Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg resigns

PHILADELPHIA — Ryne Sandberg resigned as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday.

The team announced the decision at a press conference about 3 1/2 hours before its game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park.

Sandberg pointed to losing and dissatisfaction with the Phillies’ major league-worst 26-48 record as the reason for his resignation.

“It’s not an easy decision,” Sandberg said. “In a lot of ways, I’m old school, and I’m very much dissatisfied with the record and not pleased at all with that. I think that goes hand in hand with being a manager. So it’s been a difficult thing to swallow, but I have thought about it for some time, and we’ve come to this day.”

Sandberg became emotional during the announcement.

“I do want to thank the Phillies and (general manager) Ruben Amaro Jr. for giving me this opportunity to do this with the club that originally drafted me in 1978,” Sandberg said. “It was a dream opportunity for me to put on a Phillies major league uniform, and that’s where it really hits hard today as far as making it a difficult decision.

“But with some leadership roles coming up, I think it was important for me not to be in the way with the way things have gone this year, but allow the organization to go forward and really get this thing going.”

During parts of three seasons, Sandberg went 119-159 (.428) as Phillies manager. He took over for Charlie Manuel during the 2013 season with 42 games remaining.

This offseason, the Phillies conceded to a rebuild.

“The accumulation of losses was something that I take responsibility for and something that really took a toll on me,” Sandberg said.

Third base coach Pete Mackanin will take over as interim manager for the time being.

“At least at this time through this homestand,” Amaro said. “Frankly, this is a pretty sudden decision that Ryne has made so we’re in the process of trying to get our feet on the ground. Pete has graciously accepted.”

Team president Pat Gillick is soon expected to hire a replacement to fill his own role.

“I don’t know that I’d be in the plans or not,” Sandberg said, “but being disatisfied with the record and not being pleased with that really didn’t feel like I had too many legs to stand on as far as going forward with any changes.”

Amaro said the losing is not just on Sandberg. It’s on the organization.

“Well, it’s surprising,” Amaro said. “I don’t know that Ryne should be feeling like he should shoulder all the blame. We do things as a team, as an organization, and we win as an organization and we lose as an organization. It’s really a team effort.

“I take my level of responsibility for the things that are happening on the field as well. It is disappointing.”