The White Sox manager carousel has been spinning since Pedro Grifol was dismissed from his position a few days ago. Grady Sizemore was named interim manager but might not be around for long. Reports have stated that the team will find a new long-term manager this offseason. Several names, including Skip Schumaker, Terry Francona, and John Gibbons, have already come up in rumors. Longtime MLB coach DeMarlo Hale could also be a candidate for the role, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
Hale’s Longtime MLB Coaching Experience
The 63-year-old Hale is a local product. He was born and raised in Chicago and attended high school in Avalon Park before starting his professional baseball career. After a short minor league career, he began coaching in the minor leagues and worked his way up the ranks. Hale has spent the better part of the past 20 years coaching at the MLB level in some capacity. He has spent time with the Rangers, Red Sox, Orioles, Braves, and Guardians organizations and two different stints with the Blue Jays.
While he has never had a full-time MLB manager job, Hale has been a bench coach or associate manager at several different stops, including his current stint with the Blue Jays. He also spent part of the 2021 season as acting manager for the Guardians following Terry Francona’s health problems, during which time he compiled a 30-33 record with Cleveland. Despite his seeming lack of manager experience, Hale has been around for a long time and is respected enough in MLB circles to continue getting coaching jobs for various teams.
Defense And Fundamental Oriented
Hale’s current role as associate manager with the Blue Jays involves overseeing fundamentals in baserunning and defense, two areas in which the White Sox have been notoriously weak in recent years. Current Blue Jays manager John Schneider also praised Hale’s leadership, experience, and communication with the players as some of his biggest strengths. Hale has been around for a long time and has the skills to relate to players and coaches.
Unique White Sox Managerial Candidate
Hale is unique because he is older but has never been a full-time MLB manager anywhere. However, he has experience working under several very successful MLB managers, including Terry Francona, Buck Showalter, and Brian Snitker. One could argue that he is uniquely positioned to accept the White Sox manager job. It would be his chance to run the show at the game’s highest level. Given his age, it is unclear if or when another MLB manager job will come his way.
Final Word
DeMarlo Hale will not be the most well-known, experienced, or flashy managerial candidate as the White Sox continue searching for their next leader. However, his experience, combined with his background as a Chicago native, makes him an intriguing candidate for the role. Whoever takes on the challenge of being the next White Sox manager will have their work cut out. Hale could have what it takes.
