Alumni Spotlight: Eric Hinske
December 12, 2016
Eric Hinske is featured in today's alumni spotlight. Hinske is an assistant coach with the Chicago Cubs, who won the World Series in 2016.
Name: Eric Hinske
Position: Coach (Chicago Cubs)
Birthplace: Menasha, WI
WSL Team: Oshkosh Giants
2016 Season: First base coach for the Chicago Cubs; 2016 World Series Champion
Eric Hinske completed his third season on the Cubs coaching staff, and second as assistant hitting coach in 2016… joined the Cubs in 2014 as the team’s first base coach after a 12-year big league career with the Blue Jays (2002-06), Red Sox (2006-07), Rays (2008), Pirates (2009), Yankees (2009), Braves (2010-12) and Diamondbacks (2013) … 2016 marks his 19th season in professional baseball and his third as a coach. Was originally drafted by the Cubs in the 17th round of the 1998 Draft (scout: Brian Milner). Named the 2002 A.L. Rookie of the Year after leading all rookies in doubles, home runs and hits. Attended the University of Arkansas … is a 1995 graduate of Menasha (Wis.) High School, where he lettered in baseball, basketball and football. Eric is in his third season on the Cubs major league coaching staff, his second as the team’s assistant hitting coach. Eric, who was selected by the Cubs in the 17th round of the 1998 draft, batted .249 (947-for-3,797) with 549 runs, 240 doubles, 18 triples, 137 home runs and 522 RBI in 1,387 games with Toronto (2002-06), Boston (2006-07), Tampa Bay (2008), Pittsburgh (2009), the Yankees (2009), Atlanta (2010- 12) and Arizona (2013). The former infielder was named the 2002 A.L. Rookie of the Year after hitting .279 (158-for-566) with 38 doubles, 24 home runs and 84 RBI in 151 games with Toronto. The 24 homers were the most by an AL rookie since Nomar Garciaparra in 1997 (30). A two-time World Series champion with Boston in 2007 and the Yankees in 2009, he appeared in 10 playoff games from 2007-10, batting .286 (2-for-7) with two home runs and three RBI. Made three-consecutive trips to the World Series while with the Red Sox (2007), Rays (2008) and Yankees (2009). Clubbed his 100th career home run on July 29, 2008 at Toronto off Roy Halladay. Owned a .283 batting average (460-for-1,626) with 282 runs, 101 doubles, 17 triples, 76 home runs and 296 RBI in 467 minor league games. Appeared in 339 minor league games with the Cubs, hitting .285 (332-for-1,164) with 73 doubles, 50 home runs and 215 RBI, before he was traded to Oakland, March 28, 2001, for Miguel Cairo.
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