Rocco Returns … as a Coach?!

Rocco Baldelli is returning to the organization that drafted him

Ten years ago Rocco Baldelli was the next Joe Dimaggio. These days Rocco is the next special assistant for the Tampa Bay Rays. He started as a Devil Ray, and is now only a Ray, Baldelli will be working with young players, executive vice president Andrew Friedman announced Tuesday.

Specifically Baldelli will be a roving instructor with a focus on outfield and baserunning.

“Obviously we’re thrilled to add Rocco and his experience and what he can bring to our young players,” Friedman said. “We think he’ll be a tremendous asset for us. And he looks better in blue.”

Rocco is currently nursing a shoulder injury and has no plans to return as a player but is “not ready to retire.”

“I do have a shoulder issue that I’m dealing with right now,” he said. “It’s something … I need to address it, just because I don’t want to walk around in pain any more. It’s something that affects my ability to play, so it’s something that I have to take care. I don’t think I’m ready to retire, I’m only 28 years old. But at this point I can’t really do what I want to do on the field. I wasn’t comfortable going to spring training this year, because I wouldn’t be able to perform.”

Baldelli, once heralded as the next great Italian baseball player, hurt his shoulder last season, but played through the injury.

“Hopefully, some day, maybe I can play again,” he said. “If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen.”

Rocco would also go on to say:

“I’m going to have fun with it,” Baldelli said. “I think I’m going to have fun being out on the field again and having the Rays jersey on and going out and trying to do anything I can to help the young players in the organization. I don’t think I’d want to do it in any other organization than this. I feel this is my second home.”

We are very happy to hear Rocco is at peace with his playing career because he failed to meet a lot of expectations.

@MatAnaya

Rocco Baldelli is returning to the organization that drafted him March 2, 2010 – Matt Anaya Ten years ago Rocco Baldelli was the next Joe Dimaggio. These days Rocco is the next special assistant for the Tampa Bay Rays. He started as a Devil Ray, and is now only a Ray, Baldelli will be working [...]