Three straight losing seasons have finally taken their toll on Philadelphia Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg.
The 55-year-old surprisingly announced his resignation during a press conference Friday following a 26-48 start.
"It's a difficult day, a challenging day and a tough day for myself," Sandberg told reporters at Citizens Bank Park. "It was not an easy decision. In a lot of ways I'm old-school and I'm very, very much dissatisfied with the record and am not pleased at all by that."
Sandberg took over for Charlie Manuel in August 2013 and accumulated a 119-159 record in his first and only stint as a major league manager.
"I do not like to lose, I hate to lose. I think that's the biggest thing that weighed on me," Sandberg said.
The skipper said that he's been mulling the decision for several weeks and that now was the time to step down.
"I felt it was better now than later, for myself, my family, and the organization," Sandberg said.
The news appeared to catch the organization off guard, as president Pat Gillick would not acknowledge if the team had plans to hire another manager at the moment.
"I can't really comment on that," Gillick said.
Pete Mackanin, who has served as third-base coach since 2014, will take over as manager on an interim basis.
The Phillies were expected to rebuild this season, though general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has yet to pull the trigger on dealing veterans Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Cole Hamels, Jonathan Papelbon, and others.
"Ryne shouldn't feel like he should shoulder all the blame," said Amaro. "We do things as a team. It is disappointing. Ryne, he was here as our manager for a reason. He showed us he was prepared to take on this task but I completely understand and respect the decision he's made."
Sandberg stated that he believed his resignation was best for all parties involved.
