Braves first base coach Eric Young Sr. He has decided to walk away from his role for the 2020 season, manager Brian Snitker told reporters (including Gabriel Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution). Young is reportedly a higher-risk candidate for COVID-19, although, as Burns notes, the team did not disclose details of Young’s 53-year-old health situation.
Young has been Atlanta’s first-base coach for the past two seasons, and has six years of experience as a first-base coach with the Diamondbacks and Rockies before joining the Braves organization. Of course, Young is probably best remembered for his 15-season career, which saw him rack up 465 steals (tied for 48th in baseball history) playing with seven different teams between 1992 and 2006. Young’s son Eric jr., He is also a ten-year MLB veteran.
“It was a difficult decision for [Young]. He is a player“Snitker said.”We will miss him very much for what he brings into this clubhouse, energy. You have chosen not to participate, we respect it. I respect him even more for doing that and (being with) his family.. “
DeMarlo Hale will take over Young’s role as first base coach and outfielder. Hale joined the Braves as a special assistant and minor league coach last season, and has a long-standing relationship with GM Alex Anthopoulos since their time together in Toronto (when Hale was the Blue Jays bench coach and Anthopoulos was the manager. general). Young will continue to work with the team in a consulting role, with Snitker saying that Young “It will be available to the club (virtually). You will be in constant communication with DeMarlo and the gardeners.. “
