Ryne Sandberg Steps Down As Manager of the Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg watches from the dugout in the fifth inning of an interleague baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, June 16, 2015, in Baltimore. Baltimore won 19-3. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Ryne Sandberg, manager of the Phillies since 2013, has stepped down from his position today. The Phillies announced the move in an unusual 3:30 presser and via Twitter to their almost one million followers:

Ryne Sandberg has resigned as manager of the Phillies. Pete Mackanin will serve as interim manager.

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 26, 2015

Sandberg said, “It’s still disappointing. I’m disappointed” to a reporter asking about his feelings on the matter. To a question regarding what spurred the resignation, Sandberg said, “The wins and losses is a big thing that took a toll on me.”

G.M. Ruben Amaro, Jr. — whose job has also been called for by fans for some time now — thanked Pete Mackanin for stepping up into the role for the time being, and said “We’ll see how things go from there.”

Todd Zolecki, the Phillies’ MLB.com beat reporter, also tweeted an update from the press room:

Pete Mackanin will be Phillies interim manager at least through the weekend.

— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) June 26, 2015

Leading up to the press conference, there had been speculation among fans that, aside from Sandberg’s resignation, there could be a trade. The New York Mets held a press conference at the exact same time, only adding fuel to that fire, which revolved mostly around Cole Hamels. But any rumors were quashed right off the bat in both pressers, as the Phillies’ announcement regarding Sandberg came in and the Mets announced a pitcher call-up.