Chicago Cubs name Eric Hinske first base coach

The Chicago Cubs named Eric Hinske as their first base coach.

Sept. 17, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Eric Hinske (20) during batting practice before a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Hinske, 36, was the Cubs’ 17th round pick in the 1998 First-Year Player Draft but never got to play for them. In March 2001, he was dealt to the Athletics for Miguel Cairo. Ironically, the third baseman for the Cubs that year coming out of spring training was the Cubs new hitting coach, Bill Mueller.

The first time coach completed his 12-year playing career last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he batted .173 in 52 games. He won the 2002 American League Rookie of the Year with the Toronto Blue Jays and made three-straight World Series appearances, including championships with the Boston Red Sox in 2007 and the New York Yankees in 2009.

He batted .249 with 137 home runs in 1,387 Major League games mostly as a left-handed hitting third baseman-outfielder with the Blue Jays (2002-06), Red Sox (2006-07), Tampa Bay Rays (2008), Pittsburgh Pirates (2009), Yankees (2009), Atlanta Braves (2010-12) and Diamondbacks (2013).

Hinske joins pitching Chris Bosio, bench coach Brandon Hyde, third base coach Gary Jones, hitting coach Bill Mueller, bullpen coach Lester Strode, catching coach Mike Borzello, assistant hitting coach Mike Brumley and staff assistant Franklin Font on Renteria’s staff.

Hinske’s hiring now completes Renteria’s first staff as Cubs’ manager.

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