MIAMI – Returning to Spring Training, before MLB shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, Marlins manager Don Mattingly delivered a question of – de facto message to his players that ‘it was time to turn the corner
After two consecutive finishes in last place, Mattingly sent a strong signal that more was expected The
MIAMI – Returning to spring training, ahead of MLB’s shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, Marlins manager Don Mattingly gave a concrete message to his players that it was time to turn the corner
After two consecutive finishes in last place, Mattingly sent a strong signal that more was expected Players have bought and played all season with a collective chip on their shoulders
“It’s time,” Mattingly said recently, recalling his team interview in February, “It’s time for us to take a step forward and start getting to that top of that hill, and you start. to gain momentum in the right direction »
The Marlins ended up being arguably the Majors’ biggest surprise story, finishing second in the National Eastern League, before moving on to the NL Division series
Miami’s miraculous turnaround made Mattingly a finalist for the NL Manager of the Year Award, voted by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA)
“Our organization, I feel like they did a great job – our coaching staff,” Mattingly said Monday night on MLB Network “It’s an award, for me, if I got a chance to win it, it just talks about where we’re going because of where we’ve been the last few seasons everyone’s working so hard to make this thing work it’s an organizing award in my spirit It will never be a guy who will do that «
The winner will be announced exclusively on MLB Network on Nov 10 to 6 pm ET
Under Mattingly, the Marlins finished 31-29 and their second place secured their first playoff appearance since 2003 It was also the team’s first winning season since 2009
In franchise history, the Marlins have had two BBWAA NL Manager of the Year winners – Jack McKeon (2003) and Joe Girardi (’06)
Mattingly in line for top honors in his fifth season with the organization Frankly, few people – other than those directly around the team – saw Miami’s dramatic turnaround happen
The Marlins, after all, finished 57-105 in 2019 and have been a 120-203 combined the two previous seasons
“The last year has been painful,” Mattingly said in a recent interview. “I’ve never been in a loss situation for more than 100 games. It’s not a good situation, no matter what. it happens You know where the direction is You see young talents coming But losing 100 games is not a good feeling for anyone «
In an unprecedented shortened season of 60 games, Mattingly’s even temper was a constant in a year that presented daily challenges
Players and coaches underwent extensive COVID-19 tests and managed their daily activities according to strict protocols
Just days after the start of the season, the Marlins were reminded that they were not immune to the virus that has spread around the world
In the first week, 18 Miami players tested positive for COVID-19 For the season, the Marlins ended up making 174 roster moves and used 61 different players
Yet they never made any excuses, and no matter what was in front of them, they showed up and played
Mattingly set a franchise benchmark on August 6 after Miami weathered the Orioles, 8-7, at Camden Yards The win was Mattingly’s 282nd as the Marlins’ manager, which has him edged McKeon (281) for most by a manager in franchise history
The Marlins hired Mattingly after the 2015 season, and he is now the longest-serving manager in franchise history. Before arriving in Miami, Mattingly managed the Dodgers for five seasons
In September 2019, Marlins CEO Derek Jeter granted Mattingly a two-year contract extension
After struggling to grow, the Marlins are looking to build on the momentum they created in 2020
« Derek put us all on the same page where we had a goal in mind, » Mattingly said Monday night. « We knew it was going to be a bit difficult [in recent years] but we believed in where we wanted to go »
Joe Frisaro has covered the Marlins for MLBcom since 2002 Follow him on Twitter @JoeFrisaro and listen to his podcast
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World news – CA – Mattingly, finalist NL Manager of the Year
