Phillies Assistant Hitting Coach: John Mizerock
Today at TBOH, it’s the continuation of my 9-part series on the 2015 Philadelphia Phillies uniformed coaching staff with a spotlight this time on Assistant Hitting Coach John Mizerock.
In October 2012, the Phillies joined a rising trend in having an Assistant Hitting Coach position by hiring Wally Joyner to work with the main Hitting Coach, Steve Henderson. When Joyner left to take the Hitting Coach position with the Tigers in 2014, the Phils brought in Mizerock as his replacement.
More from Phillies News
- How will Rob Thomson manage the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen in 2023?
- How Phillies’ Ranger Suárez is set to build on 2022 postseason dominance
- What can Philadelphia Phillies expect from Bryson Stott in 2023?
- 3 Reasons to get excited for Phillies’ Craig Kimbrel signing
- Phillies-Mets owners’ rivalry grows after shocking Carlos Correa deal
Mizerock’s responsibility as the assistant is to simply work under Henderson as an extra set of eyes. Often times, the two ex-big leaguers will split up their time with different hitters, ensuring that all of the players receive any assistance needed.
The now 54-year old Mizerock was born in Punxsutawney, PA, home of the famous groundhog, and was selected as the 8th overall pick in the MLB Draft by the Houston Astros in 1979 out of high school.
Mizerock was a top Astros prospect in the early-80’s and played a handful of MLB seasons.
Mizerock was first called up to MLB with the ‘Stros in 1983. Spanning parts of four major league seasons (1983, 85-86, 89) with the Astros and Braves, Mizerock batted .186, with 24 RBI and a mere 2 home runs. Mizerock had also joined the Montreal Expos for the 1987 season, but was released before that season began.
Mizerock’s coaching career took off in 1992 when he joined the Kansas City Royals system to coach with their short-season Single-A affiliate at Eugene, Oregon. He then was promoted to take over as manager for Eugene in 1993. Mizerock’s steady work took him through Royals’ affiliates Rockford (A), Wilmington (A), Wichita (AA), and Omaha (AAA).
In 2002, Mizerock returned to the majors with the Royals as their Bullpen Coach. He went 5-8 in a short stint serving as an Interim Manager while the club replaced Tony Muser with Tony Pena. Mizerock continued to work with the Royals as a Third Base Coach from 2003-04 and the Bullpen Coach from 2008-09.
During 2005-06, Mizerock served with Kansas City as an organization-wide catching instructor and then went back to coaching with Single-A Wilmington in 2007. He is a two-time winner of the Royals’ Dick Howser Award (1996 & 2007) for outstanding contributions to their organization.
After serving the organization as a coach with Single-A Clearwater from 2011-13, the now 54-year old Mizerock was finally promoted to his current position with the Phils in 2014.
Mizerock provides the Phillies with many years of strong baseball knowledge in hitting, catching, and even a little pitching. Mizerock looks to help his hitters make necessary adjustments in 2015 as the Phillies offense strives to make up for the losses of Jimmy Rollins and Marlon Byrd.