For more than a decade, Bob Melvin only knew one home: The Athletics.
That's what made deciding to leave the A's to become the San Diego Padres' next manager that much harder. Melvin is known as a player's coach. Sure, he's accumulated a lot of wins in Oakland but his purpose goes well beyond the scoreboard. He was genuinely worried about calling and telling A's players his decision to make the move to Southern California and the NL West.
But when talking to his players, he remembered both sides will appreciate each other for many years to come.
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"When I made some calls, I was kind of a little worried," Melvin said to NBC Sports California's Brodie Brazil. "You know, [Sean Murphy] summed it up to me too: 'No hard feelings, we understand.'
"So, I appreciate that."
A handful of Melvin's former players showed their love for Melvin after the shocking news was first reported. A's pitcher Chris Bassitt even went to Twitter to use a Dr. Seuss quote for his feelings on Melvin, the same feelings the manager has for his former ace.
"All the guys like Bass with what he says and what he says about me, he's done more for my career than I've done for his," Melvin said. "The easy response for me to them always is, 'Hey, the feeling's mutual.' "
Melvin was born in Palo Alto and played college baseball at both Cal and Cañada College. He has a long history in Northern California and his time with the A's will not be forgotten.
Oakland Athletics
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The recently turned 60-year-old leaves the A's as Oakland's winningest manager. He had an 853-764 record in the regular season over his 11 years as the A's manager, won the AL West three times and made the playoffs six times.
Melvin also was named AL Manager of the Year twice during his tenure in Oakland.