Robert Randall (Randy) Bush (born October 5, 1958 in Dover, Delaware), is a former professional baseball player and currently a front office member of the Chicago Cubs. With the hiring of Theo Epstein, Bush will continue as an assistant General Manager, and will be involved in the hiring process of the field and scouting staff.
Bush played for the Minnesota Twins from 1982 to 1993. He mainly played outfield and designated hitter throughout his 12-year major league career. He played in 1,219 games with 96 home runs, 409 RBIs, and a career batting average of .251. He wore the number 25 while playing for the Twins. Bush is a long-time resident of the New Orleans area.
Playing career
After playing baseball at the University of New Orleans, Bush was selected in the 2nd round of the 1979 Major League Baseball Draft by the Minnesota Twins and spent the next three seasons in the minor leagues before making his major league debut in 1982. Although used primarily as the Twins' designated hitter his first three seasons, Bush saw most of his action in right and left field, but also saw time at first base and even one game in center field. However it was likely that his chief role with the Twins was as a pinch hitter as he twice had 13 pinch hits in a season - leading the American League in that category in 1991 and finishing third in 1986 and 1992. After resigning him in 1988, 1990, and 1993 as a free agent, Bush was given his unconditional release from the Twins on 27 June 1993.
Bush was one of seven Twins to be part of both the 1987 and 1991 World Series teams. The other six were Dan Gladden, Greg Gagne, Kirby Puckett, Al Newman, Gene Larkin, and Kent Hrbek.
Post-playing career
Bush was head coach of the University of New Orleans baseball team from 2000 through 2005. In January 2005, he was named the Special Assistant to the General Manager of the Chicago Cubs, during which time he served as an advance scout for the team charting other major league teams and players as well as the Cubs' own minor league system. In December 2006, he was promoted to the position of assistant general manager of the Cubs. On August 19, 2011, Bush was named the interim General Manager of the Chicago Cubs replacing Jim Hendry. Bush was retained by new President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein when he was hired, and continued in an assistant GM role. On October 4, 2012, it was announced that Cubs will have two assistant general managers with the promotion of Shiraz Rehman, with Bush continuing to in the same role.
Personal
He has two sons, Jason and Ryan.