The Houston Astros are expected to add Gary Pettis to their coaching staff for the upcoming season. The 56-year-old will serve as the club's outfield/base running coach for the 2015 season.
Pettis was a part of the Texas Rangers' coaching staff for the last eight years. He was a member of former Rangers' manager Ron Washington's original staff when he took over managerial duties in 2007. Pettis initially joined the Rangers as a first base coach, but made the switch to a third base coach in 2013 and remained at that position in 2014 as well. He was the last remaining member of Ron Washington's original 2007 coaching staff.
Prior to joining the Rangers in 2007, Pettis was a hitting instructor for the Milwaukee Brewers' Triple-A affiliate, the Nashville Sounds in 2005 and 2006. Prior to that, he spent four seasons as a first base and outfield coach with the New York Mets (2003-2004) and Chicago White Sox (2001-2002) and also served as a roving Minor League instructor with the White Sox (1997-2000) and the California Angels (1995).
Pettis also played eleven seasons in the Major Leagues as a center fielder. He won five Gold Glove Awards and became just the fifth player in Major League Baseball history to win a Gold Glove Award for three different teams when he won his final one in 1990 as a member of the Texas Rangers. He won two Gold Glove Awards as a member of the California Angels in 1985 and 1986, and he won two more as a member of the Detroit Tigers in 1988 and 1989.
Pettis failed to hit for a high batting average during his career in the Major Leagues as he only mustered a .236 batting average in 4,238 career plate appearances. However, he was known for his great defense and prolific base running ability as he tallied five seasons in which he swiped more than 40 bases.