Dave Dombrowski was the general manager of the 1997 Florida Marlins, who under Jim Leyland’s guidance won the first World Series in franchise history. Dombrowski was also the general manager of the Detroit Tigers in 2006 and 2012, when Leyland led them to appearances in the World Series.
So naturally, as Joe Girardi’s seat warmed over the last few weeks, speculation emerged from both prominent national reporters and media personalities that if the Philadelphia Phillies did make a change at manager, perhaps Dombrowski would recruit Leyland.
Dombrowski did ultimately fire Girardi Friday morning, but named bench coach Rob Thomson the interim manager.