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Red Sox Name Ruben Amaro Jr. New First Base Coach

BOSTON (CBS) -- The Boston Red Sox have a new first base coach.

It's an interesting choice too, seeing how the guy has never coached baseball at any level.

Boston named former Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. their first base coach on Monday. Amaro will also serve as the team's outfield instructor and will assist with base running instruction as well. The 50-year-old Amaro brings nearly 30 years of service in baseball to the Red Sox, split between his career as a player and as a front office executive.

"I am truly honored to join the Red Sox, a first-class organization with a tremendous history," Amaro said. "I was honored that Dave and John would consider me for this opportunity and add me to this dynamic coaching staff. I am poised, focused, and ready to bring anything I can in terms of experience and knowledge to this position, and I look forward to being a part of the Boston Red Sox."

Amaro most recently served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Philadelphia Phillies for parts of seven seasons, a job he held from November 2008 to this past September. Prior to that, Amaro spent 10 years as an assistant general manager in Philadelphia. During his tenure as GM, the Phillies posted the fourth-best record in the National League at 573-539 (.515), won three division titles (2009-11) and the NL pennant in 2009.

As a player, Amaro spent eight seasons in the big leagues as an outfielder for the California Angels (1991), Phillies (1992-93; 1996-98), and Cleveland Indians (1994-95). He was a career .235 hitter with 16 home runs and 100 RBI in 485 games.

While he's never coached before, baseball is in his blood. Amaro's father, Ruben Amaro Sr., also enjoyed a lengthy MLB career. Amaro Sr. spent 11 years in the majors (1958; 1960-69), including six with Philadelphia, making the Amaros the only father and son combination to have played for the Phillies.

 

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