D-backs fire manager, GM; Gibson in
FOX Sports
Share This Story
The Arizona Diamondbacks will replace manager A.J. Hinch with former MLB star Kirk Gibson.
The team also dismissed general manager Josh Byrnes; Diamondbacks scouting executive Jerry Dipoto will succeed him on an interim basis.
Team president Derrick Hall called the dismissals "a first and major step in the re-evaluation of our team.''
One Diamondbacks official said the team has made “no commitment to the duration” of Dipoto’s tenure as the interim GM, suggesting that he might not be the franchise’s long-term leader. Dipoto is closely tied to Byrnes. They worked together with the Red Sox, and Dipoto played for the Indians while Byrnes was an executive there.
Arizona is last in the National League West with a 31-48 record. Hinch spent barely more than one year on the job, despite receiving a contract through 2012 when he took over for Bob Melvin last May.
By the standards of non-uniform personnel, the Diamondbacks will eat an enormous amount of money in making these moves — more than $7 million, sources said. Byrnes was under contract through 2015.
The separation between Byrnes and the Diamondbacks will be especially sensitive, because of his ownership stake in the club.
If the Diamondbacks reopen interviews for the GM job after the season — or even before then — industry sources expect they will give serious consideration to former Padres GM Kevin Towers and Dodgers scouting executive Logan White.
USA Today first reported Hinch's firing Thursday night.
Gibson hit .268 with 255 home runs, 870 RBIs and 284 stolen bases in 17 seasons as a major league outfielder with Detroit, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City and Pittsburgh. He is best remembered for one of the game's most dramatic home runs.
Gibson was the Dodgers' team leader and NL MVP in the 1988 regular season, but injuries to both legs kept him on the bench when the World Series against Oakland began.
In Game 1, barely able to walk, Gibson came to the plate as a pinch hitter in the ninth and hit Dennis Eckersley's 0-2 pitch into the right field seats of Dodger Stadium to give Los Angeles a 5-4 victory. He limped around the bases, pumping his fist in triumph, as broadcaster Jack Buck uttered his famous "I don't believe what I just saw!"
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Related Stories
Trending Now
-
Boy, 12, dies after hit by lacrosse ball
A 12-year-old boy has died in upstate New York after being hit in the chest with a la... -
Jacobs sorry for comments about Gisele
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs apologized Wednesday for saying Gisele Bu... -
'Oil Can' Boyd reveals cocaine use
Former Red Sox pitcher Dennis 'Oil Can' Boyd says he pitched two-thirds of his games ... -
Report: Plaxico wants to join Eagles
New York Jets receiver Plaxico Burress is keen to fly the nest and join the Philadelp... -
LeBron: No regrets over dunk tweet
Miami Heat star LeBron James said Wednesday he will not apologize to Kendrick Perkins...
MLB Videos
Morosi: AL spring training headlines
Posted: Feb 09, 2012
FOXSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi discusses all the AL headlines heading into spri...
FOXSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi discusses all the AL headlines heading into spri...
Morosi: NL spring training headlines
Posted: Feb 09, 2012
FOXSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi discusses all the NL headlines going into spring...
FOXSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi discusses all the NL headlines going into spring...
MLB2K12 - Verlander on Verlander
Posted: Feb 08, 2012
Justin Verlander loses his mind playing himself on MLB2K12.
Justin Verlander loses his mind playing himself on MLB2K12.
MLB Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Chicago Cubs Tackle Twill Hoodie Sweatshirt - Royal Blue | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Chicago_Cubs/browse/featuredproduct/250780/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_250000/FF_250780_xl.jpg&w=100 | 49.95 | Nike Chicago Cubs Tackle Twill Hoodie Sweatshirt - Royal Blue |
| Nike Boston Red Sox Ladies Red Local T-shirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Boston_Red_Sox/browse/featuredproduct/605356/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_605000/ff_605356_xl.jpg&w=100 | 19.95 | Nike Boston Red Sox Ladies Red Local T-shirt |
| New Era New York Yankees Youth Navy Blue Tie Breaker 39THIRTY Stretch Fit Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_New_York_Yankees/browse/featuredproduct/605557/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_605000/ff_605557_xl.jpg&w=100 | 16.95 | New Era New York Yankees Youth Navy Blue Tie Breaker 39THIRTY Stretch Fit Hat |
| Nike Oakland Athletics Green MLB Practice T-shirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Oakland_Athletics/browse/featuredproduct/606322/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_606000/ff_606322_xl.jpg&w=100 | 27.95 | Nike Oakland Athletics Green MLB Practice T-shirt |
| Philadelphia Phillies Mascot Pillow Pet | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Philadelphia_Phillies/browse/featuredproduct/626447/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_626000/ff_626447_xl.jpg&w=100 | 29.95 | Philadelphia Phillies Mascot Pillow Pet |
| New Era Colorado Rockies Black-Purple Stoked Snapback Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Colorado_Rockies/browse/featuredproduct/644117/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_644000/ff_644117_xl.jpg&w=100 | 28.95 | New Era Colorado Rockies Black-Purple Stoked Snapback Hat |
| Texas Rangers Manager Stainless Steel Watch | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Texas_Rangers/browse/featuredproduct/722692/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_722000/ff_722692_xl.jpg&w=100 | 69.95 | Texas Rangers Manager Stainless Steel Watch |
| Majestic Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers #35 Youth Navy Blue Player Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Detroit_Tigers/browse/featuredproduct/723016/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_723000/ff_723016_xl.jpg&w=100 | 39.95 | Majestic Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers #35 Youth Navy Blue Player Pullover Hoo.. |
| Majestic Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Replica Jersey - White | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Angels_of_Anaheim/browse/featuredproduct/777026/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_777000/ff_777026_xl.jpg&w=100 | 99.95 | Majestic Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Replica Jersey - White |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "add a comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.