Pirates hire Cora, Bartee, Prince to coaching positions
PITTSBURGH (AP) – The Pittsburgh Pirates have hired former major leaguer Joey Cora to serve as the team’s infield and third base coach.
Cora spent 11 seasons as an infielder for four clubs from 1987-98 and made the All-Star team in 1997 while playing for the Seattle Mariners. Cora served as the manager of Pittsburgh’s Double-A affiliate, the Altoona Curve, in 2016. Cora led the club to a 76-64 record and a playoff berth.
Cora replaces Rick Sofield, who was fired last week.
Pittsburgh also selected Kimera Bartee as outfield, base-running and first base coach. Bartee spent parts of six seasons in the majors from 1996-2001. Bartee has served as Pittsburgh’s Minor Leagues Outfield/Base-running Coordinator since being hired in 2008.
The Pirates promoted Tom Prince to bench coach. The former big-league catcher spent the past 11 years managing in Pittsburgh’s farm system.