DATE SHOT: Mar 1959 PRINT DATE: 6/12/1960 SUBJECT: Pinky Higgins APPROXIMATE SIZE: 7"x9" MARKS / STAMPING: Stamped file date. Caption text is embedded in the obverse image as is typical with wire photos. ORIGINAL or REPRINT: Type 3 - Second or later-generation photo, printed from a duplicate negative or wire photo process, within about 2 years of when it was shot COMMENTS / CONDITION: See scans for further details including condition. BIO: Michael Franklin Higgins (Pinky) was born in Red Oak, TX and died in 1969 in Dallas, TX. He went to college at University of Texas at Austin. He played major league baseball from 1930 to 1946 as 3rd baseman for the Philadelphia Athletics, Boston Red Sox, and the Detroit Tigers, appeared in the 1940 and 1946 World Series, and was selected in 1934, 1936 and 1944 as an All-Star. He was nicknamed "Pinky" as a baby, and according to some reports, detested the name. Alternatively, he was identified by each of his given names. He signed some autographs as Frank Higgins, but was predominantly known as Mike, especially later in his career. Higgins started his managing career with the Class B Roanoke Red Sox of the Piedmont League in the Red Sox farm system in 1947. After eight seasons of managing in the minors — including four (1951-54) at the helm of the Red Sox' AAA affiliate, the Louisville Colonels of the American Association — he became Boston's skipper in 1955. Higgins managed the Red Sox through the mideason of 1959, when he was replaced by Billy Jurges. He then became a special assistant to owner Tom Yawkey, with whom he had become friends. But Jurges struggled as a manager and was fired midway through the 1960 season with the Sox in last place. After coach Del Baker handled the Red Sox for seven games, Higgins resumed his old job. However, the Red Sox continued to lose. Nevertheless, on September 30, 1960, Higgins was signed to a three-year contract extension as field manager, and given control of all playing personnel in the Boston organization — effectively serving as general manager (without the formal title) as well as skipper. Higgins formally hung up his uniform and joined Boston's front office full-time as executive vice president and general manager after the 1962 campaign, finishing his managerial career with a record of 560-556 (.502) in 1,119 games. He was 53 when he fully retired from managing. As a skipper, Higgins was known for being well-liked by players and very laid back. He would not go out to the mound to talk to his pitcher very often and once said, "I don't believe in that business of walking out to the mound every time a pitcher's in trouble. You can't tell him anything new." SKU: L00128
Item: L00128
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