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Cora All Business as Pirates Third-Base Coach

Isaiah Smelley of Wheeling, runs between Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Nick Kingham, left, and third-base coach Joey Cora, as the trio played basketball during the Pirates’ visit with the Miracle League of the Ohio Valley on Friday at the J.B. Chambers YMCA in Elm Grove. Photo by Scott McCloskey

WHEELING — Joey Cora knows what it is like to be part of a team with a long championship drought. As third-base coach for the Chicago White Sox in 2005, he helped the team break through and win its first World Series championship since 1917.

After making the playoffs in the previous three seasons, the Pittsburgh Pirates failed to return to the postseason in 2016 and changes were made in hopes of helping the team finally break through and win its first title since 1979.

One of the most significant changes may be the addition of Cora.

After spending last season as manager of the Double-A Altoona Curve, Cora was promoted to third-base coach in October, replacing Rick Sofield.

An 11-year veteran and former All-Star, Cora brings a wealth of experience from his time on the field, but just being back in the majors isn’t enough to get him excited. Spring training hasn’t even begun yet and he already has his sights set high.

“I will be excited if we win 100 games and finish in first place and win the World Series,” Cora said. “That is the goal and I know people may be a little skeptical, but at the end of the day, you can sign anybody for millions but if you catch the ball and throw to first base, he is going to be out.”

Cora enter the majors in 1987 with the San Diego Padres and also played for White Sox, Seattle Mariners and Cleveland Indians. He played second base, third base, shortstop and also served as a designated hitter.

After his playing career ended, Cora joined up with his former teammate Ozzie Guillen in Chicago and with the Miami Marlins.

After Guillen was fired following the 2012 season, Cora spent time as analyst for MLB Network before agreeing to take over the Curve last season.

Altoona went 76-64 in Cora’s lone season in charge and advanced to the Eastern League playoffs, losing 3-1 to the Akron RubberDucks.

Back on the third-base line is a welcome change for Cora and he loves what he has seen from the Pirates organization already.

“I know some of the players and I know the organization so that will be a help,” Cora said. “As far as baseball goes, it is the same as 90 feet (between bases), and 60 feet, 6 inches (to the pitcher’s mound). It is a great organization and I am happy to be a part of it.”

The National League Central is arguably the toughest division in baseball with the World Series champion Chicago Cubs and perennial playoff contender St. Louis Cardinals, who just added former Cubs leadoff man Dexter Fowler.

All that means to Cora is that the players have to be that much more focused on what they are doing and come to the ballpark every day prepared.

“They need to have confidence in themselves,” Cora said. “Work hard and prepare for the ballgames is the most important thing. Once the game starts, everyone is equal. It doesn’t matter whether you are making $80 million or $100,000. The ball is the same, the bases are the same and just go out and play and prepare.”

Cora is not all business, though. He does have a playful side as seen Friday at the Pirates Charities Winter Care-A-Van stop at the Wheeling YMCA to take part in the Miracle League of the Ohio Valley holiday party.

There Cora showed off his basketball skills as he took some time out to help brighten the lives of area children.

“I try to help anyway I can and I hope they are having a good time,” he said. “I am sure having a great time, remembering the good old days when I played pretty decent basketball.

“Being here is one of the things that attracted me to the Pirates organization in that they take care of the community. It was very appealing to come here and help these kids and hopefully they forget a little bit about their things and keep on going.”

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