October 20th 2024.
Bud Black could have easily decided to retire to his home near San Diego and spend his days with his five grandchildren, basking in the glory of his successful 45-year career in professional baseball. With two World Series rings and over 2,500 games managed, including a Manager of the Year award, he had accomplished more than most could dream of. But at the age of 67, Black's passion for the game and his dedication to the Colorado Rockies led him to return for at least one more season as their manager.
Some may question his decision, especially after the Rockies suffered back-to-back losing seasons under his watch. But Black is determined to see the team through their struggles and turn things around. "I'm invested in this team and this organization," he explained in a recent phone interview, "and I want to be part of the solution." Despite the criticism and predictions of another losing season, Black sees potential in the team's talent and believes they are heading in the right direction.
His love for the game is evident in his eagerness to talk about baseball, even though he's not one to talk about himself. But Black wants fans to understand his reasons for returning for his ninth season in Colorado. After leading the Rockies to their first back-to-back playoff appearances in franchise history in 2017-18, the team has since struggled. But Black sees potential in their pitching, which he believes is the key to their success. "The talent of the pitching within our system is as good as it's ever been," he said, expressing his excitement for what the future holds.
The statistics from the 2024 season may not reflect the potential Black sees in his pitching staff, with the worst ERA and WHIP in the league. But he remains confident that a combination of veteran experience and the organization's top prospects will turn things around in the upcoming season. "When I came here in '17, our rotation was young," Black recalled. "But now, we have a veteran bullpen and the talent of our pitching is something to be excited about."
As Black looks ahead to the 2025 season, he is hopeful for a successful turnaround for the Rockies. He believes in the talent and potential of his team, and he is determined to see them reach their full potential. And for Black, that is reason enough to return for another season as the Rockies' manager.
Bud Black had every reason to retire and spend his days relaxing with his five grandchildren in his home near San Diego. After all, he had an impressive 45-year career in professional baseball, including two World Series wins and being named National League Manager of the Year in 2010. At 67 years old, he could have easily hung up his hat and called it a day.
But that wasn't enough for Black. He still had a burning passion for the game and a desire to make a difference. So, he decided to return for at least one more season as the manager of the Colorado Rockies, a team that has faced its fair share of challenges in recent years.
Some may question why Black would choose to continue managing a team that has faced back-to-back losing seasons and is predicted to struggle again in the upcoming season. But for Black, it's about more than just the team's record. He is invested in the organization and wants to be part of the solution to turn things around.
When he first joined the Rockies in 2017, Black was focused on that one season and taking it from there. But now, after nearly a decade with the team, he has a bigger vision for its future. He sees potential in the talent and believes that with a strong pitching rotation, the team can once again become a playoff contender.
In 2024, the Rockies' starters had the worst ERA and WHIP in the league. But Black is confident that with the addition of some veteran players and the development of top prospects, the team's pitching will improve in the upcoming season.
When Black first joined the team, the bullpen was full of experienced players, but the rotation was young and inexperienced. Now, he sees the potential for a well-rounded team with a mix of both veteran and young talent.
Despite the challenges and frustrations that come with managing a struggling team, Black remains positive and focused on the future. He may not like talking about himself, but he wants fans to understand his commitment to the team and his belief in its potential. And with his passion and determination, he hopes to lead the Rockies back to success in the upcoming season.
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