SARASOTA, Fla. - Nick Markakis and Zack Britton have returned to the Orioles – to serve as spring training guest coaches.
They aren’t making a comeback.
Nine former Orioles will report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota to instruct the current players:
Scott McGregor – Feb. 12-22
Ben McDonald – Feb. 18-22
Zack Britton – Feb. 18-20
Brian Roberts – Feb. 24-28
J.J. Hardy – Feb. 20-26
Adam Jones – Feb. 24-March 7
Al Bumbry – March 1-5
John Shelby – March 6-10
Nick Markakis – March 6-10
Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. isn’t on the list, but he’s expected to make an appearance in camp. Ripken joined the ownership group headed by David Rubinstein.
This gig is a first for Britton and Markakis, the latter inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame in 2024.
Britton converted all 47 of his saves in 2016 and is one of the best relievers in team history. His older brother, Buck, has been promoted from Triple-A Norfolk manager to major league coach.
Britton accumulated 139 saves for the Orioles, which ranks second all-time among their relievers. Of those saves, 120 came from 2014-16, which was the fourth most in Major League Baseball over that span.
Markakis played nine of his 15 seasons with the Orioles before signing with the Braves as a free agent prior to 2015. He was the seventh overall pick in the 2003 draft, and his .994 fielding percentage ranks first all-time among major league right fielders. He rates among the all-time Orioles leaders in doubles (sixth, 316), hits (seventh, 1,547), extra-base hits (eighth, 473), runs (ninth, 749) and RBIs (10th, 658).
Roberts played 13 seasons with the Orioles and is first in team history as a second baseman in nearly every major offensive statistical category. The supplemental round draft pick in 1999 serves as a community ambassador and has worked in the past as a camp instructor.
Roberts was inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame in 2018 and has done some broadcast work on MASN and the team’s radio flagship station.
Jones has joined the Orioles’ front office as special advisor to the general manager and community ambassador. He was a five-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner during an 11-year career with the club.
Jones can be found among the club's overall career leaders in hits (fourth, 1,781), total bases (fourth, 2,929), runs scored (fifth, 875), home runs (fifth, 263), extra-base hits (fifth, 595), RBIs (fifth, 866), doubles (seventh, 305), games played (eight, 1,613) and triples (tied for 10th, 27).
Hardy also was a guest coach last spring. He won three Gold Gloves at shortstop and his 107 home runs are second-most at the position in team history behind Ripken’s 345. He was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2018.
Bumbry was named American League Rookie of the Year in 1973 and he was the center fielder on the 1983 championship team. He was inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame in 1987.
Bumbry was the Orioles' first base coach in 1995 and also held the job with the Red Sox and Indians.
Shelby also was a center fielder on the ’83 team after the Orioles made him the 20th overall pick in the 1977 draft. He went 4-for-9 in the ’83 World Series against the Phillies and gave the Orioles a lead in Game 4 with a sacrifice fly.
His post-playing career included coaching stints with the Orioles, Brewers, Pirates and Dodgers.
McGregor recorded the final out of the 1983 World Series. He’s a familiar face in camp and in the organization beyond his playing days, spending 18 years as a minor league pitching coach and coordinator from 2002-19.
McGregor was inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame in 1990.
McDonald was the first selection in the 1989 draft, and he’s preparing for another season as a MASN analyst. He joined the Orioles’ broadcast team full-time in 2018.
Pitchers and catchers reported today, with the first workout happening on Thursday. The first full-squad workout is on Tuesday.
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