The SF Giants will have a new manager in 2024 after firing Gabe Kapler on Friday. While the move seemed to scapegoat Kapler and the team's culture for a mediocre campaign, the team will have someone else leading their clubhouse next season. The morning after he was let go, Kapler released a statement on Instagram reflecting on his tenure.
"Most statements like these are a couple of platitudes," Kapler began. "Gonna try this a little differently."
"I miss the players, the coaches, and all the clubhouse staff, everyone else that I've come to know so well already, and I'm like, 15 minutes off my bike in Levi's Plaza. I may not have been expressive enough in how much I care for everyone in that organization. Every day, walking into that clubhouse and watching everyone under that roof get after it in the weight room, music blasting, then fiercely pursue their jobs, was something special that so few get to experience. I know I was lucky to be the manager of the San Francisco Giants."
Kapler went on to highlight several aspects of the organization, including the gameday, social media, business, and diversity equity & inclusion staff. He also made a point to defend his players from
"Our players prepare relentlessly, though we could always do better," he wrote. "There was a lot written about that in the end. I don't want lost what so many did for so long - 162 is a grind, and so many came through and sacrificed everything they had."
Kapler also discussed his relationship with the city of San Francisco. He credited his father for introducing him to the city and its history but developed a new appreciation after living in the city by the Bay.
"It is a disappointment to say goodbye," Kapler continued. "My dad introduced me to this city and it's history. Having lived here and been more exposed to it, SF is spectacular. I felt a genuine connection, perhaps not to everyone everywhere, of course, but to most... We didn't win enough to satisfy me or our fans; that sucks. But each morning and late night riding my bike along the Embarcadero to North Beach, I felt like I had the support of so many in this city, and I will carry that with me. I'm already looking for a good spot to grab a burger and watch the game tonight. Will be pulling hard for an SFG dub."
Kapler ultimately finished his Giants tenure with a 295-248 record across nearly four seasons. While he is the first manager to be fired by the franchise in more than 35 years, he finished his tenure with the best winning percentage by an SF Giants manager since Herman Franks managed the team from 1965-1968.
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