MLB: A chip off the old Buck

Buck Showalter’s MLB legacy can be drastically changed with a World Series win

It feels like Buck Showalter’s been managing MLB clubs for at least three decades instead of just over two. He is easily one of the best managers of his time who’s never won anything more than two Manager of the Year awards.

His biggest claim to fame was deliberating with George on Seinfeld about the benefits of having uniforms stitched from cotton instead of polyester. “You may have something there George. Hmm cotton uniforms.”

He’s also the Diamondbacks manager who issued a bases loaded walk to Barry Bonds with an 8-6 lead in 1998 (Arizona won the game). He’s the short, intense ex-minor leaguer who’s intensity and obsession with every minute detail turned around losing teams. And he’s the manager who never lasted more than four seasons in New York, Arizona, and Texas and had to accept each franchise going to the playoffs and/or winning championships without him.

The Baltimore Orioles are on the precipice of reaching their first World Series since claiming a title in 1983 over Philadelphia. Joe Altobelli managed that ballclub and inherited it from Earl Weaver. From 1984 onwards, the Orioles fell into a malaise salvaged only by two ALCS appearances in 1996 and 1997 that concluded in defeats.

A revolving door of managers followed Altobelli and Cal Ripken Sr. Frank Robinson, Johnny Oates, Davey Johnson, Ray Miller, Mark Hargrove, Lee Mazzilli, Sam Perlozzo, and Dave Trembley.

Reading up on Showalter and hearing stories passed down from broadcasters via television or radio illustrates his mindset. For instance during a game against the Detroit Tigers on TBS, a quick story was told of how Showalter was consumed with scheduling bus trips for next year’s Spring Training Grapefruit League before meeting with assembled media for a playoff bout.

Sep 19, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter (26) looks on during the against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s no wonder he couldn’t be content at ESPN, which he did a fantastic job daily on covering all the games on Baseball Tonight. He left ESPN twice, returning to manage in Texas and then for Baltimore in late July 2010.

A Florida native, Showalter’s father preferred becoming a high school principal and teacher at Century High School instead of pursuing an NFL career. His son William “Buck” Nathaniel III graduated from that school and his father’s love of coaching and teaching certainly passed down to his son. Buck was drafted from Mississippi State by the Yankees in 1977. He played seven years as a Yankees minor leaguer and became known as a dependable organizational player with a know-how to win.

Buck never made the big leagues in large part due to the fact his physical makeup. At 5′ 9″, he was more suited as a utility middle infielder than the first base position he manned as a left-handed thrower.

As fate would have it, Showalter’s minor league manager Johnny Oates became a mentor and close friend. Oates had more success as a player, but it was his compassion and fair treatment to the players he presides over that Buck remembered and valued.

While Showalter may not appear congenial when cameras pan to him in dugouts or postgame conferences, his reputation precedes itself when it comes to maximizing talent and potential from each player on his roster. He’s done it at each stop and now in Baltimore. The Orioles have competed with Chris Tillman as their lone consistent top starter, Buck’s handling of a stingy bullpen, and losses to three of their best players (Matt Wieters, Manny Machado and Chris Davis).

Buck chose #26 to honor his mentor Oates when Peter Angelos signed him in 2010. Ironically, Oates inherited a last place Orioles team in 1991 and proceeded to churn out three straight winning seasons. Showalter assumed the reins of a 66-96 franchise, but they went 34-23 under the new manager in a sign of things to come. Now in his fourth season in Baltimore, Showalter may have a chance to see things all the way through for once. His contract was extended through 2018 last year.

Oates passed away from a brain tumor at 58-years-old in 2004. Showalter has now managed two franchises Oates used to guide in the Rangers and Orioles. Back in 1995, Showalter was considered a successor to Oates, whom Baltimore fired. Still under contract as manager of the Yankees, Showalter’s job was deemed secure for the franchise with whom he spent his entire pro baseball career.

Now at 58-years-young himself, Buck is an October series away from managing in a World Series. A series many critics believed he’d never experience from a dugout step. It’s something that has escaped Showalter’s career. It would be a proud moment for himself, his father, and mentor combined.

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