The Philadelphia Phillies’ hiring of Lee Elia...

The Philadelphia Phillies’ hiring of Lee Elia to fill the first managerial opening of the season disappointed those promoting the hiring of minorities to such positions.

Elia, the club’s third base coach, was named Thursday to succeed the fired John Felske.

“I think the Phillies have added more pressure, more fuel to the fires that are lighting the way for those who want to change this situation,” said Harry Edwards, named last week as a special assistant to Commissioner Peter Ueberroth. Edwards is in charge of getting more minorities hired for authoritative positions.

Club President Bill Giles said he never considered anyone else, black or white.

“At this time of year, I don’t think it makes any sense to bring in a whole new regime,” Giles said. “I did not feel I was on the spot. That did not affect my decision.”

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who spoke with Ueberroth at the Philadelphia meeting, criticized Elia’s hiring as “a continuation of the unfair practices that we will challenge.”