Position:Director of Hitting
Department:Minor League - Admin
Reporting Manager:Director, Player Development
Status:Full-Time
Job Classification:Exempt
Location:Mesa, AZ
Description:The Director of Hitting provides instruction to all players throughout the minor league system to develop their hitting skills and coaches individual hitters in their physical, mental, and emotional approach to hitting. The Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the organizational hitting program as it pertains to spring training, in-season implementation with all Athletics' minor league teams, and instructional league.
The Director of Hitting also supervises the individual hitting coaches with each affiliate and provides support for them and for the Managers during the minor league season. Other similar duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement, and oversee the hitting development curriculum for all minor league levels.
- Create individualized development plans for hitters in collaboration with on-field coaches and performance staff.
- Monitor player progress through video, in-game performance, practice sessions, swing data, biomechanics information, and other hitting-related metrics.
- Provide regular feedback, instruction, and support to hitting coaches and players, both remotely and on-site.
- Coordinate hitting programs, batting practice plans, cage work, swing development sessions, and other skill-development activities.
- Lead systemwide meetings, workshops, and onboarding sessions related to organizational hitting philosophy and player development initiatives.
- Ensure consistent teaching methods, terminology, philosophies, and expectations across all minor league affiliates.
- Work closely with the Major League hitting department to ensure continuity between MLB and MiLB hitting development programs.
- Collaborate with analysts, strength & conditioning staff, sports medicine, mental performance, nutrition, and other performance departments to optimize hitter development and performance.
- Use advanced tools (i.e., TrackMan, Rapsodo, Hawkeye, Edgertronic, motion capture, biomechanics reports) to evaluate and support player development.
- Interpret performance data and translate insights into actionable coaching interventions.
- Partner with the analytics team on research projects related to workload management, mechanics, injury prevention, and performance improvement.
- Travel regularly to minor league affiliates, complex facilities, and Spring Training.
- Participate in Spring Training, mini-camps, instructional league, and other player development programs as needed.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- High degree baseball hitting experience as a coach and/or player, preferably as a hitting coach at the minor league or college level.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and technical skills.
- Strong understanding of hitting related injuries, hitting mechanics, and hitting philosophies.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with players, coaching staff, and front office personnel.
- Experience with video analysis and data-driven approaches to player development.
- A deep passion for player development, a growth mindset, and a commitment to continuous learning.
- Flexibility to work extensive hours including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required by the minor league baseball season.
- Ability to stand, walk, and actively participate in on-field practices and games for extended periods of time.
- Ability to lift and carry equipment such as balls and training equipment, often in variable weather conditions.
- Adequate mobility and physical stamina to engage in field activities and accompany players during practices and games.
- Fluency in Spanish is a plus but not required
