The Surprising Story of Bob Geren, Oakland A’s Manager in 2002
The Surprising Story of Bob Geren, Oakland A’s Manager in 2002
Bob Geren, Oakland A’s Manager in 2002, was one of the most unexpected stories of the season. After a decade of managing minor league teams, Geren was thrust into the big leagues and asked to lead the Oakland Athletics to the playoffs. It was a tall order, but Geren was up for the challenge.
The Early Years
Geren was born in Los Angeles, California in 1959. He grew up playing baseball and basketball, but was always focused on baseball. After graduating high school, he was drafted by the New York Mets in 1977. He played in the minor leagues for the Mets, the San Francisco Giants, and the San Diego Padres before calling it quits in 1988.
The Minor League Years
After his professional playing career ended, Geren got into coaching. He spent the next decade managing in the minor leagues. He had stints with the Padres, the Giants, and the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1997, he was named manager of the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate, the Fresno Grizzlies.
The Oakland A’s
In 2002, the Oakland A’s were in need of a new manager. They had just fired Art Howe after an unsuccessful season. The A’s General Manager, Billy Beane, was looking for a manager who could lead the team to the World Series. Beane gave Geren a chance, and he accepted the job.
The 2002 Season
Geren’s first season with the A’s was a success. He led the team to the American League West Division title, the first for the A’s since 1992. The team went on to reach the American League Championship Series but eventually lost to the Minnesota Twins. Despite this, Geren had proven himself as a capable manager.
The Post-2002 Years
Geren’s time with the A’s ended in 2011. He spent the next few years in the minor leagues, before joining the Los Angeles Dodgers coaching staff in 2015. Currently, he is the bench coach for the San Diego Padres.
Conclusion
Bob Geren’s story is one of the most surprising in baseball. From humble beginnings in the minor leagues to leading the Oakland A’s to the playoffs, Geren has had an impressive career. He has proven himself to be a reliable and capable manager, and his story is an inspiration to up-and-coming players and coaches alike. For more inspiring stories from the world of sports, check out YoungRuns.com for the latest news, analysis, and opinion.