NEW YORK, June 14 (UPI) -- Former New York Yankee great Chris Chambliss was hired Thursday by the New York Mets to be their new hitting coach.
The hiring came on the eve of the annual interleague Subway Series between the two rivals. Chambliss replaces Dave Engle, who was fired earlier this week.
"To be back and working in New York again and be working in the major leagues is very exciting," Chambliss said. "I have no idea what to say. It all happened so fast."
Chambliss, who also held a similar post with the Yankees from 1996-2000. He had been serving as a roving minor league hitting instructor for the Pittsburgh Pirates. With the Mets, he has his work cut out for him.
The Mets (32-33), in fourth place in the National League East and 6 1/2 games back of Atlanta, have been one of baseball's biggest disappointments thus far, mainly because of a consistent lack of offense. That despite a star-studded line up which includes offseason acquisitions Mo Vaughn, Roberto Alomar and slugger Jeromy Burnitz to go along with Mike Piazza.
Vaughn is at the heart of the Mets' hitting problems. He has only four home runs and 21 RBI and has a batting average a paltry .229 in 51 games. Burnitz hasn't been much better. In 64 games, he has eight homers and is batting just .197, 60 points below his career average.
Piazza has not been able to avoid the team's hitting malaise, either. Even though he has been their best performer, Piazza is batting just .278, which is 45 points under his career average.
Also, the Mets team batting average is .246. Only three teams are worse. And, as a team, they have hit only 49 home runs. Only the Pirates have hit fewer in the National League.
Chambliss said his plan will be to give individual advice to each player.
"Everyone doesn't need to have a system of hitting," he said. "I don't try to incorporate that. Over the years I've learned that the important thing is to know all styles of hitting and things to help guys get better. I have a big job ahead of me."
"Chris was exactly the right guy," said General Manager Steve Phillips. "Having played in New York and succeeded, having coached in New York and succeeded. We hope to wipe the slate clean with our hitters and get a fresh start."
