Lajoie Had No Love for Birmingham
Joe Birmingham played for the JAGS in 1906 and then went on to play for the Cleveland Naps. He had one of the strongest throwing arms and he was a fine defensive center fielder.
He was named the manager of the Naps in 1912 at the age of 28 and he stayed at the helm for three more seasons.
His tenure was marked with a bit of controversy in 1913, which would be his best finish as manager (86-66, 3rd place).
Nap Lajoie, who was Birmingham’s former manager, struggled through a hitting slump in mid-season and Birmingham decided to bench the future Hall of Famer at one point. Lajoie who had no love for Birmingham was outraged and cursed out the young manager to his face and in the press. The feud only ended when Lajoie was sold back to Philadelphia after the 1914 season.
His next season would be a disaster, as the Naps lost 102 games, and in 1915, he was fired after only 28 game.
