Walt Weiss, currently managing the Atlanta Braves, draws heavily on lessons learned from his previous tenure as manager of the Colorado Rockies, a period marked by both challenges and growth. Weiss, who played for the Braves from 1998 to 2000 under manager Bobby Cox and later served as the Braves’ bench coach during their 2021 World Series championship run, understands the pressures involved in leading a franchise with a rich history.

Weiss was appointed the Braves’ manager after four seasons with the Rockies from 2013 to 2016. His time in Colorado was difficult; he inherited a team coming off a franchise-worst 98-loss season and finished his Rockies stint with a 283-365 record. Weiss’s approach early on emphasized accountability and daily correction of mistakes, but he later reflected that his strict style did not always resonate with players who were still adapting to a losing culture. “When I look back on it, it was too much,” Weiss said, emphasizing the importance of timing in communication to ensure messages are effective.

Since taking over the Braves, Weiss has adopted a more measured and flexible style. Pitcher Chris Sale praised Weiss’s leadership, contrasting it to what players often experience by likening it to “coaching down a highway” — offering guidance without constant criticism at every step. This approach has been well received by the Braves roster, with third baseman Austin Riley noting Weiss’s willingness to back his players and fight alongside them.

The 2023 Braves season illustrated Weiss’s capacity to manage through adversity. Despite injuries and a strong start that saw Atlanta leading the National League East, the team struggled offensively in June, posting a 9-14 record that reduced their division lead significantly. Weiss remained focused on internal standards rather than external standings, stating, “I don’t care what the lead is... I’m not worried about anybody else but ourselves right now.” He attributed his calm leadership to his playing experience and past managerial trials, emphasizing authenticity, accountability, and trust as key elements of his approach.

Weiss also highlighted the role of Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos in shaping the current environment. Anthopoulos hired Weiss and built a new coaching staff, bringing in eight new coaches and fostering a culture of trust and careful personnel selection. Weiss praised Anthopoulos’s leadership as a major factor in creating a supportive structure that allows the manager to focus on guiding players without micromanagement.

First baseman Matt Olson underscored the importance of mutual understanding between players and management, noting that Weiss’s ability to connect with the team is essential to their success. With experience, support, and a finely tuned leadership style, Weiss has helped guide the Braves to their 19th National League East title and seventh overall division championship in the past nine seasons, navigating both highs and lows with steady management.