Kotsay cherishes bond with mentor Black

This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos’ A’s Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

DENVER -- This weekend’s interleague series between the A’s and Rockies carries a special significance for manager Mark Kotsay.

During his introductory news conference as Oakland’s newest skipper back in December 2021, Kotsay mentioned a number of people who influenced and inspired him on the journey to this point. Near the top of that list was Colorado manager Bud Black.

Now, for the first in his managerial career, Kotsay is going head-to-head with Black, one of his mentors.

“I hope he doesn’t take this the wrong way, but he’s almost like a father figure,” Kotsay said prior to Friday night’s 8-5 victory. “I’ve known him for a long time."

The relationship between the two dates back to 2012. Kotsay played under Black, then the Padres manager, over the final two seasons of his playing career. Shortly after, in December 2014, Black hired Kotsay to be San Diego’s hitting coach for the ‘15 season.

On Friday afternoon, Kotsay and Black embraced and had a long conversation during Rockies batting practice. They later swapped lineup cards at home plate just before first pitch.

“He treated me better than I could have ever imagined,” Kotsay said. “Working with him, he gave my opportunity to start my coaching career. It will be fun. He’s one of the most competitive men I’ve been around. He competes on the golf course like nobody I’ve ever seen. That just kind of carries over to everything he does.”