Braves bringing back McGriff, Walker as special assistants

Published 5:00 pm Monday, February 9, 2015

ATLANTA (AP) — The Braves are bringing back former first baseman Fred McGriff and ex-hitting coach Greg Walker.

John Hart, Atlanta’s president of baseball operations, announced the hiring of McGriff and Walker as special assistants on Monday.

McGriff played with the Braves from 1993-97, helping the team win the 1995 World Series. The five-time All-Star finished his 19-year career with a .284 average, 493 homers and 1,550 RBIs.

Walker served as Atlanta’s hitting coach the last three years. He stepped down after the disappointing 2014 season, in which the Braves ranked next-to-last in runs scored and near the bottom of the majors in homers and batting average.

McGriff will attend spring training and focus on professional scouting during the season. Walker will work primarily work with minor league hitters during spring training.