It was just the second game of the 2018 season when Phillies fans were calling for Gabe Kapler’s head. Forty-one games into the season, things have changed.
It was only a few weeks ago when Phillies fans booed Gabe Kapler at the home opener and called for his termination just two games into the season. Flash forward a few more weeks and the Phillies are currently sitting in second place of the National League East.
Many fans doubted Kapler when he was first introduced as the manager back in October. Why? Simply because he was a new manager with no previous experience. All managers start somewhere, whether it be a rocky or great start.
There were plenty of things leading to the calls for Kapler’s head. In just the first series of the year, he made a pitching change with no one warming up, pulled Aaron Nola just 5.1 innings into a dominating Opening Day start, and set a record for the most pitchers used in any team’s first three games.
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There are several reasons why it was simply too early to insist Kapler had to be fired. The most obvious one is the team’s overall success so far this year. Coming into Friday’s game, the Phillies are in second place of the National League East, just 0.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves. Their 25-16 record puts them in line for a wild-card spot.
While some may argue it’s too early to predict the postseason spots, this is certainly something that couldn’t be achieved under Pete Mackanin’s tenure as the Phillies manager. The team is playing above .500 ball, and although it’s still early in this season the outlook on the club is still very good.
This year, the atmosphere in the clubhouse is much different thanks to Kapler. He is the person behind the “Be Bold” slogan, and that mentality has rubbed off on the team. Coming into Spring Training, players were seen wearing exclusive t-shirts with the phrase written on it. It seems as if Kapler’s positive mindset and enthusiasm he displays on a regular basis are working.
Despite coming under fire a few games into the season, Gabe Kapler didn’t seem to let that bother him. Kapler has the potential of being a manager like Charlie Manuel, who is the winningest manager in Philadelphia Phillies franchise history with his historic 780 wins.
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Be Bold.