A teacher at heart, Mark Wiley, a special assistant to Rockies’ general manager Dan O’Dowd, re-entered the coaching ranks today, taking over as the boss of the Florida Marlin pitchers for the second time.
Wiley, 58, coached with the Marlins in 2005 when Dontrelle Willis won 22 games. He didn’t want to leave Florida, and the front office wasn’t eager to see him go either. But new manager Joe Girardi brought in his own staff in 2006, leading to Wiley’s exit and ultimate landing in Colorado. Wiley has had opportunities to coach over the past two seasons, but they weren’t a fit like Florida, as he lives in Palm Beach year-round.
“It was still a very difficult decision. The Rockies are in such a great situation where everything is going right. I can’t say enough about how they treated me. They let me know how much I was appreciated, and I felt like my opinion mattered,” Wiley told The Denver Post. “But I have been a coach more than anything else, and I still feel like I can be one again.”
Wiley had O’Dowd’s ear and was instrumental in scouting players and breaking down potential trades. He’s also credited for helping to revive the careers of Rodrigo Lopez and Jorge Julio, who flourished under Wiley when he was in Baltimore. In the end, he couldn’t resist the opportunity to get back into uniform, where he’s proven to make a difference in the past.
“I was very fortunate to be with Colorado during one of the greatest runs in the history of baseball,” said Wiley, who has been in professional baseball for 38 years. “I wish them nothing but the best. I got a chance to see this Florida team all year, and I am very intrigued by the talent they have.”
