El Tappe
Encyclopedia
Elvin Walter Tappe was an American
professional baseball
player, a catcher
for the Chicago Cubs
from 1954
to 1962
, but he was best known for being part of the Philip K. Wrigley
-implemented College of Coaches
in the 1961 season
. Reportedly, the entire concept was Tappe's idea.
The Cubs played the entire season that year with a rotating system of coaches who would alternate as manager (the "head coach"). Tappe, who had been a Cubs' coach since 1959, was head coach for 95 games over three separate stints, while Vedie Himsl
, Harry Craft
and Lou Klein
managed 31, 16 and 11 games respectively.
Tappe ended 1961 as head coach and began 1962
in that role. Since he notched a 42-54 record in 1961—by far the best of the four who led the club—it was generally believed that he would remain head coach as long as the Cubs were playing well. Additionally, it was obvious he was Wrigley's favorite. However, the Cubs stumbled to a 4-16 start in 1962, and Tappe was replaced by Klein. He returned to his backup catcher role, and never played in the majors after the 1962 season. He remained with the Cubs as a coach and scout.
Tappe (whose surname rhymed with "happy") was the son of Walter Emil Tappe and Marie Sophia (née Bronstine) Tappe. He had a twin brother, Melvin Tappe (1927–1992), who was a minor league pitcher.
Tappe, who ran a sporting goods store after retiring from baseball, died in his birthplace of Quincy, Illinois
at age 71.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional baseball
Professional baseball
Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world. In these leagues, and associated farm teams, players are selected for their talents and are paid to play for a specific team or club system....
player, a catcher
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
for the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
from 1954
1954 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:* World Series: New York Giants over Cleveland Indians * All-Star Game, July 13 at Municipal Stadium: American League, 11-9-Other champions:* Caribbean World Series: Caguas Creoles [Criollos de Caguas]...
to 1962
1962 in baseball
The 1962 season is perhaps most notable for the dismal 40–120 record of the New York Mets, the third-worst winning percentage and the record for most games lost since 1900.-Major League Baseball:...
, but he was best known for being part of the Philip K. Wrigley
Philip K. Wrigley
Philip Knight Wrigley , sometimes also called P.K. or Phil. Born in Chicago, he was an American chewing gum manufacturer and executive in Major League Baseball, inheriting both those roles as the quiet son of his much more flamboyant father, William Wrigley Jr. After his father died in 1932, Philip...
-implemented College of Coaches
College of Coaches
The College of Coaches was an unorthodox strategy employed by the Chicago Cubs in 1961 and 1962. After the Cubs finished 60-94 in 1960, their 14th straight second-division finish, Cubs owner P.K. Wrigley announced in December 1960 that the Cubs would no longer have a manager, but would be led by...
in the 1961 season
1961 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:*World Series: New York Yankees over Cincinnati Reds ; Whitey Ford, MVP*All-Star Game , July 11 at Candlestick Park: National League, 5-4 *All-Star Game , July 31 at Fenway Park: 1–1 tie...
. Reportedly, the entire concept was Tappe's idea.
The Cubs played the entire season that year with a rotating system of coaches who would alternate as manager (the "head coach"). Tappe, who had been a Cubs' coach since 1959, was head coach for 95 games over three separate stints, while Vedie Himsl
Vedie Himsl
Avitus Bernard "Vedie" Himsl was an American baseball coach and scout. He was born in Plevna, Montana.- Career:...
, Harry Craft
Harry Craft
Harry Francis Craft was an American Major League Baseball player and manager. Born in Ellisville, Mississippi, he was an center fielder for the Cincinnati Reds from 1937–1942...
and Lou Klein
Lou Klein
Louis Frank Klein was an infielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Cleveland Indians, and the Philadelphia Athletics, but he was best known as one of the players that jumped to the Mexican League and was subsequently banned by Commissioner Happy Chandler for a five year span .Klein was the...
managed 31, 16 and 11 games respectively.
Tappe ended 1961 as head coach and began 1962
1962 in baseball
The 1962 season is perhaps most notable for the dismal 40–120 record of the New York Mets, the third-worst winning percentage and the record for most games lost since 1900.-Major League Baseball:...
in that role. Since he notched a 42-54 record in 1961—by far the best of the four who led the club—it was generally believed that he would remain head coach as long as the Cubs were playing well. Additionally, it was obvious he was Wrigley's favorite. However, the Cubs stumbled to a 4-16 start in 1962, and Tappe was replaced by Klein. He returned to his backup catcher role, and never played in the majors after the 1962 season. He remained with the Cubs as a coach and scout.
Tappe (whose surname rhymed with "happy") was the son of Walter Emil Tappe and Marie Sophia (née Bronstine) Tappe. He had a twin brother, Melvin Tappe (1927–1992), who was a minor league pitcher.
Tappe, who ran a sporting goods store after retiring from baseball, died in his birthplace of Quincy, Illinois
Quincy, Illinois
Quincy, known as Illinois' "Gem City," is a river city along the Mississippi River and the county seat of Adams County. As of the 2010 census the city held a population of 40,633. The city anchors its own micropolitan area and is the economic and regional hub of West-central Illinois, catering a...
at age 71.