Texas Rangers Hire Jeff Banister as Manager

The Texas Rangers hired Pittsburgh Pirates bench coach Jeff Banister as their new manager.

Banister got the nod over two other finalists, interim manager Tim Bogarand Cleveland Indians bullpen coach Kevin Cash.

General manager Jon Daniels said Thursday night that Banister won over the Rangers during the interview process. Daniels described Banister as the best fit for a team that quickly wants to recreate a winning culture after its most losses since 1985.

“Jeff really impressed us across the board,” Daniels said. “From people that he works with now with the Pirates, the people that used to work there, and players that he’s had recently and some years back, stars as well as role players, and everyone came back with the desire to win, a love for the game, the love for people, the ability to reach people, the ability to connect with a variety of people, an interest in learning more.”

Banister will be formally introduced as Ron Washington‘s replacement during a news conference at Globe Life Park.

The 49-year-old Banister has been Pittsburgh’s bench coach for manager Clint Hurdle the past four years and in the Pirates organization for 29 seasons. Hurdle was the Rangers’ hitting coach when they went to their first World Series in 2010.