CHICAGO – Cubs manager Rick Renteria learned of the death of former manager Don Zimmer while watching the Cubs on television in the clubhouse after getting kicked out of Wednesday night’s game against the New York Mets.
“A very beloved individual here in Chicago,” Renteria said afterward. “It kind of took me back a little bit.”
Renteria only knew of Zimmer “from across the diamond” but like many around baseball he respected what he meant to the game.
“He was loved by many, many people,” Renteria said. “My heart goes out to his family and friends.”
Renteria occupies the same office Zimmer once did as the latter led the Cubs to a division title in 1989. He went on to help the New York Yankees resurgence under Joe Torre totaling 66 years in the game as a player, coach and manager.
“I’m sure he’ll be missed,” Renteria said.