LA Dodgers Hire Mickey Hatcher For Front Office Role

The Los Angeles Dodgers have named former player and hitting coach Mickey Hatcher as a Special Assistant to General Manager Ned Colletti.

“Mickey’s been a World Series champion both as a player and coach,” said Colletti. “His baseball experience, legendary passion for the game and tremendous attitude will be a huge positive for our organization.”

In his new position, Hatcher, 57, will help with player development, and also assist the Major League staff.

The move is a homecoming for Hatcher, who is remembered in Chavez Ravine for his contributions during the 1988 World Series, when he hit .368 with two homers  and helped lead the Dodgers to their sixth World Championship. Hatcher also coached and managed several of the Dodger's minor league teams.

“It’s a great feeling being a Dodger again, it feels like I’ve come back home,” said Hatcher. “This is where my roots were and where I was taught everything about the game and where I learned about professionalism. I’m excited about the opportunity to meet everyone in the organization and about the energy created by the new ownership. I couldn’t be happier right now.”

Hatcher more recently has been a topic of debate among Southern California fans when he served as the Angels hitting coach for 13 seasons. This past season he was fired from that position due to the Halos' cold bats and an alleged dispute with star slugger Albert Pujols.

By placing him in more of a behind-the-scenes role, Hatcher should benefit from the decreased level of scrutiny.

By Staff of The Daily Sports Herald and news services