Yanks Go Yard
FanSided

Yankees Minor League News: Eric Duncan Joins Minor League Staff

By Caleb Gebrewold

facebooktwitterreddit

Former 2003 first round selection, and New Jersey high school legend, Eric Duncan has signed on to become a minor league coach.  Duncan will be the defensive coach of the Staten Island Yankees, the short-season Class A Yankees affiliate.  Duncan was expected to play a pivotal role in the New York Yankees infield (originally a third baseman, converted to first base after Alex Rodriguez was acquired) for many years, with hopes that he would use his left-handed power stroke to take advantage of the short right field porch that lefties always seem to feast on.

Unfortunately for the Yankees, fans, and Duncan himself, he was never able to pan out and reach the potential that scouts and analysts predicted, as he never reached the major leagues, topping out at Triple-A, and eventually being released by the Yankees following the 2009 season.  The 2006 Arizona Fall League MVP spent a season playing Double A ball for the Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, and Kansas City Royals before retiring during the 2012 season.

More from Yankees News

Duncan decided that the big league dream was no longer something that was feasible for him, and went to Seton Hall to pursue a degree in political science.  While at Seton Hall, Duncan served as a volunteer coach, a position he will keep through the remainder of the season, as Staten Island’s season does not begin until June 19th.

Duncan should be able to become a great addition to the Staten Island staff, as he can teach players from a first hand perspective.  Unlike many players who don’t see their career reach it’s full potential, Duncan does not seem at all bothered, in fact, he seems very much still in love with the game of baseball.  I have always been a believer that prospects who don’t see their career pan out can turn out to be solid coaches, not necessarily from a mechanics standpoint, but just that they are able to bring knowledge, and a first hand experience of what can happen to one’s career, whether it be injury, substance abuse, inconsistency, or a lacking work ethic.  For the players playing in Staten Island, it will almost be as if they have a veteran around, as Duncan played ten years of minor league baseball, but is only 30, an age that is still close enough to relate to most of these players. The positive impact he can have on the Baby Bombers could be valuable for years to come.

Next: The Yankees Future Roster

More from Yanks Go Yard

Home/Yankees News