Doug Melvin, who knows what it's like to be fired in the sometimes unfair world of major league baseball, saw no reason to hold that against Ken Macha.
"I got let go myself," said Melvin, the general manager of the Brewers who was dismissed from that same position after a relatively successful run with the Texas Rangers. "I'm a big believer in second chances."
With that in mind, Melvin didn't hesitate to hire Macha as the Brewers' new manager. Macha, who was introduced Oct. 30 to local media at Miller Park, was fired in 2006 after four winning seasons in Oakland, including two playoff berths.
Macha was a candidate to be Melvin's first manager with the Brewers in 2002 but instead was promoted from bench coach to manager in Oakland. Melvin in turn hired Ned Yost, who was fired with 12 games remaining in the 2008 season.
One of the primary factors Melvin cited in giving Macha, 58, a two-year contract was his background as a "baseball lifer." Macha has been in baseball for 35 years as a player, coach and manager.
The former infielder played six years in the majors with Pittsburgh, Montreal and Toronto before finishing his career in Japan. Macha coached in the major leagues with Montreal and California before managing in Boston's minor league system.
In four years managing the Athletics, Macha compiled a 368-280 (.568) record, including AL West crowns in 2003 and 2006.
Melvin noted Macha had a degree in civil engineering as well as a black belt in tae kwon do.
"I told him he can try to earn his Master's degree in sustaining success in the major leagues with the Milwaukee Brewers," said Melvin.
