PITTSBURGH - John Wehner knows how to get the most out of a professional baseball career.

The Cranberry Township resident spent only one full season - 1996 - in the major leagues, but put together an 11-year big league career, earned a World Series ring and hit the final home run in the history of Three Rivers Stadium.

"It's a fun way to make a living," he said.

Wehner, 36, is still making a living in baseball. He is in his second year as hitting coach for the Altoona Curve, the Pirates' Class AA affiliate in the Eastern League.

He had no problems adjusting to life as a coach - mainly because the players were quick to adjust to him.

"There was a gray area there for a while when I was a player and a coach," Wehner said. "But the players made the transition easy for me.

"These kids are eager to learn. They come to me and ask questions. They're down here working hard to get better and it's great to see that."

Wehner's best stretch as a hitter was in 1991, when he hit .340 in 106 at bats in his rookie year with the Pirates. He helped the team win a division title that year.

His World Series ring came with the Florida Marlins in 1997. Wehner spent his final three years as a player with the Pirates and his final 25 games in professional baseball were as a player-coach with the Curve in 2001.

"I can't say I thought about coaching when I was playing," Wehner said of his career. "But once I was done and this opportunity presented itself … I have a wife and four kids to provide for.

"Being able to go and coach, then come home and be with my family, sleep in my own bed every night, that's a pretty good deal."

And Wehner is building a pretty good resume for himself. The Curve not only lead the Southern Division of the Eastern League, they are hitting .274 as a team, second in the circuit to Binghamton.

Going into Saturday's 2-0 loss to Erie at PNC Park, Altoona had three of the league's eight leaders in base-hits. Jeff Keppinger had 93, Chris Duffy 82 and Nate McLouth 81.

Keppinger, in only his third year of pro ball, entered the game with a league-leading .403 batting average. Only Ian Kinsler (.406) - a Texas Ranger farmhand recently promoted to Class AA Frisco - has a higher average in all of professional baseball.

Duffy leads the league in run scored and Josh Bonifay is fourth in the circuit with 50 RBI.

"There's a lot of talent here," Wehner said. "Almost all of these guys could be playing at (Class AAA) Nashville right now. It's good for players to spend a whole season at a particular level, though.

"This is a good club and they're excited about winning."

While Altoona keeps winning, Wehner keeps building a new career.

"I'd love to manage in the minor leagues someday, maybe even coach or manage in the major leagues," he said. "I know the game and this is enjoyable.

"It all depends on what type of advancement I make and what teams are looking for as to whether baseball will remain my career over the long haul.

"Right now, I'm satisfied being with the Curve and helping to develop these kids," Wehner added.

Wehner only played briefly at PNC Park during its inaugural season. The Pirates sent him to Altoona in July of 2001.

"Sure, I'm happy to come back here," he said of the Curve's Saturday game at PNC Park. "I'm happier these guys have a chance to play here.

"Hopefully, they'll be back."