Sox Hire 18-Year Organization Vet as Assistant Hitting Coach

Ben Cherington and John Farrell announced yesterday that Victor Rodriguez, an 18-year veteran of the Red Sox organization, has been named Boston’s new assistant hitting coach. This is Rodriguez’ first Major League coaching job.

February 25, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics outfielder Manny Ramirez (1) bats in the batting cage during spring training at Papago Park Baseball Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

The 51-year old Rodriguez spent parts of 19 professional seasons in MLB after being signed in 1997 by the Orioles at the age of 15. During his career he played with the Orioles, Orioles (1977-84), Padres (1985), Cardinals (1986-87), Twins (1988-91), Phillies (1992-93), Marlins (1994) and Red Sox (1995). He played in 17 Major League games with Baltimore (1984) and Minnesota (1989), where he hit .429 (12-for-28). In 1,759 minor league games, he  hit .295 (1,905-for-6,468), stroked 102 home runs and had 774 RBI. Most recently Rodriguez has spent the last six seasons as Boston’s minor league affiliate hitting coordinator.

Rodriguez’ hiring comes on the heels of Boston’s hiring of hitting coach Greg Colbrunn last week and effectively locks down manager John Farrell’s coaching staff.

Boston Red Sox 2013 Coaching Staff:
John Farrell, Manager
Greg Colbrunn, Hitting Coach
Victor Rodriguez, Asst. Hitting Coach
Juan Nieves, Pitching Coach
Torey Lovullo, Bench Coach
Brian Butterfield, Third Base Coach
Arnie Beyeler, First Base Coach
Gary Tuck, Bullpen Coach and the only holdover from previous manager Bobby Valentine’s staff

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Wrap it up, I’ll take it
Wrap it up, I’ll take it
– Wrap It Up, The Fabulous Thunderbirds