PITTSBURGH (AP) - Clint Hurdle has been hired as the Pittsburgh Pirates’ manager, saying he’s not intimidated by the franchise’s record 18 consecutive losing seasons.
Hurdle replaces John Russell, who was fired the day after completing a 105-loss season _ the Pirates’ worst in 58 years. Hurdle had been the hitting coach for the AL champion Texas Rangers.
The Pirates identified Hurdle as a candidate from the start, but could not talk to him until Texas’ season ended. He also was being considered for the Mets’ job but was hired by Pittsburgh before having a second interview in New York.
Hurdle was attracted to the Pirates because of their core of young talent. He said the Pirates have too much talent to not win, and he wanted to be the manager when they turned it around.
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