Jim Tracy's journey in professional baseball began as a player before transitioning into a managerial role that spanned several decades. Born on December 31, 1955, in Hamilton, Ohio, Tracy attended Marietta College, where he played college baseball. His professional playing career started when he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the fourth round of the 1977 MLB Draft. Tracy played as an outfielder in the minor leagues for several years, spending time with the Cubs and later the Houston Astros organizations. Despite his efforts, he never made it to the major leagues as a player, concluding his playing career in 1984.
Transitioning from player to coach, Tracy found his calling in managing and coaching within the baseball world. He began his managerial career in the minor leagues, where he honed his skills and developed a reputation for his understanding of the game. His first significant managerial role came with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, where he managed their Triple-A affiliate, the Albuquerque Dukes, in 1998.
Tracy's major league managerial career took off when he was appointed as the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2001. During his tenure with the Dodgers, Tracy led the team to four winning seasons out of five, including a National League West division title in 2004. His leadership style was characterized by a calm demeanor and an ability to connect with players, earning respect within the clubhouse. However, after the 2005 season, Tracy and the Dodgers parted ways due to differences with the team's management.
In 2006, Tracy took on the role of manager for the Pittsburgh Pirates. His time with the Pirates was challenging, as the team struggled to find success on the field. Tracy managed the Pirates for two seasons, but the team finished last in the National League Central division both years. Following the 2007 season, Tracy was relieved of his duties as manager.
Tracy's managerial career saw a resurgence when he joined the Colorado Rockies organization. Initially hired as a bench coach in 2008, he was promoted to manager in May 2009 after the team dismissed Clint Hurdle. Tracy's leadership helped turn the Rockies' season around, guiding them to a remarkable comeback and securing a National League Wild Card berth. The Rockies finished the 2009 season with a 92-70 record, and Tracy was honored with the National League Manager of the Year award for his efforts.
Tracy continued to manage the Rockies until 2012. His tenure with the team was marked by ups and downs, with the Rockies experiencing both competitive seasons and struggles. In October 2012, Tracy resigned as the manager of the Rockies, concluding his managerial career in Major League Baseball.
Throughout his career, Jim Tracy was known for his strategic approach to the game and his ability to manage diverse rosters.
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