Rodgers caught 155 games in 1962, breaking Mickey Cochrane’s rookie record of 133, and finished second to Tom Tresh in AL Rookie of the Year voting. A switch-hitting starter for six years until beset by injuries in 1968, he was always considered a good handler of pitchers. Rodgers coached for the Twins and Giants, managed in the minors, and, while a Brewer coach, replaced the ailing George Bamberger as manager in 1980. He led Milwaukee to a second-half title in strike-torn 1981, but lost to the Yankees in a playoff and was fired in June of 1982. He became the Expos’ manager in 1985 and was named NL Manager of the Year when Montreal finished third (91-71) in 1987.
