The Baseball Writers Association of America today named Pittsburgh’s Clint Hurdle National League Manager-of-the-Year. Hurdle received a total of 140 points, including 25 first place votes by members of the BBWAA.
Hurdle is the second different manager in Pirates history to receive this award since it was created in 1983, joining Jim Leyland, who won in both 1990 and 1992. Hurdle was also recently named Manager-of-the-Year by The Sporting News, joining former Pittsburgh skippers Billy Meyer (1948), Danny Murtaugh (1960, 1970) and Jim Leyland (1988, 1990 and 1992) as winners of that award.
“On behalf of the entire Pirates organization, I would like to congratulate Clint on being named the National League Manager of the Year,” said Chairman of the Board, Bob Nutting. “Clint’s passion is infectious. He challenges everyone around him to push forward and improve a little bit every day. He is a great leader, a great citizen of Pittsburgh, and a tremendous family man and human being. I have the deepest respect for Clint. I have seen firsthand the hard work, commitment and passion that Clint brings every day, not only to our team but also to our community. I am proud to have him as our manager.”
Hurdle guided the 2013 Pirates to their first postseason appearance since 1992 after posting a 94-68 record in the regular season and a second-place finish in the National League Central behind the St. Louis Cardinals. The Pirates went on to win the Wild Card game against Cincinnati before losing to St. Louis, three-games-to-two, in the National League Division Series.
“I could not be more pleased for Clint on this well-deserved recognition,” said Pirates President Frank Coonelly. “He has not only made our players and coaches better, he has made our entire staff better. In addition, Clint has quickly become a true Pittsburgher and our community is better as a result. Clint encourages us all to make a difference in the lives of others and he and his wife Karla live that advice every day.”
Hurdle was named manager of the Pirates on November 10, 2010, thus becoming the 39th manager in the organization’s history. In three seasons under his guidance, the Pirates have posted a 245-241 record. The 245 wins by Hurdle are the most by a Pittsburgh manager in his first three full seasons since Chuck Tanner won 282 games from 1977-79.
“Clint is truly deserving of this honor,” said Pirates Senior Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington. “He has made, and will continue to make, a significant impact on our major league club as well as the entire organization. Clint and his major league staff continue to do an outstanding job of developing and preparing our players to compete and grow as individuals.”
Hurdle has won 779 games as a manager in the big leagues between Colorado (2002-2009) and Pittsburgh. In 2007 he guided Colorado to its first National League pennant while finishing third in the voting for National League Manager-of-the-Year honors.