Ken Macha

Oakland A's Manager

by Gina Fawal Jaber


A VETERAN IN THE WORLD OF BASEBALL, Ken Macha has gone from player to coach to manager of the Oakland A's in his 34-year professional career. In June, just hours before game time, with players warming up on the freshly cut field and the smell of hot dogs in the air, Macha sat down with Oakland Magazine in the A's dugout at McAfee Coliseum to discuss his off-field activities, four seasons managing the Athletics and the Battle of the Bay.

The A's are often looked at as a model organization for small-market teams. What do you see as the key to the team's success?

It's a lot of things. Our coaching staff is excellent. We have good drafts with All-Star players. Our farm director, Keith Lieppman, is outstanding in his ability to evaluate players as is our scouting director, Eric Kubota. I also think we have an unusual caliber of pitching. Many factors make it work.

What's it like working with general manager Billy Beane?

It's a challenge working with any boss. He is demanding, but we both share an intense desire to win.  

What current player, coach or manager do you admire most?

Yankees manager Joe Torre.

What do you think makes a good manager? 

Patience, a good sense of humor and a good bullpen!

If you could play ball again, which position would you now play?

Definitely pitcher. I'd pitch every five days and still have time for my golf game. 

In your opinion, who is the most underrated player in baseball?

Travis Hafner with the Cleveland Indians comes to mind. 

Do you think that the Bay Area rivalry between the A's and the Giants is more between the fans or the organizations?

Probably both, but we're competing with a lot of mutual respect. I have tremendous respect for [Giants manager] Felipe Alou.

How do you feel about Barry Bonds hitting his 714th home run in Oakland?

I was hoping he'd be done with that before he got here.

Do you think the steroid scandal has been overblown? 

In a way, yes. When steroids came up in the NFL years ago, it wasn't in the papers every single day. Enough is enough. Someone needs to say "uncle."

You're reported to practice tae kwon do. How advanced are you? 

I have a first-degree black belt.

Do you apply the teachings to baseball? 

Absolutely. It's been helpful in what I do and who I am as a person. Control, respect, perseverance are what it's all about.

Your permanent home is in the Pittsburgh area. Do you ever think about moving to the Bay Area?

I would need another contract for that-it's quite expensive here.

Finish this sentence: Americans love baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and...? 

... going to an A's game!