Former Athletics manager Alvin Dark dies at age 92

Alvin Dark, the manager of the Oakland Athletics 1974 World Series champion team, has died, according to a report from Justin McGuire of the Sporting News. He was 92.

Dark played 14 seasons in MLB between 1946 and 1960, choosing baseball over football after returning from the World War II Pacific Theater. The 1946 National League Rookie of the Year played for the Boston Braves, New York Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Braves. As a player, he won the 1954 World Series with the New York Giants in the Series best remembered for Willie Mays' famous over-the-shoulder running catch deep in the Polo Grounds center field in Game 1.

As a manager, Dark initially helmed the San Francisco Giants from 1961-64, winning the NL pennant in 1962. He joined the Athletics in Kansas City from 1966-67, then the Cleveland Indians from 1968-71, went to the Oakland Athletics from 1974-75, and helmed the San Diego Padres for their 1977 campaign.

The Oakland Athletics released a statement regarding the passing of Alvin Dark:

We are saddened to learn of Alvin's passing. He was a true baseball man who will always hold a prominent place in our history, both in Kansas City and Oakland. A's fans will never forget the 1974 team he managed to a third consecutive World Series title. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.