The Seattle Mariners fired hitting coach Chris Chambliss on Thursday, after finishing last in the American League in batting average in each of his two seasons.
The announcement came as the team said it would bring back it’s full coaching staff – except Chambliss.
“We will begin an immediate search for a new hitting coach,” general manager Jack Zduriencik said. “On behalf of the Mariners organization, I want to thank Chris for all of his hard work and dedication over the past two seasons.”
Chambliss, 63, spent two seasons with Seattle, and the 2012 season was his 15th season as a big league hitting coach, his 43rd in professional baseball.
The Mariners also announced the completion of two minor surgeries Thursday: to remove bone spurs from second baseman Dustin Ackley’s ankle and from shortstop Brendan Ryan’s elbow.
Both should be ready to play well before spring training.
larry.larue@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/mariners @LarryLaRue
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