July 28, 1966:
Tigers Deny Report Martin Will Be Manager Next Year
Chicago (AP) - Billy Martin will be named new manager of the Detroit Tigers before the beginning of the 1967 season, Chicago's American said yesterday.
Martin, currently a coach for the Minnesota Twins, became the no. 1 choice of Tigers President John Fetzer after Al Lopez declined to succeed the ailing current Tiger pilot, Charlie Dressen, it was reported by the American's baseball writer, Brent Musberger.
The Tigers' general manager, Jim Campbell, commented on the story: "There's not a bit of truth in it."
A newsman who reached Campbell at a Chicago hotel asked if a new manager has been chosen.
"Absolutely not," he replied.
Dressen on May 16 suffered his second heart attack in as many years and coach Frank Skaff presently directs the Tigers. Dressen's original replacement, coach Bob Swift, also became ill July 14.
Musberger wrote:
"The selection of Martin was revealed to this writer by a member of the Tiger family, who indicated several players were aware of Martin's selection for next season and were quite happy with Fetzer's choice. Martin was a member of the Tigers in 1958 before he was traded to Cleveland."
Musberger said Lopez, retired as manager of the Chicago White Sox and current Sox vice president, told the Tigers his retirement from managing was final.
"Whether Martin will take over the Tigers before the end of this season is not known," Musburger wrote. "His one-year contract with the Twins expires this October. It is believed he will also have a one-year pact with the Tigers."
CHUCK DRESSEN, TIGERS MGR.