Pirates bench coach Jeff Banister has been hired as the new Rangers manager, sources confirmed.Banister has an interesting background, as a cancer survivor who also suffered a vicious home-plate collision but managed to make it to the majors for a cup of coffee in 1991 (he singled in his only big-league at-bat).Banister is also an interesting choice since interim manager Tim Bogar went 14-8 after replacing Ron Washington as manager, and the hiring of someone from outside the organization may also require more alterations. 
Banister has been Pirates bench coach the past four years under Clint Hurdle but has been in the Pirates organization since they drafted him in the 25th round in 1986. He is said to have made a big impression in the job interview with the Rangers.Banister, 49,came back after suffering bone cancer in his ankle while a high school player in Texas. He also suffered temporary paralysis after the home-plate collison. He has had several operations, and is quite a survivor on both fronts.Bannister was a finalist for the managing job in Pittsburgh that went to Hurdle. Hurdle happened to be the hitting coach in Texas, and he was well-liked there.Banister has been a member of the Pirates organization since they drafted him in 1986. He batted 1.000 in his major-league career, having had one at-bat, a single that came in 1991.Bogar and Indians bullpen coach Kevin Cash were the finalists for the Texas job.FOXSports.com first reported Banister was getting the job.Jon Heyman/CBS Sports
Banister has been Pirates bench coach the past four years under Clint Hurdle but has been in the Pirates organization since they drafted him in the 25th round in 1986. He is said to have made a big impression in the job interview with the Rangers.Banister, 49,came back after suffering bone cancer in his ankle while a high school player in Texas. He also suffered temporary paralysis after the home-plate collison. He has had several operations, and is quite a survivor on both fronts.Bannister was a finalist for the managing job in Pittsburgh that went to Hurdle. Hurdle happened to be the hitting coach in Texas, and he was well-liked there.Banister has been a member of the Pirates organization since they drafted him in 1986. He batted 1.000 in his major-league career, having had one at-bat, a single that came in 1991.Bogar and Indians bullpen coach Kevin Cash were the finalists for the Texas job.FOXSports.com first reported Banister was getting the job.Jon Heyman/CBS Sports
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