Mo Vaughn

Born on November 29, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio, Michael Anthony Easler was drafted by the Houston Astros in the early 1970s. A skillful and powerful hitter, Easler was less adept in the outfield. For nearly a decade he languished in the minor leagues before joining the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1980 and batting a strong .338 in his first full season. Traded to the Boston Red Sox in 1984, Easler briefly played first base, but was ultimately moved to designated hitter. In 1986 he joined the New York Yankees, but despite batting an impressive average he was released within a year. Easler then took up work as a hitting coach for various teams, including the Boston Red Sox (1993-96). The "Hit Man" is perhaps best known for working his magic on Boston's Mo Vaughn, transforming the slugger into one of the game's most formidable hitters. In 1996 Vaughn hired Easler as his personal hitting coach. The two remain close friends and collaborators.