Pete Mackanin's journey through the world of baseball is a testament to his enduring presence in the sport, both on the field and in the dugout. Born on August 1, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, Mackanin's baseball career began when he was drafted by the Washington Senators in the fourth round of the 1969 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut with the Texas Rangers in 1973, marking the start of a playing career that spanned nine seasons.
Mackanin played as an infielder, primarily at second base and shortstop. Over the course of his playing career, he donned the uniforms of several teams, including the Texas Rangers, Montreal Expos, Philadelphia Phillies, and Minnesota Twins. Known for his defensive skills and versatility in the infield, Mackanin was a reliable player, though he never achieved star status. His career batting average was .226, with 30 home runs and 141 RBIs over 548 games.
After retiring as a player in 1981, Mackanin transitioned into coaching and managing, where he found a long-lasting role in baseball. He began his coaching career in the minor leagues, working his way up through various organizations. His first major league coaching position came in 1997 when he served as the third base coach for the Montreal Expos. This role marked the beginning of a new chapter in his baseball life, as he moved into various coaching and managerial positions over the years.
Mackanin's managerial career in the major leagues began with interim roles. In 2005, he took over as interim manager for the Pittsburgh Pirates after Lloyd McClendon was fired. Mackanin managed the final 26 games of the season, leading the team to a 12-14 record. Two years later, in 2007, he was named interim manager of the Cincinnati Reds following the dismissal of Jerry Narron. Under Mackanin's leadership, the Reds finished the season with a 41-39 record.
In 2009, Mackanin joined the Philadelphia Phillies organization as a bench coach, a position he held until 2012. During his tenure, the Phillies enjoyed considerable success, including a World Series appearance in 2009. Mackanin's experience and steady presence were valued assets to the coaching staff.
Mackanin's most extended managerial role came with the Philadelphia Phillies. In 2015, he was named interim manager after Ryne Sandberg resigned. Later that year, the Phillies removed the interim tag and appointed him as the full-time manager. Mackanin managed the team through the 2017 season, overseeing a rebuilding phase for the franchise. Although the Phillies did not achieve a winning record during his tenure, Mackanin was respected for his leadership and ability to work with young players.
In September 2017, the Phillies announced that Mackanin would not return as manager for the 2018 season but would remain with the organization as a special assistant to the general manager. This role allowed him to continue contributing to the team's development and strategy.
Throughout his career, Pete Mackanin was known for his baseball acumen and ability to connect with players.
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