World No. 22 France confirmed Bruce Bochy as its National Team Manager for the World Baseball Classic Qualifier.
French-born Bochy ended his MLB tenure with the San Francisco Giants in 2019, after 13 seasons. Three-time winner of the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014 with the Giants, Bochy was named National League Manager of the Year in 1996.
"I've been thinking a while about what's next in my life after managing the Giants," Bochy said in 2019 after he agreed to lead France in the World Baseball Classic Qualifier. "I want to stay involved and give back to Baseball. Managing France is a perfect example of how I can help develop the game."
That Qualifier never happened due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.
France will compete for a spot in the 2023 World Baseball Classic in the Qualifier scheduled in Regensburg, Germany, from 16 to 21 September. World No. 18 Germany, No. 14 Czech Republic, No. 19 Spain, No. 23 Great Britain and No. 26 South Africa are the other competitors in Regensburg. The top two finishers will advance to the main tournament.
Former MLB Rookie of the Year Ozzie Guillen will reportedly join Bochy's staff.
Photo: French Baseball and Softball Federation (FFBS)/Glenn Gervot
