After some of the rebellious players (including Dark and Stanky) had been traded, Southworth returned to his post in and led the Braves back into the first division, but an aging team and declining attendance boded poorly for both Southworth's career and the Braves' future in New England. In , Southworth's club was only 28–31 on June 19. He called the team's general manager, John Quinn, and asked to be allowed to resign, and he was replaced by his former standout right fielder, Tommy Holmes.