John Felske was a professional baseball player who played as a catcher and outfielder for various teams during his career. He was born on August 5, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attended La Salle College High School. After high school, Felske attended the University of New Haven, where he played college baseball.
Felske began his professional baseball career in 1968 when he was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies as an undrafted free agent. He spent several years in the Phillies' minor league system before making his major league debut in 1973. Felske played for the Phillies for three seasons, primarily as a backup catcher and outfielder. He was known for his strong arm and defensive skills.
In 1976, Felske was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers, where he played for two seasons. He then played for the Detroit Tigers in 1978 before being traded back to the Phillies in 1979. Felske played for the Phillies for one more season before being released in 1980.
After his playing career ended, Felske became a coach and manager in the minor leagues. He managed several teams in the Phillies' minor league system, including the Reading Phillies, the Clearwater Phillies, and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons. Felske also served as a coach for the Phillies at the major league level.
In 1985, Felske was named the manager of the Phillies, replacing Paul Owens. He managed the team for two seasons, leading them to a record of 140-172. Felske was known for his calm demeanor and his ability to work well with young players.
After leaving the Phillies, Felske continued to manage in the minor leagues. He managed the Buffalo Bisons, the Richmond Braves, and the Ottawa Lynx. Felske also served as a coach for the Baltimore Orioles and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Overall, John Felske had a long and successful career in baseball. He played for several teams during his playing career and went on to have a successful career as a coach and manager in the minor leagues. Felske was known for his strong defensive skills as a player and his ability to work well with young players as a coach and manager.
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