Marty McManus

Martin Joseph "Marty" McManus (March 14 1900–February 18 1966) was a Major League Baseball infielder who played principally as a second baseman (927 games) and third baseman (725 games).

St. Louis Browns: 1920-1926

Born in Chicago, Illinois the son of Martin J. and Kate McManus (Irish immigrants), 'Marty' began his MLB career in the final week of the 1920 season, playing in a single game for the St. Louis Browns. He hit a triple in his first MLB game and became a regular player for the Browns from 1921-1926. Known for his speed and hitting, McManus hit 90 or more RBIs for the Browns in three season, including a career high 109 in 1922. McManus also led the American League in doubles in 1925 with 44. His best season with St. Louis was 1924 when he hit .333 with a .409 on base percentage. He finished in the Top 20 in the American League MVP voting twice with the Browns, finishing 15th in 1923 and 18th in 1926.

McManus also pulled off the hidden ball trick in his last season with the Browns. On June 30, 1926, with Ty Cobb coaching third base, McManus caught Hall of Famer Harry Heilmann with a hidden ball trick. The Tigers still win 4-1.

Detroit Tigers: 1927-1931

On January 15, 1927, McManus was traded to the Detroit Tigers in a six-player deal. McManus played five season for the Tigers from 1927-1931. His best season with Detroit was 1930, when he hit .320 with a .396 on base percentage and a .475 slugging percentage. He also led the American League in stolen bases in 1930 with 23. In July 1929, hit two grand slams in three days for the Tigers.

McManus also developed into a solid third baseman during his years in Detroit. In 1930, he led American League third basemen in putouts (152), double plays (23), and fielding percentage (.966). He had 206 putouts at 3rd base in 1929 -- a total that has not been exceeded since that year by any Detroit third baseman (including Marv Owen, Pinky Higgins, George Kell, Don Wert, Aurelio Rodriguez, Travis Fryman, or Brandon Inge).

Boston Red Sox and Boston Braves: 1931-1934

On August 31, 1931, the Tigers traded McManus to the Boston Red Sox for Muddy Ruel. After the 1931 campaign, he played two more seasons with the Red Sox from 1932-1933.

On June 19, 1932, the Red Sox -- mired in last place -- named McManus as the manager after Shano Collins resigned. After a decade at the bottom of the American League, the Red Sox did not fare much better under McManus. They finished in last place in 1932 and in 7th place in 1933.

McManus was released by the Red Sox at the end of the 1933 season and played the 1934 for the crosstown Boston Braves. McManus played only one year for the Braves, before being released on December 6, 1934.

McManus died in St. Louis, Missouri at age 65.

See also

• List of Major League Baseball players with 400 doubles
• List of Major League Baseball players with 1000 runs
• List of Major League Baseball stolen base champions

External link

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball Reference