Nov 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; MLB Network analyst Sean Casey before game seven of the 2017 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: World Series-Houston Astros at Los Angeles Dodgers
(New York, NY) — The New York Yankees announced on Monday that Sean Casey has been named the club’s hitting coach.
Casey, 49, spent 12 seasons in the big leagues and earned one of baseball’s all-time nicknames: “The Mayor.”
The million dollar question, however, will Casey’s skills translate with the Yankees?
“I’m just really excited about having this opportunity in the second half to impact the guys in the lineup,” said the former first baseman. “The Yankees have a lot of professional hitters, and I’m looking forward to connecting with them and getting on the same page.”
Casey, who has no previous coaching experience, had been a longtime studio analyst for MLB Network.
“As far as our hitters go, I think every guy is different. There’s no way to cookie cut hitters, and if you start doing that, you get into trouble and underutilize strengths they may have. I’m going to get to know each player and their approach at the plate. One thing I will stress is controlling the zone and hunting in the zone. I want them to control their process and stick to their approach with the goal of winning every pitch.”
It’s not the first time the Bombers have hired a coach with no previous experience. Aaron Boone had never coached or managed at any level before being named manager prior to the 2018 season.
“I’ve had the great pleasure of knowing Sean for close to 30 years, and his passion for hitting is infectious,” said Boone. “For anyone that’s ever come in contact with him, his ability to inspire is one of his greatest gifts, and I can’t wait for him to tap into our players and help them reach their potential. There’s no doubt in my mind that he will have a tremendous impact on our team.”
A three-time All-Star, Casey slashed and impressive .302/.367/.447 with 130 home runs and 735 RBIs for Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Detroit and Boston from 1997-2008.
He will be now be tasked with attempting to improve a Yankees offense that ranks dead last in the majors in batting (.218) and on-base percentage (.288) since Aaron Jude last played a baseball game on June 3rd.
The Bombers limp into the All-Star break at 49-42 – fourth place in AL East.
