A Hall-of-Fame third-baseman with a .334 lifetime batting average, McGraw sparked Baltimore to three pennants in the 1890s before achieving legendary status as a manager. In both roles he was feared, hated, and respected for his cunning and pugnacious brand of baseball, which stressed the bunt, the steal, the hit-and-run play, and sheer intimidation. The diminutive McGraw was tyrannical and abusive, taunting players, berating umpires, inciting crowds. Off the field he consorted with showmen and gamblers, and attended college; on the field he combined athletic and tactical prowess with psychological warfare.
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