I was shocked and dismayed to learn that Gene Mauch had called his last shot as manager after 26 years. He seemed out of place in the dugout--a gentleman among boys, absurdly dressed in the same pajama-like clothing. Still, he carried a presence, a self-assured style and grace that would match Cary Grant at his sartorial best.
Always reputed to be among the most intelligent managers in baseball, Mauch was nevertheless unable to lead any of his teams to the World Series. I'm not about to offer any crackpot theories on why this is so, but I can relate to the kind of anger and frustration that Mauch has endured for more than a quarter century.
