Ron Wotus


Ronald Allan Wotus is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and second baseman who currently serves as third base coach for the San Francisco Giants. He previously served as bench coach for the Giants from 1999–2017.

Early life and playing career

Wotus grew up in Colchester, Connecticut, and attended Bacon Academy, where he played soccer, basketball, and baseball. He was drafted in the 16th round of the 1979 Major League Baseball Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
He debuted with the Pirates in 1983 and also played for them in 1984. In the majors, he batted 12-for-58 in 32 games. He played in the Kansas City Royals organization in 1987 and the San Francisco Giants organization in 1988 and 1989, without returning to the majors.

Coaching career

After retiring as a player, Wotus remained in the Giants organization as a minor league manager from 1991 to 1997. He managed the Single-A San Jose Giants, the Double-A Shreveport Captains and Triple-A Phoenix Firebirds. Wotus was named California League Manager of Year in 1991 after leading San Jose to a 92–44 record. In 1997, Wotus was named Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year after the Firebirds finished 88–55, winning 41 of their final 51 games.
Wotus became the Giants' third base coach in 1998 under manager Dusty Baker and served as bench coach from 1999–2017 under managers Baker, Felipe Alou, and Bruce Bochy. Wotus has said he hopes to manage some day and has interviewed for several major league manager jobs, including the Pirates, Dodgers, Mariners, Rays, and Nationals. Wotus has also coached the Giants' infielders and was in charge of defensive shifts. After the Giants had a disappointing 2017 season, Wotus was reassigned to third base coach, his original coaching position with the Giants, to help stabilize the team.

Personal

Wotus married his wife Laurie in 1987. They reside in Pleasant Hill, California.