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Team officials made announcement Friday, two days after the end of the season.
“We appreciate all of Willie’s efforts. Willie is a good man and has had some great moments as manager of the Bluefish,” said Bluefish general manager Jamie Toole. “Following the results of the 2014 season, we feel a fresh direction on the field and in the clubhouse is needed.”
It was a disappointing season for both Upshaw and the team. The Bluefish finished dead last in the Atlantic League with a woeful 47-93 record. That mark was the worst overall record in Bridgeport Bluefish history.
Upshaw had been at the helm for six consecutive years and nine overall. He led the Bluefish to a 572-543 (.513) record during his managerial career in the Park City.
Upshaw, 57, returned home in 2009 as manager of Bridgeport after spending the 2006 and 2007 seasons as first base coach for the San Francisco Giants.
Upshaw, the first manager in Bluefish history, spent three years in Bridgeport from 1998-2000. He has been named Atlantic League Manager of the Year twice (1998 and 2010) and led the Bluefish to their lone championship in 1999, as well as an appearance in the Atlantic League Championship Series in 2010.
Upshaw also had a sterling career in the Major Leagues, mostly with the Toronto Blue Jays. His best year came in 1983 with Toronto when he hit .306 with 27 home runs and 104 RBIs.
Team officials and Upshaw met shortly after the team’s finale, a loss on the road to Somerset.
"We just basically talked about it and we all agreed that a fresh start was best for everybody,'' Bluefish Director of Baseball Operations Paul Herrmann said. "It was a pleasure to work with Willie. He's just a true professional, a true baseball man. Very knowledgeable. He did great here in the past as a manager.
But just based on last season we feel a fresh start is needed in running the team and in the clubhouse.''
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