The Colorado Rockies made headlines on Mother’s Day by firing manager Bud Black, following a devastating 21-0 loss to the San Diego Padres. The decision marks the second in-season managerial change of the 2025 MLB campaign — and it didn’t go unnoticed by Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Black, who has been with the Rockies since 2017, exits after a historically poor start for the franchise, one that left ownership with no other choice. Just weeks earlier, the Pittsburgh Pirates dismissed Derek Shelton, making Black the second manager to lose his job midseason.
🔥 Rockies Hit Rock Bottom in Historic Blowout
The final straw was Saturday’s humiliating defeat at Coors Field. The Padres scored 21 unanswered runs, exposing deep flaws in Colorado’s pitching and defense. It was one of the worst losses in Rockies history — and it came in front of a home crowd on a symbolic holiday.
Following the game, Rockies leadership acted swiftly, parting ways with the veteran skipper and announcing an interim replacement would be named in the coming days.
🤝 Dave Roberts Reacts: “I’m Bummed. I’m Disappointed.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who watched the fallout unfold from afar, expressed sincere disappointment over Black’s firing — not just as a fellow National League West competitor, but as a friend and mentor.
“I’m bummed. I’m disappointed,” Roberts told Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
“Bud Black helped shape my coaching career. He’s not just a rival manager — he’s a mentor.”
Roberts noted the inherent difficulty of managing in Denver, citing the altitude and inconsistent roster construction.
“I don’t think Casey Stengel could change the outcome of that ballclub — and that’s not the manager’s fault,” Roberts added, referencing the legendary Yankees skipper.
📉 Rockies’ Rough 2025 Campaign
The Rockies entered 2025 with modest expectations, but few predicted such a brutal start:
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Team ERA ranked last in MLB
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Offense among bottom 5 in run production
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Worst run differential in franchise history through 40 games
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Fan attendance down double digits from 2024
The front office’s move signals a potential full-scale rebuild — or at least a search for a new leadership vision.
⚾ MLB Managerial Changes in 2025 So Far:
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Derek Shelton, Pittsburgh Pirates — Fired April 2025
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Bud Black, Colorado Rockies — Fired May 11, 2025
More front offices could follow suit if early-season slumps persist across the league.
