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Agent: Boggs is not done

Boggs could return to baseball, even to the Rays organization, Alan Nero says.

By KEVIN KELLY

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 30, 2001

ST. PETERSBURG -- The relationship between the Rays and former hitting coach Wade Boggs might only be on hold.

Alan Nero, the Illinois-based agent for Boggs, said Monday an eventual return by his client to the organization remains a possibility.

Boggs, 43, resigned Thursday for personal reasons after serving one season as hitting coach.

"He's not leaving coaching because he hates it, and he's not leaving because he does not ever want to return," Nero said. "I'm hoping that the door will be open with the Devil Rays."

The 12-time All-Star retired to a front office job after the 1999 season, only to return to the field as a coach last season. The Rays finished last in the American League in homers (121), runs (672) and RBI (645) and second to last in batting average (.258).

"Wade Boggs is an outstanding baseball man who will be an asset to any organization if and when he chooses to get back in the game," Rays general manager Chuck LaMar said. "We wish him the best of luck. I personally hope he does get back into the game at a later date."

Boggs cited a desire to spend more time with his wife, Debbie, and their two children, Meagan and Brett, as the reason for the decision to resign. Boggs was not available for comment. "It was a very long and difficult year for everybody," Nero said. "I think he kind of felt that he was a little torn with where he wants to be and what he wants to do and thought he'd be best served by maybe just taking a year off completely."

Would Boggs entertain offers from other teams in the meantime? Broadcast possibilities and speaking engagements are more likely in the short term, Nero said.

"He's not obsessed with doing that," Nero said. "I think it depends on where he is at the time and when he decides he wants to do something else. I think he's going to relax and have some fun and enjoy watching his son grow up.

"It wouldn't surprise me if Wade doesn't come into anything over the next two or three years."

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