Milwaukee Brewers hire Craig Counsell as next manager
The Milwaukee Brewers named Craig Counsell as their next manager after firing Ron Roenicke Sunday night.
Counsell, a native of Milwaukee, is no stranger to the franchise. He spent six seasons with the Brewers (2004, 2007-11) as a versatile utilityman and most recently in the club's front office.
Following his retirement after the 2011 season, Counsell, 44, was named a special assistant to general manager Doug Melvin and has held that position until today.
"Craig has many years of major league playing experience, and his three-plus years of learning all aspects of baseball operations helps prepare him for
this managerial position," said Melvin in a statement. "There will be challenges, but Craig has never shied away from leadership responsibilities on the field as a player or in his most recent role.
"I believe his on-field success as a player and his awareness for preparation should resonate in the clubhouse"
Counsell's hiring would continue a trend of hiring managers with no previous coaching experience. He follows Brad Ausmus in Detroit, Mike Matheny in St. Louis, Walt Weiss in Colorado and Robin Ventura with the Chicago White Sox.
Counsell grew up attending Brewers games as a kid at then-County Stadium. His father, John, worked for the Brewers as director of the speakers bureau from 1979-87 and director of community relations from 1986-87.
"I am grateful and honored to have the opportunity to manage the team that I rooted for, played for and worked for in the front office," said Counsell in a statement."
Counsell played in four postseasons, including two World Series champions teams -- the 1997 Florida Marlins and 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks -- over his 16-year major league career.
Roenicke, who was hired before the 2011 season, was let go following a league-worst 7-18 start, the club announced Sunday evening. During his four-plus-year tenure in Milwaukee, Roenicke finished with 342-3331 record, including a franchise-best 96-66 mark and a National League Central title in 2011.