© Sergio Estrada | 2021 Aug 13
For the first time in three decades, Ron Wotus won’t be coaching baseball every day next summer.
Wotus, the longest-tenured coach in San Francisco Giants franchise history, announced Tuesday he’ll step down at the culmination of the 2021 campaign. He’s been with the Giants for 34 years, as a player between 1988 and 1989, then as a manager and coach from 1991 on.
“It’s been the privilege of my life to work 34 years for the greatest organization in baseball,” Wotus said in a press release. “I never imagined I’d have the career I’ve had – coaching in four World Series, coaching homegrown players like Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford, Brandon Belt and so many others, and watching them develop into the best players they can be. They are why you coach.”
Wotus said “it’s time for a bit more balance in my life.” He’ll likely remain in the organization, just in a different role — the team said the Giants and Wotus are currently in discussions about a new baseball operations position.
This year, Wotus became the second coach in franchise history to win 2,000 games, joining John McGraw. In his statement, Wotus thanked the general managers, managers, players and ownership he’s worked with throughout the years, from Brian Sabean and Bruce Bochy to Gabe Kapler and current president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi.
“We are all very grateful for Ron’s contributions to the Giants – both on and off the field,” Zaidi said. “Ron has made a lasting impact on a countless number of players during his 34 years and his dedication to his craft is second to none. It has been an honor to have Ron coach in San Francisco for over two decades and we know the entire Giants fan base joins us in wishing him the best.”
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