Buck Showalter is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) player and manager who has had a successful career in the sport. He was born on May 23, 1956, in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, and grew up in nearby Century. Showalter played baseball in high school and college before being drafted by the New York Yankees in the fifth round of the 1977 MLB draft.
Showalter played in the minor leagues for several years before making his MLB debut with the Yankees in 1983. He played for the Yankees, Cleveland Indians, and Minnesota Twins during his six-year playing career, primarily as a utility infielder. Showalter retired as a player in 1988 and began his coaching career in the Yankees' minor league system.
Showalter quickly rose through the ranks of the Yankees' coaching staff, eventually becoming the team's manager in 1992. He led the Yankees to a 70-43 record in his first season as manager, but was fired after the team lost to the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series. Showalter then became the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, a new expansion team that began play in 1998.
Showalter led the Diamondbacks to a 65-97 record in their inaugural season, but quickly turned the team around. In 1999, the Diamondbacks won 100 games and made the playoffs, but lost to the New York Mets in the National League Division Series. Showalter was named the National League Manager of the Year for his efforts.
Showalter managed the Diamondbacks for three more seasons before being fired in 2000. He then became the manager of the Texas Rangers, where he spent four seasons. Showalter led the Rangers to their first winning season in nine years in 2004, but was fired after the team failed to make the playoffs in 2006.
In 2010, Showalter was hired as the manager of the Baltimore Orioles. He quickly turned the struggling team around, leading them to a 34-23 record in the final two months of the season. Showalter continued to lead the Orioles to success over the next several seasons, including three playoff appearances and a division title in 2014.
Showalter was known for his attention to detail and his ability to get the most out of his players. He was also known for his fiery personality and his willingness to stand up for his team. Showalter retired from managing in 2018, but remains involved in baseball as an analyst for ESPN.
Overall, Buck Showalter had a successful career in baseball as both a player and a manager. He was known for his ability to turn struggling teams around and his attention to detail. Showalter's legacy in baseball will be remembered for years to come.
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