Barkett Bound for Boston after One Season in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS - After sending 17 players to the big leagues - eight of whom made their major league debuts in 2017 - and adding a 79-win season and International League West Division title to his 11-year coaching resume, manager Andy Barkett's long-awaited journey back to the majors finally came to
INDIANAPOLIS - After sending 17 players to the big leagues - eight of whom made their major league debuts in 2017 - and adding a 79-win season and International League West Division title to his 11-year coaching resume, manager Andy Barkett's long-awaited journey back to the majors finally came to fruition over the weekend.
The one-year manager of the Indianapolis Indians will join the Red Sox as the club's assistant hitting coach in 2018, announced by the club on Saturday, Nov. 4. Barkett's announcement coincided with Boston naming Tim Hyers as hitting coach. Both Barkett and Hyers worked in the Tigers organization when Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski was Detroit's general manager.
Barkett's tenure as the Tribe's 60th field manager in team history, albeit a one-year run, was defined by his ability to not only produce a winning product on the field, but to relate to the players, fans and front office personnel on a daily basis.
"It was a pleasure to watch Andy [Barkett] produce positive results from his players both on and off the field in 2017," said Indianapolis Indians president and general manager Randy Lewandowski. "His clubhouse demeanor, interactions with fans and contributions to our community relations efforts will not be forgotten. We wish him the best of luck as his career continues onto Boston."
The Miami, Fla. native's 79 wins marked the second-highest total by a Tribe skipper in his first year at the helm in the Victory Field era. Under Barkett, the Tribe won their fourth division title in six seasons before being bounced in the Governors' Cup Semifinals by Durham, the eventual Triple-A National Champions.
"I want to thank the Pittsburgh Pirates organization as well as the Indianapolis Indians for an amazing 2017 season," said Barkett. "The city of Indianapolis and the fans at Victory Field are second to none. The Indians organization is first class in all aspects of operation.
"I will always cherish the memories that we created in a very special 2017 season," Barkett continued. "Thank you to the Indians staff and front office for helping my long journey to the big leagues become a reality. The Pittsburgh Pirates are one of the best organizations in all of baseball and have helped prepare me for this opportunity. I'm very thankful to the Pirates and Indians for making this dream come true."
Barkett has accrued a lifetime managerial record of 610-569 (.517) over nine seasons, reaching the postseason three times.
Barkett played 11 seasons professionally with Texas, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Seattle and Detroit between 1995 and 2005. He made his major league debut with the Pirates on May 28, 2001 vs. Florida and hit .304 (14-for-46) with two doubles, one homer and three RBI in 17 contests.
Pittsburgh has not yet announced its minor league field staffs for 2018.