In an abrupt end to a career that spanned two decades, Detroit Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire will retire immediately, according to reports Saturday, including USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale.
The #Tigers announce that manager Ron Gardenhire will retire immediately
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) September 19, 2020
Though Gardenhire only carried a .354 winning percentage in his nearly three seasons with the AL Central club, the results were largely in line with expectations, with the team mired in a rebuild. Despite operating with the third-youngest roster in the majors, the Tigers have found themselves financially hamstrung by the long-term contracts handed out to veterans during their last run of competitiveness. Unable to supplement a developing farm-system, the Tigers have been forced in recent years, to endure the growing pains often associated with such young teams.
Having expressed apprehension about managing during the COVID-19 pandemic in the lead up of the season, Gardenhire cited health concerns Saturday, as the main cause for his sudden departure.
“This is a bittersweet day for myself and my family,” Gardenhire said in a press release. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the countless players and coaches that I’ve had the honor of working alongside for the last 16 seasons as manager. …
“While I’m stepping away from managing, I’ll be watching this group of Tigers closely in the next few years. There’s a lot of talent on this team, and a lot coming through the farm system. Tigers fans are going to enjoy the exciting times on the horizon.”
Despite general manager Alex Avila receiving a contract extension last July, Gardenhire's contract was set to expire this coming offseason, leading many to wonder if the former AL Manager of the Year would return to the club as they hoped to compete in the coming years. While it may not have been a surprise had he decided not to return, the fact that he is leaving the team with eight games left in the season is, however.
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