John McKechnie (coach)

John Sylvester McKechnie (August 7, 1869 – October 31, 1953) was an American professional baseball player and manager. McKechnie managed Major League Baseball (MLB) teams for parts of five decades, from 1915 to 1946. He is one of only eleven managers to win pennants with three different teams, and one of only nine managers to win World Series titles with two different teams.

Born in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, McKechnie began his professional baseball career as a player, primarily as an infielder. He played in the majors from 1896 to 1914 for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Louisville Colonels, Washington Senators, New York Giants, Chicago Cubs, and Cincinnati Reds.

McKechnie transitioned to managing, starting with the Newark Peppers of the Federal League in 1915. He then managed the Pittsburgh Pirates (1922-1926), St. Louis Cardinals (1926-1927), Boston Braves (1928-1929), and Cincinnati Reds (1930-1937, 1946). His managerial career was marked by strategic acumen and a reputation for player development.

He led the Pittsburgh Pirates to the 1925 World Series championship, defeating the Washington Senators. He won his second World Series title in 1940 with the Cincinnati Reds, completing a remarkable turnaround for the franchise. He also led the St. Louis Cardinals to the National League pennant in 1928, although they lost the World Series to the New York Yankees.

Known for his calm demeanor and astute baseball mind, McKechnie was nicknamed "Deacon" due to his devout religious beliefs and clean living. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. His career managerial record stands at 1,896 wins and 1,724 losses.