SARASOTA—For nine seasons, through six different cities, Buck Britton fought his way through the Orioles’ minor league system. He played every position in the infield as well as left and right field. Britton even pitched once.
Drafted in 2008 in the 35th round, one that no longer exists, Britton’s introduction to professional baseball was in Bluefield, West Virginia of the Appalachian League, a team and league that no longer exist.
Britton made it as far as Triple-A Norfolk, and eight years after he played for them, he became their manager.
The Orioles thought enough of Britton that they made him a coach, and then manager at Single-A Delmarva, Double-A Bowie and, for the past three seasons, with the Tides.
He’s been promoted to major league coach for this season after being the one who told Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg, Colton Cowser, Jackson Holliday and others that they were going to play for the Orioles.
“To be the guy that was telling them they were going to fulfill their childhood dream and going to the big leagues and now to see them perform on this stage, I think that’s going to be special,” Britton said. “A lot of this hasn’t hit me yet. When we get on the plane leaving here, that’s when it will rattle me a little bit. I’m excited to get around these guys as a group. I’ve had them two at a time. To see these guys play together is going to be exciting.”
At 38, Britton is three years younger than the Orioles’ oldest player, 41-year-old Charlie Morton, and he remembers what it was like to take those long bus rides, stay at inferior hotels and eat postgame meals that are best forgotten.
“I feel like I’m still kind of young, but 17 years in the minor leagues as a player and coach,” he said. “An opportunity came up, and you’re just hoping and praying you’re the guy that’s going to get that opportunity. We know how valuable these spots are. Guys grind in the minor leagues a long time. I just feel super blessed to be here.”
Britton is one of four new coaches on the Orioles’ staff. Robinson Chirinos, who caught for the team in 2022, is the team’s new bench coach. Sherman Johnson and Tommy Joseph are assistant hitting coaches to Cody Asche, who was promoted from offensive strategy coach to lead hitting coach.
The title of major league coach is amorphous, but Britton is eager to give it definition.
“I think it’s going to be kind of like a Swiss Army knife, a little bit of everything,” he said. “The big jobs are going to be to help [third base coach Tony Mansolino] with the infielders. The other part of this is to keep that connection to the minor leagues and make sure that the communication back and forth is happening. Just kind of rely on the relationships that I’ve established on both sides, whether it be staff in the minor leagues and these players that are now in the big leagues, the majority of whom I’ve had at some point in the minor leagues.”
Manager Brandon Hyde thinks the minor league knowledge will be valuable.
“Him knowing so many of our players is going to be helpful, so he’s got a really good skillset as a coach,” Hyde said. “I’ve watched his growth throughout the years. I think he’s going to be a good add to our coaching staff.”
For years, Buck was simply known as Oriole closer Zack Britton’s older, less talented brother, the man whom his brother leaned on for guidance when he went through struggles trying to make the big leagues. Now, Buck will fulfill his dream, and maybe in the future, get to manage in the big leagues.
“There’s a lot of people that would like that,” he said as spring training started. “Right now, I’m trying to survive the first week, as long as Hyde will have me. Once you get here and you start to experience what the big leagues is like, I think some of that will kind of dictate itself. Down the road, I’m always looking to learn and be better. Wherever that takes me, man, this opportunity to start this journey. Hopefully, we can ride it out as long as we can.”
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