The Atlanta Braves have made a minor league coaching move. Effective immediately, Carlos Mendez has assumed the duties of hitting coach for the Lynchburg Hillcats. He takes over for John Moses, who has been named the hitting coach for the Braves’ Double-A affiliate, the Mississippi Braves.
Originally, Mendez was planning to be the hitting coach for the Danville Braves, Atlanta’s Rookie-level affiliate, for the 2014 season. This is the first time that Mendez will coach as high as the Advanced-A level. Previously he has served as hitting coach for the Danville Braves in 2013, as well as from 2008-2010. From 2011-2012, he was the hitting coach for the Rome Braves, Atlanta’s Class A affiliate.
Mendez began his career in baseball as a player. The Kansas City Royals signed him as an non-drafted free agent in 1991. He made his professional debut in 1992 with the Gulf Coast League Royals. He would later play the 1995 and 1996 seasons in the carolina league as a member of the wilmington blue rocks. He advanced to Triple-A Omaha with the Royals, but ultimately made his Major League debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 2003, appearing in 26 games and batting .222.
Over his 16-year professional playing career, Mendez played for the Royals, Orioles, Detroit Tigers, and Oakland Athletics organizations. He finished his career with the Atlanta Braves, playing for their Triple-A affiliate in Richmond from 2005-2007. He played the corner infield and corner outfield positions, as well as catcher throughout his career.
The Lynchburg Hillcats are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Game one of a seven-day homestand was rained outTuesday, and a doubleheader has been scheduled for tonight at 5:05pm. The Hillcats have three games scheduled against the wilmington blue rocks followed by four against the Potomac Nationals. For tickets please call (434) 528-1144, visit lynchburg-hillcats.com, or come to the ticket office at City Stadium at 3180 Fort Avenue in Lynchburg.
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Chris Graham
