Editor’s note: This is a bonus Weird & Wild. To read this week’s main W&W column, go here.
Is “big-league manager” a good job?
It’s a hard job. It’s an exclusive job. (There are only 30 positions.) And “universally beloved” is not a description you’re likely to hear about anyone doing that job, no matter how good they are at it. So why do we ask this question? That’s why.
Advertisement
That’s not usually the sort of question we ask here at Weird and Wild World HQ. But this hasn’t been a “usual” kind of month for the big-league managing profession, possibly because of this:
May 7 — Pirates fire Derek Shelton
May 11 — Rockies fire Bud Black
May 16 — Orioles fire Brandon Hyde
If you’re scoring along at home — and please tell me you’re not — you’ll notice a trend there. Maybe two trends:
Three managers fired by May 16! That’s one trend.
Three managers fired in 10 days — by May 16! Is that a second trend? Sure. Why not?
So why is this Weird and Wild material? Because so many of you seem to want to know how unusual that is. I ran those questions by my friends at STATS Perform. In a related development, now we have answers.
The May trifecta — STATS found just four other seasons since 1988 that featured (at least) three managerial firings before the end of May. Sit back and savor these. We have some fun names coming.
2002 (4) — Phil Garner, Davey Lopes, Buddy Bell, Tony Muser
2001 (4) — Larry Rothschild, Johnny Oates, John Boles, Felipe Alou
1991 (4) — Nick Leyva, Don Zimmer, John Wathan, Frank Robinson
1988 (3) — Cal Ripken Sr., Chuck Tanner, Larry Bowa
If you get the impression that managerial job stability wasn’t a thing back then, you’re on top of this. And especially in 2002, when, believe it or not, all four of those managers got canned in April!
Ten days in May — Now let’s dig in on the rapid-fire portion of these “festivities.” Three firings in a week and a half before June? You don’t see that much (thankfully). There were three in 12 days in 2002. But only once since 1988 have we seen three managers get the boot in the first two months during a stretch this short.
That happened in 1991 when, incredibly, three managers lost their jobs in four days: Zimmer on May 19, Wathan on May 21, Robinson on May 22. Is that a record that will never be broken? Let’s hope so.
Advertisement
So how’s it going? Do you want the bad news or the good news?
The bad news: The three new fearless leaders — Don Kelly (Pirates), Warren Schaeffer (Rockies) and Tony Mansolino (Orioles) — who inherited these managing jobs started a combined 4-19! So those firings went well.
The good news: Hey, whaddaya know, they’ve won *three games since Tuesday — two by Kelly, one by Mansolino. But speaking of those two guys …
Tony Mansolino had to sweat out his first win as Orioles interim manager. (Mitchell Layton / Getty Images)
Welcome to the dugout, Tony — When you get that first big-league managing job, you’d like to believe that dreams come true. Then the games start!
And in the very first inning of the very first game Mansolino managed in Baltimore, his team found itself behind, 6-0. Good times. So how rare is that? According to STATS, only two other managers since 1901 have had the thrill of seeing their teams allow at least six runs in the first inning of their major-league managing careers:
Brian Snitker, on May 17, 2016 (after replacing Fredi González with the Braves).
Joe Kuhel, on Opening Day, 1948 (after replacing Ossie Bluege with the Washington Senators).
More good news/bad news: The good news for Mansolino is, at least Snitker’s and Kuhel’s teams gave up seven in the first, not six. The bad news for Mansolino is, his team gave up seven runs in the first two innings two days in a row. Pretty sure that’s not how he game-planned it!
For the win — It took a few days. But we’re pleased to report that finally, on Wednesday, Mansolino’s Orioles did win a game, in his fifth try. And it went pretty smoothly, other than the part where they blew leads in the ninth and 10th innings (before winning in 11).
So yeah, I wondered what you wondered: How many managers could possibly have won the first game of their careers in a tilt like that — with blown leads in the ninth and any extra inning? The answer, according to STATS, is weird and wild, all right.
Advertisement
The “Managers” page at Baseball Reference lists 850 men who have managed in the big leagues. Some managed in the 19th century. But …
According to STATS, exactly one other manager in the modern era “enjoyed” his first win in a game like that Tony Mansolino game. And he’s still managing in the big leagues.
That was Bob Melvin, on Opening Day 2003, for the Mariners. Kaz Sasaki and Jeff Nelson blew saves, but Seattle won anyway, inspired by a tie-breaking 11th-inning home run by my friend, Ben Davis!
Happy Ejection Day – And then there was Don Kelly. He knew how to make an entrance … by getting ejected from the second game he ever managed in the big leagues. Plate ump Clint Vondrak did the honors.
Don Kelly has been ejected in his second game as a MLB manager
Absolutely love it. pic.twitter.com/RFKgzMfhE7
— Platinum Ke’Bryan (@PlatinumKey13) May 10, 2025
Then, just to prove that was no fluke, Kelly also got ejected from his seventh game. If you’re thinking that seems hard, well, excellent thinking.
According to STATS, just six other managers since 2002 have gotten the boot within the first 10 games of their careers: David Bell (2019 Reds), Dave Roberts (2016 Dodgers), Pat Murphy (2015 Padres), Kevin Cash (2015 Rays), Rick Renteria (2014 Cubs) and Ron Gardenhire (2002 Twins). But …
How many of them got ejected as early as their second game? Right you are. That would be zero. And how many of them had gotten kicked out twice by their seventh game? Right you are again. That would also be none.
So let’s ask again. Is big-league manager a good job? Seems kinda stressful!
(Top photo of Don Kelly: Heather Barry / Getty Images)
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo headline 2025 All-NBA first team
To no surprise, NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlined the All-NBA first team that was announced on Friday.The Oklahoma City Thunder star was joined by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić with forwards Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAs of last season, All-NBA teams didn't have to be named by position (i.e., two guards, two forwards, one center). That could make some traditionalists wince, but it also doesn't mean voters have to stretch to include someone just to fill out a position. Or exclude someone because a particular position was already filled. Players also had to appear in a minimum of 65 games to be eligible for regular season awards.All-NBA First TeamShai-Gilgeous Alexander, Oklahoma City ThunderNikola Jokić, Denver NuggetsGiannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee BucksJayson Tatum, Boston CelticsDonovan Mitchell, Cleveland CavaliersAll-NBA Second TeamJalen […]
After 4-28 season, Green Bay is seeking approval to play in The Basketball Tournament
<!--> Green Bay is seeking NCAA approval to compete in The Basketball Tournament, an event that typically features former college basketball players and offers a $1 million prize to the winning team.ESPN says that Green Bay is seeking an NCAA waiver that would enable it to compete in this event rather than going on an international tour. NCAA rules allow college teams to make an overseas trip to play in exhibition games once every four years.Green Bay athletic director Josh Moon told ESPN that the request was about providing the team more opportunities to play and suggested the prize money could go to charity if the Phoenix happened to win the single-elimination tournament.According to ESPN, Green Bay made the same request last year but received a denial that arrived too late for the school to file an appeal. Green Bay […]
Sócios aprovam criação de SPE e Vasco pode avançar em reforma de São Januário
Após dez horas de votação em Assembleia Geral Extraordinária, os sócios do Vasco aprovaram, nesta sexta-feira, a criação de uma Sociedade de Propósito Específico (SPE) para a reforma de São Januário. A empresa, diretamente associada à diretoria administrativa do clube, será a responsável formal por receber, aplicar e gerir os recursos da reforma de São Januário. Em eleição híbrida, 3.059 sócios votaram. Foram 2.315 votos a favor da criação da SPE, 670 contra e 74 abstenções. A criação da SPE é um passo obrigatório definido na lei de transferência do potencial construtivo do estádio do clube, aprovada no ano passado. Pela lei, o Vasco pode vender o "direito de construir" no terreno do estádio desde que os recursos sejam utilizados exclusivamente na reforma do estádio e projetos urbanísticos em seu entorno. Assim que a SPE for registrada na Junta Comercial […]
Ana Thaís indica zagueiro do Brasileirão que foi subestimado: “É importante”
Ana Thaís Matos, em participação no Seleção SporTV (Reprodução) Ana Thaís Matos, ao valorizar o trabalho de Abel Ferreira, ressaltou o caso de Bruno Fuchs. Chegando sem grande badalação ao Palmeiras, o zagueiro está se tornando uma opção valiosa na zaga. Neste contexto, ao mencionar que houve dúvidas sobre a capacidade do jogador, a comentarista fez questão de valorizar o papel na saída de bola cumprido de forma satisfatória. “Se você falar o nome do Bruno Fuchs, os caras queriam matar esse cara no Atlético-MG.”, iniciou Richarlyson, em debate no Seleção SporTV. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE “No Palmeiras, ele não só joga como é importante para o sistema de jogo porque a saída de bola começa com os zagueiros […] Ele começou a jogar e todo mundo (falava) que o Bruno Fuchs não tem saída de bola. O Abel insistiu no Bruno […]
Shohei Ohtani to face hitters for first time since 2023 elbow surgery
NEW YORK — Shohei Ohtani’s pitching rehabilitation from a second major elbow ligament reconstruction is taking its latest, largest tangible step.The Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star is slated to face hitters on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field, his first time doing so since undergoing his second operation in September 2023 and the biggest indicator yet of a timeline for when the reigning National League MVP could pitch for the first time in a Dodger uniform.AdvertisementOhtani has been expected to pitch at some point after the All-Star break. The three-time MVP has been taking his progress slowly under the recommendation of team officials and Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed the Tommy John revision and internal brace procedure.The organization’s pacing of Ohtani’s rehab was influenced in part due to wanting to keep Ohtani’s productive bat at the top of their lineup as […]
Shohei Ohtani to face hitters for first time since 2023 elbow surgery
NEW YORK — Shohei Ohtani’s pitching rehabilitation from a second major elbow ligament reconstruction is taking its latest, largest tangible step.The Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star is slated to face hitters on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field, his first time doing so since undergoing his second operation in September 2023 and the biggest indicator yet of a timeline for when the reigning National League MVP could pitch for the first time in a Dodger uniform.AdvertisementOhtani has been expected to pitch at some point after the All-Star break. The three-time MVP has been taking his progress slowly under the recommendation of team officials and Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed the Tommy John revision and internal brace procedure.The organization’s pacing of Ohtani’s rehab was influenced in part due to wanting to keep Ohtani’s productive bat at the top of their lineup as […]
Related
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić headline first All-NBA team, while Cade Cunningham’s selection ups his salary
NEW YORK — The big financial winner from this year’s All-NBA selections was the Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham.Cunningham, 23, was named to the All-NBA third team on Friday, and because of it the value of the contract extension he signed last summer escalates from $224 million up to $269 million. The Pistons’ star is the only player out of 15 to make an All-NBA team this year whose earning potential skyrocketed because of it.AdvertisementMeanwhile the first, second and third All-NBA teams were unveiled Friday on TNT before Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City star who was named the league’s MVP earlier this week, was joined on the first team by Denver’s Nikola Jokić, Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell. PRESENTING YOUR 2024-25 ALL-NBA FIRST TEAM 👏 ⭐️ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander⭐️ Nikola […]
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo headline 2025 All-NBA first team
To no surprise, NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlined the All-NBA first team that was announced on Friday.The Oklahoma City Thunder star was joined by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić with forwards Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAs of last season, All-NBA teams didn't have to be named by position (i.e., two guards, two forwards, one center). That could make some traditionalists wince, but it also doesn't mean voters have to stretch to include someone just to fill out a position. Or exclude someone because a particular position was already filled. Players also had to appear in a minimum of 65 games to be eligible for regular season awards.All-NBA First TeamShai-Gilgeous Alexander, Oklahoma City ThunderNikola Jokić, Denver NuggetsGiannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee BucksJayson Tatum, Boston CelticsDonovan Mitchell, Cleveland CavaliersAll-NBA Second TeamJalen […]
After 4-28 season, Green Bay is seeking approval to play in The Basketball Tournament
<!--> Green Bay is seeking NCAA approval to compete in The Basketball Tournament, an event that typically features former college basketball players and offers a $1 million prize to the winning team.ESPN says that Green Bay is seeking an NCAA waiver that would enable it to compete in this event rather than going on an international tour. NCAA rules allow college teams to make an overseas trip to play in exhibition games once every four years.Green Bay athletic director Josh Moon told ESPN that the request was about providing the team more opportunities to play and suggested the prize money could go to charity if the Phoenix happened to win the single-elimination tournament.According to ESPN, Green Bay made the same request last year but received a denial that arrived too late for the school to file an appeal. Green Bay […]
Sócios aprovam criação de SPE e Vasco pode avançar em reforma de São Januário
Após dez horas de votação em Assembleia Geral Extraordinária, os sócios do Vasco aprovaram, nesta sexta-feira, a criação de uma Sociedade de Propósito Específico (SPE) para a reforma de São Januário. A empresa, diretamente associada à diretoria administrativa do clube, será a responsável formal por receber, aplicar e gerir os recursos da reforma de São Januário. Em eleição híbrida, 3.059 sócios votaram. Foram 2.315 votos a favor da criação da SPE, 670 contra e 74 abstenções. A criação da SPE é um passo obrigatório definido na lei de transferência do potencial construtivo do estádio do clube, aprovada no ano passado. Pela lei, o Vasco pode vender o "direito de construir" no terreno do estádio desde que os recursos sejam utilizados exclusivamente na reforma do estádio e projetos urbanísticos em seu entorno. Assim que a SPE for registrada na Junta Comercial […]
Ana Thaís indica zagueiro do Brasileirão que foi subestimado: “É importante”
Ana Thaís Matos, em participação no Seleção SporTV (Reprodução) Ana Thaís Matos, ao valorizar o trabalho de Abel Ferreira, ressaltou o caso de Bruno Fuchs. Chegando sem grande badalação ao Palmeiras, o zagueiro está se tornando uma opção valiosa na zaga. Neste contexto, ao mencionar que houve dúvidas sobre a capacidade do jogador, a comentarista fez questão de valorizar o papel na saída de bola cumprido de forma satisfatória. “Se você falar o nome do Bruno Fuchs, os caras queriam matar esse cara no Atlético-MG.”, iniciou Richarlyson, em debate no Seleção SporTV. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE “No Palmeiras, ele não só joga como é importante para o sistema de jogo porque a saída de bola começa com os zagueiros […] Ele começou a jogar e todo mundo (falava) que o Bruno Fuchs não tem saída de bola. O Abel insistiu no Bruno […]
Shohei Ohtani to face hitters for first time since 2023 elbow surgery
NEW YORK — Shohei Ohtani’s pitching rehabilitation from a second major elbow ligament reconstruction is taking its latest, largest tangible step.The Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star is slated to face hitters on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field, his first time doing so since undergoing his second operation in September 2023 and the biggest indicator yet of a timeline for when the reigning National League MVP could pitch for the first time in a Dodger uniform.AdvertisementOhtani has been expected to pitch at some point after the All-Star break. The three-time MVP has been taking his progress slowly under the recommendation of team officials and Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed the Tommy John revision and internal brace procedure.The organization’s pacing of Ohtani’s rehab was influenced in part due to wanting to keep Ohtani’s productive bat at the top of their lineup as […]
Be the first to leave a comment