Hurdle accepts All-Star coaching invite from Matheny

By Tom Singer and Stephen Pianovich

June 11, 2014

PITTSBURGH -- Ultimately, Pirates skipper Clint Hurdle wants to return to the dugout of the All-Star Game as a manager.

That cannot happen in 2014, but Hurdle was happy to accept an invitation on the bench of the Midsummer Classic when Cardinals manager Mike Matheny picked Hurdle to be on the National League's coaching staff at Target Field on July 15.

"We've developed a professional respect over the two seasons. We knew each other a little bit before that and we've developed a personal relationship, as well," Hurdle said of Matheny.

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez rounded out Matheny's picks, and Pirates assistant trainer Ben Potenziano was also named to the NL squad.

Hurdle managed the NL side in a 4-3 loss that took 15 innings at old Yankee Stadium during the 2008 season, the year after his Rockies went on a late-season tear to win the NL pennant.

"I'm really excited," said Hurdle, the 2013 NL Manager of the Year. "You never know when you get to go to your last one."

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer. Stephen Pianovich is an associate reporter for MLB.com.