Connie Mack, born Cornelius McGillicuddy to Irish immigrants, worked in cotton mills and shoe factories before baseball. A slight, cerebral catcher who weaponized deception, he became a manager who ran the Philadelphia Athletics from the dugout in a business suit for 50 years.

This episode unpacks the ultimate statistical paradox, the most wins and the most losses in MLB history, three dynasties repeatedly dismantled by fire sales, a bitter family succession war, and the franchise’s forced sale and relocation to Kansas City.

• Holds records for both the most wins, 3,731, and most losses in MLB history
• Managed the Athletics for 50 years, retiring from the dugout at 87
• Adopted the white elephant logo after a mocking insult from John McGraw
• Built three dynasties but sold off stars during economic downturns
• The 1916 team went 36-117, the modern era’s worst winning percentage