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NEW PILOTS NAMED TO FILL MANAGERIAL POSTS
Indians, Phillies and Senators Complete Their Changes at the Helm
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
October 29th 1918
The trio of managerial vacancies that stirred such discussion in recent days have now been addressed, with the Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Senators each naming a new leader to guide their fortunes.
In Cleveland, the Indians have elected to entrust their club to Steve Brodie, a man long steeped in the game’s finer points. Brodie arrives after six seasons as bench coach of the New York Yankees. Though the Yankees have enjoyed only a modest measure of success in that span, Cleveland’s ownership is confident that Brodie’s experience and understanding of the sport may return the Indians to the lofty standing they so recently occupied.
“I have learned much in my years at the bench,” Brodie said upon his appointment. “Cleveland is a proud club, and I mean to apply every lesson I have gathered to see it rise once more to the summit.”
In Philadelphia, the Phillies have turned to a veteran of long service in supporting roles. Doc Landis, aged 64, at last ascends to the chief post after many years as a bench coach. Most recently he served the Washington Senators from 1908 through 1917 in that capacity. Though he has not previously held the top position, he now has his opportunity to direct the Phillies’ course.
The faithful in Philadelphia look to Landis to steady and improve a solid squad, and to make full use of what many regard as the finest player in the league, Ty Cobb.
“I have waited a long while for such an opportunity,” Landis remarked. “The Phillies possess strong material, and I am eager to demonstrate what can be accomplished with firm guidance and proper direction.”
Meanwhile, the Senators have selected Mario Ojeda as their new manager. Ojeda brings experience from his tenure as bench coach with the Phillies between 1913 and 1917. Washington’s club, which has hovered in the middle ranks, now looks to him for advancement in the standings.
“I am grateful for the confidence shown in me,” Ojeda stated. “The Senators have the foundation of a good club, and I intend to work diligently to raise it to higher ground.”
Thus, with the appointments complete, attention turns toward the winter months and the shaping of plans for the coming campaign, as each new pilot prepares to chart his course for 1919.
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