Rich Donnelly

Donnelly in spring 2007.

Richard Francis Donnelly (born August 5, 1946, at Steubenville, Ohio, USA) has been a Major League Baseball coach for over 25 years, most recently as a coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He currently is a roving minor league instructor for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Early life

Donnelly graduated from Steubenville Catholic Central High School in Ohio where he played baseball and basketball. He then attended college at Xavier University.

Playing career

Donnelly was signed as a catcher by the Minnesota Twins in 1967 and played four seasons in the minor leagues, compiling a .230 career average with two home runs and 115 runs batted in.

Coaching career

• Managed in the Texas Rangers farm system from 1972–1979 and 1981-1982. Honored as Western Carolinas League manager of the year from 1972-1974. Led Single-A Gastonia to the league title in 1974. Managed the Rangers Triple-A affiliate from 1976–79 and 1981-82.
• Bullpen coach for the Texas Rangers, 1980; first base coach for the Rangers from 1983-1985.
• Spent 14 seasons (1986–1999) on Jim Leyland's staff with three organizations (Pittsburgh, Florida, Colorado). Earned a World Series ring with Florida.
• Remained with the Rockies after Leyland left through 2002.
• Third base coach for the Milwaukee Brewers (2003–2005).
• Third base coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers (2006–2007).
• Served under Pat Corrales, Doug Rader, Bobby Valentine, Jim Leyland, Buddy Bell, Ned Yost and Grady Little as a coach.
• Since 2008, he has been an advisor, player development, for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• Named manager of Class A Brooklyn Cyclones (NY Mets) on January 31, 2011.

Personal life

Donnelly also is rated in the top ten racquetball players over 50 in the United States.

Perhaps the best known story of Donnelly is his experience coaching the Florida Marlins in the 1997 World Series. Rich Donnelly's 17-year old daughter, Amy, died of a brain tumor in 1993. Before her death, Amy attended a 1992 playoff game in which Rich was coaching. After the game, she asked, 'Dad, what are you telling them? That the chicken runs at midnight, or what?'" since she noticed that he would cup his hands over his mouth while yelling out instructions to runners on second base. Since her death, the Donnelly family would deem that as her catchphrase and serve inspiration for the family. Years later in 1997, as part of the Florida Marlins, he would meet Craig Counsell, a player his son Tim nicknamed "Chicken Wing", because of his unique batting stance. In the 11th inning of Game 7, Counsell reached base, and was able to advance to third base as the inning progressed. Edgar Renteria then hit a single on which Counsell scored, winning the World Series for the Marlins. Rich's sons Tim and Mike, who were honorary bat boys that evening, rushed to their father in celebration. Tim pointed out to the stadium clock which read 12:00 midnight, telling his father, "The chicken ran at midnight, dad." Donnelly believes that Amy was sending him a message from Heaven, and this experience has strengthened and solidified his faith in God even more. Rich is a devout Catholic, as seen clearly in this recent interview:

http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/other-worldly-series/

This story can be found at the Los Angeles Dodgers website at this link, as well as the documentary "Champions of Faith", highlighting the stories of Catholic baseball professionals playing in Major League Baseball.

References

Preceded by Glenn Hoffman

Los Angeles Dodgers Third Base Coach 2006-2007

Succeeded by Larry Bowa