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Curt Young
Curt Young
Curt Young
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Curtis Allen Young (born April 16, 1960) is an American former professional baseball pitcher and pitching coach. He played all or parts of 11 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) and previously served as the pitching coach for the Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants.

Key Information

Playing career

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Young was drafted out of Central Michigan University by the Athletics in the fourth round of the 1981 draft. He joined the big league club in 1983 and played with the A's through the 1991 season, starting opening night for them in 1987. In 1992 he played for both the Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees before rejoining Oakland in 1993.

Coaching career

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Prior to his appointment as A's pitching coach in 2004, Young spent four seasons in the same capacity within the Oakland minor-league system. Young left the A's after the 2010 season, following an offer of a one-year contract.[1]

On November 2, 2010, the Boston Red Sox announced he was hired to fill the team's vacant pitching coach position.[2] In October 2011, following the Red Sox' September collapse, The Red Sox granted permission for Young and the other coaches to seek other opportunities.[citation needed] On October 21, Young was re-hired by the Oakland Athletics as their pitching coach after only one year in Boston.[3] Young was relieved of his duties with the Athletics on June 15, 2017.[4]

References

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Curt Young

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from Grokipedia
Curt Young is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher and pitching coach known for his extensive career with the Oakland Athletics, both as a player on their 1989 World Series championship team and as their longtime pitching coach. Born on April 16, 1960, in Saginaw, Michigan, Young played college baseball at Central Michigan University before being drafted by the Athletics in the fourth round of the 1981 amateur draft. He debuted in the majors in 1983 and pitched for 11 seasons through 1993, spending the majority of his career with Oakland while also appearing for the Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees in 1992. A reliable left-handed starter, he was a member of the Athletics' 1989 World Series-winning roster. After retiring as a player, Young remained with the Athletics organization in various coaching capacities, including several years in their minor league system, before serving as major league pitching coach from 2004 to 2010 and again from 2012 until mid-2017, when he was relieved of his duties amid team struggles. He briefly coached the Boston Red Sox in 2011 and later the San Francisco Giants from 2018 to 2019. His decades-long affiliation with the Athletics made him a fixture in the organization's pitching development during multiple eras of success and transition.

Early Life

Birth and Family Background

Curtis Allen Young was born on April 16, 1960, in Saginaw, Michigan. Saginaw served as his birthplace and hometown. His father is named Jack.

Education and Early Interests

Curt Young graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, Michigan, in 1978. During his high school years, he played multiple sports, including football as a quarterback and baseball, where he honed his skills as a pitcher. In his junior year, Young elected not to play basketball in order to concentrate on preparing for the baseball season, reflecting his growing dedication to the sport. He later attended Central Michigan University, continuing his baseball career as a pitcher for the Chippewas.

Baseball Playing Career

Entry into Professional Baseball

Curt Young entered professional baseball when he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the fourth round of the 1981 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft from Central Michigan University. After signing with the Athletics, he began his professional career in their minor league system, progressing through the organization's affiliates over the next two seasons. He made his Major League debut on June 24, 1983, at age 23, pitching for the Oakland Athletics against the Texas Rangers. In that game, he threw 4.1 innings in relief, allowing five earned runs on four hits with two strikeouts and three walks, taking the loss. Young appeared in eight games total during the 1983 season, including two starts, logging nine innings with an 0-1 record and a 16.00 ERA as he adjusted to the major league level.

Oakland Athletics Tenure

Curt Young spent the bulk of his major league playing career with the Oakland Athletics, pitching for the team from 1983 to 1991 and returning for a brief stint in 1993. Drafted by the Athletics in the fourth round of the 1981 MLB Draft out of Central Michigan, he made his major league debut on June 24, 1983. As a reliable left-handed pitcher, primarily operating as a starter, he compiled a 65–51 record with a 4.33 earned run average across 228 games (155 starts), pitching 1,039.1 innings and recording 516 strikeouts during his time with Oakland. Young established himself as a dependable rotation member during the mid-1980s, with his strongest performances occurring in 1986 (13–9 record, 3.45 ERA over 198 innings pitched) and 1987 (13–7 record, 4.08 ERA over a career-high 203 innings pitched). These seasons highlighted his ability to provide consistent innings as a mid-rotation starter, helping anchor the pitching staff during a period of organizational growth. He contributed to the Athletics' late-1980s dynasty, as the team captured three consecutive American League West titles from 1988 to 1990 and reached the World Series in 1988 and 1990 (with a championship in 1989). Young posted double-digit wins in 1988 (11–8) and 1990 (9–6), and he made postseason appearances in relief during the 1988 World Series (1 inning, 0 earned runs), the 1990 World Series (1 inning, 0 earned runs), and the 1988 AL Championship Series (1.1 innings, 0 earned runs). By 1991, Young shifted toward a relief role, appearing in 41 games with only one start before departing the organization. After pitching elsewhere in 1992, he returned to the Athletics in 1993 for three starts (1–1 record, 4.30 ERA in 14.2 innings) prior to the end of his playing career.

Later Playing Years and Retirement

In 1992, following his departure from the Oakland Athletics after the 1991 season, Curt Young pitched for both the Kansas City Royals and the New York Yankees. He appeared in a total of 23 games that year, starting seven, as he transitioned to a more limited role in his later playing days. Young returned to the Oakland Athletics for the 1993 season, where his involvement was minimal. He made three starts, posting a 1–1 record with a 4.30 ERA over 14.2 innings pitched. The Athletics released him on October 8, 1993, ending his major league playing career at age 33. Young did not pitch in any further professional games.

Coaching Career

Return to Oakland Athletics

Curt Young was appointed pitching coach of the Oakland Athletics prior to the 2004 season, returning to the major league club where he had spent most of his playing career. He held the position through the 2010 season, during which the Athletics' pitching staff posted an American League-best team ERA of 4.03 (cumulative over the period) and limited opponents to an AL-low .257 batting average while allowing the fewest home runs in the league (1,062 cumulative). The 2010 staff led the AL with a 3.56 ERA and 17 shutouts, with Athletics starters recording a major league-best 3.47 ERA, the lowest AL starter ERA since 1990. Seven pitchers earned AL All-Star selections during this period, including Mark Mulder and Dan Haren who started All-Star Games, while closers Huston Street (2005) and Andrew Bailey (2009) won AL Rookie of the Year honors. After one season as pitching coach with the Boston Red Sox in 2011, Young returned to the Athletics on a one-year contract announced in October 2011. He continued in the role through mid-2017, contributing to a young pitching staff that propelled the team to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2012 to 2014 when largely healthy. Over his combined tenure with Oakland (2004–2010 and 2012–mid-2017), approximately 13 seasons, Young's staffs consistently ranked among the American League's stronger units in ERA in most years, and he earned praise for his behind-the-scenes work in video analysis, mechanics adjustments, injury prevention, and pitcher development. Players credited him with significant impact on their growth, with one noting he had coached a predominantly young group through successful playoff runs. Young was relieved of his duties in June 2017 amid team struggles, including a 4.83 ERA that ranked third-worst in the league at the time, compounded by injuries and defensive issues. At the time of his departure, he was the longest-tenured uniformed employee in Oakland Athletics history.

San Francisco Giants Tenure

Curt Young was named the pitching coach of the San Francisco Giants on November 5, 2017, after spending much of his coaching career with the Oakland Athletics. The Giants hired him to oversee their pitching staff, bringing his experience from his long prior tenure with the Athletics. He began his tenure with the club in the 2018 season. Young held the role through the 2019 season, working with the Giants' major league pitchers during a period of transition for the team. His time with San Francisco concluded after the 2019 campaign. In 2020, he was hired as the rehab pitching coach for the Arizona League Padres (San Diego Padres minor league affiliate).

Coaching Style and Achievements

Curt Young established himself as a reliable and player-oriented pitching coach, known for his deep personal investment in each pitcher's growth and well-being. His style emphasized building strong relationships and providing dedicated support, earning him praise from both colleagues and players across his tenures with the Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants. Manager Bob Melvin described Young as his closest confidant over many years and highlighted his classy character, noting that Young accepted organizational decisions gracefully and expressed only gratitude for opportunities received. Players also voiced strong appreciation for his approach, with reliever Sean Doolittle stating that Young was "super invested in each and every one of his guys," and reliever Santiago Casilla calling him a "tremendous person" with no negative qualities. These sentiments reflect Young's reputation for fostering trust and commitment within pitching staffs. While Young did not receive major individual coaching awards, his legacy rests on his extensive experience and longevity, including serving longer in an Oakland uniform than anyone else at the time of his 2017 departure from the Athletics after multiple stints totaling significant seasons as pitching coach. His consistent presence and positive impact on player relations contributed to his respected status in Major League Baseball coaching circles.

Media Appearances and Public Profile

Television and Documentary Appearances

Curt Young has appeared as himself in television and video coverage of Major League Baseball postseason events during his playing career with the Oakland Athletics. He was credited as Self - Oakland Athletics Pitcher in the 1988 American League Championship Series, a television mini-series broadcast, as well as in the 1990 World Series television series. He also appeared as Self in the 1988 World Series Video: Los Angeles Dodgers vs Oakland A's. These credits stem from his participation in those playoff runs as an active pitcher for the Athletics. No other television or documentary appearances are documented in available sources.

Other Media Contributions

Curt Young has made several contributions to baseball media through interviews and podcast appearances, offering expert perspectives on pitching mechanics, player development, and coaching philosophy drawn from his extensive experience as a player and coach. In a 2007 Baseball Prospectus Q&A, he discussed key aspects of major league pitching instruction, including fastball command, pitch count management, and the psychological elements of helping pitchers navigate success and adversity. He later appeared on the FanGraphs Audio podcast in 2015, where he was interviewed alongside pitcher Pat Venditte about topics related to Oakland Athletics pitching. In 2017, upon joining the San Francisco Giants, MLB.com published a 10-question interview with Young that provided personal and professional insights into his career transition. He was also featured in a 2018 episode of the Inside China Basin podcast, discussing his role with the Giants' pitching staff. Additionally, Young participated in a 2018 Mercury News Q&A that covered his coaching influences, approaches to veteran versus young pitchers, and views on modern pitching trends such as analytics and workload management. These contributions have helped broaden public understanding of professional baseball pitching beyond his in-game and coaching duties.

Personal Life

Post-Career Activities

After the San Francisco Giants did not retain him following manager Bruce Bochy's departure at the conclusion of the 2019 season, Curt Young was hired by the San Diego Padres in February 2020 to assist pitchers rehabilitating from injuries at the team's facility in Peoria, Arizona. The role allowed him to continue contributing to player development in a specialized capacity focused on recovery and rehabilitation. Limited public information is available on Young's personal life or more recent professional activities beyond his 2020 engagement with the Padres.

Legacy and Recognition

Curt Young is recognized for his enduring association with the Oakland Athletics organization, where he spent 23 years in uniform as both a player and pitching coach. His tenure as a player from 1983 to 1991 and 1993, combined with coaching stints from 2004 to 2010 and 2012 to 2017, made him the longest-serving individual in an Oakland uniform at the time of his dismissal in 2017. This extended commitment highlights his role as a long-time figure within the franchise, contributing to multiple eras of the team's history. Young was inducted into the Central Michigan University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996 for his accomplishments as an outstanding left-handed pitcher for the Chippewas before being drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 1981. The induction recognizes his collegiate success and subsequent professional career spanning 13 seasons. No evidence was found of induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame or specific major MLB awards beyond his organizational longevity and college honors. His legacy centers on loyalty to the Athletics and foundational contributions as a pitcher and coach.

References

  1. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Curt_Young
  2. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19646504/oakland-athletics-fire-long-pitching-coach-curt-young
  3. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/youngcu01.shtml
  4. https://www.mlb.com/player/curt-young-124689
  5. https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/curt-young/
  6. https://www.mlb.com/news/get-to-know-giants-pitching-coach-curt-young-c262573600
  7. https://www.mlive.com/sports/saginaw/2012/04/oakland_athletics_pitching_sta.html
  8. https://www.mlive.com/entertainment/erry-2018/04/f311d19ff09152/these_famous_people_were_all_b.html
  9. https://www.mlive.com/sports/saginaw/2015/04/oakland_as_pitching_coach_curt_2.html
  10. https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2011/10/oakland_as_announce_hiring_of.html
  11. https://www.sfgate.com/athletics/article/A-s-fire-longtime-pitching-coach-Curt-Young-11223214.php
  12. https://whitecleatbeat.com/2013/08/09/curt-youngs-quiet-success/
  13. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/giants-name-curt-young-pitching-coach-alonzo-powell-hitting-coach-260786416
  14. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-padres-announce-minor-league-coaching-staffs
  15. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2247667/
  16. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2247667/fullcredits
  17. https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/6884/prospectus-qa-curt-young/
  18. https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-audio-pat-venditte-pitching-coach-curt-young/
  19. https://thesportsvirus.com/inside-china-basin-closer-hunter-strickland-pitching-coach-curt-young-reporter-kerry-crowley/
  20. https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/02/18/qa-with-curt-young-replacing-dave-righetti-and-molding-the-giants-2018-staff/
  21. https://www.sfchronicle.com/giants/article/Ex-Giants-pitching-coach-Curt-Young-has-new-job-15062964.php
  22. https://www.mlb.com/news/a-s-dismiss-pitching-coach-curt-young-c236726588
  23. https://cmuchippewas.com/honors/hall-of-fame/curt-young/98
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