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Beasley back in majors,this time with Pirates

Pirates name Beasley third base coach

Date published: 11/22/2007

By Steve DeShazo

BY STEVE DeSHAZO

Returning to the major leagues as a coach was one of Tony Beasley's primary goals. Getting there with the Pittsburgh Pirates only sweetens the deal.

"It's gratifying," Beasley said yesterday, one day after being named the Pirates' third base coach for the 2008 season.

"Not just to be in the big leagues, but to do it with the Pirates organization. My heart and soul is in this organization."

Beasley who turns 41 next month, has spent 14 of the past 15 years with the Pirates as a minor-league player (1992-98), coach and manager. The Bowling Green native managed Pirates farm teams for five seasons, reaching the playoffs four times.

The Washington Nationals hired him away as their third base coach in 2005. But when Frank Robinson was fired after the season, his coaches were let go, too. Beasley returned to the Pirates last season as a roving minor-league infield coordinator.

Beasley's history with the Pirates, his familiarity with the organization's young players and his managerial success all helped him land the promotion.

Besides coaching third, his duties probably will include infield defense and base-running instruction.

"He brings a lot to the table in terms of discipline, energy and an ability to teach," new Pirates general manager Neil Huntington said in a statement.

Still, Beasley had little prior contact with Huntington or new manager John Russell, who both joined the Pirates after the 2007 season. Beasley underwent a thorough interview with Huntington last Tuesday--not specifically for the third base job.

"It was a detailed interview that covered everything. They dotted every I and crossed every T," Beasley said. "I was asked about every facet of the game. I felt good about the interview."

When the Nationals hired him in 2005, Beasley had no big-league experience--and very limited knowledge of the club's personnel.

This time, he feels as if he has a head start.

"Washington was a great opportunity," he said, "but I felt like I had to spend the majority of my first year building relationships. The second year, had there been one, would have been more hands-on teaching.

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Date published: 11/22/2007