WikiMini

Lee Elia

Lee Elia
Shortstop
Born: (1937-07-16)July 16, 1937
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died: July 9, 2025(2025-07-09) (aged 87)
Odessa, Florida, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
April 23, 1966, for the Chicago White Sox
Last MLB appearance
September 13, 1968, for the Chicago Cubs
MLB statistics
Batting average.203
Home runs3
Runs batted in25
Managerial record238–300
Winning %.442
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Managerial record at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams
As player
As manager
As coach
Career highlights and awards

Lee Constantine Elia (July 16, 1937 – July 9, 2025) was an American professional baseball infielder, manager, and coach in Major League Baseball (MLB). After being drafted by his hometown Philadelphia Phillies, Elia spent seven years in the minor leagues, playing a mixture of shortstop and third base, before reaching the majors with the Chicago White Sox in 1966 and the Chicago Cubs in 1968. His playing career was cut short by knee injuries.

Elia moved into coaching and management after his playing career concluded. After initially working alongside manager Jim Bunning, Elia moved into management himself, working his way up the Phillies' minor league system. He was named third base coach for the Phillies, and was part of the coaching staff that won the 1980 World Series. He took his first major league managerial role with the Cubs in 1982 as they looked to rebuild. His time in Chicago is particularly remembered for a profanity-laden tirade attacking the team's fans and local media in his second year at the helm; he lost his job later that season.

After returning to the Phillies organization in a variety of coaching roles, he was named manager of their major league team in 1987. He was fired after a losing season the following year. He returned to coaching roles thereafter, serving on the staffs of the Phillies, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Baltimore Orioles, and Seattle Mariners. Later in life, Elia was a special assistant with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves.

Early life

[edit]

Elia was born on July 16, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania[1] to Constantine and Florence (née Soulas) Elia.[2][3] His father Connie Elia was born in Albania and emigrated to the United States in 1920, working as a supervisor for a food-service company for 30 years.[4] Elia also had a younger sister, Diane.[2]

As a youth, Elia played multiple sports. While attending Olney High School, he played quarterback and was named all-city for the football team, was the starting shortstop on the baseball team and played for the basketball team.[2][5] He also played guard for a summer-league basketball team that included future NBA players Wilt Chamberlain and Ray Scott and future Philadelphia 76ers announcer Sonny Hill.[2]

Offered football scholarships by more than 50 schools, Elia selected the University of Delaware. In his freshman year, he was the team's leading rusher and points scorer while playing halfback.[2] He suffered a dislocated hip in the offseason and was unable to play in his sophomore year. That injury healed in time for the Fightin' Blue Hens' baseball season, and after spending the summer playing baseball in Nova Scotia, Elia settled on baseball as his future.[2]

Playing career

[edit]

Elia's college and summer-league baseball performance attracted the attention of his hometown Phillies, and he signed with them for a $21,000 signing bonus. He was assigned to the Elmira Pioneers of the Class D New York–Penn League for the 1959 season.[2] Playing mostly as a shortstop, he batted .309 with an OPS of .858 across 98 games[1] and earned an invitation to the Phillies' spring training, where he was praised by Phillies manager Eddie Sawyer as the "surprise player of spring".[2] Elia was promoted to the Phillies' Single-A affiliate Williamsport Grays but suffered a knee injury.[2] He playing in 124 games, mostly at third base, but his batting average dropped to .233, with 59 runs batted in.[1]

Elia played for the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts in 1961, with whom his batting average improved to .266, but he hit only four home runs.[1] He was promoted to Triple-A for 1962, where he would spend the next three years with the Buffalo Bisons and Arkansas Travelers. By 1964, his OPS had improved to .800, but he was not promoted to the major leagues by the Phillies.[1] In the following offseason, Elia was traded to the Chicago White Sox along with Danny Cater in exchange for Ray Herbert and Jeoff Long. Elia was stunned by the trade as he had enjoyed a good relationship with the Phillies,[6] although he later admitted that he had been "stagnant" in the organization.[7] He was assigned to the Indianapolis Indians, Chicago's Triple-A affiliate, and hit a career-high 29 home runs and accumulated 75 RBIs.[1] After starting 1966 with the Indians, he was promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[7] He appeared in 80 games for the White Sox that year, mostly as a shortstop, hitting .205 with three home runs and 22 RBIs.[1]

Although Elia started 1967 with the Indians in Triple-A, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs for Jim Stewart.[8] Elia played the rest of the 1967 season in the minors after being assigned to the Tacoma Cubs. He finished with 14 home runs, 59 RBIs and a batting average of .267. He split 1968 between Triple-A Tacoma and the Cubs' major-league team. He appeared in just 15 games in the majors that year, hitting .176 with three RBIs,[1] although one was a walk-off single in the 11th inning against the St. Louis Cardinals, a game that Elia described as "the most memorable game I've ever seen."[9]

In 1969, Elia was traded to the New York Yankees and played 17 games with the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs.[1][10] A fourth knee operation resulted in a three-year break from baseball, although Elia continued to play non-professionally in the semipro Penn-Del League.[2] He returned for a brief stint as player-coach for the Eugene Emeralds, the Phillies' Triple-A affilliate, in 1973.[5]

Coaching and managerial career

[edit]

1973–1981: Early roles

[edit]
Elia (pictured) coaching the Toledo Mud Hens in 1975.

After spending three years out of professional baseball, when he had sold insurance, Elia was recruited to return as a player-coach for the Emeralds to support manager Jim Bunning.[5] The Emeralds finished in last place in the West Division of the Pacific Coast League with a 64–79 record.[11] The next season, the Phillies ended their association with Eugene, switching to the Toledo Mud Hens.[12] Both Bunning and Elia were retained to lead the Mud Hens,[13] who finished 70–74, third in the International League North Division.[14]

In 1975 at the age of 37, Elia was offered his first position as a manager, leading the Spartanburg Phillies of the Class A Western Carolinas League.[2] With the Phillies leading the league at the halfway mark, Elia was named as manager of the WCL's All-Star team, to play against the Carolina League's all-stars.[15] The teams split the two-game series; the WCL won the first game 7–0,[16] before losing the second, 2–1.[17] Elia led the Phillies to a league-best 81–59 record,[18] winning WCL Manager of the Year honors.[19] The following season, the Phillies were not able to repeat, finishing with a 59–80 record, tied for last in the WCL.[20]

Elia was promoted to the manage the Double-A Reading Phillies in the Eastern League for the 1977 season.[21] With a roster that included future 1980 World Series champions Kevin Saucier and Keith Moreland,[22][23] he managed his team to a 63–75 finish, finishing in third place in the Can-Am Division.[24] In 1978, Reading had a winning record of 79–57, finishing in second place.[25]

The Phillies named Elia manager of their Triple-A affiliate, the Oklahoma City 89ers, for the 1979 season.[26] The 89ers finished with a 72–63 record,[27] winning their first American Association West Division title.[28] They played the Evansville Triplets, in the championship series, but lost in six games.[29] After the season, the Philadelphia Phillies fired manager Danny Ozark, replacing him with Dallas Green,[30][31] who hired Elia as third-base coach.[5] They finished the season as NL East champions with a 91–71 record, one game ahead of the Montreal Expos, en route to winning the 1980 World Series.[32]

In the strike-impacted 1981 season, the Phillies finished 59–48. In a split-season format, they won the NL East first half with a 34–21 record,[33] granting them a playoff berth,[34] but finished third in the second half with a record of 25–27. In the National League Division Series, they played the NL East second-half winners, the Montreal Expos, but lost in five games.[33]

1982–1983: Manager of the Chicago Cubs

[edit]

After the 1981 season, Green left the Phillies to join the Chicago Cubs as their general manager, seeking to return to a front-office role.[2] He brought Elia as the Cubs' manager and acquired Larry Bowa, Ryne Sandberg,[5] Keith Moreland and Dickie Noles from the Phillies.[35] With the Cubs having failed to win a National League pennant since 1945, Green and Elia implemented a new slogan, "Building a New Tradition."[36] Green remarked the Cubs were looking to improve on the previous season, when they finished last in the NL.[37]

During the first half of the 1982 season, while playing against the San Diego Padres, Elia scuffled with his first baseman, Bill Buckner on the field. After Buckner had been hit by a pitch from Padres pitcher Tim Lollar, he approached Don Larson, who was pitching for the Cubs; Larson hit Tim Flannery with the next pitch. Elia accused Buckner of inciting this as retaliation, although Buckner denied his claim and stated it wasn't intentional.[38] Buckner pulled himself out of the Cubs' lineup for two games, taking issue with how Elia had approached him, before they eventually settled their dispute.[39] In June, the Cubs went on a 13-game losing streak, tying the franchise record set in 1944.[40] The Cubs reached the All-Star break in last place in their division, with a 36–53 record.[41] In the second half of the season, the Cubs were buoyed by 18 wins in August,[42] including their first six-game winning streak for three years,[43] which Elia described as his "high point," with "the best complement of hitting and pitching we've had."[44] They went 37–36 in the second half, finishing the season with a 73–89 record, fifth in the NL East.[45]

The following season, the Cubs began the season poorly; during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field on April 29, 1983, a group of Cubs fans taunted their team's players, prompting Keith Moreland to try and climb onto the dugout to roof to reach them. After losing the game, the Cubs held the worst record in Major League Baseball, at 5–14.[46][47] Elia lost his temper while speaking with reporters afterwards, delivering an infamous profanity-laden tirade regarding the Cubs' fans.[2][5] Elia vented his feelings about Cubs fans in the stands who were booing and heckling Chicago:

I'll tell you one fuckin' thing—I hope we get fuckin' hotter than shit just to stuff it up them three thousand fuckin' people that show up every fuckin' day. Because if they're the real Chicago fuckin' fans, they can kiss my fuckin' ass, right Downtown, and print it! They're really, really behind you around here. My fuckin' ass! What ... what the fuck am I supposed to do? Go out there and let my fuckin' players get destroyed every day, and be quiet about it? For the fuckin' nickel/dime people that show up? The motherfuckers don't even work! That's why they're out at the fuckin' game! They ought to get a fuckin' job and find out what it's like to go out and earn a fuckin' living. Eighty-five percent of the fuckin' world is working. The other fifteen come out here. A fuckin' playground for the cocksuckers. Rip them motherfuckers! Rip those country cocksuckers, like the fuckin' players! We've got guys bustin' their fuckin' asses and those fuckin' people boo ... and that's the Cubs? My fuckin' ass! They talk about the great fuckin' support that the players get around here, I haven't seen it this fuckin' year![48][49]

Bowa later remarked that "what [Elia] did was stick up for his players. He'll always stick up for his players."[2] Green considered firing Elia,[47] and demanded that Elia apologize for his comments, which he did that evening.[2][47] Elia's relationship with the Chicago fans and the press was damaged,[2] while both Green and Bowa suggested that Elia stopped enforcing discipline as strongly in the team afterwards.[50]

In August, the Cubs dropped a game 5–3 to the Atlanta Braves, with Gerald Perry hitting a home run and three RBIs. Perry had been promoted from the Braves' Triple-A affiliate two weeks prior, and Elia blamed a lack of scouting on the International League for the loss; Green called this a "cop out," and said the scouting report for Perry was on his desk.[50] Citing Elia's lack of preparation, loss of discipline, the Cubs' 54–69 record[50] and fifth place standing in the NL East, Elia was fired as manager 132 games into the season.[2] Although Green hoped to retain Elia in a different role for the final year of his contract,[50] Elia ultimately decided to leave, citing a desire to return home.[51]

1984–1988: Returning to the Phillies

[edit]

After being fired by the Cubs, Elia rejoined the Phillies organization as manager for the Triple-A Portland Beavers. He replaced John Felske, who had been promoted to be the Phillies' bench coach.[52] Elia's tenure in Portland is perhaps best remembered for his role in an unusual incident during a May 30, 1984 game against the Vancouver Canadians. Elia was ejected for arguing a called third strike and threw a chair onto the field before leaving the dugout; this led to the ejection of the team's batboy Sam Morris, who refused (acting on instructions from Beavers players in the dugout) umpire Pam Postema's demand that to retrieve the chair from field.[53] Elia led the Beavers to a 62–78 record in the Pacific Coast League, a last-place finish in the Northern Division.[54]

With Felske named as the new Phillies manager for 1985, Elia was promoted back to the major leagues to serve as bench coach.[55] The Phillies finished the season 75–87, fifth in the NL East.[56] They improved to 86–75 in 1986, second place in the division, but finished 21.5 games back of the New York Mets.[57]

Elia remained as bench coach for the 1987 season. After a 29–32 start, Felske was fired and Elia was named interim manager.[58] Third baseman Mike Schmidt remarked: "I'm friends with Lee. I'll be able to yell at him to come out on the field so we can discuss something, and he won't think I'm trying to undermine him."[59] The Phillies recovered to 66–57, 6.5 games back in the NL East, in late August,[60] and Elia was handed the job on a permanent basis in September.[61] But after going 12–17 in September and October, the Phillies finished 80–82.[60] While the Phillies won 51 of 101 games under Elia's leadership,[62] he described their fourth place finish in the NL East as "disappointing".[63]

Elia spoke of a desire to institute a sense of character into his team for 1988.[64] He clashed with his first baseman Von Hayes in June, after Hayes popped out and threw his batting helmet in the dugout, which struck Elia.[65] Elia later remarked, "[I]t's all in the family. Yes, there was some yelling and shoving and a few unpleasantries said, because I thought the helmet was thrown in my direction. But, when you're together for eight months of the year, heck, these things happen."[66] Despite the Phillies being in last place in the NL East with a 35–44 record, Elia was given a 1-year contract extension in July, with Phillies personnel director Lee Thomas remarking that Elia was the right man to turn their season around.[67] He was unable to do so, however: with the Phillies holding an NL East-worst record of 60–92 in September, Elia was fired, replaced by John Vukovich.[68] The Phillies ultimately finished 65–96,[69] their worst season since 1972.[68]

1989–2012: Later roles

[edit]

After Dallas Green was appointed manager of the New York Yankees in 1989, Elia joined his coaching staff[70] but was released by the team in August.[71] He returned to the Phillies organization the following year as manager of the Clearwater Phillies of the Class A Florida State League.[71][72] In his first season, he led the team to a 50–87 record, last in the West Division,[73] before improving to 81–49 in his second year, winning a division title and playoff berth. After a bye, they swept the St. Lucie Mets 2–0 in the semifinals before losing to the West Palm Beach Expos in the finals.[74]

A promotion back to the Phillies' Triple-A affiliate followed in 1992, now the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons of the International League.[75] Elia led the team to an 84–58 record and the Eastern Division title. After defeating the Pawtucket Red Sox in the semifinals, the Red Barons lost the championship series to the Columbus Clippers.[76] Elia was named IL Manager of the Year.[77]

In 1993, Elia joined Lou Piniella's Seattle Mariners staff as bench coach.[77] He was later named hitting instructor and worked closely with Alex Rodriguez as he won a batting title in 1996.[78][79] Elia remained with the team through 1997.[78] He was named director of minor-league instruction for the Phillies for the 1999 season[80] and served as bench coach for the 2000 Toronto Blue Jays.[81][82] He returned to the Mariners in 2001 in a consulting role, spending two more years there.[83]

Elia was reunited with Piniella for three seasons as hitting coach for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.[83] He next spent a year as bench coach for the Baltimore Orioles[84] before returning to Tampa Bay as a pro scout for 2007.[85] He next became a Mariners consultant for one year, supporting manager John McLaren.[86] Elia was named special assistant to general manager Ned Colletti of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2009,[87] and held the same role for Frank Wren of the Atlanta Braves two years later.[88][89] He was a special assistant for player development with the Braves for the 2012 season.[90]

Managerial record

[edit]
Team Year Regular season Postseason
Games Won Lost Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
CHC 1982 162 73 89 .451 5th in NL East
CHC 1983 123 54 69 .439 Fired
CHC total 285 127 158 .446
PHI 1987 101 51 50 .505 4th in NL East
PHI 1988 153 60 92 .395 Fired
PHI total 254 111 142 .439
Total[62] 539 238 300 .442

Personal life and death

[edit]

Elia resided in Odessa, Florida with his second wife Priscilla and his daughters Tana, who he adopted when she was 2 weeks old, and Ashley.[91][92] He was the uncle of Olympic swimmer Frank Leskaj, who represented Albania in the 1992 Summer Olympics.[93]

He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in May 1997;[94] after underdoing surgery, he was declared cancer-free in September.[95] He commemorated the 25-year anniversary of his Cubs rant by professing his love for the Cubs fans, and sold recordings embedded into a baseball in order to raise money for the Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities.[96]

Elia was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.[97]

Elia died in Odessa on July 9, 2025, one week before his 88th birthday.[98][99]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Lee Elia Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Bowen, Les (September 2, 1987). "Elia Began Sports Career at Olney High". Philadelphia Daily News. pp. 80, 81. Retrieved July 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "Death Notices – Elia". The Philadelphia Inquirer. March 1, 1987. Retrieved July 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "Constantine Dimitri Elia, father of Phillies coach". The Philadelphia Inquirer. March 1, 1987. p. 17-D. Retrieved July 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Breen, Matt (July 10, 2025). "Former Phillies manager and Philly native Lee Elia has died at 87". Inquirer.com. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  6. ^ Greenwald, Max (April 1, 1985). "Phils' Trade Stuns New Tribe Shortstop". Indianapolis Star. p. 56. Retrieved July 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ a b Markus, Robert (June 28, 1966). "Elia Remembers a Day in May". Chicago Tribune. pp. 3-1, 3-2. Retrieved July 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "Cubs Peddle Jim Stewart To Chisox". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Associated Press. May 24, 1967. p. 27. Retrieved July 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "Elia's Winning Hit Final Drama In Cubs' Uphill Win Over Cards". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. United Press International. August 5, 1968. p. 25. Retrieved July 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "Chiefs Send Kennedy to Manchester". The Post-Standard. United Press International. April 22, 1969. p. 19. Retrieved July 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "1973 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  12. ^ Rea, Larry (April 14, 1975). "Memphis Blues Will Begin A New Era Friday Night". The Memphis Commercial Appeal. p. 3-3. Retrieved July 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ Rea, Larry (April 16, 1975). "Toledo's Bunning Is Wary Of Blues". The Memphis Commercial Appeal. p. 26. Retrieved July 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ "1974 International League". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  15. ^ Monague, John (July 17, 1975). "Phils Pace CL, WCL Star Voting". Twin City Sentinel. p. 25. Retrieved July 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ "Carolina All-Stars blanked". The Daily Advance. Associated Press. July 25, 1975. p. 9. Retrieved July 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ "Former G-Brave Rick Albert Leads Carolina To Win". The Greenwood Index-Journal. Associated Press. July 26, 1975. p. 9. Retrieved July 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ "1975 Western Carolinas League". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  19. ^ Pope, Larry (June 16, 1976). "Unsolicited Coaching Ignites Tourists' Lisi". The Asheville Times. p. 30. Retrieved July 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ^ "1976 Western Carolinas League". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  21. ^ Inman, Hank (November 3, 1976). "Phils Name Emery To Manage 89ers". The Daily Oklahoman. Retrieved July 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  22. ^ "Kevin Saucier Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  23. ^ "Keith Moreland Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  24. ^ "1977 Eastern League". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  25. ^ "1978 Eastern League". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  26. ^ Gurley, Todd (November 10, 1978). "Elia Had Eye on 89er Job Earlier". The Daily Oklahoman. p. 28. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. ^ "1979 American Association". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  28. ^ Petree, Pat (August 28, 1979). "89ers Capture West Division Crown". The Daily Oklahoman. p. 13. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  29. ^ Petree, Pat (September 7, 1979). "Triplets Put Away 89ers, 7-3". The Daily Oklahoman. p. 25. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. ^ "Firing of Ozark Makes Elia 'Sad'". The Daily Oklahoman. Associated Press. September 1, 1979. pp. 25, 27. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ^ Hochman, Stan (September 12, 1979). "Dallas Green Runs Tight Ship". Philadelphia Daily News. pp. 79, 70. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ^ "1980 Major League Standings". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  33. ^ a b "1981 Major League Standings". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  34. ^ "Split idea wins vote of owners". The Baltimore Evening Sun. Associated Press. August 7, 1981. pp. C1, C6. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ Stark, Jayson (December 9, 1981). "Phils trade Moreland, Noles to Cubs". Sports. The Philadelphia Inquirer. pp. 1-D, 5-D. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ^ Stahmer, Scott (January 12, 1982). "Cubs start at bottom". The Dispatch. p. 10. Retrieved July 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ Holtzman, Jerome (February 21, 1982). "Cubs, Elia getting ready to start sorting it all out". Sports. Chicago Tribune. p. 4-2. Retrieved July 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ "Buckner takes himself out of lineup, blasts Elia". Sports. The Times-News. United Press International. May 26, 1982. p. C-2. Retrieved July 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. ^ "Buckner, Elia settle 'fun' feud". The Dispatch. United Press International. May 27, 1982. p. 27. Retrieved July 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  40. ^ "Futile Cubs snap losing string at 13". Sports. Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Associated Press. June 15, 1982. p. 1D. Retrieved July 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  41. ^ Logan, Bob (July 12, 1982). "Cubs' diagnosis: a case of split personality". Sports. Chicago Tribune. p. 4-3. Retrieved July 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  42. ^ Christine, Bill (October 10, 1982). "Cubs still play like Cubs of old". Sports. The Kansas City Star. p. 15. Retrieved July 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  43. ^ Logan, Bob (August 11, 1982). "Red-hot Cubs hit 6". Sports. Chicago Tribune. p. 3-1. Retrieved July 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  44. ^ "Cubs making things hot for NL East contenders". The Rock Island Argus. Associated Press. August 10, 1982. p. 13. Retrieved July 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  45. ^ "1982 Chicago Cubs Schedule". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  46. ^ Markus, Robert (April 30, 1983). "Elia swings for the seats". Chicago Tribune. pp. 2-1, 2-2. Retrieved July 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  47. ^ a b c Edes, Gordon (April 30, 1983). "The Bleeps Hit the Fans as Cubs Lose". Sports/Business. Los Angeles Times. p. III-1, III-16. Retrieved July 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  48. ^ Drehs, Wayne (April 29, 2008). "Fans won't let Elia forget meltdown". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  49. ^ Jaffe, Jay (April 26, 2013). "Happy anniversary, Lee Elia and Hal McRae (NSFW)". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  50. ^ a b c d Mitchell, Fred (August 23, 1983). "Green: Loose lips sink Elia". Sports. Chicago Tribune. pp. 3-1, 3-2. Retrieved July 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  51. ^ "Lee Elia: Cubs Will Win in '80s". The Grand Rapids Press. Associated Press. August 24, 1983. p. 5B. Retrieved July 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  52. ^ "...while Felske named team's coach". Sports. The Statesman Journal. Associated Press. October 21, 1983. p. 1E. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  53. ^ Kindred, Dave (June 1, 1984). "To obey or not to obey?". The Atlanta Constitution. p. D1. Retrieved September 8, 2018 – via newspapers.com.
  54. ^ "1984 Pacific Coast League". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  55. ^ Pray, Rusty (October 1, 1984). "Felske selected as Phillies' manager – Owens goes 'upstairs' to advise Giles". Sports/Money. Camden Courier-Post. pp. 1B, 2B. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  56. ^ "1985 Major League Baseball Standings". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  57. ^ "1986 Major League Baseball Standings". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  58. ^ Hagen, Paul (June 18, 1987). "Phillies Fire John Felske". Philadelphia Daily News. pp. 100, 98. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  59. ^ Hagen, Paul (June 19, 1987). "Schmidt Finds Faults in Felske Approach". Philadelphia Daily News. p. 143. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  60. ^ a b "1987 Philadelphia Phillies Schedule". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  61. ^ "Slumping Phillies sign Elia to one-year pact". Sports. The Knoxville News-Sentinel. September 15, 1987. p. C3. Retrieved July 29, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  62. ^ a b "Lee Elia Managerial Record". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  63. ^ Finocchiaro, Ray (October 5, 1987). "Bedrosian, Phils don't save best for last". Sports. The News Journal. p. C3. Retrieved July 29, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  64. ^ Finocchiaro, Ray (October 5, 1987). "Elia ponders plans for next year's Phillies". Sports. The News Journal. p. C3. Retrieved July 29, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  65. ^ Hagen, Paul (June 27, 1988). "For a Change, Phillies Show a Little Fight". Philadelphia Daily News. p. 86. Retrieved July 29, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  66. ^ "N.L. Notebook". Sports. The Indianapolis News. June 28, 1988. p. B-7. Retrieved July 29, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  67. ^ Bernstein, Ralph (July 6, 1988). "New contract vote of confidence for Elia". Pottsville Republican. Associated Press. Retrieved July 29, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  68. ^ a b Joseph, Gar (September 23, 1988). "Phils Fire Elia, Name Vukovich Manager". Philadelphia Daily News. p. 3. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  69. ^ "1988 Major League Baseball Standings". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  70. ^ Dolson, Frank (March 19, 1989). "A brave new world for new manager Dallas Green". Sports. The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 8-D. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  71. ^ a b Hagan, Paul (November 10, 1989). "Elia Returns to His Roots". Philadelphia Daily News. p. 100. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  72. ^ King, George A. III (November 10, 1989). "Lee Elia rejoins Phillies". Sports. The Trenton Times. p. B3. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  73. ^ "1990 Florida State League". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  74. ^ "1991 Florida State League". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  75. ^ Holeva, Larry (December 19, 1991). "Elia sees growth on Phils' farm". Sports/Business. The Scranton Tribune. p. B-1. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  76. ^ "1992 International League". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  77. ^ a b Savage, Bill (November 28, 1992). "Red Baron hero Elia sto sit on Seattle Bench". Sports. Times Leader. p. 5C. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  78. ^ a b "M's hire new hitting coach". Baker City Herald. Associated Press. December 15, 1997. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  79. ^ Newhan, Ross (September 23, 1996). "Nothing Short of Remarkable – Mariners' Rodriguez Having a Season for the Ages at 21". Los Angeles Times. pp. C1, C16. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  80. ^ "Phillies shake up farm system". Sports. Tri-City Herald. August 18, 1998. p. B2. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  81. ^ "Once-bitten Gaston to return to Blue Jays as hitting coach". Sports. Knoxville News-Sentinel. Associated Press. October 14, 1999. p. D4. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  82. ^ "Sports Briefs". Alamogordo Daily News. Associated Press. October 11, 2000. p. 10. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  83. ^ a b "Devil Rays Name Elia Hitting Coach". Sports. The Bellingham Herald. Associated Press. November 6, 2002. p. B4. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  84. ^ "Former O's bench coach Elia says he left on excellent terms". Sports. The Baltimore Sun. November 1, 2006. p. 4E. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  85. ^ Topkin, Marc (December 7, 2006). "Possible Rays deals dwindle with meetings ending today". Sports. Tampa Bay Times. p. 6C. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  86. ^ Bell, Gregg (November 26, 2008). "Mariners cutting ties with Stottlemyre, Elia". Sports. Peninsula Daily News. Associated Press. p. B3. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  87. ^ Mitchell, Fred (January 26, 2009). "Cubs greats agree: New owner must beef up farm system". Chicago Tribune. p. 2-4. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  88. ^ "Braves' hires include ex-managers Elia, Trembley | Atlanta Braves". Archived from the original on November 16, 2010. Retrieved January 21, 2011.
  89. ^ "Braves add Elia, Trembley to staff". Sports. Winston-Salem Journal. November 12, 2010. p. B2. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  90. ^ Hersh, Jim (December 25, 2011). "Sunday notebook". Sports. Lancaster Sunday News. p. C3. Retrieved July 13, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  91. ^ "Manager and Coaches – Lee Elia". MLB.com. Archived from the original on May 11, 2012.
  92. ^ Hagen, Paul (June 28, 1988). "There's Something Extra Missing from Offense". Philadelphia Daily News. p. 74. Retrieved July 29, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  93. ^ Dolson, Frank (July 5, 1992). "Taking the Olympic spirit to Albania". Sports. The Philadelphia Inquirer. pp. G1, G6. Retrieved July 29, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  94. ^ "M's Elia has prostate cancer". Sports. The Bellingham Herald. June 15, 1997. p. D1. Retrieved July 30, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  95. ^ Wheeler, Ken (September 30, 1997). "Elia ends 39-year career in baseball". Sports. The Oregonian. p. E5. Retrieved July 30, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  96. ^ Seligman, Andrew (April 29, 2008). "Steeped in the bleeps – A quarter-century later, Lee Elia's rant schoes worldwide". Sports. Southtown Star. Associated Press. p. B6. Retrieved July 30, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  97. ^ "Lee Elia". Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Retrieved July 15, 2025. Year Inducted: 2003
  98. ^ "Lee Elia, manager of Cubs and Phillies, dies at 87". ESPN.com. July 10, 2025. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  99. ^ "Lee Elia Baseball Stats". Baseball Almanac. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
[edit]
Sporting positions
Preceded by Chicago Cubs Manager
1982–83
Succeeded by
Preceded by Philadelphia Phillies Manager
1987–88
Succeeded by
Preceded by Baltimore Orioles Bench Coach
2006
Succeeded by
Preceded by Seattle Mariners Hitting Coach
2008
Succeeded by
Preceded by Seattle Mariners Bench Coach
2008
Succeeded by