Bob Geren: The Man Behind the Oakland A’s 2002 Miracle Run

Bob Geren: The Man Behind the Oakland A’s 2002 Miracle Run

The Oakland Athletics had a remarkable 2002 season, making it all the way to the playoffs and finishing with the best record in the American League. Behind their success was the work of manager Bob Geren, a man who had a vision, an unwavering belief in his team, and the drive and determination to see it through.

Bob Geren was born in 1961 in San Diego, California, and he played baseball in high school and college. He was drafted in the first round of the 1983 amateur draft by the New York Yankees and played for them for five years before retiring in 1989. After his playing career, Geren got into coaching, first as a minor league instructor for the Yankees and then as a manager in the independent Atlantic League.

In 1999, Geren was hired as the bench coach for the Oakland Athletics, and it was here that he first made a name for himself. He was part of the A’s coaching staff for three years, during which time he developed a close relationship with manager Art Howe. Geren was promoted to the position of manager in 2002, taking over a team that had finished dead last the previous season.

Geren quickly set out to change the culture of the team, demanding hard work and dedication from his players and instilling a belief in them that they could win. He also implemented a new style of play, mixing in small ball tactics with a reliance on pitching and defense. This combination of old and new worked, as the A’s surged to a 103-59 record, the best in the American League.

The A’s went on to make a surprising run in the playoffs, defeating the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins to make it to the American League Championship Series. Unfortunately, they were ultimately defeated by the eventual World Series champion Anaheim Angels.

Though the A’s were unable to win the World Series, Bob Geren’s impact on the team cannot be understated. He instilled a winning mentality in the A’s and laid the groundwork for a decade of success. He is the man behind the Oakland A’s 2002 Miracle Run, a run that was only made possible because of his hard work, dedication, and belief in his team.

The Legacy of Bob Geren

In addition to his success with the Oakland A’s, Bob Geren has had a long and successful career in baseball. After leaving the A’s in 2006, Geren returned to the Yankees as their bench coach, and he was later hired as the manager of the San Diego Padres in 2011.

Geren has also been a mentor to many younger players. He has worked with young players in all levels of baseball, helping them to develop their skills and reach their potential. His work with young players speaks to his commitment to the game and the importance of giving back to the community.

Bob Geren is a testament to what hard work and dedication can accomplish, and his legacy will live on in the minds of those who have been inspired by his story. He may not have won the World Series, but his name will always be associated with the Oakland A’s 2002 Miracle Run. Youngruns salutes him for his effort and commitment to the game.