Doc Prothro

Who was Doc Prothro?

James Thompson "Doc" Prothro was an infielder and manager in American Major League Baseball. Prothro was so nicknamed because he was a practicing dentist before signing his first professional baseball contract at age 26. His son, Tommy Prothro, became a successful coach in U.S. college football and, during the 1970s, led the Los Angeles Rams and San Diego Chargers of the National Football League.

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Doc Prothro was a right-handed hitting third baseman and shortstop for the Washington Senators, Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds, batting .318 in only 180 games. He was discovered by baseball promoter, Joe Engel, who managed the Chattanooga Lookouts at Engel Stadium. In 1928, he became a manager in the Southern Association, then one of the higher-level minor leagues, leading the Memphis Chicks and Little Rock Travelers to four SA pennants through 1938.

In 1939, Prothro replaced Jimmie Wilson as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, perhaps the worst team in baseball at the time. In his three full seasons at the helm of the Phils, the club remained locked in the National League "cellar" — losers of 106, 103 and 111 games in successive seasons and winners of only 138 overall. Prothro's career mark of 138–320, with a .301 winning percentage, is the worst record in major league history for managers leading a club for at least three seasons.