Pittsburgh Pirates hire new manager. Bradenton is first to see his team in action
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Wednesday that Derek Shelton, a coach with more than 15 years of experience in Major League Baseball, will serve as the team’s next manager.
Shelton, 49, most recently spent two season working with the Minnesota Twins as a bench coach. He also spent seven seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays as a hitting coach. Now, the former MLB catcher will focus on creating a “player-centric culture” that baseball fans in Bradenton get to check out in February when the Pirates return for spring training.
“My family and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to join the Pittsburgh community and are humbled to be a part of this storied franchise,” Shelton said in a statement. “One of the most exciting things for me during the interview process was just how evident the passion for Pittsburgh and the desire to succeed was with everyone I interacted with.”
Before a career-ending elbow surgery in 1993, Shelton played in two seasons for the New York Yankees. Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington announced the new hire Wednesday afternoon.
“I have known Derek for more than 15 years and have great admiration for his passion for the game and players, work ethic, curiosity and desire to learn,” Cherington said in a release.
“We are confident Derek will help lead an elite playing and coaching environment at the Major League level and be a true partner to all of baseball operations as we challenge each other to get better everyday,” he added.
The Pirates are looking to bounce back from a 69-93 season that landed the team in last place of the National League Central. Shelton says part of his job involves a shift in culture that relies on partnerships, teamwork and accountability.
“It will be a player-centric culture built on strong communication and relationships with our players, our staff and the entire organization,” said Shelton. “We will begin to establish those relationships this offseason prior to coming together as a team in Bradenton this February.”
On Feb. 22, Shelton and his Pirates team will makes their spring training debut against his former team, the Minnesota Twins, at LECOM Park in Bradenton.
The Pirates are set to host an introductory press conference on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Shelton will be the 41st manager in the team’s history.
