Marcus Thames retires; joins Yankees as hitting coach

It was announced yesterday that outfielder Marcus Thames’ playing career is over. The 10-year MLB veteran will remain involved with the game of baseball, as he’s set to become the hitting coach for the New York Yankees’ high-A affiliate next season, according to a team announcement:

...Two former TY players are now on the coaching side, Hitting Coach Marcus Thames and Coach Brian Baisley. Continued...

— Tampa Yankees (@TampaYankees) January 10, 2013

Thames, who turns 36 in March, spent 10 seasons at the major league level as a member of the Yankees, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Yankees drafted Thames in the 30^th round of the 1996 MLB Draft out of Texas State University. He debuted with New York in 2002 as a 25-year-old, was dealt to the Rangers for Ruben Sierra the next year and ultimately landed with the Tigers soon after.

Thames spent six seasons with Detroit, putting together a few solid campaigns. From 2006 to 2008 he hit .247/.304/.523 while averaging over 15 doubles and 23 home runs per season. He also played well as a reserve for the Yankees in 2010, hitting .288/.350/.491 with 19 extra-base hits in 212 at-bats.

Thames retires with a career line of .246/.309/.485.