Steve Smith, who won the 2008 World Series as the third base coach for the Philadelphia Phillies, will come to Europe in June. The Italian Baseball League club PALFINGER REGGIO EMILIA announced on their website this week that long time big league coach will hold a training camp in Reggio.
Smith was also a third base coach with the Seattle Mariners (1998/1999) and the Texas Rangers (2002-2006) and managed in the Minor Leagues. During his playing career he was an infielder in the farm system of the San Diego Padres. The Phillies didn’t renew his contract last November and let him go. He worked with several superstars during his coaching career, including Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, Michael Young, Chase Utley, Alfonso Soriano, Hank Blalock and among others.
The contact between the Italian Baseball club and Smith was established due to friendship between Paul Macaluso and sponsor Palfinger. REGGIO EMILIA played two preseason games this weekend in Parma against PIACENZA and CARIPARMA and they open the new IBL season on April 9th against defending champion T&A SAN MARINO.