Bill Carrigan played catcher for the Boston Red Sox for a decade from 1906-1916. He also served as the club’s skipper for seven seasons, four of which were in the capacity of player-manager.
During that time he helped Boston win three World Series championships. The much-respected Carrigan also holds the distinction of being the first manager for the game’s greatest player — Babe Ruth.
The pair teamed to bring the Red Sox back-to-back championships in 1915 and 1916. By piloting his team to the two titles he joined Frank Chance and Connie Mack as the only managers to that point to win multiple championships.
By 2016, 20 more managers would win two or more World Series to join Carrigan in the exclusive club. Of them 15 are in the Hall of Fame. Not Bill Carrigan.
Though he has yet to gain induction, Carrigan was so admired that he was recognized by the Hall of Fame in 1946. That year the “Honor Rolls of Baseball” were formed as a second tier of induction for non-players.
Only five managers were selected for the Honor Rolls — Ned Hanlon, Bill Carrigan, John Montgomery Ward, Miller Huggins, and Frank Selee. All are now enshrined except Carrigan.
In the collection is this index card, twice signed by Bill Carrigan.
Good memories…thanks Sure brought back yesteryear…