No one involved in the Tigers’ hiring of A.J. Hinch as manager was likely aware of the symbolism, but there it was, anyway. Three days after the end of his unprecedented season-long suspension from any and all activities relating to Major League Baseball, he found himself back in the thick of things. That the highest echelons of the sport couldn’t wait to take him back despite his inability to stop his charges from desecrating its integrity during his time with the Astros speaks volumes of his singular value in game management. After all, he did earn a championship and come to within a game of making it two out of two in the World Series, bowing in the rubber match before being banned.
Whether his leadership has improved during his forced absence from The Show is, of course, another matter altogether. No doubt, he used the punishment as an impetus for introspection. And, no doubt, he knew that as soon as his suspension is lifted, he would generate interest from franchises who believe in his competence as a winner. His monumental misstep notwithstanding, he understood the capacity of sports to provide second chances—and especially to proven producers. History is replete with controversial figures who managed to overcome past trials with present accomplishments.
To be sure, redemption begins with opportunity, and it bears noting that Hinch was willing to be given one by several quarters. It’s why the White Sox, for instance, were caught with a mistake that had them including his signature alongside Tony La Russa’s mug in their announcement of their new manager. They had their eyes on him, but, apparently, the Tigers were faster, calling him a mere half hour after the Dodgers claimed the Commissioner’s Trophy. And he, not surprisingly, pounced on the chance; it’s easy to miss baseball and hard to scratch an itch to return, and he rightly thought he shouldn’t be pushing his luck.
And so Hinch starts trekking his path to redemption with the Tigers. It’ll be fraught with obstacles, on and off the field. The talent he has at his disposal can best be described as filled with potential, and fans wouldn’t be wrong to wonder how much it will be affected by the excess baggage he brings with him. At the same time, this much is true: he’s very good at what he does. It’s what he didn’t do that felled him, and darned if he hasn’t already learned his lesson.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
