After leading the Miami Marlins to the playoffs in 2023, manager Skip Schumaker has been named the Manager of the Year in the National League.
With the win, he joins some elite company in baseball managerial history.
Per @MLBStats on social media:
Skip Schumaker is the 8th manager to win MOTY in his 1st year as manager (career).
- Rocco Baldelli, MIN – 2019
- Torey Lovullo, AZ – 2017
- Jeff Banister, TEX – 2015
- Matt Williams, WSH – 2014
- Joe Girardi, MIA – 2006
- Dusty Baker, SF – 1993
- Hal Lanier, HOU – 1986
The Marlins went 84-78 this season and were beaten in two games by the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL wild card round. The Phillies went onto the National League Championship series.
For Miami, it was their first non-COVID season playoff berth since winning the World Series in 2003. Also impressive for Schumaker was how he navigated this roster despite a rash of injuries. Johnny Cueto missed a lot of the season and reigning NL Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara also missed the end of the season and wasn't present for the playoff chance.
As a player, Schumaker spent 11 years in the big leagues with the Cardinals, Dodgers and Reds. He helped the Cardinals win the 2006 World Series and was a lifetime .278 hitter. He also posted a career .337 on-base percentage, hit 28 home runs and stole 26 bases lifetime.
The Marlins will look to improve their 2023 season in 2024 despite playing in one of the deepest divisions in the entire sport.
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