SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — While Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu went through his normal routine in the batting cages Tuesday morning at Salt River Fields, hitting coach Duane Espy was reminiscing.
Espy, who is in his first season as the Rockies’ hitting coach, had seen something familiar while watching LeMahieu. He was reminded of another former National League batting champion.
He was the last hitting coach to work with Padres legend Tony Gwynn, who won eight batting titles during a 20-year major-league career.
Like Gwynn, LeMahieu works at his craft.
“Their work ethic, especially the tee stuff and the cage stuff, is so similar,” Espy said.