Ryne Sandberg’s eyes were bloodshot, and his voice trembled slightly as he announced his resignation as Phillies manager on Friday. Pete Mackanin, the Phillies’ third base coach, will take over as interim manager.
Sandberg, flanked by Phillies interim President Pat Gillick and general manager Ruben Amaro, stated that the decision to stand down was entirely his own. He described it as a difficult day for himself, and that the decision was not easy.
Sandberg led the Phillies to a 119-159 record in more than two years after succeeding Charlie Manuel. It included two last-place finishes in the National League East. This season, the Phillies had the poorest record in baseball, 26-48, with a minus-122 run differential.
“I’m stepping down as manager as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, it’s not an easy decision and in a lot of ways I’m old school and I’m very dissatisfied with the record,” Sandberg stated. “I’m not happy with that, and it goes hand in hand with being a manager. It’s been difficult to swallow, but I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, and we’ve now arrived at this point. With certain leadership roles coming up, I didn’t think it was necessary for me to get in the way given how things had gone this year. However, this will allow the organization to proceed and move things ahead.”
Sandberg expressed his dissatisfaction with what was happening on the field and the team’s record. Going ahead, Sandberg believed it was best for the Phillies. He stated that he had been thinking about this issue for the past week or ten days.
When asked what prompted his decision, Sandberg responded, “It was simply the accumulation of losses in my mind.” I do not enjoy losing. I detest losing. That was the most pressing concern for me. With some changes looming at the top, I return to my original statement: I did not want to stand in the way of progress. The accumulation of losses for which I am responsible, as well as something that has had a significant impact on me.”
Sandberg said he didn’t know if he would be in the Phillies’ future plans, especially with reports that Andy MacPhail is being considered as the team’s new president.
Sandberg enjoyed overseeing the staff and being with them every day. He said he had not addressed the team when he made the news Friday afternoon.
“I believe the players came every day to the ballpark on time, and prepared and I know they’ll still go out and play hard, and they played hard through yesterday,” Sandberg stated.
Amaro described Sandberg’s decision as abrupt. He stated Gillick and he are in the process of hiring a new manager.
“I’m disappointed, that’s probably the biggest thing as we speak right now,” Sandberg stated.
Amaro stated that he did not believe Sandberg should bear sole responsibility for the Phillies’ failure, and that everyone, including himself, should share the blame. “We work as a team and as an organization, and we win and lose as a group. I also accept responsibility for what occurs on the field. Ryan was here as manager for a purpose, and he was ready to take on this responsibility. “I respect his decision.
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