Bud Black as manager of the Colorado Rockies marks a significant turning point for the franchise, concluding a nine-season tenure characterized by both initial promise and subsequent disappointment. Black's firing followed an abysmal start to the 2025 season, where the Rockies posted a record of 6-32 . Despite moments of success earlier in his managerial career, including playoff appearances in his first two seasons, the team has since struggled considerably, culminating in back-to-back seasons with over 100 losses. This decline not only reflects on Black's leadership but also raises questions about the overall direction and management of the organization.
The team with the best record in the major leagues and the team threatening to finish with the worst record in history essentially reversed roles for an afternoon.
Rockies 9-3 on Sunday.
“162,” Manny Machado said, referring to the length of the season and the truth that any baseball team can beat any other baseball team on a given day. “It’s a beautiful thing.
The Rockies won for the seventh time this season.
On Saturday afternoon, Schmidt backed Black, saying, "Buddy's doing a good job right now. They're showing up for work and playing with effort." Hours later, the Rockies were routed by the Padres.
Schmidt said he was attempting to get everything in place Sunday morning to make the move after the game -- win or lose. "I know it took a little air out of winning the game," he said.
Colorado was 19½ games out of first place in the National League West before Sunday's win. The Rockies have been outscored by 128 runs this season. The only team since 1900 with a worse run differential through 40 games was the 2023 Oakland Athletics (-144).
Kris Bryant going into the 2022 season. A group of pitchers that fueled the early success dealt with injuries and inconsistency.
Throughout his time with the Rockies, Black faced increasing scrutiny due to a pattern of underperformance. General Manager Bill Schmidt had previously expressed confidence in Black’s ability to lead the team despite ongoing challenges. However, as losses mounted this season and historical lows were reached within franchise records, it became evident that a change was necessary. The situation mirrors past instances from Black's career; notably his dismissal from San Diego Padres following similar trends of inconsistency despite initial successes (Custom). Such parallels suggest that while managerial changes can invigorate teams temporarily, they may not address deeper structural issues within an organization.
As Walter Schaeffer steps in as interim manager following Black's departure, it remains to be seen how this transition will impact team performance moving forward. The Rockies face critical decisions regarding their future strategy and player development. Ultimately, Bud Black’s exit serves as a reminder that sustained success in professional sports requires not only talent on the field but also effective leadership at all levels within an organization.
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