Zimmer, NL Manager of Year in ‘89, Fired by Sub.-500 Cubs

Don Zimmer, unable to inspire his Chicago Cubs despite the addition of three All-Star free agents, was fired as manager Tuesday.

Zimmer, 60, led the Cubs to the National League East title two years ago, but the team was tied for last place in the division with an 18-19 record when he was fired.

Joe Altobelli, Cub batting coach who led the Baltimore Orioles to the 1983 World Series championship, became interim manager. A few hours later, he was ejected from Tuesday night’s game against the New York Mets for arguing after an inside pitch. The Cubs lost, 8-6, to fall to 18-20.

“I’m not bitter,” Zimmer said. “There’s nothing to be bitter about.

“The only thing I’m really sorry about was that we didn’t play better for the fans of Chicago. That’s the tough part. I did not have great expectations after spring training. I did not think we would be as good as the media thought.”

Jim Frey, Cub general manager, said he hopes a full-time replacement manager will be chosen within a few days.

Late Tuesday, Jim Essian, manager of Chicago’s triple-A team in Iowa, was scheduled to arrive at the Cubs’ hotel in New York, fueling speculation that he would be Zimmer’s permanent successor.

“All I know right now is that they requested my presence in New York,” Essian said.

The Cubs were favored to win the NL East after adding free-agent slugger George Bell and pitchers Danny Jackson and Dave Smith. But Jackson and Smith have been hurt, the rest of the pitching has been shaky and the hitting inconsistent.

Zimmer also managed the Texas Rangers (1981-82), Boston Red Sox (1976-80) and San Diego Padres (1972-73).

He is the second manager fired this year. Earlier, the Phillies dismissed Nick Leyva.