CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona is losing a trusted member of his coaching staff after just one year at the helm.
Per Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, the Arizona Diamondbacks are hiring of J.R. House as their new third-base and catching coach, bringing him back to the organization where he began his coaching career. House, 45, held the same position for the past seven seasons with the Reds.
House expressed his excitement about returning to Arizona, citing the opportunity to be closer to his family as a significant factor in his decision. “Being in Cincinnati was awesome,” House said in the report. “Just a tremendous experience overall. Learned a lot and made a lot of lifelong friends. But at the same time, we live in Arizona. This is home. It’s awesome to be able to be here with my family and just enjoy those moments and not miss nearly as many things in my kids’ lives.”
House replaces Tim Bogar, who served as the Diamondbacks’ third-base coach for the final five weeks of the season after Shaun Larkin was removed from the role in August. House will also assume the responsibilities of catching coach.
House played parts of five seasons in the major leagues as a catcher and first baseman.