Pirates fire manager Hurdle
The Pittsburgh Pirates fired longtime manager Clint Hurdle, general manager Neal Huntington announced on Sunday.
Hurdle was fired shortly after conducting his pregame media availability on Sunday. He declined Huntington's offer to manage Sunday's season finale against Cincinnati, according to Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic.
Bench coach Tom Prince will manage the game instead, according to Adam Berry of MLB.com.
"Words cannot express how much respect and appreciation I have for Clint as a person and a leader," Huntington said in a statement.
"We will be forever grateful for his dedication to the Pirates organization on and off the field," he continued. "This was an extremely difficult decision for us. As an organization, we believe it was time for a managerial change to introduce a new voice and new leadership inside the clubhouse."
The news comes only days after Hurdle said he was informed he would be retained in 2020 despite a tumultuous season. He was under contract for another two years, matching Huntington's deal.
Hurdle told The Athletic’s @stephenjnesbitt Wednesday that the organization had assured him he was returning. Possible explanations: 1. There was a misunderstanding within the organization. 2. Hurdle misunderstood what he was told. 3. Hurdle attempted a power play of sorts.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) September 29, 2019
Hurdle compiled a 735-720-1 record over his nine seasons with Pittsburgh, amassing the fourth-most wins in Pirates history. In 2013, he guided the team to its first winning season and playoff berth in 20 years, beginning a run of three consecutive postseason appearances.
But his final campaign with the club devolved into chaos. There were multiple clubhouse altercations that resulted in the team disciplining several Pirates players. Hurdle reportedly needed to intervene during one fracas that led to Keone Kela's suspension.
The Pirates also navigated ace Jameson Taillon's season-ending elbow injury in 2019, and the negative shadow of Felipe Vazquez's arrest earlier this month. They'll finish in the NL Central's basement for the first time since 2010.
While Hurdle is now unemployed, Pirates owner and chairman Bob Nutting announced that Huntington, the team's GM for the last 12 years, will retain his job.
Nutting expressed confidence in Huntington to turn the team around, but he also took some responsibility for the dismal season.
"This has easily been the most difficult season of my tenure," Huntington said in a statement. "Today we announced that we are parting ways with Clint, but make no mistake about it, this is by no means a statement that our shortcomings are sorely Clint's fault. The entire organization is accountable and that begins with me."
"It is very clear that we need to and will be better," he added. "There is no quick fix, but we are absolutely committed to the task. I believe we can and will achieve it."