Danny Ozark
Daniel Leonard Ozark
(Ozark Ike)
born Daniel Leonard Orzechowski
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 3", Weight 205 lb.
- Born November 24, 1923 in Buffalo, NY USA
- Died May 7, 2009 in Vero Beach, FL USA
Biographical Information[edit]
Danny Ozark began his playing career as a second baseman in 1942 with the Dodgers' PONY League affiliate Olean Oilers. He served in Army for the next three years, seeing action at Omaha Beach, the Battle of the Bulge, and in Germany. He was wounded in his knee and received a Purple Heart and five battle stars. Returning to baseball as a first baseman in 1946, he played that season for the Abilene Blue Sox and made the West Texas-New Mexico League All-Star team by hitting .325 with 31 homers and 142 RBI. He stayed in the Dodgers' system from 1946 to 1955 as a player, then became a playing manager from 1956 to 1959, and finally turned to managing full time in 1960.
Ozark was a Los Angeles Dodgers coach from 1965 to 1972. When Ozark managed the Philadelphia Phillies from 1973 to 1979, it was the first time he had been out of the Dodger organization since 1947. He rejoined the Dodgers coaching staff from 1980 to 1982. In 1983, he became a San Francisco Giants coach, and in 1984, Ozark managed the club for part of the season.
His brother Norm Ozark was an infielder in the Brooklyn Dodgers and Milwaukee Braves organizations.
Notable Achievements[edit]
- ML Manager of the Year Award (1976)
- Division Titles: 3 (1976-1978)
- 100 Wins Seasons as Manager: 2 (1976 & 1977)
| Preceded by Paul Owens |
Philadelphia Phillies Manager 1973-1979 |
Succeeded by Dallas Green |
| Preceded by Frank Robinson |
San Francisco Giants Manager 1984 |
Succeeded by Jim Davenport |
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