by Burke Davis, Gloucester Daily Times

10/6/2014: Charleston, S.C. – Five years after a dream season, Pat Britt watches baseball on his 52” HDTV and wonders why he’s watching games, not managing them.

In 2009, Britt was a manager – for that year, maybe the best manager – in the PEBA.  He led the Charleston Statesmen to the franchise’s initial first-place finish, winning 111 games in the process.  That November, owner Charles Pinckney chose not to renew Britt’s contract.

Britt is less bitter than he is puzzled. “One hundred eleven games!” he repeats.  “Yeah, we got knocked out in the first round of the playoffs, but we built the team that won it the next year.  Why couldn’t I have the chance to take them there?”

Pinckney isn’t giving any clues.  “Pat just wasn’t someone I could see taking us to the next level,” he shares over a plate of shrimp ‘n’ grits and a mimosa.  “Our boys needed a man who could guide them, not chew their butts all the time.”  The rumors that Britt’s release was more about conflict with Pinckney than on-field performance?  “I don’t work that way,” Pinckney says, with a hint of ice.  “I keep my hands off the people who play the game.”

Britt disagrees.  “That’s crap!  I wasn’t smooth enough for Chuck,” he growls.  “He’s a Battery guy,” referring to the grand old houses that line Charleston Harbor that are home to some of Charleston’s bluest bloods.  “I’m from East L.A.  He wanted someone who could come to parties and impress his cronies.”

But is that all there is to it?  No other team has taken a spin on Britt, a manager whose single season was sixty games over .500.  Even the Gloucester Fishermen, whose annual flirtation with mediocrity exasperates fans and team alike, won’t take a flyer on Britt.  What’s the deal?

Dean O’Monahan, who had a career year for Britt (26-3, 2.22), has no clue.  “Pat knew how to handle players,” the lefty says.  “He was tough when he needed to be – he let things coast when they weren’t affecting us.  When he pushed the buttons, they usually worked.  I can’t imagine why another team won’t give him a chance.”

One of Britt’s managerial rivals that year, Gloucester’s Stuart Curry, is not surprised.  “Pat never had time for the PR part of managing.  In a place like Charleston, they expect you to be available, to suck up a little, to kiss… hands.  I’d guess they put the word out that Pat was difficult.”

Britt gave up waiting for the call to manage again.  Instead, he began a financial advice firm for PEBA coaches and team personnel.  He does well financially, for himself and his clients; Curry is one who has benefitted from Britt’s financial insights.  Would Britt return to the dugout, if another team comes calling?  He starts to speak, then stops.  After a minute, he swallows hard.  “Just another chance,” he finally gets out.  “Just another chance.”