TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -Tino Martinez played on four World Series championship teams with the New York Yankees. Now the former first baseman is back as a special instructor.
Martinez joined the Yankees on Wednesday at the team’s minor league complex, working one-on-one with first baseman Shelley Duncan, who is competing for playing time this season.
It was the first time since 2005, when he played for the Yankees, that Martinez has taken part in on-field drills with the team.
“It’s awesome,” Martinez said. “I really enjoy this, the opportunity to come out and coach and help these guys get better, especially the young guys.”
Martinez will be involved with the team throughout the season, and is also starting his second year as a volunteer assistant coach at South Florida, where his brother-in-law Lelo Prado is the coach. He hasn’t ruled out coaching or managing full-time in the future.
with the role I have.”
Martinez said Duncan made a good impression.
“He’s got soft hands,” Martinez said. “He’s a tall, lanky guy who is a great target at first base.”
Martinez stood behind the batting cage, without a bat, when Duncan, catcher Jorge Posada and shortstop Derek Jeter took batting practice.
“I’m used to coming in here geared up for spring training, trying to find my swing,” Martinez said. “It’s nice to come out here and really enjoy the part of being a coach and helping the players get better, and not worrying so much about what I have to do to get ready for spring training.”
Add A Comment
THIS IS NOT A GAMBLING SITE – If you think you have a gambling problem click here.
Disclaimer: This site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Individual users are responsible for the laws regarding accessing gambling information from their jurisdictions. Many countries around the world prohibit gambling, please check the laws in your location. Any use of this information that may violate any federal, state, local or international law is strictly prohibited.
Copyright: The information contained on TheSpread.com website is protected by international copyright and may not be reproduced, or redistributed in any way without expressed written consent.
About: TheSpread.com is the largest sports betting news site in the United States. We provide point spread news, odds, statistics and information to over 175 countries around the world each year. Our coverage includes all North American College and Professional Sports as well as entertainment, political and proposition wagering news.
©1999-2023 TheSpread.com