rkeden...while I admit I am an unabashed Gene Mauch fan [thought it was interesting that Peter Gammons recently wrote that he felt Mauch should be in the HOF for his many contributions to the game over 40+ years] I have to call you out on your comment about Mauch and his oft times use of his 25 man roster during the course of a game.
I felt this was not only unfair but a bit untrue. Mauch was on whole a master at the use of his roster and while he has taken abuse for his managing during the 1964 collapse in late September, it is equally fair to say that without his amazing managing skills during the first 150 games that season that team never is in a position to "collapse" in late September of 1964.
And while Mauch has taken the blame for that collapse, we are never talking about it if John Herrnstein or Wes Covington get even one key hit during 4 of those games...all which would have produced a victory. I have always maintained it was not the pitching that let them down, it was the hitters and Mauch's managing of the daily lineup was basically no different than it had been all season.
Anyways, on balance, I would be more than happy if Kapller's Phillies career somewhat mirrored Mauch's. who I still consider to be the greatest manager they have had in my 50+ years as a phan.
