Nationals name Gary Thurman minor league outfield/baserunning coordinator

The Washington Nationals today named Gary Thurman their minor league outfield/baserunning coordinator. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo, Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Player Development Bob Boone, Director of Player Development Doug Harris and Director of Minor League Operations Mark Scialabba made the joint announcement.

Thurman, 48, brings 14 years of experience as a manager, coach or instructor in professional baseball to the Nationals organization. He most-recently served as first base coach on the Miami Marlins' major league staff in 2012, also contributing as the club's outfield and baserunning coach.

From 2008-2011, Thurman worked in the Cleveland Indians' chain as minor league outfield/baserunning coordinator, after spending nine seasons in the Seattle Mariners organization.

Thurman was selected in the first round (21st overall) of the 1983 First-Year Player Draft by the Kansas City Royals and played 16 seasons, including nine big-league campaigns with the Royals (1990-92), Tigers (1993), Mariners (1995) and Mets (1997).