Kevin Cash facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kevin Cash
Cash in 2015
Tampa Bay Rays – No. 16
Catcher / Manager
Born: (1977-12-06) December 6, 1977 (age 47) Tampa, Florida, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
September 6, 2002, for the Toronto Blue Jays
Last appearance
October 3, 2010, for the Boston Red Sox
MLB statistics (through September 29, 2024)
Batting average	.183
Home runs	12
Runs batted in	58
Managerial record	819–699
Winning %	.540
Teams
As player Toronto Blue Jays (2002–2004) Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2005) Boston Red Sox (2007–2008) New York Yankees (2009) Houston Astros (2010) Boston Red Sox (2010) As manager Tampa Bay Rays (2015–present) As coach Cleveland Indians (2013–2014)
Career highlights and awards
2× AL Manager of the Year (2020, 2021)

Kevin Forrest Cash (born December 6, 1977) is an American professional baseball manager and former player. He is currently the manager for the Tampa Bay Rays in Major League Baseball (MLB). Before becoming a manager, Cash played as a catcher for several MLB teams. These included the Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros.

As a player, Kevin Cash was known for his strong defense as a catcher. He later became the bullpen coach for the Cleveland Indians. In December 2014, he was hired to manage the Tampa Bay Rays. Cash won the American League Manager of the Year award in both 2020 and 2021. He was the first manager in the American League to win this award two years in a row. As of the 2024 season, he is the longest-serving manager in MLB.

Early Baseball Days

Kevin Cash started playing baseball at a young age in Tampa, Florida. He was a second baseman for Northside Little League. His team even made it to the 1989 Little League World Series.

He went to Gaither High School. At first, he didn't make the school's baseball team. After high school, he played college baseball for the Florida State Seminoles baseball team. He played 148 games as an infielder.

While at Florida State, Cash played in two College World Series (1998, 1999). In 1999, his team finished second. He was named second-team All-American at third base. He was also the MVP of the Tallahassee Regional in the 1999 College World Series.

In the summer of 1999, he joined the Falmouth Commodores in the Cape Cod Baseball League. Cash volunteered to play catcher for the team. He quickly became an All-Star and the team's MVP.

Playing in the Major Leagues

Starting with the Blue Jays

In August 1999, Kevin Cash signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. He started his professional career with the Hagerstown Suns. Even though he played third base in college, he was asked to learn how to be a catcher. In 2001, he played for the Dunedin Blue Jays. He hit .283 with 12 home runs. He also threw out over half of the runners trying to steal bases.

In 2002, Cash moved up to Double-A with the Tennessee Smokies. He hit .277 with eight home runs. He also led the league with 44 RBI. He was promoted to Triple-A in June. In September, he was called up to the major leagues. He made his MLB debut on September 6, 2002.

Cash started the 2003 season in Triple-A. He hit .270 with eight home runs. He also played in the All-Star Futures Game. On August 11, Cash was called back up to the major leagues. He hit his first major league home run on September 27. In 2004, he was the starting catcher for the Blue Jays.

Time with the Devil Rays

On December 12, 2004, Cash was traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He started the season with a shoulder injury. He returned to the major leagues in June. In his first at-bat back, he hit a home run. He played 13 games for the Devil Rays. In April 2006, he was sent to the minor leagues.

Playing for the Red Sox

Cash with the 2008 Red Sox

Kevin Cash signed with the Boston Red Sox in January 2007. He spent most of the season with their minor league team, the Pawtucket Red Sox. He was called up to the Red Sox in August.

The Red Sox re-signed Cash before the 2008 season. He became the team's backup catcher. He often caught for knuckleball pitcher Tim Wakefield. In 2008, Cash was one of three catchers on the Red Sox playoff team. He hit a home run in his first postseason at-bat.

With the Yankees and Astros

Cash with the 2009 New York Yankees

In December 2008, Cash signed with the New York Yankees. He started the 2009 season in Triple-A. He was called up to the Yankees in May due to injuries to other catchers. He played 10 games for the Yankees. He was later released in September.

Before the 2010 season, Cash signed with the Houston Astros. He was called up to the Astros in May. He even made his pitching debut on May 28 in a game where his team was losing badly. He played 20 games for Houston.

Back with the Red Sox

On July 1, 2010, Cash was traded back to the Red Sox. He became the backup catcher for part of the season. He played in 29 games for Boston. After the season, he became a free agent. He later signed with the Texas Rangers in November 2010. He played the entire 2011 season in Triple-A.

After Playing Baseball

On January 8, 2012, Kevin Cash announced he was retiring as a player. He then became an advance scout for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2012.

Coaching Career

After scouting, Cash joined Terry Francona's coaching staff with the Cleveland Indians. He became their bullpen coach. Cash had played for Francona when he was with the Red Sox. He served as the bullpen coach for Cleveland in 2013 and 2014.

Managing the Tampa Bay Rays

Becoming a Manager

On December 5, 2014, the Tampa Bay Rays hired Kevin Cash as their manager. He took over from Joe Maddon. At the time, he was the youngest manager in MLB.

In 2019, the Rays finished second in their division. They won the Wild Card Game but lost in the next round.

Leading the Rays to the World Series

In 2020, the Rays finished first in their division. They made it all the way to the 2020 World Series. They won against the Toronto Blue Jays, Yankees, and Houston Astros in the playoffs. However, they lost the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

During Game 6 of the World Series, Cash made a decision that caused a lot of talk. He took out his starting pitcher, Blake Snell, even though Snell was pitching very well. This move was part of the team's strategy, but some people thought it cost the Rays the game. Cash later said, "I guess I regret it because it didn't work out. But I feel like the thought process was right."

Recent Seasons

On September 25, 2021, the Rays won their division for the second year in a row. Cash said, "We've proven we're the best team in the American League for six months." In the 2021 American League Division Series, they played the Boston Red Sox. The Rays won Game 1, but Boston came back to win the series. In 2022 and 2023, the Rays made the playoffs but lost in the first round.

Managerial Record

About His Life

Kevin Cash is the nephew of former MLB player Ron Cash. Kevin and his wife, Emily, have three children. They live in Pinellas County, Florida.

Awards and Honors

• 1999 College World Series – Tallahassee Regional MVP
• 2001 Florida State League – All-Star Team
• 2002 All-Star Futures Game
• 2× AL Manager of the Year (2020, 2021)