White Sox Name Rick Renteria as New Manager

CHICAGO, IL — Less than a day after manager Robin Ventura announced he wasn't returning, the Chicago White Sox tapped bench coach Rick Renteria to replace him, according to a team press release.

Renteria, 54, was hired to the White Sox staff last offseason, and he managed the Chicago Cubs in 2014. The 40th manager for the White Sox, Renteria is currently the only Latino manager in the majors, and he's one of only two managers to manage both of Chicago's major league teams.

"I appreciate this tremendous opportunity to manage the Chicago White Sox," he said in a statement. "It is a great honor as well as a great responsibility. … We want to field a team that plays smart baseball, takes advantage of any opportunity within the game, and competes hard each and every day in a way that makes White Sox fans proud of our team’s effort."

Renteria played in the majors for three seasons from 1986-88 with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Seattle Mariners and then for two seasons from 1993-94 with the Florida Marlins. He also spent six seasons on the coaching staff of the San Diego Padres, and he managed Team Mexico in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

"We obviously have been very impressed by Rick over his past year as bench coach" Rick Hahn, White Sox senior vice president and general manager, said in a statement. "He is a knowledgeable teacher of the game who loves to develop players and spends hours watching video looking for any nuance that gives us an edge. He is well respected within the clubhouse, and his ability to communicate in English and Spanish is a real plus as he interacts with our players."

After the White Sox's loss to the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, Ventura told reporters he was stepping down as manager. He was hired in 2011 and had a a 375-435 record over five seasons. Although he was a finalist for American League Manager of the Year in 2012, Ventura and the White Sox had losing records the past four seasons.

"I also want to thank Robin for his friendship and leadership over this past year," Renteria said. "His class, professionalism and commitment to the White Sox organization is unmatched, and I enjoyed and learned a great deal during our year together."

New Chicago White Sox manager Rick Renteria in 2014. (photo via Patch archives)

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