Doc Prothro
James Thompson "Doc" Prothro Sr. was an infielder and manager in American Major League Baseball. Prothro was so nicknamed because he was a practicing dentist before signing his first professional baseball contract at age 26. His son, Tommy Prothro, became a successful coach in U.S. college football and, during the 1970s, led the Los Angeles Rams and San Diego Chargers of the National Football League.
A Memphis native, Doc Prothro attended the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He was a right-handed hitting third baseman and shortstop for the Washington Senators, Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds, batting.318 with no home runs and 81 RBI in 180 games. He was discovered by baseball promoter Joe Engel, who managed the Chattanooga Lookouts at Engel Stadium. In 1928, Prothro became a manager in the Southern Association, then one of the higher-level minor leagues, leading the Memphis Chicks and Little Rock Travelers to four SA pennants through 1938.
In 1939, Prothro replaced Jimmie Wilson as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. In his three full seasons at the helm of the Phils, the club remained locked in the National League cellar — losers of 106, 103 and 111 games. Prothro's career mark of 138–320, a.301 winning percentage, the worst record in major league history for managers with 400 games managed.
Prothro was fired after the 1941 season and replaced by Hans Lobert and thereafter returned to the Southern Association, where he piloted the Chicks from 1942 to 1947. After he retired as Memphis' manager, he remained active as a co-owner of the club.
Prothro died in Memphis in 1971 at the age of 78.
