Tampa Bay Devil Rays Retain Jim Hickey as Pitching Coach

11/01/2007, ST. PETERSBURG -- Jim Hickey will return as the pitching coach of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Hickey and the team agreed to a one-year contract completing the Rays coaching staff for 2008.

Hickey pleaded no contest on October 29 to charges of driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident. In addition to the court mandated 50 hours of community service which he has already completed, Hickey will perform additional community service under the direction of the team.

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"I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue coaching for the Rays," said Hickey. "Last month, I let down my family, the organization, and the Tampa Bay community. I am truly sorry for my actions."

"Ever since the incident, Jim has shown contrition and has taken full responsibility for his actions," said Rays Executive Vice President Andrew Friedman. "We are confident he has learned from his mistakes, and we are ready for him to resume his responsibilities with our club."

Hickey was named pitching coach of the Rays on October 12, 2006. In his first season, Rays pitchers topped the American League with a club record 1,194 strikeouts, the sixth highest total in league history.

Hickey came to the Rays from the Houston Astros organization where he spent 16 seasons as a pitching coach, the last 2-1/2 seasons for the major league club.

Source: MLB