Johnny Oates: Manager of the Rangers and Orioles Dies at 58

Johnny Oates was an American baseball catcher and manager. Born on January 21, 1946, in Sylva, North Carolina, he caught for several major league teams before moving to the dugout.

Oates managed the Baltimore Orioles from 1991 to 1994 and was Sporting News Manager of the Year in 1993. He then led the Texas Rangers to the first playoff appearance in franchise history in 1996 and was American League Manager of the Year, sharing the award with Joe Torre.

The Rangers retired his No. 26. In 2000 he had a pitcher play all nine positions in one game, and he was inducted into the Orioles and Rangers Halls of Fame. Oates died of glioblastoma in Richmond, Virginia, on December 24, 2004, at age 58.

Achievements: American League Manager of the Year (1996), Sporting News Manager of the Year (1993), Rangers No. 26 retired.

Birth: January 21, 1946 - Sylva, North Carolina.

Profession: Baseball manager.

Interesting Facts: He brought the Rangers to their first playoff team in 1996.