New Oakland A's hitting coach Gerald Perry is off on right foot

PHOENIX -- Many of the Oakland A's don't know it, but their new hitting coach was known for more than his bat during his playing days. Gerald Perry was a real speedster.

In 1987, Perry stole 42 bases with the Braves. That's 11 more than the entire A's team managed last year, and it would have been fourth most in the American League.

"I could always run," Perry said. "I was an undersized first baseman, but I could run. I was talking to Milton Bradley about stolen bases the other day, and asked him the most he'd had (17). I told him, 'When you get to 42, come talk to me,' and just started laughing."

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