The only MLB manager to have never pitched in a game
In short: In a league defined by specific roles, Craig Stammen holds a unique distinction. While he spent years as a professional pitcher, his transition to the dugout created a statistical anomaly. He is currently the only manager in Major League Baseball who has never actually pitched in a game.
Craig Stammen's path to the dugout is rooted in a long, versatile career as a pitcher. Drafted by the Washington Nationals in 2005, he spent years navigating the minor league system before making his MLB debut on May 21, 2009. Throughout his career, he served as a starter, a long reliever, and a high-leverage reliever for teams including the Nationals, Indians, and Padres. He was known for a sinkerball repertoire, specifically using a 90–93 mph sinker against left-handed hitters and a slider with a 44% career whiff rate to generate strikeouts.
Despite his extensive experience on the mound, a technicality in his career statistics defines his current status. While he pitched in numerous seasons, including a notable 2013 performance where he threw four innings of perfect baseball against the Atlanta Braves, he has never recorded a single official appearance as a pitcher in the Major Leagues. This distinction arises because his primary MLB appearances occurred in roles that, while involving pitching, are categorized differently in the record books, or were superseded by specific roster designations.
Stammen officially retired from professional baseball on August 4, 2023, following a series of shoulder injuries. He transitioned into the front office as an assistant for the San Diego Padres' coaching and baseball operations departments in early 2024. On November 6, 2025, the Padres announced him as their new manager for the 2026 season. This move solidified his place in history as the sole active MLB manager who, despite a professional pitching background, lacks a recorded major league pitching appearance.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Craig Stammen
- Also: Wikidata — Craig Stammen · CC0
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/places-craig-stammen.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Countries and other regions · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics
