Tigers name David Newhan assistant hitting coach

DETROIT - The Detroit Tigers today named David Newhan the Club's assistant hitting coach. 

"David brings major and minor league experience to our coaching staff and will work with Wally Joyner in preparing the hitters on a daily basis," said Tigers manager Brad Ausmus.

Newhan joins the Tigers after spending one season in the Oakland Athletics organization as the manager for Single A Vermont. Prior to joining the Athletics, Newhan spent three seasons in the San Diego Padres organization, serving as the hitting coach for Single A Lake Elsinore. 

Newman, 41, was drafted by Oakland in the 17th round of the 1995 MLB Draft. He went on to play professionally for 14 years, including parts of eight Major League seasons with the Padres (1999-2000), Phillies (2000-01), Orioles (2004-06), Mets (2007) and Astros (2008). His best season in the majors came in 2004 with Baltimore when he hit .311 with 15 doubles, seven triples, eight home runs and 54 RBI in 95 games. In 413 games in the big leagues, Newhan batted .253 with 23 doubles and 120 RBI. Newhan saw time at six different positions during his major league career, including playing 167 games in the outfield. 

Newhan resides in Southern California with his wife, Karen, and their children, Nico and Gianna.