The importance of coaching has been a constant debate in sport. Could Brady win six rings in New England without Belichick? What about Phil Jackson with the Bulls and the Lakers? More often, these discussions of fans have to do with their frustrations and where they can best be aimed. The Blame Game, a too well -known story.
“The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced that Derek Shelton has repaid his duties such as Pirates manager.” This news came on May 8, a Thursday. Better late than never? Don Kelly took over and since then not much has changed. General manager Ben Cherington has remained. And then there is Bob Nuting. Maybe Shelt wasn’t the problem after all? I’m getting off the track here.
Don Kelly comes from Pittsburgh and me too. I am too. A few of his cards are on my PC from local boys. He is a rare example of someone who has played for both their hometown team and then managed. I really can’t think of another. Later more about him.
Some great players later found success as managers, such as Joe Torre. Other legends, such as Jim Leyland, never played in the Majors. Nowadays there is an interesting mix of baseball ballifers and newcomers who manage throughout the competition. I thought it would be fun to put together such a list. I keep it in a top 5, in random order, because there is a lot to choose from.
Terry “Tito” Francona – 1982 Topps
The new resident of Brighton, Pa, was a hot prospect that came from the state of Arizona and the Expos Farm system that never realized the invoicing as a large Leagueer. He played in parts of ten seasons, but once appeared in more than 100 games for three of them. While his father had the better career as a player, Tito Sr. A lot to be proud of.
His son, who currently manages the Reds, has two World Series ranging two his name, both come from his time with the Red Sox. That season ’04 was something special. The younger Francona also won the pennant among the Indians in 2016, but lost to the Cubs on heartbreaking fashion (Game 7, extra innings) in the Fall Classic.
I prefer his ’82 TOPPS FUTURE Stars card above his donrus and Rookies flights. It is shared with his good friend Brad Mills and Bryn Smith. Mills, the former Astros skipper, has been with Tito since Philadelphia and is currently acting as his bank coach in Cincinnati. Smith enjoyed a long career as a starter, usually with Montreal, who won 108 games in 13 seasons.
Don Kelly – 2007 Topps Chrome
Back to Kelly, own Mt. Lebo, the brother -in -law of Neil Walker. The best known for his years with the Tigers under Leyland, he debuted with the BUCs in ’07 but played sparingly. Originally prepared by Detroit of Point Park University, he again signed with his original team for the ’09 season and became a regular contribution to a utility role in the coming years.
Kelly finished his career as a player at the Marlins in 2016 and quickly became an explorer for the Tigers. He later served a season as the first base coach of Astros before joining the Pirates organization in 2020. It was no surprise that Kelly, the bank coach of Shelton, got the nod after the last one was released. I wish him the very best and hope that he can eventually rectify the ship here on the North Shore. Only time will learn it.
I am a big fan of everything from this era of Topps, which I grew up with collecting. The Black Border of the Base ’07 Design works well with teams such as the Pirates. I have always enjoyed this year what refractors from this year look like. Kelly also has a Tigers -smokie, from 2004 topps exchange.
Rocco Baldelli – 2000 Topps Trade & Rookies
One of my favorites of the MVP -Honkball Days Baldelli is still one of the youngest managers in the game despite the fact that he took on the Twinsbaan after the 2018 season. He was an exciting player to watch, but like many great Wat -IFS, unfortunately his career short. Nevertheless, Baldelli remains a fan favorite in Tampa Bay. He returned to the organization not long after he retired, under New Manager and his former teammate Kevin Cash.
Baldelli’s term of office in Minnesota has been a mixed bag. He was named Manager of the Year after a historical 101-win campaign in 2019, which ended quite abruptly in the ALS. The twins have since won a few division titles, but more success in the play -offs has escaped the franchise.
I am not a big set collector, but 2000 tops is one of the few that I own. I mainly bought it for the Cabrera -smokie, which, looking back, I got for a bargain. I was even lucky with the signature, Brandon Phillips. There are many great names on that checklist. The design, it is very clean, simple. Bonus points for the Devil Rays Nostalgia.
Will Venable – 2009 Topps
Venable is the son of a large League (MAX) and Princeton -Aluin that is at work in his first year as a manager of the White Sox. So far the results have not been great to say the light. To go back to an earlier point, can you really exhaust the debt, given the front office?
Venable, a fixed value in the San Diego outfield, had a productive, respectable career and was always a threat on the BasePaths. While the Padres teams of his era under Bud Black never amounted to much, he remained one of the clear places in their line -up, under the will of Adrián González and Chase Headley.
Before Venable takes over it on the south side, Venable has been coach for the Cubs, Red Sox and Rangers. Most fans of the brothers seem to prefer the classic brown and gold team colors that are used today. I miss the blue and sand. I am going with the Basic 2009 tops for Venable’s Rookie, where he shows off the wheels.
And Wilson – 1992 Donruss
An old backstop and member of the Mariners Hall of Fame, Wilson was brought in at the end of last season after Scott Servais was fired. After many years at the Minor League side in the development of the player, Wilson finally got his chance.
He was a first round pick from the Reds in 1990 from Minnesota and came to Seattle in the Bret Boone trade. Wilson was an All-Star at the Ms in 1996 and a great defensive catcher for his career. He was a member of the ’01 team who won 116 games, for the most time with the 1906 Cubs.
I had to record some junk wax here. It is Donruss. Wilson’s first Rookie card came in ’91 tops, but I prefer this where he is not in his university uniform. The red, white and blue here looks great. It is also a rated Rookie. I know that a card like this is pretty worthless, but that is not the point here. When it comes to this hobby of ours, value is completely subjective. That is at least the way I see it.
#favorite #Rookie #cards #current #managers