Craig Counsell was officially named the new manager of the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday. Counsell, who signed a three-year contract through the 2017 season, emerged as the favorite to take over the job Sunday night after the team fired manager Ron Roenicke, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
Brewers hire Craig Counsell as new manager
After Ron Roenicke was fired Sunday night, it didn’t take long for former Brewer Craig Counsell to be named the team’s newest manager.
Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
“I believe his on-field success as a player and his awareness for preparation should resonate in the clubhouse,” Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said when Counsell’s hiring was announced. “Growing up in Milwaukee, it is very important for him to bring a winning culture and team success to Brewers fans.”
Counsell, 44, was already in Milwaukee serving as a special assistant to general manager Doug Melvin. According to SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo, Counsell has been considered a managerial candidate for “a couple years.” He retired as a player in 2011 after playing his final five seasons in Milwaukee.
“I am grateful and honored to have the opportunity to manage the team that I rooted for, played for and worked for in the front office,” Counsell said Monday. “In the 10 years that I have been a member of the organization, I have grown to feel a great responsibility to baseball in the city of Milwaukee.
“This has been a difficult time for the Brewers, and we all share the responsibility. I understand the work ahead to be the team our fans deserve. We have challenges ahead of us and I look forward to working tirelessly to achieve our goals.”
Counsell’s name emerged Sunday night alongside that of Ron Gardenhire early in the wake of the Brewers’ announcement. Sources close to the situation soon told Cotillo that Gardenhire would not be chosen for the position.
Roenicke was fired following the Brewers’ 7-18 start this season. In a little more than four seasons, the Brewers went 342-331 under his management.
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