Earl Weaver and the Wisconsin Connection

When you think of Major League Baseball managers, there are a few names that should come to mind. One of them ought to be Earl Weaver.

Unfortunately, in a week that saw the loss of a few baseball greats, Earl Weaver passed away at the age of 82. Weaver had the fifth most wins of any manager in Major League Baseball – all with the Baltimore Orioles. It was a run that saw Baltimore win four American League Pennants and one World Series Title. You can see his bust in the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

Or you can drive up to Appleton, Wisconsin.

This pose of Weaver’s became famous over the course of his successful career (photo source: mearsonlineauctions.com)

The fiery, short-fused motivator of the Baltimore Orioles is also a member of the Appleton Baseball Hall of Fame despite only managing one year of the then Minor League Appleton Foxes.

You know them better today as Milwaukee’s Class-A affiliate Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

Weaver managed the Foxes for the 1960 season. The team, under Weaver’s helm and with the help of Cal Ripken and John ‘Boog’ Powell, went 82-59 and went on to win the League Championship. According to Chris Mehrig, Weaver’s reputation for being an Umpire’s worst nightmare was beginning to bloom in this time – Earl was ejected four times during the 1960 campaign.

Earl Weaver – the Duke of Earl – was a player’s manager. He was a motivator, an arguer, and let his players play the game. He was an important part of baseball, not only in Appleton, but throughout the Major and Minor Leagues. He will be missed by everyone who loves baseball. Even the Umpires.