In a surprising turn of events, the 2025 SnakePit Awards' Unsung Hero of the Year title goes to Torey Lovullo, the team manager. But this decision might not sit well with everyone, especially those who have been vocal about their desire to see him fired.
The voting process was a close call, with no clear front-runner. Interestingly, two off-field personnel were in the running, a rare occurrence in this category. Allen Campbell, the video coordinator, came in second with 20.8% of the vote, while Lovullo clinched the award with 29.9%.
The calls for Lovullo's dismissal have been persistent, especially on social media platforms like Twitter/X. It's almost as if every month, there's a new wave of fans demanding his removal. Even during the season when he led the Diamondbacks to the World Series, an online poll showed that over 80% of fans wanted him gone. But here's where it gets controversial: Is it fair to judge a manager solely on the team's performance, especially in a sport like baseball where luck plays a significant role?
The truth is, a manager's job is to make educated guesses based on limited information. Sometimes they get it right, sometimes they don't. Fans tend to remember the losses and forget the wins. However, managers must have a short memory and not dwell on past mistakes. And this is the part most people miss: A manager's role extends far beyond in-game decisions. It's about molding a group of diverse personalities into a cohesive unit, a task that happens behind closed doors in the clubhouse.
The Diamondbacks' recent struggles have been attributed to Lovullo's management, particularly the pitching staff's poor performance. But is it fair to blame Lovullo for injuries and individual player performances? The author of a PHNX Sports essay suggests that Lovullo should be held accountable for the team's lack of progress. But is it reasonable to fire someone with a unique skill set acquired over a long career just because expectations weren't met?
Dan Bickley's demand for Lovullo's departure after the trade deadline is a prime example of a knee-jerk reaction. Bickley failed to acknowledge the manager's role in the team's subsequent success, instead attributing it solely to the players. Lovullo, however, takes responsibility for every loss, even when it's not entirely his fault. His unwavering loyalty to his players is both a strength and a weakness. It led to an incredible winning streak, but it also meant sticking with players longer than most would.
Lovullo's impact on the team is undeniable, yet he often goes unrecognized for his contributions. He takes the blame for losses and rarely gets credit for victories. A thought-provoking question: Is this a fair assessment of his work? Perhaps it's time we appreciate the unsung heroes behind the scenes, like Torey Lovullo, who quietly contribute to a team's success.
