John Shelby Named Isotopes Hitting Coach
February 11, 2016 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
Albuquerque Isotopes Hitting Coach John Shelby
(Albuquerque Isotopes)
The Albuquerque Isotopes announced today that John Shelby will join Glenallen Hill's field staff as hitting coach in 2016. Shelby, 57, enters his first season in the Rockies organization after spending the previous five with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Shelby was drafted in the first round (20th overall) of the 1977 January MLB Draft. After an 11-year Major League career, he retired in 1991. In 1,036 games, Shelby compiled a .239 batting average, 70 home runs, and 313 RBI, with stops in Baltimore (1981-87), Los Angeles (1987-90), and Detroit (1990-91). The Lexington, Ky native is a two-time World Series champion, earning rings with the 1983 Orioles and 1988 Dodgers while batting a combined .296 (8-for-27) in 10 Fall Classic games.
Shelby began his coaching career in 1993, managing the Pioneer League's independent Butte Copper Kings. The 1994 season was Shelby's first of 12 years in the Dodgers organization, managing Class-A Bakersfield (1994), Double-A San Antonio (1995-96), and Class-A Savannah (1997). He owns a career managerial record of 291-335 (.465).
Shelby's career path brought him back to the Major Leagues in 1998, serving as first base/outfield coach with the Dodgers through the 2005 season. He would take on the same role with the Pirates (2006-07) and Orioles (2008-10).
In his most recent position with the Brewers, Shelby served as Milwaukee's outfield instructor and "eyes-in-the-sky," overseeing the club's defense from 2011-15.
Affectionately known as "T-Bone," Shelby resides in Lexington, Ky with his wife, Trina. The couple has six children, including sons John T. III, Jeremy, Justin, JaVon, Jaren, and a daughter Tiara. His son John T. III is currently an amateur scout with the Brewers while his son Jeremy was an outfielder in the Orioles organization in 2010. Shelby is an uncle of the Pirates All-Star utility-man Josh Harrison. Shelby graduated from Henry Clay (Ky) High School and attended Columbia State Community College in Tennessee.
Shelby makes his return to Albuquerque 26 years after suiting up for the Dukes in 1989. During his 32-game stretch as a Duke, Shelby recorded a .286 (36-for-126) batting average, four home runs, and 21 RBI.
Images from this story
 Albuquerque Isotopes Hitting Coach John Shelby |
Pacific Coast League Stories from February 11, 2016
- John Shelby Named Isotopes Hitting Coach - Albuquerque Isotopes
- $1.2 Million in Audio and Video Upgrades to Amplify Aces Ballpark - Reno Aces
- Salt Lake Bees to Hold National Anthem Auditions on March 12 - Salt Lake Bees
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
