By Tennie Sumague
EBC New York Bureau
NEW YORK (Eagle News) — After ten seasons, 910 wins and a World Series championship title, the New York Yankees have decided to part ways with manager, Joe Girardi.
In a statement, Yankees General Manager, Brian Cashman thanked Girardi “for his 10 years of hard work and service to [the] organization,” and praised “his tireless work ethic, [putting] his heart into every game he managed over the last decade.”
Cashman continued to say that “he should take great pride in our accomplishments during his tenure” and wished Girardi and his family “nothing but success and happiness in the future.”
The 53 year-old Girardi began his stint as Yankees manager in 2008, coaching a slew of All-Stars which includes Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera and recently American League rookie of the year candidate Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez.
He was in his final year of his four-year $16-million extended contract, leading the team to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) this season, losing to the Houston Astros in seven games.
“I would like to thank the Steinbrenner family for believing in me and giving me this wonderful opportunity. I would like to thank Brian Cashman and his staff for hiring me and always trying to improve the team,” Girardi said.
“I would like to thank the players for the relationships that we have fostered over the last 10 years but most important, how hard they played every day,” Girardi continued.
“Finally I’d like to thank the fans for their great support as a player, coach, and manager, and the lasting memories for their passion and excitement during the playoff games, especially the final six games, which will remain in my heart forever.”
Former Yankees captain, Jeter expressed his thoughts on Girardi’s departure.
“I played with Joe. He was a coach. He was a manager. He’s probably one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet and it’s unfortunate, but this is a business.
“You learn that. I think when you first come up as an athlete, as a professional athlete, when you’re younger you’re just playing the game. The longer you play, you realize this is starting to become a business. So there’s some things at times are unpopular or not popular, but it’s part of the business,” said the 14-time All-Star and now part owner of the Miami Marlins.
Girardi never had a losing season during his tenure, guiding the Yankees to the postseason six times, capturing three American League East titles in 2009, 2011-12 and clinching three Wild Card berths in 2010, 2015 and 2017.
He also played with the team during his 15-year career in the big leagues, winning three World Series titles in 1996, 1998-99.
(Eagle News Service)