Cincinnati Reds hire Turner Ward as hitting coach

The Cincinnati Reds named Turner Ward their new hitting coach on Tuesday. He’s the second hire for manager David Bell following the addition of pitching coach Derek Johnson.

Ward, 54, was the hitting coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers the last three seasons, and the Dodgers advanced to the World Series the last two of those seasons.

"We are pleased to have Turner join our staff. He has mentored a number of successful hitters in both Arizona and Los Angeles," said Dick Williams, the Reds president of baseball operations. "He comes highly recommended for his ability to connect with players and to help them maximize their potential."

Prior to working for the Dodgers, Ward spent eight seasons in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, joining the big-league coaching staff in 2013. He was the Southern League Manager of the Year in 2011 with Double-A Mobile.

Ward played 12 seasons in the big leagues with the Cleveland Indians (1990-1991), Toronto Blue Jays (1991-1993), Milwaukee Brewers (1994-1996), Pittsburgh Pirates (1997-1999), Diamondbacks (1999-2000) and Philadelphia Phillies (2001).

The #Reds today named Turner Ward hitting coach on new manager David Bell’s Major League staff. pic.twitter.com/3CowgYNQIF
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) November 6, 2018