It seems like the line between the manager and the front office is weakening, and in a best case scenario you have a manager that perceives himself as more a part of that operation than independent of it. (Worst-case, the manager is an angry island of resistance). Does this also explain the decline in histrionics?
It seems like managers are moving away from having their own, unique culture, stemming from their player days but becoming its own thing. But as they get more integrated to front offices, and are selected as a result of being front-office-friendly players, managers are probably closer to wearing dress shirts than they've ever been.
I agree Paul that the line is weakening between F.O. and manager. Maybe the enormous salaries players get and the disparity between players and managers also has something to do with managers being more chill? Creating a culture and 'family' atmosphere is among the most important things a manager does now. It makes teams more attractive for free agents - at least for those teams actually willing to spend money on them.
Great points about how modern managers provide value in different ways. I think the modern shift began with Billy Martin and Reggie Jackson in New York. Martin resented Jackson and Steinbrenner's direct relationship, and he says he thought, "You're about to find out George isn't the manager," as he watched the two of them before the 1977 season. He certainly did what he could to hold onto power, but from that point on it was a rearguard action, up to present day. Great piece, Mark!
Great point. Billy and Reggie did appear to be the end of an era. "One's a born liar the other's convicted" Can't even come up with stuff that's as good now!
It seems like the line between the manager and the front office is weakening, and in a best case scenario you have a manager that perceives himself as more a part of that operation than independent of it. (Worst-case, the manager is an angry island of resistance). Does this also explain the decline in histrionics?
It seems like managers are moving away from having their own, unique culture, stemming from their player days but becoming its own thing. But as they get more integrated to front offices, and are selected as a result of being front-office-friendly players, managers are probably closer to wearing dress shirts than they've ever been.
I agree Paul that the line is weakening between F.O. and manager. Maybe the enormous salaries players get and the disparity between players and managers also has something to do with managers being more chill? Creating a culture and 'family' atmosphere is among the most important things a manager does now. It makes teams more attractive for free agents - at least for those teams actually willing to spend money on them.
Great points about how modern managers provide value in different ways. I think the modern shift began with Billy Martin and Reggie Jackson in New York. Martin resented Jackson and Steinbrenner's direct relationship, and he says he thought, "You're about to find out George isn't the manager," as he watched the two of them before the 1977 season. He certainly did what he could to hold onto power, but from that point on it was a rearguard action, up to present day. Great piece, Mark!
Great point. Billy and Reggie did appear to be the end of an era. "One's a born liar the other's convicted" Can't even come up with stuff that's as good now!