What better coach is there to have at first base than Jose Cardenal. An 18-year major leaguer, the third-year Yankee coach participated in the pressures of the post-season, played in nearly 2,000 games at four different positions and had the ability to hit for average, hit for power and steal a base.
When he talks, players listen. The 49-year-old embarked on his coaching career in 1981 and he has never looked back. His expertise on the base paths and in the outfield as a player has lent itself perfectly to the transition as coach. He began as an instructor with the White Sox and Cubs before joining the Cincinnati Reds organization as a first-base coach for one season.
He then moved to St. Louis in 1994 to join former teammate and CardinalsΓÇÖ manager Joe Torre, resuming his duties at first. When Torre changed addresses to the Bronx, he made sure his first-base coach was part of the package. Cardenal is quick with a smile and is the perfect complement to TorreΓÇÖs relaxed coaching style.
ΓÇ£If you come to the ballpark and you enjoy what youΓÇÖre doing, the gameΓÇÖs going to be easier for you. And thatΓÇÖs the message I give to every young ballplayer.ΓÇ¥
