Anthony Rizzo of the Chicago Cubs celebrates with first base coach Brandon Hyde. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The 2019 campaign will be a season of dramatic transition for the Baltimore Orioles, and the changes are beginning to take shape.
Following the worst season in club history (a 47-and-115 record in 2018), Baltimore parted ways with field manager Buck Showalter, Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Dan Duquette and several other members of the organization – including Ron Johnson, manager of the Triple-A Norfolk Tides.
Last month, the Orioles announced Mike Elias as the club’s next Executive Vice President and General Manager. Elias will oversee all baseball operations for the club and have full autonomy to build his staff and make decisions on all baseball matters that he believes will make the Orioles successful on the field, entertaining to fans, and impactful in the community.
Now, Elias has made his first major hire.
Friday, the Orioles name Chicago Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde as the team’s new manager.
“After conducting an intensive search, I believe that we have found the ideal leader for the next era of Orioles baseball,” Elias said. “Brandon’s deep background in player development and Major League coaching, most recently helping to shape the Cubs into a World Champion, has thoroughly prepared him for this job and distinguished him throughout our interview process. I look forward to introducing him to our fans next week and to working together with him to build the next great Orioles team.”
Brandon Hyde of the Chicago Cubs. (Photo by Rich Pilling/Getty Images)
Hyde, 45, begins his first Major League managerial role following 16 professional seasons in the coaching ranks and four professional seasons as a player. Hyde most recently served as the Chicago Cubs bench coach in 2018, his second season in this role (also in 2014). He also spent three seasons as the Cubs first base coach from 2015-17, and previously served as Chicago’s director of player development from August 2012 through the 2013 season, after joining the Cubs in December of 2011 as their minor league field coordinator. The Cubs qualified for the postseason four times during his tenure, including winning the franchise’s first World Series title in 108 years during the 2016 season.
Prior to joining the Cubs, Hyde spent nine seasons in the Miami Marlins organization. The Santa Rosa, Calif. native signed with the Chicago White Sox organization in 1997 as an undrafted free agent out of Long Beach State University (CA). He spent four seasons in the White Sox minor league system, as a catcher and first baseman, reaching the Triple-A level in 2000. In 2001, he played 17 games for the Chico Heat of the Independent Western League.
