Justine Siegal became the first woman coach employed by a Major League team Tuesday when the A’s hired her for a two-week stint as a guest instruction with the club’s Instructional League club in Arizona.
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Siegal became the first woman to coach men’s baseball professionally in 2009 as the first base coach for the Brockton Rox, an independent team.
They were one of six teams that she threw batting practice for during spring training in 2011, also a first-of-its-kind event for a woman at that time.
Siegal will work as a guest instructor in the Instructional League, essentially a league for young or rehabbing players. She’ll work withi A’s Instructional League team from October 4-17. “As a rookie coach, I expect to hit a lot of fungos, throw a lot of batting practice and help out wherever they want me to help”, Siegal told the San Francisco Chronicle.
GOODYEAR, AZ – FEBRUARY 21: Justine Siegal pitches for the Cleveland Indians batting practice at Goodyear Ballpark on February 21, 2011 in Goodyear, Arizona.
Like Welter, Siegal was not hired for a permanent position but as temporary help during a time when a team needs all hands on deck.
The hiring of Justine Siegal is a step in the right direction, and the Oakland Athletics should be proud of their decision to add her to their organization, even if only for two weeks. “And I do like talking about life skills; I like to help people achieve their life goals”.
“We educate the public concerning the importance of providing equal opportunities and provide resources for girls who are told they are not allowed to try out for a school team”, the organization’s website reads.
“I think it would be incredible to coach full-time”, Siegal said. Plus, Siegal, 40, has a PhD in sport and exercise psychology, and Forst said that director of player development Keith Lieppman and director of minor-league operations Ted Polakowski are looking forward to having Siegal lead classroom presentations about the mental side of the game.
The Oakland Athletics, long one of baseball’s most progressive organizations, have hired MLB’s first female coach.
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A’s assistant GM David Forst says nothing has been promised to Siegal as far as full-time jobs go, but that is a possibility. If a woman can coach – or even play – as well as a man, why shouldn’t she be on the field?
