(Miami) Skip Schumaker has been a contender for manager of the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets in recent years. The Miami Marlins didn’t let him slip away.
Updated yesterday at 6:53 p.m.
Schumaker was hired at the helm of the Marlins on Tuesday.
He arrives in Miami from St. Louis, where he spent the 2022 season as a bench coach.
“We were keen to find someone who had been part of a winning environment,” said Marlins general manager Kim Ng. Also, Skip is renowned for his tenacity and for having optimized his assets as a player. He will be a shining example for our players. »
Schumaker was the Padres’ first base coach from 2018-2021, before joining the Cardinals.
The 42-year-old replaces Don Mattingly, who led the Marlins for seven years.
Mattingly went 443-587 with Miami, winning the 2020 Nationals Manager of the Year.
Mattingly’s contract expired at the end of the current season. He and senior management agreed that it would be best not to seek a new deal.
Schumaker played in the majors for 11 seasons, mostly with the Cards.
He gets his first managerial opportunity with the Marlins, who share a spring resort with St. Louis in Jupiter, Florida.
“I’m very excited and grateful to have the opportunity to lead a very talented team,” said Schumaker. Installing a winning culture that will last is the next step for the organization. I can’t wait to get to work. »
The Marlins have a very promising right-hander in Sandy Alcantara, who has gone 14-9 with a 2.28 GAA this year. He also led the big leagues with 228 and two-thirds innings.
The offense did poorly, however, and the team went 69-93.
The club only hit .230, ranking 27e place in this chapter (and in the 28e rank for points scored).
Schumaker was part of the Cardinals’ champion edition in 2011.
The 42-year-old Californian hit .278 in 1,149 games, playing mostly second base and outfield.
He retired in March 2016 while in camp with San Diego on a minor league contract.