In a groundbreaking development for the world of Major League Baseball, Alyssa Nakken, who etched her name in history as the first woman to coach on the field during a major league game in April 2022, is now in the running for the San Francisco Giants’ managerial position. Her interview for the top job has sparked intrigue and excitement among baseball enthusiasts.
The news was officially confirmed by Farhan Zaidi, the President of Baseball Operations for the Giants, who disclosed that Nakken had successfully navigated a first-round interview last week. Reports of her interview were initially revealed by The Athletic, setting the baseball world abuzz.
Adding to the significance of Nakken’s story is the recent announcement made by her husband, Robert. In a heartwarming social media post in August, he shared the couple’s anticipation of their first child—a daughter—expected to arrive on February 9, 2024. Nakken’s journey to becoming a potential Major League manager coincides with this life-changing event, amplifying the interest in her career progression.
As the Giants seek to find a new skipper before the commencement of the free agency period, Alyssa Nakken emerges as a compelling candidate to fill the void left by Gabe Kapler, who was relieved of his managerial duties with just three games left in the season. Kapler had managed the Giants to a record of 295 wins and 248 losses over three-plus seasons. Under his leadership, the team achieved a remarkable feat in 2021, clinching a franchise-record 107 victories and narrowly edging the rival Dodgers for the NL West title. However, the team has missed the playoffs in the last two seasons.
The Giants concluded the 2023 season with a 79-83 record, following an 81-81 performance in 2022. Their offensive struggles were especially evident in the final stretch, as they were held to two runs or fewer in each of their last eight games.
Alyssa Nakken’s remarkable journey to the manager’s interview room began when she was appointed to the Giants’ coaching staff by Gabe Kapler in January 2020. Nakken, 33 years old, boasts a storied career as a softball star, having excelled at Sacramento State from 2009 to 2012. During her collegiate years, she was a three-time all-conference player at first base and a four-time Academic All-American.
Her dedication to sports continued beyond her playing days, as she pursued a master’s degree in sport management from the University of San Francisco in 2015. Notably, she interned with the Giants’ baseball operations department in the year leading up to her graduate studies, further deepening her connection to the organization.
Alyssa Nakken’s interview for the Giants’ managerial role marks a significant milestone in her already trailblazing career. As the baseball world eagerly awaits the final decision, Nakken’s journey stands as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of the sport and the growing opportunities for women to make their mark at the highest levels of professional baseball.
