Mariners hire Perry Hill as first base/infield coach
Nov 20, 2018, 11:15 AM
New Mariners coach Perry Hill has coached five Gold Glove-winning infielders. (AP)
(AP)
The Seattle Mariners are one step from completing their 2019 coaching staff.
Perry Hill has been hired to be the team’s first base and infield coach, filling a vacancy on manager Scott Servais’ staff left open by previous third base coach Scott Brosius, who declined a contract for 2019.
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With Hill joining the franchise, Chris Prieto will shift from first base coach to third base coach next season.
A 23-year veteran of coaching in the MLB, Hill spent the previous six years with the Miami Marlins. He has coached five Gold Glove winners in his coaching career, including at all four spots in the infield, with the last being current Mariners second baseman Dee Gordon (2015 with Miami).
“Perry is one of the most respected infield coaches in the game,” Servais said in a press release Tuesday. “I’m excited to add him to our coaching staff. He brings an impressive resume of having coached outstanding defensive seasons and Gold Glove winners.”
Three of Hill’s teams have had led the league in fielding percentage: the 2018 Marlins (.988), 2009 Pirates (.988) and 1997 Tigers (.985). MLB Network named him Infield Coach of the Year in 2017.
“Perry has long been considered among the finest coaches in MLB,” Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto. “Infield defense is his calling card, and he’s achieved consistently excellent results wherever he’s been. We’re all looking forward to watching him work.”
The Mariners’ last open spot on their staff is hitting coach, the position vacated by Edgar Martinez earlier this offseason. Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reported last week that the Mariners were finalizing a deal with Arizona Diamondbacks assistant hitting coach Tim Lake.
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