Diamondbacks hire Dave Magadan as hitting coach
PHOENIX -- Dave Magadan, former hitting coach with the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres, has been named to fill the same position on Chip Hale's staff with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He replaces Turner Ward, who left to pursue other opportunities.
Magadan, 53, has spent the past three seasons as hitting coach for Texas. Prior to that, he spent six seasons as hitting coach for Boston (2007-12) and four seasons with San Diego (2003-06).
"Needless to say I'm very excited," Magadan said in a conference call. "It's a very young and dynamic ballclub, really good offense.
"They had a great season last year offensively, so I'm not looking to dismantle or rearrange what they've done over the last couple of years. It's my job to make the adjustments, understand these guys, what makes them tick, and then interject stuff that I think can make them better. There's always room to get better."
Magadan had a 16-season major-league playing career, spending time with the New York Mets, Florida, Seattle, Houston, Chicago Cubs, Oakland and San Diego.
Magadan is the fourth new member of Hale's staff -- joining pitching coach Mike Butcher, third-base coach Matt Williams and bullpen coach Garvin Alston. They join bench coach Glenn Sherlock, first-base coach Dave McKay and assistant hitting coach Mark Grace. Grace and Magadan were teammate on the 1996 Cubs.
"Dave Magadan brings a wealth of experience to our club, and I believe he has the knowledge to take our offense to the next level," Hale said. "In the interview process, I was very impressed with his passion for the game."
