Rob Thomson named Phillies bench coach

Corunna, Ont., native Rob Thomson has left the New York Yankees after 28 years to be the Philadelphia Phillies bench coach. Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Philadelphia Phillies Official Press Release

The Philadelphia Phillies have hired Rob Thomson (Corunna, Ont.) as bench coach for the 2018 major league coaching staff, manager Gabe Kapler announced on Tuesday.

Thomson, 54, spent the last 10 seasons on the New York Yankees major league coaching staff as bench coach (2008; 2015-17) and third base coach (2009-14). In total, Thomson spent 28 seasons in the Yankees organization as a minor league coach, manager, field coordinator, director of player development and vice president of minor league development. The 2018 season will mark Thomson's 33rd year in professional baseball.

In addition to Thomson, the Phillies have hired Jim Gott (bullpen), Pedro Guerrero (assistant hitting), Rick Kranitz (pitching), John Mallee (hitting), Dusty Wathan (third base) and Chris Young (assistant pitching) as major league coaches. There is one open spot (first base) remaining on the Phillies' major league coaching staff.