Health & Fitness
Somerset Patriots Hire Shane Spencer As Hitting/Third Base Coach
Somerset Patriots hire Shane Spencer as hitting/third base coach.
Bridgewater, NJ- The Five-Time Atlantic League Champion Somerset Patriots have announced the hiring of Shane Spencer as the team’s new hitting/third base coach.
Spencer played in 538 Major League games, most notably with the New York Yankees from 1998-2002 when the team won three World Series Championships. In September of 1998, Spencer won over Yankees fans for hitting ten home runs, including three grand slams, in just 67 at bats.
In his five seasons with the Yankees, Spencer finished with a .263 batting average, 287 hits, 54 doubles, 43 home runs, and 167 RBI.
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“Shane will be a strong coach for the Somerset Patriots and fit the team’s winning tradition,” said former Yankees manager Joe Torre. “As a Yankee, Shane was a part of three World Series Champions and contributed in many ways to help our team win. I see him continuing his transition into coaching with much success in Somerset. His Major League time and experience should be an asset that will help the Patriots continue to win games and championships.”
Spencer also has Major League experience with the Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, and New York Mets. For his Major League career, Spencer has a .262 batting average, 438 hits, 84 doubles, 59 home runs, and 242 RBI.
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Following his playing days, Spencer became the hitting coach for Lake Elsinore, the Single-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres.
“Shane brings a wealth of knowledge to our staff. His experiences as a player and coach will be extremely valuable in helping us produce a championship caliber team. I very much look forward to working with him towards our common goal,” said Brett Jodie, manager of the Somerset Patriots.
Spencer will replace Travis Anderson, who served as the team’s hitting/third base coach since the 2010 season. Anderson will still be actively involved with the Somerset Patriots as a community ambassador for the team. He has decided to focus his attention on his position as baseball instructor at Diamond Nation in Flemington, NJ.
For information about the Somerset Patriots 2013 Season, beginning at home on Thursday, April 18th, stop by the Ticket Office located at TD Bank Ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit the Patriots on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.
