Brookens named Tigers first base, outfield and running coach
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has named Tom Brookens the team’s first base, outfield and baserunning coach.
Brookens spent the past five seasons as a manager at the minor league level in the Tigers organization, compiling a 310-262 record with Single A Oneonta (2005-06), Single A West Michigan (2007) and Double A Erie (2008-09). He was tabbed the Midwest League’s Manager of the Year in 2007 after guiding the Whitecaps to the league’s championship.
“Tom Brookens is a quality baseball person that I have known since managing him in the minor leagues,” Tigers Manager Jim Leyland said. “He has been a member of the Tigers family for many years and we feel he is a perfect fit for our major league staff.”
Brookens played 12 seasons at the major league level with the Tigers (1979-88), New York Yankees (1989) and Cleveland Indians (1990). He finished his career with a .246 batting average, 71 home runs and 431 RBI in 1,336 games. Brookens was a member of the Tigers World Series Championship club in 1984, batting .246 with five home runs and 26 RBI in 113 games.
“I’m really excited about getting the opportunity to join the staff in Detroit,” Brookens said. “It will be fun to back in the big leagues in a Tigers uniform and I’m looking forward to working with Jim and the rest of the staff.”
Brookens replaces Andy Van Slyke on the Tigers coaching staff. The Tigers announced on October 9 that Van Slyke decided to pursue other opportunities and will not return to the staff in 2010.
Source: Detroit Tigers/ Major League Baseball
