“Worst” MLB managers can be judged in a few different ways — by their win-loss records, inability to manage talent, poor decision-making under pressure, or even off-field behavior. Here are some managers commonly discussed as among the worst in MLB history, depending on the criteria:
- Maury Wills (Seattle Mariners, 1980–1981)
- Record: 26–56 (.317)
- Why he’s here: Wills was a Hall of Fame-caliber player but a disaster as a manager. He once tried to have the batter’s box redrawn mid-game and didn’t understand basic in-game strategy. The Mariners fired him early into his second season.
- Joe Schultz (Seattle Pilots, 1969)
- Record: 64–98 (.395) — only managed one year
- Why he’s here: The team was a mess, but Schultz became a cult figure due to Ball Four, where pitcher Jim Bouton depicted him as comically crude, unstrategic, and overly reliant on beer and clichés like “pound the Bud.”
- Jerry Manuel (White Sox, Mets)
- Combined Record: 704–684 (.507)
- Why he’s here: While not awful statistically, he oversaw two of the biggest late-season collapses in Mets history (2007 and 2008). Fans criticized his leadership and inability to control a talented but underachieving roster.
- Jeff Torborg (Various Teams)
- Career Record: 634–718 (.469)
- Why he’s here: Despite having some talented rosters (especially the early ’90s Mets), Torborg’s teams routinely underperformed, and he seemed overwhelmed managing big personalities.
- Harry Wolverton (New York Highlanders, 1912)
- Record: 50–102 (.329)
- Why he’s here: Managed only one season. His team was so bad that it helped push the Highlanders to rebrand as the Yankees.
- Bob Lemon (Mets, Yankees)
- Record: 430–403 (.516)
- Why he’s controversial: Won a World Series with the Yankees in 1978, but many believe that was due more to the team being stacked and Billy Martin laying the groundwork. His poor tactical decisions and aloof style frustrated players and front offices alike.
- Dave Trembley (Baltimore Orioles, 2007–2010)
- Record: 187–283 (.398)
- Why he’s here: Managed during one of Baltimore’s worst stretches. While not all his fault, his teams lacked fundamentals and regularly underperformed.
- Phil Garner (Brewers, Tigers, Astros)
- Record: 985–1,054 (.483)
- Why he’s controversial: Garner got plenty of chances with some decent rosters but rarely delivered results. While he did take the Astros to the World Series in 2005, his overall managing career is remembered as underwhelming.
Dishonorable Mentions
- Tony La Russa (White Sox, A’s, Cardinals — 2nd stint with White Sox 2021–2022): Legendary in his prime, but his 2021–22 return with Chicago was widely seen as a disaster. He mismanaged bullpen arms, had poor rapport with players, and looked out of touch with modern analytics and clubhouse culture.
- Bobby Valentine (Red Sox 2012): One year of total dysfunction — fighting with players, poor media handling, and a 69–93 finish with a talented roster.