A catcher in only five ML games, Fohl was the owner and playing manager of Waterbury
in the Eastern Association when the Indians hired him as manager in 1915. He finished
second to the Red Sox by 2-1/2 games in 1918, but the next year, with the team in
third place, he let his pitcher pitch to Babe Ruth instead of walking him. Ruth homered
to win the game and Fohl was fired the next day. He was hired in 1921 by Bob Quinn
to manage the Browns and came within one game of winning the 1922 pennant. George
Sisler, the Browns' best player, missed the entire 1923 season, but Fohl still
had the club in third place when he was fired after 101 games. Quinn, then president
of the Red Sox, hired him in 1924, but the Sox had sold off their best players and
Fohl finished seventh once and last twice.
(NLM)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»February 16, 1916: Energetic recruiting by Ban Johnson produces a pair of Chicago contractors to take over the Cleveland franchise from Charles W. Somers, a lavish spender at the American League's creation but now in financial difficulties. J.C. Dunn and P.S. McCarthy pay $500,000—$60,000 less than the asking price. E.S. Barnard will stay on as vice president; Lee Fohl, as manager.
»July 10, 1919:
After PH Joe Harris triples with three on base to give Cleveland a 7-3 lead in the last of the eighth,
reliever Elmer Myers gives up a run, then loads the bases on walks. In comes little-used lefty Fritz Coumbe. Up steps Babe Ruth who hit his second HR of the day for an 8-7 Red Sox win. Out goes Indians' manager Lee Fohl, fired for the move. In comes CF Tris Speaker to manage the Tribe. He will bring them home in second place and stay as skipper for seven years.
»October 22, 1923: The Red Sox name Lee Fohl as their new manager. Fohl was fired in July as the Browns manager.
»October 22, 1926: Manager Lee Fohl resigns after two last-place finishes with the Red Sox.
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