Quote:
Originally Posted by SPORTSMEM817
Born Sabath Anthony Mele, he signed as an amateur free agent with the Red Sox prior to the 1946 season. He went on to play 1,046 games over 10 seasons, including parts of five with the Sox (1947-49, 1954-55). He hit .278 for Boston over that span, including .302 as a rookie in 1947.
Mele went into coaching after his playing career and managed the Minnesota Twins for parts of seven seasons (1961-67). He was named the Sporting News' Manager of the Year in 1965 after leading Minnesota to an AL pennant-winning record of 102-60. RIP
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/r...ele_dies_at_95 |
Sam Mele was held in high regard and affection in the twin cities and the Upper Midwest. he took that team from cellar-dwellars to a strong perennial contender that came so close to being the 1965 World's Champions, but Sandy Koufax outpitched Jim Kaat in the decisive Game 7. Mele was 88 games above .500 with a .546 winning percentage in his seven years at the helm of the Twins (his only MLB managing job).