San Francisco Giants’ Alyssa Nakken becomes first woman to coach on-field in MLB

The 30-year-old took part in the spring training victory over the Oakland Athletics

Jack Rathborn
Tuesday 21 July 2020 14:41 BST
Comments
Alyssa Nakken in action for the San Francisco Giants
Alyssa Nakken in action for the San Francisco Giants (EPA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

San Francisco GiantsAlyssa Nakken became the first woman to coach in an on-field capacity in Major League Baseball on Monday night.

The 30-year-old took over as the Giants first-base coach in the late innings of an exhibition match against the Oakland Athletics.

Nakken, replaced Antoan Richardson, was congratulated by star outfielder Hunter Pence after making history at the Oakland Coliseum.

The four-time All-Star said: “Congratulations on making history!’’

The Giants ran out 6-2 winners as MLB teams prepare in spring training for a condensed season due to Covid-19.

Wilmer Flores elbow bumps coach Alyssa Nakken
Wilmer Flores elbow bumps coach Alyssa Nakken (Getty)

Nakken was hired by first-year Giants manager Gabe Kapler in January, becoming the first woman to lock up a full-time coaching position at major league level.

It followed six years with the organisation after initially joining in 2014 as an intern in the baseball operations department.

Nakken declared she felt a ”great sense of responsibility” in her role in February and was thrilled to serve as an example for girls and women to break barriers in the sport of baseball.

She said: “I feel it’s my job to honor those who have helped me to where I am.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in