Hodges out, Lemon in … for a while anyway

Jim Lemon in 1968

Longtime major leaguer and former All-Star outfielder Jim Lemon gets his chance to manage in the major leagues as he is hired 56 years ago today to run the Washington Senators after they trade manager Gil Hodges to the New York Mets for pitcher Bill Denehy and $100,000.

Lemon’s stay in Washington is brief, though, as he goes 65-96 in 1968 before new Senators owner and self-appointed general manager Bob Short persuades Hall of Famer Ted Williams to come out of retirement and manage his beleaguered team in 1969.

The 1969 season turns out to be a good one for Williams, who posts an 86-76 record and wins the American League’s manager of the year award.

Hodges does even better in 1969, guiding the once-horrid Mets to a stunning World Series victory over the powerful Baltimore Orioles.

As for Lemon, the 1968 season is his only season managing in the majors.