Andy MacPhail on Pete Mackanin: “We Believe that Pete is the Best Fit for the Role”
"I only know one way to manage, the way I've done it my whole life."
That's what new Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said on Tuesday after getting the interim tag removed and being named the 53rd manager in franchise history. Mackanin took over as the interim skipper when Ryne Sandberg resigned in late June and now he'll officially have the interim tag removed.
"I'm going to be the same guy I was when I was in the minor leagues managing," Mackanin said. "I do things a certain way, I interact with the players in a way that I feel is in their best interest and my best interest and I'm just going to manage the only way I know how."
The Phillies were impressed enough with the job Mackanin has done, they extended him through next year with a club option for 2017. Since taking over, the Phillies have gone 30-46 under Mackanin, which included a 21-12 stretch from July 17 through August 23, the fourth-best record in the major leagues during that span.
"The Phillies are pleased that Pete has accepted the position of manager for the 2016 season," said Andy MacPhail, the team's incoming president.
"We believe that Pete is the best fit for the role. Since assuming the interim manager position in June, Pete has developed an excellent rapport with our players and has also connected well with the media and our fans. Equally as important is his eagerness to take on the challenge of rebuilding the team and further developing our players. We look forward to his contributions."
It's an opportunity for Mackanin to grow with a young, growing core. He seems like he is connected with the teams young roster and the players have played with more energy. Mackanin said he looked forward to the opportunity to do what he wants to do in spring training and make this team his team.