Miami ? When Florida Marlins manager Jack McKeon told his players Sunday he was calling it quits, they responded with applause and hugs – and then a comeback victory.

McKeon’s resignation had been expected, and he confirmed it to the team in the clubhouse before the game.

“He got very emotional when he told us, like your granddad is going away, and you’re not going to see him anymore,” veteran Jeff Conine said. “It’s tough for him. Baseball is his life.”

McKeon led the Marlins to the 2003 World Series title and a winning record in each of his three seasons as manager. Now 74, he said he told his family last year that this season would be his last, and he decided almost two months ago to keep that pledge. But he didn’t rule out managing again.

“The last couple of years, I haven’t had as much fun as I’d like,” McKeon said. “Since I’m the leader, I’ll take full responsibility for the poor year we had.”

Florida was touted as a likely playoff team, but faded in September for the second year in a row and finished 83-79. Players grumbled about

McKeon’s gruff style, but injuries, poor relief pitching and a lack of clutch hitting made his job difficult.

Juan Pierre’s two-out RBI single in the 10th lifted Florida past the playoff-bound Atlanta Braves, 7-6, Sunday.

The third-oldest manager in major-league history, McKeon will remain with the Marlins as an adviser – and he’s open to offers from other teams.

“Sometimes you need to step back and maybe take a breather for six or seven months and get recharged,” he said. “I haven’t given up the thought of managing again.”