USA Baseball announces 2024 Premier12 coaching staff

When it comes to assembling a coaching staff for an international baseball tournament, you want a group that knows the game inside out. USA Baseball has done just that for the 2024 Premier12 tournament, bringing together a powerhouse lineup of baseball minds to guide Team USA. Led by manager Mike Scioscia, this crew is a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces, all with one goal in mind: bringing home gold.

Mike Scioscia, no stranger to the pressures of international competition, is thrilled about his team. “I am extremely honored and privileged to be part of an incredible group of baseball coaches in our quest for gold in the Premier12 tournament,” Scioscia said. And looking at the roster, it’s easy to see why he’s so confident. The staff is a who’s who of baseball lifers, each bringing decades of experience and a passion for the game that’s hard to match.

First up is Ron Roenicke, who will serve as Scioscia’s right-hand man as the bench coach. Roenicke’s resume is as long as it is impressive, with nearly 50 years in professional baseball, including stints as a manager with the Brewers and Red Sox. He’s no rookie when it comes to high-stakes baseball, and his experience will be invaluable in those tense late-inning situations.

Then there’s Dave Wallace, taking charge of the pitching staff. Wallace has been around the block, to say the least. His journey from minor league reliever to MLB pitching guru includes a World Series ring with the Red Sox and a silver medal with Team USA at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. If there’s anyone who can get the most out of a pitching staff, it’s Wallace.

The hitters will be in good hands with Rick Eckstein, who’s fresh off leading the USA Baseball 18U National Team to gold earlier this year. Eckstein is a veteran of six Team USA stints, and his ability to blend technology with old-school coaching makes him a perfect fit for the modern game. His knowledge and approach could be the key to unlocking the team’s offensive potential.

On the bases, Dino Ebel and Jemile Weeks will be keeping things running smoothly. Ebel, the current third base coach for the Dodgers, brings a wealth of experience from his years in both the minor and major leagues. He’s been a part of some of the most successful teams in recent memory, and his aggressive style could give Team USA an edge on the basepaths. Weeks, meanwhile, will be at first base, bringing his perspective as a former big-league infielder and gold-medal-winning USA Baseball alum. His insights and energy will be crucial in keeping the players focused and motivated.

The bullpen is in the capable hands of LaTroy Hawkins and Carlos Muñoz. Hawkins, a veteran of 21 MLB seasons, knows a thing or two about closing out games. He’s one of only 13 relievers to record a save against all 30 MLB teams, so you can bet he’ll have some wisdom to share with the young arms in the pen. Muñoz, serving as the bullpen catcher, rounds out the staff. He’s been a consistent presence in USA Baseball’s bullpen over the years, and his familiarity with the team’s pitchers will be an asset.

2024 Premier12 Team USA Coaching Staff:

Current World Baseball Rankings:

With this staff in place, Team USA is gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling Premier12 tournament. The competition will be fierce, but with a group like this behind them, the players are in excellent hands. As they prepare to take on the world’s best, Scioscia and his crew are laser-focused on bringing home the gold. Let the games begin!