Meaning: This quote by John McGraw, a renowned American baseball player and manager, provides insight into his leadership style and the dynamic between him and his team. The quote reflects a sense of authority and control that McGraw exerted over his players, highlighting the power dynamics within the team and the methods he used to maintain discipline and command respect.

John McGraw was a highly influential figure in the world of baseball, particularly during his tenure as the manager of the New York Giants from 1902 to 1932. Known for his fiery temperament and aggressive approach to the game, McGraw was a dominant force both on and off the field. His quote reveals a commanding presence and a no-nonsense attitude towards managing his team, emphasizing his role as the ultimate decision-maker and enforcer of rules.

The phrase "an absolute czar" conveys an image of absolute authority and control. In the context of a sports team, this suggests that McGraw saw himself as the ultimate leader, with unquestionable power and influence over the players. This authoritarian leadership style was not uncommon in the early years of professional sports, where managers often wielded significant power and players were expected to adhere to their directives without question.

The statement "My men know it" indicates that McGraw's players were well aware of his authority and the expectations placed upon them. This acknowledgment of his power suggests that there was a clear understanding of the hierarchical structure within the team, with McGraw at the top of the chain of command. The phrase also implies that compliance with his orders was not optional, further reinforcing the sense of control and obedience that he expected from his players.

The mention of "order plays and they obey" underscores the role of the manager in dictating the strategies and tactics employed by the team. In the context of baseball, where the manager is responsible for making crucial decisions during games, this statement highlights the extent of McGraw's influence on the team's performance. It also emphasizes the players' role as executors of his game plans, reinforcing the idea of a top-down approach to team management.

The reference to fines for non-compliance indicates that McGraw utilized disciplinary measures to enforce his authority. By imposing financial penalties on players who failed to adhere to his instructions, he employed a system of consequences to ensure that his commands were followed. This aspect of his leadership style reflects a strict and uncompromising approach to maintaining discipline within the team, with repercussions for those who deviated from his directives.

Overall, John McGraw's quote provides valuable insight into the dynamics of power and control within a sports team, particularly during an era when managers held considerable sway over their players. His authoritative and disciplinary approach to leadership sheds light on the challenges and complexities of managing a professional sports team, as well as the ways in which individuals like McGraw sought to assert their dominance and drive success on the field.