UPDATE: In an extraordinary turn of events, Blake Butera has officially been named the new manager of the Washington Nationals, a moment made even more memorable as it coincided with the birth of his daughter, Blair, earlier today. Butera, 33, accepted the position while his wife, Caroline, was in labor, demonstrating a whirlwind of life changes for the new father.
During his introductory press conference at Nationals Park, Butera reflected on this remarkable day, stating, “It was a long labor… I was like, ‘Focus on Blair, right?'” This dual milestone not only marks a personal achievement for Butera but also signifies a pivotal moment for the struggling franchise, which has faced six consecutive losing seasons since their 2019 World Series victory.
Joining Butera is Paul Toboni, 35, who steps in as the new president of baseball operations. Both executives replace previous figures, Dave Martinez and Mike Rizzo, who were let go in July amid the team’s ongoing struggles. “We want Blake to feel really good about the decision that he’s making,” Toboni emphasized during the conference.
In an unprecedented move, Butera brings a fresh perspective to the Nationals, despite lacking major league game experience. His managerial background includes leading the Tampa Bay Rays‘ Class A short-season Hudson Valley Renegades at just 25 years old. Most recently, he served as the senior director of player development for the Rays before making the transition to Washington.
A recommendation from Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza played a crucial role in Butera’s hiring. Butera worked closely with Piazza during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he was entrusted with significant in-game responsibilities. “He basically told me… to handle that,” Butera said, acknowledging the trust Piazza placed in him.
Adding to his support system, Butera received encouraging advice from two-time World Series champion and renowned manager Terry Francona. “Terry reached out and said, ‘Just be yourself… There’s a reason why they’re continuing to talk to you,'” Butera recalled. This guidance underscores the confidence behind his new role.
In a show of commitment to improvement, Butera has already reached out to at least 20 current Nationals players. He expressed appreciation for their eagerness to enhance their performance, indicating a focus on building a fundamentally sound team characterized by accountability and strong ethics.
As part of the new managerial landscape, former Nationals reliever Sean Doolittle, who played a pivotal role in the 2019 championship run, will remain with the team in a coaching capacity, although his specific title remains pending.
With the Nationals at a critical juncture, Butera’s fresh approach and personal milestones are poised to reshape the team’s trajectory. Fans are eagerly anticipating how this new leadership will influence the squad moving forward.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.