Bench Coach

Question
Brian...

Was just wondering when exactly did the 'bench coach' position come into play?  I'm 54 and teams never had a formal 'bench coach' growing up.......nowadays it seems that teams just can't live without them......Also, do you have any idea who the first one was?.....

Thx.....Steven

Answer
Steven,

Somehow this member of the coaching staff has morphed into being.  I don't have an exact time frame of when it happened, but early to mid 1990s is when the job title started up.

Even back in the olden days, teams had someone that somewhat fulfilled the role.  Branch Rickey had his 'Sunday Manager' but of course he refused to manage on Sundays because of religious reasons.  But the manager has often had a right hand man that filled this role.

One of the first 'bench coaches' by title was Don Zimmer with the Yankees.  Red Shoendienst also filled this roll with the Cardinals when La Russa first started managing (1996).

Not all teams have someone in this capacity.  For example, my Cardinals don't have anyone they call a bench coach.  They've got a pitching coach, strength coach, first base coach, third base coach, etc. etc.

Teams have plenty of coaches.  They are cheap compared to the players so you might as well have the full complement!

Hope this helps!

Brian