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Washington Bats manager was born on July 20th, the summer of 1926.
Yes, you read that right.
Bill Sandidge is by far the oldest coach in the BLB at 78 years old. He has four decades in between him and the the managers in Indianapolis and California, 37-year-olds Joaquin Alvarez and Zach Ross.
"My grandchildren are older than those two."
Originally a bench coach during the BLB's inception, Sandidge was promoted from that position to manager in August of 1981. The Bats went on to win their first BLB Brewmaster's Championship just two seasons later.
After winning their second title in 1988, a lot of people around the league expected the then 62-year-old might retire on top. But Sandidge kept at it. Making the playoffs five of the next eight seasons. Then before the 1997 season, the Bats announced plans for a mini-rebuild, and many more thought Sandidge would call it quits being too old to see the rebuild through at 71. But after a three year gap which saw the Bats qualify for the playoffs just once, and produce their two lowest winning seasons, Sandidge has directed the Bats to the leagues best record the past 4+ seasons.
Despite being a manager for only once franchise, his impact can be seen around the league. He coached a utility infielder named Andrew MacGilledon from 1981-1985. He has been the manager in Maine since 2001. He also was on the coaching staff when relief pitcher Bobby Minnich was with DC. He has been a BLB scout since 1997. He also coached former walk machine Harry Elliot who has been the Bats Single-A affiliate Eugene Sting head coach. The list goes on and on...long after he will be coaching...or even alive one would imagine.
"I've thought about retiring a lot. After getting my second ring. During the rebuild. During the steroid years in Virginia. After losing to New Orleans in the Championship. I've thought about it this season as well."
The Bats have clinched the Stout division and are one of the favorites to win it all this year. Would five rings be enough to retire comfortably?
"I'm not making any promises...but five does have a nice ring to it."
And what if the Bats lose?
"We don't intend to."
Yes, you read that right.
Bill Sandidge is by far the oldest coach in the BLB at 78 years old. He has four decades in between him and the the managers in Indianapolis and California, 37-year-olds Joaquin Alvarez and Zach Ross.
"My grandchildren are older than those two."
Originally a bench coach during the BLB's inception, Sandidge was promoted from that position to manager in August of 1981. The Bats went on to win their first BLB Brewmaster's Championship just two seasons later.
After winning their second title in 1988, a lot of people around the league expected the then 62-year-old might retire on top. But Sandidge kept at it. Making the playoffs five of the next eight seasons. Then before the 1997 season, the Bats announced plans for a mini-rebuild, and many more thought Sandidge would call it quits being too old to see the rebuild through at 71. But after a three year gap which saw the Bats qualify for the playoffs just once, and produce their two lowest winning seasons, Sandidge has directed the Bats to the leagues best record the past 4+ seasons.
Despite being a manager for only once franchise, his impact can be seen around the league. He coached a utility infielder named Andrew MacGilledon from 1981-1985. He has been the manager in Maine since 2001. He also was on the coaching staff when relief pitcher Bobby Minnich was with DC. He has been a BLB scout since 1997. He also coached former walk machine Harry Elliot who has been the Bats Single-A affiliate Eugene Sting head coach. The list goes on and on...long after he will be coaching...or even alive one would imagine.
"I've thought about retiring a lot. After getting my second ring. During the rebuild. During the steroid years in Virginia. After losing to New Orleans in the Championship. I've thought about it this season as well."
The Bats have clinched the Stout division and are one of the favorites to win it all this year. Would five rings be enough to retire comfortably?
"I'm not making any promises...but five does have a nice ring to it."
And what if the Bats lose?
"We don't intend to."
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