Inspirational Quotes by Casey Stengel (American Sportsperson)

Casey Stengel (1890–1975,) fully Charles Dillon Stengel, was an American professional baseball player and manager renowned for his quick wit, vibrant personality, and unmatched managerial prowess. Often referred to as “The Old Perfessor,” Stengel concealed a fierce competitive drive behind his practical jokes and rambling monologues. While his 14-year playing career may have been overshadowed, his 25-year manager tenure saw him lead exceptional and struggling teams, solidifying his legacy. Recognizing his contributions, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1966.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Stengel began his career as a left-handed outfielder for the Brooklyn Dodgers in the National League (1912–17.) He later played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1918–19,) the Philadelphia Phillies (1920–21,) the New York Giants (1921–23,) and the Boston Braves (1924–25.) Stengel’s standout year came in 1923 when he achieved a batting average of .339 for the New York Giants, contributing two home runs in the World Series. However, his performance was overshadowed by the young Babe Ruth, who clinched the series for the New York Yankees with three home runs.

In 1932, Stengel transitioned to coaching and eventually became a team manager, initially with lackluster results for the Brooklyn Dodgers (1934–36) and the Boston Braves (1938–43.) However, his fortunes changed when he was appointed interim manager of the Yankees in 1949. For 12 years with the team, he led them to an impressive 10 American League pennants (including five consecutive ones) and seven World Series championships (1949–53, 1956, and 1958.) Although Stengel retired after the 1960 season, he returned two years later to manage the New York Mets. This expansion team became affectionately known as the “Lovable Losers.” Despite enduring over 400 losses under Stengel’s guidance, the Mets saw his unwavering commitment until his retirement in 1965. Subsequently, he assumed the role of vice president for the Mets.

Stengel’s humorous quips and quick-witted remarks endeared him to fans and the media. He was famous for his flair and distinctive English language use, affectionately termed “Stengelese.” Noteworthy biographies on Stengel’s life include Robert W. Creamer’s Stengel: His Life and Times (1984,) Ira Berkow and Jim Kaplan’s The Gospel According to Casey (2015,) and Marty Appel’s Casey Stengel: Baseball’s Greatest Character (2017.)

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Casey Stengel

There are three things you can do in a baseball game. You can win, or you can lose, or it can rain.
—Casey Stengel
Topics: Rain, Baseball

They say you can’t do it, but sometimes it doesn’t always work.
—Casey Stengel
Topics: Attitude

The secret of successful managing is to keep the five guys who hate you away from the four guys who haven’t made up their minds.
—Casey Stengel
Topics: Management

Managing is getting paid for home runs someone else hits.
—Casey Stengel
Topics: Baseball

Being with a woman all night never hurt no professional baseball player. It’s staying up all night looking for a woman that does him in.
—Casey Stengel
Topics: Baseball

I was such a dangerous hitter I even got intentional walks in batting practice
—Casey Stengel
Topics: Baseball

Good pitching will always stop good hitting and vice-versa.
—Casey Stengel
Topics: Talent

The best ballplayer’s the one who doesn’t think he made good. He keeps trying to convince you.
—Casey Stengel
Topics: Praise

There comes a time in every man’s life, and I’ve had plenty of them.
—Casey Stengel
Topics: Time

All right everyone, line up alphabetically according to your height.
—Casey Stengel

I might have been able to make it as a pitcher except for one thing: I had a rather awkward motion and every time I brought my left arm forward I hit myself in the ear.
—Casey Stengel

Most ball games are lost, not won.
—Casey Stengel
Topics: Perseverance

The trick is growing up without growing old.
—Casey Stengel
Topics: Age, Aging

Finding good players is easy. Getting them to play as a team is another story.
—Casey Stengel
Topics: Teamwork

It’s easy to get the players; it’s getting them to play together that’s the tough part
—Casey Stengel
Topics: Teamwork, Teams, Togetherness

Most games are lost, not won.
—Casey Stengel
Topics: Competition

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Inspirational Quotes by Casey Stengel (American Sportsperson)

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