Washington Wild Things announce retirement of manager Gregg Langbehn

The Washington Wild Things are searching for a new manager who will have big shoes to fill.

After giving the Wild Things managerial stability since joining the organization in 2016, Washington announced the retirement of manager Gregg Langbehn on Monday. He was the second-winningest manager in team history behind former manager John Massarelli.

Massarelli’s time with the Wild Things came to an end following the 2007 season, and the organization ran through six different managers in nine years before finally landing on Langbehn to lead the team. The longtime baseball coach led the Wild Things to a few successful seasons.

They won the East Division Championship in 2018 and made a Frontier League Championship Series appearance the same season. The Wild Things also made two playoff appearances during Langbehn’s tenure. He coached 21 all-star players, including 2018 MVP James Garris and 2018 Pitcher of the Year Thomas Dorminy.

“It was a great run working with Gregg and getting to know his family,” Wild Things president and general manager Tony Buccilli said in a statement Monday. “He played such a pivotal role in creating a culture, holding players accountable and bringing the stability we strived for. We appreciate his efforts over the years and know stepping away was not an easy decision for him.”

Before landing with the Wild Things, Langbehn spent time with the Traverse City Beach Bums from 2009-13 and won the Frontier League Manager of the Year award in 2012. He earned 457 wins during his nine years of managing in the league, which ranks him seventh all-time.

Langbehn also spent five years managing in the Houston Astros farm system and was a video replay coordinator with the Cleveland Indians for two seasons.

“I want to thank the Wild Things ownership group, everyone in the front office, game day workers, the fans and host families for five fantastic seasons,” Langbehn said in a statement. “Additionally, I would like to thank Train, the greatest bus driver in the history of professional baseball. Retiring is never easy, however, after 30 years in pro ball, I will be staying home with my family full time to have the opportunity to watch my kids grow up before they head off to college.”

The Wild Things plan to make an announcement about their new manager Wednesday.