Year Later, Pirates’ Decision to Name Don Kelly Manager Looks Good – Roundtable.io

Saturday marks the one-year anniversary of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Don Kelly managing his first game in the major leagues. Kelly, promoted from bench coach after manager Derek Shelton was fired by general manager Ben Cherington following a 12-26 start, stepped in during a period of turmoil for the Pirates. The clubhouse was marked by low morale and fan frustration as Pittsburgh faced its 29th losing season in 33 years. Kelly was immediately tasked with rebuilding focus and confidence. A year later, the outlook has shifted. Once hopeless, the situation now looks much more promising. The Pirates are 21-18 heading into Saturday night’s game against the Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco, having won five of their last seven games. Kelly has settled into his role as the team’s progress continues. He now confidently manages in-game decisions without feeling overwhelmed by their pace. “I think some of it slows down when you’re talking about the game,” Kelly told reporters in San Francisco. “Does that mean we’re going to make absolutely, 100% perfect decisions? We try to, and we try to beat that up before the game and talk about that after.” Kelly’s communication skills—recognized by Cherington and the players—remain a
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