Oct
19
2012

Rangers Hire Dave Magadan As Hitting Coach

An article by Joe D

Dave Magadan batted .282 with a .391 OBP in seven seasons with the Mets.

The Texas Rangers have dismissed hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh and hired Dave Magadan away from the Boston Red Sox.

Magadan had been the Red Sox hitting coach for six years, beginning in 2007 when they won the World Series. The Red Sox, who are in the process of looking for a manager, held an option on Magadan for 2013. But with their manager’s position in a state of flux, they allowed Magadan to interview with other teams.

“We feel we’ve really stepped up as an organization by bringing in one of the best — if not the best — at what Dave does and that’s teaching hitting,” Daniels said. “When you talk to people who have been with him and been around him, people who work with him and players who have played for him, they all say the same things. He’s not a paint-by-numbers guy, he’s got an individual plan for each player within the team concept of helping us win ballgames. He’s been very successful at it.”

“It’s a hard spot to fill,” Daniels said. “We’re excited to find the right guy.”

Magadan spent 16 seasons in the Major Leagues with the Mets, Marlins, Mariners, Astros, Cubs and Athletics, finishing with a career .288 batting average and a .390 on-base percentage. He was the Padres hitting coach in 2003-06 before joining the Red Sox.

It’s a shame we decided to bring all our coaches back before getting to see what other coaches were even available. Magadan would have been a nice pick-up for the Mets and a reunion of sorts on top of that. Too bad…

Outstanding move by progressive GM Jeff Daniels.

About the Author: Joe DeCaro

I'm a lifelong Mets fan who loves writing and talking about the Amazins' 24/7. From the Miracle in 1969 to the magic of 1986, and even the near misses in '73 and '00, I've experienced it all - the highs and the lows. I started Mets Merized Online in 2005 to feed my addiction. Follow me on Twitter @metsmerized.

8 Comments + Add Comment

DMets3 October 19, 2012 at 8:31 pm

Wish Magadan was the Mets hitting coach than the idiot Hudgens.
Mr North Jersey October 19, 2012 at 9:02 pm

Congrats to Magadan wish him continued success at his craft but I would not get to comfortable in Texas. The Rangers despite a good offense tend to have a quick trigger finger of late regarding hitting coaches. Magadan will be the 3rd hitting coach in 2 years for them. Considering that Texas finished 1st in the AL in batting in 2011 and 2nd in the AL in 2012 This may be more about the sacrificial lamb for failing to make the post season. Regardless being a former Met I am happy for Magadan but by the same token I feel bad for Scott Coolbaugh who lost his job for what on the surface doesn’t seem to a clear reason why. I wonder if Boston will hire Coolbaugh? He can at least boastthat he was the hitting coach of a team that was no worse than 2nd in batting in the AL for 2 years.
Mary October 19, 2012 at 9:13 pm

Dave Magadan was such a quiet Met who always did what he was told and never complained. I remember him always getting moved around from one position to another and he was so consistent at the plate. When we got John Olerud, he reminded me a lot of Magadan. Good luck to him in Texas.
Bernard Larsen October 20, 2012 at 2:30 am

Class act on some met teams full of class-less acts
Donal October 20, 2012 at 8:33 am

The same Dave Magadan that never swung at a first pitch? Ya, I’m sure that would have been well received around here.
- Donal October 20, 2012 at 8:35 am
  
  That said, I did like him. He had a good swing and went about his business quietly.
Metfan Lou October 20, 2012 at 5:01 pm

He’s a good one. Brought in to help Josh Hamilton.
Lifelongmetsfan October 20, 2012 at 8:25 pm

Really? This article is silly .The Red Sox had no interest in resigning Magadan. And I don’t blame them. I see this as part of the Red Sox house cleaning. Magadan was one of the coaches named who actively sought to undercut the Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine.
Magadan days as a MLB coach are numbered the word is out on him.

Need Tickets To The Mets Game?

Check Out These Great MLB Links!

For wholesale prices on New York Mets gifts and equipment, check these stores out!
Mets Autograph Signings
Mets Fan Apparel
Mets Autographed Baseballs
Baseball Card Supplies
Baseball Equipment

For the best seats and lowest MLB ticket prices, go to PurchaseSeats.com. Get your Mets Tickets now and follow them on the road with Yankees Tickets, Phillies Tickets, Nationals Tickets and Braves Tickets!