Don Kelly (baseball)

{{short description|American baseball player and coach (born 1980)}}

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = Don Kelly

| image = Don Kelly 2010.jpg

| image_size = 240px

| caption = Kelly with the Detroit Tigers in 2010

| team = Pittsburgh Pirates

| number = 12

| position = Utility player / Bench coach

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1980|2|15}}

| birth_place = Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S.

| bats = Left

| throws = Right

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = April 2

| debutyear = 2007

| debutteam = Pittsburgh Pirates

| finalleague = MLB

| finaldate = July 27

| finalyear = 2016

| finalteam = Miami Marlins

| statleague = MLB

| stat1label = Batting average

| stat1value = .230

| stat2label = Home runs

| stat2value = 23

| stat3label = Runs batted in

| stat3value = 98

| teams =

;As player

Pittsburgh Pirates ({{mlby|2007}})
Detroit Tigers ({{mlby|2009}}–{{mlby|2014}})
Miami Marlins ({{mlby|2015}}–{{mlby|2016}})

;As coach

Houston Astros ({{mlby|2019}})
Pittsburgh Pirates ({{mlby|2020}}–present)

}}

Donald Thomas Kelly (born February 15, 1980) is an American professional baseball utility player and coach. He is the bench coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB).{{cite web |title=Astros add Troy Snitker to '19 coaching staff |url=https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/astros-announce-coaching-staff-for-2019/c-301028786 |website=The Official Site of the Houston Astros |access-date=21 November 2018}} He played in MLB for the Pirates, Detroit Tigers, and Miami Marlins. Kelly played every position on the field in the major leagues, including pitcher. Over the course of his career, he mainly played the outfield and third base.

Early life and education

Kelly was born in the Pittsburgh suburb of Butler, Pennsylvania, and played baseball at suburban Mt. Lebanon High School; in his senior year the team won the Class AAA state title. At Mount Lebanon, he regularly alternated between the two middle infield positions with Josh Wilson, another future Major League player.{{cite web |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |url=http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/23/roaming-the-field-for-detroit-a-jack-of-all-trades/?partner=rss&emc=rss |title=Roaming the Field for Detroit: A Jack-of-All-Trades |publisher=Bats.blogs.nytimes.com |date=July 23, 2011 |access-date=October 9, 2011}}

He was not then considered a "draftable" player and attended Point Park College, a liberal arts college in downtown Pittsburgh. Over three seasons he batted .413 and struck out just 20 times in over 500 at-bats.{{cite news |title=Former Mt. Lebanon star Kelly blossoms in Tigers system |first=Steve |last=Hecht |date=June 19, 2002 |access-date=June 13, 2009 |work=Post-Gazette |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=p44NAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QXADAAAAIBAJ&pg=6716,5219994&dq=don-kelly+tigers}}

Career

In the summer of 2000 Kelly played for the Petersburg Generals of the Coastal Plain League, a collegiate summer league.{{cite news |title=Former General Kelly marching toward majors Infielder won Petitt Cup title while with Petersburg |first=Chip |last=Knighton |date=August 23, 2005 |access-date=June 13, 2009 |work=The Progress-Index |url=http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15082280&BRD=2271&PAG=461&dept_id=462945&rfi=6}}{{dead link|date=June 2014}} Kelly's collegiate performance prompted interest from major league teams and the Detroit Tigers drafted him in the eighth round (237th overall) of the 2001 Major League Baseball draft.{{cite web |url=http://prosportstransactions.com/baseball/DraftTrades/2001-1-10.htm |title=2001 Major League Baseball Draft, Rounds 1–10 |publisher=Prosportstransactions.com |date=November 20, 2001 |access-date=October 9, 2011}} Detroit assigned him to the Low-A Oneonta Tigers in the New York–Penn League, where he batted .286 and struck out sixteen times—second lowest in the league. The next year Detroit promoted him to the Single-A West Michigan Whitecaps in the Midwest League. Kelly was named the starting shortstop for the Eastern All-Stars in the league's mid-season All-Star game.

Kelly's versatility was first put to the test at the professional level when he was with the High-A Lakeland Tigers in 2003. He shifted to third base when Anderson Hernández replaced him at shortstop. Kelly eventually spent more time at first and second base after Ryan Raburn took over at third. Kelly got off to a strong start: by mid-June his .363 average led the Florida State League and the local Ledger described him as a "slugger."{{cite news |title=Yankees Rough Up L-Tigers Again |first=David |last=Yates |work=The Ledger |date=June 9, 2003 |access-date=June 13, 2009 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=W-8SAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4v0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5188,8721131&dq=don-kelly+tigers}} Although his average eventually cooled to .317, Detroit promoted him in mid-season to the Double-A Erie SeaWolves, where he joined future brother-in-law Matt Walker (brother of former Major League infielder Neil Walker).{{cite news |title=Area players join forces for Class AA Erie |first=Steve |last=Hecht |date=August 11, 2003 |access-date=June 13, 2009 |work=Post-Gazette |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mokNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=h3ADAAAAIBAJ&pg=3279,121862&dq=don-kelly+tigers}}

In 2004 Detroit invited Kelly to spring training, and in his first at-bat in a spring training game Kelly hit a home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates.{{cite news |title=Pirates' win is picture-perfect |first=Robert |last=Dvorchak |work=Post-Gazette |date=March 5, 2004 |access-date=June 13, 2009 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ye8NAAAAIBAJ&sjid=tnADAAAAIBAJ&pg=3404,1671040&dq=don-kelly+tigers|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713100349/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ye8NAAAAIBAJ&sjid=tnADAAAAIBAJ&pg=3404,1671040&dq=don-kelly+tigers|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 13, 2012}} On March 17, Detroit optioned Kelly back to Erie, but he missed most of the season with an injured shoulder.{{cite news |title=Injuries curtail 2 prospects |first=Steve |last=Hecht |work=Post-Gazette |date=July 12, 2004 |access-date=June 13, 2009 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HIsNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FHEDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6635,2290187&dq=don-kelly+tigers}} Kelly returned to Erie in 2005 and picked up where he had left off, hitting .340 over 82 games. Baseball America named Kelly the best-hitting prospect in the Eastern League. On June 30, Detroit promoted him to the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens of the International League, one step away from the majors.{{cite news |title=Hens Spotlight |work=Toledo Blade |date=August 28, 2005 |access-date=June 13, 2009 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=n4gUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=XgQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6750,3793063&dq=don-kelly+tigers}}{{cite news |title=Notes: Shelton's power serves all fields: First baseman makes up for lineup's lack of strong lefties |first=Jason |last=Beck |work=MLB.com |date=August 4, 2005 |access-date=June 13, 2009 |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050804&content_id=1157453&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb}}

Kelly played in 43 games for the Mud Hens in 2005 and batted .250, a tenure partially interrupted by a groin injury. Commented Mud Hens manager Larry Parrish: "Hitting-wise, there's been a little bit of an adjustment for him here...He tore up Double-A, and here he's done alright. He's holding his own. But it's his first year here, and he's still going through a learning process." In the off-season Kelly played for the Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League.{{cite news |title=Peterson shines against Scorpions |first=Ben |last=Hill |work=MLB.com |date=October 21, 2005 |access-date=June 13, 2009 |url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051014&content_id=1249650&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615122500/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051014&content_id=1249650&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 15, 2011}} In 2006 Kelly almost made the Major League team out of spring training but instead returned to Toledo. Detroit manager Jim Leyland said "When push came to shove, he ran into a numbers game." At Toledo Kelly's numbers fell off; Detroit demoted him to Erie after hitting .228. At Erie his numbers improved to .272, but at the end of the season Detroit removed Kelly from their 40-man roster, making him a free agent.{{cite news |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pirates/2007/03/15/Spring-Training-Mt-Lebanon-native-Kelly-is-making-good-impression-on-Tracy/stories/200703150352 |work=Post-Gazette |first=Paul |last=Meyer |date=March 15, 2007 |access-date=June 13, 2009 |title=Spring Training: Mt. Lebanon native Kelly is making good impression on Tracy}}

=Pittsburgh Pirates=

The Pittsburgh Pirates, Kelly's hometown team, signed him to a minor league contract on December 14, 2006.{{cite news |title=Pirates sign nine minor league free agents |work=MLB.com |date=December 14, 2006 |access-date=June 13, 2009 |url=http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20061214&content_id=1761226&vkey=pr_pit&fext=.jsp&c_id=pit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605042613/http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20061214&content_id=1761226&vkey=pr_pit&fext=.jsp&c_id=pit|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 5, 2011}} He made the Major League team as a utility player, filling in at second base, shortstop, and left and right field. His major league debut came on April 2, 2007 in a season-opening 4–2 victory over the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. As a pinch hitter for Dámaso Marte, Kelly popped out to the shortstop to end the Pirates half of the ninth inning. He finished the game at second base.{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2007/B04020HOU2007.htm |title=Pittsburgh Pirates 4, Houston Astros 2; Monday, April 2, 2007 (N) at Minute Maid Park |publisher=Retrosheet.org |date=April 2, 2007 |access-date=October 9, 2011}}

Kelly played sparingly, amassing 27 at-bats over 25 games and hitting .148, before Pittsburgh designated him for assignment on June 12 to make room for Dan Kolb.{{cite news |title=Notes: Kolb makes it back to Majors: Veteran reliever ready to pitch in Pirates' bullpen |first=Jenifer |last=Langosch |work=MLB.com |date=June 12, 2007 |access-date=June 13, 2009 |url=http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070612&content_id=2021514&vkey=news_pit&fext=.jsp&c_id=pit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605042634/http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070612&content_id=2021514&vkey=news_pit&fext=.jsp&c_id=pit|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 5, 2011}} Kelly cleared waivers and joined the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians on June 23. Kelly finished out the season with Indianapolis, batting .247 and playing both shortstop and in the outfield. Pittsburgh granted Kelly free agency at the end of the season.{{cite news |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071102&content_id=2290902&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Notes: Chacon wants to return to Bucs: GM Huntington says club has interest in free agent righty |first=Jenifer |last=Langosch |work=MLB.com |date=November 2, 2007 |access-date=June 13, 2009}}

=Arizona Diamondbacks=

Kelly signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks and spent the entire 2008 season with the Triple-A Tucson Sidewinders, where he batted .275 but never made it with the major league club and was granted free agency at the end of the season.

=Detroit Tigers=

In 2009, Kelly signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Tigers.{{cite web |url=http://www.mudhens.com/view_news.asp?id=830 |title=Tigers Sign Four Players |access-date=January 12, 2009 |work=mudhens.com |archive-date=December 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216082350/https://www.milb.com/toledo?id=830 |url-status=dead }} Following spring training Kelly rejoined the Mud Hens, with whom he had last played in 2006. On June 11, 2009, the Tigers called Kelly up to the Major League club to replace outfielder Clete Thomas.{{cite news |title=Tigers send down Clete Thomas, call up Don Kelly |first=Kent |last=McDill |date=June 11, 2009 |access-date=June 12, 2009 |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20090611/SPORTS02/90611098/1050/SPORTS02/Tigers+send+down+Clete+Thomas++call+up+Don+Kelly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615055504/http://www.freep.com/article/20090611/SPORTS02/90611098/1050/SPORTS02/Tigers+send+down+Clete+Thomas++call+up+Don+Kelly |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 15, 2009 |work=Detroit Free Press }} Kelly played his first game for Detroit against the Pittsburgh Pirates, his former club. After going hitless in his first game, he hit a two-RBI single and a double against Pittsburgh, obtaining his first major league extra base hit and RBIs.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2009/06/tigers_don_kelly_showing_off_s.html|title=Tigers' Don Kelly showing off strength, versatility|author=Steve Kornacki|date=June 14, 2009|access-date=June 21, 2009|website=MLive.com}}

On October 1, 2010, Kelly hit a home run in both games of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20180425_DET@PIT_2/|title=Osuna HR, Pirates beat Tigers 8-3 for doubleheader split|website=CBSSports.com|date=April 25, 2018|access-date=April 26, 2018}}

On July 24, 2011, Kelly was pranked by Justin Verlander after noticing that his right shoe was caught on fire.

File:Jhonny Peralta greets Don Kelly.jpg greets Kelly after a home run at Dodger Stadium]]

In his first two seasons with the Tigers, Kelly added first and third base and center field to the positions he has played in the majors. He was called on to pitch with two outs in the top of the ninth inning after manager Jim Leyland thoroughly depleted his bullpen in a 16–9 defeat to the New York Mets at Comerica Park on June 29, 2011. Throwing only five pitches, he used a curveball to get Scott Hairston to fly out to center field. Kelly was the first position player to pitch in a game for the Tigers since Shane Halter did it in October 2000.{{cite web|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_06_29_nynmlb_detmlb_1&mode=wrap&c_id=mlb|author=Jason Beck|title=Despite five homers, Tigers overwhelmed|website=MLB.com|date=June 29, 2011|access-date=October 9, 2011}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} He reached the milestone of having played every position on the field in his major league career in a 15–3 loss at home to the San Francisco Giants three nights later on July 2. He entered the contest at the start of the fourth inning, replacing starting catcher Víctor Martínez who had left the game with a bruised right shoulder.{{cite web|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110702&content_id=21314136¬ebook_id=21329010&vkey=notebook_det&c_id=det|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007152601/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110702&content_id=21314136¬ebook_id=21329010&vkey=notebook_det&c_id=det|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 7, 2012|author=Jason Beck & Chris Vannini|title=Kelly replaces V-Mart as Tigers' backstopaccessdate=October 9, 2011}}

In the decisive Game 5 of the 2011 American League Division Series against the New York Yankees, Kelly belted a first-inning solo home run off Iván Nova into the right field seats at Yankee Stadium to give the Tigers a 1–0 lead, one which they never relinquished. Detroit went on to win the game, 3–2, and moved on to face the Texas Rangers in the American League Championship Series.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/new-york/mlb/boxscore?gameId=311006110&teams=detroit-tigers-vs-new-york-yankees|title=Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees – Box Score|website=ESPN.com|date=October 6, 2011|access-date=October 9, 2011}}

On August 3, 2012, Kelly was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for outfielder Andy Dirks, who returned to the Tigers after coming off the disabled list the same day.{{cite web|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120803&content_id=36056274¬ebook_id=36059884&vkey=notebook_det&c_id=det|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806201457/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120803&content_id=36056274¬ebook_id=36059884&vkey=notebook_det&c_id=det|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 6, 2012|title='Victim of circumstance,' Kelly DFA'd by Tigers|website=MLB.com|date=August 3, 2012}} On August 9, 2012, Kelly cleared waivers and his contract was outrighted by Detroit to their Triple-A affiliate Toledo.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2012/08/detroit_tigers_outright_utilit.html|title=Detroit Tigers outright utilityman Don Kelly to Triple-A Toledo after he clears waivers|website=MLive.com|date=August 9, 2012}} The Tigers called him up again on September 1,{{cite web|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/team/transactions.jsp?c_id=det#month=9&year=2012&team_id=116|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206133206/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/team/transactions.jsp?c_id=det#month=9&year=2012&team_id=116|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 6, 2007|title=Transactions September 2012|website=MLB.com|access-date=September 1, 2012}} and later named him to their post-season roster after the team clinched the AL Central division. He hit a walk-off sacrifice fly in Game 2 of Detroit's American League Division Series against the Oakland Athletics.

On October 31, 2012, Don Kelly cleared waivers and became a free agent.{{cite web|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121031&content_id=40133706&vkey=news_det&c_id=det|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102073428/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121031&content_id=40133706&vkey=news_det&c_id=det|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 2, 2012|title=Little-used Kelly opts for free agency|website=MLB.com|date=October 31, 2012}} On January 16, 2013, Kelly signed a minor league deal with the Tigers.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/don-kelly-nick-castellanos-among-tigers-17-non-roster-invitees-to-spring-training/c-40984354|title=Kelly, Castellanos among 17 non-roster invitees|website=MLB.com|author=Jason Beck|date=January 16, 2013|access-date=December 7, 2019}} He made the team out of spring training, and played another full season as the club's super-utility man. In 216 at-bats, Don hit .222 with six home runs and 23 RBIs, while playing six defensive positions. After the season, Kelly signed a one-year deal with Detroit that would pay him $1 million in 2014, avoiding arbitration.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2013/12/detroit_tigers_don_kelly_reach.html|title=Detroit Tigers' Don Kelly reaches agreement on contract that will pay him $1 million in 2014|date=3 December 2013 }} On November 3, 2014, Kelly declined his minor league assignment and became a free agent.{{cite web|title=Don Kelly, Evan Reed decline minor league assignments, leave Detroit Tigers for free agency|website=MLive.com|date=November 6, 2014|access-date=November 6, 2014|author=James Schmehl|url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2014/11/don_kelly_evan_reed_decline_mi.html}}

=Miami Marlins=

On January 18, 2015, Kelly signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins.{{cite news|title=Marlins agree with Don Kelly on minor league deal|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=12196487|access-date=January 21, 2015|agency=Associated Press|website=ESPN.com|date=January 19, 2015}}

File:Don Kelly on April 7, 2016.jpg in 2016]]

After hitting .270 with two doubles and five RBI with .681 OPS in Spring training, the Marlins purchased Kelly's contract and placed him on the Opening Roster.{{cite web | url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mlb/miami-marlins/article17042102.html |title=Donovan Solano, Don Kelly secure spots as Miami Marlins roster almost set |work=Miami Herald |date=March 31, 2015 |access-date=May 2, 2015 |author=Clark Spencer}}

Kelly suffered a fractured finger early in the 2015 season and was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 13.{{cite web|url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-marlins/fl-florida-marlins-news-0414-20150413-story.html|title=Alvarez, Mathis, Kelly land on disabled list|website=Sun-Sentinel|date=April 13, 2015|access-date=May 2, 2015}} Kelly had two at-bats before getting hurt and was 0-for-2.

On July 18, 2015, the Marlins announced that Kelly would have season-ending Tommy John surgery.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/don-kelly-season-over-after-tommy-john-surgery/c-137246348 |title=Kelly has season-ending Tommy John surgery|author=Joe Frisaro|website=MLB.com|date=July 18, 2015|access-date=July 21, 2015}}

On February 3, 2016, Kelly re-signed with the Marlins to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. He was released by the Marlins on March 29 and re-signed the next day.{{cite web|url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-marlins/sfl-don-kelly-justin-maxwell-among-marlins-cuts-20160329-story.html|title=Don Kelly, Justin Maxwell among 4 cut by Marlins|author=Craig Davis|website=Sun-Sentinel|date=March 29, 2016|access-date=March 29, 2016}} Kelly was called up from New Orleans on July 6.

With the return of Dee Gordon to the Marlins roster after an 80-day suspension for PED use, Kelly was designated for assignment on July 28, 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/17163866/dee-gordon-apologizes-rejoining-miami-marlins|title=Dee Gordon apologizes before rejoining Miami Marlins|agency=Associated Press|website=ESPN.com|date=28 July 2016|access-date=28 July 2016}}

Post playing career

In February 2017, Kelly was named a scout and assistant on the player development staff for the Detroit Tigers organization.{{cite news|url=http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2017/02/18/back-tigers-add-don-kelly-scouting/98093750/|title=Don Kelly reemerges as Tigers scout|newspaper=The Detroit News|author=Chris McCosky|date=February 18, 2017|access-date=February 18, 2017}} On September 29, 2017, Kelly was promoted to a Major League scout for the Tigers.{{cite news|url=http://m.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/256690688/detroit-tigers-make-scouting-analytics-hires/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929210831/http://m.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/256690688/detroit-tigers-make-scouting-analytics-hires/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 29, 2017|title=Former utility man Kelly hired as Tigers scout|author=Jason Beck|website=MLB.com|date=September 29, 2017|access-date=September 29, 2017}} On November 21, 2018, Kelly was named the Houston Astros first base coach.{{cite web|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2018/11/21/detroit-tigers-don-kelly-houston-astros/2082924002/|title=Don Kelly leaves Detroit Tigers to join Houston Astros coaching staff|author=Anthony Fenech|website=Detroit Free Press|date=November 21, 2018|access-date=December 7, 2019}} Kelly was named the Pittsburgh Pirates bench coach on December 7, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/pirates/press-release/press-release-don-kelly-named-pirates-bench-coach?t=pirates-press-releases|title=Don Kelly Named Pirates Bench Coach|website=MLB.com|date=December 7, 2019|access-date=December 7, 2019}}

Personal life

Kelly spends his offseasons in Mars, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Carrie, and their three sons, Brett, Luke and Brooks. He married Carrie Walker on January 13, 2007; his brothers-in-law include former major league infielder Neil Walker and former minor leaguer Matt Walker; his father-in-law is former major league pitcher Tom Walker.{{cite news|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pirates/2007/03/01/PG-South-Mt-Lebanon-s-Kelly-living-a-dream-in-Pirates-camp/stories/200703010411|title=PG South: Mt. Lebanon's Kelly living a dream in Pirates' camp|last=Kovacevic|first=Dejan|date=March 1, 2007|work=Post-Gazette|access-date=June 13, 2009}} His wife Carrie was a women’s basketball player at Wagner College and the Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year in 2001. She went on to play a year of professional basketball for Killarney (St. Paul’s) of the Irish Women’s SuperLeague. His sister Ashlee was a standout women's basketball player for Quinnipiac University and the Northeast Conference Player of the Year in 2003. After spending three years as head women's basketball coach at Mercy College, she was named assistant coach at Iona College on July 1, 2009.{{cite news|url=http://www.icgaels.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14900&ATCLID=3758909|title=Kelly Named Assistant Coach|publisher=ICGaels.com|access-date=July 1, 2009}}