Miami Marlins team manager Skip Schumaker returns after being named the National League Manager of the year. We chatted with him to learn more about how the team is getting ready for this upcoming season.

Miami Marlins team manager Skip Schumaker PHOTO COURTESY OF MIAMI MARLINS

The Marlins are an exciting team. Tell us about the upcoming season. What are you looking forward to?

We have a lot of exciting players. You have some of the best players in the world right here in Miami on the Miami Marlins team. I think (Jesús) Luzardo is going to step into his role as pitcher. You have the batting champion, a two-time national league, and an American League batting champion. And then you have Jazz (Chisholm Jr), one of the most exciting players in the Major League. There’s a lot of great things happening here.

Tell us about your expectations and hopes for the season.

I don’t set expectations; I hope to always get into the playoffs and see what happens. I think the hardest thing to do in MLB is to get to the playoffs; with a 162- game schedule, you never know what happens in the playoffs. The hottest team usually wins, but not always the best team.

Coming off of a successful 2023 season, Skip Schumaker and the team feel confident and motivated to kick off the 2024 season. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIAMI MARLINS

What did being named Manager of the Year mean to you?

It means that it is an organization award. It means that the front office did an excellent job of acquiring players, the right players—the right character players. It means my staff made me look really good; they helped me out a ton. I understand that I’m the manager and that type of thing, but it doesn’t mean that I should be the sole recipient of that award.

The team had an incredible past season. Is following up on such a successful season hard, or do you build on it?

There’s always room to grow. So, as great as it was to get to the playoffs, your goal when you enter spring training is to win a World Series. That’s how I grew up, in the St. Louis Cardinals organization for 12 years; I’ve always thought about that. You’re disappointed unless you win a World Series. Last year was a good time to be a Marlin.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIAMI MARLINS

I’m sure you don’t get much free time, but where do you like to go out in Miami when you’re not working?

Carbone is easily my favorite restaurant, the rigatoni! Unfortunately, I am usually on the field, so I don’t have the opportunity to see Miami for what it is. I love the beach and surf a ton, although I paddleboard more here.

Opening Day for the Miami Marlins versus the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 28. 501 Marlins Way, Miami,mlb.com/marlins