End of an Error: Sandberg Steps Down

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY SportsAny team with as much losing in its history as the Phillies is bound to have had some unsuccessful managers. Click to the Franchise Encyclopedia page on B-R and the names jump out at you: Nick Leyva (1989-91, 148-189, .438 winning percentage), Frank Lucchesi (1970-72, 166-233, .416), Ben Chapman (1945-48, 196-276, .415 and a racist bastard to boot), Doc Prothro (1939-41; 138-320, .301). There are a couple others who didn't fare so well helming the Phillies--Terry Francona, arguably Gene Mauch--but had success elsewhere, and still others whose won-lost numbers weren't necessarily bad but nonetheless weren't well regarded: it amazes me that John Felske, whom I've always thought of as beau ideal of the feckless Phillies manager, was only four games under .500 for his tenure (1985-87). I can't speak for the nearly 90 years before Danny Ozark, the first Phillies manager of my fandom. But in my lifetime, they've never had one--even Felske--who was as clearly inept at the job as Sandberg.

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