Jimmy Bragan was born March 12, 1929 in Birmingham, Alabama. Was an all-star at Phillips High School. Played collegiately for Mississippi State University…Began his minor league playing career with the Brooklyn Dodgers system in 1950. In 1955 he moved to the Cincinnati Reds organization…Began his managerial career in 1957 for the Bluefield, West Virginia Appalachian Rookie League, where he won a league pennant. Had minor league coaching stops at Savannah, GA, Palatka, FL, Chattanooga, TN, and Winnipeg, Canada Expos. He then scouted for the Cincinnati Reds for ten years. Became a Major League coach in 1967 with the Cincinnati Reds and for the next several years was a part of the “Big Red Machine.” Also coached with the Montreal Expos and Milwaukee Brewers. Served as head baseball coach at his alma mater (1974-’75). In 1979, Bragan became president of the Southern League of Professional Baseball Clubs. He enjoyed an outstanding tenure taking the league to new heights both financially and in attendance, and was responsible for bringing baseball back to Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile. He remained in this position until his retirement in 1994. He passed away in 2001.