Tom Foley was a professional baseball player who played primarily as a shortstop and second baseman during his career. He was born on September 9, 1959, in Columbus, Georgia, and attended Georgia Southern University, where he played college baseball.
Foley was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh round of the 1978 Major League Baseball draft but did not sign with the team. Instead, he signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1980 and made his major league debut with the team in 1983.
During his career, Foley played for several teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Montreal Expos, and Seattle Mariners. He was known for his defensive skills and was often used as a utility infielder.
Foley's best season came in 1987 when he played in 138 games for the Pirates and hit .264 with 4 home runs and 44 RBIs. He also had a career-high 22 stolen bases that season.
In 1991, Foley was traded to the Montreal Expos, where he played for two seasons. He then signed with the Seattle Mariners in 1993 and played for the team until his retirement in 1995.
After his playing career, Foley became a coach and manager in the minor leagues. He served as a coach for the Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and Boston Red Sox. He also managed several minor league teams, including the Durham Bulls, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons, and Charlotte Knights.
In 2015, Foley was inducted into the Georgia Southern University Athletics Hall of Fame. He currently serves as a special assistant to the general manager for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Overall, Tom Foley had a solid career as a utility infielder in the major leagues. He was known for his defensive skills and was a valuable asset to the teams he played for. After his playing career, he continued to contribute to the game as a coach and manager in the minor leagues.
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