MILWAUKEE — Ken Macha was hired Thursday as manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, taking over from Dale Sveum following the team’s first postseason appearance since 1982.
The 58-year-old Macha, who managed Oakland to a pair of AL West titles, agreed to a two-year contract. He replaces Dale Sveum, who became interim manager when Ned Yost was fired with 12 games left in the regular season. Sveum was dropped from consideration on Oct. 17.
Macha led Oakland to a 368-260 record. He was fired two days after the Athletics were swept by Detroit in the 2006 AL championship series.
“Among many who spoke highly of Ken, we received glowing endorsements from Terry Francona and Joe Maddon about his work ethic and baseball mind,” Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said.
Willie Randolph and Bob Brenly also were on the list of finalists. Macha was considered the lead candidate to become Brewers manager six years ago when Melvin became GM, but Macha was promoted from bench coach to manager in Oakland.
Milwaukee went 90-72 last season and won the wild-card berth on the final day of the regular season. The Brewers then lost 3-1 to Philadelphia in the first round of the playoffs.
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