Tropical Tidbits: 39.02 - New Staff

[udlb58]

The Hurricanes continue their practice of hiring former players with the signing of former infielder Kenny Hill to serve as the Port Arthur hitting coach when the season begins in a few months. Hill played over 200 games from 2023-2025, back when the franchise was in Greenville.

"Kenny wasn't a well known player, but he showed his love for the game in the way he continued to plug away in the minors into his late 20s, and his willingness to ship off to the EBA to try and continue his career after leaving the organization. We feel he is a very knowledgeable hitting coach and are looking forward to what he will bring to our your hitters," said GM Tyler Simmons.

Hill served as a minor league hitting coach in the Vancouver system from 2030-2035, working up from the Rookie level in 2030 to AAA in 2033. However, after over 2 seasons and 300 games as the team's AAA hitting coach, he was suddenly dropped back to the Rookie league level and eventually relieved of his duties among rumors of substance abuse and turmoil.

Since leaving the Vancouver organization, Hill has cleaned up his act and was working as the University of Miami hitting coach when approached by Jacksonville. "I thank 'the U' for all they have done in getting me back into baseball and I look forward to getting back into professional baseball with a chance to work for the organization that gave me an opportunity as a player so many years ago," Hill commented in his hiring press conference.

Hill joins former Moonshiner/Hurricane players Doug Glover (HOF player with Greenville 2012-2020 who is serving in his 13th season as a coach in the org, and 3rd as the big league hitting coach); Martin Felix (Ring of Honor player from 2011-2020, serving in his 6th season as a coach, currently as the AA Manager); Angel Ramirez (pitcher from 2017-2024, 2028-2029 in his 9th season as a pitching coach, currently in AA); Armando Sandoval (Moonshiner from 2000-2010 and veteran pitching coach in his 15th season, 2nd in the organization); and Jorge Gonzales (overachieving infielder from 2028-2035 who joined the org last year as Paraiso hitting coach).

Other former BBA/EBA players on the staff include Asst GM Cole Rollins (BBA SS 2010-2016); AA Hitting Coach Adam Searson (EBA OF 2003-2010) and A Pitching Coach Bob Ayers (BBA P 2009-2012, 2016)

[RonCo]

I liked Kenny Hill a lot. Guessing he'll make a pretty good coach.

[udlb58]

I liked Kenny Hill a lot. Guessing he'll make a pretty good coach.

The game says his reputation is 'Poor', but who knows what that really means?