There was a familiar face atDodger Stadiumon Wednesday.
Jason Heyward was reporting for his first day of in-person duty in his new job.
The Dodgershave hired Heyward, therecently retired 16-year MLB veteranand former All-Star and Gold Glove outfielder, as a special assistant in their front office — a role that will allow the 36-year-old to begin what he hopes is a second career as a front office official.
“I asked for an opportunity to learn,” Heyward said. “I have a goal of potentially one day being in the front office.”
Heyward said his interest in a front office future was piqued during the final few seasons of his career, growing fascinated as an older player by all the intricacies that go into running an organization.
“As I came down the stretch over the last few years, it was watching different roles, having to make bullpen moves, having to make lineup matchups and things like that,” he said. “I’m like, ‘Let’s continue to have conversations on those and see what I can bring as a former player to that side of things.’”
For now, Heyward’s role withthe Dodgersis open-ended. He will get the opportunity to experience several different front-office departments (on Wednesday, he was shadowing Dodgers vice president of scouting David Finley). He will also travel to the team’s minor-league affiliates to work with young players.
“I think it’s awesome to be a line of communication,” he said, “and be a resource to not just the players but also the front office.”
California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.
As for his long-term goals, he said it “would be amazing” to one day become a general manager or president of baseball operations with an MLB club.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
