PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle, who led the Pirates to their first winning season and playoff berth since 1992, has been named the 2013 National League Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America.
The Buccos' skipper beat out Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez and Los Angeles Dodgers manager Don Mattingly.
“I could not be more pleased for Clint on this well-deserved recognition,” said Pirates President Frank Coonelly. “He has not only made our players and coaches better, he has made our entire staff better. In addition, Clint has quickly become a true Pittsburgher and our community is better as a result. Clint encourages us all to make a difference in the lives of others and he and his wife Karla live that advice every day.”
Hurdle, 56, led the Pirates to 94 wins during the regular season, the third best record in the National League. He also led the team to a victory over the Cincinnati Reds in the NL wild-card game and brought them within one game of the NLCS.
“On behalf of the entire Pirates organization, I would like to congratulate Clint on being named the National League Manager of the Year,” said Chairman of the Board, Bob Nutting. “Clint’s passion is infectious. He challenges everyone around him to push forward and improve a little bit every day. He is a great leader, a great citizen of Pittsburgh, and a tremendous family man and human being. I have the deepest respect for Clint. I have seen firsthand the hard work, commitment and passion that Clint brings every day, not only to our team but also to our community. I am proud to have him as our manager.”
Hurdle, who was named the 39th manager in the organization’s history on Nov. 10, 2010, is the first Pirates manager to win the award since Jim Leyland in 1992.
“Clint is truly deserving of this honor,” said Pirates Senior Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington. “He has made, and will continue to make, a significant impact on our major league club as well as the entire organization. Clint and his major league staff continue to do an outstanding job of developing and preparing our players to compete and grow as individuals.”