Young at heart

Photo by Alan diaz / Associated Press

Florida Marlins interim manager Jack McKeon smiles at a comment by a reporter during a news conference in Miami, Monday, June 20, 2011. This will be McKeon's second term as manager of the Marlins. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

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Jack McKeon assumed the rarest of roles yesterday: 80-year-old caretaker.

Nearly six years after McKeon retired as the Florida Marlins' manager, he returned to his old job on an interim basis and will lead the team for the rest of the season. The Marlins are expected to hire another manager after this season before they move into their new ballpark next April.

McKeon, who guided Florida to the 2003 World Series championship, becomes the second-oldest manager in major league history. Connie Mack managed the Philadelphia Athletics in a suit, tie and straw hat until 1950, when he was 87.

McKeon succeeds manager Edwin Rodriguez, who resigned before Sunday's loss at Tampa Bay. Last-place Florida took a 10-game losing streak into last night's matchup at home against the Los Angeles Angels.