Alyssa Nakken joins Guardians, making history in MLB coaching
Aug 18, 2024; Oakland, California, USA; San Francisco Giants major league assistant coach Alyssa Nakken (92) stands on the field during warmups before the game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
Alyssa Nakken, known for shattering barriers as the first full-time female coach in Major League Baseball, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians.
“We thank Alyssa Nakken for her incredible contributions to the San Francisco Giants and for trailblazing a path for women in sports,” the Giants said in a statement.
“Her leadership, dedication, and passion for the game have inspired countless individuals, and her impact has been truly transformative for the Giants organization and the baseball community. As she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her career, we have no doubt that she’ll continue to inspire and achieve great things. We wish her and her family nothing but the best.”
At 34, Nakken is stepping into a player development role with Cleveland, reuniting with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa.
Nakken’s groundbreaking career with the Giants
Nakken joined Gabe Kapler’s staff as an assistant coach in January 2020, working with the team for five seasons. Her focus was on outfield and baserunning development, but her career reached a historic milestone on April 12, 2022.
That day, she became the first woman to coach on the field during a Major League game, stepping in as first-base coach after Antoan Richardson was ejected during a game against the Padres at Oracle Park.
In joining the Guardians, Nakken becomes the second on-field female coach hired by the organization. Amanda Kamekona was brought on in 2023 as a hitting development coach at Cleveland’s year-round training academy in Goodyear, Arizona.
Last season, Kamekona served as an assistant hitting coach for Double-A Akron. Before her coaching career, Kamekona earned recognition as a two-time third-team All-American at UCLA after transferring from Cal State Fullerton.
Nakken herself had an impressive collegiate career as a standout softball player at Sacramento State University. Following the dismissal of Gabe Kapler at the end of the 2023 season, Nakken interviewed for the Giants’ managerial position.
However, the team opted for veteran Bob Melvin. Nakken remained on Melvin’s coaching staff but spent much of the season away from the team, balancing her responsibilities after the birth of her daughter, Austyn, in January.
Changes within the Giants’ coaching staff
This offseason, the Giants have seen a significant shake-up in their coaching lineup. Bryan Price stepped down as pitching coach, while hitting coaches Justin Viele and Pedro Guerrero left for positions with the Rangers and Marlins.
To fill these gaps, San Francisco promoted J.P. Martinez to replace Price but continues searching for a new hitting coach to join Pat Burrell in 2025.
Nakken’s departure marks another major change for the Giants, but her legacy as a trailblazer in Major League Baseball continues to inspire.
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Image: © Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
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