Marlins tab Schumaker as next manager

*Photo from KSDK*

   There's a new man in the dugout in Florida. The Miami Marlins have hired Skip Schumaker as their next manager, according to an announcement by the Marlins on Tuesday.

   Marlins chairman and principal owner Bruce Sherman said in a statement that "After an extensive process, it is with great pride and excitement that we announce Skip Schumaker as manager of the Miami Marlins as we welcome him, his wife, Lindsey, and children, Presley and Brody, to the Marlins family. Skip has a long list of distinguished accomplishments as both a player and a coach that showcase the remarkable individual he is as well as the high level of credibility and leadership he will bring to the dugout and the Marlins organization. He has an incredible passion and winning spirit that will set the course for the Marlins franchise."

   Schumaker will become the 16th manager in Marlins history, succeeding Don Mattingly, who is the winningest manager in Marlins history after managing them from 2016-2022. Mattingly was also the longest tenured manager in Marlins history.

   Kim Ng, the GM of the Marlins, said in a statement that "As we continue to grow as an organization, we felt it was important to find an individual who had been a part of a winning culture. Having been a member of two championship teams, along with his reputation for tenacity and getting every ounce out of his ability, Skip will be a tremendous example to our players.  His leadership style, teaching skills and attention to detail made him the clear choice as the club’s new manager."

   Since retiring from baseball, Schumaker served as an assistant in the Padres front office in 2016 and 2017, then became a first base coach for two years, and was the associate manager in 2020 and 2021. He then joined Oliver Marmol's staff in St. Louis as bench coach in 2022.

   Schumaker said in a statement that "I’m very excited and grateful that Bruce, Kim and the Marlins organization have given me an opportunity to manage a very talented team. Delivering a winning, sustainable culture with the expectation of getting into the postseason is the next step for this organization and South Florida, and I can’t wait to get started."

   Last season, the Marlins finished with a 69-93 record, finishing in 4th place in the NL East. The Marlins also interviewed Joe Espada, Luis Rojas, and Matt Quatraro for the job.