Giants’ Bochy to retire after 25th year

Manager won three World Series titles with San Francisco

Associated Press

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.

Bruce Bochy has always managed with his gut. Those same instincts told him it’s nearly time to retire.

Bochy announced Monday this will be his last season managing the San Francisco Giants, his 25th in all as a big league manager.

He told the team before Monday’s spring training workout at Scottsdale Stadium.

“In my mind it’s time,” he said.

Bochy, who turns 64 on April 16, had offseason hip replacement surgery that has him moving more swiftly and he insists “the health’s great” and didn’t factor into the choice.

He begins his 13th season with the Giants. He led the club to World Series championships in 2010, ‘12 and ‘14.

“I’ve managed with my gut. I came up here in 2007 on my gut. So it’s a gut feeling it’s time,” Bochy said. “It’s been an unbelievable ride. There’s so much in there to be grateful for, with the players, the city, the fans, my ride here. It’s time. I’ll stay in baseball and do something. ... I’m not going too far, trust me. I love this game. It’s been in my blood, so sure I’ll be doing something in another capacity and I look forward to it.”

Bochy came to San Francisco from the San Diego Padres before the 2007 season, in time to watch Barry Bonds break Hank Aaron’s career home run record that August. He managed Matt Cain’s perfect game in 2012 and a pair of no-hitters by Tim Lincecum against the Padres in July 2013 and June ‘14.

“This will give me time to go back and reflect and even watch some games and think about some of these great achievements and milestones these players have reached,” Bochy said. “I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the gifts and talents of these players. I consider myself fortunate to have managed players like a Bonds and Lincecum.”

Every other manager with three or more titles has been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“I haven’t even thought about that,” Bochy said.