CLEVELAND, Ohio -- DeMarlo Hale didn’t join Terry Francona’s coaching staff before the start of the 2021 with the idea of replacing him as acting manager. But when the organization asked him to do just that on July 30 because of Francona’s health concerns, Hale was ready.
He played five years in the minors for Boston and Oakland. He managed eight years in the Red Sox’s minor league system. This year was his 19th season on a big league coaching staff, including nine years as a bench coach, which is one step away from managing.
“There’s been some challenges,” Hale told reporters on Oct. 3, the last day of the season. “It’s been a good experience, but also it’s one I think I was prepared to handle. Under the circumstances that took place with Tito, you kind of jump in with both feet. You get into the daily responsibility that you need to be a part of.
“Yes, it’s been a good experience, but it’s not one that was overwhelming for me. I don’t know if that’s being old and wise or young and naive, you can put that spin on it.”
For Hale’s efforts as the Indians acting manager, he received the Frank Gibbons-Steve Olin Good Guy award from Cleveland’s chapter of the Baseball Writers Association. Hale was a unanimous choice of the writers following nominations that included Chris Antonetti, president of baseball operations, and catcher Austin Hedges.
Jose Ramirez, in another unanimous selection, received the Man of the Year award from Cleveland’s baseball writers.
The Indians finished 30-33 under Hale. When he took the team over, they were 50-49.
The team at that time was changing course. Before announcing that Hale would be replacing Francona, they traded veterans Eddie Rosario, Cesar Hernandez, Brandon Luplow and Phil Maton to create more playing time for their younger players. Making sure those players received that playing time -- giving the team’s decision makers a chance to evaluate them -- was one of Hale’s main duties.
Francona, who is expected to resume his managerial duties in 2022, was pleased with the performance of Hale and the rest of the coaching staff.
“I was beyond proud, not only of DeMarlo, but the entire staff,” said Francona. “It’s not surprising in the least, but I thought they did terrific and I was really proud of them. But it’s not surprising.”
Antonetti said Hale made use of all the resources the Indians had to offer with the dual goal of winning and evaluating.
“DeMarlo, specifically, the leadership he provided the way he collaborated with all of the coaches, the front office, the way he used resources, the dynamic he had with players it was awesome,” said Antonetti. “We’re really grateful of the work of he and our staff to help us get through the season.”
Cleveland’s BBWAA chapter selected Mat Loede as the second recipient of the John Krepop Special Achievement Award. The award was created in 2016 to honor career achievement or dedication and service to Cleveland’s big league baseball team. Loede, 46, died on Sept. 29 after a long battle with cancer. He covered the Indians and other Cleveland teams for nearly 30 years.
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