Phils Welcome Back Juan Samuel

Former Phillies All-Star is back to coach 3rd base

The Phillies have hired Juan Samuel to be their third-base coach.

Samuel, who was Baltimore's interim manager for 51 games this season, was a two-time All-Star with the Phillies in the 1980s who was known for his speed (led the league in triples twice) and his free-swinging (led the leagues in at bats three times and strikeouts four times).

He is basically replacing first-base coach Davey Lopes as Sam Perlozzo will shift from third to first. Lopes didn't return after a contract dispute, the former Phils coach told CSNPhilly.com.

Samuel's duties also will include coaching the outfielders. Perlozzo will take over baserunning instruction.

“I feel fortunate that we were able to add someone of Juan’s stature to our coaching staff,” said manager Charlie Manuel. “He was a tremendous major league player and a big part of Phillies history and I’m looking forward to him passing on his knowledge of the game to our players. He’s a great addition to our organization.”

Samuel, a member of the Phillies' Wall of Fame, is the 34th person to play and coach for the team. He began his career as a second baseman before finishing as an outfielder.

In parts of seven seasons with the Phightins he batted .263 with 100 homers, 523 runs, 413 RBI, 249 steals, 176 doubles and 71 triples.

In June 1989 the Phillies traded Samuel to the rival Mets for Lenny Dykstra, Roger McDowell and Tom Edens. Yes, the Phillies likely got the better end of that deal.


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