DENVER – The Colorado Rockies announced today that Bill Schmidt has stepped down from his role as general manager. The Rockies will begin a search for a new head of baseball operations immediately.
“After a number of conversations, we decided it is time for me to step aside and make way for a new voice to guide the club’s baseball operations,” said Schmidt. “It’s been an honor to serve in the Rockies family for over 25 years. I’m thankful to the Monfort family for the opportunity, to my family for their constant support, and our staff for their tireless dedication. Better seasons are ahead for the Rockies and our great fans, and I look forward to seeing it come to life in the years ahead.”
Schmidt, the fourth general manager in franchise history, was originally appointed to the position on Oct. 2, 2021 after five months as the interim general manager. He originally joined the Rockies on Oct. 1, 1999 as the director of scouting and led the Rockies scouting department for more than 20 years, most recently as the vice president of scouting prior to his role of general manager. Before joining the Rockies, Schmidt worked as a scout in the Cleveland and New York-AL organizations, as well as with the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau.
“Bill has been an integral part of the Rockies family for over 25 years with countless contributions to the organization over that time,” said Rockies Owner, Chairman and CEO Dick Monfort. “We are deeply grateful for his service, his friendship, and his dedication and wish him and his family nothing but the best in the future.
“As with any transition, Bill’s departure allows our club to seek a new leader of our baseball department experienced in areas where we know we need to grow within the operation,” continued Monfort. “A new voice will benefit our organization as we work towards giving our fans the competitive team they deserve.”
“We are setting our sights on finding the right leader from outside our organization who can bring a fresh perspective to the Rockies and enhance our baseball operations with a new vision, innovation, and a focus on both short and long-term success,” said Executive Vice President Walker Monfort. “This change delivers an opportunity to shape the future of our club and move forward into a new era of Rockies baseball.”