How Did Don Stanhouse Earn the Nickname 'Full Pack' in Baseball?

Don Stanhouse, a former relief pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, earned the nickname 'Full Pack,' not because of his play on the field, but rather because he had a habit of making things worse in high-pressure situations before finally resolving the immediate issues. This led to a distinct and humorous pattern observed by manager Earl Weaver, who would chain-smoke an entire pack of cigarettes while Stanhouse was pitching.

The Origins of the Nickname 'Full Pack'

Earl Weaver, the legendary former manager of the Baltimore Orioles, is often mistakenly credited with the nickname 'Full Pack.' In reality, it was Weaver who gave it to Stanhouse, albeit with the intention of highlighting an uncomfortable and amusing aspect of their relationship rather than as a badge of honor.

Don Stanhouse was a versatile reliever who joined the Orioles in a period when the team was no longer among the best in baseball. During this time, the club was hovering around mediocrity, continuously adjusting and tinkering with their roster. Despite Weaver's skill in maximizing the potential of his players, he found Stanhouse particularly challenging. The reason? Stanhouse would often falter early in his appearances, presenting more problems than he solved.

Earl Weaver's Response to Stanhouse

According to Karen Brackin, a self-proclaimed 'O’s fan' from Baltimore MD, Weaver would chain-smoke when Stanhouse was on the mound due to his nervousness and indecisive nature. This peculiar behavior is what gave Stanhouse his now-famous nickname. Weaver's smoking habit became almost legendary among fans and teammates, with the 'Full Pack' nickname underscoring the intensity he felt during these stressful moments.

Behind the Scenes: Weaver's Character and Decision-Making

Earl Weaver was known for his rigorous and sometimes brutal approach to managing. He was a strict disciplinarian who didn't tolerate mistakes easily. His decision to smoke the entire pack when Stanhouse was pitching highlights how serious he took his responsibility and the pressure he felt under these conditions.

Stanhouse's approach to the game was different, but not necessarily worse. He was a 'flake' and not always heroic, but he had a way of calming the nerves of the team in a unique way. Despite this, Weaver was clearly uncomfortable with Stanhouse's behavior, as evidenced by his chain-smoking habit.

The Impact on the Team and Weaver's Legacy

The constant struggle with Stanhouse, combined with the pressure to perform consistently, likely contributed to Weaver's decision to retire early. The nickname 'Full Pack' became a symbol of the intense stress and anxiety that came with managing in the majors, especially with players like Stanhouse.

Despite the nickname's origins, it's important to recognize that Stanhouse was often effective when it mattered most, especially with runners on base. Weaver, however, saw in Stanhouse the embodiment of his greatest fears: giving up a walk, which Weaver considered almost a mortal sin. This habit of Stanhouse's pushed Weaver to the brink and ultimately led to the nickname becoming a permanent part of baseball lore.

Conclusion

The story of Don Stanhouse and his 'Full Pack' nickname is not only about a memorable quirk in baseball history but also a reflection of the intense pressures and challenges faced by managers and players in the high-stakes world of professional sports. Weaver's response to Stanhouse underscores the complexities and nuances of managing a team in major league baseball.