An apt nickname. Anderson revolutionized a basic approach to the game. If one pitcher wasn't effective he'd just yank him and bring in another; and he didn't hesitate. Prior to the 70's, many more complete games were tossed and hitters would fatten up their averages on tired starters who would begin to wear out in the later innings. As a Dodgers fan, I hated the SOB, but much like Tommy Lasorda (who an equal number of people probably disliked) his teams throughout his career were commonly competitive. And but for the presence of Steve Garvey and the aforementined coach, Sparky Anderson and his crew from Cincinnati might be considered the greatest team in history rather than the Yankees of the mid and late 20's.

An accurate description of Anderson's handling of his pitching staff, through the first three quarters of his career at least (he seemed to get more patient as he got older). Particularly with the Reds, it seemed like there should be turnstiles on the Bullpen doors. On a side note, here we have a nickname for a guy who went by another nickname. Just another thing to love about baseball.

Every place he managed, he had this monologue with the pitchers: When I come to the mound, you are finished pitching. Wait for me to walk to the mound. While I am walking out, do not show me emotion. When I get there, place the ball, like an egg, in my hand and walk to the dugout. Do we understand each other? When he thought someone needed to be calmed down or instructed, he sent the pitching coach. When the Sparky went to the mound, it was to get the ball.