Tony Beasley’s Return to Pirates: How He Transformed Oneil Cruz

This article dives into why veteran baseball coach Tony Beasley, after flirting with retirement, chose to return to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a third time. It touches on Beasley’s long, winding journey in baseball and the impact he’s expected to have on a young Pirates roster—especially when it comes to the development of outfielder Oneil Cruz.

A Veteran Coach at a Career Crossroads

After decades in pro baseball, Tony Beasley hit an uncertain stretch. His contract with the Texas Rangers was about to end, and at 58, he seriously thought about calling it a career.

But that didn’t last. Pirates manager Don Kelly called with a chance to come back as third-base coach and outfield instructor. It wasn’t just another job—it was a shot to really make a difference.

Why Pittsburgh Still Matters to Beasley

Beasley’s got deep roots with the Pirates. He played in their minor league system, started coaching there in 1999, and even picked up some managerial honors along the way.

This latest return, finalized in December, marks his third go-round with the club. What pulled him back? He believes in the Pirates’ future. Beasley’s talked up the team’s young pitching and senses Pittsburgh is building something real—something he wants to help shape.

Decades of Experience Across Baseball

Not many coaches bring the kind of experience Beasley does. He’s been on big-league staffs in Washington and Texas, spending a decade with the Rangers.

He worked under manager Jeff Bannister, took over as interim manager in 2022, and earned a World Series ring in 2023. Even with all that success in Texas, Beasley jumped at the chance to work under Kelly. Their approaches to accountability and player development just click.

A Baseball Lifer With Balance

Off the field, Beasley keeps things grounded. In the offseason, he works in his family’s tree-harvesting business, sings at church, and sometimes belts out the national anthem at ballparks.

Those pursuits help him stay balanced in a profession that can wear you down.

Personal Strength and Perspective

Back in 2016, Beasley’s life took a turn when he got diagnosed with rectal cancer. By December, he was declared cancer-free and came out of it with a fresh outlook on life and purpose.

He’s since used that experience to support others facing tough battles, earning respect in the baseball world not just for his coaching chops, but for his character too.

Respect Earned Around the Game

People who’ve worked with Beasley often mention:

• How well he teaches and communicates
• His knack for building trust with players
• Holding athletes accountable without pushing them away

That mix of traits is exactly what made Kelly want him back in Pittsburgh.

Helping Oneil Cruz Reach His Potential

One major focus for Beasley will be developing Oneil Cruz, the Pirates’ 6-foot-7 outfielder with huge potential. Beasley sees Cruz as a guy with all the tools, but he needs structure, focus, and steady habits to really break through.

He’s seen similar transformations before—think Adolis García in Texas. Beasley’s approach: set clear standards, build strong relationships, and create an environment where honest accountability actually sticks.

Building Reliable Contributors

For Beasley, the challenge is the reward. He came back to Pittsburgh because he believes in the promise of this roster.

He really enjoys the work of turning raw talent into dependable production. At this point in his career, impact feels more important than titles.

In Pittsburgh, Tony Beasley thinks he can still make a difference. And honestly, who could blame him for wanting one more shot?

 
Here is the source article for this story: From cutting trees to helping Oneil Cruz: Why Tony Beasley’s Pirates return ‘was not a coincidence’