Gross to Assume Phillies Hitting Coach Duties
Published on July 23, 2010 under International League (IL1)
Lehigh Valley IronPigs News Release
Greg Gross, who has been serving as hitting coach for the IronPigs since 2008, will assume an identical role with the Philadelphia Phillies, the club announced last night. He will take over for Milt Thompson, who was relieved of his duties of hitting coach yesterday.
For the balance of the season, the IronPigs vacated hitting coach position will be filled by various coordinators within the Phillies organization.
Gross, 57, was the Phillies' bench coach in 2001 for manager Larry Bowa and then served as hitting coach from 2002-04 before joining the Phillies' player development staff in 2005. The native of nearby York, Pa., played 17 seasons in the Major Leagues, including 10 with the Phillies (1979-88) and played a key role in Philadelphia's first World Championship in 1980.
Gross broke into the Majors with Houston in 1973 and captured The Sporting News National League Rookie of the Year honors in 1974 after batting .314 (third in the N.L.). Traded to Chicago in the winter of 1976, the outfielder came to the Phillies alongside Manny Trillo in an eight-player deal in 1979. A lifetime .287 hitter, Gross collected 143 career pinch-hits - a mark that ranks fourth all-time behind Lenny Harris, Manny Mota and Smoky Burgess.
Last season, Gross was at the controls of an IronPigs offense that scored 623 runs last year - the highest output by the Phillies top farm club in five seasons.
The IronPigs return to Coca-Cola Park tonight at 7:05 p.m. and open up an eight-game homestand against the Norfolk Tides. Be sure to stick around following the game for Friday Night Fireworks presented by the Crayola Factory. Also, Fly-Away-Friday presented by the Lehigh Valley International Airport will award a lucky fan a trip for two.
Tickets for all upcoming IronPigs home games are still available and can be purchased in-person at Coca-Cola Park, by calling (610) 841-PIGS or online at ironpigsbaseball.com. Prices for single-game tickets remain identical for the third consecutive season and start as low as $6 for General Admission, granting fans access to the Capital BlueCross Lawn seating area and standing room only areas. Field Level reserved seats are just $9.
Fans are reminded that there are three entry points for parking and are encouraged to use the Dauphin Street entrance when traveling from downtown Allentown. In addition to the Dauphin Street entrance, entry to Coca-Cola Park can be gained off American Parkway and Union Boulevard. Preferred/Handicapped Parking access is available via American Parkway only.
The cost of parking for all IronPigs home games is $3 per vehicle.
The 2010 IronPigs season is presented by Capital BlueCross.
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