http://www.tribune-democrat.com/sports/loc..._075000052.html

 

Infield instructor aiding Bucs

 

The Tribune-Democrat

 

By JOHN PERROTTO

jperrotto@piratesreport.com

 

BRADENTON, Fla. — A broad smile crossed Freddy Sanchez's face before the question had even been finished and he could not wait to give the answer.

 

"I've already learned more from Perry Hill in a month than I've learned from anybody in baseball," the Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman said. "He just has a certain way about him that's hard to describe. He knows how to explain things in a way that makes it easy to understand and he has such a tremendous passion for the game and so much enthusiasm.

 

"He's so much fun to be around and knows so much about baseball. I have never been around anyone quite like him. This is my ninth spring training as a professional baseball player and this has, by far, been the most fun. A lot of that is because of Perry."

 

Pirates manager John Russell likes to refer to Hill as "Mr. Energy" and that is no exaggeration. Hill is fired up from the time he arrives in the Pirates' spring training clubhouse when the dew is still heavy on the morning grass until long after that day's exhibition game is over and the clubhouse has cleared out.

 

"I just love baseball," the 57-year-old Hill said when asked for his secret. "It's a great game and I feel fortunate to be part of it."

 

Hill is technically listed as the Pirates' first base coach. However, his job duties go far beyond yelling, "back!" to the runner on first base when a pitcher attempts a pickoff.

 

Hill is also the Pirates' infield defense instructor and that is where he has made his mark.

 

"The saying is that wherever Perry goes is where the Gold Gloves follow," Russell said.

 

When Hill was a coach with the Montreal Expos, shortstop Orlando Cabrera won a Gold Glove despite starring in the anonymity that came with playing baseball in Quebec. Hill moved on to the Florida Marlins and first baseman Derrek Lee, second baseman Luis Castillo and third baseman Mike Lowell all won Gold Gloves.

 

In all, Hill has spent 14 seasons as a major-league coach with the Texas Rangers (1992-95), Detroit Tigers (1997-99), Montreal Expos (2000-01) and Florida (2002-06).

 

Russell originally wanted Hill to join his staff when he was hired to replace Jim Tracy following the 2007 season.

 

However, Hill declined because family health issues prevented him from leaving his Texas home.

 

When Hill decided he wanted to get back into coaching this season, he immediately found a spot with the Pirates.

 

"I'm biased, but I really believe nobody teaches infield defense like Perry," Russell said. "He's already been a tremendous asset for us. People are going to see a marked improvement in our defense this year. He has taught our guys things I'm sure they've never heard of before."

 

Think of Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau and how he is considered one of the NFL's top innovators for devising the zone blitz.

 

Hill has gained the same reputation in baseball circles.

 

He has invented an array of pickoff plays and bunt defenses over the years in addition to devising drills to sharpen players' defensive fundamentals. That made the normally mundane exercise of infield drills a must-watch part of the day during workouts at the beginning of spring training.

 

The self-effacing Hill laughed when asked how he became a defensive expert.

 

"Well, I couldn't hit," he said. "If you can't hit, you better play good defense."

 

Hill played professionally for six seasons, five in the Mexican League, where he hit just eight home runs to go with a .257 batting average.

 

Hill not only found his niche as a coach but a scout of potential major-league managers.

 

When Russell was finishing his playing career as a catcher with Texas in 1993, Hill pulled him aside one day and told him he should come to the ballpark early and begin working out with the infielders.

 

"He seemed puzzled, but I told him it was going to be helpful to know the basics of all four infield positions when he became a major-league manager," Hill said. "He looked at me like I was crazy, but John really understood the game and was always thinking one step ahead of everyone else on the field. There was no doubt in my mind he would be a manager."

 

This spring Beinfest has repeatedly emphasized the importance of the team improving its fielding in 2009. And any time the team's defense comes up, I can't help but think about a time when we had the Albert Einstein of infield defense on our coaching staff. Yet after Perry Hill decided to return to baseball, the front office did not get him right back into his old job. For a front office that desperately wants to see improvement in the field, how could bringing Hill back not have been a top priority for 2009?

Some people seem to think that this FO has a Staples Easy Button.

Some people seem to think that this FO has a Staples Easy Button.

 

With the way the brains in the FO funnel talent into this organization, they make it seem like they do have an easy button. But so you're saying losing Hill was out of their control and they didn't contribute it to happening?

Some people seem to think that this FO has a Staples Easy Button.

 

I love it. So you're saying losing Hill was out of their control and they didn't contribute it to happening?

Where where you in 07? Hill left because of family issues, it had nothing to do with the FO.

 

Also, why would you assume that he wants to just come running back to us, especially considering that one of his proteges (believe it or not) is who he would be putting out of a job.

Some people seem to think that this FO has a Staples Easy Button.

 

I love it. So you're saying losing Hill was out of their control and they didn't contribute it to happening?

Where where you in 07? Hill left because of family issues, it had nothing to do with the FO.

 

Also, why would you assume that he wants to just come running back to us, especially considering that one of his proteges (believe it or not) is who he would be putting out of a job.

 

It goes further than that. Who says they didn't try? Or... Maybe his buddy in Pitt talked him into taking the job without the Marlins FO even knowing he was interested in returning to MLB? Stomp out the rumor mill now. This thread is basically a back handed attempt to spray unwarranted negativity towards the FO. There are reasons to question their sanity at times, but this ain't one of them. Not even a nice try.

 

I was upset when I saw he took that job because I always held out hope he would return to us once his personal issues were resolved. And I am sure Andy would gladly take a "back seat" to learn more from the guru. There are ways to have both working towards the same goal. See: 9er, Hawk, Tony, Trader Jack.

 

But one person on a sports message board says......................

Some people seem to think that this FO has a Staples Easy Button.

 

I love it. So you're saying losing Hill was out of their control and they didn't contribute it to happening?

Where where you in 07? Hill left because of family issues, it had nothing to do with the FO.

 

Also, why would you assume that he wants to just come running back to us, especially considering that one of his proteges (believe it or not) is who he would be putting out of a job.

 

 

 

BTW Rab...

 

I just now read your signature. You being gay sure would explain you liking those old Astros uniforms.

 

Not that I'm being judgmental. :lol

Some people seem to think that this FO has a Staples Easy Button.

 

I love it. So you're saying losing Hill was out of their control and they didn't contribute it to happening?

Where where you in 07? Hill left because of family issues, it had nothing to do with the FO.

 

Also, why would you assume that he wants to just come running back to us, especially considering that one of his proteges (believe it or not) is who he would be putting out of a job.

 

 

 

BTW Rab...

 

I just now read your signature. You being gay sure would explain you liking those old Astros uniforms.

 

Not that I'm being judgmental. :lol

Him being an Astro fan could also explain that :whistle

Some people seem to think that this FO has a Staples Easy Button.

 

I love it. So you're saying losing Hill was out of their control and they didn't contribute it to happening?

Where where you in 07? Hill left because of family issues, it had nothing to do with the FO.

 

Also, why would you assume that he wants to just come running back to us, especially considering that one of his proteges (believe it or not) is who he would be putting out of a job.

 

 

 

BTW Rab...

 

I just now read your signature. You being gay sure would explain you liking those old Astros uniforms.

 

Not that I'm being judgmental. :lol

You don't know nothing.

I think team defense is going to impress everybody this year so we'll finally stop seeing these idiotic posts. It's not perry, it's not fox. We've had boneheaded defensive teams because of personnel and youth, and that is finally changing.

 

Getting Jacobs off the team, and the new outfield arrangement is an ungodly upgrade. I mean, I can't even explain how awesome having Maybin out there is going to make things once they completely figure out his range and are able to position them all effectively. Moving Hermida fixes tons of problems in RF and giving up XBH, and really, Hermida displays plus range and should benefit tremendously in left. Even better if Cantu is at 1B 150 games and doesn't play much 3B. Hanley improved last year, and it's likely that happens again as he is the natural, and if the stars align, Uggla will play like 2007 and not 2006/2008. Let alone the bench, with Amezaga, Bonifacio, Helms, and it looks like Carroll, all flashing a bit of leather.

 

This isn't being homer, this is just being rational. It's a lot of the same personnel, but the entire OF and infield corners have been rearranged, with an improved defensive bench. It's gonna work.

 

Be worried about Anibal, Miller, back end of the bullpen, rotating 3B situation, lack of pop past the starting lineup, and fear of injuries due to heightened innings last year from Nolasco and Volstad. Defense is way down the list.

I think I posted it here when I read it but (not sure) but when Hill decided to come back to baseball one the NL East teams had an interest in hiring him and the Marlins (he was/is still under some contractual obligation it seems) objected to him going to competitor and said no. He then went to the Pirates.

 

So obviously they had a a chance to bring him back and decided not to.

I think I posted it here when I read it but (not sure) but when Hill decided to come back to baseball one the NL East teams had an interest in hiring him and the Marlins (he was/is still under some contractual obligation it seems) objected to him going to competitor and said no. He then went to the Pirates.

 

So obviously they had a a chance to bring him back and decided not to.

That last sentence does not match with the first paragraphs.

Some people seem to think that this FO has a Staples Easy Button.

 

I love it. So you're saying losing Hill was out of their control and they didn't contribute it to happening?

Where where you in 07? Hill left because of family issues, it had nothing to do with the FO.

 

Also, why would you assume that he wants to just come running back to us, especially considering that one of his proteges (believe it or not) is who he would be putting out of a job.

 

 

 

BTW Rab...

 

I just now read your signature. You being gay sure would explain you liking those old Astros uniforms.

 

Not that I'm being judgmental. :lol

You don't know nothing.

 

Gee, I've never heard that before.

 

Lighten up Rab. j/k'ing around with ya.

Some people seem to think that this FO has a Staples Easy Button.

 

I love it. So you're saying losing Hill was out of their control and they didn't contribute it to happening?

Where where you in 07? Hill left because of family issues, it had nothing to do with the FO.

 

Also, why would you assume that he wants to just come running back to us, especially considering that one of his proteges (believe it or not) is who he would be putting out of a job.

 

 

 

BTW Rab...

 

I just now read your signature. You being gay sure would explain you liking those old Astros uniforms.

 

Not that I'm being judgmental. :lol

Him being an Astro fan could also explain that :whistle

 

Yea, I know. And I really have nothing against the Astros either. I went to games in the Astrodome before most here were even born. I tend to pull for them in that division.

Perry Hill is forever the man..........almost as cool as the chosen one beinfest.......they should have fired andy fox's ass sooooo quickly and rehired him when theyy found out he is returning.......But who are us peasants to question the chosen one and the rest of the FO

Some people seem to think that this FO has a Staples Easy Button.

 

I love it. So you're saying losing Hill was out of their control and they didn't contribute it to happening?

Where where you in 07? Hill left because of family issues, it had nothing to do with the FO.

 

Also, why would you assume that he wants to just come running back to us, especially considering that one of his proteges (believe it or not) is who he would be putting out of a job.

 

 

 

BTW Rab...

 

I just now read your signature. You being gay sure would explain you liking those old Astros uniforms.

 

Not that I'm being judgmental. :lol

 

 

WAIT...Rab is gay?

Some people seem to think that this FO has a Staples Easy Button.

 

I love it. So you're saying losing Hill was out of their control and they didn't contribute it to happening?

Where where you in 07? Hill left because of family issues, it had nothing to do with the FO.

 

Also, why would you assume that he wants to just come running back to us, especially considering that one of his proteges (believe it or not) is who he would be putting out of a job.

 

 

 

BTW Rab...

 

I just now read your signature. You being gay sure would explain you liking those old Astros uniforms.

 

Not that I'm being judgmental. :lol

 

 

WAIT...Rab is gay?

 

LOL Not that I know of. Even tho we don't agree very often on here, I find Rab and his fiancee to be a very nice young couple.

LOL Not that I know of. Even tho we don't agree very often on here, I find Rab and his fiancee to be a very nice young couple.

We're terrible people who do terrible things to good people who are looking in the other direction. Watch out.