John McGraw Quotes

United States, Baseball Player
April 7, 1873 – February, 25, 1934.

John Joseph McGraw (April 7, 1873 – February 25, 1934), nicknamed "Little Napoleon" and "Mugsy", was a Major League Baseball (MLB) player and manager of the New York Giants. He stood 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m) tall and weighed 155 pounds (70 kg). He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937. While primarily a third baseman throughout his career, he also played shortstop and the outfield in the major leagues.

Also known as Baseball Manager

The team that gets off to a good start wins pennants.

John McGraw
- Good
- Team
Cobb would have to play center field on my all time team. But where would that put Speaker? In left. If I had them both, I would certainly play them that way.

John McGraw
- Time
- Team

My boy, one small breeze doesn't make a wind storm.

John McGraw
- Small
- Boy
- Wind
In playing or managing, the game of ball is only fun for me when I'm out in front and winning. I don't give a hill of beans for the rest of the game.

John McGraw
- Fun
- Game
- Rest
With my team I am an absolute czar. My men know it. I order plays and they obey. If the don't, I fine them.

John McGraw
- Men
- Team
Why shouldn't we pitch to Babe Ruth? We pitch to better hitters in the National League.

John McGraw
- Why
Sportsmanship and easygoing methods are all right, but it is the prospect of a hot fight that brings out the crowds.

John McGraw
No club that wins a pennant once is an outstanding club. One which bunches two pennants is a good club. But a team which can win three in a row really achieves greatness.

John McGraw
- Good
- Team
- Greatness

Learn to know every man under you, get under his skin, know his faults. Then cater to him - with kindness or roughness as his case may demand.

John McGraw
- May
- Kindness
I think we can win it if my brain holds out.

John McGraw
- Brain
There is but one game and that game is baseball.

John McGraw
- Game
- Baseball