baseball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and part of its success and growth is down to the brilliant coaches who, throughout history, have shaped teams and players, leading them to success.
These professionals not only master the tactics and strategies of the game, but also inspire their players to reach their full potential. They are central figures who create the best players, combining in-depth knowledge of the sport with incredible leadership skills.
If you’re curious to learn more about the work of these professionals, check out the list we’ve put together of the 20 best baseball coaches in history.
Find out who they are, which teams they played for, their life stories, titles and much more. Check them out!
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The 20 best baseball managers in history: complete list
- Casey Stengel
- Joe McCarthy
- Tony La Russa
- Sparky Anderson
- Connie Mack
- John McGraw
- Walter Alston
- Joe Torre
- Bruce Bochy
- Bobby Cox
- Earl Weaver
- Tommy Lasorda
- Frank Selee
- Red Schoendienst
- Bill McKechnie
- Dick Williams
- Whitey Herzog
- Leo Durocher
- Miller Huggins
- Jim Leyland
The 20 best baseball managers in history: find out more about them!
1. Casey Stengel
- Titles: 10 World Series titles
- Team: New York Yankees
- Fun facts: Known as “The Old Perfessor” because of his ability to teach the game.
- Life story: Casey began his career as a player before becoming one of the most successful managers in baseball history. His charismatic personality and innovative strategies have made him a legend.
2. Joe McCarthy
- Titles: 7 World Series titles
- Team: New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox
- Fun facts: First manager to win championships in both the American League and the National League.
- Life story: Joe is known for his incredible leadership skills and for maintaining a positive team environment. His career is marked by an impressive winning record.
3. Tony La Russa
- Titles: 3 World Series titles
- Team: Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals
- Fun facts: Third winningest manager in MLB history.
- Life story: La Russa had a career spanning more than three decades, being recognized for his strategic ability and player development.
4. Sparky Anderson
- Titles: 3 World Series titles
- Team: Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers
- Fun facts: First manager to win the World Series in both leagues.
- Life story: Sparky was known for his vibrant personality and his ability to lead winning teams in different contexts.
5. Connie Mack
- Titles: 5 World Series titles
- Team: Philadelphia Athletics
- Fun facts: Coach with the most wins in MLB history.
- Life story: Mack was a coach for more than 50 years, influencing several generations of players with his in-depth knowledge of the game.
6. John McGraw
- Titles: 3 World Series titles
- Team: New York Giants
- Fun facts: Known for his intense and competitive approach.
- Life story: McGraw is remembered as one of the fiercest and most successful coaches of all time, leading the Giants for over 30 years.
7. Walter Alston
- Titles: 4 World Series titles
- Team: Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers
- Fun facts: Nicknamed “Smokey” because of his pitching ability.
- Life story: Alston coached the Dodgers for 23 years, turning the team into a baseball powerhouse.
8. Joe Torre
- Titles: 4 World Series titles
- Team: New York Yankees
- Fun facts: He was also a successful player before becoming a manager.
- Life story: Torre is widely respected for his ability to manage great talent and lead winning teams.
9. Bruce Bochy
- Titles: 3 World Series titles
- Team: San Francisco Giants
- Fun facts: Known for his ability to make critical decisions at important moments.
- Life story: Bochy led the Giants to three championships in five years, noted for his calm and effective leadership.
10. Bobby Cox
- Titles: 1 World Series title
- Team: Atlanta Braves
- Fun facts: Holds the record for most ejections in MLB history.
Life story: Cox coached the Braves for more than two decades, turning the team into a dominant force in the 90s.
11. Earl Weaver
- Titles: 1 World Series title
- Team: Baltimore Orioles
- Fun facts: Known for his statistical and analytical approach to the game.
- Life story: Weaver was famous for his ability to get the most out of his players and for his combative personality.
12. Tommy Lasorda
- Titles: 2 World Series titles
- Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
- Fun facts: Nicknamed “Mr. Dodger” for his long association with the team.
- Life story: Lasorda is a Dodger legend, known for his passion for the game and his charismatic leadership style.
13. Frank Selee
- Titles: 5 National League titles
- Team: Boston Beaneaters
- Fun facts: He introduced several tactical innovations to the game.
- Life story: Selee is remembered for his lasting impact on the development of modern baseball, being one of the most influential coaches of the 19th century.
14. Red Schoendienst
- Titles: 2 World Series titles
- Team: St. Louis Cardinals
- Fun facts: He also had a successful playing career.
- Life story: Schoendienst was one of the Cardinals’ main coaches, known for his leadership and tactical knowledge.
15. Bill McKechnie
- Titles: 2 World Series titles
- Team: Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds
- Fun facts: First manager to take three different teams to the World Series.
- Life story: McKechnie was known for his ability to turn teams into champions, leaving a lasting legacy in baseball.
16. Dick Williams
- Titles: 2 World Series titles
- Team: Oakland Athletics
- Fun facts: Known for his disciplined and methodical approach.
- Life story: Williams was successful in several teams, standing out for his ability to lead and develop players.
17. Whitey Herzog
- Titles: 1 World Series title
- Team: St. Louis Cardinals
- Fun facts: Nicknamed “The White Rat”.
- Life story: Herzog is remembered for his strategic ability and for leading the Cardinals to multiple World Series appearances.
18. Leo Durocher
- Titles: 1 World Series title
- Team: New York Giants
- Fun facts: Known for his catchphrase “Nice guys finish last”.
- Life story: Durocher was a controversial but extremely effective coach, known for his strong personality and tactical ability.
19. Miller Huggins
- Titles: 3 World Series titles
- Team: New York Yankees
- Fun facts: He led the Yankees during the Babe Ruth era.
- Life story: Huggins was known for his ability to manage stars and for turning the Yankees into a dynasty.
20. Jim Leyland
- Titles: 1 World Series title
- Team: Florida Marlins
- Fun facts: Known for his intense dedication to the game and his team.
Life story: Leyland had a long and successful career as a coach, marked by his passion for baseball and his commitment to the success of his players.
The 20 best baseball managers in history: complete list
- Casey Stengel
- Joe McCarthy
- Tony La Russa
- Sparky Anderson
- Connie Mack
- John McGraw
- Walter Alston
- Joe Torre
- Bruce Bochy
- Bobby Cox
- Earl Weaver
- Tommy Lasorda
- Frank Selee
- Red Schoendienst
- Bill McKechnie
- Dick Williams
- Whitey Herzog
- Leo Durocher
- Miller Huggins
- Jim Leyland
The 20 best baseball managers in history
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