Baseball lifer Banister home as Rangers manager

FILE - In this Sept. 12, 2013, file photo, Pittsburgh Pirates bench coach Jeff Banister (28) stands in the dugout during a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Pittsburgh. A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that the Texas Rangers have chosen Pittsburgh Pirates bench coach Jeff Banister as their new manager. The person confirmed multiple reports Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, speaking on condition of anonymity because there was no official announcement from the Rangers. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) FILE - In this Sept. 12, 2013, file photo, Pittsburgh Pirates bench coach Jeff Banister (28) stands in the dugout during a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Pittsburgh. A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that the Texas Rangers have chosen Pittsburgh Pirates bench coach Jeff Banister as their new manager. The person confirmed multiple reports Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, speaking on condition of anonymity because there was no official announcement from the Rangers. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

By Associated Press October 17, 2014 1 min read

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) – Jeff Banister is a baseball lifer who calls Texas home. He grew up there, playing his entire amateur career in the state before getting drafted.

Banister was formally introduced Friday as the new manager of the Texas Rangers, after 29 years in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.

The 50-year-old Banister, who lives in the Houston area, says there is no better place for him. He was the bench coach the past four seasons for manager Clint Hurdle, a former Rangers hitting coach.

Banister’s introduction came six weeks after manager Ron Washington’s sudden resignation for personal reasons.

Texas gave Banister a three-year contract with an option for a fourth season. He got the job ahead of two other finalists, interim manager Tim Bogar and Cleveland Indians bullpen coach Kevin Cash.