How Datz landed in Baltimore as the O's new bench coach
New Orioles' bench coach Jeff Datz already had one of the most special days of his baseball life in Baltimore. Now he hopes for more after joining the O's coaching staff Thursday.
"I'll never forget I got my first Major League hit in Baltimore in 1989 and was able to hand that baseball to my mom and dad.
"Being from south Jersey I had about 30 family members there. I was a September callup of the Tigers in '89 and got a base hit off Gregg Olson. I only got 10 at bats that year and had one hit at Memorial Stadium and one at Yankee Stadium."
Now, twenty years later, Datz joins the O's after spending the last eight seasons on the Cleveland Indians' coaching staff. He spent four seasons as the Tribe's bench coach.
"I'm honored and excited to join the Orioles organization. I'm thankful to Dave Trembley, Andy MacPhail, Mr Angelos and all the people associated with the organization. Everyone I've talked to has been first class and I'm proud to be part of it now."
Datz was a 19th-round draft pick of the Houston Astros in 1982 and played professionally from 1982-90. He joined the Cleveland organization in 1991 as an area scout working parts of California and Nevada.
He managed in the Tribe farm system from 1994-99, with a record of 403-383 (.513). His Buffalo team won the International League championship in 1998.
Datz made the first move when he found out about the O's opening.
"I put a call in to Dave first. I heard from some people in baseball that the job was open and I called Dave. He's been nothing but top shelf throughout this process. We've talked a few times since and he's made me feel very welcome.
"There were some other opportunities. One club had a minor league position for me. There were some lines in the water with Major League clubs. But after talking with Dave I got excited about Baltimore.
"He called me and I told my wife, 'You have to listen to this message from this man.' Dave was excited I called about the position. He's very impressive and I was hoping this came about. Every time I got off the phone with Dave I told Stacy, 'I feel real good about this.'"
Since he was a catcher himself, Datz will also work with the O's catchers.
"In addition to serving as bench coach, I can help the catchers with my catching background - plus I will be coordinater of workouts in spring training. Plus, I'll be Dave's right-hand man. There are already plenty of good baseball people in Baltimore. I'm happy to be a part of that.
"That's a big part of it for me, getting to work with catchers again. I worked mostly with outfielders with the Indians. It was great to work with Grady Sizemore and those guys but I am happy to be with catchers again. Matt Wieters is a very talented young guy that we saw in September."
Datz, who played college baseball at Glassboro State, will turn 50 on November 28. He was a Division III All-American his senior season in 1982. Datz is a native of Camden, New Jersey.
Coming tomorrow - More with the O's new bench coach. He'll talk about his strengths as a coach and feelings about working in the AL East.
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Categories (click for archive)Orioles News | Steve Melewski |
All in all, I think this is a great hire. He worked with some GREAT talent in the Cleve for years and I don't think slashing payroll is in our future. Hopefully we can keep injuries to a minimum and see some real progression from the youngsters.
Hey...Datz and I share a birthday (30 years apart mind you). That's gotta be a good sign!
Anytime you have a chance to add a coach from a 65 win team, you have to pull the trigger without hesitation!
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Right, we all know a good bench coach is worth 20-30 wins a year.
If they hired him after they played in the ALCS in 2007 would you have approved then, but not now?
Steve
Steve, I know Datz is a former catcher and I'd be interested in knowing what his reputation is in regard to working with catchers, because if he's very good at that, then he should be a help to Wieters and anything that accelerates Matt's maturation is huge. As far as I'm concerned, even if Datz is mediocre in everything else, just his ability to mentor Wieters would makes him a good addition to the coaching staff.
Like you, I'm puzzled at Brummie's comments. Yes, the Indians only won 65 games, but why? Oh, let's see, could losing two Cy Young winners (Lee and Sabathia) from the front of their rotation have anything to do with that? You think just maybe?
Nevertheless, it's all Jeff Datz's fault. Right, Brummie? Terrible move.
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I don't know his rep for working with catchers. Wieters had a great relationship with Don Werner, the minor lg catching instructor. I'm sure he'll still be available to help Wieters at times next year as well if he needs it. - Steve
Steve-
What? I had to check the calendar to make sure it wasn't April 1st.
I really would have thought they would have gone after someone where defense is their specialty.
I think even the Billy Ripken rumors were a better start.
Oh well. With the faith I have in Trembley, they will probably be starting this process again next year, with the exception of Kranitz.
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Why defense? Well, he was a catcher, probably the most important defensive position. - Steve
Brummie_Oriole said:
Anytime you have a chance to add a coach from a 65 win team, you have to pull the trigger without hesitation!
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*YAWN*
This guy knows baseball. He was hand picked by one of the best in the game to join his staff in Charlie Manuel years ago. He is hard working, loyal and well respected in the game. Great defensive catcher who is also a great teacher of the game. He is also the kind of person who may end of taking over this team. He runs a tight ship and everyone is accountable including him. Things will tighten up in Balt. with him around.