PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The last time Gabe Kapler was in the dugout at Citizens Bank Park was at the end of the 2019 season. This week, he'll be back, in the opposing dugout.
The Phillies will welcome the San Francisco Giants to town for a three-game series beginning on Monday. Last year, the Phillies were only able to play against teams in the American and National League East divisions, so this will be the first chance for Kapler to face his former team since he was fired. Kapler will come to town with no hard feelings despite lasting only two years in Philadelphia.
"I had a chance with two baseball teams that were a lot of fun to work with," said Kapler. "I don't regret any lack of opportunity or anything like that. It's just not how I look back on my time."
Kapler said his focus is with his new team as he brings his 9-6 Giants to town. He faced his share of criticism during his time in Philadelphia and does not know what kind of reception he will get from Phillies fans. However, Kapler said he's looking forward to seeing a lot of friendly faces at the ballpark as he gets his team ready to face the Phillies.
"It's not going to be the easiest thing with the COVID protocols and being able to kind of sit down," he said. "But I plan on getting a little bit of time with some people that I grew close to."
As far as the criticism, Kapler insisted it did not leave him bitter about Philadelphia or its fan base. He said he has a thick skin, and any criticism only made him strive to do better during his time with the Phillies.
"It always kind of raises the bar for me and gives me a chance to meet that bar," said Kapler. "I do feel very comfortable in San Francisco and I don't know how this gets taken, but, I felt pretty comfortable in Philadelphia, too."
The Phillies will try to make Kapler feel uncomfortable this week in their three-game series with San Francisco. It has been an up and down start to the season for the 8-7 Phillies, but they will look to build momentum off Sunday's 2-0 shutout of St. Louis. Whether or not the Phillies win enough games to reach the playoffs remains to be seen.
Still, Kapler knows baseball is a bottom-line business, and understands he did not win enough times to keep his job in Philadelphia.
"There were a lot of opportunities to perform better," Kapler said. "There were a lot of opportunities to coach better, and we didn't win enough baseball games and I think, ultimately, that's the bottom line here."