Baseball is considered as a “gentleman’s game” and is typically enjoyed by men in America. However, the truth is that many people around the world, particularly in Asia, enjoy playing baseball. It is a common sport in Japan and parts of China, and it is not uncommon for people to bet on baseball. In fact, there are several bookies who specialize in placing sports bets, especially on baseball. So, if you or someone you know has a bet on baseball, then it would be wise to know who the betting public admitted to backing while serving as a manager for the Cincinnati Reds. The following article will tell you exactly who.
J.R. “Red” McCravy
Red McCravy was the manager of the Cincinnati Reds for 15 years, from 1937 to 1960. During that time, he gained a reputation as a gambler and a high-stakes poker player. In fact, McCravy was one of the top-rated poker players of all time. He was so confident that he would win that he allegedly accepted a $600 offer to settle a poker game. According to the biographical dictionary of baseball, McCravy was:
- One of the most promising young managers who had accomplished a great deal during his short career
- A shrewd judge of talent, who had a knack for spotting young players and bringing them along
- A great motivator who could get the best out of even the most talented players
McCravy managed a number of all-stars during his career, including Bob Feller, Ken Griffey, Jr., and Milt Pappatakis. He also led the Reds to two World Series titles during his tenure. At the time of his death in 1980, McCravy was considered the “dean of modern baseball” and was widely regarded as the best baseball man ever. A street in the Cincinnati suburb of Norwood, Ohio is named after him.
Joe Dimaggio
Joe Dimaggio was the other manager in the betting story mentioned above. He managed the Tigers from 1934 to 1945 and compiled a record of 634–456 before being fired. In 1947, he started a new career as a baseball scout and worked for the Reds, Cardinals, Indians, and Dodgers before ending up in Washington, where he died in 1981 at the age of 70.
Dimaggio’s credentials were above reproach. He managed some of the greatest teams of all time, including the 1936 New York Yankees and the 1937 Detroit Tigers. He worked for the Red Sox in the capacity of Senior Vice President for 15 years before being named President in 1969. When he passed away in 1981, he was considered to be among the most successful men in the history of the game. In 1936, he was awarded the Hall of Fame Ring.
George Pipgras
George Pipgras was the Reds’ third manager of note in three years. He managed the team from 1929 to 1931 and compiled an overall record of 117–120. However, Pipgras’s greatest contribution to baseball was being the man who discovered Milt Pappatakis. He had previously managed the minor league Charleston Senators. When he became the manager of the Cincinnati Reds, he noticed that Pappakakis, who had been playing with some semi-pro teams, was performing well and kept getting better. So, he suggested that the owners put an end to his playing time and sign him to a professional contract. In 1931, Pappatakis began his professional career and went on to become a star, leading the league in home runs twice. Since then, he has been regarded as one of the best left-handed hitters in the history of the game.
Jack Dunn
Jack Dunn was the Cincinnati Reds’ fourth manager of note. He took over the team in 1939 and stayed for four years before being replaced by McCravy. During his tenure, he compiled an overall record of 238–206 and won two World Series titles. Dunn had previously managed the Sacramento Solons, the minor league affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. A street in his hometown of Cincinnati is named after him.
Art Fletcher
Art Fletcher was the fifth manager of the Cincinnati Reds. He stayed for five years and compiled an overall record of 153–155. He was known for being a disciplinarian who enforced the rules of Major League Baseball, and he made sure that his team played hard-hitting baseball. However, his greatest contribution to baseball occurred in 1934, when he was the manager of the Boston Braves. That year, a 16-year-old rookie by the name of Willie Mays spent some time playing for the team’s Class A affiliate, the Brooklyn Dodgers. In November of that year, the young rookie broke in to the major leagues and proceeded to have one of the greatest careers of all-time. The following season, he won the 1935 Rookie of the Year Award and the National League MVP Award in 1936. In honor of Mays’s career, Art Fletcher Stadium in San Francisco is named after him.
This is just a small sample of the people that BetOnBaseball.com can provide you with information about if you are interested in placing a bet on baseball. With all of the great statistics that are available courtesy of the MLB, now is the perfect time to try your luck at betting on the sport.