Chicago Cubs News: Former outfielder Sam Fuld hired as Phillies’ GM

Former Cubs outfielder Sam Fuld is the new Philadelphia Phillies GM.

The Philadelphia Phillies have promoted former big league outfielder Sam Fuld to the role of general manager, the team announced on Tuesday. Of course, Cubs fans know that name for the few seasons he spent on the North Side early in his career.

Following the end of his playing days, Fuld joined the Phillies front office as a player information coordinator under former manager Gabe Kapler. The most recent position held by Fuld was as the team’s director of integrative baseball performance.

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Former Chicago Cubs GM Jim Hendry selected Fuld in the 10th round of the 2004 MLB Draft. Fuld left Stanford University as the all-time leader in runs scored (266) and ranks second in hits (353).

Statistically speaking, Fuld wasn’t as successful at the Major League level (evidenced by a career .227 average and just 12 home runs), but the 5′ 9″, 180 pound outfielder made a career of playing with heart and hustle.

After three seasons with the Cubs, Fuld spent the rest of his big league days as a member of the Rays, Twins, and Athletics. Fuld never found consistency at the plate, but his presence was felt on defense.

A September call-up in 2007, Fuld made his big-league debut for the Cubs who were in the heat of an NL Central Division race. Most fans will remember his jaw-dropping catches made in the outfield.

One I will never forget was Fuld’s rookie season, where he ran face-first into the ivy to rob Nyjer Morgan of extra bases. Over the past few years, I have searched the interwebs hoping to find a video of this catch but sadly it’s nowhere to be found, probably due to TV copyrights or something of that sort. This picture is all I was able to find, it doesn’t do the catch justice but still gives you a good idea.

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This wasn’t the only time Fuld would show his hustle and skill in the Wrigley outfield. A few years later, Fuld made a similar catch in the bottom of the ninth to seal a 3-1 win, also against the Pirates.

“I am aware [it’s brick],” Fuld said of the wall behind the ivy. “I think maybe I forget when I get caught up in a huge moment. I try not to worry too much about getting hurt. There is a decent amount of ivy there to brace yourself. Maybe we can work on getting a little padding there.”

It’s hard not to root for any athlete with that mindset. Fuld was far from a physically gifted baseball player, but a relentless work ethic and grit kept him around for eight MLB seasons (2007-2015).

I think that same mentality is what will make a now 39-year-old Fuld a successful general manager. It’s not like his name is big enough to the point where a team around the league would just hand him a job. Clearly, something about Fuld’s demeanor as a player and in the front office made Dave Dombroski believe he is the right choice. Fuld was also considered to be a finalist as a manager for the Red Sox.

Fuld is the second former player this offseason (Chris Young-Rangers) to be named general manager of an MLB organization.