Brian Snitker Leaves the Atlanta Braves Dugout
Brian Snitker, the man who led the Atlanta Braves to victory in the 2021 World Series, will leave his position as team manager. After nearly half a century with the organization, Snitker will move to an advisory role and will be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame next year. The news was announced at a press conference that Braves president Terry McGuirk and general manager Alex Anthopoulos described as a celebration. Snitker, visibly emotional, shared his indecision about whether to continue as manager and how he finally decided it was time to step aside.Snitker has been with the organization for 49 years, first as a player and minor league manager, and then as a coach and manager in the Major Leagues. During his 10 seasons as manager, he led Atlanta to 811 victories, six National League East Division titles, a wild card spot, and the 2021 World Series championship.“After that last out, I needed time to decide what to do,” Snitker said, who was accompanied by his wife, Ronnie, at the conference. “After getting home and relaxing a bit, I decided this was the best move.”
Brian Snitker
In the press conference, several Braves players were present, including Ozzie Albies, Spencer Strider, Joe Jimenez, Reynaldo Lopez, Austin Riley, Michael Harris II, and Drake Baldwin. McGuirk handed Snitker the keys to a new Ford pickup truck and announced that the team would send Snitker and his wife on vacation to Hawaii.“Honestly, I never thought I would manage in the Major Leagues one day, let alone 10 years,” Snitker said. “I never thought I would lift a trophy.”
Brian Snitker
Snitker expressed his enthusiasm for his new role.“Today, we celebrate and honor not only one of the most successful managers in the history of our franchise, but also one of the best people who has ever worn the uniform,” McGuirk said. “You will always be a Brave, a Brave forever, and this organization will always be your home.”
Terry McGuirk
Snitker, who signed with the team as an undrafted free agent catcher in 1977, spent 20 seasons with the organization as a minor league manager. He was named interim manager of Atlanta on May 17, 2016, and was given the permanent title after the season. As a manager, Snitker had a record of 811-688 and ranks third in franchise history in wins, behind Hall of Famer Bobby Cox (2,149) and Frank Selee (1,004). Cox was Snitker’s mentor. Snitker continued to visit Cox regularly after Cox was hospitalized in 2019 following a stroke. Cox returned to Truist Park on August 22 for a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Braves’ 1995 World Series title. Anthopoulos and McGuirk did not address a plan to find Snitker’s replacement. Braves bench coach Walt Weiss is the former manager of Colorado. Third base coach Fredi González is a former manager of Atlanta and the Marlins. The Braves finished the season with a 76-87 record, which was the last year of Snitker’s current contract. The Braves are the fifth MLB team to dispense with their manager since the regular season ended on Sunday. The Angels announced on Tuesday that Ron Washington, 73, would not be returning. San Francisco said goodbye to Bob Melvin and Minnesota said goodbye to Rocco Baldelli on Monday, before Bruce Bochy and the Texas Rangers mutually decided that Bochy would not return to the dugout. Washington, 70-year-old Bochy, and Snitker were the three oldest managers in the majors.“I’ll still be here,” he said. “I’ll be at spring training. I’m excited about this new role.”
Brian Snitker
