| Dave Hudgens | |
|---|---|
 Hudgens as coach for theNew York Mets in2012. | |
| Toronto Blue Jays | |
| First baseman | |
| Born: (1956-12-05)December 5, 1956 (age 68) Oroville, California, U.S. | |
Batted: Left Threw: Left | |
| MLB debut | |
| September 4, 1983, for the Oakland Athletics | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| October 1, 1983, for the Oakland Athletics | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Batting average | .143 |
| Home runs | 0 |
| Runs batted in | 0 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| As player As coach | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
David Mark Hudgens (born December 5, 1956) is an American former professionalbaseballfirst baseman. As of the 2024 season, Hudgens works within theToronto Blue Jays minor league organization as a coach.
Hudgens was selected by theNew York Mets in the first round of the1975 MLB Draft, and later by theMilwaukee Brewers in the 18th round of the1977 MLB Draft. He did not sign either time, and instead chose to attendArizona State University. He appeared in twoCollege World Series during his four years with the Sun Devils. In his college career, he posted a .313batting average with 16home runs and 135runs batted in. After graduating, Hudgens played for theOakland Athletics andCleveland Indians in their minor league systems in a span of six seasons from 1979–1984, while appearing in six games with the Athletics in 1983.[citation needed]
After retiring from playing baseball, Hudgens managed four years in Oakland's minor league system from 1985-1988 for theMedford A's andPocatello A's. He was hired by Oakland A's General Manager Billy Beane. He also managed winter ball for theLeones del Caracas club of theVenezuelan Professional Baseball League, posting a record of 35-28 during the winter of 2009. He then returned to manage the Leones in 2014, but was dismissed in the middle of the season.[1]
In between, Hudgens served as hitting coach for theNew York Mets from 2011 to 2014. He was released in May 2014 following a Mets' loss to thePittsburgh Pirates.[2]
Before the 2015 season, Hudgens was hired by theHouston Astros to be their hitting coach under new managerA. J. Hinch.[3] In 2017, the Astros won theWorld Series.[4] Three years later, it was revealed in theHouston Astros sign stealing scandal that the team had cheated during its championship season. Hudgens subsequently apologized for his role in the scandal.[5]
On November 7, 2018, Hudgens was hired by theToronto Blue Jays to become their bench coach under new managerCharlie Montoyo.[6][7] On March 13, 2022, the Blue Jays announced that Hudgens would serve in a new role as the club's hitting strategist.[8]
Hudgens was reassigned within the Blue Jays organization in November 2023.[9]