History on the Diamond: Giants’ Alyssa Nakken Coaches First Base for the San Francisco Giants

Photo Courtesy of USA Today Sports

San Francisco Giants' Assistant Coach Alyssa Nakken continues to break barriers on the diamond. During the San Francisco Giants' dominant, 13-2, victory over the San Diego Padres, it was Nakken that shined the most. As Nakken made MLB History by becoming the first female MLB Coach to make an on-field appearance. This groundbreaking moment came in the bottom of the third inning, as Nakken took her spot as the team's first-base coach. Nakken, who has been preparing for this moment for years, was ready when her name was called on Tuesday night.

Nakken was placed into the game after Giants' first-base coach Anton Richardson was ejected from the game by crew chief Greg Gibson. Richardson was ejected following a dispute with San Diego Padres' third-base coach Mike Shildt. This ejection came when the Giants were leading 10-1. Moments after the ejection, Nakken, who was not even in the dugout at the time, learned that she was about to take over as the first-base coach.

According to NBC News, Nakken said Giants bench coach Kai Correa came into the batting cages and told her that she would be replacing Richardson. After hearing the news, Nakken said she quickly changed into her white and orange jersey and headed out onto the field. Once Nakken stepped onto that field, and took her position next to first base she became the first female to coach on the field in an MLB game.

This moment, Nakken said is one she has been preparing for, for years. According to NBC News Nakken said, "I was prepared for this moment. Never knew if or when it would happen, but (I) was ready to step in when the team needed me to. So yeah I think it means a lot. It's a fun start to the season so far."

The barrier Nakken broke on Tuesday night inspired women around the world. As Nakken took the field ballplayers on both sides showed her their appreciation. Even a photo of Padres' first-baseman Eric Hosmer shaking hands with Nakken was circulating on the internet.

According to MLB.com Padres' Eric Hosmer said, "I introduced myself, congratulated her. It's obviously a special moment for her, and a special moment for the game. It's something she should be really proud of."

Just like Hosmer, Giants infielder Marucio Dubon spoke about this groundbreaking moment, "She was one of us out there, so it was pretty cool."

This moment was one Nakken has been preparing for, for years. Nakken was a standout softball player at Sacramento State University. After joining the San Francisco Giants organization in 2014 as a baseball operations intern, over the next eight years, Nakken has worked her way up in the organization. Over those eight years, Nakken held many positions in the Giants' front office. After six years with the organization, Nakken was hired in January of 2020 as an assistant coach. Nakken, who had a lot of experience on the diamond, was ready to break this barrier.

"Our first-base coach got thrown out. I've been in training as a first base coach for the last few years. I work alongside Anton, so I stepped into what I've been hired to do."

Nakken, who has been an inspiration to many, will have some pieces recognized in the Baseball Hall of Fame. In addition to the jersey Nakken wore on Opening Day in 2020, Nakken said she donated the bright orange City Connect helmet she wore from Tuesday night's game to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Alongside Nakken there are women throughout baseball like Kim Ng. and Rachel Balkovec breaking barriers and leaving their mark on the game.

According to MLB.com Nakken said, "I think we're all inspirations doing everything that we do on a day-to-day basis. I think this carries a little bit more weight because of the visibility. Obviously, there's a historical nature to it. But again, this is my job."