Bad players who became great executives

Allen was inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992 for his work as an executive of the Philadelphia Flyers, but his playing career didn't go as well. He played only 28 games over two seasons in the NHL for the Red Wings but helped construct the back-to-back Stanley Cup-winning "Broad Street Bullies" Flyers teams of the 1970s.

The protagonist of the book and movie "Moneyball,"  Beane was named GM of the Oakland Athletics in 1998 and has since ascended to executive VP of baseball operations. His statistical methods helped change front offices in all major sports. Beane was also the 23rd overall pick in the 1980 MLB Draft by the New York Mets, but he saw only 315 MLB plate appearances over six seasons, batting .219 for his career.

Dipoto is known as one of the most active general managers in baseball between stints with the Angels and now the Mariners. Seattle has its sights set on a playoff berth this season, but before his front office career, Dipoto was an MLB relief pitcher for eight seasons. He recorded 49 saves during his career with the Indians, Mets and Rockies, finishing with a 4.05 ERA and 1.51 WHIP.

Now the general manager of the Cleveland Browns, Dorsey did an excellent job developing the Kansas City Chiefs' roster from 2013-2017. His notable moves included the acquisition of Alex Smith, as well as drafting Travis Kelce, Marcus Peters, Tyreek Hill and Kareem Hunt. Dorsey was a backup linebacker for the Packers over five seasons from 1984-88.

One of the greatest MLB GMs ever, Gillick was a three-time World Series winner with the Blue Jays and Phillies and also assembled a team that tied the single-season wins record while leading the Mariners in 2001. He played minor league baseball as a pitcher for the Orioles and Pirates organizations but never made it to the majors.

Gillis became the Vancouver Canucks' GM in 2008, leading the team to the Northwest Division title in his first season. The team also made it to the Stanley Cup Final in 2011. Gillis was fired in 2014. He played six seasons in the NHL as a left winger, scoring 33 goals in 246 games.

The architect of the Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty in the 1970s, Haley served as the team's GM from 1971-90. The Steelers won four Super Bowls under his watch and made the playoffs 12 times. He played as a defensive back for the Redskins and Steelers from 1959-64, making 14 career interceptions.

Hazen played two seasons in the San Diego Padres farm system after attending college at Princeton, hitting .252-8-54 in 133 games. After his minor league career, he joined MLB front offices and eventually became GM of the Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks. The Red Sox won the AL East in Hazen's one season as GM in 2016, and then the Diamondbacks made the playoffs in his first year with the organization in 2017.

Holland has won three Stanley Cups as a general manager of the Detroit Red Wings, serving in the position since 1997. As for his playing career, Holland appeared in only four games over two seasons as a goaltender for the Whalers and Red Wings.

Known as "Trader Jack" for his aggressive moves as general manager of the Detroit Pistons, McCloskey assembled the Pistons "Bad Boys" squads that won back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990. He appeared in just one game as an NBA player, playing 16 minutes for the Philadelphia Warriors in the 1952-53 season.

McHale had a long career as an MLB team executive after a nondescript career as an MLB first baseman, appearing in 64 games over five seasons for the Tigers. He was general manager of the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves and was later the founding president of the Montreal Expos. He also served as GM for seven seasons, leading the team to the playoffs in 1981.

The current general manager of the Oakland Raiders, McKenzie played five seasons at linebacker for the Raiders and 49ers. He was hired as the GM of the Raiders in 2012, helping the team make the playoffs in 2016.

McPhee made history in 2018, leading the Las Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final as an expansion team. The GM previously served in the same role with the Washington Capitals for 17 years. The former left winger appeared in six NHL seasons, playing 115 games and scoring just 24 goals.

Perhaps the greatest sports executive ever, Rickey served as GM of the St. Louis Browns, Dodgers, Pirates and Cardinals. During his career, Rickey helped break MLB's color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson, pioneered statistical analysis and was responsible for the first full-time spring training facility. He also won four World Series as a GM. His playing career wasn't nearly as impressive, appearing in 120 games over four seasons and hitting just .239-3-39 as a catcher, outfielder and first baseman.

Hired as the GM of the Washington Natonals in 2009, Rizzo has served in the role ever since. The team has four NL East titles under his watch and drafted Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper first overall. Rizzo had a brief minor league career as an infielder in the Angels organization, hitting .247 over three seasons in Low-A.

Ryan was hired as the Minnesota Twins' GM in 1994 and served in the role until 2007. He then briefly returned from 2011-2016. The low-budget Twins were up and down under his watch but made the playoffs six times. Ryan also played pro ball in the Twins organization for four seasons, posting a 3.07 ERA mostly as a relief pitcher.

The older brother of former NFL Pro Bowl linebacker Chris Spielman, Rick wasn't nearly as talented on the field but has found his fit in the front office. A linebacker in college at Southern Illinois, Spielman was invited to training camp with the Chargers and Lions in consecutive years but didn't make either team. He was named general manager of the Vikings in 2012, leading the team to two NFC North titles over the last three seasons.

Thomas' MLB career started off well, finishing third in the AL Rookie of the Year vote in 1961 with 24 home runs. He made an All-Star appearance the following year with 26 home runs but trailed off from there. He played a total of eight seasons, hitting just .255/.327/.397. His career as an MLB coach and executive culminated as GM of the Philadelphia Phillies from 1988-97, and the team reached the World Series in 1993.

Thompson served as the Green Bay Packers' GM from 2005-17. The team won one Super Bowl and made the playoffs nine times while he was calling the shots. Thompson played 10 seasons in the NFL as a backup linebacker for the Houston Oilers.

Now the executive vice president of the Chicago White Sox, Williams was the orgnaization's GM from 2000-12, building the team that won the World Series in 2005. He also had a brief MLB playing career, hitting .218 over six seasons as an outfielder.