Diamondbacks Tab Jeff Banister for Bench Coach - AZ Snake Pit

The Arizona Diamondbacks hired Jeff Banister as bench coach.

• Managed the Texas Rangers from 2015-18, going 325-313 (.509)…won 2 American League West division titles (2015-16).
• Named the 2015 AL Manager of the Year after going 88-74 (.543)…was the first AL manager to win the award with no previous Major League managerial experience.
• Worked in a variety of positions with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1993-2014, ’19-20, including bench coach from 2010-14 and special assistant, baseball operations from 2019-20.
• Spent 2021 as director of player development with the University of Northern Colorado baseball program.
• Has a 1.000 career Major League average after singling in his only plate appearance in his debut with the Pirates on July 23, 1991 vs. Atlanta Braves.

Torey Lovullo ZOOM notes and AUDIO LINK

• Banister was always somebody that I admired from across the field
• He was somebody that I targeted from the very beginning as a candidate. Torey spoke with several candidates and had three face to face interviews
• Managerial Experience was not a pre requisite.
• Torey wanted someone that was not like him and could fill his gaps. Somebody that the players could relate to, but would hold them accountable. Torey sometimes “gets blinders on” focusing on what’s in front of him trying to keep a steady hand. Banister adds a bit of spice and personality and can help see the bigger picture.
• His experience as a bench coach with Pittsburgh when they had a lot of young players coming up was important to Torey
• Banister was a catcher by trade and will take up the responsibilities that Robbie Hammock had with the catching group and controlling the running game.

Jeff Banister ZOOM notes and AUDIO LINK

• He’s been away from the game a year and is excited to get back into it.
• The young group of athletic players reminds him of his days in Pittsburgh.
• He loves being engaged in the game and the intensity and energy. Toey is a thinker and stoic about the game, and he hopes to add some energy to compliment Torey.
• He talked a lot about his time working with Clint hurdle as his bench coach.
• Melding young players together with veterans is an area of strength he feels
• Holding players accountable: Each player is different. Before you can talk about holding people accountable you need to establish trust and get to know the player. Once you’ve built equity with a player it becomes a lot easier.