Dave Hansen named Seattle Mariners hitting coach
15-year Major League veteran finished his career with Seattle in 2005.
SEATTLE, Wash. – Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik announced today that Dave Hansen has been named as the Mariners new hitting coach. Hansen takes over for Chris Chambliss, who held the post in 2011 and 2012.
“I think Dave will be a good addition to our big league staff,” Mariners manager Eric Wedge said. “He’s had success as both a coach and a player, and has a clear vision of how to help prepare our hitters to be successful.”
Hansen, 44, was the Major League hitting coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers from July 20, 2011 through the 2012 season. He joined the Dodgers as their Major League hitting instructor in 2011.
Prior to joining the Dodgers, Hansen spent four seasons in the Arizona Diamondbacks minor league system. He was the minor league hitting coordinator for three seasons (2008-2010) after beginning his professional coaching career in 2007 as the hitting coach at AA Mobile.
“I had the chance to talk to Dave several times, and have also talked to players and coaches he’s worked with, and we feel he is a great fit for our club,” Zduriencik said. “We look forward to having Dave re-join the Seattle organization.”
Hansen played 15 seasons in the Major Leagues with the Dodgers (1990-96, 1999-2002), Cubs (1997), Padres (2003, 2004) and Mariners (2004, 2005). He played in a pair of postseasons with the Dodgers in 1995 and 1996. Known as one of baseball’s best pinch-hitters, he set a Major League record with 7 pinch-hit homers in 2000 (later tied). He also holds the Dodgers record for most pinch hits in a season (18 in 1993) and a career (110). He led the Dodgers in pinch hits in six different seasons (1993, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001). In his Major League career overall, he hit .260 (466x1230) with 79 doubles, 6 triples, 35 home runs and 222 RBI in 1,230 games. Dave also played for Hanshin (Japan) in 1998.
Hansen and his wife, Julie, reside in San Clemente, CA, with their three children: Samantha, Allison and Jacob.