Jimmy Dykes

James Joseph Dykes (November 10, 1896 - June 15, 1976) is the first manager in history to win 1,000 games without ever capturing a league pennant. Jimmy Dykes played 22 seasons in the Major Leagues for the Philadelphia Athletics (1918-1932) and the Chicago White Sox (1933-1939), with his final six seasons with the Sox as player/manager. Jimmy was a versatile infielder with a strong throwing arm who could be used virtually anywhere. In a single game 1927, Dykes played every position except left field and catcher. Dykes was a two-time All-Star selection and twice won the World Series with the A’s (1929, 1930). He hit over the .300-mark seven times in his career. Jimmy Dykes retired as a player with 2,256 hits, 453 doubles, 1,108 runs, 1,071 RBI and a .280 career batting average. Once he took over as manager of White Sox, he spent 21 seasons calling plays from the dugout for six teams, the White Sox (1934-1946), A’s (1951-1953), Orioles (1954), Tigers (1959-1960) and the Indians (1960-1961). In 1951, Jimmy Dykes succeeded the retiring Connie Mack after 50 year at the helm. Jimmy Dykes compiled a record of 1,406-1,541 in 2,962 games and never finished a season higher than third place.