CHICAGO (AP)– Joe Torre is enjoying life with the Dodgers. That doesn’t mean he plans to manage much longer.
Torre spent some time discussing his future Saturday before his team’s 7-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs. The 68-year-old manager is in the second season of a three-year contract with the Dodgers, who have the best record in the majors at 34-17.
“I’ve got another year, but beyond that I’m not sure,” Torre said. “Well, next year is always in question. You hope you still continue to feel as energized as you do now.”
Torre managed the New York Yankees from 1996-07, guiding them to four World Series titles, six AL pennants and 12 playoff appearances. After a bitter split with the team, he was soon hired to manage the Dodgers. But during that brief period of
unemployment, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do.
“I was wondering if the managing had just gotten to the point where the stress was outweighing the enjoyment,” Torre said. “The Dodgers were the first reason that I decided to come here … another big part was that I was curious if this managing
stuff could be fun or if I was just too old — and it’s been fun.”
Torre credited his coaching staff, particularly Don Mattingly and Larry Bowa, along with Dodgers players for helping him thoroughly enjoy his experience in Los Angeles. However, Torre isn’t ready to commit to anything beyond next season, when
his contract expires.
“Yeah, I’m enjoying it. Not to say that I’m thinking about doing this for 10 years, no. I have family, too,” he said. “I have another year left after this. There are still some days you don’t want to pack and go on a road trip. The ballpark is the best part for me. I still enjoy the baseball aspect of it. The energy is terrific and I feel good about it. It’s all
about the players and how they respond to you. The players have been great. This group of guys has been terrific.”