As the offseason carries on, we continue to learn more about the new skipper of the Chicago White Sox.
Manager Pedro Grifol joined MLB Network’s “Hot Stove” on Wednesday morning to talk about all things related to his hire as the team’s 42nd manager. Among the topics discussed was Grifol’s decision to wear the number five, which he explained was in honor of Royals’ legend George Brett, with whom he worked with as a coach.
“I looked up to him as a young kid,” Grifol said, “and then I had the chance to go to the big leagues with him in Kansas City because that’s how I broke into the big leagues. I broke into the bigs as George Brett’s assistant hitting coach. We got added to the staff on May 30th in [2013] and we worked together for about eight weeks.”
Grifol, 52, originally played nine seasons in the minor leagues between the Twins and Mets organizations. After the former catcher failed to break through Triple-A, he transitioned into other roles, most notably serving as the Director of Minor League Operations for the Mariners over several years.
Once Grifol joined Kansas City in 2013, he went on to hold a variety of positions during his 10-year tenure, including the team’s special assignment coach, hitting coach, and catching and quality control coach. For the past three seasons, he’s served as the Royals’ major league bench coach under the recently fired Mike Matheny. The Cuban-American has also led minor league teams on separate occasions and managed in the Dominican Republic and Venezuelan winter leagues.
Over the recent weeks, we’ve covered many aspects of Grifol’s hire. All of our previous articles can be found here:
- White Sox officially name Pedro Grifol as manager
- Recapping Grifol’s introductory press conference as White Sox manager
- Journalist Alex Feuz Praises New White Sox Manager Pedro Grifol
- Royals’ writers share their opinions on Pedro Grifol
- Lance Lynn reacts to Grifol hire, throws shade at Guardians
- White Sox manager Pedro Grifol introduces himself to Chicago
- Eduardo Perez: Pedro Grifol would “kick ass” as manager
Grifol’s full segment with MLB Network’s Harold Reynolds and Matt Vasgersian can also be viewed in its entirety below.
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