HUGHIE JENNINGS
Manager, 1907-1920
"Ee-Yah"
--Class of 1925--
Born - 4/2/1869
Died - 2/1/1928
Biography:
Before he became manager of the Detroit Tigers, Tiger owner Frank Navin had to convince American League President Ban Johnson that he be given permission to hire the man with such a "rowdy" image. Johnson gave in and Tiger history was made. "Ee-yah" Hughie Jennings posted a mark of 1,131-972, leading the Tigers to AL pennants from 1907-1909. As much a showman as he was an outstanding baseball mind, he is known for one of the most indelible images in Tiger history. It is one of him holding both hands high while lifting one leg in the air in the coach’s box. His trademark yell was "Ee-yah" and could be heard during many Tiger rallies. Once a great player himself, he was considered a master psychologist. He was one of few that got along with Ty Cobb. He quickly realized Cobb knew more about the game than he’d ever learn, so he gave him free reign during games. And while some resented the special treatment, he still held his authority. He was one of the first managers to fine players, one day taking $50 from Claude Rossman for hitting a home run. He was supposed to bunt. Jennings was inducted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1945.
Managerial Record:
Code:
Year League Team Age G W L WP Finish Champs
1907 American Lg Detroit 38 153 92 58 .613 1 AL
1908 American Lg Detroit 39 154 90 63 .588 1 AL
1909 American Lg Detroit 40 158 98 54 .645 1 AL
1910 American Lg Detroit 41 155 86 68 .558 3
1911 American Lg Detroit 42 154 89 65 .578 2
1912 American Lg Detroit 43 154 69 84 .451 6
1913 American Lg Detroit 44 153 66 87 .431 6
1914 American Lg Detroit 45 157 80 73 .523 4
1915 American Lg Detroit 46 156 100 54 .649 2
1916 American Lg Detroit 47 155 87 67 .565 3
1917 American Lg Detroit 48 155 78 75 .510 4
1918 American Lg Detroit 49 128 55 71 .437 7
1919 American Lg Detroit 50 140 80 60 .571 4
1920 American Lg Detroit 51 155 61 93 .396 7
YR From To G W L WP BstFin WstFin PostSsn Pennts WrldSer
TOTALS 14 1907 1920 2127 1131 972 .538 1 7 3 3 0