Kevin Cash's journey in Major League Baseball (MLB) began when he signed with the Toronto Blue Jays as an undrafted free agent in 1999. His career as a player spanned several teams and roles, primarily as a catcher. Cash made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays in 2002, where he played until 2004. Known for his defensive skills behind the plate, he was valued for his ability to handle pitchers and his game-calling acumen.
In 2005, Cash was traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, where he continued to serve as a backup catcher. His tenure with the Devil Rays was short-lived, as he moved to the Boston Red Sox in 2007. During his time with the Red Sox, Cash was part of the team that won the World Series in 2007, although his role was primarily as a backup catcher to Jason Varitek. His experience and knowledge of the game were assets to the teams he played for, even if his offensive statistics were modest.
Cash's career as a player also included stints with the New York Yankees, Houston Astros, and a return to the Boston Red Sox. His playing career concluded with the Texas Rangers in 2010. Throughout his time as a player, Cash was recognized for his leadership qualities and understanding of the game, traits that would later serve him well in his post-playing career.
After retiring as a player, Cash transitioned into coaching and management. He joined the Toronto Blue Jays as a bullpen coach in 2012, where he began to hone his skills in managing a pitching staff and developing game strategies. His coaching career took a significant step forward when he was hired by the Cleveland Indians as their bullpen coach in 2013. Working under manager Terry Francona, Cash gained valuable experience and insight into the managerial aspects of the game.
In 2014, Cash was appointed as the manager of the Tampa Bay Rays, becoming the youngest manager in the MLB at the time. His tenure with the Rays marked a new chapter in his baseball career, as he applied his extensive knowledge and experience to lead the team. Under his leadership, the Rays became known for their innovative strategies and effective use of analytics, often competing with teams that had significantly larger payrolls.
Cash's managerial career with the Rays saw the team achieve considerable success, including multiple playoff appearances. In 2020, he guided the Rays to the World Series, where they faced the Los Angeles Dodgers. Although the Rays did not win the championship, Cash's strategic decisions and leadership were widely recognized and praised.
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