Former Pirates, Braves, White Sox, and A's Manager Chuck Tanner passed away today.
Tanner was probably most famous for leading the "We Are Family" Pittsburgh Pirates of 1979. I was a very young baseball fan back then, but I have fond memories of that squad. I also have a vague memory of a Chuck Tanner meltdown during the 1980s. Perhaps one of you can help me with it.
As I recall, Tanner put on a radical shift in the bottom of the 9th with Astros 1B Glen Davis at the plate. Davis singled through the open right side and drove in the winning run. After the game, a reporter asked Tanner why he ordered the shift. Tanner replied, "That guy hasn't hit a ball to the right side all year."
The reporter reminded the frustrated Braves skipper that Davis had singled to right the evening before. Tanner's reply?
"Shut up!"
I really hope that story actually happened how I remember it. It was a long time ago and my memory gets worse every year, but it still cracks me up. In any case, rest in peace, Chuck.
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