Astros part ways with longtime third-base coach Gary Pettis: Source
HOUSTON — The Houston Astros will not renew the contract of longtime third-base coach Gary Pettis, a team source told The Athletic on Monday, ending Pettis’ decade-long tenure with the ballclub.
No other changes are expected on the Astros’ staff, though other teams with vacancies could seek permission to interview some sitting Astros coaches, leaving open the possibility of other moves.
Hired by A.J. Hinch before the 2015 season, Pettis worked under three different field managers and was the longest-tenured member of Houston’s coaching staff — the only one employed for each of the team’s seven consecutive trips to the American League Championship Series.
Pettis earned a reputation as one of the game’s most aggressive third-base coaches, endearing himself to Houston fans with his exaggerated windmill wave to home plate. Pettis also coached the team’s outfielders and served as its baserunning coordinator. Right fielder Kyle Tucker thrice finished as a Gold Glove finalist under Pettis’ watch and won the award in 2022.
Pettis captured five Gold Gloves during his 11-year playing career. After retiring in 1992, Pettis coached for the Chicago White Sox, New York Mets and Texas Rangers before arriving in Houston. Pettis went to six World Series as a coach.
Pettis battled multiple myeloma — a form of blood cancer — during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, but returned to his full, on-field duties by July 2021.