ATLANTA -- Considering he was wondering whether his managerial career was over two years ago, Brian Snitker certainly has reason to be proud of the fact he has been a National League Manager of the Year Award finalist in each of the last two seasons.

Snitker’s hope to receive the honor for a second consecutive season was erased Tuesday night, when Cardinals skipper Mike Shildt experienced the thrill of winning the Manager of the Year Award for the first time.

• Baldelli (AL), Shildt (NL) win Manager of Year

Shildt received 10 first-place votes, three fewer than runner-up Craig Counsell of the Brewers. But the Cardinals manager received 14 second-place votes and was included on 27 of the 30 ballots cast by members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Counsell received just six second-place votes and did not receive a vote from six writers. The system awards five points for first place, three for second place and one for third place.

Snitker received three first-place votes and appeared on 21 of the 30 ballots. His third-place finish denied him the chance to join his Hall of Fame mentor Bobby Cox (2004 and ’05) as the only men to win consecutive Manager of the Year Awards.

• Complete Manager of the Year voting results

Not bad considering Snitker exited the 2017 season knowing that, whether by personal choice or termination, he never again wanted to work with former Braves general manager John Coppolella.

When Coppolella was suspended the day after the regular season began and was later banned from baseball, Snitker’s tenure was extended. He's spent the past two years fostering a healthy and productive relationship with current Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos.

• How MLB.com writers voted for MOY and why

In each of the past two seasons, the Braves have silenced their critics on the way to capturing NL East titles. Even after making their surprise run in 2018, they entered this past season predicted by most to finish no better than third in the division.

The Braves overcame a slow start, began rolling near the middle of May and never relinquished sole possession of first place after gaining it on June 12. Snitker’s club won 11 of the last 16 games played against the division-rival Nationals, who ultimately won the World Series.

• All-time Manager of the Year Award winners

One of Snitker’s key decisions was to amend his decision to move Ronald Acuña Jr. back to the leadoff spot on May 10. The decision to initially put Acuña in the cleanup spot was influenced by Josh Donaldson’s desire to bat second.

Snitker’s ability to quickly develop a strong bond with Donaldson influenced the veteran third baseman’s willingness to move to the cleanup spot, where he thrived and reestablished himself as one of the game’s top power hitters.

Snitker guided the Braves to 97 wins in 2019 despite using five closers. After the Braves acquired relievers Mark Melancon and Shane Greene on July 31, he quickly flip-flopped their initial roles, allowing Melancon to create much-needed stability in the closer’s role.