Skip Schumaker, who will make his 2023 head coaching debut with the Miami Marlins, won a very close vote for the National League Manager of the Year award on Tuesday.
The former player received eight first-place votes out of 30, as did Brian Snitker (Atlanta Braves), but Schumaker received more second- and third-place votes. Craig Counsell, who managed the Milwaukee Brewers before joining the Chicago Cubs last week, was the other finalist.
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He became the first rookie manager to win this title since Rocco Baldelli (Minnesota Twins). Eight men have accomplished this feat, including the legendary Joe Girardi and Dusty Baker.
Despite his lack of experience, Schumaker was able to lead the Marlins to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. A little less than a year ago, he replaced Don Mattingly as coach. Miami was 84-78, good for third in the East during the regular season. The Florida team, however, was eliminated in the playoffs by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Prior to managing the Marlins, Schumaker served as a bench instructor at St. Louis Cardinals and an assistant coach in the San Diego Padres. During his playing career, he played 11 seasons for the Cards, Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds.
Another honor for the Orioles
Twenty-four hours after seeing Gunnar Henderson named the American Rookie of the Year, manager Brandon Hyde was also honored by the Baltimore Orioles.
The 50-year-old was rewarded for his patience – and that of his bosses – by leading Maryland to its best season in years. The “O’s” returned a 101-61 record and earned East honors.
Hyde was in his fifth season at the helm of Baltimore. His first steps have not been easy, including campaigns in 2019 (54-108) and 2021 (52-110), but this is the second year he has been among the finalists for Manager of the Year.
He beat World Series-winning manager Bruce Bochy (Texas Rangers) and his arch-rival Kevin Cash of the Tampa Bay Rays to the finish line.
