The Sunday Funnies

For the third straight offseason, the Sunday funnies: baseball stories, maybe true, perhaps not, intended to draw a laugh or at least a smile.

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Rabbit Maranville is in the Hall of Fame, but certainly not for his prowess as hitter. The Rabbit was a weak batsman, and a superb defensive shortstop. He was also a notable clown, and a drinker of some repute.

He had a short run as player-manager of the Chicago Cubs about halfway through his career, 53 games. He was named manager in the middle of the season over his protests — he didn't want the job, and, given his habitual irresponsibility, it wasn't a real bright idea to force it on him.

On one of the team's long train trips, Maranville took a tour of the Pullman cars with a bucket of water, splashing sleeping travelers while bellowing: "There will be no sleeping under Maranville management!"

He was soon relieved of his managerial duties.