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.
