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A behind-the-scenes look at how third base coach Willie Harris impacts the Cubs

2 years agoTony Andracki

Ever wonder how a third base coach impacts an MLB team?

Willie Harris gave Marquee Sports Network a peek behind the curtain Sunday in the Cubs’ Crosstown matchup with the White Sox.

Harris is in his second season as the Cubs’ third base coach. He has some major ties to the South Side, as he was a part of the World Series-winning team in 2005.

Harris joined Jon “Boog” Sciambi and Jim Deshaies for the first couple innings of Sunday’s game. Among the topics discussed:

—How and what Harris communicates with manager David Ross in the dugout
—Communicating with first base coach Mike Napoli on the field
—How he scouts opposing teams
—How the jump-high-five celebration came about on Patrick Wisdom homers
—His thoughts on developing baserunning skills throughout players’ careers

Of course, fashion also came up.

“Shoe game is always on point,” Harris said.

He is positioned only 80-100 feet away from the batter, so he is in prime territory for foul balls. To that end, Harris is always focused when Wisdom and Frank Schwindel step into the box, knowing they can send a hot shot down the line.

When Wisdom came up to the plate in the top of the 2nd inning, Harris promptly took a step back and Sciambi noticed.

“You have to [back up]. If not, he’s gonna activate your dental plan,” he laughed.

Check out the full video above for more from Harris and the Cubs.

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