Ozzie Smith Returns to Baseball as New York Mets’ Bullpen Coach
The New York Mets have brought back a familiar face to their coaching staff, hiring the legendary Ozzie Smith as their new bullpen coach. Smith, widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive shortstops in baseball history, will be responsible for training and organizing the team’s relief pitchers.
As a bullpen coach, Smith’s duties will include overseeing the pitchers’ warm-ups, advising on pitch selection and pitching mechanics, and working with the pitchers before, during, and after games. With his wealth of experience and expertise, Smith is expected to make a significant impact on the Mets’ bullpen.
Smith, affectionately known as “The Wizard of Oz,” played for the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals for almost two decades. During his illustrious career, he won 13 consecutive Gold Glove awards, a Silver Slugger Award in 1987, and was the runner-up for the NL Most Valuable Player Award that same year.
Smith’s impressive career statistics include 2,460 hits, 402 doubles, 1,257 runs scored, and 580 stolen bases. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2002, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the game.
Before turning pro, Smith played college baseball for Cal Poly from 1974-77, where he set a CCAA record for stolen bases with 110. His exceptional talent and work ethic earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting players of his generation.
The hiring of Ozzie Smith as the Mets’ bullpen coach is a significant move for the team. With his expertise and experience, Smith is expected to bring a new level of excitement and expertise to the Mets’ bullpen. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the addition of Smith to the coaching staff is a clear indication of their commitment to excellence.
In conclusion, the return of Ozzie Smith to baseball as the New York Mets’ bullpen coach is a thrilling development for fans of the game. With his unparalleled expertise and passion for the game, Smith is poised to make a lasting impact on the Mets’ bullpen and help the team achieve success in the upcoming season.
