Sports

Michael Young Returns To Rangers As Special Assistant

November 5, 2014 / 9:49 AM CST / CBS Texas

Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter

ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) -- When former Rangers infielder Michael Young retired from baseball in January, he wanted to step away from the game and spend more time with family.

"As it turns out, it didn't really work that way," said Young, as he was introduced by the Rangers as a Special Assistant to General Manager Jon Daniels on Wednesday. "I watched pretty much every game I could. I knew I wanted to take a year off; it's been basically a year...I'm just very thrilled to be back."

Young returns to the team where he spent 12 seasons and became the team's all-time leader in hits.

He was involved in Texas' search for a new manager this offseason, which yielded Pirates' bench coach Jeff Banister -- who Young calls "the right man to do the job."

The 38-year-old will work with President of Baseball Operations Jon Daniels and his staff in all areas of baseball operations including player evaluation and player development at the major and minor league level, special assignments, and scouting trips.

"Michael will be a significant asset to our baseball operations group in a variety of areas," said Daniels. "I look forward to working with him as we prepare and plan for 2015."

Young says his goal is to add "a different voice" to management. Daniels agreed, saying Young brings a new perspective to the decision-making process.

The former Gold Glove winner (2008), who started at all four infield positions, seems most excited about the opportunity to work with young players.

"When I think of my true impact, I really feel like I can make the biggest dent with kids in the minor leagues," said Young. "I do know what it's like to be down there, grinding away on those bus trips, to be scratching and crawling to get big league ready."

When the team opens Spring Training, Young will be there, hoping to pass on the knowledge he picked up over 13 major league seasons.

"There's a ton of things you learn, and I feel like it's wasted if you don't pass it down."

Young is the Rangers' all-time leader in numerous offensive categories, including games (1,823), hits (2230), runs (1085), doubles (415), triples (55), total bases (3286), at bats (7399), and multi-hit games (651).

He was named Rangers Player of the Year five different times and was a seven-time All Star.

Young and his wife, Cristina Barbosa, will also serve on the Board of Directors for the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation.

Earlier this offseason, Daniels said that he spoke with Young about being considered for the managerial position. Young reiterated on Wednesday that he's not ready for that level of time commitment.

But is he open to a bigger position in the future?

"As far as down the road, I have no idea. I know that I am very, very comfortable with this right now and that's good enough for me."

Latest News:

Top Trending: