Jim Tracy to Manage Pirates

By Heath Bloxton
Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Jim Tracy was named manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday, Oct. 11, at a press conference in Pittsburgh. Tracy, 49 years old, has signed a three-year deal through 2008 to manage the rebuilding Pirates.

After five successful seasons with the Dodgers, Tracy was not given a contract to sign with Los Angeles and the Pirates felt Tracy could be a possibility for the empty job in Pittsburgh. Following several meetings with Pirates General Manager, Dave Littlefield, the Pirates decided that Tracy was the right man for the job.

However, one question remains: Can Tracy bring the Pirates to the winning side for the first time in 13 years? Well, Tracy believes the Pirates can win because the core of young talent in the organization is well coached. He stated that the young players in Pittsburgh remind him of the successful players he had in Los Angeles. He has also said he is looking forward to making these players better and can’t wait for the challenges he and the club will face in the future.

Tracy grew up in Hamilton, Ohio, and played baseball for Marietta College. He was 422-371 with the Dodgers, and hopes to have the same success in Pittsburgh.

Tracy will replace Lloyd McClendon, who was fired Sept. 6 after several disappointing seasons.