Brad Mills, born on January 19, 1957, in Exeter, California, embarked on a journey in professional baseball that spanned several decades, both as a player and a coach. His career began in earnest when he was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 17th round of the 1979 Major League Baseball Draft. Mills made his major league debut with the Expos on June 8, 1980, as a third baseman. Over the course of his playing career, he appeared in parts of four seasons with the Expos, from 1980 to 1983.
During his time as a player, Mills was known for his defensive skills and versatility on the field, although he struggled to maintain a consistent presence in the major leagues. In total, he played in 106 games, with a batting average of .256, hitting one home run and driving in 12 runs. Despite not having a long-lasting impact as a player, Mills's understanding of the game and leadership qualities were evident, setting the stage for his future roles in baseball.
After retiring as a player, Mills transitioned into coaching, where he found a more enduring role in the sport. He began his coaching career in the minor leagues, working his way up through various positions. His first significant coaching role in the major leagues came in 1997 when he joined the Philadelphia Phillies as a first base coach. Mills's coaching career continued to progress as he took on roles with several teams, including the Montreal Expos, Chicago Cubs, and Boston Red Sox.
Mills's tenure with the Boston Red Sox was particularly noteworthy. He served as the bench coach under manager Terry Francona from 2004 to 2009. During this period, the Red Sox won two World Series titles, in 2004 and 2007. Mills's role as a bench coach involved assisting with in-game strategy, player development, and serving as a liaison between the players and the manager. His time with the Red Sox solidified his reputation as a knowledgeable and reliable figure in the dugout.
In 2010, Mills was given the opportunity to manage his own team when he was hired as the manager of the Houston Astros. He managed the Astros for nearly three seasons, from 2010 to 2012. However, the team struggled during his tenure, finishing with a record of 171-274. Mills was relieved of his managerial duties in August 2012. Despite the challenges faced during his time as a manager, Mills's experience and understanding of the game remained respected within the baseball community.
Following his stint with the Astros, Mills reunited with Terry Francona, joining the Cleveland Indians as a bench coach in 2013. He continued in this role for several years, contributing to the team's success and helping guide them to a World Series appearance in 2016. Mills's long-standing relationship with Francona and his ability to support and develop players were key aspects of his coaching career.
Throughout his time in baseball, Brad Mills was recognized for his strategic mind, leadership abilities, and dedication to the sport.
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