The Royals have announced their coaching staff under manager Mike Matheny for 2021, Anne Rogers of MLB.com relays. It includes a couple changes from last year’s edition.
Rusty Kuntz, who opted out of the 2020 campaign over COVID-19 concerns, will return to his prior role as first base coach next season. The 65-year-old has held multiple positions with the organization since 2008. Damon Hollins took over as first base coach in his absence last year, but he’ll go back to being a minor league instructor.
Kansas City has also added Tony Pena Jr. to its staff, and he’ll work with the Royals’ infielders, according to Lynn Worthy of the Kansas City Star. Pena Jr. was a shortstop with the Royals from 2007-09. He’s also the son of former KC manager Tony Pena and the brother of ex-Royals catcher Francisco Pena.
Rafael Belliard worked as the Royals’ infield coach in 2020, but he’ll return to his previous job as a special assistant to general manager Dayton Moore.
The last sentence reads like he is the son of both Pena’s. I assume he is the son of Tony Pena and the other is his uncle? Perhaps a small edit is necessary. Thanks
Can you get Stubby Clapp from Rusty Kuntz?
Only if the Big Unit and Dick Pole are involved
Only if you banged marge schott
That’s all funny stuff!
Thanks I needed it
Conner, you need to edit the last sentence of paragraph 3.
Oh man, good ole Rafael Belliard!!! Now, there’s a blast from my past. That man was a highly underrated defensive SS, but man I’ll never miss watching him hit…lol I do, however, remember when he finally hit his first HR as a Brave!! It was a miracle, and probably one of the moments I was the most surprised to witness in Atlanta Braves history…lol
I honestly thought Belly would never hit a homer for the Braves..It only took him up until his SEVENTH SEASON, but he finally got ahold of one ultimately doubling his career total…lol
Yeah, that’s first time I’ve noticed Rafy was on staff with them. Great to see him still in the game.
Love feeling old? You’ll love when coaching staffs consist of players you remember as rookies.
Sadly in some cases they already do. Case in point: Royals Manager Mike Matheny. I have his rookie card with the Brewers. Actually pretty sure i have a Tony Pena Jr. one somewhere too
Same here, Soxer!
Really want to feel old? Im 52, i remember when gwynn,pena,griffey,bonds and the likes of the 70s ,now their kids are retiring from the game
A couple of days ago Carlton Fisk was on Mad Dog talking about his grandchildren…I was at a college tournament in NH when Fisk was catching, and a scout sitting next to me (Dodgers maybe?) said, “I like the kid catcher with the fat butt who doesn’t shave yet…..
Pena could be a future HC candidate
I didn’t even know they could afford coaches
Yeah, they have uniforms and everything…it’s really great.
It didn’t say they paid them.