Amid so much change around the Giants organization, there will be one more familiar face. And bat.
Pat Burrell will be High-A San Jose’s hitting coach, the team announced Monday, as the former Giants outfielder makes a surprise return to a professional clubhouse.
Burrell, whose 11-year career finished in 2011, goes back to his roots as he’s a Bellarmine College Preparatory graduate. Since retiring, Burrell has been a special assignment scout and NBC Sports Bay Area analyst.
Late in their careers in Tampa, Burrell and new Giants manager Gabe Kapler were teammates, though a source said Kyle Haines, the director of player development, identified Burrell as a hitting mind he wanted to bring into the dugout.
Burrell will work alongside manager Dennis Pelfrey and pitching coach Matt Yourkin. The 43-year-old hit 292 home runs in a career that featured two World Series championships, including 2010’s with the Giants.