Michael Joseph Gallego (born November 17, 1960) is an American former professional baseball infielder and current coach. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1985 to 1996 for the Oakland Athletics, Houston Astros, and San Francisco Giants, and has served on the coaching staffs of several MLB teams, most recently as the bench coach for the Texas Rangers.
Early life and education
Gallego was born in Palo Alto, California. He attended Stanford University, where he played collegiate baseball for the Stanford Cardinal and earned a degree in political science. He was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the third round of the 1982 MLB amateur draft.
Professional playing career
- Oakland Athletics (1985–1992): Gallego made his MLB debut on April 9, 1985. Primarily a shortstop and second baseman, he was recognized for his defensive reliability and versatility, often serving as a utility infielder. He contributed to the Athletics' World Series championships in 1989 and 1990.
- Houston Astros (1993–1995): Traded to Houston before the 1993 season, Gallego continued to provide defensive depth and occasional offensive production.
- San Francisco Giants (1996): He concluded his playing career with a brief stint for the Giants before retiring after the 1996 season.
Over his 12‑year MLB career, Gallego compiled a .256 batting average, 15 home runs, and 209 runs batted in across 1,207 games.
Coaching career
Following retirement, Gallego transitioned to coaching and scouting:
- He served as a minor‑league instructor and scout for the Oakland Athletics.
- In 2007, he was hired as the first‑base coach for the Athletics, a position he held through the 2010 season.
- From 2011 to 2020, Gallego was a coach for the Texas Rangers, serving as first‑base coach (2011–2014) and later as bench coach (2015–2020).
- He returned to the Rangers as bench coach for the 2022 season.
Personal life
Gallego is married and has children. He has been involved in community outreach programs, particularly those promoting youth baseball and education.
Legacy
Mike Gallego is noted for his steady defensive play during a period when the Oakland Athletics fielded several championship teams. His subsequent coaching career reflects a continued presence in professional baseball, contributing to player development and in‑game strategy.