Chuck Tanner, Chicago White Sox manager 1973 Photo A fine defensive platoon outfielder for eight major league seasons, the well-liked Chuck Tanner was regarded as one of baseball's best managers during his years with the Chicago White Sox (1970-1975) Oakland A's (1976) Pittsburgh Pirates (1977-1985) and the Atlanta Braves (1986). The ever-optimistic Tanner was noted for his big smiles - all the time. Summing up his career managing style, Tanner said, 'Basically, I treated people with respect as individuals and encouraged them to excel. I just liked being part of helping people achieve their goals. And it is certainly very satisfying when we won.' In his first full season as a manager, Tanner's 1971 White Sox were 79-83, a 23-game improvement over the 1970 team, and in '72 he led them to 87-67 and a second place finish. Tanner's 'We Are Family' Pittsburgh Pirates won the 1979 World Series after three straight second place finishes in the NL East. Chuck Tanner's career Managing 1,352 Wins- 1,381 Losses. Player... .261 BA, 231 hits in 885 at bats, in 396 Games. |