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amead17 · 10-01-2025, 11:39 AM

FOUR CLUBS PART WAYS WITH MANAGERS IN POST-SEASON UPHEAVAL

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
Additional reporting from Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
October 20, 1904

Duffy, McGraw, Manning, and Selee shown the door as clubs chart new courses

The day after the final game of a season often brings with it as much activity as the season itself, for it is then that clubs turn their eyes toward the future. This autumn has proven no different, with four clubs announcing sweeping changes at the helm in hopes of brighter fortunes to come.

The greatest surprises come from the American League, where two respected figures have been relieved of their managerial duties.

In St. Louis, Hugh Duffy was dismissed after four campaigns guiding the Browns. His first three seasons brought finishes of sixth, sixth, and eighth, but a spark of promise emerged last year when the club rose to fourth with a 76–78 record. That progress was not enough to save him, though Duffy will remain with the club as an outfielder.

“I had hoped last season’s improvement might allow me more time,” Duffy said with quiet dignity, “but I will not let this end my base ball journey. For now, I shall return to my playing duties with full vigor, and when the right chance to manage again presents itself, I’ll be ready.”

Meanwhile, the New York Highlanders parted ways with John McGraw, who had shepherded the franchise through its move from Baltimore to New York in 1902. In his four years at the helm, McGraw’s teams placed second, eighth, third, and fifth, respectable marks but not enough to satisfy the club’s ambitions. McGraw, too, will continue as a player.

“It has been a privilege to guide this club through a challenging transition,” McGraw remarked. “Though my time as manager here is finished, I intend to give my full effort on the field. When the proper opportunity arises elsewhere, I will return to managing with greater determination.”

As expected, the Washington Senators dismissed Jim Manning, whose tenure has been marked by frustration. The Senators have finished eighth, fifth, seventh, and eighth during his four years in charge, and the capital club will seek a new voice to lift them from the cellar.

“I gave my best to the Senators,” Manning reflected, “but the results did not come. I wish the players well and hope the next manager finds the success that eluded me.”

In the National League, the axe fell hardest in Boston, where Frank Selee was relieved after a remarkable fourteen years leading the Beaneaters. Under his guidance, Boston claimed multiple championships in the 1890s and stood among the giants of the game. Yet recent seasons have been less kind, with finishes of fourth, eighth, third, and seventh. The steep drop this year proved decisive.

“I have had the honor of leading Boston through both triumph and disappointment,” Selee said. “Though this chapter has closed, I remain grateful for the years we spent at the top. I still believe I can manage winning ball, and I shall be ready should another chance come.”

Thus, as autumn deepens, these four men—Duffy, McGraw, Manning, and Selee—step aside, leaving their clubs to chart new courses for 1905. The winter will tell who takes up their mantles, and whether fresh leadership can alter fortunes long in decline.

10-01-2025, 11:39 AM	#159
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,677	Managerial Changes FOUR CLUBS PART WAYS WITH MANAGERS IN POST-SEASON UPHEAVAL By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times Additional reporting from Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times October 20, 1904 Duffy, McGraw, Manning, and Selee shown the door as clubs chart new courses The day after the final game of a season often brings with it as much activity as the season itself, for it is then that clubs turn their eyes toward the future. This autumn has proven no different, with four clubs announcing sweeping changes at the helm in hopes of brighter fortunes to come. The greatest surprises come from the American League, where two respected figures have been relieved of their managerial duties. In St. Louis, Hugh Duffy was dismissed after four campaigns guiding the Browns. His first three seasons brought finishes of sixth, sixth, and eighth, but a spark of promise emerged last year when the club rose to fourth with a 76–78 record. That progress was not enough to save him, though Duffy will remain with the club as an outfielder. “I had hoped last season’s improvement might allow me more time,” Duffy said with quiet dignity, “but I will not let this end my base ball journey. For now, I shall return to my playing duties with full vigor, and when the right chance to manage again presents itself, I’ll be ready.” Meanwhile, the New York Highlanders parted ways with John McGraw, who had shepherded the franchise through its move from Baltimore to New York in 1902. In his four years at the helm, McGraw’s teams placed second, eighth, third, and fifth, respectable marks but not enough to satisfy the club’s ambitions. McGraw, too, will continue as a player. “It has been a privilege to guide this club through a challenging transition,” McGraw remarked. “Though my time as manager here is finished, I intend to give my full effort on the field. When the proper opportunity arises elsewhere, I will return to managing with greater determination.” As expected, the Washington Senators dismissed Jim Manning, whose tenure has been marked by frustration. The Senators have finished eighth, fifth, seventh, and eighth during his four years in charge, and the capital club will seek a new voice to lift them from the cellar. “I gave my best to the Senators,” Manning reflected, “but the results did not come. I wish the players well and hope the next manager finds the success that eluded me.” In the National League, the axe fell hardest in Boston, where Frank Selee was relieved after a remarkable fourteen years leading the Beaneaters. Under his guidance, Boston claimed multiple championships in the 1890s and stood among the giants of the game. Yet recent seasons have been less kind, with finishes of fourth, eighth, third, and seventh. The steep drop this year proved decisive. “I have had the honor of leading Boston through both triumph and disappointment,” Selee said. “Though this chapter has closed, I remain grateful for the years we spent at the top. I still believe I can manage winning ball, and I shall be ready should another chance come.” Thus, as autumn deepens, these four men—Duffy, McGraw, Manning, and Selee—step aside, leaving their clubs to chart new courses for 1905. The winter will tell who takes up their mantles, and whether fresh leadership can alter fortunes long in decline.