WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Lenny Dykstra's managerial career ended Thursday before it began.

        The former All-Star center fielder, who built a reputation for ceaseless desire during a 12-year career with the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, resigned as manager of the Reds' Single-A Stockton (Calif.) affiliate, which is nicknamed the Mudville Nine.

        Dykstra had participated as a coach in Reds workouts since the full squad began practicing Feb.20. He spent much of his time tutoring outfielders and helping supervise bunting practice. At some point, his desire to return to baseball waned.

        “He didn't know if he could handle being back in the minors, and he wanted to spend more time with his family,” Reds minor-league director Tim Naehring said. Part of Dykstra's motivation for accepting the Stockton job was its relative proximity to his home in Thousand Oaks, Calif., three hours away.

        Dykstra was hired in October on the belief he would instill his penchant for hustle and attention to fundamentals within his players. He had expressed enthusiasm for his job. “Baseball, don't forget, is what I do best,” he said in a recent interview. “I miss competing. It (managing) is something I know I can do.”

Harnisch expects trade from Reds Labor worries cast shadow over season Grass is greener at Cinergy Field DAUGHERTY: Wohlers' story best in baseball Game Report: Reds 3, Indians 3 Larkin doesn't notice new strike zone Dykstra quits as Single-A manager

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