Three games into the season, the Boston Hunters suddenly found themselves searching for a new manager, and the reason why is more complicated than it first appeared.
Keith Foulke’s brief tenure as manager of the Boston Hunters ended after just three games, with conflicting accounts emerging over what led to his abrupt dismissal from the Women’s Pro Baseball League club.
Foulke was dismissed following what the league described as a “baseball decision,” citing a disconnect between the manager and players and the need for stronger leadership within the club. Foulke, however, said the decision stemmed in part from a change in ownership’s stance regarding his previously approved travel and commuting schedule from Arizona.
The differing explanations have created an unusual divide between Foulke’s account and the league’s reasoning for making a managerial change so early in the season.
In an interview with The State Journal-Register of Springfield, Ill. on Tuesday, Aug. 11, Foulke remained measured when discussing his departure, expressing disappointment while maintaining that he believed he had handled his responsibilities professionally.
“It’s just disappointing,” Foulke said. “At the end of the day, I walk with my head held high. I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t say anything derogatory, I didn’t say anything mean to my players, ever. I was always really positive.”
Foulke said his travel arrangement had been agreed upon before the season, allowing him to commute from Arizona rather than remain with the team full time.
“I think the ownership just kind of had a change of mind on the schedule that we’d agreed upon,” Foulke said in the story. “I was the manager, but I wasn’t going to be able to be there full time, and ultimately, they didn’t think that was a good plan.”
Foulke also described how abruptly he learned that the organization was moving in a different direction, saying he was informed shortly before a game despite the team having already secured its first victory.
“A half hour before our game, I get told they want a new direction. We had just won our first game,” Foulke told the paper. “But here’s the thing: They said something at that moment about maybe wanting to keep me on as a consultant with the league. I just said, ‘This is a lot for me to digest right now. You’re firing me and offering me a job in the same breath?’”
The WPBL, however, disputed that travel was a factor.
Commissioner Justine Siegal said Foulke was losing the locker room and emphasized that the Hunters needed a manager capable of connecting with a young roster, building team chemistry quickly and providing hands-on player development.
Team captain Alli Schroder echoed that perspective, telling The State Journal-Register that players in a startup league need a manager who can support them both on the field and emotionally as they navigate the demands of a new professional environment.
The league announced Sunday that Jemile Weeks, an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Queens, would take over as Boston’s manager. The WPBL highlighted Weeks’ baseball experience while thanking Foulke for his time with the league. In a follow-up email to media members, the league said Weeks would not address questions about Foulke during his next media availability.
For Foulke, the decision brings an unexpectedly early end to his time in Boston, while the Hunters now turn to Weeks in an effort to establish stability and unity during the league’s inaugural season.
Photo: Keith Foulke is seen at Innings Festival at Tempe Beach Park on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022, in Tempe, Ariz. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)
