Mike Gonzalez (gonzami01)
From BR Bullpen
Miguel Angel Gonzalez Cordero
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 1", Weight 200 lb.
- Debut September 28, 1912
- Final Game September 7, 1932
- Born September 24, 1890 in Havana, Cuba
- Died February 19, 1977 in Havana, Cuba
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[edit] Biographical Information
Cuban-born Mike Gonzalez had a seventeen-year career as a catcher, all in the National League. He played seventeen years in spite of being out of the majors in the middle of his career, playing for the St. Paul Saints in 1922 and 1923. He also played for the Cuban Stars, a mixed-race team that featured Cuban players who could play in the major leagues, and others who were restricted to the Negro Leagues by the color line.
After his playing career ended, Gonzalez spent 1933 as a player/coach for the Columbus Red Birds. He was later a longtime St. Louis Cardinals coach and served two brief stints as the club's manager, becoming the first Cuban to manage in the majors.
Gonzalez is often cited as the originator of the phrase "good field, no hit".
[edit] Notable Achievements
- Won two World Series with the New York Giants (1921) and the St. Louis Cardinals (1931) (he played in neither World Series)
| Preceded by Frankie Frisch | St. Louis Cardinals Manager 1938 | Succeeded by Ray Blades |
| Preceded by Ray Blades | St. Louis Cardinals Manager 1940 | Succeeded by Billy Southworth |
[edit] Year-By-Year Managerial Record
| Year | Team | League | Record | Finish | Organization | Playoffs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1938 | St. Louis Cardinals | National League | 8-8 | 6th | St. Louis Cardinals | replaced Frankie Frisch (63-72) on September 14 | |
| 1940 | St. Louis Cardinals | National League | 1-5 | -- | St. Louis Cardinals | replaced Ray Blades (14-24) on June 7 / replaced by Billy Southworth on June 14 |
