Joe Girardi a big hit in 1st appearance as Phillies manager

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joe Girardi hit a grand slam after putting on the red pinstripes for the first time.

Girardi was charming, engaging and entertaining in his introductory news conference as the 55th manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. Already popular among fans, Girardi said all the right things Monday.

"It means a lot to me that the fans are behind me," Girardi said. "I'm well aware of the passion for the great game of baseball here. I've lived it as a player and as a manager. I know the importance of winning here. I had a chance to compete against a great team with Charlie Manuel here in 2009, and it was a great place to come watch a game. The passionate fans of the Phillies were great — they were not easy to play against — and I want it to be that way for many years to come."

Girardi brings an impressive resume to Philadelphia. He managed the New York Yankees for 10 years, succeeding Joe Torre after the 2007 season. He led New York to its 27th World Series title, beating the Phillies in six games in 2009.

He also managed the Marlins for one season and was NL Manager of the Year after going 78-84 in 2006, the only manager to win the award with a losing record.

Girardi's record with the Yankees was 910-710, the sixth-most wins in team history. Girardi won at least 84 games each season in New York and had four years with 95 or more, including 103 in 2009. He led the Yankees to three AL East titles and six postseason appearances.

"Having had 10 years in a big market in New York like Joe did with a World Series and six playoff appearances, his resume really speaks for itself," general manager Matt Klentak said. "But beyond that I can tell you that when we talk to people about Joe, people that he's known in his career, people that he's worked with, the players that have played for him, to a man or a person,...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Joe-Girardi-a-big-hit-in-1st-appearance-as-14569523.php