Ernie Young (born April 19, 1969) is an American former professional baseball outfielder and a current minor‑league baseball manager and coach. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Oakland Athletics, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Detroit Tigers, and Atlanta Braves, and has been involved in player development and scouting since retiring as a player.
Early life and education
Ernie Young was born in Columbus, Ohio. He attended Kellogg High School in the Columbus suburb of Union County, where he played baseball and earned a scholarship to attend the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). At UIC, he played collegiate baseball for the UIC Flames and was selected in the 6th round of the 1990 MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics.
Professional playing career
Young made his MLB debut on September 19, 1995, with the Oakland Athletics. Over a ten‑year major‑league career (1995–2005), he compiled a .258 batting average, 36 home runs, and 158 runs batted in (RBI) across 495 games. In addition to his time with Oakland, he appeared for the Kansas City Royals (1998), Detroit Tigers (1999–2002), and Atlanta Braves (2005). He also spent extensive periods in Minor League Baseball (MiLB), where he was known for his defensive abilities and speed on the bases.
International play
Young represented the United States at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, serving as a member of the U.S. baseball team that won the gold medal. He also competed in the 2005 World Baseball Classic.
Coaching and managing career
Following his playing career, Young transitioned to coaching and player development. He served as a hitting coach for several minor‑league affiliates of the Detroit Tigers organization, including the Toledo Mud Hens (Triple‑A) and the Erie SeaWolves (Double‑A). In 2015, Young was appointed manager of the West Michigan Whitecaps, the Tigers’ Single‑A affiliate. He has been recognized for his work in developing young talent and for his proficiency in teaching hitting fundamentals.
Personal life
Ernie Young is married and has children. He resides in Michigan during the baseball season and participates in community outreach programs promoting youth sports.
Legacy
Young is noted for his contributions both on the field as a versatile outfielder and off the field as a mentor to emerging players. His involvement in the 2000 Olympic gold‑medal team remains a highlight of his playing career.
