Bowa Tells Phillies to Make Call, and He’s Out

Larry Bowa was fired as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, a day before the end of yet another disappointing season.

The Phillies failed to reach the playoffs for the 11th consecutive season after coming in as favorites to win the East Division. They were 85-75 when Bowa was dismissed before Saturday night’s game against Florida.

“When I got to the ballpark this afternoon, I got a call from Larry Bowa asking me to come see him,” General Manager Ed Wade said at a news conference.

“He said he’s been getting inundated with questions about his job status and wanted to know sooner or later. After a lengthy discussion, I decided the fairest thing to do was make a move at this time.”

Bench coach Gary Varsho managed the team Saturday night and will do so again today. The fate of the rest of the coaching staff will be determined this week, and the search for a manager will be expedited.

Bowa, who managed the team for four seasons, showered and left without taking questions, though he left a statement thanking the Phillies for the opportunity to manage.

Earlier in the day, Bowa met with the media while speculation swirled that he would be fired at the end of the season and that pitching coach Joe Kerrigan would resign.

“I’m not talking about it,” Bowa said then. “You guys have all speculated. You all have your unidentified sources.”

Bowa led the Phillies to consecutive winning seasons for the first time in 21 years, but it wasn’t enough.