Braves manager Brian Snitker will be part of the National League’s coaching staff for the All-Star game next month in Cleveland.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who will manage the NL team, called Snitker earlier this week asking him to join his staff. It will be Snitker’s first time coaching in the midsummer classic, which will be played July 9.
“What an honor,” Snitker said. “I told Dave when he called. I’m just taken aback. I really appreciate him thinking of me. We had a really good conversation. I’m looking forward to it. I pinch myself sometimes - it’s going to be a lot of fun. It’s a great honor.”
Snitker’s wife, Ronnie, who was emotional upon hearing the news, will join him in Cleveland. Roberts’ Dodgers eliminated the Braves in four games in last season’s National League Division Series.
“My wife and I will go and have a great time,” Snitker said, while saying he hopes he gets to manage the game one day (meaning the Braves won the NL pennant). “Had a great talk with Dave when he called. Very appreciative of him for thinking of me. I told him it’s a huge honor for me to be there with him and his staff to experience it.”
Snitker’s Braves are 34-29 entering play Saturday, two games behind the Phillies for first place in the NL East. Roberts’ Dodgers are 43-21, running away with the best record in the senior circuit.
