Last year, Phil Nevin was questioned and pointed at because of his performance as the New York Yankees third base coach.
This year, he joined the Los Angeles Angels organization, initially as a coach.
However, when Joe Maddon was fired in June in the middle of a 12-game losing streak, Nevin was asked to stop the bleeding: he was named the interim manager.
While Nevin couldn’t quite turn the Angels season around – no manager is that good – he showed poise, leadership, and good communication skills that earned him the role on a full-time basis.
In other words, the Angels announced on Wednesday that they would be removing the “interim” title before the word “manager”.
For those who want to become MLB skippers, this moment right here is huge, and needs to be savored.
Nevin, a class act, is enjoying the moment and knows the responsibilities that come with the role.
Nevin Thanked Those Who Helped Him Become An MLB Manager
However, he is also aware that he couldn’t have gotten there alone: he got some help along the way.
“Nevin took about 45 seconds during his availability today after being asked about his coaching mentors. Was dealing with a lot of emotions. ‘There’s a lot of special people involved in this,'” Nevin said, according to The Athletic’s Sam Blum.
Nevin took about 45 seconds during his availability today after being asked about his coaching mentors. Was dealing with a lot of emotions.
"There's a lot of special people involved in this."
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) October 5, 2022
Nevin’s first taste of MLB managing didn’t go particularly well from a record standpoint.
In 105 games entering the day, he won 46 and lost 59 for a .438 winning percentage.
Things can certainly be better, but the Angels’ front office is mostly to blame for building a flawed roster.
Let’s see what Nevin can do with the pieces the Angels give him next year.
NEXT: MLB Insider Explains The Phil Nevin Contract