Buck Showalter informed the media Sunday that he will not return as the New York Mets manager in 2024.
The four-time manager of the year was told he would be fired if he did not resign.
The Mets also made it official.
We've announced the departure of Manager Buck Showalter.https://t.co/uwgPFQEGYF
— New York Mets (@Mets) October 1, 2023
Owner Steve Cohen, in a statement, spoke about the firing.
“We let Buck know we’ll be parting ways. We will begin the search for a new manager immediately.”
Steve Cohen in a statement on the firing of Buck Showalter: “We let Buck know we’ll be parting ways. We will begin the search for a new manager immediately.”
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) October 1, 2023
The Mets recently hired David Stearns as the team’s president of baseball operations. Stearns plans to be introduced via press conference on Monday.
Good luck telling Francisco Lindor’s daughter, Kalina.
But how are they gonna break the news to Kalina Lindor 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/xh6rDXpXD6
— Amy (@akfanch) October 1, 2023
Showalter spoke to the media about this decision.
“The new leadership, they’re going to go in a different direction with the manager next year,” Showalter said. “Just wanted to let y’all know that. I got a lot of things here I can say.”
Here is an emotional Buck Showalter announcing the organization’s decision to go in a different direction. pic.twitter.com/FYW5WkAybT
— Steve Gelbs (@SteveGelbs) October 1, 2023
“I hope you give the next person in this job the same respect you gave me,” he added.
Showalter received plenty of accolades across the industry. Including his team.
Great career for Buck Showalter, who is probably in the running for best regular season manager of all time. https://t.co/cidOtLxber
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) October 1, 2023
The entire Mets team and staff has come out of the dugout to applaud Buck Showalter as he exchanges his final lineup card as Mets manager.
Showalter is getting a standing ovation from the crowd. pic.twitter.com/hhXBRNl1h3
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) October 1, 2023
There was a jumbotron tribute:
Very touching pregame sendoff to Buck Showalter from the Mets
🥺🥺🥺 pic.twitter.com/GadU1UdCxT
— Just Mets (@just_mets) October 1, 2023
The SNYTV broadcast team also shared their thoughts:
“Today’s the last day of the season and tomorrow begins a new era for the Mets.”
The Booth shares their thoughts on Buck Showalter not returning next season:
"Today's the last day of the season and tomorrow begins a new era for the Mets." pic.twitter.com/sJVIkpSt0U
— SNY (@SNYtv) October 1, 2023
Not everyone felt that way, however.
Buck Showalter is out as Mets manager after today @NjTank99 reacts pic.twitter.com/y39h44mY9U
— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) October 1, 2023
What a bizarre scene at Citi Field. Buck Showalter announces he's not returning next year, leaves the press conference room nearly in tears. The Mets later clarify that he was fired. David Stearns can't even talk tomorrow until after the Mets and Marlins maybe play four outs?!?!
— Abbey Mastracco (@AbbeyMastracco) October 1, 2023
Showalter led the 2022 Mets to a 101-win season and a playoff push into the Wild-Card series. He finished his tenure with a 175-147 record. It was his 22nd season as a manager.
