Colorado Rockies Jim Tracy Wins National League Manager Of The Year

David Letterman

Jim Tracy of the Colorado Rockies was rewarded for his success on Wednesday not only did he win the National League Manager of the Year Award as voted on by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America but he also was took home a new three year contract to run through 2012.

Tracy who took over the last place Rockies on May 29th was the overwhelming choice of the voters. He received 29 of a possible 32 first-place votes for 151 points. Tony La Russa of the Cardinals received two first-place votes and 55 points. The Dodgers’ Joe Torre received one first-place vote and finished third with 33 points.

When Tracy moved from bench coach to skipper, replacing Clint Hurdle 18-28, the Rockies went 74-42 under Tracy and won the National League Wild Card.

In the end, the Rockies were 92-70, and set a club record for wins in a season while making the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. The Phillies eliminated the Rockies, three games to one, in the NL Division Series.

Tracy became the second Rockies manager to win the award. Don Baylor, who rejoined the Rockies as hitting coach last off-season,earned the honor in 1995.