location_on Home keyboard_arrow_right MLB keyboard_arrow_right Content

Bud Black Era Concludes as Rockies Face Worst Start in Franchise History

MLB access_alarms2025-05-12 13:34:27 visibility7 text_decrease title text_increase

Table of Contents

Colorado parts ways with longtime manager amid organizational shakeup

The Fall of a Franchise Fixture

The Colorado Rockies severed ties with manager Bud Black on May 11, 2025, following a catastrophic 7-33 season opening - the worst in team history. This dramatic move came less than 24 hours after GM Bill Schmidt publicly backed Black, highlighting ownership's panic over the team's unprecedented collapse. Black's eight-year tenure (2017-2025) began as one of Colorado's brightest chapters. He led the club to consecutive postseason appearances in 2017 and 2018, including a Wild Card victory. Players credited his innovative approach to managing Coors Field's thin-air challenges and his clubhouse leadership.

Bud Black's Tenure Ends Amid Historic Collapse: Rockies Initiate Rebuilding Phase

Bud Black's Tenure Ends Amid Historic Collapse: Rockies Initiate Rebuilding Phase

From Contender to Cellar Dweller

The decline began post-2019: - 3 straight losing seasons (2020-2022) - Franchise-worst 104 losses in 2023 - MLB's worst defense in 2025 (.971 fielding percentage) - League-low 2.8 runs per game through 40 contests

The Final Implosion

A four-game home sweep by San Diego sealed Black's fate: - 63-18 cumulative score against division rivals - Historic 21-0 humiliation on May 10 - Position player Jacob Stallings pitching final innings - "Sell the team!" chants echoing through Coors Field Veteran pitcher German Márquez summarized the locker room mood: "Bud believed in us through every slump. This hurts deeper than losses."

Rebuilding Roadmap Emerges

Owner Dick Monfort's statement outlined three priorities: 1. **Youth Movement:** Accelerate development of prospects (OF Zac Veen, SS Ezequiel Tovar) 2. **System Overhaul:** Revamp scouting and player development programs 3. **Cultural Reset:** Install interim manager Warren Schaeffer to evaluate staff

Legacy of Mixed Results

While Black leaves as Colorado's winningest manager (544-690), his record reflects broader organizational issues: - .441 overall winning percentage - 0 NL West titles - 6 straight losing seasons since 2019 Analysts suggest this move signals Colorado's first genuine rebuild since their 2007 World Series run. As the team faces tough decisions on core veterans like Kris Bryant and Charlie Blackmon, one truth remains clear: The Blake Street Bombers era is officially over.