Yankees announce 2009 coaching staff
Sports Network | November 13, 2008
Bronx, NY (Sports Network) - The New York Yankees named their coaching staff for the 2009 season, and it includes the return of five members, while Mick Kelleher is the lone new addition.
Pitching coach Dave Eiland, hitting coach Kevin Long and bullpen coach Mike Harkey will remain in their roles from last season on manager Joe Girardi's staff.
It will be Eiland's second season as pitching coach and seventh year coaching in the Yankees organization. Long will return for his third season as hitting coach, while Harkey will serve in his second season as bullpen coach.
Meanwhile, Rob Thomson, the bench coach in 2008, will take over as third base coach in place of Bobby Meacham. Thomson will enter his 20th season in the organization, though it will be his first stint as third base coach.
Tony Pena, the first base coach for the past three seasons, will take over next to Girardi on the bench.
Kelleher will slide into the first base coaching position, having served as the Yankees' roving infield instructor for the last three seasons. Kelleher has previously been a first base coach for Detroit (2003-05) and Pittsburgh (1986).
