Durocher, Leo (1905-1991), was one of the most colorful players and managers in baseball history. As a shortstop, he was known for his hustle and excellent fielding. His outspoken personality as both a player and manager earned him the nickname “Leo the Lip.”
Loading the player...Leo Durocher
Durocher played for 17 seasons. He began in 1925, playing in two games for the New York Yankees. His first full major league season came in 1928 with the Yankees. After playing for the Cincinnati Reds from 1930 to 1932, and the beginning of the 1933 season, Durocher played for the St. Louis Cardinals for five seasons. During that time, he served as captain of the famous “Gas House Gang” that won the 1934 World Series.
Durocher finished his playing career with the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1938 to 1945, when he retired as a player. Durocher also managed the Dodgers from 1939 to 1946. The Dodgers won the pennant in 1941. The baseball commissioner suspended Durocher for the 1947 season for what he called “unpleasant incidents,” including a public dispute with a team owner that was “detrimental to baseball.”
Durocher returned to managing in 1948, splitting the season between the Dodgers and the New York Giants. He managed the Giants through the 1955 season, when he retired. The Giants won pennants in 1951 and 1954 and the World Series in 1954. Durocher returned in 1966, managing the Chicago Cubs until 1972 and ending his career in 1973 managing the Houston Astros. Durocher had 2,008 victories as a manager.
Leo Ernest Durocher was born in West Springfield, Massachusetts, on July 27, 1905. He died on Oct. 7, 1991. Durocher was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994.
