Bobby Dickerson named Baseball America’s 2020 Coach of the Year

Padres bench coach Bobby Dickerson hasn’t even been in San Diego for a full calendar year and he’s already got himself one of the finer accolades a coach can earn.

On Wednesday morning, the fine folks at Baseball America named Dickerson their 2020 MLB Coach of the Year after helping the Friars to their first postseason appearance in 14 years while developing Fernando Tatis into one of the sports’ stars of the future.

In 2019, Fernando Tatis had the fifth-lowest mark for outs above average (OAA) at minus-13. After working with Dickerson during the offseason, Tatis improved drastically, finishing plus-seven in 2020, good enough to tie with Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado, Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley, and White Sox center fielder Luis Robert for the best mark in all of baseball.

“I’m fortunate to be along for the ride with him,” said Dickerson. “He worked his tail off and for a young guy, he has a lot of personal goals. I was a little disappointed he wasn’t mentioned in the Gold Glove voting this year. I’m still trying to figure that out. I just don’t understand it.”

According to Author Scott Miller, Dickerson’s influence went way beyond that of just Tatis. Players like Manny Machado, Eric Hosmer, and Jake Cronenworth have also improved under his coaching.

Manny was an MVP candidate this season, Hosmer’s defense improved after some notable regression, and Cronenworth won himself plenty of recognition as one of the best rookies in the majors.

Here’s to coach Dickerson and all that he’s done for the Padres this past year! Congrats, Coach!