DENVER -- Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich introduced Bud Black as the franchise's seventh manager on Monday morning at Coors Field.
The 59-year-old Black, who pitched in the Majors from 1981-95, managed the Padres from 2007-15 and served most recently as a special assistant to Angels general manager Billy Eppler this past season.
"This franchise, I've seen from its inception, from the other side, for a long time," Black said. "I've seen it up close for the last nine seasons, minus last year. I've watched with a lot of anticipation this young pitching that has come on board. I'm excited about this group of players, this franchise, and where it's headed."
Black compiled a record of 649-713 as manager of the Padres. In his first season in San Diego in 2007, the club finished 89-74, losing to the Rockies in a National League Wild Card tiebreaker at Coors Field before Colorado went on to win the NL pennant. Black was named Manager of the Year in '10 after guiding San Diego to a second-place NL West finish at 90-72.
"He's no stranger to the National League West, no stranger to this ballpark, and no stranger to some of the rivals we have playing in this division, so it's nice to bring him aboard," Bridich said. "It's a proud day for the Rockies franchise."
Black was also the Angels' pitching coach for seven seasons, including 2002, when they won the World Series. He is the first former pitcher hired as manager of the Rockies, whose bullpen ranked last in the Majors with a 5.13 ERA last season. Black replaces Walt Weiss, who went 283-365 over four seasons.
Black nearly became the manager of the Nationals last October, but contract negotiations fell through and the club hired Dusty Baker.
Manny Randhawa/ MLB.com
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