Pirate Board of Directors Votes to Fire General Manager Syd Thrift

Syd Thrift, the general manager generally credited with rebuilding the Pittsburgh Pirates, was fired Tuesday by unanimous vote of the franchise’s board of directors.

The announcement, expected for several days, was made by Pirate President Carl Barger, who reportedly was battling with Thrift for control of the team.

“No attempt should be made to minimize the job (Thrift) has done over the past 3 years in building an exciting, contending team,” Barger, who became the team president last December, said in a statement.

“It was the decision of the board, however, that continued success by the Pirates--both on and off the field--can only be achieved by the entire organization working as a team. We strongly believe that proper communication and cooperation throughout the organization is essential.”

Assistant general manager Larry Doughty was named as interim successor to Thrift.