Padres name Mark Kotsay hitting coach
Former Padre joins Manager Bud Black's Major League coaching staff
The San Diego Padres announced today they have named Mark Kotsay hitting coach. Executive Vice President/General Manager A.J. Preller and Manager Bud Black made the announcement.
Kotsay, who will turn 39 years of age tomorrow, will assume his first professional coaching role. After retiring from his playing career following the 2013 season, he spent the 2014 season in the Padres' front office, serving as a special assistant to the general manager and baseball operations. In that role, he was involved in all aspects of the club's baseball operations.
"We're excited to bring Mark on board to our Major League staff," said Black. "Mark's career as a player, teammate and team leader speaks for itself. His knowledge, work ethic, competiveness and personality will greatly impact our Major League club, as well as our entire organization."
Kotsay will join bench coach Dave Roberts, pitching coach Darren Balsley, first base coach Jose Valentin, third base coach Glenn Hoffman, bullpen coach Willie Blair and assistant hitting coach Alonzo Powell on Bud Black's coaching staff.
The left-handed hitter played parts of 17 Major League seasons with the Florida Marlins (1997-2000), Padres (2001-03, 2012-13), Oakland Athletics (2004-07), Atlanta Braves (2008), Boston Red Sox (2008-09), Chicago White Sox (2009-10) and Milwaukee Brewers (2011). Originally signed as a first-round selection (ninth overall) by the Marlins in 1996, the Whittier, California, native hit .276 with 353 doubles, 48 triples, 127 home runs, 720 RBI and 790 runs scored in 1,914 games played. During his two tours with the Padres, Kotsay hit .273 with 37 home runs, 183 RBI and 230 runs scored, including hitting .292 with a career-high 17 home runs in 2002. Following the 2002 campaign, he was honored with The Chairman's Award, given to the Padres player or coach who best exemplifies the community spirit of the club.
Kotsay attended Cal State Fullerton, where, in 1995, he was named the Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series, the Golden Spikes Award winner and the National Player of the Year. He and his wife, Jamie, have two daughters, Grace and Sienna, and a son, Trey.