Dodgers’ Former Hitting Coach David Popkins Aims to Outplay Them with Blue Jays
David Popkins, a notable figure in baseball, has transitioned from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Toronto Blue Jays as their hitting coach. He has effectively incorporated lessons learned from his time with the Dodgers into his new role, where he aims to optimize the performance of the Blue Jays’ lineup. This World Series matchup against the Dodgers will be personally significant for him.
The Journey to Becoming a Hitting Coach
Popkins began his baseball career with high aspirations. He spent three years in the minor leagues, attempting to emulate his childhood hero, Tony Gwynn. After being released, he shifted his focus toward coaching and began working in hitting labs, which eventually led to his hire by the Dodgers in 2019.
- Joined Dodgers in 2019.
- Was tasked with coaching Justin Washington, a pitcher-turned-hitter.
- Helped Washington achieve a batting average of .272 and an OPS of .824 in his first year.
Impactful Conversations and Learning
Many of Popkins’ insights were gained through discussions with Dodgers’ coaching staff. These late-night exchanges over food and beverages provided him with a deep understanding of swing mechanics and innovative hitting strategies.
During his time with the Dodgers, he collaborated with prominent figures now in significant roles across baseball, including Lou Iannotti, the Blue Jays’ current assistant hitting coach. These connections contributed to his growth and success in the field.
Success with the Blue Jays
In his debut season with the Toronto Blue Jays, Popkins played an integral role in revamping the team’s hitting strategy. Under his guidance, the team finished fourth in runs scored and OPS.
- Blue Jays ranked fourth in MLB for runs scored.
- Achieved third in OPS—On-base Plus Slugging.
Adjustments During the Playoffs
As the Blue Jays faced challenges in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Seattle Mariners, adjustments became critical. After two games, they were trailing 2-0 and struggling to score runs.
Manager John Schneider emphasized the importance of sticking to their successful strategies, while Popkins suggested a more aggressive hitting approach to counter the Mariners’ pitching style. This resulted in an impressive average of 6.6 runs and two home runs per game in the following five matches, ultimately propelling them into the World Series.
The Road Ahead: Facing the Dodgers
As the Blue Jays prepare for the World Series against the Dodgers, Popkins will need to deploy all his knowledge and strategies. The competitors boast elite pitchers such as Blake Snell and Shohei Ohtani, making each game a test of adaptability.
Victory will depend on meticulous planning and execution. Popkins has proven himself capable of making mid-game adjustments while working closely with Schneider and his coaching staff. If the Blue Jays can outmaneuver their rivals, they may very well secure a championship title, with Popkins celebrating a win against his former colleagues.
