El Tappe

Who was El Tappe?

Elvin Walter Tappe was an American professional baseball player, a catcher for the Chicago Cubs from 1954 to 1962, but he was best known for being part of the Philip K. Wrigley-implemented College of Coaches in the 1961 season. Reportedly, the entire concept was Tappe's idea.

The Cubs played the entire season that year with a rotating system of coaches who would alternate as manager. Tappe, who had been a Cubs' coach since 1959, was head coach for 95 games over three separate stints, while Vedie Himsl, Harry Craft and Lou Klein managed 31, 16 and 11 games respectively.

Tappe ended 1961 as head coach and began 1962 in that role. Since he notched a 42–54 record in 1961—by far the best of the four who led the club—it was generally believed that he would remain head coach as long as the Cubs were playing well. Additionally, it was obvious he was Wrigley's favorite. However, the Cubs stumbled to a 4-16 start in 1962, and Tappe was replaced by Klein. He returned to his backup catcher role, and never played in the majors after the 1962 season. He remained with the Cubs as a coach and scout.

Tappe was the son of Walter Emil Tappe and Marie Sophia Tappe. He had a twin brother, Melvin Tappe, who was a minor league pitcher.