Rangers’ Jeff Banister wins AL Manager of the Year
After the Texas Rangers won the AL West in 2015, Jeff Banister has been named the AL Manager of the Year.
The Texas Rangers’ turnaround in 2015 showed that the Rangers are set up to contend for years to come in a crowded American League. The team finished with an impressive 88-74 record and came within one game of reaching the ALCS this season.
For the Rangers impressive showing in 2015, they have earned accolades for their efforts. On Tuesday, manager Jeff Banister was awarded with the AL Manager of the Year award.
Jeff Banister of the Texas Rangers named AL Manager of the Year with 17 first-place votes. pic.twitter.com/yF20zdoIt9
— Yahoo Sports MLB (@MLByahoosports) November 17, 2015
2015 was Banister’s first season as manager of the Rangers and it is clear management made the right move by naming him manager. Before joining on with the Texas Rangers, Banister had worked his way up in the coaching ranks by spending time with the Pittsburgh Pirates. With the Pirates’ recent string of success, Banister became a hot commodity for managerial vacancies, and the Rangers were quick to acquire his services.
The Rangers have long done a good job at hiring managers for their team. According to ESPN Stats and Info, Banister is the third manager in team history to take home the AL Manager of the Year award.
Jeff Banister wins AL Manager of the Year. He becomes the 3rd Rangers manager to win the award, 1st since Buck Showalter in 2004.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 17, 2015
In 2016, the Rangers will be facing stiff competition to defend their AL West Championship, with the likes of the Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels, a rejuvenated Seattle Mariners team and an Oakland Athletics team that has shown they can come from out of nowhere and contend.
It won’t be easy, but with a great manager like Banister at the helm the Rangers will have their chances to compete every day.