Snitker Weighs Retirement Amid Season’s End and Unfinished Business
As the Atlanta Braves close out a challenging season, the future of manager Brian Snitker hangs in the balance. With the regular season winding down, speculation about whether he will retire has intensified. Snitker is taking this moment seriously, reflecting on what remains unfinished in his coaching career.
Snitker is not rushing to make a decision, indicating that his feelings fluctuate from day to day. “I have things in the back of my head that I’m toying with,” he admitted. “There’s still fire there. I can’t wait to get to Spring Training with a healthy team. I still kind of feel like there’s unfinished business there.”
This contemplation marks a significant moment in Snitker’s lengthy career, as it is the first time retirement has entered his thoughts. He is approaching this decision with caution. “I don’t want to look back in a year and regret things,” he stated, underscoring the importance of clarity about his future.
The Pressure of Decision-Making
Fortunately for Snitker, the immediate pressure to decide has been alleviated. General manager Alex Anthopoulos has assured him that there is no rush to make any quick decisions regarding the managerial position. Yet, the current state of the Braves is not the ending Snitker envisioned. With a record of 65-80, the team has been out of playoff contention for some time and is facing a multitude of challenges, from injuries to underperforming players.
While Snitker might not voice it explicitly, the notion of “unfinished business” resonates deeply. The prospect of simply making the playoffs—regardless of whether they embark on a deep postseason run—would be a preferable conclusion for a manager who has dedicated nearly five decades to professional baseball.
A Fitting Milestone
As Snitker navigates this pivotal crossroads, he has also reached a significant milestone. On Monday, he celebrated his 800th career win after leading the Braves to a 4-1 victory over the Cubs. This achievement places him among the elite ranks of Braves managers, being just the second in the modern era since 1901 to reach this mark.
Reflecting on his career, Snitker expressed surprise at how far he has come. His continued desire to coach reflects not only his passion for the game but also his ability to focus amidst distractions. If he does ultimately decide to step away, he leaves behind an impressive legacy, including a World Series championship and a Manager of the Year award—accomplishments that will forever be a part of his identity.
As the Braves prepare for the offseason, Snitker’s future remains uncertain, filled with both reflection and hope for what lies ahead.
