Report: Mark McGwire Close to Becoming Dodgers' New Hitting Coach

Report: Mark McGwire Close to Becoming Dodgers’ New Hitting Coach

by Zach Stoloff on Fri, Nov 2, 2012 at 6:09PM

After years hiding from the limelight after his playing career and steroids allegations, Mark McGwire came out of hiding in 2010 to become the St. Louis Cardinals' hitting coach, serving under managers Tony La Russa and Mike Matheny.

Now, according to a report by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Joe Strauss — and since confirmed by other sources — McGwire has informed the Cardinals that he "intends to accept a similar position" with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Cardinals had apparently offered McGwire a contract extension, but he likewise informed the team that he doesn't plan to accept it.

Former pinch-hit specialist Dave Hansen spent the 2012 season as Los Angeles' hitting coach, but was fired last month — Hansen immediately was hired by the Seattle Mariners in the same role.

McGwire attended Damien High School in nearby La Verne, Calif. and played his college ball at USC.

According to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, McGwire's deal with the Dodgers is not yet complete, but is close.

McGwire deal with #Dodgers not done, but close. #Dodgers asked permission to talk to him. #STLCards granted it. First reported, @joestrauss.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 2, 2012