When the Royals initially hired Mike Matheny, fans had some reservations despite a glossy résumé that included six winning seasons, four playoff appearances, a .555 winning percentage, and a National League pennant with the Cardinals. The reasons for concern were how he had taken a very successful franchise and overseen its decline, with his winning percentage dropping in each of his final four seasons in St. Louis. Even more concerning were how things deteriorated in St. Louis. Matheny was resistant to analytics, combative with the media, distant with his players, and oversaw a tense clubhouse that included a story of player hazing that ultimately led to Matheny’s firing.
Mike Matheny is falling into the same habits that got him fired in St. Louis
