If ever a swash-buckling attitude was brought to the third-base coaching line, then it is Willie Randolph who has perfected the form. Never one to keep his foot off the gas pedal, the YankeesΓÇÖ coach at the hot corner has redefined the word aggressiveness and Yankee fans love his style.
Randolph is regarded as one of the most popular Yankees of his generation as he gave his fans plenty of reasons to cheer over his 18-year playing career that included stops in Los Angeles, Oakland, Milwaukee and Shea Stadium. He helped lead the Bronx Bombers to two World Series titles and four American League titles as their stalwart second baseman. He often led by example, leaving his more talkative teammates to pump up the volume while he produced with a quiet confidence that belied his youth.
The 43-year-old enters his fifth season as the YankeesΓÇÖ third base coach and brings a wealth of knowledge to Joe TorreΓÇÖs coaching staff. A .276 lifetime hitter with six All-Star Games to his credit, Randolph is forever the teacher. Whether talking technique with an infielder or strategizing at third, he has displayed all the potential of a future major league manager.
