Danny Ozark facts for kids

Danny Ozark (born Daniel Leonard Orzechowski; November 26, 1923 – May 7, 2009) was an American baseball coach and manager. He worked in Major League Baseball, which is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada.

Ozark is best known for managing the Philadelphia Phillies from 1973 to 1979. During his time, he led the team to win their division three years in a row (1976, 1977, and 1978). However, his teams always lost in the playoffs before reaching the World Series. As a coach, Ozark helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series twice, in 1965 and 1981.

Danny Ozark's Baseball Journey

Danny Ozark grew up in Cheektowaga, New York, near Buffalo, New York. When he was a teenager, he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team. He spent over 30 years working for the Dodgers organization.

Ozark played baseball in the minor leagues for many years. He was a first baseman. His playing career lasted from 1942 to 1963, with a break for military service. He served in the United States Army during World War II.

During his minor league career, Ozark hit over 200 home runs. He even hit more than 30 home runs in two different seasons. In 1956, he became a player-manager for a Dodgers minor league team. He slowly moved up through the coaching ranks. In 1963, he won a championship with the Spokane Indians.

In 1965, Ozark joined the Los Angeles Dodgers as a coach. He worked for manager Walter Alston for eight years (1965–1972). He coached players from first base, third base, and in the dugout.

Managing the Philadelphia Phillies

On November 7, 1972, Danny Ozark became the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. The team had been struggling, but they started to get better under Ozark.

In 1976, the Phillies had an amazing season, winning 101 games. This was a club record at the time! Their team had future Hall of Fame players like Mike Schmidt (a third baseman) and Steve Carlton (a left-handed pitcher). However, they lost in the playoffs to the strong Cincinnati Reds.

In 1977, the Phillies won 101 games again and won their division. This time, they played against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the playoffs. The Dodgers won the series, stopping the Phillies from reaching the World Series.

In 1978, the Phillies won their division for the third year in a row. They faced the Dodgers again in the playoffs and lost once more.

Before the 1979 season, the Phillies signed Pete Rose, a famous player. People thought he would help the team win the World Series. But the Phillies had many injuries and didn't play well. Ozark was replaced as manager on August 31, 1979.

Later Coaching and Managing Roles

After leaving the Phillies, Ozark returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1980. He worked as a third-base coach for manager Tommy Lasorda. He was part of the Dodgers team that won the 1981 World Series.

In 1983, Ozark joined the San Francisco Giants as a coach. In 1984, he became the Giants' interim manager for a short time when their manager was fired.

Danny Ozark was known for sometimes saying funny or mixed-up phrases when he spoke publicly. For example, he once said, "We're alive; we can still tie 'em."

Honors and Legacy

Danny Ozark passed away on May 7, 2009, at the age of 85. He was survived by his wife, Ginny, and their two children.

In 2010, Danny Ozark was honored by being added to the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame.