Back Where It All Began For Eppard

OAKLAND—After 22 years roaming the country, teaching hitting and developing players, Jim Eppard has returned to where he began.

The former Angels hitting coach accepted the position of minor-league hitting coordinator for the Athletics, filling the position that became available when Greg Sparks took a big-league coaching job with the White Sox.

Eppard, 55, started his pro career as a 13th-round pick of the A’s in 1982 out of California. He went on to play four seasons in the majors, then began a coaching career with the Rockies and Angels before re-joining the A’s organization.

“Jim played for me and I have followed his career and always have been impressed with the quality hitters that have been developed under his tutelage,” A’s farm director Keith Lieppman said. “He has always been respected by his peers and continues to develop great relationships with the hitters.”

Both Lieppman and Eppard believe this will be a perfect fit. The A’s often-misunderstood approach to hitting—patience at the plate leading to drawing a walk or getting a better pitch to hit—fits well with Eppard’s beliefs.

“That’s kind of what they’ve always preached, since I spent the first part of my career there,” Eppard said. “That’s the way I’ve been my entire career, and that’s what I’ve taught.”

Eppard won four minor league batting titles and hit .341 for Triple-A Edmonton in 1987. However, he lacked the home-run power demanded for a first baseman or corner outfielder and spent most of his 12 professional seasons toiling in the minors. He then coached with the Rockies for nine years, before moving to the Angels for 13 seasons. He served as the Angels’ big-league hitting coach in 2012 and 2013 before moving back to the minors.

“I’m really excited by this,” said Eppard, who has grasped every opportunity with excitement.

A’s ACORNS

• The A’s selected three players in the minor-league portion of the Rule 5 draft—former Cal outfielder Danny Oh, outfielder Alex Glenn and first baseman Viosergy Rosa.

• Glenn, selected from Arizona, will have the chance for a fresh start. The 24-year-old had an impressive 2014, hitting .285/.346/.527 in high Class A, before a down 2015. The lefty hitter and thrower plays all three outfield positions.