2011 Spikes skipper Bartee joins Pirates staff

Kimera Bartee, who managed the State College Spikes in 2011, has been named the Pittsburgh Pirates' new first-base and outfield/baserunning coach, as announced by the club this past weekend.

Bartee, who has been the Pirates' minor league outfield/baserunning coordinator for the past nine seasons, will serve a similar role on the major league staff.

The Omaha, Nebraska native led the Spikes to a 31-44 record in 2011. Bartee also coached first base frequently during the season as the Spikes posted franchise records with 90 stolen bases and 133 stolen base attempts. 

During his time in State College, Bartee directly tutored future Pirates Gregory Polanco and Alen Hanson, as well as future major leaguer Alex Dickerson.

"KB" began his coaching career in 2005 as a coach with the Delmarva Shorebirds, the Baltimore Orioles' Low Class-A affiliate in the South Atlantic League, serving for three years in that position. Bartee also began his playing career with the Orioles, having been drafted by Baltimore in the 14th round of the 1993 MLB Draft.

Bartee spent 12 years as a player in professional baseball, including 243 major league games with Detroit (1996-99), Cincinnati (2000) and Colorado (2001). Following a rookie season in which he stole a career-high 20 bases, Bartee embarked on a major league career in which he played all three outfield positions, but was primarily a center fielder. During his professional career, he was also named by Baseball America as the fastest baserunner and best defensive outfielder in the International League while playing with Toledo in 1997.

Before his pro playing days, Bartee starred at Central High School in Omaha, and attended Creighton University, where he appeared in the 1991 College World Series.

"Kimera has a great relationship with our three outfielders, which is obviously crucial," Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington said. "Another guy that brings a wealth of knowledge -- not only of the game, but of our system and our structure, how we do things and how we intend to do things going forward."