Joe Schultz - Seattle Pilots

Seattle Pilots

The success of the Cardinals led to Schultz's 1969 opportunity with the Pilots. Although they were badly outdrafted by its fellow expansion team, the Kansas City Royals, during the player selection lottery, Schultz and general manager Marvin Milkes actually thought the Pilots would finish third in the newly formed American League West. Indeed, Schultz managed to keep his patchwork team within striking distance of .500 for most of the early part of the season. However, a 9–20 July effectively ended any chance at respectability, and the Pilots finished last in the new West, with a mark of 64-98 (.395).

However, it can be argued that Schultz's efforts were hamstrung by the Pilots' off-the-field problems. They played at a former minor league park, Sick's Stadium, that was clearly inadequate even as a temporary facility. The Pilots were also plagued by an unstable, undercapitalized ownership; they were nearly broke by the end of the season.

Schultz was replaced as manager by Dave Bristol as the team struggled in limbo during the 1969-70 offseason. Only weeks before the 1970 season opener, the Pilots were purchased by a group headed by Bud Selig and transferred to Milwaukee, where they have remained since.

He coached with the Royals (1970) and the Detroit Tigers (1971–76) before leaving baseball. He compiled a 14–14 mark as acting manager of the 1973 Tigers, replacing the fired Billy Martin, giving him a career record of 78–112 (.411) as a major league skipper. Apart from that assignment, Schultz never managed in the majors again after the Pilots collapsed.