Bob Scheffing's journey through the world of baseball began as a player and evolved into various roles, including manager and executive. Born on August 11, 1913, in Overland, Missouri, Scheffing's professional baseball career took off when he debuted as a catcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Chicago Cubs in 1941. His playing career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the United States Navy, but he returned to the Cubs in 1946.

Scheffing's tenure as a player in the MLB spanned from 1941 to 1951, during which he played for the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, and St. Louis Cardinals. Known for his defensive skills behind the plate, Scheffing was a reliable catcher, though his batting statistics were modest. Over his playing career, he accumulated a batting average of .263, with 20 home runs and 187 runs batted in (RBIs).

After retiring as a player, Scheffing transitioned into coaching and managing. He began his managerial career in the minor leagues, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience. In 1957, Scheffing was appointed as the manager of the Chicago Cubs, a position he held until 1959. Although the Cubs did not achieve great success during his tenure, Scheffing was respected for his knowledge of the game and his ability to work with young players.

Following his stint with the Cubs, Scheffing continued his managerial career with the Detroit Tigers, serving as their manager from 1961 to 1963. While the Tigers showed some improvement under his leadership, they did not reach the postseason during his time at the helm. Despite this, Scheffing's managerial career was marked by his steady presence and understanding of the game.

In addition to managing, Scheffing also worked as a coach and scout for various teams, including the New York Mets. His extensive experience in different roles within baseball provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the sport, which he utilized in his later years as an executive. Scheffing served as the general manager of the New York Mets from 1970 to 1974, a period during which the team continued to build on its success from the 1969 World Series championship.

Bob Scheffing's career in baseball spanned over three decades, during which he experienced the game from multiple perspectives.

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