Jim Hendry has been relieved of his duties as the Chicago Cubs’ general manager, a title he’s held since 2002. The team announced Randy Bush will take over for Hendry as the club’s interim GM.
Hendry has known of the Cubs decision since the 22nd of July, when he was notified by the organization that he would not be retained.
"“We’re here to win games, and in the last couple of years, we didn’t win enough,” Hendry said. “I will leave here with nothing but gratefulness for being part of this organization for 17 years. Not many people get a chance to do that.”"
Before being named GM, Hendry worked as Chicago’s Director of Player Development. He’s been with the Cubs since 1994.
Cubs’ Chairman Tom Ricketts shared the following statements with the media following the move.
"“We just didn’t win enough games,” Ricketts said. “Nothing should diminish Jim’s tenure here. We won three division titles while he was here. … Jim is truly a first-class individual and we’ll all miss seeing him here in the office.”"
A hunt for Hendry’s replacement will commence immediately, and Ricketts indicated he will be looking for a general manager possessing strong player development and baseball analysis skills.
In Hendry’s 8 full seasons as general manager, Chicago compiled winning records 5 times and made 3 playoff appearances. The Cubs were a win away from the World Series in 2003 and got swept out of the LDS during consecutive postseasons in 2007-08.
Under Hendry, the Cubs managed a record just over the .500 mark, 749-748.
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