John Pierson

John Camden Pierson
(J.P.)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 170 lb.
• School Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, Glendale Community College (AZ)
• High School Washington High School (Phoenix)

• Born October 5, 1953 in Phoenix, AZ USA

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Infielder John Pierson played two seasons in the Kansas City Royals organization, in 1973 and 1974, after having been selected in the secondary phase of the January 1973 amateur draft. He had first been selected out of high school in the 28th round of the 1971 amateur draft by the Montreal Expos but did not sign, and again in the secondary phase of the January and June 1972 amateur draft (one pick after Jim Morrison) while attending Glendale Community College (AZ).

In 1973, he hit .305/.413/.363 in 53 games as the second baseman for the GCL Royals. He also drew 33 walks and scored 37 runs that season. He fielded .955. His 15 steals (in 21 tries) tied for second in the Gulf Coast League. He was third in runs and tied for 7th in walks. In 1974, he hit only .188/.287/.295 in 34 games for the Waterloo Royals of the Midwest League, then was sent back to the Gulf Coast League, where he only hit .257/.386/.289 in 47 games, putting a term to his career as a player. He was third in the GCL with 18 swipes (caught only twice), behind only Willie Wilson and Terry Pyka. Overall, he had batted .260/.374/.322 in 134 minor league games, with 40 steals in 51 tries, 79 walks and 89 runs. He had fielded .947.

Pierson was hitting coach for Phoenix Junior College (1977-1979), Grand Canyon University (1980-1991) and Arizona State University (1992-1994). He was a minor league hitting instructor for the Chicago Cubs (1995-1997), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (1998) and Cubs (1999-2001). He was athletic director for Grand Canyon University in 2002. He then worked in the Marlins minor league system from 2003-2013, and was serving in that capacity for the Florida Marlins in 2013 when major league hitting coach Tino Martinez resigned on July 28th after allegations of verbal and physical abuse. Pierson was named interim hitting coach to replace him, completing the season.

Sources: 2013 Marlins Media Guide