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Hank Bauer managed the Orioles for 4.5 years and won a World Series in 1966 and nearly won a pennant in 1964 but was fired midway through the 1968 season. I know they had a losing season after winning the World Series but you would think they would have given him the benefit of the doubt. My question is why was Hank Bauer fired?
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The only blurb I could find claimed that Frank Robinson didn't like him...?"If I drink whiskey, I'll never get worms!" - Hack Wilson -
Three of Bauer's coaches were fired at the end of 1967 and Bauer claims that the club asked him to resign but he was still under contract and wouldn't do so. The Orioles had signed him to a 2-year, $50K per deal after the WS victory in 1966.
The Orioles brought in Earl Weaver to fill one of the vacanies - against Bauer's wishes. Bauer declared frankly, "I didn't want him around. I was knifed in the back once before." Baltimore Sun 12 July 1968 (referencing Lopat with the KC A's)
Thus, the writing was on the wall. Bauer's contract was up at the end of the year and in all liklihood wouldn't have been re-upped for 1969.Comment
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Thanks for the information. It had to be a huge letdown to have a season like they did after winning the World Series. I often how the Orioles would have done against the Mets if he had stayed.Comment
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