Another former Blue Jay has been added to Team USA coaching staff
Photo credit: https://www.bluebirdbanter.com
The coaching staff of Team USA is certainly filling up with those who have an association with Canada and the Toronto Blue Jays. A day after it was announced that former Jays infielder Mark DeRosa will manage the national team for a second straight World Baseball Classic, the full slate of coaches has been revealed and a former Blue Jays farmhand is on the list: Michael Young.
The former infielder will serve as an assistant manager, along with former catcher Brian McCann, and former Braves skipper Fredi Gonzalez. Other members of staff include Yankees legend Andy Pettitte and Cubs hero David Ross.
Young, of course, is best known for his time as a member of the Texas Rangers. He became a franchise icon, making seven All-Star appearances in 13 seasons with the team, winning a Gold Glove in 2008. His number 10 was also retired by club and he is a member of their Hall of Fame.
Before all that Texas glory however, came the Blue Jays. Yes, Michael Young was very nearly a Blue Jay. After being selected in the 25th round by the Baltimore Orioles in 1994, he chose not to sign and instead headed to college. Three years later he was drafted in the third round by the Blue Jays.
He found success with both Dunedin and Hagerstown, hitting 16 home runs with the Suns in 1998, before hitting .316 the following as a member of the High-A Blue Jays. One of his best friends to this day is former centre fielder and Blue Jays great Vernon Wells, who named one of his sons after Young.
Then in 2000, Toronto shipped him and pitcher Darwin Cubillan to the Lone Star State in exchange for Esteban Loaiza. The deal remains infamous in Toronto and is often called the worst trade in franchise history.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 11 | 45 ANSWERS Another former Blue Jay has been added to Team USA coaching staff Will Young be a good coach? | ||
| Yes | 38 | 84.4 % |
| No | 7 | 15.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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