Herman Franks played an intriguing role in the world of baseball, both on the field and from the dugout. Born on January 4, 1914, in Price, Utah, Franks began his professional baseball career as a catcher. He made his Major League debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1939. Although his time with the Cardinals was brief, it marked the beginning of a long association with the sport.

Franks spent the majority of his playing career with the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Philadelphia Athletics. His tenure with the Dodgers, from 1940 to 1941, was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the United States Navy. After the war, he returned to baseball, playing for the Athletics in 1947 and 1949. His playing career was not particularly distinguished by statistics, but he was known for his understanding of the game and his leadership qualities.

Transitioning from player to coach, Franks found his true calling. He began his coaching career with the New York Giants in the early 1950s, serving as a coach under manager Leo Durocher. It was during this time that Franks was part of one of baseball's most famous moments—the "Shot Heard 'Round the World"—when Bobby Thomson hit a dramatic home run to win the 1951 National League pennant for the Giants. Franks was rumored to have been involved in a sign-stealing scheme that allegedly helped the Giants during that season, though this was never officially confirmed.

In 1965, Franks took on the role of manager for the San Francisco Giants. Under his leadership, the Giants consistently performed well, finishing second in the National League multiple times. Franks was known for his strategic mind and his ability to manage a team filled with star players, including Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, and Juan Marichal. Despite the team's strong performances, a National League pennant eluded them during his tenure.

After leaving the Giants in 1968, Franks took a break from managing but returned to the dugout in 1977 as the manager of the Chicago Cubs. His time with the Cubs was less successful, and he resigned in 1979. Franks' managerial career was characterized by his straightforward approach and his ability to handle the pressures of leading a team in the Major Leagues.

Beyond his roles as player and manager, Franks also worked as a scout and executive, further demonstrating his deep understanding of the game. His career in baseball spanned several decades, during which he witnessed and influenced many changes in the sport.

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