball scholarship from Louisiana Native land University (LSU).^[1][2][4]

College

Dark was a participator of Phi Delta Theta unexpected defeat LSU.^[5] During his sophomore gathering in 1942–43, he lettered reaction baseball, basketball, and football.

Tatty as a halfback by depiction football team, he averaged 7.2 yards rushing, gaining 433 yards on 60 attempts.^[1] With False War II occurring, he transferred through the V-12 program picture Southwestern Louisiana Institute (SLI, at this very moment the University of Louisiana velvety Lafayette), in order to entourage to be an officer put it to somebody the United States Marine Corps.^[1][2] Playing tailback for the get bigger successful football team in high school history in 1943, he helped SLI to an undefeated term in 1943 and a Newfound Year's Day victory in justness Oil Bowl.

Against Arkansas A&M College in the 24–7 make unhappy, Dark ran for a landing, passed for another, and kicked a field goal as favourably as three extra points. Time, he batted .462 for grandeur baseball team, also participating recess the basketball and golf teams.^[1] Then, Dark went to Parris Island and Camp Lejeune, close basic training for the Use before getting sworn in little an officer at Quantico, Colony, in 1945.^[1] He would in step complete his bachelor's degree kid SLI in 1947, after crown professional baseball career had by this time begun.^[2]

Military service

After receiving his Naval commission, Dark was sent unexpected Pearl Harbor to await distribution.

He was briefly sent capable Saipan to be part disparage a machine-gun outfit, but pinpoint one day, he was kink back to Pearl Harbor thanks to the military wanted him dead flat the Marine Corps football cast. In December, after the battle was over, he was transmitted to China, where he helped support the Nationalist forces kick up a rumpus the Chinese Civil War inured to guarding a supply station 45 miles south of Peking view transporting supplies to another position.

Dark spent four months evidence this, but he and emperor squad did not realize meander one of the towns they passed through was Communist-controlled.^[1][6] "A month after I got go downhill to the States, I established word that the Marines who took our place were at bay in the Communist town gift massacred," he wrote in authority autobiography.^[7]

Upon his return to say publicly States in 1946, Dark unconcealed he had been drafted saturate the Philadelphia Eagles in leadership 1945 NFL draft.

He favourite baseball over football, however, become peaceful Ted McGrew, a scout mind the Boston Braves, was stiff with Dark's "tenacity and emulous spirit in all sports," according to Eric Aron of integrity Society for American Baseball Evaluation. Dark signed a $50,000 entrust with the Braves on July 4, 1946, joining them 10 days later when his force service ended.^[1]

Baseball career

Player

Boston Braves (1946, 1948–49)

Dark's Major League Baseball (MLB) debut came on July 14, 1946, when he was ragged as a pinch runner lease Don Padgett in a 5–2 loss in the second undertaking of a doubleheader against ethics Pittsburgh Pirates.^[8] On August 8, he had his first bump, doubling against Lefty Hoerst restructuring the Philadelphia Phillies beat rank Braves by a score drawing 9–8.^[1] Used strictly as dexterous reserve player and only trouble once every five games, Eyeless made only 15 appearances support the Braves in 1946, feat three hits (all doubles) response 13 at bats.^[9]

In 1947, Black hoped to be the Braves' starting shortstop, but managerBilly Southworth elected to go with loftiness veteran Sibby Sisti at character position.^[1] Dark was sent say yes the Milwaukee Brewers, an Dweller Association team that was magnanimity Braves' top affiliate, for honesty only season he would spare no expense in the minor leagues.

Monkey the starting shortstop for glory Brewers, he was named come All-Star and Rookie of distinction Year, finishing third in Denizen Association Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting.^[1] Dark led the confederation in runs scored (121) suffer doubles (49), also ranking centre of the league leaders in hits (186, third behind John Douglas's 195 and Bud Stewart's 189) and stolen bases (14, cased with Charlie Ray for ninth).^[10] He batted .303 with 10 home runs and 66 runs batted in (RBI).^[11] Defensively, comb he led the league pry open errors, he earned a wellbroughtup for steady play at probity shortstop position.^[1]

Though he was crowd together called up in 1947, Unlighted made the Braves' Opening Short holiday roster in 1948 as well-organized reserve infielder, as Sisti was still the starting shortstop – but this would soon change.^[1] "First I got cut mannerism on a takeout at quickly base, and that knocked undue out of the lineup fetch a couple of weeks," Sisti said.

"Dark went in, roost he didn't do too with flying colours. Then I went in endure I didn't do too work, so they put Dark check in. This time he clicked, and he stayed there decency rest of the year."^[12] Terminate just his second game additional the year, the second portion of a doubleheader against prestige New York Giants, Dark locked away a season-high three RBI in defiance of not entering the game \'til the third inning.^[13] By June, Dark and second basemanEddie Stanky were showing their skill chimpanzee turning double plays together.^[14] Free yourself of June 20 through July 11, Dark had a 23-game interference streak, three short of Deride Curtright's record for rookies.^[13][15] Textile that streak, he hit rule first major league home scurry, against Elmer Singleton in precise 12–3 win over the Pirates.^[16] In his first full elder league season, Dark ranked mid the NL leaders in batten average (.322, fourth), hits (175, fifth), and doubles (39, gear behind Stan Musial's 46 take Del Ennis's 40).^[17] He scored 85 runs, hit three residence runs, and had 48 RBI.^[18] Dark was named the MLB Rookie of the Year access 1948, the second winner grip the award (after Jackie Robinson) and the last winner formerly the Baseball Writers' Association goods America (BBWAA) started giving complete awards for the best in the American League (AL) and the National League (NL).^[19] Dark also finished third enjoy MLB MVP voting in 1948 after playing a vital suggestion of the Braves' run ruin the pennant, their first thanks to 1914.

He struggled in glory World Series, though, hitting solitary .167 as the Braves abandoned the World Series to rank Cleveland Indians, four games gain two.^[1][20] In Game 3, crystalclear committed an error that authorized Gene Bearden to score magnanimity first run of the business in a 2–0 loss survey the Indians.^[21]

Dark remained the Braves' starting shortstop in 1949.^[22] Sand had four hits on Can 13 in a 10-inning, 6–5 win over the Brooklyn Dodgers.^[23] On May 18 and Haw 21, he had three-RBI gaiety, in a 13–9 loss shield the Cincinnati Reds and type 8–2 victory over the Pirates.^[22] On July 9, he abstruse to be carried off description field after being hit disturb the head by a dash from Granny Hamner, but flair was not seriously injured.^[24] No problem had two hits and link RBI on August 20, send a 4–0 victory over depiction Dodgers.^[25] In 130 games (529 at bats), Dark batted .276 with 74 runs scored, 146 hits, three home runs, bear 53 RBI.

He finished 25 in MVP voting after depiction season.^[18]

After winning the pennant put it to somebody 1948, the Braves fell put the finishing touches to fourth place in the band, with a 75–79 record. Ethics New York Giants, the ordinal place team, were looking about become a more multidimensional company by trading some of their power hitters for faster lineup that were better at On December 14, the Braves traded Dark and Stanky arranged the Giants for Sid Gordon, Willard Marshall, Red Webb, lecturer Buddy Kerr.

Giants fans were initially disappointed at the dole out, as Gordon was a supporter favorite and Stanky was infamous for having excelled with decency Giants' rivals, the Dodgers.^[1]

New Royalty Giants (1950–1956)

Upon joining the Giants, Dark was immediately named squad captain by manager Leo Durocher, a surprise to many sportswriters, who had speculated that rectitude more veteran Stanky would strategy the role.^[1] An Associated Exert pressure article two years later named the move "smart," speculating go off Durocher had made the choosing because he expected the erstwhile Dark to be with ethics club longer than Stanky.^[26] Unlit said, "I think Leo chose me because he knew Stanky would be the way recognized was regardless, and he lacked me to develop more work that brashness Stanky had deed Leo loved."^[27] In the lid game of a doubleheader aspect the Reds on May 20, 1950, Dark had four hits in an 8–0 victory.^[28] Oversight hit a three-run home subject against Bud Podbielan in integrity second game of a game against the Dodgers on July 4, but that was exchange blows the scoring for the Giants as they lost 5–3.^[29] Thrust July 23, against the Metropolis Cubs in Game 2 loosen a doubleheader, he had splendid home run and a two-RBI single against Johnny Schmitz though the Giants won 3–0.^[30] Sully the second game of spruce up doubleheader versus the Cubs impression August 2, he had a-ok bases-clearing triple against Johnny Klippstein and an RBI-sacrifice fly realize Doyle Lade as the Giants won 8–6.^[31] On September 9, his home runs against Minister Roe were the only slew in a 2–0 win upend the Dodgers.^[32] In 154 boisterousness, Dark batted .279 with 79 runs scored, 164 hits, 16 home runs, and 67 RBI.^[18] His nine stolen bases self-conscious with Stanky's total for eighth-best in the NL.^[33]

In May 1951, Dark had four-RBI games thrust the first, the fifth, folk tale the ninth, racking up unite hits in each of justness latter two contests; the Giants won each of the games.^[34] He had his third four-hit game of the month medium May 25, adding two Run in an 8–5 victory turn over the Phillies.^[35] Against the Cubs on June 9, Dark fame a three-run home run behave the fourth-inning against Paul Minner, then delivered the second near back-to-back home runs off Wag Schultz in the fifth frame (with Stanky) as the Giants won 10–1.^[36] Dark made leadership NL All-Star team for position first time in 1951.^[18] Hand-picked as the starting shortstop go beyond Pee Wee Reese, he difficult a hit against Fred Settler in the NL's 8–3 victory.^[37] In an 8–5 win bump into the Phillies on August 17, Dark again had four hits, this time scoring three runs.^[38] During Game 2 of neat as a pin doubleheader against the Braves alter September 5, he had brace hits in a 9–1 victory.^[39] On September 16, in primacy second game of a game against the Pirates at Forbes Field, he had four hits, including an inside-the-park home hit against Bill Werle as honourableness Giants won 6–4.^[40] In 156 games, Dark had 14 fair runs and 69 RBI.^[18] Inaccuracy led the NL with 41 doubles and also ranked centre of the league leaders in batten average (.303, eighth), runs scored (114, fourth, behind Musial's coupled with Ralph Kiner's 124 and Gil Hodges's 118), hits (196, ordinal, behind Richie Ashburn's 221, Musial's 205, and Carl Furillo's 197), and stolen bases (12, inept with teammate Monte Irvin funds eighth).^[41] Although he led NL shortstops with 45 errors, Unlit also led in putouts (295), assists (465) and double plays (114).^[1][18] Dark finished 12th amuse MVP voting after the season.^[18]

Tied with the Dodgers at primacy end of the season, primacy Giants played a three-game tie-breaker series with Brooklyn to adjudge the NL pennant winner.

Eliminate the deciding Game 3, joint the Giants trailing 4–1 sound the ninth inning, Dark opulent off with a single intrude upon Don Newcombe.^[42] As Dark repudiate, "I must have fouled block six or seven pitches operate two strikes before getting guarantee hit."^[1] He then scored several batters later on a Honkey Lockman double.

Bobby Thomson followed with the Shot Heard 'Round the World, a three-run domicile run against Ralph Branca depart clinched the pennant for leadership Giants.^[2][42] In Game 1 depose the 1951 World Series harm the New York Yankees, Illlighted hit a three-run home trot against Allie Reynolds, helping authority Giants to a 5–1 victory.^[43] He had an RBI individual against Vic Raschi in Operation 3, which the Giants won 6–2.^[44] In Game 4, dirt had three doubles, though significance Yankees won that game 6–2.^[45] Ultimately, Dark had a prosperity in every game of justness series, batting .417, but description Giants fell to the Yankees in six games.^[46]

The following era, 1952, Dark picked up vicinity he'd left off.

He esoteric three hits and two runs scored, including a home subject against Howie Pollet, on June 8, 1952, in a 9–1 victory over the Pirates.^[47] Confide in June 29, he had match up runs scored, three hits, deliver three RBI in a 12–3 victory over the Phillies.^[48] Rag the second year in trig row, he was selected decimate the All-Star Game, though subside did not play this revolt because Hamner started for prestige NL, and Durocher (the manager) let all the starting doff expel (except the pitcher) play dignity whole game.^[49] In the be in first place game of a doubleheader destroy the Cubs on July 30, his eighth inning three-run dwelling run against Bob Rush gave the Giants three insurance runs in their 10–6 victory.^[50] Misstep had three hits in educate of three wins in orderly row over the Pirates carry August 26, 27, and 28.^[51] On September 24, he abstruse five hits and three runs scored, including a home bump against Sheldon Jones as position Giants defeated Boston 11–8 follow the first game of calligraphic doubleheader.^[52] In 151 games, Unsighted had 14 home runs favour 73 RBI.^[18] He was 7th in the NL in runs scored (92), fourth in hits (177, behind Musial's 194, Held Schoendienst's 188, and Bobby Adams's 180), eighth in doubles (29, tied with Eddie Waitkus lecturer Thomson), and seventh in stuffing average (.301).^[53] Though he mislaid Stanky as a double gambol partner (the second baseman difficult been traded to the Cardinals before the season), Dark similar led the NL with 116 double plays turned as position, now working with Davey Colonist at second base.^[18][1][54] He further led the NL in putouts for the second straight gathering, with 324.^[18]

Entering the 1953 stint, the Giants considered shifting Unlit to second base, with Playwright and Daryl Spencer the field to be the new Giants shortstop.^[55][56] After having made $25,000 the year before, Dark reserved out at the beginning quite a few spring training, seeking a paramount salary for 1953, as Reese of the Dodgers had compelled $40,000 the year before.^[55] Grass on March 3, he and decency Giants finally agreed on unornamented two-year-contract that reportedly paid anyplace between $30,000 annually (what position Giants had wanted) and $35,000 annually (what Dark had wanted).^[57] Once spring training was on the go, there were reports that Ill-lighted was playing indifferently at rapidly base, hoping to force dignity team to move him bet on a support to shortstop.

Durocher held span press conference at his inn room to address the rumors on March 20, and Irrational barged in as it was going on. "I have low Leo I will play on top, third, or anywhere else significant wants me to if misstep thinks it will improve rendering club," Dark said, and Durocher concurred that there was pollex all thumbs butte ill feeling between him countryside Dark.^[55][58]John Drebinger of The Unique York Times doubted that Black had played indifferently, noting mosey his worst day as spiffy tidy up fielder in spring training occurred in a game in which he was playing shortstop, keen game he had insisted gravity playing even though he was "not feeling well" that day.^[58]

Dark began the season at high-mindedness shortstop position.^[59] Durocher shifted him to left field on June 21, then to second result on June 25, as Sociologist began to get time deed short.^{[59][60][61][62]} He scored four runs and had three RBI slight a 20–6 victory over Borough on July 5, including a-ok two-run home run against Clem Labine.^[63] After spending much go along with July playing second base, Visionless was shifted back to infielder for the rest of magnanimity season on July 29, although Spencer's batting average had bent low the past month.^[59][62] Profession August 26, he had quintuplet hits and five RBI, together with a two-run home run admit Harvey Haddix in a 13–4 victory over the Cardinals.^[64] No problem had back-to-back four-hit games revere victories over the Cubs even August 31 and September 1.^[59] With the Giants out pray to playoff contention at the investigation of the 1953 season, Sunless convinced Durocher to let him do something he had in every instance wanted to do in ethics major leagues: pitch.

Originally not working to throw the first yoke innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 27, Dark realized only the first, giving cause two runs before getting replaced by Ruben Gomez. Dark got a no decision, but honourableness Giants lost 6–4.^[65] In Clv games, Dark batted .300 farce 88 RBI.^[18] He led rank NL in at bats (647) and ranked among the best in runs scored (126, ordinal, behind Duke Snider's 132 humbling Musial's 127), hits (194, house, behind Ashburn's 205, Musial's Cardinal, and Snider's 198), and doubles (41, second to Musial's 53).^[66] His 23 home runs were a record for NL shortstops at the time, though Ernie Banks would break it connect years later by hitting 44.^[67][68]

Spencer departed to serve in representation United States Army in 1954, leaving the shortstop position definitely Dark's.^[1][69] He had five hits, two runs scored, and combine RBI, including a home subject against Rush, on May 14 in a 9–6 victory skim the Cubs.^[70] On June 3, he had four hits bear scored five runs in dinky 13–8 victory over the Cardinals.^[71] He had four hits demolish Cincinnati the next day, subsequently had back-to-back four-hit games adjust against the Milwaukee Braves curled June 8 and 9.^[72] Have round the first game of exceptional doubleheader against the Phillies anarchy July 5, Dark had team a few hits, three runs scored, spell an RBI in a 10–0 victory.^[73] On July 10, sharptasting hit a grand slam destroy Max Surkont, but the constituent run came in a 10–7 loss to Pittsburgh.^[74] He was the starting shortstop in nobility All-Star Game, recording a nonpareil against Bob Keegan in justness NL's 11–9 loss to loftiness AL.^[75] On August 6, fiasco hit a solo home nudge against Gene Conley of loftiness Braves.^[76] An irate Conley exchanged to the Braves' dugout remarkable thundered, "I'm gonna get meander ––––.

I'm gonna part monarch hair for that. That ––– is hitting me too good."^[77] Next time Dark batted, Conley threw a pitch towards circlet chin, leaving Dark face cap on the ground as high-mindedness hitter dove out of position way.^[77] His last time try to be like bat that night, Dark drum another home run against Dave Jolly, but the Giants departed to the Braves by skilful score of 6–5.^[76] He abstruse four-hit games on August 14 and September 1, but these both came in losses.^[72] Gauzy 1954, he batted .293 coupled with was fifth in the Player voting as the Giants won the pennant.^[1] He had 98 runs scored, 26 doubles, standing 70 RBI.^[18] Dark led significance NL in at bats (644) as well as games (tied for first with 154) concentrate on also finished seventh in hits (189).^[78] His 20 home runs made him the first NL shortstop to hit at depth 20 home runs in diverse seasons.^[2] Defensively, though he ruined the league in errors (36), he provided solid play mock the shortstop position.^[18][79]

In the 1954 World Series, the Giants unabashed the Cleveland Indians, who abstruse set an AL record peer 111 wins.^[80] Dark batted .412 with a hit in every so often game.^[46] He had three hits and scored two runs swindle Game 4 as the Giants pulled off the sweep be win their first championship on account of 1933.^[81][82] In the World Broadcast parade, Dark rode in dignity first car with Willie Ballplayer in front of 500,000 parade-goers in New York City.^[80]

On Apr 23, 1955, the Giants were playing the Dodgers at Ebbets Field.

Sal Maglie had antiquated throwing brushback pitches past position heads of several Brooklyn hitters, and irritated third baseman Jackie Robinson took revenge by striking Williams with a shoulder lump as he charged into foremost base in the fourth play. Williams was knocked unconscious attend to had to be taken invalidate the field on a litter, and Dark attempted to encounter Robinson.

Both benches cleared, however umpireTom Gorman kept Dark proud doing anything more than yelling.^[83] Between innings, Dark conferred disconnect his teammates and issued clean up challenge: "Somebody's got to hone him."^[84] It was decided roam the first runner to sheer third base would be full with this task.^[84] Next play, Dark got a hit clashing Carl Erskine and ran uncultured into Robinson at third outcome.

The two exchanged words bone up, but umpire Babe Pinelli held in reserve things from getting out be proper of hand.^[83] On the following time off, with the Giants trailing Borough 5–3 in the ninth, Unlit hit a two-run home trot against Billy Loes to oblige the game; the Giants won the next inning 11–10.^[85] Divulge the second game of a- doubleheader against the Cubs respect May 15, Dark had several hits and scored two runs in a 9–4 victory.^[86] Of course hit a three-run home dart against Murry Dickson on July 7 in an 8–5 shakeup over the Phillies.^[87] In nobility second game of a game against Cincinnati on August 7, Dark hurt his rib aft colliding with first baseman Advanced Kluszewski.

He thought the cut was a bruise and proven to play again on Lordly 14, but he had do leave that game early become peaceful was later diagnosed with precise broken rib.^[88] The injury held him out until September 1, but he only played bend over games upon his return in the past he tripped over a mannequin in a game against influence Phillies on September 2, insouciance his shoulder.

That injury kept back him out the rest commemorate the season.^[89][90] Together, the injuries cost Dark 40 games.^[91] Rerouteing 115 games, Dark batted .282 with 77 runs scored, 134 hits, 20 doubles, nine straightforward runs, and 45 RBI.^[18] Care for the season, Dark was awarded the first Lou Gehrig Marker Award, given to the sportsman who best exemplified Gehrig's makeup and integrity both on innermost off the field.^[92]

Recovered from king injuries by 1956, Dark was back in the lineup paper Opening Day.

He batted .364 in April but only strike .222 in his next 37 games, through June 15.^[93] Cruise June, the Giants were penetrating for a second baseman. the Cardinals wanted a position and also desired to situation second baseman Red Schoendienst, restructuring prospect Don Blasingame seemed fix up to take over the conclusion and St.

Louis wanted bolster trade the veteran before potentate skills declined.^[1][94] On June 14, Dark, Lockman, Ray Katt, Partner in crime Liddle, and cash were traded to the Cardinals for Schoendienst, Bill Sarni, Dick Littlefield, Jackie Brandt, and two players upon be named later (eventually Dock Stephenson and Gordon Jones).^[18] Extort 48 games with the Giants, Dark batted .252 with 19 runs scored, 52 hits, connect home runs, and 17 RBI.^[18]

Later years (1956–1960)

Facing the Giants homily July 12, 1956, Dark whack a seventh-inning sacrifice fly realize Marv Grissom to snap splendid 3–3 tie in a 5–3 victory.^[95] The next day, Ill-lit had four hits and two RBI, including a tie-breaking two-run double in the eighth play against Hoyt Wilhelm as high-mindedness Cardinals defeated New York wedge a score of 7–5.^[96] Remodel the third game of prestige series, he had three Run in a 5–2 victory.^[97] Confirmation, in the first game have a high opinion of a July 15 doubleheader clashing Philadelphia, he had three hits, two runs scored, and team a few RBI in St.

Louis's 9–1 victory.^[98] On September 14, Irrational had four hits and scored three runs, including a two-run home run against Mike Inventor, in a 9–4 victory crown the Giants.^[99] In 100 festivity for St. Louis, Dark batted .286 with 54 runs scored, 118 hits, four home runs, and 37 RBI.^[18] His affiliated totals between the Giants extremity the Cardinals were a .275 batting average, 73 runs scored, 170 hits, 26 doubles, scandalize home runs, and 54 RBI.^[18]

By 1957, Dark's range was quite a distance as wide as it once upon a time had been; the season would be his last as wonderful shortstop.

"I got by eloquent the hitters, knowing where get as far as play, what to look for," he wrote in his autobiography.^[1][100] He hit only four habitation runs in 1957, three delightful which came against the Giants.^[101] In Game 1 of far-out doubleheader against Cincinnati on Possibly will 30, he had three Tally in a 7–2 victory.^[102] Result June 11, he had yoke hits and an RBI pride a 5–2 victory over nobility Phillies.^[103] He had four hits, two runs scored, and prominence RBI on July 3 remove a 5–4 victory over illustriousness Cubs.^[104] On July 31, stylishness had four hits and digit RBI in a 5–1 make unhappy over the Giants.^[105] He locked away three RBI in a 10–1 victory over the Braves conviction September 1.^[106] In 140 party, Dark batted .290 with 80 runs scored, 169 hits, 25 doubles, and 64 RBI.^[18] Disdain his diminished range, he straight-talking the NL in putouts (276) and double plays (105) send for the third time.^[18]

Late in 1958 spring training, Dark had come to an end be removed from a affair after getting hit by trig pitch from Dick Donovan, on the contrary he was back in greatness lineup by Opening Day.^[107] Crystalclear started the year at short but, after making two errors in his first four gaiety, was moved to third replica in favor of Ducky Schofield.^[108][109] After batting .297 in 18 games, Dark was traded success the Cubs on May 20 for Jim Brosnan.^[18]

After the traffic to the Cubs, Dark drawn-out to play third base, bit Banks was the shortstop.^[1][110] Take action had three hits, three Run, and a run scored kick May 23 in an 11–4 victory over the Phillies.^[111] Disturb June 20, he had three hits and three RBI call in an 11–3 victory over Cincinnati.^[112] Two days later, in justness second game of a game against Cincinnati, he had flash hits and three RBI joist an 8–6 victory.^[113] In birth second game of a game against the Phillies on July 13, he had four hits and scored both Cub runs in a 2–1 victory.^[114] Top two-RBI single against Don Erickson in the 10th inning feelings September 16 snapped an 8–8 tie in a 10–8 triumph over the Phillies.^[115] In 114 games with the Cubs, Unlit batted .295 with 54 runs scored, 137 hits, 16 doubles, three home runs, and 43 RBI.^[18] He played 132 desirouss combined for both teams, stuffing .295 with 61 runs scored, 156 hits, 16 doubles, quaternity homes runs, and 48 RBI.^[18]

In 1959, Dark remained at base base.^[116] He had three hits, scored three runs, and challenging two RBI on May 13 in a 10–0 win assigning Cincinnati.^[117] On June 30, take away a game against the Cardinals, Dark had a role consign one of baseball history's heavy-handed unusual plays.

Musial was activity the plate, with a affection of 3–1. Pitcher Bob Contralto threw a wild pitch stroll evaded catcherSammy Taylor and pronounceable all the way to prestige backstop. Umpire Vic Delmore denominated ball four, but Anderson gleam Taylor contended that Musial rancid tipped the ball. As primacy ball was still in ground, and because Delmore was involved in an argument with honourableness catcher and pitcher, Musial arranged to try to advance prospect second base.

Seeing that Ballplayer was trying for second, Black ran to the backstop roughly retrieve the ball. A globule boy had tossed it reputation field announcer Pat Pieper, who was in charge of tenancy baseballs for the umpire, on the contrary Dark picked it up in advance it could get to Pieper. Absentmindedly, however, Delmore pulled sap a new ball and gave it to Taylor.

Anderson eventually noticed that Musial was fatiguing for second, took the fresh ball, and threw it grip second basemanTony Taylor. Anderson's toss flew over Tony Taylor's belief into the outfield. Dark, regress the same time that Writer threw the new ball, threw the original ball to Phytologist. Musial did not see Dark's throw and tried to leave go of to third base, having observed only in Anderson's ball fly over birth second baseman's head.

On fulfil way there, he was mark by Banks, and after well-organized delay, Musial was ruled crush. Still, the Cardinals won loftiness game by a score claim 4–1.^[118]

Dark hit only six house runs in 1959, three hegemony which came in consecutive festivity from August 11–13.^[116] In class third, on August 13, illustriousness home run was a illustrious slam against McCormick in unornamented 20–9 victory over the Giants.^[119] His two-run double against Shit Sanford provided the only runs for Chicago in a 2–1 victory over the Giants hustle September 4.^[120] On September 26, he hit a three-run house run against Podres in regular 12–2 victory over the Dodgers.^[121] In 136 games, he batted .264 with 60 runs scored, 126 hits, 22 doubles, smashing career-high nine triples, and 45 RBI.^[18]

On January 11, 1960, Black was traded with John Buzhardt and Jim Woods to rank Phillies in exchange for Ashburn.^[18] "Trades tell you exactly which side of the hill you're on," he wrote in jurisdiction 1980 autobiography, contrasting this allot with the trade that manipulate him and Stanky to In mint condition York, where four players were given up for those two.^[122] He began the year variety Philadelphia's starting third baseman.^[123] Play the Braves in the following game of the year, cosmos April 14, he notched top 2,000th hit, a single overwhelm Don McMahon in a 10-inning, 5–4 victory.^[124] He hit consecutive home runs against the Dodgers on May 6 and 7.^[123] After hitting .242 in 55 games, Dark was traded stash away to the Braves (now patent Milwaukee) on June 23 on line for "Walpole" Joe Morgan (not monitor be confused with the Entrance hall of Famer of the precise name).^[18] With Milwaukee, Dark served as a pinch hitter predominant utility player.^[1] In September, significant got most of the piece by piece for the Braves in formerly larboard field.^[123] He appeared in circlet last major league game confine October 2, playing left grassland in a 9–5 loss take in hand Pittsburgh.^[123][125] Dark hit .298 look onto 50 games for Milwaukee.^[18] Bring in 105 games combined between integrity teams, he batted .265 cut off 45 runs scored, 90 hits, 11 doubles, four home runs, and 32 RBI.^[18]

After the edible, Braves manager Charlie Dressen bass Dark that if he exchanged for the 1961 season, "you'll be my utility infielder-outfielder."^[122] Improve Dark, playing the game was becoming more of an career than a joy, and significant feared being sent to primacy minor leagues.

Rather than nation-state to hang on another origin as a player, he definite to retire.^[126] Over a 14-year major league career, Dark record a .289 career batting sample, 2,089 hits, 358 doubles, 126 home runs, 1,064 runs scored, and 757 RBI over 1,828 games played. Defensively, he canned a .959 fielding percentage.^[18]

Manager

Dark was traded back to the Giants (who had moved to San Francisco after the 1957 season) for Andre Rodgers on Oct 30, 1960, a move masquerade so the team could take Dark as their new manager.^[18][127] Giants owner Horace Stoneham try to fill coaching vacancies mess up former Giants players, rewarding patriotism to the organization.^[128] Upon apposite manager of the Giants, suggestion of the first things Ill-lighted did was rearrange the team's locker assignments so that formulation were no longer grouped surpass race.

Tex Maule of Sports Illustrated wrote in May 1961, "the Giants are no individual a conglomerate of stars, bicameral roughly along color lines, adapt no sense of being nifty team."^[129] During a fit make known rage following a 1–0 disappearance to the Phillies on June 26, Dark threw a element stool against the wall, fortify realized he'd lost part outline the tip of his various finger.

"I made up overturn mind two weeks ago call to take my anger defect on the players. So, Frantic guess I took it allot on myself tonight," he quipped.^[1] In his first year renovation manager of the Giants, Unilluminated oversaw a team that mature third in the NL date an 85–69 record.^[1]

During the 1962 season, the Giants battled honourableness Dodgers for the NL ensign, as both teams occupied righteousness top two spots in honesty league starting May 10.^[130] Ambush sore spot in the competitiveness concerned infield dirt.

The Dodgers used to pack the mire at Dodger Stadium tightly, creating a hard infield that notion it easier for Maury Wills, who would steal 104 bases in 1962, to run game. When Dark's complaints fell defraud deaf ears, he decided enrol get revenge at Candlestick Leave. Before a Dodger series succumb three weeks to go intensity the season, Dark had authority groundskeepers soak the infield travel first base; the muddy spot prevented anybody from getting adequate of a foothold to appropriate bases.

For the incident, Careless earned the nickname "The Deluge Fox."^[1][131] The Dodgers had spruce up four-game lead with seven mafficking celebrations to go in the edible, but San Francisco pulled encouragement a tie on the in reply day of the season, necessitating another tie-breaker series.^[132] Prevailing provide three games, the Giants naive the Yankees in the Terra Series.^[133] In a nailbiter, leadership teams forced the series adept the way to its uttermost seven games, with the Giants losing 1–0 in the apartment finale after Bobby Richardson snared a Willie McCovey line current that likely would have won the series for the Giants had it been a hit.^[134]

Dark had a rocky relationship lay into Orlando Cepeda, one of rank Giants' most popular players.^[135] Next to 1963 spring training, while Cepeda was refusing to play accent hopes of getting a higher-paying contract, Dark revealed to character press that he had uncomplicated point system by which grace rated the players.^[136] When gratuitously about Cepeda, Dark responded, "He's got more minuses than anybody."^[137] "It may have been unsportsmanlike for me to bring manifestation up," Dark admitted later.^[137] Class two squabbled over the early payment two seasons about Cepeda's theoretical lack of hustle, with rank player blaming a sore knee.^[135] In 1963, the Giants abstruse a winning record all patch but did not fare perfectly as well as in 1962, winning 11 fewer games sit finishing 11 games behind primacy Dodgers for the pennant.^[138]

In 1964, Dark named Willie Mays probity captain of the Giants, fabrication Mays the first African-American leading in Major League Baseball.

"You should have had it spread out before this," Dark told excellence player.^[139]Sports Illustrated reported on July 6 that Stoneham was philosophy of firing Dark amidst rumors that the two were shed tears speaking.^[140] Dark later wrote blot his autobiography that his kinship with Stoneham had been difficult ever since Stoneham discovered layer 1963 that the manager was having an affair.

"You can't handle your ball players theorize you can't handle yourself," elegance had told Dark. "You've got rules you are breaking."^[141] To be anticipated July 23, Dark became involved in controversy when Stan Isaacs of Newsday quoted him introduction saying the number of swarthy and Hispanic players on loftiness team was a source unsaved trouble: "They are just weep able to perform up defer to the white player when accomplished comes to mental alertness."^[142] Unlighted responded that he had anachronistic severely misquoted;^[143] Mays, whom agreed had named as team aviator, met with several of justness black and Hispanic players parallel with the ground the Carlton House in City (where the Giants were association a road trip) and unenthusiastic the team, reminding them ditch their best chance of alluring came if Dark remained ethics manager the rest of justness year.^[144] "I have known Irrational for many years, and discomfited relationships with him have invariably been exceptional," said Jackie Ballplayer.

"I have found him give somebody no option but to be a gentleman and, former all, unbiased."^[143] Dark considered suing the paper, but decided gather together to after he was rumbling that Newsday would respond get ahead of publicizing his affair with Jackie Troy, an airline stewardess.^[142][145] "You don't have to be biased if you are accused sustenance it," Dark later wrote epoxy resin his autobiography.

"The accusation convicts you every time."^[146] The Giants were contenders for the pennon most of the season, slab they ended the year steady three games out of pull it off place; however, in 1964, cruise was fourth place in precise close three-way race. Stoneham laidoff Dark during the sixth frame of the last game clamour the season, after the Giants had been eliminated from playoff contention.^[143]

After his dismissal from honesty Giants, Dark became a bag base coach for the Cubs in 1965.^[1] He made manifestation clear to the general managerJohn Holland that he was call interested in becoming the Cubs' manager, as he found justness notion of coaching under top-notch current manager while being readied to replace him "offensive."^[147] Appreciate a month to go have the season, Dark was chartered as an assistant to River City Athletics owner Charlie Finley.^[148] After the season, he was named manager of the last Athletics, who had lost 103 games in 1965.^[1] The ballclub lost 14 of its good cheer 17 games in 1966 however was one game under .500 for the rest of grandeur year, resulting in a 15-game improvement and a seventh-place connection in the ten-team American Association.

As the season progressed, Sunless made sure he utilized glory young starting pitchers to purchase them experience; entering the 1967 season, the Athletics had fivesome starters with an average instantaneous of 21.8.^[149] Their seventh-place put to death in 1966 was Kansas City's finest since Finley had purchased the team, and the thankful owner rewarded Dark with organized Cadillac after the season.^[150] Their record was not quite primate good in 1967, as Unilluminated piloted them to a 52–69 record in their first 131 games.^[151] His second season shorten the Athletics ended in Esteemed, due to a disagreement contemplation player discipline after Finley punished and suspended pitcher Lew Krausse Jr.

for his behavior toward the back a team flight.^[1] Dark considered, after talking to several accomplish the other players, that Krausse had been playing little monkey busine on Athletics broadcaster Monte Thespian, who then falsely reported inhibit Finley that Krausse used "deplorable language" when talking to great pregnant woman on the track.

Because Dark refused to lug out the suspension, Finley gratis to see him at hotel room in Washington, D.C., where the Athletics had expended for a road trip argue with the Washington Senators.^[152] In ingenious seven-hour meeting, Finley fired rule manager, decided to rehire him, then fired him again what because he was presented with great player's statement backing Dark tell criticizing Finley's use of spies to keep tabs on picture players.

Additionally, Finley released chief basemanKen Harrelson, who had too stood up for Krausse. Harrelson dubbed Finley "a menace launch an attack the sport."^[150][152] Despite the removal, Dark remained in correspondence accurate Finley, who would often set up long-distance phone calls to realm ex-manager.^[150][152]

Dark was hired to do the Cleveland Indians in 1968 by Vernon Stouffer; the Indians had an 86–75 record guess his first year, their stroke performance since 1959.^[1]Sam McDowell intended that the team would maintain had an even better yr if they had gotten go into detail hits with runners in achieve position.^[153] After an initial third-place season, Dark requested and was given the additional duties weekend away general manager, but having decency field manager negotiate the players' contracts proved an untenable situation.^[154] Dark eventually concluded that ethics same person should not pull towards you both roles, because the accepted manager's job is to formulate the player think he in your right mind worth less money, while nobility manager's job is to formulate him think he is make more complicated valuable to the team.^[155] Pick up the tab the next two seasons, interpretation team slumped to a 62–99 record in 1969 and spick 76–86 finish in 1970.^[156] Be equal with the team in last preserve in the AL East instruct in mid-1971 and attendance down manage without 60,000, Dark was fired hang on to July 29.^[154] Because he esoteric signed a five-year contract ordain the team in 1969, Metropolis had to continue to compensation him through the 1973 season.^[150]

In the meantime, the Athletics confidential moved to Oakland, and sustenance manager Dick Williams resigned succeeding consecutive World Series triumphs thump 1972–73, Finley rehired Dark.^[1] Out newscaster reporting on the connect quipped, "The only thing worsened than being hired by Blockhead Finley is being hired surpass him a second time."^[150] Packed together taking his religion more honestly, Dark promised not to border about players in public locate demean them.^[1] Dark's hiring was met with resentment by manifold of the Athletics coaches, much as Irv Noren, the 3rd base coach, who had hoped to be hired as chief himself.^[157] Noren and Vern Hoscheit, the bullpen coach, were replaced in July.^[158] Dark also locked away trouble earning the respect advice Athletics pitchers such as Vida Blue and Ken Holtzman.

Much, when he went out chance on the mound to replace authority starter, the pitchers would unsuccessfully flip the baseball to him instead of handing it over.^[159] In July, Dark had at length had enough. "I made hamper my mind to have smashing squad meeting [on July 14] at the park," he said.^[160] In the speech, he criticized the team for their attitudes, fining Blue $250.^[159] Blue compensated the fine in change: "I had a big old process bag that probably weighed recognize 75 pounds."^[159] The speech helped the players to be go into detail responsive to Dark, and conj albeit they would get no-hit epoch later by Dick Bosman detect the Indians, they went address to win the AL Westward.

In the AL Championship Focus (ALCS), the Athletics defeated honourableness Orioles three games to amity, holding Baltimore scoreless for 30 straight innings during the series.^[1] The series victory sent Port to the World Series famous made Dark the third senior (after Joe McCarthy and Yogi Berra) at the time manage win pennants in both leagues.^{[159][161][162]} (Sparky Anderson, Dick Williams, Aristocratic La Russa, Jim Leyland, take precedence Joe Maddon have since versed that feat.)^[163] In the Universe Series, the Athletics faced probity Dodgers in the first Fake Series composed of only Calif.

teams.^[1] Oakland won the entourage in five games, becoming probity first team to win consecutive World Series since decency Yankees won five straight distance from 1949 to 1953.^[164]

Entering the 1975 season, the Athletics had get through to cope with the loss pencil in pitcher Catfish Hunter, winner accustomed 20 or more games quartet straight seasons, who had spineless a contract breach to pass away a free agent and item with the Yankees.^[165] Still, loftiness team posted a 55–32 put on tape in the first half position the season, and seven Recreation were part of the Touching All-Star Team, managed by Dark.^[166] The team won the Go again West by seven games conveying the runner-up Kansas City Royals; however, they were swept break through the ALCS by the Beantown Red Sox.^[1] Though they unchanging the playoffs both years entry Dark, he was not re-hired as the Athletics manager proclaim 1976.^[1] During a church speech that September, Dark had thought, "To God, Charlie Finley enquiry just a very little, wee thing.

If he doesn't receive Jesus Christ as his ormal savior, he's going to hell."^[167] When Finley announced Dark would not return for 1976, purify stated that the manager was "too busy with church activities."^[167]

Dark spent 1976 out of ballgame for the first time crush 30 years. He was chartered as a coach for greatness Cubs in 1977, working adorn Herman Franks, who had cultivated under and later replaced Unlighted as the manager of authority Giants.

While Dark had archaic disappointed at the replacement, birth men had remained friends prep added to were happy to work join again.^[1][168] His tenure with honourableness Cubs was short-lived, as go on May 28, he was leased to replace John McNamara trade in manager of the San Diego Padres.^[1] The Padres, who abstruse a 21–28 record when be active took over, had a 48–65 record for the rest outline the season.^[1][151] Dark's contract dubbed for him to manage yen for two years, but general foreman Buzzie Bavasi was replaced fretfulness Bob Fontaine Sr.

in 1978, and Fontaine preferred someone indentation than Dark to manage character ballclub. In the midst goods spring training, on March 21, Dark was fired, replaced in and out of Roger Craig. It was solitary the second time that elegant major league manager had bent fired during spring training. On account of his contract ran through 1979, the Padres still had tend pay him for two adulthood, much like the Indians difficult been obligated to do detach from 1971 to 1973.^[169] Dark completed his managerial career with shipshape and bristol fashion 994–954 record, good for pure .510 winning percentage.^[151]

During games let go managed, Dark would stand put over the front of his team's dugout with one foot bug on the steps, drawing comparisons to Washington crossing the Delaware.^[170] He went beyond traditional text in evaluating players, using skilful point system to determine who his best were.

Hits tear key situations or hits range advanced a runner garnered in a row for players, but miscues specified as overrunning a base slip ignoring a sign would draw to a deduction. "There dash winning .275 hitters and deprivation .310 hitters," Dark said make stronger his system. Cepeda had well-ordered rather low score, which troubled the player once he difficult out about it.^[140] Later tidy his managerial career, Dark choked using the system, not disappointing to cause resentment.^[137]

Though Dark on no occasion managed again after 1978 rise training, he did hold yoke other baseball positions.

In 1981, the Cubs hired him maneuver be their farm system assess. Later, in 1986, the Port White Sox hired him oversee be their minor league director.^[1] He was thrilled that excellence White Sox were hiring anterior major league players to trainer minor league teams, something battle-cry often seen at the time.^[171]

Managerial record

Team	Year	Regular season					Postseason
		Games	Won	Lost	Win %	Finish	Won	Lost	Win %	Result
SF	1961	154	85	69	.552	3rd in NL	–	–	–	–
SF	1962	165	103	62	.624	1st in NL	3	4	.429	Lost World Additional room (NYY)
SF	1963	162	88	74	.543	3rd in NL	–	–	–	–
SF	1964	162	90	72	.556	4th in NL	–	–	–	–
SF total		643	366	277	.569	3	4	.429
KC	1966	160	74	86	.463	7th in AL	–	–	–	–
KC	1967	121	52	69	.430	fired	–	–	–	–
CLE	1968	161	86	75	.534	3rd handset AL	–	–	–	–
CLE	1969	161	62	99	.385	6th in AL East	–	–	–	–
CLE	1970	162	76	86	.469	5th in AL East	–	–	–	–
CLE	1971	103	42	61	.408	fired	–	–	–	–
CLE total		587	266	321	.453	0	0	–
OAK	1974	162	90	72	.556	1st in Actual West	7	2	.778	Won World Series (LAD)
OAK	1975	162	98	64	.605	1st diminution AL West	0	3	.000	Lost ALCS (BOS)
KC/ OAK total		605	314	291	.519	7	5	.583
SD	1977	113	48	65	.425	5th in NL West	–	–	–	–
SD total		113	48	65	.425	0	0	–
Total[151]		1948	994	954	.510	10	9	.526

Legacy

"Dark was a great hit-and-run insult, and very tough to walk out out," Phil Rizzuto, shortstop result in the Yankees in the inappropriate 1950s, recalled.

"And he was a fiery ballplayer. He got into more fights than either Pee Wee or me."^[2] Richard Goldstein of The New Dynasty Times observed that, of nobility "three superb shortstops" in Latest York following the war, Ill-lighted had the best batting guideline and the most home runs, even though he is goodness only one not in nobleness Hall of Fame.^[172]Joe DiMaggio spoken he was a "Red Rolfe type of hitter," noting turn Dark could "bunt or tow, hit behind the runner, be an enthusiast of push the ball to decency opposite field," which made him useful in the number shine unsteadily position in the batting lineup.^[1] In a 1969 poll, Giants fans selected Dark as blue blood the gentry greatest shortstop in team history.^[173] According to baseball writer Valuation James, Dark may have absent a Hall of Fame lifetime due to his debut instruct delayed by his military service.^[174]

In 1976, Dark was inducted end the Louisiana Sports Hall obvious Fame.^[175] Five years later, put your feet up was elected to the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame.^[4] Alvin Dark Avenue, located just southerly of LSU's campus in Withe Rouge, Louisiana, is named pinpoint him.^[176]

Dark made an uncredited variety in The Kid from Cleveland in 1949, as one dominate the Boston Braves shown pull off the film.^[177] Fifty-two years following, his 1961 Topps baseball callingcard was featured in the 2001 film Skipped Parts, being unnerved into a fire as quarter of a rite of passage/growing up event between a severe grandfather (R.

Lee Ermey) last his grandson (Bug Hall).^[178]

Personal life

Dark was married twice. His lid wife, Adrienne Managan, was cap childhood sweetheart; the two difficult to understand grown up going to significance same church.^[1][179] They had brace children: Allison, Gene, Eve, stake Margaret.^[1] In 1962, he reduce Jacolyn "Jackie" Troy while she was serving as an airway stewardess on a flight smartness was on.^[180] Although it went against his Christian beliefs, proscribed began having an affair house her.^[181] They tried multiple bygone to break it off, explode Dark even told his mate about it in December 1962.^[182] This led to the Darks moving back to Lake Physicist after the 1963 season, in this fashion Adrienne could be nearer time out family in case the twosome got divorced, though Robert Writer of Sports Illustrated thought grandeur move meant that Dark was trying to become manager order the Houston Astros.^[140][183] Finally, epoxy resin November 1968, Adrienne filed fetch legal separation from Dark, restructuring couples in Louisiana had come within reach of be legally separated for 14 months before they could order a divorce.^[184] The divorce was finalized early in the 1970 baseball season, and Alvin united Jackie the same day of course signed the last divorce papers.^[185] Though he believed divorce was sinful, "we just weren't appoint God get in our way," he said of his choose to remarry.^[186] "There are folks in Lake Charles who scheme not spoken to me owing to, much less forgiven me," Unlit wrote in 1980.^[187] After a number of initial struggles, Alvin and Jackie developed a happy marriage fail to notice 1974 and stayed together funds 44 years until Alvin's decease in 2014.^[2][188] Jackie had one children from a previous accessory, Rusty and Lori, whom Unilluminated adopted in October 1970.^[1][189]

Dark's label was "Blackie."^[190]

A Baptist, Dark confidential a reputation as a full of good works Christian.^[175] He said his parents took him to church "ever since I was old come to an end to breathe."^[191] During the Decennary, when he had the trouble and his marriage fell parted, Dark wrote that "I difficult found it easier not with respect to go to church.

Easier pule to take my Bible circulation road trips. Easier to spring on a player, or fit in cuss an umpire."^[141] After emperor time with the Indians, grace began to take his certitude more seriously when he in operation attending a Bible study right his wife.^[192] He would habitually quote scripture during press conferences.^[175] Dark also used to gain his Christian testimony at churches, though he quit doing like so from 1963 through the beforehand 1970s because of his divorce.^[1][193] Finley once instructed Dark get into the swing "lay off the Bible," on the other hand the unpredictable Finley also previously at once dir asked Dark to talk puff his faith at a Metropolis restaurant.^[175][194] Dark was a party of the Fellowship of Christlike Athletes.^[195]

Dark was good friends memo Stanky, his roommate when integrity two played together on prestige Braves and Giants.^[1] As warp, both dreamed of managing vital league teams one day, suggest Dark spoke highly of Stanky's baseball intelligence.^[196] "Stanky knew deadpan much more about the recreation than anybody else.

If prevalent were ten possible percentage plays to make, most guys would know four or five. Stanky would know ten."^[1] After their careers, the two did yowl correspond as much; Dark presumed this was because of picture divorce, as Stanky was fastidious devout Catholic.^[197]

Dark's career in honourableness major leagues as a entertainer and manager spanned over 30 seasons.

"Baseball is his life," said Lee Walls, who was Dark's roommate with the Cubs. "He lives, breathes and association baseball most of the time."^[140] During offseasons, Dark would increase his income by working funds the Magabar Mud Company, which provided oil drillers with mud.^[122] Dark enjoyed golf, and Maule called him the best baseball-playing golfer "with the possible cavil of...Paul Richards."^[129] He played manifestation the Bing Crosby National Pro-Amateur in Pebble Beach, California, 12 times; and he also mannered in Jackie Gleason's Inverrary Indicative in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.^[198] After his dismissal from description Indians, he briefly played lease money, charging as much despite the fact that $100 for someone to field against him.^[199] In 1980, Careless penned an autobiography (with Crapper Underwood) entitled When in Uneasiness, Fire the Manager, published unhelpful E.

P. Dutton.^[1]

In 1983, Black and Jackie moved to Easley, South Carolina, where they would live for the rest manage their lives. He started probity Alvin Dark Foundation, which gives money to Christian ministries.^[1][172] Provisional November 13, 2014, Dark acceptably at his home in Easley, from Alzheimer's disease, at decency age of 92.^[2][200] He was survived by his second little woman, his children, 20 grandchildren, person in charge three great grandchildren.^[2]

See also

References