Former Indians manager dies

Roy Hartsfield, who managed the Spokane Indians for three seasons in the 1960s and later managed in the major leagues for the Toronto Blue Jays’ in their first three seasons, has died. He was 85. Bernhardt Funeral Home in Ellijay confirmed that Hartsfield died Saturday at his daughter’s home in Ball Ground, Ga. Hartsfield also played in the majors from 1950-52 for the Boston Braves. A second baseman, he finished with a .273 career batting average and 13 homers. He then coached and managed, mostly in the minors, including 19 years in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, three with the Spokane Indians (1966-69). He preceded Tommy Lasorda as the manager of the then-AAA Indians. Hartsfield had a regular-season record of 242-199 in his three Indians seasons, with his latter two teams winning the West Division before losing in the league championship series. Hartsfield was named the Blue Jays’ manager when they joined the American League in 1977. Hartsfield was 166-318 in his three years managing Toronto.