Ex-Tigers Standout Don Kelly Named Pirates Bench Coach
After bouncing around from team to team as both a player and coach, Don Kelly will be making his return to Pittsburgh.
The former Pirates' utility player was last with the franchise as a rookie back in 2007, and has now been hired as a bench coach under Derek Shelton's staff.
OFFICIAL: Don Kelly will be joining Manager Derek Shelton’s staff as the Bench Coach for the 2020 season.
— Pirates (@Pirates) December 7, 2019
Kelly, a native of Butler, PA, spent 16 seasons in pro baseball, including parts of nine in the Majors with the Pirates (2007), Tigers (2009-2014) and Marlins (2015-16). pic.twitter.com/wuq6vNC6W7
Kelly is best remembered for his solid seasons with the Tigers, with his greatest moment being a clutch home run against the Yankees in Game 5 of the ALDS back in 2011.
#OTD in 2011 the Tigers win the decisive Game 5 of the ALDS at Yankee Stadium. Don Kelly and Delmon Young go deep for Detroit https://t.co/173G8hmI4a pic.twitter.com/2InXMA5RfH
— Tigers History (@TigersHistory) October 6, 2019
He later went on to become a scout for the Tigers back in 2017, and was most recently a first base coach for the Astros.
Shelton clearly sees major potential with Kelly in the coaching world, as he's already earned a prominent spot on his staff at just 39 years old.
Pirates fans have a special connection to Kelly. He's a Pittsburgh native who played his high school ball at Mt. Lebanon high before making his debut with his hometown MLB team.
Hearing Don Kelly will be Pirates bench coach. He’s been serving as well regarded Astros bench coach. Mt. Lebanon High (Pittsburgh area) product debuted with Pirates.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 7, 2019
Kelly will now have greater responsibility with this more prominent coaching position, but his track record tells us he should be able to handle it.