The Associated Press chooses Philadelphia Phillies skipper Eddie Sawyer as Manager of the Year.

On November 9, 1950 — The Associated Press chooses Philadelphia Phillies skipper Eddie Sawyer as Manager of the Year.

In 1949, the Phillies enjoyed their first winning season since 1932, winning 81 games and finishing third. Following the final game of the season Sawyer told his team: “We are going to win it all in 1950. Come back next year ready to win.” On opening day 1950, the Phillies debuted the red pinstripe uniform the team still wears today. Sawyer had designed it after concluding that “the old uniforms were terrible looking.” The NL pennant was up for grabs that season. The 1949 champion Brooklyn Dodgers suffered from pitching troubles and the outbreak of the Korean War had disrupted Major League rosters. The Phillies charged into the league lead and, despite a late-September tailspin, partially caused by the loss of Curt Simmons to military service, they held off Brooklyn in the season’s final game as Sisler’s tenth-inning home run sealed a 4-1 victory. With 91 victories against 63 losses, the Phillies had won their first pennant since 1915. However, in the 1950 World Series they were no match for the Yankees, who swept them in four low-scoring games. After the season, Sawyer was named “manager of the year” in the Associated Press’ poll of sportswriters and sports broadcasters.

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Sources:
Baseball Reference November 9
National Pastime November 9