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NEW SKIPPERS TAKE THE HELM AS CLUBS COMPLETE 1912 MANAGERIAL ROSTER
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
November 6th, 1911
The autumn weeks have brought clarity to the managerial landscape, as every club seeking new leadership has now named the man who will guide its fortunes in the coming season. With the dust settled, five new skippers stand ready to shape the campaign of 1912.
The Chicago Cubs were first to act, securing a familiar and seasoned hand in Zack Brown. Brown, who directed the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1907 through 1909, led that club to two world’s series appearances in three years, though the title eluded him. Chicago supporters now look with eager anticipation toward the partnership between Brown and their beleaguered club.
Brown expressed confidence in what lies ahead. “I came to Chicago to win, plain and simple,” he declared. “We mean to fight for a championship, and I intend to bring one home to the Cubs.”
The Philadelphia Phillies have turned to fresh leadership in Danny Lara, who spent the past five seasons as bench coach of the Boston Red Sox. During his tenure, the Red Sox tasted both the heights of a world’s series championship and the lows of near-bottom finishes. Philadelphia fans hope Lara can elevate what they view as a pennant-ready club.
Lara spoke with determination. “This is a team on the cusp,” he said. “My job is to push us over the line, and I’m ready for the task.”
In Cleveland, the Naps have opted for a steady, proven presence by appointing Jose Ramirez, longtime bench coach of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ramirez, who has served in that role since 1904, was part of three world’s series campaigns that fell just short.
Ramirez welcomed the challenge. “I’ve learned much in my years beside the top men,” he noted. “Now I’m ready to take charge myself and lead the Naps forward.”
The St. Louis Cardinals have likewise sought experience, naming David Stevens as their new manager. Stevens has been the bench coach of the Cleveland Naps since 1901, but after being passed over for Cleveland’s vacancy, he chose to accept St. Louis’s offer—and the chance to command his own club at last.
Stevens addressed both sides of his situation with poise. “I had hoped my opportunity might come in Cleveland,” he admitted, “but now that I am in St. Louis, I will give this club every ounce of myself. I am ready for the top job and eager to prove it.”
Rounding out the new class of managers is A.J. Plascencia, appointed by the Detroit Tigers. Plascencia brings broad experience from his years as bench coach of the Philadelphia Athletics from 1901 to 1908, a period in which the A’s captured two world’s series crowns. After several quiet years away from the diamond, he returns with renewed purpose.
Plascencia voiced his enthusiasm plainly: “Baseball has been my life, and I’m grateful for the chance to lead again. I’m ready to steer Detroit into a strong new chapter.”
Thus the managerial map for 1912 is drawn, with five new captains ready to chart their course when spring arrives.
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