The Colorado Rockies snapped their eight-game losing streak on Sunday but still decided to move in a different direction by firing manager Bud Black.
The Rockies also let go bench coach Mike Redmond. Rockies third base coach Warren Schaeffer was elevated to interim manager for the remainder of the 2025 season, and hitting coach Clint Hurdle was named interim bench coach.
The announcement ironically came minutes after the Rockies’ 9-3 win over the San Diego Padres, and one day after general manager Bill Schmidt gave Black a public vote of confidence.
After the Dodgers moved back into first place of the National League West with the best record in baseball, aided by the Rockies defeating the Padres, manager Dave Roberts voiced his disappointment with Black being deemed responsible for th team’s shortcomings, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
“I don’t think [Hall of Fame manager] Casey Stengel could change the outcome of that ballclub,” said Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who was on Black’s coaching staff in San Diego, and one of his closest friends. “That’s not the manager’s fault. Obviously, they felt they needed a chance in voice or direction, but for me, there’s not many people that are better than Buddy Black. It’s very disappointing. It’s not his fault.”
Black was in his ninth season as Rockies manager. He replaced Walt Weiss and guided the Rockies to consecutive postseason berths in 2017 and 2018. Included in that was pushing the Dodgers to a Game 163 to decide the NL West in 2018.
However, it’s largely been tough sledding since that point and the Rockies tied the MLB record for worst 40-game start to a season in the modern era (since 1900) at 7-33. Only the 1988 Baltimore Orioles had a worse start with a 6-34 record.
“Our play so far this season, especially coming off the last two seasons, has been unacceptable,” Rockies owner Dick Monfort said in a statement.
“Our fans deserve better, and we are capable of better. While we all share responsibility in how this season has played out, these changes are necessary. We will use the remainder of 2025 to improve where we can on the field and to evaluate all areas of our operation so we can properly turn the page into the next chapter of Rockies baseball.
“I want to thank Bud Black and Mike Redmond for their contributions to the organization across their eight years here. I appreciate their hard work and dedication and wish them nothing but the best going forward.”
Black is the second MLB manager to get fired during the 2025 season, joining Derek Shelton, who was let go by the Pittsburgh Pirates this past Thursday.
The Rockies had not made an in-season managerial change since firing Hurdle in late April 2009. He was replaced by Jim Tracy, and the Rockies went on to reach the postseason that year.
Bud Black mentored Dave Roberts
Throughout his Dodgers managerial career, Roberts has regularly taken the opportunity to praise Black’s influence and friendship.
When Roberts was setting his coaching staff as National League manager for the 2021 All-Star Game, he made sure to include Black.
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