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Source: Pirates hitting coach Ritchie to quit for George Washington job
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Pirates hitting coach Gregg Ritchie plans to become the head baseball coach at George Washington University and will not return to the Pirates in 2013, according to a source.
George Washington, Ritchie's alma mater, fired coach Steve Mrowka earlier this year. George Washington athletic department spokesmen could not immediately be reached for comment. Pirates Prospects first reported Ritchie's decision.
Ritchie, 48, became the hitting coach in November 2010. He spent seven years with the Pirates' organization, previously as the minor league hitting coordinator.
Ritchie denied rumors that he was planning on taking the George Washington job in August.
The Pirates enter their final game of the season ranked 14th in the National League in batting average, 14th in on-base percentage and 15th in strikeouts. They endured a stagnant offense for the first two months of the season before hitting well in June and July. Their offense has been inconsistent during the final two months of the season.
Pedro Alvarez and Garrett Jones took steps forward this season and Andrew McCutchen produced an MVP-caliber season.
First Published October 3, 2012 12:30 am
