Intro

Former catcher Ralph Houk replaced legend Casey Stengel as manager of the Yankees in 1961, in an unpopular move. He guided the team to pennants his first three seasons, winning championships in his first two, before being replaced by Yogi Berra following the 1963 season. He returned to manage the Yankees in 1966, overseeing the team as their 60-year dynasty fell apart. Houk was a second-string catcher for the Yankees after serving as a major in the U.S. Army in World War II. He was a tough, competitive leader, who later mellowed somewhat and became a fine teacher of young players. He never won another pennant after winning three in his first three seasons as a skipper, despite managing for 20 years.

Best Season

The Yankees were, up to that time, the most explosive home run-hitting team of all-time. Behind Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, as well as a talented and deep pitching corps, the Bombers fought off the Detroit Tigers to win the pennant, and quickly dispatched the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series.

Factoid 1

Ralph Houk is the only manager to win pennants in his first three seasons as a major league manager (1961-1963).

Coach

New York Yankees (1958-1960)

Future Managers who Played for Houk

Yogi Berra, Billy Gardner, Mike Ferraro, Dick Howser, Bobby Cox, Gene Michael, Felipe Alou, Hal Lanier, Gene Lamont, Jerry Manuel, Bruce Kimm, Alan Trammell, Tony Perez, Glenn Hoffman, Jeff Newman.