Hurdle could write an interesting book, or two
PITTSBURGH — Clint Hurdle could certainly write an interesting book about his career. Or maybe two.
One could be about the Pirates manager’s playing career. He was a can’t-miss phenom with the Kansas City Royals who did miss because he enjoyed partying more than hitting.
The second volume could be about his managing career, which has been as successful as has playing career was unsuccessful. Hurdle notched his 1,000th victory last Friday night when the Pirates beat the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park.
Little fanfare was made of Hurdle becoming just the 61st major league manager to reach the milestone. The players and coaches gathered in the clubhouse for a brief celebration.
Some players had wanted to fete Hurdle more elaborately but he nixed it.
“I didn’t really see too much celebrating, but that’s the kind of man he is,” veteran outfielder Matt Joyce said. “That’s the kind of manager he is. He’s fun to play for. I’ve really enjoyed playing for him. He keeps it about the team. He understands it’s not about him. He really cares for his guys. He really cares for his players. You can tell those things. You can sense those things. Little things like that go a long way for a player.”
It was a special moment for Hurdle because his father, Clint Sr., was in attendance. Hurdle’s wife, Karla, arranged for a surprise visit from her in-laws, who live on Florida’s Space Coast.
“He’s been with me through thick and thin, this whole crazy ride as a player and as a coach and as a manager,” Hurdle said. “He’s proud of me, but I’m more proud of him, being the father he’s been through this whole crazy thing.”
Hurdle is in his sixth season with the Pirates and also had an eight-year run as the Colorado Rockies’ manager from 2002-09 that included winning the National League pennant in 2007.
In many ways, this has been Hurdle’s most difficult season in Pittsburgh.
The Pirates have been to the playoffs each of the last three years since ending their string of 20 consecutive losing seasons in 2013. However, they are just 37-40 this season.
Hurdle has had to try to keep his team competitive despite a string of injuries, a lack of pitching depth and a sub-par season from star center fielder Andrew McCutchen.
At 58, Hurdle knows how to keeps things in perspective. When he was congratulated on his 1,000th win by a visitor to his office last weekend, he was quick to point out that he has over 1,000 losses — 1,044, to be exact.
“There’s a lot of experience,” Hurdle said. “There’s been a lifetime of learning. The thing I’m most thankful for are the learning opportunities, and I’m still getting them at 58. I’m still getting them this year. They’ve all helped me become a better man, most importantly. A husband, a father and a friend, and hopefully a manager and a coach and a guy those people out there can trust with the leadership.”