Offseason has come early for the San Francisco Giants. After a disappointing 79-83 record in 2023, significant front-office changes are in order. The club has already let go of Gabe Kapler, in whose charge the team missed a second postseason. Although bench coach Kai Correa filled in for the last few games of the season, the Giants are now on the lookout for new candidates to fill his position. They might have an interesting name in mind with Alyssa Nakken.
2021 was a franchise record-setting year with a 107-win season. But Kapler’s efforts fell short in subsequent seasons, with the blame placed on his laid-back attitude. As the President of Baseball Operations, Farhan Zaidi said, what the team needs is someone who can be an effective recruiter. The answer may lie in their coaching staff, where a woman has made history before.
San Francisco Giants Open to Alyssa Nakken for Managerial Position
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Joining the team in 2020 as an assistant coach, Alyssa Nakken was the first woman to do so in Major League Baseball. Trailblazer that the former college softball legend is, Nakken also filled in for ejected first base coach Antoan Richardson in 2022. Making history, she became the first woman to coach an MLB game on the field. Yet again, the 33-year-old is now the first female candidate to officially interview for an MLB skipper position.
You are such a fucking jerk, @aubrey_huff. You literally have no substance to base your opinion on other than her being a woman. If they're interviewing her, they clearly value her knowledge, approach and managerial skills. Just drop the sexism crap, you absolute fucking loser! pic.twitter.com/DuE4GXNzrx
— Dan Clark (@DanClarkSports) October 15, 2023
The traditional culture of baseball has not seen many instances of women taking charge of management. However, those rare examples of leadership have seen the respective teams doing wonders. Luckily for Nakken, she’s not alone in bringing change.
As Miami Marlins fans well know, Kim Ng has been a successful influence on the organization as a general manager. Not counting the COVID-shortened 2020 season, she has been instrumental in leading the team to its first playoff appearance since 2003. There is also the New York Yankees’ Rachel Balkovec, who manages their Single-A affiliate, the Tampa Tarpons.
But of course, radical change will always meet resistance before it can become the norm. This time, it’s from a former Giants World Series champion.
‘Misogynist’ 2x World Series Champ Stirs Controversy With Unwanted Opinion
Although Aubrey Huff played for several teams in 13 MLB seasons, he is best known for his time with the San Francisco Giants. In orange and black, the retired slugger won two World Series championships in 2010 and 2012. Off the diamond, however, fans don’t find him appealing. Stating ‘science-backed’ proof in his statement, Huff is condemning his former team for their decision to give Nakken a chance.
“Men make decisions based on logic. Women make decisions based on emotion,” he wrote when a fan attacked his earlier opinion on the Giants’ hiring decisions. He went on, “Can’t manage a @MLB team when you make emotional decisions. Women aren’t meant to lead.”
It’s not misogyny…it’s science.
Men make decisions based on logic.
Women make decisions based on emotion.Can’t manage a @MLB team when you make emotional decisions. Women aren’t meant to lead. https://t.co/Q0XEYy7rZX
— Aubrey Huff (@aubrey_huff) October 15, 2023
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Is it any wonder fans are retaliating against his ‘misogynist’-ic opinions? Many others will likely join the slugger, stirring more online controversy. Supporters and negaters can be found for every cause, after all, and the Giants will likely receive their fair share of criticism.
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But as long as others fight back, Alyssa Nakken will have a chance to prove her worth.
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