When Rob Thomson replaced Joe Girardi in the managerial role in early June, the Philadelphia Phillies were a disappointing seven games under .500, with a 22-29 record. Leading up to Monday’s postseason clincher, the club went on to play nearly .600 baseball — winning 65 of its next 109 games.
According to a tweet from the Phillies’ Baseball Communications Department, Thomson is only the fourth manager in Major League Baseball history to lift a team that was at least seven games under .500 to a postseason berth. Thomson joins Dick Howser (1981, Royals); Cito Gaston (1989, Blue Jays); and Jim Tracy (2009, Rockies).
Rob Thomson pic.twitter.com/CgXRc4J217
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) October 4, 2022
In speaking to the Phillies clubhouse after the win, Thomson said he is proud to be associated with all of the team’s players, coaches, support staff, and trainers. After commenting that he could not believe everything the Phillies have overcome throughout the course of the season to get where they are now, Thomson added:
"“We’re not done. After Wednesday, we’ve got 13 more wins and we’re World Champions. Congratulations. Enjoy this. You’ve earned it.”"
If there is any sign that points toward Thomson having an excellent feel for managing the 2022 Phillies, consider this statistic: in the five games since he gave Bryson Stott a day off Thursday — away against the Chicago Cubs Chicago — the rookie shortstop is batting 9-for-17 (.529) with three doubles, a home run, and five RBI.
Thomson has not officially been named manager beyond the 2022 season, but is hard to imagine the Canadian native being anywhere but the Phillies clubhouse — especially after what he did to turn a seemingly lost season around to a postseason contender.