Books and articles about John Wathan

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"Duke" became known for his John Wayne imitations. His surprisingly good speed and ability to adequately play first base and the outfield kept the catcher in the majors for a decade. From 1977 to 1979, he played 92 consecutive errorless games at 1B, a Royals record. Despite missing six weeks with a broken ankle, in 1982 he set a ML record for catchers by stealing 36 bases. He was good at working with young pitchers, but was below average at throwing out basestealers. He had managed less than one season in the minors, and was in his 17th year with the Royals organization, when he was named to succeed Billy Gardner as Kansas City manager on August 27, 1987. (FJO)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » April 15, 1916: In a 9–4 win, White Sox C Ray Schalk steals twice against Detroit en route to a season total of 30. This is a record for catchers until 1982 when John Wathan nicks 36. » August 24, 1982: Kansas City's John Wathan steals his 31st base of the season in a 5–3 win over the Rangers, breaking the single-season record for catchers set by Ray Schalk in 1916. Wathan will finish the season with a career-high 36 SBs. » August 27, 1987: The Royals fire manager Billy Gardner, who replaced Dick Howser in spring training, and replace him with John Wathan, the former Kansas City catcher who was managing the club's Triple A Omaha affiliate. In Wathan's ML managerial debut, the Royals win 3–2 on George Brett's 10th-inning home run to move within three games of first-place Minnesota. » May 22, 1991: Manager John Wathan is fired by the Royals. He will be replaced by Hal McRae. » May 21, 1992: Four members of the California Angels, including manager Buck Rodgers, are hospitalized after the bus carrying the team swerves into a row of trees off the New Jersey Turnpike. Rodgers, the most seriously injured, incurs a broke right rib, left knee and right elbow. John Wathan takes over the team as interim manager.