John Wathan
From BR Bullpen
John David Wathan
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 2", Weight 205 lb.
- School University of San Diego
- Debut May 26, 1976
- Final Game October 6, 1985
- Born October 4, 1949 in Cedar Rapids, IA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
John Wathan was a major league player, manager, and TV broadcaster. His entire major league career of ten years was with the Kansas City Royals, where he mostly played catcher and developed some fame as one of the few catchers of the time who could steal bases (he had a high of 36 in 1982, getting caught only 9 times). He mostly managed Kansas City (1987-91) with one partial year managing the 1992 Angels.
He hit over .300 several times, most notably in 1980 when he had 453 at-bats and his team went on to the 1980 World Series. He also appeared in the 1985 World Series (which the Royals won), closing out his major league playing career.
The father of Dusty Wathan and Derek Wathan, Wathan was a Kansas City Royals television broadcaster in 1996 and 1997. He was a coach for the 1992 California Angels. Following a crash of the team bus, he was named interim manager for 89 games while Buck Rodgers recovered from injuries.
In 2009 Wathan will be Special Assistant to Player Development/Scouting for the Kansas City Royals.
[edit] Notable Achievement
- Won a World Series with the Kansas City Royals in 1985
| Preceded by Billy Gardner | Kansas City Royals Manager 1987-1991 | Succeeded by Bob Schaefer |
| Preceded by Buck Rodgers | California Angels Manager 1992 | Succeeded by Buck Rodgers |
[edit] Minor League Managerial Record
| Year | Team | League | Record | Finish | Organization | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Omaha Royals | American Association | 64-76 | 7th (t) | Kansas City Royals |
