On Opening Day, 15 players were on the Giants’ roster for the first time, but they weren’t the only ones who enjoyed the season opener in the majors.
Several members of coach Gabe Kapler’s roster of coaches also debuted in the Big Top last week at Dodger Stadium, including Alyssa Nakken, the first instructor in MLB history. He also has his place in Cooperstown, after he donated his No. 92 jersey to the Hall of Fame museum to commemorate the event.
The meeting in Los Angeles marked Nakken’s second feat last week, when she broke another barrier by being the first base coach in an exhibition game against the Athletics. Nakken, 30, replaced incumbent first-rate coach Antoan Richardson for the final chapters of the engagement, to become the first on-field coach in the majors.
“I was always prepared for whatever role they gave me,” Nakken declared during a video conference with the media a few days ago. “We have talked about this opportunity, but it came sooner than anticipated.
I was ready when Antoan Richardson gave me his full backing: “You feel quite proud. Personally, it is the best place to watch a game ”.
Nakken praised the great work Richardson did to her development as an instructor. The two met at the Giants’ Minor League facility in Scottsdale, Arizona, the day before the club announced Kapler’s signing in January. (GG) (Taken from MLB.com)