Samuel back with Phillies as coach

Juan Samuel is back on the base paths for the Phillies. Sort of.

Samuel, 49, will coach third base for the team next season. He’ll join Mick Billmeyer (bullpen), Rich Dubee (pitching), Pete Mackanin (bench) and Sam Perlozzo (first base) on manager Charlie Manuel’s coaching staff. Perlozzo will oversee base-running.

Samuel played seven seasons for the Phillies and was enshrined on the team’s Wall of Fame in 2008. He spent the previous four seasons as third-base coach for the Baltimore Orioles, including a stint as interim manager last summer.

“I feel fortunate that we were able to add someone of Juan’s stature to our coaching staff,” said Manuel in a statement. “He was a tremendous major league player and a big part of Phillies history, and I’m looking forward to him passing on his knowledge of the game to our players. He’s a great addition to our organization.”

Samuel becomes the 34th man in Phillies history to both play and coach for the team.