First woman to coach in Major League Baseball

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.