Multi-Lingual Hensley "Bamm-Bamm" Meulens Could Be 'Hit' As New Giants Assistant

November 4, 2009 5:30 a.m. EST

San Francisco, CA (AHN) - After scoring the fewest runs in 2009, the San Francisco Giants announced Monday the promotion of Triple-A hitting coach Hensley "Bamm-Bamm" Meulens as the team's new hitting coach.

Meulens, 42, replaces Carney Lansford, who was dismissed after two seasons.

A multi-lingual, Meulens could be a big boost to the Giants figuratively and literally.

Meuelens, who speaks English, Japanese, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamento, the tongue of his native Curacao, owns a resume that includes a 17-year playing career.

He also has nine years of coaching experience.

Meulens' experience could improve the Giants offense by guiding the hitters, both young and old, to be more selective as well as dangerous at the plate.

The promotion is also viewed as a reward for his success in Fresno after spending six seasons coaching in the Baltimore and Pittsburgh systems.

As a player, Meulens hit .220 with 15 home runs and 53 RBI in 182 Major League contests while with the Yankees, Expos and Diamondbacks.

Meulens also had a three-year stint as a player in Japan.