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The New York Yankees hired a new hitting coach on Monday, welcoming former big-league slugger Sean Casey to the staff. The first baseman was one of the league’s most feared hitters over his first nine years in the MLB.
Casey posted a career batting average of .302 while notching five seasons with double-digit home runs and 80+ RBIs. Now, he’s taking his shot at coaching.
Casey played alongside Yankees manager Aaron Boone as a pro before moving into a broadcast role following his MLB tenure. His new position as hitting coach in the Bronx will mark his first on a Major League staff.
Due to that inexperience as a coach, some have been hesitant on the hire though there’s no denying his production as a player. If he’s able to convey that skill to his lineup, the Yankees should be in good hands.
MLB writer Ken Rosenthal spoke about the addition on Monday, saying, “It’s a very interesting hire… People are going to question the fact that Casey has never coached on any level.”
He continued by noting that Casey is a “great communicator” that may be able to connect with a few of New York’s struggling veterans (i.e., Josh Donaldson, Giancarlo Stanton).
The jury is still out on whether or not his playing success can translate into the coaching field, but with his hire going official this week, a forgettable moment from his days in the MLB is now resurfacing.
The Yankees have named Sean Casey their new hitting coach, which means it’s the perfect time to share the video of when he got thrown out at first on a base hit to left field.pic.twitter.com/yBqk88NNgQ
— Thomas Carrieri (@Thomas_Carrieri) July 10, 2023
Sean Casey might just be the only big-league player to ever be thrown out at first by the left fielder.
On the play, Casey thinks the line-drive gets caught by an infielder, which leads him to turn back towards his dugout. When he realizes the ball actually made its way into the outfield, it’s too late.
Fans have been quick to poke fun online.
One person said, “Good thing he’s the hitting coach and not the base running coach.”
Another wrote, “Josh Donaldson is taking notes.” Donaldson has been known to bat flip fly balls that don’t leave the park, which often results in embarrassing moments of his own.
Josh Donaldson bat flipping on non homers compilation pic.twitter.com/3C8SmRg14S
— gabe (@PlayoffTanaka_) December 20, 2022
This fan commented, “He’ll fit right in with the Yankees.”
Casey will take over after the All-Star break as he hopes to get the offense on track. New York currently trails the Rays by eight games in the AL East.