Tommy Watkins - Coach - Minnesota Twins

How I Got Here with Corey Koskie

Have you ever sat in the stand and wonder how does one become a first base coach in the major leagues and what the heck does a first base coach do on a major league team. Does he just stand next to first base to collect the batter’s armor?

According to Wikipedia "Stationed in designated coaches' boxes near first and third base, they are appropriately named base coaches—individually, first base coach and third base coach. They assist in the direction of baserunners, help prevent pickoffs, and relay signals sent from the manager in the dugout to runners and batters."

The first base coach is so much more than this. For me the first base coach was one of the most encouraging coaches on the staff. Every team I played for the base coaches were my biggest fans. Whether it was the Twins and Jerry White or the Blue Jays and Brian Butterfield these guys were my biggest cheerleaders.

Tommy Watkins is one of these guys for the Twins. After playing 10 years in the minor he got he first chance to play major league baseball when he got called up August 8, 2007. His first MLB game was in Kansas CIty.

Once again according to Wikipedia "Red Wings Manager Stan Cliburn stated that Watkins' promotion to the big leagues "was one of the most emotional call-ups [he had] ever been involved with." The announcement "set off a joyous celebration in the clubhouse, because of everyone's love, passion and respect for Tommy."

His Major League journey as a player ended 14 days later when he suffered an abdominal strain. He went back down to the minors and never came back up. He then become a minor league coach. This is his story........

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