Philadelphia ? Larry Bowa’s fiery personality was a perfect fit as a player on Philadelphia’s 1980 championship team. It was too much for the Phillies he managed, though, and it was one reason he was fired Saturday, a day before the end of yet another disappointing season.

“There were times over the last four years where there were players who haven’t been able to adjust to his style,” general manager Ed Wade said.

The Phillies failed to reach the playoffs for the 11th straight season after coming in as favorites to win the NL East. They were 85-75 when Bowa was dismissed before a game against Florida.

When Wade arrived at the ballpark, he received a call from Bowa, who wanted to discuss his status amid speculation that the manager would be fired at the end of the season.

“He said he’s been getting inundated with questions about his job status and wanted to know sooner rather than later,” Wade said.

Wade chose sooner, dumping Bowa with a year left on his contract.

Bench coach Gary Varsho will manage the Phillies to complete the season. The fate of the rest of the coaching staff will be determined this week, and the search for a manager will be expedited.

“Ed determined it and made the decision, but it’s one I support,” team president Dave Montgomery said. “Ed came and told me his decision, but in no way am I going to wash my hands of this decision.”

Bowa showered and left without taking questions, though he left a statement thanking the Phillies for the opportunity to manage and wished them luck.

Earlier in the day, Bowa met with the media after reports said he would be fired at the end of the season and that pitching coach Joe Kerrigan would resign.

“I’m not talking about it,” Bowa said then. “You guys have all speculated. You all have your unidentified sources. You probably know more than I do, which is pretty good.”

Marlins’ McKeon to return

Philadelphia — Jack McKeon will return to manage the Florida Marlins in 2005.

The team announced Saturday that McKeon, 73, signed a one-year contract extension for next season. He led Florida’s dramatic turnaround from last-place team to World Series champions after being hired 38 games into the 2003 season, winning National League Manager of the Year honors.

This year, McKeon managed the team to its second straight winning record — the first time that’s happened in franchise history. He also became the oldest manager in All-Star Game history.

McKeon joined the Marlins on May 11, 2003, replacing the fired Jeff Torborg. Florida was 16-22 when McKeon arrived; with him, they went 75-49 to end the season and claim the NL’s wild-card spot.

Cards’ Williams to open

St. Louis — Woody Williams (11-8, 4.18 ERA) has the fewest victories of any Cardinals starter. But he, not Matt Morris (15-10, 4.72), will get the honor of starting their playoff opener. Jason Marquis (15-6, 3.66) will pitch in Game 2, Morris will pitch Game 3, and Jeff Suppan (16-9, 4.16) will work in Game 4. The Cardinals are without Chris Carpenter (15-5, 3.46), who’s been sidelined because of nerve damage in his right biceps.