John Felske's journey through the world of professional baseball is marked by his roles as both a player and a manager. Born on May 30, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, Felske's career in Major League Baseball (MLB) began when he was signed by the Chicago Cubs as an amateur free agent in 1961. However, it wasn't until 1968 that he made his MLB debut as a catcher with the Chicago Cubs.
Felske's playing career in the majors was relatively brief. After his debut with the Cubs, he went on to play for the Milwaukee Brewers. His time as a player in the major leagues spanned parts of three seasons, from 1968 to 1973. During this period, he appeared in a total of 54 games, primarily serving as a backup catcher. His career batting average was .135, with one home run and six runs batted in. While his playing time in the majors was limited, Felske continued to play in the minor leagues, where he spent the majority of his playing career.
Transitioning from player to coach, Felske found a new path in baseball. He began his managerial career in the minor leagues, where he gained valuable experience and honed his skills as a leader. His managerial journey eventually led him to the Philadelphia Phillies organization.
In 1985, Felske was appointed as the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, succeeding Paul Owens. His tenure as the Phillies' manager lasted for parts of three seasons, from 1985 to 1987. During his first season at the helm, the Phillies finished with an 81-81 record, placing them in the middle of the National League East standings. The following year, the team struggled, finishing with a 67-95 record. Felske's time as manager came to an end in 1987 when he was replaced by Lee Elia after the team got off to a slow start.
Despite the challenges he faced as a manager, Felske's career in baseball extended beyond his time with the Phillies. He continued to work in various capacities within the sport, including roles as a coach and scout. His extensive experience in both playing and managing provided him with a deep understanding of the game, which he utilized in his post-managerial roles.
Throughout his career, Felske was known for his dedication to the sport and his ability to connect with players.
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