Former Pirates and Rockies Manager Clint Hurdle Retires From Baseball
After over four decades in pro baseball, beloved 62-year-old coach Clint Hurdle won't be returning to the clubhouse. On Wednesday morning, it was confirmed that the former Pirates and Rockies manager will retire from the game.
Hurdle, who was fired by the Pirates in late September, began his MLB coaching career in 1997 after debuting as a player 20 years earlier.
Clint Hurdle is retiring after a wonderful career. Or as he eloquently prefers it said: He’s accepted “a lifetime contract playing for the home team.” Very nice. @sdutKevinAcee 1st
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 13, 2019
In nine seasons as Pittsburgh's skipper, Hurdle won 735 games with the club. Before arriving to the NL Central, he managed the Colorado Rockies from 2002-2009, winning 543 games.
Hurdle's time in Denver was highlighted by winning the NL Pennant in 2007. He reached the postseason a total of four times, including three with Pittsburgh.
The #Padres interviewed former #Pirates manager Clint Hurdle with hope he would become their hitting coach. He considered before making the decision to retire from baseball.
— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) November 12, 2019
As Kevin Acee notes, the San Diego Padres indeed offered Hurdle a multi-year deal to move to San Diego and become the team's new hitting coach, but he ultimately decided to turn them down in favor of spending more time with family.
While he may have never won any World Series titles as a manager, few can argue Hurdle was one of the most respected coaches in the bigs during his time. Cheers to Clint on hanging 'em up after a long, successful career in the Show.