Jose Amado

#8 Jose Amado, Hitting Coach 

Jose returns for his second season as the Wingnuts’ Hitting Coach.  Amado compiled a lifetime batting average of .308 in over 4,500 at bats during his 14-year playing career, including three years in the Mexican League and two at the Double-A level.

In his first season as Wingnuts’ Hitting Coach, Wichita set a team record with a collective .295 batting average that ranked fourth-best in the American Association.  Amado’s approach to hitting also helped the Wingnuts strike out just 463 times all year, easily the lowest figure in the league, and 65 fewer times than the next closest team.

A native of San Cristobal, Venezuela, Amado demonstrated terrific plate discipline throughout his career, drawing 421 walks while striking out just 281 times with a lifetime on-base percentage of .373.  Amado hit .290 or better in nine of his 14 professional seasons, and finished at .333 or better in four of them.  His best season came in 2006 when he split time with the Northern League's Joliet Jackhammers and the Mexican League's Cordoba Cafeteros, hitting .355 with 23 home runs and 99 RBI, all career-bests.  Amado totaled more base hits (1,387) than games played (1,220) in his career.

The 35-year old Amado owns the distinction of playing for two different teams in Wichita, helping the Wranglers win the 1999 Texas League Championship and then playing for the Wingnuts during their inaugural season in 2008.