Ryne Sandberg Resigns as Manager, So as Not to "Get in the Way" of Progress

A tearful Ryne Sandberg (and a kinda choked up Ruben Amaro) held a press conference to announce that Sandberg would be stepping down as manager of the Phillies. Sandberg said he made the decision himself, and with the looming front office changes “at the top,” he felt it was best that he doesn’t get in the way of progress. Amaro said the decision was pretty sudden on Ryno’s part — or at least the notice he received — and third base coach Pete Mackanin will take over as interim manager.

Sandberg said he had not addressed the team but would be doing so. The conference ended with Amaro reiterating that the announcement from Sandberg was “very sudden” and the situation is “open-ended” right now. “The biggest thing I feel right now,” Sandberg said, “is disappointment.” Sandberg continued, saying he’s been thinking about making this call for a couple of weeks. When asked how far away the changes Sandberg had referenced would be, Pat Gillick said he can’t comment on that,

Ryne Sandberg had a record of 119-159.