Although both outgoing manager Frank Robinson (left) and general manager Jim Bowden were all smiles yesterday, the press conference announcing Robinson's firing was awkward at best. NICK WASS/ASSOCIATED PRESS

- NICK WASS/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Frank Robinson's last days at the Nationals' helm

By TODD JACOBSON

Date published: 10/1/2006

By TODD JACOBSON

WASHINGTON--Frank Robinson was fired yesterday after three straight losing seasons as the Nationals' manager, and if this is the end of his 51-year baseball career, Robinson wanted a chance to say goodbye.

The 71-year-old manager will remain in uniform for the Nationals' season finale against the New York Mets today, and the team will honor him with a daylong tribute before he embarks on an uncertain future that may or may not include baseball.

"It's been a great run for me and I mean that sincerely," Robinson said. "I have no bitter feelings or anything like that about the situation. It's been a good ride for me."

Seated next to general manager Jim Bowden, Robinson and the Nationals awkwardly and amicably parted ways at an afternoon press conference before Washington's 13-0 loss to the New York Mets.

"Basically we tried to make a decision that we think is in the best long-term interest of the franchise and the direction that we're going in," said Bowden, who would not say why Robinson was fired and would not comment on the status of Robinson's coaching staff.

The search for Robinson's successor will begin tomorrow, Bowden said. Team president Stan Kasten said he'd like to have a manager in place by the winter meetings in December, but a decision is likely to come much sooner.

Marlins manager Joe Girardi, former managers Lou Piniella and Tony Pena, and Atlanta Braves coach Fredi Gonzalez are considered potential candidates for the job, and it is customary for managers to choose most of their coaching staffs.

"There's nothing that says it can't be done much more quickly if that's what Jim finds," Kasten said.

Robinson won't manage again anywhere--he made that much clear--and there are no concrete plans for him to remain in baseball after this season. He'll return to his home in Los Angeles after the season, and Bowden said he would talk to Robinson about his role during the offseason.

In addition to today's tribute, the team is planning a "Frank Robinson Day" next season.

But as he addressed the media before what could have been his penultimate game, Robinson clearly pondered the end of a long and successful career.

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Date published: 10/1/2006