Former Mets Coach: Razor Shines (2009-2010)

Anthony Razor Shines was born July 18, 1956 in Durham, South Carolina. He is third of a line of men in the family with the middle name of shines, although he doesn’t know the origin of the name.

Shines spent a good sixteen seasons in the minor leagues; the majority of that time was with the Indianapolis Indians. He resided nearby, became a fan favorite & a local Indianapolis legend. He was so popular that in Charlotte they held “Razor Shines Night” even though he was an opposing player. Shines was originally drafted in 1978 by the Expos as a catcher, but with Gary Carter there he became an outfielder.

Shines got a chance in the majors in 1983 playing in just three games that September. He was so star struck in the big leagues when he was asked what it was like all he could say was: "My Mama's so proud of me. I'm a Major Leaguer!”

He resurfaced in 1984 and hit .300 (6-20) in 12 games, driving in his first two MLB runs. In 1985 he was in the opening day lineup, but would only play in 47 games, a career high, playing in the outfield & at first base.

He only hit .120 and didn’t get back up to the majors until 1987. That was another brief stay, batting .222 in six games. He never made it back to the big leagues, finishing up at .222 in 68 games, never hitting a HR.

After his playing days he coached & managed in the White Sox organization in the Southern, International & Carolina Leagues. He got to four playoff series and won one championship at the A level. Overall Shines has ten Championship rings from working in winning organizations.

In 2007 he was named coach of the Chicago White sox for one season. He went back to the minors and managed another season in the Phillies organization.

When Jerry Manuel secured his job as Mets manager he called Shines, and told him he wanted him as his third base coach. The two had been friend since their playing days together in Montreal.

Shines was the Mets third base coach in 2009 & 2010. He is a very upbeat, enthusiastic type of good natured guy. Many of the young players related well to him & considered him not only a good mentor but a friend.

Trivia: In ’09 he was a spokesperson for Aquafina water, and was called the “third base coach of life” on their web site. 

Shines did not return after the Jerry Manuel era had ended in New York. Since then he has become the manager of the AA Tulsa Drillers, an affiliate of the L.A. Dodgers.
 

Family: His son Devon Razor Shines was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2011 MLB draft. Devon played for the Oklahoma State Cowboys in 2012 where Razor Sr. was a coach.

Trivia: In 2009 Maxim Magazine awarded him with "the most bad ass name of all time."