University of Houston Athletics
Cougar Jeff Banister Named MLB Manager
10/16/2014 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
ARLINGTON -- The Texas Rangers have hired Houston Cougar ('86) and Pirates bench coach Jeff Banister as their new manager, the club announced Thursday. The Rangers have announced an 11 a.m. CT Friday press conference to introduce the new manager.
Banister replaces Tim Bogar, who served as interim manager for the final 22 games of the season. He took over for Ron Washington, who resigned Sept. 5, after eight seasons on the job.
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said the club vetted over 40 names before selecting eight to interview. He said 12 club officials participated in the interview process.
Daniels said Banister "won the job" rather than anybody else losing it.
"What stood out is his presence," Daniels said. "He is an impressive guy to meet. You can understand how he can command a room. The passion for winning and getting to know people as a person before the player stood out the most."
Banister has been with the Pirates for the past 29 years, first as a player and then in a variety of capacities, including Minor League manager and coordinator and Major League coach.
"I want to thank the Texas Rangers for giving me this opportunity," Banister said. "I am elated to have the chance to make an impact on the organization and I look forward to getting started on that task. I also want to express my gratitude to the Pittsburgh Pirates for the last 29 years. My experiences in that organization have prepared me well for this new opportunity and I thank all of the individuals who have poured into my life along the way."
Banister, Bogar and Indians bullpen coach Kevin Cash were the three finalists for the Rangers position. The team also interviewed pitching coach Mike Maddux, Triple-A manager Steve Buechele, White Sox third base coach Joe McEwing, Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo and Puerto Rico Winter League executive Alex Cora.
The outside hire leaves the coaching staff in a state of uncertainty and third-base coach Gary Pettis has already accepted a job with the Astros. Hitting coach Dave Magadan has been approached by the Mets and Yankees. The Rangers have reportedly reached out to Athletics hitting coach Chili Davis. Maddux remains unsigned for next season.
Bogar, Maddux and other coaches are expected to meet with Banister in the near future.
Daniels said Banister will not have to keep any coaches he doesn't want. Daniels will also have a say in the coaching staff.
Banister was born in Oklahoma but played high school and college baseball in Texas and has an extraordinary background. He developed bone cancer in his left leg in high school and doctors initially wanted to amputate. But the leg was saved through multiple operations and he continued his baseball career in college. At Baytown (Texas) College, he suffered a crushed vertebrae as a catcher in a collision at home plate and was paralyzed for 10 days.
He still ended up playing at the University of Houston and was drafted by the Pirates in the 25th round of the 1986 First-Year Player Draft. He had one at-bat in the Major Leagues with a single in 1992.
"When you go through life experiences like that, it provides unbelievable perspective," Daniels said. "It's huge in leadership positions. What he has experienced is pretty remarkable."
T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Postcards from Elysian Fields, and follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
