Hideo Nomo Has a Posse

The oldest man to ever manage a professional game of baseball has died. Bobby Bragan passed away at age 92 in Fort Worth, Texas. In August of 2005, Bragan un-retired for an evening to manage the Forth Worth Cats of the independent league for one game, making him at 87 one week older than the previous record holder, a guy by the name of Connie Mack. Unfortunately Mr. Bragan did not last the entire game as he was ejected in the third inning after agreeing with recently ejected Cats shortstop David Keesee that home plate umpire Brandon Misun was calling a bad game.

Nothing against Mr. Misun, but when an 87 year old manager tells you you’re calling a bad game, you just say thank you sir I’m sorry sir and you take his words to heart. Show some respect for your elders.

So we have not only the oldest guy ever to manage in pro ball (OK, it’s the independent leagues- let’s not split hairs) , but also the oldest guy ever to be ejected. In his heyday, Bragan managed in the majors for the Pirates (1956, 57), the Indians (1958), and the Braves, both in Milwaukee (1963 – 1965) and Atlanta (1966), amassing a record of 443-478. He also coached for the Dodgers and Astros organizations.

In his career, Bragan managed future HOF-ers Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Eddie Matthews, Warren Spahn, and Bob Lemon. ¶