'Poor Performance' Dismissed Manager Gives Unusual Interview, Sparks Buzz in U.S.: "A Leader Must Take Responsibility Until the End" → "Deserving of Respect" Storm of Praise

*This content was translated by AI.

Rob Thompson (62), former manager of the Philadelphia Phillies who stepped down due to poor performance, showed an impressive demeanor by emphasizing the 'responsibility of a leader' until the final moment.

The Philadelphia organization announced Thompson's dismissal on April 29 (Korean time). Thompson, who took over the helm after former manager Joe Girardi in June 2022, is leaving the team after approximately four years. For the remainder of the season, bench coach Don Mattingly will serve as interim manager.

In Philadelphia, Thompson is credited with leading the team through its golden era, posting a career regular-season record of 355 wins and 270 losses (winning percentage 0.568) during his tenure. He guided the team to the postseason for the first time in 11 years during the 2022 season, where they narrowly lost to the Houston Astros in the World Series. Since then, the team has won the National League East division title for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025. The organization recognized these contributions and extended Thompson's contract through 2027 in December 2025.

However, severe struggles early in this season proved to be a major setback. Philadelphia managed only 9 wins and 19 losses (winning percentage 0.321) since opening day, plummeting to the bottom of Major League Baseball alongside the New York Mets. Particularly, after a dismal 1 win and 11 losses in their last 12 games, the gap to the division-leading Atlanta Braves widened to 10.5 games, prompting the organization to make the bold move of 'changing the manager.'

In this context, Thompson's actions immediately following the dismissal announcement have become a major topic of discussion in the United States. Unlike dismissed managers who typically avoid contact with the press, Thompson took the unusual step of standing before reporters directly.

According to Todd Zolecki, a Philadelphia beat reporter for MLB.com, the official Major League Baseball website, Thompson stated, "If you are a responsible person and a leader, you must stand before people and answer questions when everything is over. I believe this is the right way to bring closure." He added, "While evaluations of my four-year performance may vary, I hope people remember that I represented this organization with class and dignity. Speaking like this now is also my final duty and process as a leader in my own view."

Local media are praising Thompson's attitude of honoring the organization until the end and taking responsibility despite critical public opinion, calling it 'the true back view of a leader.' Phillies Pride, a media outlet covering Philadelphia team news, offered high praise: "Regardless of baseball, this attitude is truly deserving of respect. In an era where people are quick to evade responsibility across all sectors of society, this display is a refreshing shock. We wish Thompson all the best for his future."

Meanwhile, interim manager Mattingly, who took over the baton, secured a 7-0 shutout victory in the first game against the San Francisco Giants and then swept both games of a doubleheader on the 1st, surging to three consecutive wins.

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*This content was translated by AI.