Bill Meyer came full circle. He was born in Knoxville, January 14, 1892, and he died there, March 31, 1957. In between he was a legendary baseball manager who made his most significant mark with the Pittsburgh Pirates. A right-hander, Meyer was a catcher with the Chicago White Sox in 1913 and the Philadelphia Athletics in 1916-1917. At Louisville in 1918-1928, he guided the team to 105 wins. As manager of minor league clubs, 1926-1947, Meyer won eight pennants, including ones at Springfield, Binghamton, and Newark. He was named Sporting News Manager of the Year in 1948 when his Bucs compiled a record of 83-71. In 1948 he returned to the major leagues as manager of the Pirates. Known for his rapport with players, fans, and the press, Meyer managed Pittsburgh for five seasons with a 317-452 record until ill health forced a change. For the next three years, he scouted for Pittsburgh, and they retired his number in 1954. When next Meyer came home to Knoxville, he was also honored by the dedication of Bill Meyer Stadium, home to the Knoxville Sox.
