Sandberg takes over as manager of Phillies
Manuel’s firing opens door for Spokane native
Spokane native Ryne Sandberg has come full circle with the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Hall of Fame second baseman, who was drafted by the Phillies out of North Central High School in 1978, was named the major league club’s interim manager Friday. He replaces Charlie Manuel, who was fired.
Sandberg, 53, had been the team’s third-base coach. He previously managed the Phillies’ Triple-A team for two seasons. He inherits a club that’s 5-20 since the All-Star break.
Sandberg’s playing career included 15 years with the Chicago Cubs and an MVP season in 1984. He retired with a .285 batting average, 282 home runs and 1,061 RBIs in 2,164 games.