Tigers fire pitching instructor for using ‘racially inappropriate words’ towards a team employee
The Detroit Tigers have fired pitching coach Chris Bosio for “insensitive comments that violated Club policy and his Uniform Employee Contract,” according to a team announcement. Tigers General Manager Al Avila told ESPN that Bosio used “racially insensitive language.”
Bosio was in his debut season with the Tigers.
Bosio formerly worked as a pitching coach with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2003), Milwaukee Brewers (2009), and Chicago Cubs (2012-2017) before joining Ron Gardenhire in Detroit ahead of the 2018 season. His greatest success occurred in Chicago. Bosio was brought in as part of Theo Epstein’s reconstruction, and he oversaw a pitching staff that helped the Cubs win the World Series in 2016.
From 1986 to 1996, Bosio pitched in Major League Baseball for the Brewers and Mariners. He finished 94-93 overall with a 3.96 ERA.
Rick Anderson will take over as pitching coach.
There are no specifics on what Bosio said that led to his dismissal, but the Tigers will need to make an unexpected midseason move. Rick Anderson, who formerly coached the team’s bullpen, will take over as pitching coach, according to Detroit News reporter Chris McCosky.
The Tigers (36-44) rank third in the AL Central.
