Jack McKeon is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) manager and executive who had a long and successful career in the sport. He began his career as a minor league player in the late 1940s and early 1950s, but never made it to the majors as a player. Instead, he became a minor league manager in the 1960s and worked his way up through the ranks.

McKeon's first stint as a major league manager came in 1973, when he took over the helm of the Kansas City Royals. He led the team to a winning record in his first season and helped them reach the playoffs in 1976. However, he was fired after a disappointing 1979 season.

After leaving the Royals, McKeon spent several years as a scout and executive for various teams, including the San Diego Padres and the Cincinnati Reds. He returned to managing in 1988, when he took over the helm of the Padres. He led the team to the World Series in 1998, but they lost to the New York Yankees.

McKeon's most successful stint as a manager came with the Florida Marlins. He took over the team in 2003, when they were struggling and had a losing record. However, he quickly turned things around and led the Marlins to a wild card berth in the playoffs. They went on to win the World Series that year, with McKeon being named Manager of the Year.

McKeon continued to manage the Marlins for several more seasons, but was eventually let go in 2005. He returned to the team in 2011, at the age of 80, to serve as interim manager for the remainder of the season. He retired from baseball after that season, ending a career that spanned more than 50 years.

Throughout his career, McKeon was known for his no-nonsense approach to managing and his ability to get the most out of his players. He was also known for his colorful personality and his love of the game. He was inducted into the Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012, and remains a beloved figure in the world of baseball.

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