Dyer, a genteel southerner, was a marginal pitcher for parts of six seasons with
the Cardinals, becoming a manager in that organization after pitching just one inning
in 1927. He managed nine minor league champions between 1928 and 1942, and was named
TSN Minor League Manager of the Year for his leadership at Columbus (American Association) in 1942. Dyer headed the St. Louis farm operation while
Billy Southworth took the Cardinals to three straight wartime pennants. When Southworth
left to manage the Braves, Dyer replaced him, and won the 1946 pennant and the World
Series against the Red Sox. Despite his successful'Rh)''@@debut, when the team finished
second the next three seasons, Dyer's reputation as a gifted leader and developer
of talent was not enough to quiet critics. After a fifth-place finish with a 78-75
record in 1950, Dyer was offered just a one-year contract extension; the Rice alumnus
instead chose the business world in booming Houston.
(JK)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»May 2, 1946: In St. Louis, Giants manager Mel Ott informs C Clyde Kluttz at breakfast that he has been traded from New York to the Phillies. But Cards manager Eddie Dyer calls Kluttz at lunch to tell him not to pack; St. Louis has just made a trade for him. Kluttz is part of the trades that sends Vince DiMaggio from the Phils to the Giants and 2B Emil Verban from St. Louis to Philadelphia. The Giants then beat the Cards, 5–1, scoring four in the 9th. Dave Koslo tosses a 4-hitter for New York, beating Harry Brecheen. Brecheen fans three in the 3rd -- Buddy Kerr, Koslo, and Bill Rigney -- all on called strikes.
»May 8, 1947: A movement among Cardinal players to protest its first meeting with Jackie Robinson and the Dodgers is aborted by a clubhouse talk from owner Sam Breadon, according to a story by writer Stanley Woodward, League president Ford Frick had warned the team that if a strike occurred, any player involved would be suspended. Cardinal manager Eddie Dyer denies there was any strike talk. The Cards win 5–1, for their 2nd win in a row.
»October 16, 1950:
Manager Eddie Dyer is out after five seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. He will return to off-season oil and real estate businesses in Houston.
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