Which Philadelphia Phillies manager taunted Robinson with racial slurs?

The Philadelphia Phillies manager who taunted Jackie Robinson with racial slurs was Ben Chapman. Chapman managed the Phillies during their April 22, 1947, series against the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field, directing vicious abuse at Robinson from the Philadelphia dugout.

Robinson was baseball's first African American player in the modern major leagues, and Chapman represented some of the hostility surrounding that breakthrough. Reports describe Chapman and members of the Phillies using racist insults and taunts during the game. The abuse became so severe that Phillies third baseman Lee Handley apologized to Robinson, explaining that not all of the players shared the same feelings.

Chapman's conduct later became part of the public record through newspaper coverage, firsthand accounts and Robinson's own recollections. Robinson said Chapman was among the most vicious people he encountered in terms of name-calling. The Dodgers won that game 1-0, but the episode remained significant because it showed the intense pressure Robinson faced beyond the field.

Chapman was a former major-league outfielder and had managed Philadelphia since 1945. He was dismissed during the 1948 season and later worked in baseball in other roles.