Milwaukee, WI (My Sportsbook) - Jerry Royster will not return as the manager of the Milwaukee Brewers in 2003. The Brewers confirmed Wednesday that Royster's contract will not be renewed for next season.

Royster becomes the sixth manager to be let go since the end of the season. Bruce Kimm of the Chicago Cubs, Luis Pujols of the Detroit Tigers, Hal McRae of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Jerry Narron of the Texas Rangers, and Bobby Valentine of the New York Mets were the other managers to lose their jobs.

The 49-year-old Royster took over as manager on an interim basis when Davey Lopes was fired on April 18 after the Brewers got off to the worst start in franchise history (3-12). The Brewers later lifted the interim tag and went 53-94 under Royster. The team finished the 2002 season with the worst mark in franchise history at 56-106, tied for the most losses in the majors.

Milwaukee's dismal season contributed to two major front office moves last week. Attorney Ulice Payne replaced Wendy Selig-Prieb as president and Melvin took over for Dean Taylor.

Royster also has managerial experience with the San Diego Padres' organization from 1996-98, leading the Las Vegas Stars to the Pacific Coast League playoffs in 1996 when he earned the Padres Manager of the Year award. He also managed in the minor league system of the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1990-92.

Milwaukee hasn't had a winning season since 1992 when the Brewers went 92-70.