The Philadelphia Phillies’ offseason got a little busier Sunday afternoon.
The team announced that pitching coach Bryan Price is retiring from full-time coaching.
Under Price, Phillies starters lowered their ERA from 4.64 in 2019 to 4.08 this year, and their home runs per 9 innings from 1.61 in 2019 to 1.10.
“Bryan provided a trusted voice and had a major impact on our pitchers this season,” Phillies interim general manager Ned Rice said in a statement. “We wish Bryan nothing but the best in his retirement and thank him for his contributions this past season.”
Price’s retirement means the Phillies in 2021 will have a new pitching coach for the fifth straight season. Chris Young held the job under manager Gabe Kapler in 2019. Other pitching coaches were Rick Kranitz (2018) and Bob McClure (2017).
Price was considered one of the most important hires on manager Joe Girardi’s coaching staff in 2020.
Price, 58, managed the Cincinnati Reds from 2014-18 and was their pitching coach from 2010-13. Before his time in Cincinnati, Price spent 10 combined seasons as the pitching coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2006-09 and the Seattle Mariners from 2000-05.
The Phillies earlier this season reassigned general manager Matt Klentak. The team must also decide whether to re-sign catcher J.T. Realmuto and shortstop Didi Gregorius, who can become free agents after the World Series.
The Phillies finished 28-32, their ninth straight season without a winning record, this year and haven’t made the playoffs since 2011.
Atlantic City Surf Baseball: Through the Years
Baseball player Jim Litton takes off sprinting along with other players in Sandcastle Stadium in Atlantic City, Saturday, April 01, 2006. during tryouts for the Atlantic City Surf Baseball team. (Press of Atlantic City/Anthony Smedile)
Tues. 5/19/98 Media day for the Atlantic City Surf baseball team. Ballplayers take the field to prepare for tomorrow nightÕs opener at the new Sandcastle baseball field. Pitchers and catchers inspect the mound.
Splash and Ronnie head to the field for SplashÕs Soft Toss. Sponge baseballs are shot into the crowd with a co2 cannon. 6/24/01 Ronnie BaileyÕs summer job working for the Atlantic City Surf baseball team at the Sandcastle stadium in Atlantic City. Shot various dates.
Baseball fan Tristan Letts, 8, of Millville watches the Atlantic City Surf minor league basball team's 2005 season opening game against the Newark Bears, Thursday, Apr. 28, 2005. (Michael Ein/ The Press of Atlantic City)
Brian R. Hunter signs autographs for members of the Ventnor Little League 9-10 All-Star team during the rain-delayed Atlantic City Surf baseball game, Thursday, July 5, 2001. Hunter has been signed to the Toronto Blue Jays organization and leaves the Surf.
Atlantic City Surf baseball team pitcher Andy High warms up during practice in Sandcastle Stadium, Atlantic City. (Pitchers had already had their pitching drills and warm ups early in the morning, before 10am. They were their to help with infield practice. Therefore: they were not throwing hard.) Wednesday, April 26, 2006 , (Press of Atlantic City/Anthony Smedile)
Atlantic City Surfs Ozzie Timmons is congratulated by team mate Dario Delgado after hitting a home run in the first inning of Atlantic City Surf, Newark Bears baseball game held at Bernie Robbins Stadium in Atlantic City. Thursday , August 3 ,2006. ( Press of Atlantic City/Anthony Smedile)
Atlantic City Surf baseball team pitcher Kevin Dougherty warms up during practice in Sandcastle Stadium, Atlantic City. (Pitchers had already had their pitching drills and warm ups early in the morning, before 10am. They were their to help with infield practice) Wednesday, April 26, 2006 , (Press of Atlantic City/Anthony Smedile)
Atlantic City Mayor Bob Levy throws out the first pitch during the Atlantic City Surf Atlantic League baseball team's home opener at Sandcastle Stadium, Wednesday, May 3, 2006.
Atlantic City Surf Baseball team Mrg. Jeff Ball looks on as team trainer Jessica Spencer tends to Surf catcher John Macleod after a play at home plate in which he tagged out Manuel Mejia of the Road Warriors during a late morning game at Bernie Robbins.Stadium. Thursday May, 25, 2006. (Press of Atlantic City/Anthony Smedile)
Players gather during try outs for the Atlantic City Surf Baseball team at Bernie Robbins Stadium in Atlantic City .. Saturday, May 05 ,2007 . ( Press of Atlantic City/Anthony Smedile)
Manager Jeff Ball conducts practice. Mon. Sept. 25 2006 Atlantic City Surf baseball team practice before beginning playoffs tomorrow night, at Bernie Robbins Stadium (The Press of Atlantic City / Ben Fogletto )
Bernie Robbins Stadium, formerly the Sandcastle Stadium, former home of the Atlantic City Surf professional baseball adjacent to Bader Field, in Atlantic City, team aerial view April 2009.
Media day for the Atlantic City Surf baseball team. Ballplayers take the field to prepare for tomorrow night's opener at the new Sandcastle baseball field. Manager Doc Edwards.
Surf Stadium is undergoing continuous renovations as Atlantic City plans for it's future. City officials hope to bring a baseball team back in the coming years. Wednesday, August 3, 2016 (Staff Photographer/Viviana Pernot)
Mike McGarry
Staff Writer
I've covered high school sports and variety of other events and teams - including the ShopRite LPGA Classic and the Phillies - since 1993.
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