Athletes - Johnny Lipon

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	Athletes - Johnny Lipon

John Joseph Lipon (November 10, 1922 - August 17, 1998) was a Major League shortstop for the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Browns, and the Cincinnati Reds over the course of 12 seasons. Like many at his position, he was never known for his power, but he wasn't an exceptional fielder, either. One of the most memorable moments of his playing career was in 1951, when Bob Feller of the Indians threw his third career no-hitter, but lost the shutout when Lipon reached on an error, stole second base, advanced to third on an errant pickoff throw, and scored on a sacrifice fly.

In 1952, he was part of a trade to the Red Sox that included longtime star Johnny Pesky going to the Tigers. His playing time diminished, and in the 1953 season, he was sold to the St. Louis Browns. In 1954, the Browns moved east to Baltimore, but Lipon was quickly traded to the Chicago White Sox. Before playing a game for the White Sox, however, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, and he retired after just one National League at-bat.

Lipon moved to the minors as a manager, where he would win 2185 games over 33 seasons. Many expected him to be a manager at the major league level, but his only chance came during the 1971 season, when Alvin Dark of the Cleveland Indians was fired with 59 games left. The Indians went 18-41 under Lipon, good for last place in the American League East, 43 games behind the Baltimore Orioles. He retired from managing after the 1992 season.

Lipon died in Houston at age 75.

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