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amead17 · 03-03-2026, 01:35 PM

SURPRISE AND SENTIMENT MARK MANAGERIAL SHAKE-UPS FOLLOWING SEASON’S CLOSE
Indians Dismiss Ramirez; Veterans Chase and Lara Step Aside

By Arthur H. Leland, Sporting Times
October 20th 1918

With the 1918 campaign now consigned to the record books and the Philadelphia Athletics enthroned as champions of the base ball world, several clubs have already turned their attentions toward reshaping their affairs for the coming year. The most startling development comes from Cleveland, where the Cleveland Indians have relieved manager Jose Ramirez of his duties.

The announcement fell upon the sporting public like a thunderclap. Ramirez, who assumed command seven years ago when the club languished in seventh place, steadily built the Indians into a formidable nine, culminating in their World’s Series triumph of 1917. Though last season saw a decline to third position, few foresaw so abrupt a severance. Over his tenure, Ramirez compiled a commendable 574–504 record.

The Cleveland front office declined public comment upon the dismissal, yet the faithful were anything but silent, voicing strong disapproval at the sudden departure of the man who had guided their club from the cellar to the summit.

Ramirez himself did not conceal his feelings when addressing reporters. “I gave seven years of my life to this club and carried it from the bottom to a championship,” he said. “To be turned aside without warning is both a shock and a bitter disappointment. I believe our record speaks plainly for the work we have done.”

Elsewhere, two veteran leaders have chosen to lay down their burdens of their own accord. In the capital, Washington Senators manager Chase has elected to retire after fourteen years at the helm, a tenure dating to 1904. His stewardship included a World’s Series crown in 1910 and an imposing overall ledger of 1129–1027.

“I have given the best years of my base ball life to Washington,” Chase reflected. “It seems fitting now to seek new adventures, carrying with me proud memories of what we achieved together.”

Change also visits Philadelphia, where Philadelphia Phillies manager Danny Lara has announced his retirement in order to devote more time to his family. Lara, who assumed command in 1912, concludes his tenure with a 498–580 record. His period in charge has not been counted among the club’s most prosperous, and with the Phillies finishing last in the National League this year, there had been murmurs that his position stood in jeopardy.

Lara spoke with candor regarding his decision. “Base ball has demanded much of my time and energy,” he said. “I believe it is right that I now give that time to my family. I depart with gratitude for the opportunity, whatever the record may show.”

Thus, even before the echoes of the championship cheers have faded, the game enters its season of reckoning, with clubs reshaping their leadership in hopes of brighter fortunes when next the umpire calls play.

03-03-2026, 01:35 PM	#826
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,288	SURPRISE AND SENTIMENT MARK MANAGERIAL SHAKE-UPS FOLLOWING SEASON’S CLOSE Indians Dismiss Ramirez; Veterans Chase and Lara Step Aside By Arthur H. Leland, Sporting Times October 20th 1918 With the 1918 campaign now consigned to the record books and the Philadelphia Athletics enthroned as champions of the base ball world, several clubs have already turned their attentions toward reshaping their affairs for the coming year. The most startling development comes from Cleveland, where the Cleveland Indians have relieved manager Jose Ramirez of his duties. The announcement fell upon the sporting public like a thunderclap. Ramirez, who assumed command seven years ago when the club languished in seventh place, steadily built the Indians into a formidable nine, culminating in their World’s Series triumph of 1917. Though last season saw a decline to third position, few foresaw so abrupt a severance. Over his tenure, Ramirez compiled a commendable 574–504 record. The Cleveland front office declined public comment upon the dismissal, yet the faithful were anything but silent, voicing strong disapproval at the sudden departure of the man who had guided their club from the cellar to the summit. Ramirez himself did not conceal his feelings when addressing reporters. “I gave seven years of my life to this club and carried it from the bottom to a championship,” he said. “To be turned aside without warning is both a shock and a bitter disappointment. I believe our record speaks plainly for the work we have done.” Elsewhere, two veteran leaders have chosen to lay down their burdens of their own accord. In the capital, Washington Senators manager Chase has elected to retire after fourteen years at the helm, a tenure dating to 1904. His stewardship included a World’s Series crown in 1910 and an imposing overall ledger of 1129–1027. “I have given the best years of my base ball life to Washington,” Chase reflected. “It seems fitting now to seek new adventures, carrying with me proud memories of what we achieved together.” Change also visits Philadelphia, where Philadelphia Phillies manager Danny Lara has announced his retirement in order to devote more time to his family. Lara, who assumed command in 1912, concludes his tenure with a 498–580 record. His period in charge has not been counted among the club’s most prosperous, and with the Phillies finishing last in the National League this year, there had been murmurs that his position stood in jeopardy. Lara spoke with candor regarding his decision. “Base ball has demanded much of my time and energy,” he said. “I believe it is right that I now give that time to my family. I depart with gratitude for the opportunity, whatever the record may show.” Thus, even before the echoes of the championship cheers have faded, the game enters its season of reckoning, with clubs reshaping their leadership in hopes of brighter fortunes when next the umpire calls play.