Gene Lamont is back in a Pittsburgh Pirates uniform 25 years after he was fired as manager

Pittsburgh (AP) – Gene Lamont has not been in uniform since 2017, his last year as the Detroit Tigers’ Bench Coach. And it’s been 25 years since he ran the Pittsburgh Pirates. Now 78, Lamont was not necessarily looking for a large league doubleout. But he couldn’t resist when Pittsburgh Don Kelly called last week and asked him to join the Pirates coaching staff. Lamont’s first game back was Monday night when the Pirates hosted the Cincinnati Reds in the opener of a series of three games. Lamont returned to the Pirates for the first time since they fired him as manager at the end of the 2000 season after a four-year lead. He also ran the Chicago White Sox of 1992-95. Kelly was a useful player for the Tigers when Lamont was on their coaching staff. Lamont’s title with the Pirates is special consultant. However, he will mainly serve as the de facto banking coach. When Derek Shelton was fired on May 8, Kelly from Bench Coach was promoted to manager. Kelly has never managed at any level. “It’s more just to be with Donnie,” Lamont said of his role. “Maybe there are some decisions during the game he will wonder about. Do I have all the answers? I have the answers, but they are not always right. I will give Donnie my opinion and hopefully it will help. ‘ The Pirates entered a record of 15-32 on Monday and finally in the NL central. They stepped on the leading Chicago Cubs with 13 games. “I think we are a much better team than we played,” Lamont said. “I think the players know that. But you have to do it on the field. You need to make stands, and everyone knows that we have to hit a little better. I think we will do it. Sometimes it takes time. ‘ Kelly is pleased to have Lamont as a source. The Pirates have been 3-6 since the switch of drivers. “Just a phenomenal baseball man,” Kelly said. “Taught me a lot as a player and look forward to having him around, teaching the staff and the players he knows.” ___