SEATTLE - Former South Alabama outfielder Edd Paparella has been named assistant hitting coach for the Seattle Mariners, the organization announced Thursday.

Paparella played for the Jaguars from 2016-19, finishing his career with a .230 average, 45 RBIs, and nine home runs. One of his most memorable moments came in the 2017 Sun Belt Conference Tournament championship game, when the then-sophomore hit a game-tying solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning against Georgia Southern to help 

Following his time at South Alabama, Paparella joined the Mariners as a minor-league player for the 2021 season but soon transitioned to a coaching role within the organization. In that role, he visited all of Seattle's minor league affiliate clubs, assisting with player development and supporting the club's high-performance and analytics departments. 

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Head Coach Mark Calvi On Paparella's promotion 

We are so happy for Eddie and the opportunity he has earned at the Big League level with the Seattle Mariners." Calvi Said. " Papp was constantly working on his hitting craft when he played here…always talking about hitting with his teammates and coaches as well. It is no surprise to me that Papp has moved up the ranks quickly. One of the kindest, most respected, and beloved guys I've ever seen in my thirty-five years in coaching. The Mariners are lucky to have Papp mentoring and guiding their hitters not just on the field, but in life! Way to go, Papp!" 

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