Rodgers caught 155 games in 1962, breaking
Mickey Cochrane's rookie record of 133,
and finished second to
Tom Tresh in AL Rookie of the Year voting. A switch-hitting
starter for six years until beset by injuries in 1968, he was always considered a
good handler of pitchers. Rodgers coached for the Twins and Giants, managed in the
minors, and, while a Brewer coach, replaced the ailing
George Bamberger as manager
in 1980. He led Milwaukee to a second-half title in strike-torn 1981, but lost to
the Yankees in a playoff and was fired in June of 1982. He became the Expos' manager
in 1985 and was named NL Manager of the Year when Montreal finished third (91-71)
in 1987.
(JCA)