Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Three year deal with an option for fourth
Prior to their final home game of the season, the Philadelphia Phillies removed the interim label from Ryne Sandberg‘s status. With the singing, Sandberg also becomes the Phillies’ 52nd manager in their history and will be the Phillies manager until 2016, 2017 provided the option is picked up by the team.
During the press conference, Sandberg was asked about spending six season toiling throughout the minor leagues. He stated that it was necessary in order for him to better understand player development and even recall a thing or two about scouting.
Phils GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. was questioned about the choice of Sandberg. He noted that he had conversed with some of the current players and had received positive feedback from them. RAJ was also noted that this was not the main reason for keeping Sandberg in Philly. The Phillies organization believe they have the right guy for the job.
If any other organization had their eyes on Sandberg, they will certainly be looking elsewhere, although some had felt Sandberg would eventually replace Manuel regardless of any other situations. The Phils struggles simply pushed the time-table ahead a little more.
The Hall of Famer took over for Charlie Manuel on August 16 after he has led the Phillies to a 53-67 record this season. Since Sandberg has been the top guy in the dugout, Philly is 18-16.
Sandberg was selected in the 20th round of the 1978 amateur draft by the Phillies. In January of 1982, he and Larry Bowa were shipped to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Ivan de Jesus. As a member of the Cubs, Sandberg won the 1984 NL MVP, 9 Gold Gloves and 7 Silver Sluggers. He was also named an All-Star in 10 consecutive seasons.
Sandberg was enshrined into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005 and was named on 393 of the 516 ballots.