Mel McGaha

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Fred Melvin McGaha (September 26, 1926 - February 3, 2002) was an American coach and manager in Major League Baseball. He was born in Bastrop, Louisiana.

McGaha graduated from the University of Arkansas and played a season of professional basketball with the New York Knicks of the NBA. He signed his first baseball contract with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1948. An outfielder who batted and threw right-handed, McGaha never played in the major leagues. But he achieved success as a minor league manager, especially in 1960 when he led the Triple-A Toronto Maple Leafs to 100 victories and the International League pennant. The following year he was promoted to a coaching post with the parent Cleveland Indians, and then became their manager at age 35 in 1962, succeeding Jimmie Dykes. McGaha was fired with two games remaining in his maiden season with Cleveland 78-82 and in sixth place.

In 1963, McGaha became a coach for the Kansas City Athletics. In June 1964, with the Athletics in last place under manager Eddie Lopat, owner Charlie Finley, known for his quick trigger finger in hiring and firing, abruptly shifted McGaha into the Kansas City front office; then, a few days later, moved him back onto the field as Lopat's successor. The A's revived somewhat, but still finished in last place. McGaha was fired by Finley in the 1965 season after a 5-21 start. He was replaced by Haywood Sullivan.

In part of three seasons, McGaha posted a 123-173 record (.416). Following his major-league managing career, he worked for the Houston Astros as a minor league manager (1966-67) and major league coach (1968-70).

He died in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at age 75.

Preceded by Mel Harder	Cleveland Indians Manager 1962	Succeeded by Birdie Tebbetts
Preceded by Eddie Lopat	Kansas City Athletics Manager 1964-1965	Succeeded by Haywood Sullivan