Buddy Bailey

Lore & Background

Bailey was a catcher who threw and batted right-handed, stood 6 feet tall and weighed 193 pounds. He signed his first pro contract with the Atlanta Braves and hit .210 with six home runs over four minor league seasons, mostly at Class A. He managed in the Atlanta organization from 1983 to 1990, winning the Southern League pennant with the Greenville Braves in 1988. He later managed in the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs organizations, and was a longtime manager of the Tigres de Aragua of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League, leading them to six championships and the 2009 Caribbean Series title. He died from cancer in Lynchburg, Virginia, on September 22, 2025, at age 68.

Reader's Guide

Bailey managed the Myrtle Beach Pelicans through the 2024 season, leading them to a league championship in his first season. He also managed the Tennessee Smokies, Daytona Cubs, Iowa Cubs, and South Bend Cubs. He won his 1,500th game in May 2011 and exceeded 2,000 wins during 2016. He was the only manager in LVBP history to win six titles with a single team and won a record 500 games in the league.

Did You Know?

• He won Manager of the Year twice in the International League (1996 and 2003).
• Days before his death, he had been announced as manager of the Senadores de Caracas for the 2026 Venezuelan Major League season.