Died peacefully in Hopice on Monday, November 9, 2020. His beloved standard poodle, Jasper, died the next day. Survived by wife Roberta, daughter Lauren; brother Larry and sister Brenda.
****
Tucson Loses Three Distinguished Figures
[From Hansen's Sunday Notebook by Greg Hansen; 15 NOV 2020; tucson.com]
...Glenn Ezell, a 1960s all-city baseball and basketball player at Amphitheater High School, a 2016 inductee into the Pima County Sports Hall of Fame, died last week at 75 after an extended illness.
--He was a baseball lifer. After playing in 611 minor-league games, he was the manager of 10 minor league teams, including the Toledo Mud Hens. Then the Detroit Tigers hired him to be part of their big-league coaching, scouting and development staff for 10 more years. Ezell moved back to Tucson a few years ago and it was always a pleasure to bump into him. His stories about everyone from Yogi Berra to Kirk Gibson were a treasure to hear.
****
Glenn Ezell , a former MLB coach and minor league player, passed away at the age of 76.
--Ezell was a former front-office executive in Major League Baseball, as well as a former MLB coach and minor league catcher and manager. He began his professional career as a catcher in the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres organizations (1966–74; 1977).
--Ezell worked for 12 seasons as a coach in the Major Leagues, with the Texas Rangers (1983–85), Kansas City Royals (1989–94), Detroit Tigers (1996), and Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2001–02) He managed in the farm systems of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Padres, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, Royals and Tigers for all or parts of 13 seasons between 1975 and 2000.
--In the late 1990s, Ezell was a roving catching instructor in the Detroit farm system. After his stint as an MLB coach with the Devil Rays, he rejoined the Tigers as field coordinator of instruction in 2003 and was promoted to player development director in 2006.
***
Glenn Ezell, a Royals coach for six seasons under two managers, dies at age 76
BY PETE GRATHOFF
NOVEMBER 20, 2020 09:45 AM, UPDATED NOVEMBER 20, 2020 10:03 AM
[FILE PHOTO]
-The 1991 Royals had a dreadful start, winning nine of their first 17 games when Glenn Ezell decided to light a fire under the players.
-Ezell read a story in a Detroit newspaper after the Royals were swept in a two-game series in the Motor City.
-As a Kansas City Star story noted, this passage from the Detroit paper stood out to Ezell: “This was a rally that landed in the Tigers’ lap — as if the Royals were saying, ‘Go ahead, beat us. Everybody else does.’“
-Ezell suggested manager John Wathan post the story in the Royals clubhouse in Milwaukee. The players got a good look at what was being said about them and went out and swept the Brewers in a three-game series.
-“The idea wasn’t to humiliate anybody,” Ezell told The Star at the time, “but just make everyone aware of how we need to be going about our business. That’s what it was all about.”
-The turnaround didn’t last long, so Wathan was fired a few weeks later and Hal McRae was hired.
-Ezell, who died last week, remained on McRae’s staff and was promoted from bullpen coach to a bench coach.
-The Arizona Daily Star reported Ezell’s death, but did not give a cause. He was 76.
-Ezell was a standout high school baseball and basketball player in Tucson, the Daily Star said. He started his professional baseball career in 1966 and raised to the Mets’ Triple-A level in 1969, then joined the Twins organization the following year at the Double-A level.
-But Ezell, a catcher, never got the call to the majors.
-From 1971-74, Ezell was at Triple-A with the Twins and Giants before becoming a minor-league manager at the age of 30. He was briefly a player-manager for the Padres’ Class A team in 1977.
-In 1988, Ezell managed the Royals’ Triple-A affiliate to an 81-61 record and a first-place finish in the American Association’s Western Division. The following year he joined Wathan’s staff and then worked under McRae through the strike-shortened 1994 season.
-Ezell also coached with the Texas Rangers (1983–85), Detroit Tigers (1996) and Tampa Bay Rays (2001–02).
-“(Ezell) is the type of guy who can do many things,” McRae told The Star in 1991. “What impressed me was his knowledge of the game. He’s capable of handling many responsibilities and he seems to have a great rapport with the players.”
By Pete Grathoff; The Kansas City Star, published 20 NOV 2020
***
GLENN EZELL
-Glenn Ezell graduated from Amphitheater High School in 1962 and lettered in three sports – baseball (4), football (3) and basketball (2). He was all-city two years as a catcher.
-Ezell Spent two seasons at Arizona Western College, playing baseball and football and was honored as the National Junior College Athletic Association All-American first-team catcher in 1966. That year Ezell embarked on a professional baseball career as a catcher, spending nine seasons in the Mets, Twins and Giants organizations, including four seasons in AAA ball.
-Ezell was a minor league manager for 13 years before becoming bullpen and bench coach for the Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers and Tampa Bay Rays. When Ozzie Smith was inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, he mentioned Ezell as a mentor who was significant in his early career. In 1999 Ezell received the Dwight Lowery Award as the Minor League Instructor of the Year for the Detroit Tigers. He caught for the Durham Bulls, of movie fame, their Carolina League championship season (1967).
-Ezell has been a minor league spring training coordinator and Instructional League coordinator for 12 seasons.
Pima County Sports Hall of Fame
****
Glenn Wayne Ezell
Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 0", Weight 190 lb.
High School Amphitheater High School
Born October 29, 1944 in Kentwood, LA USA
Died November 9, 2020
Biographical Information
Glenn Ezell caught for 10 years in the minor leagues, including parts of five at AAA. He later managed for 10 years in the minors and coached in the minors and in the majors.
1966-1969: Mets minor leaguer
He debuted with the 1966 Auburn Mets (.333, 2 RBI) and Greenville Mets (.259/~.343/.396 in 45 games). In 1967, he was with the Durham Bulls and led Carolina League catchers in putouts (842), assists (87) and fielding percentage (.9904). He batted .243/~.316/.339 with a career-high six home runs. In 1968, Glenn put up a .258/~.305/.321 line for the Memphis Blues as a backup in his AA debut.
In 1969, he spent most of the year back in Memphis, hitting .243/~.361/.324; his .996 fielding percentage led Texas League catchers though one of his teammates fielded 1.000 in 57 games and failed to qualify for the lead. In his AAA debut, he went 0 for 4 with a walk in two games for the Tidewater Tides.
1970-1973: Twins farmhand
Ezell moved to the Minnesota Twins organization in 1970 and produced at a .299/~.410/.427 rate in 49 games. He was far away from qualifying, but would have ranked second in the Southern League in average. He backed up All-Star Rick Dempsey for the Charlotte Hornets. In 1971, the backstop was with the Portland Beavers and got his first extended look at AAA. He hit .276/~.340/.379 with a career-best 40 RBI in 94 games. The Twins moved their top farm club in 1972 to Tacoma, WA, creating the Tacoma Twins. Glenn split time there with Dempsey and Glenn Borgmann, hitting a solid .288/~.358/.348 in 87 contests (184 AB). Returning to Tacoma the next year, he backed up Borgmann and batted .257/~.333/.331 in 51 games. After the season, Minnesota dealt him with Charlie Manuel to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Jim Fairey and Mike Floyd. Glenn wound up in 1974, though, with the San Francisco Giants somehow.
1974: One last year on the field
Ezell hit .316/~.404/.387 for the 1974 Phoenix Giants in 58 games, his last year playing regularly.
1975-1981: Minor league managing
Glenn became a manager in 1975, spending two years in the Pittsburgh Pirates' chain with the Niagara Falls Pirates, guiding the club to a 29-40, 5th-place finish, followed by a 35-34, third-place finish in 1976.
The next year, moving to the San Diego Padres' organization, he guided the Reno Silver Sox to a 59-81 season. He took the field and pinch-hit on occasion and hit .375/~.400/.458 in 11 games (25 plate appearances) in his last year as a player. His career average was .268. Ezell led the 1978 Amarillo Gold Sox to a 44-89, last in the Texas League. He began 1979 with Amarillo, but was replaced by Rusty Gerhardt in May when he underwent open heart surgery.
In 1981, he resumed managing in the Padres' chain, guiding the Salem Redbirds to a 66-74 mark. He led the Amarillo Gold Sox to a 61-74 record in 1982.
1983-1994: MLB Coaching and more managing in the minors
Ezell was the bullpen coach for the Texas Rangers from 1983 to 1985.
Glenn piloted the Ventura County Gulls to a 75-67 record in 1986, their lone year of existance. He then moved to the Knoxville Blue Jays, who went 68-76.
Glenn managed the Omaha Royals to a 81-61 record in 1988 and a playoff loss to the Indianapolis Indians in the finals. He coached for the Kansas City Royals from 1989-1994.
Ezell guided the Modesto A's in 1995 to a fine 78-62 finish.
In 1996, he served as the bench and bullpen coach for the Detroit Tigers.
In 1997 Ezell was the manager of the Toledo Mud Hens until being replaced by Gene Roof due to abdominal surgery. From 1998 through 2001, he was the minor league catching instructor for the Tigers. He also replaced Dave Anderson in Toledo in 2000.
Glenn coached for the 2002 Devil Rays, then was the field coordinator of minor league operations for Detroit for three years. By 2007, Ezell was the director of player development for the Tigers.
Sources include MLB and Baseball America websites, Amphitheater High School Alumni, 1967-1975 and 1978 Baseball Guides
Year-By-Year Minor League Managerial Record
Year Team League Record Finish Organization Playoffs Notes
1975 Niagara Falls Pirates New York-Penn League 29-40 5th Pittsburgh Pirates
1976 Niagara Falls Pirates New York-Penn League 35-34 3rd Pittsburgh Pirates
1977 Reno Silver Sox California League 59-81 5th San Diego Padres
1978 Amarillo Gold Sox Texas League 44-89 8th San Diego Padres
1979 Amarillo Gold Sox Texas League -- San Diego Padres replaced by Rusty Gerhardt
1981 Salem Redbirds Carolina League 6-74 7th San Diego Padres
1982 Amarillo Gold Sox Texas League 61-74 8th San Diego Padres
1986 Ventura County Gulls California League 75-67 4th (t) Toronto Blue Jays
1987 Knoxville Blue Jays Southern League 68-76 8th Toronto Blue Jays
1988 Omaha Royals American Association 81-61 2nd Kansas City Royals Lost League Finals
1995 Modesto A's California League 78-62 3rd Oakland Athletics Lost in 2nd round
1997 Toledo Mud Hens International League 33-24 -- Detroit Tigers replaced by Gene Roof (35-49) on June 6
2000 Toledo Mud Hens International League 29-48 12th Detroit Tigers replaced Dave Anderson (26-38) on June 24
Source: Baseball Reference.com (Bullpen)
***
Former director of player development Glenn Ezell says Tigers mischaracterized his departure
Updated Jan 21, 2019; Posted Jun 09, 2010
By Steve Kornacki
CHICAGO -- Former Detroit Tigers director of player development Glenn Ezell wanted to make it clear Wednesday that the club's news release about his departure from the organization -- which said he had "stepped down" from the position he held since late in the 2003 season -- was not accurate.
"I did not retire," said Ezell, 65. "I did not walk away or step down or hand in a resignation. That is the way the release stated it. I am a professional person who loves the game and will not quit. I'm not good enough to quit.
"Maybe it was obvious the organization wanted to go in another direction. I should've kept my ear to the ground better. But I have so many wonderful feelings about this organization still. Even now, I will say nothing negative. My passion is for the players I have worked with, and I will not betray that. The young men in this organization are wonderful."
Ezell also has worked on the major league staff as a coach and as a minor league field coordinator, manager and instructor in the Detroit organization.
He oversaw the club's farm system or contributed to the instructional development of these current Tigers drafted by the club: Brandon Inge, Justin Verlander, Rick Porcello, Ryan Perry, Ryan Raburn, Brennan Boesch, Danny Worth, Alex Avila and Joel Zumaya.
Published by mlive.com
Father: Donease C. Ezell 1914 - 1959 #10702638
Mother: Pauline E. KENDRICK Ezell 1921 - 1990 #10720691
Brother: James Ira Ezell 1940 -2008 #126292396
****
Tucson Loses Three Distinguished Figures
[From Hansen's Sunday Notebook by Greg Hansen; 15 NOV 2020; tucson.com]
...Glenn Ezell, a 1960s all-city baseball and basketball player at Amphitheater High School, a 2016 inductee into the Pima County Sports Hall of Fame, died last week at 75 after an extended illness.
--He was a baseball lifer. After playing in 611 minor-league games, he was the manager of 10 minor league teams, including the Toledo Mud Hens. Then the Detroit Tigers hired him to be part of their big-league coaching, scouting and development staff for 10 more years. Ezell moved back to Tucson a few years ago and it was always a pleasure to bump into him. His stories about everyone from Yogi Berra to Kirk Gibson were a treasure to hear.
****
Glenn Ezell , a former MLB coach and minor league player, passed away at the age of 76.
--Ezell was a former front-office executive in Major League Baseball, as well as a former MLB coach and minor league catcher and manager. He began his professional career as a catcher in the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres organizations (1966–74; 1977).
--Ezell worked for 12 seasons as a coach in the Major Leagues, with the Texas Rangers (1983–85), Kansas City Royals (1989–94), Detroit Tigers (1996), and Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2001–02) He managed in the farm systems of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Padres, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, Royals and Tigers for all or parts of 13 seasons between 1975 and 2000.
--In the late 1990s, Ezell was a roving catching instructor in the Detroit farm system. After his stint as an MLB coach with the Devil Rays, he rejoined the Tigers as field coordinator of instruction in 2003 and was promoted to player development director in 2006.
***
Glenn Ezell, a Royals coach for six seasons under two managers, dies at age 76
BY PETE GRATHOFF
NOVEMBER 20, 2020 09:45 AM, UPDATED NOVEMBER 20, 2020 10:03 AM
[FILE PHOTO]
-The 1991 Royals had a dreadful start, winning nine of their first 17 games when Glenn Ezell decided to light a fire under the players.
-Ezell read a story in a Detroit newspaper after the Royals were swept in a two-game series in the Motor City.
-As a Kansas City Star story noted, this passage from the Detroit paper stood out to Ezell: “This was a rally that landed in the Tigers’ lap — as if the Royals were saying, ‘Go ahead, beat us. Everybody else does.’“
-Ezell suggested manager John Wathan post the story in the Royals clubhouse in Milwaukee. The players got a good look at what was being said about them and went out and swept the Brewers in a three-game series.
-“The idea wasn’t to humiliate anybody,” Ezell told The Star at the time, “but just make everyone aware of how we need to be going about our business. That’s what it was all about.”
-The turnaround didn’t last long, so Wathan was fired a few weeks later and Hal McRae was hired.
-Ezell, who died last week, remained on McRae’s staff and was promoted from bullpen coach to a bench coach.
-The Arizona Daily Star reported Ezell’s death, but did not give a cause. He was 76.
-Ezell was a standout high school baseball and basketball player in Tucson, the Daily Star said. He started his professional baseball career in 1966 and raised to the Mets’ Triple-A level in 1969, then joined the Twins organization the following year at the Double-A level.
-But Ezell, a catcher, never got the call to the majors.
-From 1971-74, Ezell was at Triple-A with the Twins and Giants before becoming a minor-league manager at the age of 30. He was briefly a player-manager for the Padres’ Class A team in 1977.
-In 1988, Ezell managed the Royals’ Triple-A affiliate to an 81-61 record and a first-place finish in the American Association’s Western Division. The following year he joined Wathan’s staff and then worked under McRae through the strike-shortened 1994 season.
-Ezell also coached with the Texas Rangers (1983–85), Detroit Tigers (1996) and Tampa Bay Rays (2001–02).
-“(Ezell) is the type of guy who can do many things,” McRae told The Star in 1991. “What impressed me was his knowledge of the game. He’s capable of handling many responsibilities and he seems to have a great rapport with the players.”
By Pete Grathoff; The Kansas City Star, published 20 NOV 2020
***
GLENN EZELL
-Glenn Ezell graduated from Amphitheater High School in 1962 and lettered in three sports – baseball (4), football (3) and basketball (2). He was all-city two years as a catcher.
-Ezell Spent two seasons at Arizona Western College, playing baseball and football and was honored as the National Junior College Athletic Association All-American first-team catcher in 1966. That year Ezell embarked on a professional baseball career as a catcher, spending nine seasons in the Mets, Twins and Giants organizations, including four seasons in AAA ball.
-Ezell was a minor league manager for 13 years before becoming bullpen and bench coach for the Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers and Tampa Bay Rays. When Ozzie Smith was inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, he mentioned Ezell as a mentor who was significant in his early career. In 1999 Ezell received the Dwight Lowery Award as the Minor League Instructor of the Year for the Detroit Tigers. He caught for the Durham Bulls, of movie fame, their Carolina League championship season (1967).
-Ezell has been a minor league spring training coordinator and Instructional League coordinator for 12 seasons.
Pima County Sports Hall of Fame
****
Glenn Wayne Ezell
Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 0", Weight 190 lb.
High School Amphitheater High School
Born October 29, 1944 in Kentwood, LA USA
Died November 9, 2020
Biographical Information
Glenn Ezell caught for 10 years in the minor leagues, including parts of five at AAA. He later managed for 10 years in the minors and coached in the minors and in the majors.
1966-1969: Mets minor leaguer
He debuted with the 1966 Auburn Mets (.333, 2 RBI) and Greenville Mets (.259/~.343/.396 in 45 games). In 1967, he was with the Durham Bulls and led Carolina League catchers in putouts (842), assists (87) and fielding percentage (.9904). He batted .243/~.316/.339 with a career-high six home runs. In 1968, Glenn put up a .258/~.305/.321 line for the Memphis Blues as a backup in his AA debut.
In 1969, he spent most of the year back in Memphis, hitting .243/~.361/.324; his .996 fielding percentage led Texas League catchers though one of his teammates fielded 1.000 in 57 games and failed to qualify for the lead. In his AAA debut, he went 0 for 4 with a walk in two games for the Tidewater Tides.
1970-1973: Twins farmhand
Ezell moved to the Minnesota Twins organization in 1970 and produced at a .299/~.410/.427 rate in 49 games. He was far away from qualifying, but would have ranked second in the Southern League in average. He backed up All-Star Rick Dempsey for the Charlotte Hornets. In 1971, the backstop was with the Portland Beavers and got his first extended look at AAA. He hit .276/~.340/.379 with a career-best 40 RBI in 94 games. The Twins moved their top farm club in 1972 to Tacoma, WA, creating the Tacoma Twins. Glenn split time there with Dempsey and Glenn Borgmann, hitting a solid .288/~.358/.348 in 87 contests (184 AB). Returning to Tacoma the next year, he backed up Borgmann and batted .257/~.333/.331 in 51 games. After the season, Minnesota dealt him with Charlie Manuel to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Jim Fairey and Mike Floyd. Glenn wound up in 1974, though, with the San Francisco Giants somehow.
1974: One last year on the field
Ezell hit .316/~.404/.387 for the 1974 Phoenix Giants in 58 games, his last year playing regularly.
1975-1981: Minor league managing
Glenn became a manager in 1975, spending two years in the Pittsburgh Pirates' chain with the Niagara Falls Pirates, guiding the club to a 29-40, 5th-place finish, followed by a 35-34, third-place finish in 1976.
The next year, moving to the San Diego Padres' organization, he guided the Reno Silver Sox to a 59-81 season. He took the field and pinch-hit on occasion and hit .375/~.400/.458 in 11 games (25 plate appearances) in his last year as a player. His career average was .268. Ezell led the 1978 Amarillo Gold Sox to a 44-89, last in the Texas League. He began 1979 with Amarillo, but was replaced by Rusty Gerhardt in May when he underwent open heart surgery.
In 1981, he resumed managing in the Padres' chain, guiding the Salem Redbirds to a 66-74 mark. He led the Amarillo Gold Sox to a 61-74 record in 1982.
1983-1994: MLB Coaching and more managing in the minors
Ezell was the bullpen coach for the Texas Rangers from 1983 to 1985.
Glenn piloted the Ventura County Gulls to a 75-67 record in 1986, their lone year of existance. He then moved to the Knoxville Blue Jays, who went 68-76.
Glenn managed the Omaha Royals to a 81-61 record in 1988 and a playoff loss to the Indianapolis Indians in the finals. He coached for the Kansas City Royals from 1989-1994.
Ezell guided the Modesto A's in 1995 to a fine 78-62 finish.
In 1996, he served as the bench and bullpen coach for the Detroit Tigers.
In 1997 Ezell was the manager of the Toledo Mud Hens until being replaced by Gene Roof due to abdominal surgery. From 1998 through 2001, he was the minor league catching instructor for the Tigers. He also replaced Dave Anderson in Toledo in 2000.
Glenn coached for the 2002 Devil Rays, then was the field coordinator of minor league operations for Detroit for three years. By 2007, Ezell was the director of player development for the Tigers.
Sources include MLB and Baseball America websites, Amphitheater High School Alumni, 1967-1975 and 1978 Baseball Guides
Year-By-Year Minor League Managerial Record
Year Team League Record Finish Organization Playoffs Notes
1975 Niagara Falls Pirates New York-Penn League 29-40 5th Pittsburgh Pirates
1976 Niagara Falls Pirates New York-Penn League 35-34 3rd Pittsburgh Pirates
1977 Reno Silver Sox California League 59-81 5th San Diego Padres
1978 Amarillo Gold Sox Texas League 44-89 8th San Diego Padres
1979 Amarillo Gold Sox Texas League -- San Diego Padres replaced by Rusty Gerhardt
1981 Salem Redbirds Carolina League 6-74 7th San Diego Padres
1982 Amarillo Gold Sox Texas League 61-74 8th San Diego Padres
1986 Ventura County Gulls California League 75-67 4th (t) Toronto Blue Jays
1987 Knoxville Blue Jays Southern League 68-76 8th Toronto Blue Jays
1988 Omaha Royals American Association 81-61 2nd Kansas City Royals Lost League Finals
1995 Modesto A's California League 78-62 3rd Oakland Athletics Lost in 2nd round
1997 Toledo Mud Hens International League 33-24 -- Detroit Tigers replaced by Gene Roof (35-49) on June 6
2000 Toledo Mud Hens International League 29-48 12th Detroit Tigers replaced Dave Anderson (26-38) on June 24
Source: Baseball Reference.com (Bullpen)
***
Former director of player development Glenn Ezell says Tigers mischaracterized his departure
Updated Jan 21, 2019; Posted Jun 09, 2010
By Steve Kornacki
CHICAGO -- Former Detroit Tigers director of player development Glenn Ezell wanted to make it clear Wednesday that the club's news release about his departure from the organization -- which said he had "stepped down" from the position he held since late in the 2003 season -- was not accurate.
"I did not retire," said Ezell, 65. "I did not walk away or step down or hand in a resignation. That is the way the release stated it. I am a professional person who loves the game and will not quit. I'm not good enough to quit.
"Maybe it was obvious the organization wanted to go in another direction. I should've kept my ear to the ground better. But I have so many wonderful feelings about this organization still. Even now, I will say nothing negative. My passion is for the players I have worked with, and I will not betray that. The young men in this organization are wonderful."
Ezell also has worked on the major league staff as a coach and as a minor league field coordinator, manager and instructor in the Detroit organization.
He oversaw the club's farm system or contributed to the instructional development of these current Tigers drafted by the club: Brandon Inge, Justin Verlander, Rick Porcello, Ryan Perry, Ryan Raburn, Brennan Boesch, Danny Worth, Alex Avila and Joel Zumaya.
Published by mlive.com
Father: Donease C. Ezell 1914 - 1959 #10702638
Mother: Pauline E. KENDRICK Ezell 1921 - 1990 #10720691
Brother: James Ira Ezell 1940 -2008 #126292396
Died peacefully in Hopice on Monday, November 9, 2020. His beloved standard poodle, Jasper, died the next day. Survived by wife Roberta, daughter Lauren; brother Larry and sister Brenda.
****
Tucson Loses Three Distinguished Figures
[From Hansen's Sunday Notebook by Greg Hansen; 15 NOV 2020; tucson.com]
...Glenn Ezell, a 1960s all-city baseball and basketball player at Amphitheater High School, a 2016 inductee into the Pima County Sports Hall of Fame, died last week at 75 after an extended illness.
--He was a baseball lifer. After playing in 611 minor-league games, he was the manager of 10 minor league teams, including the Toledo Mud Hens. Then the Detroit Tigers hired him to be part of their big-league coaching, scouting and development staff for 10 more years. Ezell moved back to Tucson a few years ago and it was always a pleasure to bump into him. His stories about everyone from Yogi Berra to Kirk Gibson were a treasure to hear.
****
Glenn Ezell , a former MLB coach and minor league player, passed away at the age of 76.
--Ezell was a former front-office executive in Major League Baseball, as well as a former MLB coach and minor league catcher and manager. He began his professional career as a catcher in the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres organizations (1966–74; 1977).
--Ezell worked for 12 seasons as a coach in the Major Leagues, with the Texas Rangers (1983–85), Kansas City Royals (1989–94), Detroit Tigers (1996), and Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2001–02) He managed in the farm systems of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Padres, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, Royals and Tigers for all or parts of 13 seasons between 1975 and 2000.
--In the late 1990s, Ezell was a roving catching instructor in the Detroit farm system. After his stint as an MLB coach with the Devil Rays, he rejoined the Tigers as field coordinator of instruction in 2003 and was promoted to player development director in 2006.
***
Glenn Ezell, a Royals coach for six seasons under two managers, dies at age 76
BY PETE GRATHOFF
NOVEMBER 20, 2020 09:45 AM, UPDATED NOVEMBER 20, 2020 10:03 AM
[FILE PHOTO]
-The 1991 Royals had a dreadful start, winning nine of their first 17 games when Glenn Ezell decided to light a fire under the players.
-Ezell read a story in a Detroit newspaper after the Royals were swept in a two-game series in the Motor City.
-As a Kansas City Star story noted, this passage from the Detroit paper stood out to Ezell: “This was a rally that landed in the Tigers’ lap — as if the Royals were saying, ‘Go ahead, beat us. Everybody else does.’“
-Ezell suggested manager John Wathan post the story in the Royals clubhouse in Milwaukee. The players got a good look at what was being said about them and went out and swept the Brewers in a three-game series.
-“The idea wasn’t to humiliate anybody,” Ezell told The Star at the time, “but just make everyone aware of how we need to be going about our business. That’s what it was all about.”
-The turnaround didn’t last long, so Wathan was fired a few weeks later and Hal McRae was hired.
-Ezell, who died last week, remained on McRae’s staff and was promoted from bullpen coach to a bench coach.
-The Arizona Daily Star reported Ezell’s death, but did not give a cause. He was 76.
-Ezell was a standout high school baseball and basketball player in Tucson, the Daily Star said. He started his professional baseball career in 1966 and raised to the Mets’ Triple-A level in 1969, then joined the Twins organization the following year at the Double-A level.
-But Ezell, a catcher, never got the call to the majors.
-From 1971-74, Ezell was at Triple-A with the Twins and Giants before becoming a minor-league manager at the age of 30. He was briefly a player-manager for the Padres’ Class A team in 1977.
-In 1988, Ezell managed the Royals’ Triple-A affiliate to an 81-61 record and a first-place finish in the American Association’s Western Division. The following year he joined Wathan’s staff and then worked under McRae through the strike-shortened 1994 season.
-Ezell also coached with the Texas Rangers (1983–85), Detroit Tigers (1996) and Tampa Bay Rays (2001–02).
-“(Ezell) is the type of guy who can do many things,” McRae told The Star in 1991. “What impressed me was his knowledge of the game. He’s capable of handling many responsibilities and he seems to have a great rapport with the players.”
By Pete Grathoff; The Kansas City Star, published 20 NOV 2020
***
GLENN EZELL
-Glenn Ezell graduated from Amphitheater High School in 1962 and lettered in three sports – baseball (4), football (3) and basketball (2). He was all-city two years as a catcher.
-Ezell Spent two seasons at Arizona Western College, playing baseball and football and was honored as the National Junior College Athletic Association All-American first-team catcher in 1966. That year Ezell embarked on a professional baseball career as a catcher, spending nine seasons in the Mets, Twins and Giants organizations, including four seasons in AAA ball.
-Ezell was a minor league manager for 13 years before becoming bullpen and bench coach for the Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers and Tampa Bay Rays. When Ozzie Smith was inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, he mentioned Ezell as a mentor who was significant in his early career. In 1999 Ezell received the Dwight Lowery Award as the Minor League Instructor of the Year for the Detroit Tigers. He caught for the Durham Bulls, of movie fame, their Carolina League championship season (1967).
-Ezell has been a minor league spring training coordinator and Instructional League coordinator for 12 seasons.
Pima County Sports Hall of Fame
****
Glenn Wayne Ezell
Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 0", Weight 190 lb.
High School Amphitheater High School
Born October 29, 1944 in Kentwood, LA USA
Died November 9, 2020
Biographical Information
Glenn Ezell caught for 10 years in the minor leagues, including parts of five at AAA. He later managed for 10 years in the minors and coached in the minors and in the majors.
1966-1969: Mets minor leaguer
He debuted with the 1966 Auburn Mets (.333, 2 RBI) and Greenville Mets (.259/~.343/.396 in 45 games). In 1967, he was with the Durham Bulls and led Carolina League catchers in putouts (842), assists (87) and fielding percentage (.9904). He batted .243/~.316/.339 with a career-high six home runs. In 1968, Glenn put up a .258/~.305/.321 line for the Memphis Blues as a backup in his AA debut.
In 1969, he spent most of the year back in Memphis, hitting .243/~.361/.324; his .996 fielding percentage led Texas League catchers though one of his teammates fielded 1.000 in 57 games and failed to qualify for the lead. In his AAA debut, he went 0 for 4 with a walk in two games for the Tidewater Tides.
1970-1973: Twins farmhand
Ezell moved to the Minnesota Twins organization in 1970 and produced at a .299/~.410/.427 rate in 49 games. He was far away from qualifying, but would have ranked second in the Southern League in average. He backed up All-Star Rick Dempsey for the Charlotte Hornets. In 1971, the backstop was with the Portland Beavers and got his first extended look at AAA. He hit .276/~.340/.379 with a career-best 40 RBI in 94 games. The Twins moved their top farm club in 1972 to Tacoma, WA, creating the Tacoma Twins. Glenn split time there with Dempsey and Glenn Borgmann, hitting a solid .288/~.358/.348 in 87 contests (184 AB). Returning to Tacoma the next year, he backed up Borgmann and batted .257/~.333/.331 in 51 games. After the season, Minnesota dealt him with Charlie Manuel to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Jim Fairey and Mike Floyd. Glenn wound up in 1974, though, with the San Francisco Giants somehow.
1974: One last year on the field
Ezell hit .316/~.404/.387 for the 1974 Phoenix Giants in 58 games, his last year playing regularly.
1975-1981: Minor league managing
Glenn became a manager in 1975, spending two years in the Pittsburgh Pirates' chain with the Niagara Falls Pirates, guiding the club to a 29-40, 5th-place finish, followed by a 35-34, third-place finish in 1976.
The next year, moving to the San Diego Padres' organization, he guided the Reno Silver Sox to a 59-81 season. He took the field and pinch-hit on occasion and hit .375/~.400/.458 in 11 games (25 plate appearances) in his last year as a player. His career average was .268. Ezell led the 1978 Amarillo Gold Sox to a 44-89, last in the Texas League. He began 1979 with Amarillo, but was replaced by Rusty Gerhardt in May when he underwent open heart surgery.
In 1981, he resumed managing in the Padres' chain, guiding the Salem Redbirds to a 66-74 mark. He led the Amarillo Gold Sox to a 61-74 record in 1982.
1983-1994: MLB Coaching and more managing in the minors
Ezell was the bullpen coach for the Texas Rangers from 1983 to 1985.
Glenn piloted the Ventura County Gulls to a 75-67 record in 1986, their lone year of existance. He then moved to the Knoxville Blue Jays, who went 68-76.
Glenn managed the Omaha Royals to a 81-61 record in 1988 and a playoff loss to the Indianapolis Indians in the finals. He coached for the Kansas City Royals from 1989-1994.
Ezell guided the Modesto A's in 1995 to a fine 78-62 finish.
In 1996, he served as the bench and bullpen coach for the Detroit Tigers.
In 1997 Ezell was the manager of the Toledo Mud Hens until being replaced by Gene Roof due to abdominal surgery. From 1998 through 2001, he was the minor league catching instructor for the Tigers. He also replaced Dave Anderson in Toledo in 2000.
Glenn coached for the 2002 Devil Rays, then was the field coordinator of minor league operations for Detroit for three years. By 2007, Ezell was the director of player development for the Tigers.
Sources include MLB and Baseball America websites, Amphitheater High School Alumni, 1967-1975 and 1978 Baseball Guides
Year-By-Year Minor League Managerial Record
Year Team League Record Finish Organization Playoffs Notes
1975 Niagara Falls Pirates New York-Penn League 29-40 5th Pittsburgh Pirates
1976 Niagara Falls Pirates New York-Penn League 35-34 3rd Pittsburgh Pirates
1977 Reno Silver Sox California League 59-81 5th San Diego Padres
1978 Amarillo Gold Sox Texas League 44-89 8th San Diego Padres
1979 Amarillo Gold Sox Texas League -- San Diego Padres replaced by Rusty Gerhardt
1981 Salem Redbirds Carolina League 6-74 7th San Diego Padres
1982 Amarillo Gold Sox Texas League 61-74 8th San Diego Padres
1986 Ventura County Gulls California League 75-67 4th (t) Toronto Blue Jays
1987 Knoxville Blue Jays Southern League 68-76 8th Toronto Blue Jays
1988 Omaha Royals American Association 81-61 2nd Kansas City Royals Lost League Finals
1995 Modesto A's California League 78-62 3rd Oakland Athletics Lost in 2nd round
1997 Toledo Mud Hens International League 33-24 -- Detroit Tigers replaced by Gene Roof (35-49) on June 6
2000 Toledo Mud Hens International League 29-48 12th Detroit Tigers replaced Dave Anderson (26-38) on June 24
Source: Baseball Reference.com (Bullpen)
***
Former director of player development Glenn Ezell says Tigers mischaracterized his departure
Updated Jan 21, 2019; Posted Jun 09, 2010
By Steve Kornacki
CHICAGO -- Former Detroit Tigers director of player development Glenn Ezell wanted to make it clear Wednesday that the club's news release about his departure from the organization -- which said he had "stepped down" from the position he held since late in the 2003 season -- was not accurate.
"I did not retire," said Ezell, 65. "I did not walk away or step down or hand in a resignation. That is the way the release stated it. I am a professional person who loves the game and will not quit. I'm not good enough to quit.
"Maybe it was obvious the organization wanted to go in another direction. I should've kept my ear to the ground better. But I have so many wonderful feelings about this organization still. Even now, I will say nothing negative. My passion is for the players I have worked with, and I will not betray that. The young men in this organization are wonderful."
Ezell also has worked on the major league staff as a coach and as a minor league field coordinator, manager and instructor in the Detroit organization.
He oversaw the club's farm system or contributed to the instructional development of these current Tigers drafted by the club: Brandon Inge, Justin Verlander, Rick Porcello, Ryan Perry, Ryan Raburn, Brennan Boesch, Danny Worth, Alex Avila and Joel Zumaya.
Published by mlive.com
Father: Donease C. Ezell 1914 - 1959 #10702638
Mother: Pauline E. KENDRICK Ezell 1921 - 1990 #10720691
Brother: James Ira Ezell 1940 -2008 #126292396
****
Tucson Loses Three Distinguished Figures
[From Hansen's Sunday Notebook by Greg Hansen; 15 NOV 2020; tucson.com]
...Glenn Ezell, a 1960s all-city baseball and basketball player at Amphitheater High School, a 2016 inductee into the Pima County Sports Hall of Fame, died last week at 75 after an extended illness.
--He was a baseball lifer. After playing in 611 minor-league games, he was the manager of 10 minor league teams, including the Toledo Mud Hens. Then the Detroit Tigers hired him to be part of their big-league coaching, scouting and development staff for 10 more years. Ezell moved back to Tucson a few years ago and it was always a pleasure to bump into him. His stories about everyone from Yogi Berra to Kirk Gibson were a treasure to hear.
****
Glenn Ezell , a former MLB coach and minor league player, passed away at the age of 76.
--Ezell was a former front-office executive in Major League Baseball, as well as a former MLB coach and minor league catcher and manager. He began his professional career as a catcher in the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres organizations (1966–74; 1977).
--Ezell worked for 12 seasons as a coach in the Major Leagues, with the Texas Rangers (1983–85), Kansas City Royals (1989–94), Detroit Tigers (1996), and Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2001–02) He managed in the farm systems of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Padres, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, Royals and Tigers for all or parts of 13 seasons between 1975 and 2000.
--In the late 1990s, Ezell was a roving catching instructor in the Detroit farm system. After his stint as an MLB coach with the Devil Rays, he rejoined the Tigers as field coordinator of instruction in 2003 and was promoted to player development director in 2006.
***
Glenn Ezell, a Royals coach for six seasons under two managers, dies at age 76
BY PETE GRATHOFF
NOVEMBER 20, 2020 09:45 AM, UPDATED NOVEMBER 20, 2020 10:03 AM
[FILE PHOTO]
-The 1991 Royals had a dreadful start, winning nine of their first 17 games when Glenn Ezell decided to light a fire under the players.
-Ezell read a story in a Detroit newspaper after the Royals were swept in a two-game series in the Motor City.
-As a Kansas City Star story noted, this passage from the Detroit paper stood out to Ezell: “This was a rally that landed in the Tigers’ lap — as if the Royals were saying, ‘Go ahead, beat us. Everybody else does.’“
-Ezell suggested manager John Wathan post the story in the Royals clubhouse in Milwaukee. The players got a good look at what was being said about them and went out and swept the Brewers in a three-game series.
-“The idea wasn’t to humiliate anybody,” Ezell told The Star at the time, “but just make everyone aware of how we need to be going about our business. That’s what it was all about.”
-The turnaround didn’t last long, so Wathan was fired a few weeks later and Hal McRae was hired.
-Ezell, who died last week, remained on McRae’s staff and was promoted from bullpen coach to a bench coach.
-The Arizona Daily Star reported Ezell’s death, but did not give a cause. He was 76.
-Ezell was a standout high school baseball and basketball player in Tucson, the Daily Star said. He started his professional baseball career in 1966 and raised to the Mets’ Triple-A level in 1969, then joined the Twins organization the following year at the Double-A level.
-But Ezell, a catcher, never got the call to the majors.
-From 1971-74, Ezell was at Triple-A with the Twins and Giants before becoming a minor-league manager at the age of 30. He was briefly a player-manager for the Padres’ Class A team in 1977.
-In 1988, Ezell managed the Royals’ Triple-A affiliate to an 81-61 record and a first-place finish in the American Association’s Western Division. The following year he joined Wathan’s staff and then worked under McRae through the strike-shortened 1994 season.
-Ezell also coached with the Texas Rangers (1983–85), Detroit Tigers (1996) and Tampa Bay Rays (2001–02).
-“(Ezell) is the type of guy who can do many things,” McRae told The Star in 1991. “What impressed me was his knowledge of the game. He’s capable of handling many responsibilities and he seems to have a great rapport with the players.”
By Pete Grathoff; The Kansas City Star, published 20 NOV 2020
***
GLENN EZELL
-Glenn Ezell graduated from Amphitheater High School in 1962 and lettered in three sports – baseball (4), football (3) and basketball (2). He was all-city two years as a catcher.
-Ezell Spent two seasons at Arizona Western College, playing baseball and football and was honored as the National Junior College Athletic Association All-American first-team catcher in 1966. That year Ezell embarked on a professional baseball career as a catcher, spending nine seasons in the Mets, Twins and Giants organizations, including four seasons in AAA ball.
-Ezell was a minor league manager for 13 years before becoming bullpen and bench coach for the Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers and Tampa Bay Rays. When Ozzie Smith was inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, he mentioned Ezell as a mentor who was significant in his early career. In 1999 Ezell received the Dwight Lowery Award as the Minor League Instructor of the Year for the Detroit Tigers. He caught for the Durham Bulls, of movie fame, their Carolina League championship season (1967).
-Ezell has been a minor league spring training coordinator and Instructional League coordinator for 12 seasons.
Pima County Sports Hall of Fame
****
Glenn Wayne Ezell
Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 0", Weight 190 lb.
High School Amphitheater High School
Born October 29, 1944 in Kentwood, LA USA
Died November 9, 2020
Biographical Information
Glenn Ezell caught for 10 years in the minor leagues, including parts of five at AAA. He later managed for 10 years in the minors and coached in the minors and in the majors.
1966-1969: Mets minor leaguer
He debuted with the 1966 Auburn Mets (.333, 2 RBI) and Greenville Mets (.259/~.343/.396 in 45 games). In 1967, he was with the Durham Bulls and led Carolina League catchers in putouts (842), assists (87) and fielding percentage (.9904). He batted .243/~.316/.339 with a career-high six home runs. In 1968, Glenn put up a .258/~.305/.321 line for the Memphis Blues as a backup in his AA debut.
In 1969, he spent most of the year back in Memphis, hitting .243/~.361/.324; his .996 fielding percentage led Texas League catchers though one of his teammates fielded 1.000 in 57 games and failed to qualify for the lead. In his AAA debut, he went 0 for 4 with a walk in two games for the Tidewater Tides.
1970-1973: Twins farmhand
Ezell moved to the Minnesota Twins organization in 1970 and produced at a .299/~.410/.427 rate in 49 games. He was far away from qualifying, but would have ranked second in the Southern League in average. He backed up All-Star Rick Dempsey for the Charlotte Hornets. In 1971, the backstop was with the Portland Beavers and got his first extended look at AAA. He hit .276/~.340/.379 with a career-best 40 RBI in 94 games. The Twins moved their top farm club in 1972 to Tacoma, WA, creating the Tacoma Twins. Glenn split time there with Dempsey and Glenn Borgmann, hitting a solid .288/~.358/.348 in 87 contests (184 AB). Returning to Tacoma the next year, he backed up Borgmann and batted .257/~.333/.331 in 51 games. After the season, Minnesota dealt him with Charlie Manuel to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Jim Fairey and Mike Floyd. Glenn wound up in 1974, though, with the San Francisco Giants somehow.
1974: One last year on the field
Ezell hit .316/~.404/.387 for the 1974 Phoenix Giants in 58 games, his last year playing regularly.
1975-1981: Minor league managing
Glenn became a manager in 1975, spending two years in the Pittsburgh Pirates' chain with the Niagara Falls Pirates, guiding the club to a 29-40, 5th-place finish, followed by a 35-34, third-place finish in 1976.
The next year, moving to the San Diego Padres' organization, he guided the Reno Silver Sox to a 59-81 season. He took the field and pinch-hit on occasion and hit .375/~.400/.458 in 11 games (25 plate appearances) in his last year as a player. His career average was .268. Ezell led the 1978 Amarillo Gold Sox to a 44-89, last in the Texas League. He began 1979 with Amarillo, but was replaced by Rusty Gerhardt in May when he underwent open heart surgery.
In 1981, he resumed managing in the Padres' chain, guiding the Salem Redbirds to a 66-74 mark. He led the Amarillo Gold Sox to a 61-74 record in 1982.
1983-1994: MLB Coaching and more managing in the minors
Ezell was the bullpen coach for the Texas Rangers from 1983 to 1985.
Glenn piloted the Ventura County Gulls to a 75-67 record in 1986, their lone year of existance. He then moved to the Knoxville Blue Jays, who went 68-76.
Glenn managed the Omaha Royals to a 81-61 record in 1988 and a playoff loss to the Indianapolis Indians in the finals. He coached for the Kansas City Royals from 1989-1994.
Ezell guided the Modesto A's in 1995 to a fine 78-62 finish.
In 1996, he served as the bench and bullpen coach for the Detroit Tigers.
In 1997 Ezell was the manager of the Toledo Mud Hens until being replaced by Gene Roof due to abdominal surgery. From 1998 through 2001, he was the minor league catching instructor for the Tigers. He also replaced Dave Anderson in Toledo in 2000.
Glenn coached for the 2002 Devil Rays, then was the field coordinator of minor league operations for Detroit for three years. By 2007, Ezell was the director of player development for the Tigers.
Sources include MLB and Baseball America websites, Amphitheater High School Alumni, 1967-1975 and 1978 Baseball Guides
Year-By-Year Minor League Managerial Record
Year Team League Record Finish Organization Playoffs Notes
1975 Niagara Falls Pirates New York-Penn League 29-40 5th Pittsburgh Pirates
1976 Niagara Falls Pirates New York-Penn League 35-34 3rd Pittsburgh Pirates
1977 Reno Silver Sox California League 59-81 5th San Diego Padres
1978 Amarillo Gold Sox Texas League 44-89 8th San Diego Padres
1979 Amarillo Gold Sox Texas League -- San Diego Padres replaced by Rusty Gerhardt
1981 Salem Redbirds Carolina League 6-74 7th San Diego Padres
1982 Amarillo Gold Sox Texas League 61-74 8th San Diego Padres
1986 Ventura County Gulls California League 75-67 4th (t) Toronto Blue Jays
1987 Knoxville Blue Jays Southern League 68-76 8th Toronto Blue Jays
1988 Omaha Royals American Association 81-61 2nd Kansas City Royals Lost League Finals
1995 Modesto A's California League 78-62 3rd Oakland Athletics Lost in 2nd round
1997 Toledo Mud Hens International League 33-24 -- Detroit Tigers replaced by Gene Roof (35-49) on June 6
2000 Toledo Mud Hens International League 29-48 12th Detroit Tigers replaced Dave Anderson (26-38) on June 24
Source: Baseball Reference.com (Bullpen)
***
Former director of player development Glenn Ezell says Tigers mischaracterized his departure
Updated Jan 21, 2019; Posted Jun 09, 2010
By Steve Kornacki
CHICAGO -- Former Detroit Tigers director of player development Glenn Ezell wanted to make it clear Wednesday that the club's news release about his departure from the organization -- which said he had "stepped down" from the position he held since late in the 2003 season -- was not accurate.
"I did not retire," said Ezell, 65. "I did not walk away or step down or hand in a resignation. That is the way the release stated it. I am a professional person who loves the game and will not quit. I'm not good enough to quit.
"Maybe it was obvious the organization wanted to go in another direction. I should've kept my ear to the ground better. But I have so many wonderful feelings about this organization still. Even now, I will say nothing negative. My passion is for the players I have worked with, and I will not betray that. The young men in this organization are wonderful."
Ezell also has worked on the major league staff as a coach and as a minor league field coordinator, manager and instructor in the Detroit organization.
He oversaw the club's farm system or contributed to the instructional development of these current Tigers drafted by the club: Brandon Inge, Justin Verlander, Rick Porcello, Ryan Perry, Ryan Raburn, Brennan Boesch, Danny Worth, Alex Avila and Joel Zumaya.
Published by mlive.com
Father: Donease C. Ezell 1914 - 1959 #10702638
Mother: Pauline E. KENDRICK Ezell 1921 - 1990 #10720691
Brother: James Ira Ezell 1940 -2008 #126292396
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