Art Griggs

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Arthur Carle Griggs

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Biographical Information[edit]

Art Griggs, who played seven seasons in the big leagues and was usually an above-average hitter, collected 1,860 hits in the minor leagues between 1905 and 1926, including 370 2B and 142 HR. He started out as a P/2B/C, but eventually settled in as a first baseman around 1911.

Griggs was a college football star at Washburn University of Topeka, then at the University of Pittsburgh.

After playing in the Pacific Coast League from 1916 to 1923, Griggs became manager of the Omaha Buffaloes and led them to the league title in 1924. He managed them again in 1925, then spent 1926 as a player for the Seattle Indians. Done with playing, he returned to the Western League in 1928 as owner/manager of the Wichita Larks, taking over from Doc Crandall. Griggs changed the name of the team to the Wichita Aviators the next year, led them to the title in 1930, and second place in 1931. In 1932, he moved to the Tulsa Oilers, again as owner/manager, and promptly won the league title his first year there. He owned the Oilers through 1938, managing them in 1933 (their first year in the Texas League) and 1935 after having Jake Atz manage the club in 1934. The team won the league playoffs under manager Marty McManus in 1936. He also scouted, signing Arky Vaughan.

Griggs died of Hodgkin's Disease after a long illness.

Year-by-Year Managerial Record[edit]

Year Team League Record Finish Playoffs Notes
1924 Omaha Buffaloes Western League 103-61 1st none League Champs
1925 Omaha Buffaloes Western League 74-89 6th none
1928 Wichita Larks Western League 3rd replaced James "Doc" Crandall 8/1
1929 Wichita Aviators Western League 77-79 4th none
1930 Wichita Aviators Western League 89-56 1st none League Champs
1931 Wichita Aviators Western League -- -- replaced by Howie Gregory
1932 Tulsa Oilers Western League 98-48 1st League Champs
1933 Tulsa Oilers Texas League 65-86 6th
1935 Tulsa Oilers Texas League 82-79 4th Lost in 1st round

Related Sites[edit]