The Little General: Gene Mauch

Gene Mauch enjoyed a journeyman’s career playing in the infield for six different Major League Baseball franchises, but as a MLB manager he is nothing less than a legend. Gene led clubs for 23 of 26 years stretching from 1960 to 1987 including the Philadelphia Phillies, Montreal Expos, Minnesota Twins and two stints at the helm of the California Angels.

Known as an intense competitor, Gene Mauch presided over 1,902 Major League victories, and a handful of stunning failures. Mauch had a reputation for taunting opposing teams and was frequently involved in fiery exchanges with umpires. His bombastic personality, brilliant baseball mind, and loyalty to his players earned him the moniker of the Little General.

"If you had the best club, you had a chance to beat him; if he had the best club, you had no chance; if the clubs were even, he had the advantage. I managed against him for a long time. I always had the better teams. (Gene) Mauch wasn't aloof (a common accusation), he was only intense." ~ Sparky Anderson

Mel Proctor has more than three decades of professional baseball broadcast experience. He has conducted more than 2,000 sports interviews over his career and is the author of I Love the Work, but I Hate the Business. Currently operates Mel Proctor Sports Media where he coaches college and pro athletes, executives, and coaches about the different types of media and develops their skill set and game plan to effectively communicate with the media. Mel lives in San Diego, California.