Editor’s note: The Red Sox will break camp with 25 players heading north to Boston. We begin a daily look at each position on the club, from the projected starters to their backups, as well as every member of the coaching staff. Our latest installment examines third base coach Tim Bogar. >
The gate-keeper: A year after Tim Bogar’s playing career came to an end, he was a representative for Rawlings, traveling from camp to camp during spring training and doling out gloves to players who used the brand. Within three years he had won manager of the year awards at two different levels of the minor leagues in two different organizations. Two years after that he was breaking new ground, serving as the pioneering quality assurance coach for Tampa Bay during their pennant-winning 2008 season.
The quick rise is a testament to the baseball acumen of Bogar. Entering his third year on the staff in Boston — one as first base coach and now two as the third base coach — Bogar continues to make a name for himself. He was listed as a potential candidate for some managerial posts during the offseason, and figures to remain a coveted figure in such realms.
The 44-year-old Bogar played in 701 games in the majors with three teams before hanging up his cleats in 2002. He was a .228 lifetime hitter with 24 home runs and was a defensive standout at every infield position. While in the New York Mets system, he played all nine positions in a game on two occasions. That is a publicity stunt as much as anything and something a handful of players have done in the past, but Bogar was one guy who could actually pull it off because of his versatility — he even pitched twice in his major league career, allowing a run on two hits in two innings.
As is often the case when a third base coach makes a mistake, Bogar received some attention last year when a couple of runners were thrown out at home in big situations. He stood tall, was extremely accountable, and admitted there were some adjustments to the new role.
Few ever notice the third base coach when he makes a good judgment call, as Bogar did on a consistent basis the rest of the way. Like he did during his heady playing days, his time as a manager in the minors and while trailblazing new positions in the majors, Bogar began to shine.
