Angels Tab Ernie Young As Travs Hitting Coach

NORTH LITTLE ROCK - On Monday, the Los Angeles Angels rounded out the coaching staff for the 2013 Arkansas Travelers with the announcement that Ernie Young will join as hitting coach. Young fills the only open spot on the Travs coaching staff following the hiring of Tim Bogar as manager and Mike Hampton as pitching coach. Mike Metcalfe returns for his third year as Athletic Trainer and Al Sandoval comes back for a second season as strength and conditioning coach.

Young, 43, managed two years each in the Tigers and Chicago White Sox organizations compiling a 289-268 record at single-A. His managerial record at West Michigan in 2011 and 2012 were 142-137. Previously Young managed two years for the Kannapolis Intimidators in 2009 and 2010 which included the top record in the South Atlantic League in 2009. He began his coaching career as the hitting coach for the Great Falls Voyagers in 2008.

He enjoyed a 17-year playing career that included parts of eight seasons in the Major Leagues. Originally drafted in 1990 by the Oakland Athletics in the 10th round out of Lewis University, Young eventually reached the majors in 1994 and was the A's everyday centerfielder for the 1996 season hitting .242 with 19 home runs and 64 RBI. He also played in the Majors for Kansas City, Cleveland, Arizona and Detroit. Young played in 1680 minor league games where he hit .281 with 319 home runs and retired following the 2007 season.

Young has an extensive history with USA Baseball both as a manager and player. He recently managed Team USA in the Pan-American Games in 2010 and 2011 and won a gold medal at the Sydney Games in 2000 as a player. Young currently serves on the Board of Directors for USA Baseball.