Sean Rodríguez joins Phillies player development staff

Sean Rodríguez, a 13-year MLB veteran and 2019 Phillie, was hired by his former team in a player development role, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. He’ll serve as a baserunning and infield instructor in Clearwater.

Rodríguez, 36, slashed .223/.348/.375 with four home runs and 12 RBIs with Philadelphia in 2019. The former infielder last played for the Miami Marlins in 2020.

To most Phillies fans, Rodríguez is better known for his comments after hitting a walk-off home run. Rodríguez told Zolecki that at the time, he was aiming to defend “two stars on the team” who were bearing the brunt of the criticism for the Phillies’ disappointing season.

“Well, think about it. Who’s looking bad and feeling entitled when you hear stuff like that. I’m asking you,” Rodríguez told the Inquirer after an August 26, 2019 game against the Pirates. “I’m not the one booing. I’m not the one screaming. I’m not the one saying pretty disgusting things at times. That seems pretty entitled. You’re just making yourself look pretty bad as an individual, as a person, as a fan.”

In his new role, Rodríguez hopes to give back to the next generation of ballplayers.

“You go down all the way to rookie ball; the tips and tools are endless at that point,” Rodríguez said. “But at the end of the day, I love baseball. I love seeing good, quality baseball, seeing people who are just passionate about playing the game the right way. If I can help more kids get to that level and do it that way, then I’m in.”

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