DES MOINES, Iowa —

Welby Shelton "Buddy" Bailey, a legendary manager in Minor League Baseball who spent one season leading the Iowa Cubs, has died. He was 68 years old.

Video above: Brief history of the Iowa Cubs

Bailey, who won over 2,400 games in 36 years in the minors, managed the Iowa Cubs in 2007. He led the team to a 78-66 record.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of longtime Cubs minor league manager, Buddy Bailey," the Iowa Cubs posted on X. "... Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

The Atlanta Braves selected Bailey, a catcher, in the 16th round of the 1979 draft. He never made the big leagues, but reached Double-A with the Savannah Braves in 1982 before taking his first job managing rookie ball in Pulaski, Virginia.

Bailey (2,419-2,219 from 1983-2

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