In the early 2000s, the Milwaukee Brewers had a bright young middle infield prospect who was ready to change the future of the franchise.
His name was Rickie Weeks, and he made his MLB debut in 2003.
He wasn’t a Hall of Famer, but did retire with 161 career home runs and was a force at his peak, capable of hitting 20 dingers per season and having multiple .800+ OPS campaigns.
That kid played, retired, and matured as a man throughout the years.
Now, Weeks is ready to take on an important role for the Brewers, the franchise with which he played 11 seasons for at the highest level.
“Back home where he belongs. Congratulations to our new associate manager, Rickie Weeks!” the team announced via Twitter.
Back home where he belongs
Congratulations to our new associate manager, Rickie Weeks! pic.twitter.com/eA1kIvSjzU
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) November 15, 2023
The figure of the associate manager is gaining steam in MLB.
Last year, the Texas Rangers brought in Will Venable to be Bruce Bochy’s associate manager.
This year, DeMarlo Hale was announced as the Toronto Blue Jays’ associate manager, and now Weeks will be that figure for new Brewers manager Pat Murphy.
The associate manager is not quite a skipper, but has more power and influence than a bench coach.
The Brewers hope Murphy and Weeks form a quality tandem and can replace Craig Counsell effectively.
Weeks retired in 2017.
In February 2022, he was hired by the Brewers as an assistant to the player development staff.
Now, he is earning a promotion after a year working with the organization.
One of the most influential Brewers players of the new millennium is returning home to help from another place.
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