Rockies Fire Manager Bud Black After Historic Loss
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the baseball community, the Colorado Rockies have decided to part ways with their long-time manager, Bud Black. This decision comes just a day after the Rockies suffered a humiliating 21-0 defeat at the hands of the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. The Rockies, who have been struggling this season, announced the firing on Sunday.
Despite the team’s dismal start to the season, which stands at a major league-worst 7-33, the Rockies managed to pull off a 9-3 victory against the Padres on Sunday. This win allowed them to salvage one game in the home series and break an eight-game losing streak. However, the victory was not enough to save Black’s job. Third base coach Warren Schaeffer has been appointed as the interim manager for the remainder of the season, while hitting coach Clint Hurdle will step in as the interim bench coach.
The Rockies also announced the dismissal of bench coach Mike Redmond. As the team prepares to embark on a road trip, starting with a game against the Texas Rangers on Monday night, they are hoping to turn their fortunes around. Even with Sunday’s win, Colorado’s 40-game start is the worst since the 1988 Baltimore Orioles, who were 6-34.
Bud Black, who was in his ninth year as the Rockies’ manager, leaves with a career record of 544-690 with the team. Despite the current struggles, he holds the title of the winningest manager in the franchise’s history.
Interestingly, before the crushing 21-0 loss on Saturday night, Rockies general manager Bill Schmidt had expressed his support for Black. In an interview with The Denver Post, Schmidt stated his belief that the season could still be turned around. “I think our guys are still playing hard, and that’s what I look at,” Schmidt told the Post. “Guys are working hard every day, they come with energy, for the most part. I don’t think we are [at that point of firing Black]. Guys still believe in what we are doing and where we are headed. We are all frustrated.”
Schmidt emphasized the need for “growth” as the season progresses. “I feel for the fans, I feel for the people around here,” he said. “I know we are better than we have played, but we are not good right now. We have to battle through it and get to the other side. There are still a lot of games left. I think we can turn it around, but it’s going to take a whole group to do it. The guys are working to get better.”
As the Rockies look to the future, here are some key points to consider:
- Warren Schaeffer will serve as interim manager for the rest of the season.
- Clint Hurdle will take on the role of interim bench coach.
- The Rockies have the worst 40-game start since the 1988 Baltimore Orioles.
- Bud Black leaves as the winningest manager in Rockies history.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
