by Jimmy Flatbush

Created on: July 27, 2010

Affectionately known as the “White Rat,” Dorrel Norman Elvert ‘Whitey” Herzog became the 25th Major League Baseball manager inducted into the Hall of Fame (HOF). Herzog won 1281 games during his illustrious career, and led the 1982 St. Louis Cardinals to a World Series title. Herzog’s HOF induction this past Sunday rekindled a timeless baseball debate: Who are the best MLB managers of all time? While Herzog certainly deserves consideration, his accomplishments fall short of matching the best managers of all time.

The best MLB managers were great leaders, with the ability to motivate players and remain steady during losing streaks or adverse game situations. They were cunning strategists, creating innovative ways to achieve success on the diamond. They were scrupulous mentors and patient teachers in developing the skill set of rookies or polishing the rough edges of all star caliber veterans. I use the past tense because anyone currently managing in MLB has to be scrutinized for their involvement in the steroid era. Bobby Cox, Tony LaRussa, and Joe Torre will have to wait a few years until the allegation dust settles before I consider them worthy of HOF consideration.

The typical criterion used for evaluating MLB managers is quite simple: How often did they win? Total wins and wining percentage provide a foundation for evaluating MLB managers. However, truly great managers won more world championships, developed a substantial number of HOF players, and changed the game by implementing novel strategies. Four managers meet all the criteria for the best MLB managers of all time.

Connie Mack

Mack won an incredible 3731 games, from 1902-1950. Skeptics point to Mack’s sub .500 career winning percentage, but the sub .500 was more about how Mack pioneered the way an MLB organization was run. Mack operated the entire Philadelphia organization, from conducting player evaluations to managing the team’s finances. No other manager in MLB history assumed so much responsibility. Mack still found the time to devise groundbreaking strategies such as the squeeze play, which other managers who followed Mack emulated in their pursuit of greatness.

Mack primarily managed the Philadelphia Athletics, winning seven pennants and five Word Series in an era when the American League was far more competitive than the National League. Mack achieved success while perennially squaring off against the great Yankee juggernaut of the 1920s, 1930s, and

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