Baseball is a game steeped in tradition, superstition, and a rich tapestry of strategy that has evolved over more than a century. While the phrase “priest games” may sound confusing or even humorous, it appears to be a misunderstanding, typo, or misinterpretation of a different concept. However, it raises an interesting question worth exploring: how much influence do MLB managers still have over games today? In this article, we’ll dissect the likely meaning behind the phrase “do MLB managers still have the ability to priest games,” consider the evolution of the manager’s role in modern baseball, and explore how decision-making power has changed over time with the rise of analytics, technology, and league rule changes.
Table of Contents
What Could “Priest Games” Mean?
Before diving deep, it’s important to clarify that the term “priest games” is not officially recognized in MLB or baseball terminology. However, the phrase could be a misspelling or a phonetic error of several possibilities, such as:
- “Pre-set games” – suggesting managers set strategies in advance
- “Preach games” – referring to motivational or leadership speeches
- “Protest games” – a legitimate MLB action managers could take in the past
- “Preside over games” – pointing to their overall control during games
For the sake of this article, we’ll explore the influence, authority, and strategic control that MLB managers have today—whether they still “run the show” or have ceded power to front offices, analytics teams, and technology.
A Brief History of MLB Manager Power
Traditionally, the MLB manager was the unquestioned leader of the team. Managers like Tommy Lasorda, Joe Torre, and Tony La Russa were known for their strong personalities, dugout decisions, and in-game calls that shaped the outcome of countless contests.
In those days, managers:
- Called every pitch and defensive shift
- Decided pinch-hitters and pitching changes based on gut instinct
- Argued balls and strikes with umpires
- Could protest games under certain circumstances
Back then, a manager had almost complete autonomy over in-game operations.
The Shift to Analytics and Front Office Control
Since the early 2000s, the manager’s role has slowly shifted due to the rise of sabermetrics and front-office analytics. The book and movie Moneyball highlighted this transformation, showcasing how data-driven decisions were replacing intuition in building winning teams.
Today, front offices are far more involved in:
- Deciding lineups and batting orders
- Creating defensive shifts based on statistics
- Recommending pitch usage and bullpen strategies
- Monitoring player health and workload using biomechanical data
This has led many to question: Do managers really manage anymore?
Do Managers Still Have Strategic Power?
While some power has shifted to the front office, MLB managers still retain significant control over games. Here’s how:
1. In-Game Decision Making
Managers are still responsible for making real-time decisions during games. This includes:
- Calling for pinch hitters or runners
- Deciding when to pull a pitcher
- Arguing calls to protect players
- Challenging plays using instant replay
2. Motivation and Clubhouse Leadership
A manager’s role as a leader and motivator remains as important as ever. They must:
- Manage diverse personalities
- Handle press conferences and media
- Keep team morale high during slumps
- Mediate conflicts between players or with the front office
3. Handling Pressure Situations
Late-inning decisions, playoff games, and injuries require on-the-fly decisions that cannot be made by algorithms alone. Managers use experience, feel, and instinct to guide their teams.
Can MLB Managers Still Protest Games?
This is one of the few official areas where managers used to have a clear right but no longer do.
❌ Protest Rule Eliminated in 2020
Up until the 2019 season, managers could file a formal protest if they believed the umpires misapplied the rules of baseball, not judgment calls like balls and strikes. This protest would be reviewed by the league and, in rare cases, the game could be replayed or the outcome reversed.
However, in 2020, MLB officially removed the protest rule from its rulebook, effectively eliminating the manager’s ability to protest a game.
Modern Tools for Managers
While managers have lost the right to protest, they now have new tools at their disposal:
✔ Instant Replay Challenge
Managers are allowed to challenge certain plays using instant replay, which can overturn umpire calls. This adds a modern layer to in-game decision-making.
✔ Real-Time Data Access
Managers can access iPads and real-time analytics in the dugout to inform strategy. They also have direct communication with bench coaches and analytics coordinators.
Are Managers Just Figureheads Now?
Some critics argue that today’s MLB managers are more like middle managers—implementing a game plan handed to them by the front office. While this may be partially true, it’s an oversimplification.
Great managers still make a difference. Consider recent championship teams led by:
- Bruce Bochy (Rangers, 2023) – Veteran wisdom played a key role
- Brian Snitker (Braves, 2021) – Balanced analytics with old-school feel
- Dave Roberts (Dodgers, 2020) – Managed egos and leveraged deep rosters
These examples show that while analytics are vital, the human element—leadership, experience, and motivation—still matters.
Summary: The Manager’s Role in 2025 and Beyond
To answer the original question, “do MLB managers still have the ability to priest games?” — if we interpret that to mean do they still have meaningful control and influence over games, the answer is a resounding yes, though with some modern limitations.
They no longer:
- Have the ability to officially protest games
- Make every decision independently from the front office
But they still:
- Call shots during games
- Manage player relationships
- Handle the media
- Guide the emotional tone of a season
The manager’s role has evolved, not disappeared.
FAQs
Q1: What does “priest games” mean in MLB?
There is no official baseball term “priest games.” It may be a mistaken phrase or mishearing. The intended phrase could be “preside over games” or “protest games.”
Q2: Can MLB managers still protest games?
No. As of the 2020 season, MLB removed the rule allowing formal protests of games. Managers can no longer protest based on rule misapplications.
Q3: Do MLB managers control in-game strategy?
Yes. Managers still decide pitching changes, substitutions, challenges, and real-time gameplay adjustments, even though front offices provide guidance.
Q4: How has analytics changed the role of managers?
Analytics has shifted some decision-making to front offices, but managers still interpret and apply that data during games. Their emotional and leadership roles remain critical.
Q5: Are MLB managers still important in modern baseball?
Absolutely. While some traditional powers have shifted, managers play a vital role in team chemistry, game management, and overall success.
