Books and articles about Danny Murtaugh

RELATED LINKS » 1960: The Last Pure Season by Kerry Keene » 1972: A Wild Pitch Sinks the Pirates by John Kuenster

Unflappable Danny Murtaugh parlayed charm, confidence, and intelligence into a lengthy, highly successful managerial career. As a player, the Irishman batted over .270 only three times. He led the NL in stolen bases as a Phillies rookie in 1941, and led league second basemen in putouts, assists, and double plays for the Pirates in 1948, his first of four seasons playing in Pittsburgh. He began managing in the Pirates' system in 1952, and in 1957 took the helm of the parent club from Bobby Bragen. He upset Casey Stengel and the Yankees in the seven-game 1960 World Series, and was named Sport Magazine's "Man of the Year." Due to ill health, Murtaugh resigned in 1964, but he served as interim manager in 1967. He retook the reins for 1970 and 1971, guiding a rebuilt Pirate club to two NL East titles and the 1971 World Championship. He returned again, with his familiar rocking chair, in 1973, to become only the second man to manage one club four times (Billy Sharsig did it five times with Philadelphia of the American Association). After winning NL East pennants in 1974 and 1975, Murtaugh retired for good as Pittsburgh's second-winningest manager. His number 40 was retired by the Pirates. (ME)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » August 3, 1957: The news that Danny Murtaugh will succeed Bobby Bragan as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates is leaked to the press, and Bragan hears it on the radio before Joe L. Brown can inform him. » October 8, 1960: Bombing continues in the Bronx in Game 3. Yankee Bobby Richardson's six RBI, including a grand slam off reliever Clem Labine in a 6-run first inning, and Whitey Ford's 4-hitter give the Yanks a 10–0 win and a 2-1 World Series lead, spoiling Pittsburgh manager Danny Murtaugh's 43rd birthday. » October 1, 1964: Danny Murtaugh (80-82) resigns as manager of the Pirates for health reasons. » July 18, 1967: Harry Walker (42-42) is fired as manager of the Pirates. Danny Murtaugh is called back to finish the season. » October 9, 1969: Danny Murtaugh signs on for a 3rd term as manager of the Pirates. » November 23, 1971: Danny Murtaugh, manager of the World Champion Pirates, announces his retirement for health reasons. Bill Virdon is named to replace him. » September 6, 1973: The Pirates fire manager Bill Virdon. Danny Murtaugh takes over the club for the 4th and final time. » December 2, 1976: Danny Murtaugh, who had retired two months earlier as Pirates manager, dies at Chester, Pennsylvania, of a heart attack at age 59.