Angels Cut Ties With Pitching Coach After Sexual Harassment Claim

ANAHEIM, CA — The Los Angeles Angels Wednesday fired pitching coach Mickey Callaway, who was suspended in February following reports that he made unsolicited advances to five women who work in sports media.

The announcement by the team followed a ruling by Major League Baseball that Callaway "violated MLB's policies," resulting in him being placed on the league's Ineligible List through the 2022 season.

"Effective immediately, we are ending Mickey Callaway's employment with the Angels," according to a statement from the team. "We appreciate Major League Baseball's diligent investigation, and support their decision."

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement saying, "My office has completed its investigation into allegations of sexual harassment by Mickey Callaway. Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Callaway violated MLB's policies, and that placement on the Ineligible List is warranted.

"We want to thank the many people who cooperated with our Department of Investigations (DOI) in their work, which spanned Mr. Callaway's positions with three different clubs," Manfred said. "The clubs that employed Mr. Callaway each fully cooperated with DOI, including providing emails and assisting with identifying key witnesses.

Harassment has no place within Major League Baseball, and we are committed to providing an appropriate work environment for all those involved in our game."

The Angels suspended Callaway, 45, in early February, following allegations that were made public by The Athletic. According to the online publication, Callaway allegedly made repeated calls, emails, texts and in-person advances over a five-year period.

The Athletic reported that Callaway, 45, pursued these women with inappropriate texts, requesting in-kind naked photos and relentless text messaging. He regularly commented on their appearance in a manner that made them feel uncomfortable, according to that report.

"Rather than rush to respond to these general allegations of which I have just been made aware, I look forward to an opportunity to provide more specific responses," Callaway told The Athletic in an emailed response. "Any relationship in which I engaged has been consensual, and my conduct was in no way intended to be disrespectful to any women involved. I am married and my wife has been made aware of these general allegations."

Callaway was named the Angels' pitching coach prior to the 2020 season. He was the manager of the New York Mets in 2018 and 2019, compiling a 163-161 record before the Mets fired him after the 2019 season.

He previously served as the Cleveland Indians' pitching coach from 2013-17. The Athletic report stated that Callaway's alleged advances spanned at least five years with all three teams.

Read also:

Angels Suspend Pitching Coach Accused Of Inappropriate Behavior

City News Service, Patch Editor Ashley Ludwig contributed to this report.