The Baseball world has been buzzing with the possibility of the New York Yankees bringing back one of the team’s former skippers, Buck Showalter, as the team’s bench coach. A move to have Showalter return to the Yankees dugout would provide an interesting dynamic for the organization and for the team. Here is a look at what could come about if the Yankees hire Buck Showalter as the bench coach.
Background on Buck Showalter
Buck Showalter is no stranger to the dugout for the New York Yankees. Showalter’s experience in the MLB includes managing starting in 1985 with the Baltimore Orioles, the New York Yankees from 1992-1995, the Arizona Diamondbacks from 1998-2000, and the Texas Rangers from 2003-2006. His most recent stint in professional baseball came with the Orioles, where he managed the team from 2010-2018. In total, Showalter has managed in 3,518 regular season games, with a record of 1650-1,821 in the wins-losses column.
The Impact of a Showalter Return
A return to the Yankees by Showalter would undoubtedly have a major impact on the team, with many different consequences arising out of the move.
These are some of the potential effects of a Showalter return:
Increased Experience on Bench Staff
Showalter would provide a wealth of knowledge and experience for the Yankees’ coaching staff. This could lead to the development of younger players, as well as more efficient in-game management. Showalter’s previous experience as a manager in Major League Baseball could go a long way in providing guidance to the younger players on the team, which could prove to be invaluable in their development and potential success.
Improved Cohesion in Dugout
Showalter’s known ability to foster relationships between players, coaches, and front office personnel could create a more unified atmosphere in the dugout. Getting the players to buy into philosophies and management strategies would be easier with Showalter’s presence, as he has shown in the past he can promote an atmosphere where all baseball personnel are on the same page.
Better Communication with Players
Showalter has had a long history of developing relationships with players that goes beyond the traditional coach-player relationship. Having a coach-player relationship based on mutual respect and understanding leads to better communication and the ability of coaches to get the most out of their players.
The Unknowables
Apart from the effects of Showalter returning, there are a few unknowns that could arise out of the hire.
Unexpected Chemistry Glow/Fizzle
Bringing in an outside party to a team runs the risk of changing the team’s chemistry dynamics. This could be either a positive, such as Showalter creating an influx of positive energy, or a negative, such as creating contention between players.
Increased Pressure on Organization
Bringing in a high-profile and experienced coach applies pressure on the organization to succeed. The Yankees have a heavy expectation on them to win in any given season, and the hire of Showalter could up the ante. If the team isn’t meeting their own expectations, then there could be questions about Showalter’s ability as a bench coach or how the team is being managed.
Hiring a veteran manager such as Buck Showalter as the Yankees bench coach could give the organization another experienced voice in the dugout. Showalter has a wealth of knowledge and relationships with baseball personnel, which would be beneficial to the team in various forms.
There are a few unknowns that could arise from the hiring Showalter, such as how his presence in the dugout will alter or create chemistry with the players and whether or not the Yankees will feel an even heavier weight of expectation on them to win.
Ultimately, the decision about whether or not to hire Buck Showalter should be made with thought and consideration, but if Showalter does return to the Yankees, he does bring with him experience and a unique voice that could have a profound effect on the organization.
