Alyssa Nakken made Major League Baseball history last night (April 12). She became the first female on-field coach at a regular season game.
History doesn’t say if Nakken’s presence motivated her troops, but her club, the San Francisco Giants crushed the San Diego Padres 13-2.
Alyssa Nakken, 31, boarded the field in the third inning after Antoan Richardson was thrown out. When she was announced as Richardson’s replacement, Nakken was greeted with a warm ovation from the Oracle Park crowd. She also received a congratulatory handshake from referee Chris Guccione.
“I think we’re all inspirational in everything we do on a daily basis and I think, yes, it has a little bit more weight because of the visibility, there’s obviously a historical nature to it. But again, that’s my job,” commented the pioneer.
For Giants manager Gabe Kapler, Nakken’s presence on the field was only a matter of time.
“She does so many other things well that we don’t see. So it’s nice to see her in the spotlight and doing it on the field.”
Alyssa Nakken is an assistant defensive outfield coach.