Rangers Say “Goodbye” to Long-Time Hitting Coach Rudy Jaramillo

Over the past 15 years with the Rangers, Rudy Jaramillo built his reputation as one of the top hitting coaches in all of baseball.  But after turning down a one-year offer to return to the Rangers in 2010, Jaramillo is now a “coaching free agent” and will look to continue his career with a different major league team.   The Rangers offer of $545,000 would have kept Jaramillo atop the list of the highest-paid hitting coach in baseball.

At age 59, Jaramillo had spent 26 of his 31 seasons in pro baseball with the Rangers organization.

“I was hopeful and expecting that he would accept our offer, but I understand that he has put himself in a position that everyone in the game hopes to achieve, where you’ve got options,” said Rangers general manager Jon Daniels.  “He is, if not the best, certainly one of the best in his field.  He’s at a point where he’s got choices to make and I’ve got to respect that.  He felt that it was time for him to see what was out there.  Arguably (it is) a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

“At first I thought that a one-year offer, I could suck it up and come back and do my job,” Jaramillo told KTCK “The Ticket” sports talk host Norm Hitzges.  “Then I started thinking I’m 59 years old and I need some security.  I don’t know what’s going to happen with the ballclub and new management.  I thought that the timing was right right now.  As a coach, you don’t very often get to be a ‘free agent’ unless you’ve proven yourself.  I’m at that point and felt this was time to do it.

“It’s all about timing.  There are some jobs open out there that won’t be open next year.  That’s what I’m basing my decision on.  It’s been hard and very emotional, especially for my family.  My daughter, my grandkids…my mother is the reason I’ve stayed here.  She’s been devoted to me her whole life and I felt like I needed to be the same for her.  It’s been emotional, but she understands.  I go over there everyday and eat Mexican food before going to the ballpark, so I’m going to miss that.”

Jaramillo also said that he knew Rangers management wanted him to return in 2010 and beyond.

“I was told by Nolan (Ryan, team president) and JD (Jon Daniels) that they both wanted me back,” said Jaramillo.  “But they can’t promise me anything beyond that.  Maybe I should have asked for a multi-year deal, but I don’t think it was going to happen.

“I’ve already spoken to (Rangers players) Michael Young, Ian Kinsler, Marlon Byrd and some of the coaches.  I love those kids and have great friendship and rapport with them.  They’re professionals and they’ll do what they have to do.  Good things will happen here for the Rangers.  I’ll just be somewhere else rooting for them.”

Under Jaramillo’s guidance during the past 15 seasons,  Rangers hitters have collected 3 home run titles, 3 RBI crowns, 4 Most Valuable Player Awards, and 17 Silver Slugger Awards.

The Rangers must now hire a new hitting coach, something they haven’t had to do since 1995.

“A guy of Rudy’s status, you just don’t replace that,” admits Rangers manager Ron Washington.  “But you go out there and try to find the best available guy that fits the needs we’re looking for…there are certainly some very good hitting coaches out there.”