Mickey Callaway, pitching coach for the Los Angeles Angels, has been fired by the organization. This development comes after Callaway was placed on the Ineligible list until the end of next year at the very least. He will be able to apply for reinstatement at the end of the 2022 season.
The decision to fire Callaway resulted from an investigation by Major League Baseball into reports of sexual harassment and misconduct. Callaway was suspended on February 2, 2021 after accusations against him were made public.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred stated that the league “concluded that Mr. Callaway violated MLB’s policies and that placement on the ineligible list is warranted.” Manfred did not reveal the actual findings of the MLB’s examination of the case.
The Angels made their acceptance of the verdict clear, announcing that they “appreciate Major League Baseball’s diligent investigation and support their decision.”
Callaway was accused by five anonymous women who work in media. They brought their stories to The Atlantic, claiming that he sent unsolicited pictures and displayed other reprehensible, unwanted behavior. These accusations are said to have taken place across half a decade and three teams. Callaway previously worked as a pitching coach for the Cleveland Indians and was the manager for the New York Mets.
Pal Dolan, Owner of the Indians, claimed that “there was no finding against the Cleveland Indians related to the Callaway matter.” Dolan did say, however, that “the information the commissioner’s office shared reinforces our own conclusion that we did not do enough as an organization to create an environment where people felt comfortable reporting the inappropriate conduct they experienced or witnessed.” Dolan went on to say that they are working with experts in “workplace culture and reporting practices” in an attempt to “strengthen the organization.”
The Mets did not issue a new statement. They highlighted their previous statement by their president of baseball operations Sandy Alderson. Alderson said that the team did not vet Callaway effectively before hiring him.
Callaway’s legal representation commented that he and his family “fully support MLB’s strong stance against harassment.” Callaway apologized to the women for making them feel “uncomfortable.”
“I never intended to make anyone feel this way and didn’t understand that these interactions might do that or violate MLB policies,” Callaway added. “I take responsibility for the consequences.”
