Mike Shildt announced his retirement as manager of Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres on Monday, a shock decision after guiding the club to consecutive playoff appearances.
The 57-year-old American, who was manager of the St. Louis Cardinals from 2018-2021, directed the Padres to the first back-to-back 90-wins campaigns in Padres history.
“The grind of the baseball season has taken a severe toll on me mentally, physically and emotionally,” Shildt wrote in a letter announcing his departure.
“While it has always been about serving others, it’s time I take care of myself and exit on my terms.”
Shildt had signed a contract extension last October that took him through the 2027 season.
“It is with a heavy but full heart that I am announcing my retirement from managing the San Diego Padres,” he wrote.
“It is a decision that I thought about during the season and became at peace with over the last 10 days.
“We fell short of the ultimate goal, but I am proud of what the players, staff and organization were able to accomplish the last two seasons.”
The Padres, who had not made playoff trips in back-to-back seasons since 2005-06, went 93-69 last year and 90-72 this season. They lost last year in the playoffs to the eventual champion Los Angeles Dodgers and fell this month to the Chicago Cubs in the wildcard round.
Shildt went 183-141 over two seasons and 5-5 in the playoffs with the Padres. Overall, his MLB managerial record is 435-340.
“We would like to congratulate Mike on a successful career and thank him for his significant contributions to the Padres and the San Diego community over the last four years,” Padres general manager A.J. Preller said in a statement.
“His dedication and passion for the game of baseball will leave an impact on our organization, and we wish him the best in his next chapter.”
Preller said the team has already started looking for a new manager.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
