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amead17 · 11-06-2025, 11:33 AM

NEW LEADERS TAKE THE HELM IN CLEVELAND AND ST. LOUIS

McAleer and Laney Named Managers as Clubs Look to Fresh Starts for 1909

By Samuel T. Kingsley and George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times
October 24th, 1908

With the dust of the 1908 campaign now settled, two American League clubs have wasted little time in charting their course for the coming season. Both the St. Louis Browns and the Cleveland Naps have filled their managerial vacancies, hoping that fresh leadership will bring renewed fortunes when play resumes next spring.

In St. Louis, the Browns have turned to a familiar figure in Jimmy McAleer, whose six-year tenure as manager of the Cleveland Naps from 1901 through 1906 provides him with the major league experience the Browns’ front office has been seeking. Though McAleer’s years in Cleveland did not yield a pennant, he earned a reputation as a steady hand and a shrewd student of the game. St. Louis supporters will be hoping that his blend of discipline and insight can help lift the Browns from their recent struggles.

“I’ve seen what it takes to build a club from the ground up,” McAleer said upon his appointment. “St. Louis has talent — it just needs the right spirit and a bit of belief. My task is to bring both, and I intend to do just that.”

Meanwhile, in Cleveland, the Naps have looked to the future with the hiring of Tom Laney, a respected baseball mind known for his sharp understanding of pitching and his association with championship-caliber talent. Laney served as pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox from 1901 to 1906, overseeing what many have called the greatest pitching staff of the modern era — and helping shape one of the finest pitchers the game has ever seen.

Now stepping into his first managerial role, Laney’s appointment signals Cleveland’s desire to combine technical expertise with a winning mindset.

“This club is close — very close — to something special,” Laney said. “The Naps have heart, and they have arms that can win. If we work smart and stay together, there’s no reason we can’t take that next step toward a pennant.”

With both clubs eager to turn the page on the 1908 season, fans in St. Louis and Cleveland alike will watch with anticipation as McAleer and Laney begin shaping their rosters — and their visions — for 1909.

11-06-2025, 11:33 AM	#338
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,854	Incoming Managers NEW LEADERS TAKE THE HELM IN CLEVELAND AND ST. LOUIS McAleer and Laney Named Managers as Clubs Look to Fresh Starts for 1909 By Samuel T. Kingsley and George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times October 24th, 1908 With the dust of the 1908 campaign now settled, two American League clubs have wasted little time in charting their course for the coming season. Both the St. Louis Browns and the Cleveland Naps have filled their managerial vacancies, hoping that fresh leadership will bring renewed fortunes when play resumes next spring. In St. Louis, the Browns have turned to a familiar figure in Jimmy McAleer, whose six-year tenure as manager of the Cleveland Naps from 1901 through 1906 provides him with the major league experience the Browns’ front office has been seeking. Though McAleer’s years in Cleveland did not yield a pennant, he earned a reputation as a steady hand and a shrewd student of the game. St. Louis supporters will be hoping that his blend of discipline and insight can help lift the Browns from their recent struggles. “I’ve seen what it takes to build a club from the ground up,” McAleer said upon his appointment. “St. Louis has talent — it just needs the right spirit and a bit of belief. My task is to bring both, and I intend to do just that.” Meanwhile, in Cleveland, the Naps have looked to the future with the hiring of Tom Laney, a respected baseball mind known for his sharp understanding of pitching and his association with championship-caliber talent. Laney served as pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox from 1901 to 1906, overseeing what many have called the greatest pitching staff of the modern era — and helping shape one of the finest pitchers the game has ever seen. Now stepping into his first managerial role, Laney’s appointment signals Cleveland’s desire to combine technical expertise with a winning mindset. “This club is close — very close — to something special,” Laney said. “The Naps have heart, and they have arms that can win. If we work smart and stay together, there’s no reason we can’t take that next step toward a pennant.” With both clubs eager to turn the page on the 1908 season, fans in St. Louis and Cleveland alike will watch with anticipation as McAleer and Laney begin shaping their rosters — and their visions — for 1909.