MESA, Ariz. (AP) – The Oakland A’s added a new coach to their roster on Saturday. Might’ve heard of him – Jim Harbaugh.
The former coach of the San Francisco 49ers and new coach at Michigan appeared in full uniform Saturday, including high socks, for the A’s. He was expected to coach first base for an inning or two against the Los Angeles Angels at HoHoKam Stadium.
Harbaugh wore No. 4, the number used while playing in the NFL. He grew up in Palo Alto, California, and played on the same American Legion team as A’s manager Bob Melvin, although it was a few years after Melvin.
“Let’s play two, as Ernie Banks would say,” said Harbaugh outside the A’s dugout during pregame workouts.
They resumed their relationship after Melvin became A’s manager in 2011. Harbaugh invited Melvin onto the 49ers sideline for several NFL games.