Rickie Weeks set to make managerial debut in All-Star week showcase

Before the start of the 2024 season, the Milwaukee Brewers faced a franchise-defining decision following the departure of longtime manager Craig Counsell. Rather than go outside of the organization, Milwaukee chose to promote from within, handing the reins to longtime bench coach and former college skipper Pat Murphy. That decision has proven to be a resounding success, as Murphy has guided the Brewers to continued contention while earning the prestigious Manager of the Year Award in each of the past two seasons.

When Murphy was promoted to skipper, the Brewers also gave franchise legend Rickie Weeks the role of associate manager, a step above the traditional bench coach position. As Murphy’s right-hand man, the move was widely viewed as a signal that Weeks would step in as the Brewers' next manager when Murph decided to call it a career. At the very least, it firmly established him as one of the leading internal candidates when the managerial role opened once again.

Just two years later, Murphy has signed an extension that will keep him leading the Brewers through at least the 2028 season, with a club option for 2029. Meanwhile, Weeks has transitioned out of his role in the dugout and into the front office. However, over All-Star weekend this year, Weeks will get a chance to step back into the dugout as a manager in the Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Swingman Classic.

Rickie Weeks and Jimmy Rollins set to manage 2026 HBCU Swingman Classic during All-Star break

To kick off All-Star week, the fourth annual HBCU Swingman Classic will be held on Friday, July 10, at Citizens Bank Park. The showcase will feature Weeks and Philadelphia Phillies legend Jimmy Rollins serving as managers, leading teams made up of some of the top talent from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The event carries special significance for Weeks, who was once an HBCU standout himself at Southern University before becoming a second overall MLB Draft pick and big-time contributor for the Brewers over several seasons.

For Weeks, this won't technically be his managerial debut. He previously served as the interim manager for the Brewers in 2024 while Murphy served a two-game suspension stemming from a bench-clearing incident involving Abner Uribe and Jose Siri of the Tampa Bay Rays. However, the HBCU Swingman Classic will provide Weeks with another opportunity to showcase his leadership in the dugout -- this time on one of baseball's biggest developmental stages.

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