Mickey Cochrane

Gordon Stanley "Mickey" Cochrane (April 6, 1903 – June 28, 1962), nicknamed "Black Mike," was an American professional baseball player, manager and coach who played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Philadelphia Athletics and Detroit Tigers. Born in Massachusetts, he was a multi-sport athlete at Boston University, and after college chose baseball over basketball and football. He made his major league debut in 1925, having spent only one season in the minor leagues.

Cochrane was named the American League Most Valuable Player in 1928 and appeared in the World Series from 1929 to 1931. Philadelphia won the first two of those championships. After the Athletics lost the 1931 Series, Cochrane was criticized for giving up stolen bases. He later managed the Detroit Tigers, and in his first season as manager led them to 101 wins — the most for a rookie manager for the next 27 years; since Cochrane, six other managers have won 100 games as a rookie.

Cochrane was considered one of the best catchers in baseball history. His career batting average of .320 remains a major league record for a catcher. He is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.