Espada retires to coach with Florida Marlins

Published on December 21, 2005 under American Association (AA)
Pensacola Pelicans News Release


Yes, there is life after playing professional baseball and for Pelicans shortstop Joe Espada, a coaching job with the Florida Marlins.

After a successful 10-year playing career including two with the Pelicans and six years at the triple "A" level, Espada has decided to retire from playing professional baseball to start his coaching career in professional baseball.

Espada recently signed a contract with the Marlins to be a hitting instructor for one of the Marlins single "A" affiliates. In March 2006, he will report to spring training in Jupiter, FL after which he'll be assigned to either the Jupiter Hammerheads of the Florida State League or the Greensboro Bats (NC) of the South Atlantic League.

"The Pelicans organization is proud of Joe and we wish him all the best," said Pelicans general manager George Stavrenos. "It's never fun to lose an outstanding player like Joe but we want what's best for him as he moves into the next phase of his life in professional baseball. He'll be a great asset to the Marlins organizations, his knowledge of the game is top notch and he has a great ability to communicate his knowledge to others."

Coaching is not a skill new to Espada. He has volunteered at several Pelicans clinics, acted as the assistant coach at the University of Mobile, and recently volunteered to be an assistant coach at Pensacola Junior College.

"I have been thinking about coaching for several years now and I'm excited about this great opportunity I have," said Espada. "I enjoyed playing in Pensacola, everyone treated me well but I feel this the next step for my career in baseball is to be a professional coach."

The two-time Pelicans all-star played the 2004 and 2005 seasons here in Pensacola. In the two-year span, he combined to hit .335 with eight homeruns, two triples, 19 doubles, 78 RBI and 105 runs scored. Mid-way through his 2004 campaign, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays signed him to contract to finish out the season with the Montgomery Biscuits, their double "A" affiliate in Montgomery, AL. In 2005, he also tied for the second most stolen bases in the league with 24. He was named to the Central League post-season all-star team after both the 2004 and 2005 seasons.

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