The Cubs plan to hire Quintin Berry as third base coach, report Will Sammon, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of the Athletic. The 39-year-old has spent the past six seasons on the Brewers’ staff, the last four of which have come as first base coach.
Craig Counsell managed in Milwaukee for the first five years of Berry’s coaching tenure. After one season working under Pat Murphy, Berry rejoins Counsell on the North Side. The Cubs moved on from previous third base coach Willie Harris a few weeks ago. Milwaukee has not announced a replacement.
Berry had a 13-year professional playing career and got to the big leagues in parts of five seasons. He was known for his speed and ability to steal bases. That included a perfect 21-21 showing for the Tigers in 2012. That was the only season in which he logged significant MLB playing time, but he bounced around as a quintessential September player. The expanded rosters — teams could carry up to 40 players in September at that time — afforded the flexibility to use him as a designated pinch runner.
Berry won the 2013 World Series with the Red Sox while working in that capacity. He played the same role with the Cubs in 2015. He’ll make a return to Wrigley Field a decade later.
Always the coaches.
It seemed like Berry was at least a factor in the Brewers big SB numbers, so I’m a bit surprised he’s going to 3B in Chicago.
Only reason I can think of is that he and Counsell are good friends since he had a good gig going with Murphy and Brewers.
Perhaps you’re right. It could also be the Cubs offered more money. Also, it could be seen as a bit of a promotion. In the past 3rd base coach was viewed as higher position than first base. It could be that he has aspirations to be a manager someday.
Yeah, not surprised he went to join Counsell, just a bit surprised at the role, figured Craig would want him in the same role.
Maybe if the Cubs could hire a couple of the Brewers’ batboys as well they could grab a bit of the north of the border magic that they expected…but didn’t get…when they hired CC.
Always liked Q-Berry. He seemed to have a pretty good head on his shoulders and also batted .625 in 2013. He’ll probably do well in his new position.
Thank you Willie Harris. Welcome Q-berry to Chicago again. Now if Mr. Ricketts and Jed Hoyer can convince Juan Soto to come along. Buckle up Chicago. Gonna be fun.
I wouldn’t hold your breathe for that one.
“Quintessential”. Nice work. Also love Q’s time with Detroit. Good luck in Chicago!
Sure, give Berry the credit and not the players. Brewers were young and fast. Is overpaid Dansby, Bellinger or Suzuki gonna steal more bases now?
Typical of cubs, knifing coaches in the back and stealing others from teams.
Underrated and big loss for the Brewers.
The clubhouse pattern of the Brewers’ recent history continues.