Why do baseball managers wear a uniform and other sport managers don't?

Answer 1

The manager doesn't have to wear a uniform, but must be wearing a uniform if he wants to go on the field to talk to the pitcher or for whatever reason to be on the field.

Answer 2

The Manager is the person responsible for the day-to-day running of a baseball team, and especially for taking in-game decisions. These days, the manager tends to be a former player who reports to the General Manager, who is in turn responsible for acquiring and getting rid of players. In baseball's early days, the manager tended to be a field captain, that is one of the players tasked with the responsibility of making tactical decisions during a game. This role evolved into that of player/manager, which was quite common until World War II. The last player/manager in Major League Baseball was Pete Rose, who managed the Cincinnati Reds while still an active player from 1984 to 1986. Baseball managers are distinguished from their counterparts in other sports because they normally wear the team's uniform and not civilian clothes. A manager who does not wear a uniform is confined to the dugout during the game, and may not go onto the field to give his players instructions or talk to an umpire.

Answer 3

I think it is more because in the early days of major league baseball there were many player-managers. The practice effectively ended with Lou Boudreau. There may have been a couple of player-coaches in the NBA, but I am not sure of this. Certainly this was not even an occasional practice with football! Ditto such sports as soccer and hockey; the pace on the field is too great. Owner-drivers have existed in NASCAR and other motor sports, but this is extremely uncommon today.

Connie Mack never wore a uniform as manager of the Philadelphia Athletics, to my knowledge, and he held that position for 50 years! (He also owned the team.) I don't know what happened if he wanted to talk to his pitchers.

Answer 4

Most baseball players are not overly athletic. Take that to the next level and most coaches were not the best players. Add in age and you have someone who really wants to still look the part but will never be able to play. Throw on a jersey, some cleats, and tight pants over a soft body and you have a baseball manager.

Answer 5

Because the rules are written that way. It is a carry over tradition from when the managers were also the players. In baseball, to be eligble to make a "visit" on the field, you must be in uniform. The exception to that would be the trainer, or medical personell.

A manager can wear anything he wants, but he can't go on the field of play, he would be restricted to yhe dugout.

EDIT PART; For Nacnud---per NFHS and NCAA rules, the coaches/managers must be in uniform for baseball. In softball they must be in "team attire". A manager improperly dressed is allowed to do the initial meeting and exchange lineups, but then s/he is restricted to the dugout. It may sound like a silly rule, but like I said, it's tradition and nobody seems to mind.

Answer 6

Of all the major team sports, the baseball managers/coaches are the only ones actually allowed on the field of play--to talk to their pitcher or baserunner, for instance. It lends more dignity that the manager looks no different than the other players on the field (except he might look a little older.)
Besides, would you like to see a football coach running around in shoulder pads and helmet, or a basketball coach in sleveless shirt and shorts or a hockey coach on skates?

Answer 7

Yeah, I'd want to see Phil Jackson in a tank top and shorts. (Um... NO THANKS!)

I don't think Bill Cowher really wants to try to hold a clip board while in a full set of pads.

Would Scotty Bowman have looked ridiculous in skates and a hockey sweater?

Baseball Managers were the uniform because it is the most comfortable way for them to sit in the dug out for hours. Why don't the other sports do it? Well, as pointed out already... they owuld look rediculous and/or be unable to perform the duties of their job.

Answer 8

Baseball managers look fine wearing a baseball uniform, but a football coach or a basketball coach would look idiotic wearing a player's uniform.

A baseball uniform is farily comfortable. Football gear certainly would not be...

Answer 9

Yeah, stupid rule. It should be changed to give the managers some dignity. High school and college coaches don't wear uniforms and it looks much more dignified.

A little off subject. I believe it was Titan head coach, Jeff Fischer, asked the league to allow him to wear a suit and tie on the sidelines and the league declined. All coaches must wear Nike apparel and since Nike does not make a suit and tie his request was denied.

Answer 10

Its a tradition thing. It started way back in the day, probably when the manager played as well. So, over time, the tradition has just continued and no one wants to break it.