NEW YORK -- Kevin Reese's first Major League hit came as the young outfielder was summoned off the bench in a May 20, 2006, Subway Series game at Shea Stadium, batting in place of pitcher Mike Mussina and raking a line-drive single to center field off the Mets' Duaner Sanchez.
It is now Reese's responsibility to help the next generation of Yankees prospects make their own impact at the Major League level. The 39-year-old Reese was named as the Yanks' senior director of player development on Friday, replacing Gary Denbo, who departed to take a position with Derek Jeter and the Marlins.
Reese joined the Yankees' pro scouting department at the conclusion of his playing career and held the title of professional scout from 2008-14. For the past three seasons (2015-17), he was the Yanks' director of pro scouting, overseeing the coordination of scout coverages and the intake of reports while using compiled information to help guide trade discussions and free-agent signings.
Additionally, Reese scouted the Yankees' own affiliates, organized advance scouting for the postseason and contributed to the construction of the Yanks' Major League and Minor League rosters.
A native of San Diego, Reese was originally selected by the Padres in the 27th round of the 2000 Draft from the University of San Diego, where he was a two-time West Coast Conference first team selection and later named to the West Coast Conference's 40th Anniversary All-Conference Team in '07. On Dec. 18, 2001, he was acquired by the Yankees in exchange for infielder Bernabel Castro.
In 849 games across eight Minor League seasons from 2000-07 (including 2000-01 with the Padres' organization), Reese posted a .292 (953-for-3,269) batting average with 546 runs scored, 192 doubles, 37 triples, 67 home runs, 395 RBI, 372 walks, 138 stolen bases, a .370 on-base percentage and an .804 OPS.
Reese also appeared in 12 Major League games with the Yankees over two seasons (2005-06), batting .385 (5-for-13) with two runs scored, one RBI, two walks and one stolen base.