Walter Alston: The Rise of a Manager from the Minors to the Baseball Hall of Fame

Walter Smokey Alston, a Hall of Famer with over 2000 career wins, began his career in the minors and later managed the Dodgers to nine pennants and four World Series wins.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2021
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

Walter Smokey Alston, the legendary manager of the Dodgers, is widely recognized for his remarkable tenure in both Brooklyn and Los Angeles. However, many fans may be unaware of his earlier years in the minors, where he honed the skills that would eventually make him a baseball legend. Born in rural Ohio, Alston graduated from Miami University and caught the attention of scouts for the St. Louis Cardinals. In 1935, he signed with the Cardinals and played on their minor league teams for several years. Despite making just one appearance in the majors, striking out, Cardinals President Branch Rickey recognized Alston's potential and appointed him as a player-manager for several clubs.

Over the course of his career, Alston consistently produced winning teams, notably leading the racially integrated Nashua Little Dodgers to a championship in 1946. In 1953, he was promoted to run the prestigious Dodgers club, and for the next 23 seasons, he guided the team to nine pennants and four World Series victories. This book chronicles Alston's remarkable journey from his early days in the minors to his induction into the Hall of Fame with over 2000 career wins.

Alston's success as a manager was attributed to his strong leadership skills, ability to develop talent, and his commitment to fair play and equality. He was a pioneer in integrating baseball, and his teams were known for their diversity and talent. Despite facing challenges and discrimination throughout his career, Alston remained dedicated to the game and his players, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of baseball fans.

In conclusion, Walter Smokey Alston's journey from a rural Ohio upbringing to becoming a Hall of Fame manager is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and dedication to the game of baseball. His years in the minors, where he honed his skills and faced adversity, laid the foundation for his remarkable career. Alston's impact on the Dodgers and the sport of baseball is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to be celebrated for years to come.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 150 x 224 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476682105