MLB HOFer Leo Durocher Admitted He’d Lose His Job To Pee Wee Reese
One baseball legend knew a younger player nipping at his heels would be even greater than he was
Sometimes, greatness can only truly be recognized by other greatness. Hall-of-Fame shortstop Pee Wee Reese was one of the best players to ever play the game. Before he had played his first big-league game, future teammate and manager Leo Durocher was insistent that the youngster was the next big thing — even though that meant he was about to be his replacement in the field.
Durocher, also known as “The Lip,” is also a Hall-of-Famer, although for his exploits as a manager. A shortstop as a player, he had an excellent glove but was a poor hitter. It was still enough talent to get him 17 seasons in the majors, where he hit a combined .247 with 24 home runs and 567 RBIs.
As a skipper, Durocher really shined. In 24 seasons from the bench, he won 2,008 games with a .540 winning percentage, taking home three pennants and a World Series title (1954 with the New York Giants).
In 1940, Durocher was 34 and in his second season as player/manager for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Despite his age and added responsibilities, he was coming off one of his better seasons, having batted .277 in 116 games in 1939. That was…
