Ryne Sandberg announced Friday afternoon his resignation as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. Sandberg was not expected to return to the Phillies after the season with the changes reports have stated will take place at the top of the organization.
According to reports, Sandberg informed Ruben Amaro Jr. and the Phillies of his decision Friday morning (10:00am) when he reported to the park. Sandberg met with the Phillies’ front office before he told the players.
Pete Mackanin, who interviewed for the Cubs’ job in 2011, is taking over on an interim basis for the Phillies.
Ryne Sandberg said the losses got to him and he did not want to be in the way moving forward. The Phillies were 119-159 since Sandberg took over in the dugout in 2013.
The Hall of Famer started his managerial career in the Cubs’ system after he showed interest in the big league job before Jim Hendry hired Lou Piniella in the fall of 2006. Sandberg worked his way up the minors starting with the Peoria Chiefs in 2007.
Sandberg skippered Low-A Peoria in 2007 (71-68) and 2008 (60-78) before his promotion to Double-A Tennessee in 2009. Sandberg led the Smokies to a 71-69 record and was assigned to Triple-A Iowa the following season. Sandberg earned the PCL Manager of the Year award after leading the I-Cubs to an 82-62 record.
Ryne Sandberg left the Cubs’ organization following the 2010 season when Jim Hendry removed the interim tag from Mike Quade and named him the Cubs’ manager.
Ryne Sandberg played all but 13 games of his Hall of Fame career with the Cubs. Over 16 years in the big leagues, Sandberg batted .285/.344/.452 with 403 doubles, 76 triples and 282 home runs. Sandberg earned the 1984 NL MVP Award after posting a .314/.367/.520 line with 36 doubles, 19 triples and 19 home runs for a .887 OPS. Sandberg led the Cubs to the NL East crown and the first pennant in 39 years.
Ryne Sandberg was the best second baseman in the National League for a decade and took home the Gold Glove in nine straight seasons (1983-91).