San Francisco Giants manager, Bruce Bochy, announced on Monday, February 18 that his upcoming year would be his last. After 13 seasons as manager for the Giants, Bochy believes the time has come for something new.
“I’ve managed with my gut. I came up here in 2007 on my gut. So it’s a gut feeling it’s time,” Bochy said in a clubhouse interview, “It’s been an unbelievable ride. There’s so much in there to be grateful for, with the players, the city, the fans, my ride here. It’s time. I’ll stay in baseball and do something. … I’m not going too far, trust me. I love this game. It’s been in my blood, so sure I’ll be doing something in another capacity and I look forward to it.”
Bochy took to Twitter to express his appreciation for his time in San Francisco with the Giants.
Ever since I moved to San Francisco in 2007, the city and our awesome fans have embraced me. I'm going to miss it, but I'm so grateful for the last 12 years and am looking forward to finishing strong this season.
— Bruce Bochy (@BruceBochy) February 18, 2019
The San Francisco Giants twitter account also thanked Bochy for his time with the club.
Admiration.
Gratitude.
Respect.
We love you, Boch.#SFGiants pic.twitter.com/KiQ6u8Zqct— SFGiants (@SFGiants) February 18, 2019
Historical Accolades
Bochy joined the Giants back in 2007 after departing from the San Diego Padres after 12 seasons. During his time as manager, the Giants won the World Series three times in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
The 2010 Championship was the Giants first title since they were the New York Giants in 1954. In his time with the Padres from 1995-2006, he managed the team to four NL West titles and an NL Pennant in 1998. Bochy also played in the majors for nine seasons with the Astros, Mets, and Padres.
Along with the World Series titles, Bochy also managed Matt Cain’s perfect game and Tim Lincecum’s two no-hitters.
The Giants manager revealed his decision to the players before their first full-squad workout of spring training. Giants First Baseman, Brandon Belt said, per MLB.com, that Bochy became emotional during the announcement but didn’t spend too much time dwelling on it.
Giants catcher, Buster Posey, took time to reflect on his time under Bochy’s leadership.
“I’m just grateful to have his tutelage for ten years now,” said Posey to NBC Sports,” and what a run he’s had. “I know I’ll be inspired to–even more so–to go out there and give it everything I got for him. For the sacrifices, he’s made all these years and giving up his life to so many different players.”
Posey has been playing under Bochy since his rookie season in 2010. Posey has been part of the three World Series-winning squads alongside Bochy.
Bochy says he intends to stay involved in baseball after his final season with the Giants.
“I’m not going anywhere. I don’t have any cruises planned, trust me, I don’t plan on going up Mount Everest. Baseball, that’s my life. I’ll be around,” Bochy said. “I don’t have a bucket list. There’s no hidden agenda in all this, trust me.”