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201 CINCINNATI REDS MEDIA GUIDE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT Class / League / Season ............Triple-A / International / 18th Stadium .............................................. Louisville Slugger Field President / CEO.....................................................Gary Ulmer Manager ...................................................... Delino DeShields Pitching Coach .................................................... Jeff Fassero Hitting Coach ......................................................... Jody Davis Bench Coach ....................................................Darryl Brinkley Athletic Trainer .................................................... Steve Gober Strength & Conditioning Coach .......................... Cole Durham LOUISVILLE BATS - AAA 401 East Main St., Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 212-2287 * www.batsbaseball.com 2017 AFFILIATES Class / League / Season .............. Double-A / Southern / 6th Stadium ................................... Pensacola Bayfront Stadium President ........................................................ Bruce Baldwin Manager ..................................................................Pat Kelly Pitching Coach ............................................... Danny Darwin Hitting Coach ............................................... Gookie Dawkins Bench Coach .................................................. Dick Schofield Athletic Trainer .................................................... Tyler Moos Strength & Conditioning Coach ...................... Nate Tamargo PENSACOLA BLUE WAHOOS - AA 41 N. Jefferson St., #300, Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 934-8444 * www.bluewahoos.com Class / League / Season .......... Single-A / Florida State / 3rd Stadium ......................................... Jackie Robinson Ballpark President ...............................................................Ryan Keur Manager ............................................................... Eli Marrero Pitching Coach .................................................... Tom Brown Hitting Coach .......................................................Alex Pelaez Bench Coach ................................................. Ricky Gutierrez Athletic Trainer .............................................. Andrew Cleves Strength & Conditioning Coach ..........................Joe Bossard DAYTONA TORTUGAS - A 105 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (386) 257-3172 * www.DaytonaTortugas.com Class / League / Season ................. Single-A / Midwest / 18th Stadium .......................................................... Fifth Third Field President & General Manager ......................... Robert Murphy Manager ............................................................... Luis Bolivar Pitching Coach .....................................................Derrin Ebert Hitting Coach ....................................................... Daryle Ward Bench Coach ....................................................... Kevin Mahar Athletic Trainer ........................................................ Kyle Utne Strength & Conditioning Coach ....................... Trey Strickland DAYTON DRAGONS - A P.O. Box 2107, Dayton, OH 45401 (937) 228-2287 * www.daytondragons.com Class / League / Season ................... Rookie / Pioneer / 44th Stadium ...............................................................Dehler Park General Manager................................................. Gary Roller Manager ........................................................... Ray Martinez Pitching Coach .................................................Seth Etherton Bullpen Coach ................................................. Chad Cordero Hitting Coach ................................................ Orlando Merced Athletic Trainer ..................................................Jesse Guffey Athletic Trainer ..................................................... Ryan Ross Strength & Conditioning Coach ...................... Alex Puskarich BILLINGS MUSTANGS - ROOKIE P.O. Box 1553, Billings, MT 59103 (406) 252-1241 * www.billingsmustangs.com Class / League / Season .........Rookie / Arizona League / 8th Manager ............................................................. Jose Nieves Pitching Coach ...............................................Elmer Dessens Hitting Coach ................................................ Todd Takayoshi Bench Coach ......................................................Lenny Harris Rehab Coach.................................................. James Baldwin Athletic Trainer ..................................................Clete Sigwart Strength & Conditioning Coach ..........................Justin Bucko Strength & Conditioning Coordinator ............. Zach Gjestvang Director of Physical Therapy/Rehab .................. Brad Epstein Director of Athletic Training..............................Patrick Serbus ARIZONA LEAGUE REDS - ROOKIE 3125 S. Wood Blvd., Goodyear, AZ 85338 (623) 932-6590 Class / League........................... Rookie / Dominican Summer Stadium ............................................ Reds Baseball Academy DSL Academy Director ........................................ Juan Peralta Manager .............................................................. Luis Saturria Manager .................................................. Cristobal Rodriguez Pitching Coach .................................................... Luis Andujar Pitching Coach .................................................. Luis Montano DOMINICAN SUMMER LEAGUE REDS - ROOKIE Baseball City, Boca Chica, Dominican Republic Infield Coach......................................................... Jose Castro Hitting Coach .................................................................... TBD Video Coordinator / Instructor................................Jefry Sierra Athletic Trainer ................................................... Josh Hobson Athletic Trainer.................................................. Wade Hebrink Strength & Conditioning Coach ...................... Eduardo Garcia Strength & Conditioning Coach .................. Rafael Hernandez

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT - MLB.commlb.mlb.com/documents/2/6/8/214808268/Player_Development... · 2020-04-20 · PLAYER DEVELOPMENT DANNY DARWIN - Pitching Coach Danny Darwin returns for

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Page 1: PLAYER DEVELOPMENT - MLB.commlb.mlb.com/documents/2/6/8/214808268/Player_Development... · 2020-04-20 · PLAYER DEVELOPMENT DANNY DARWIN - Pitching Coach Danny Darwin returns for

201CINCINNATI REDS MEDIA GUIDE

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

Class / League / Season ............Triple-A / International / 18thStadium ..............................................Louisville Slugger FieldPresident / CEO .....................................................Gary UlmerManager ...................................................... Delino DeShieldsPitching Coach .................................................... Jeff FasseroHitting Coach ......................................................... Jody DavisBench Coach ....................................................Darryl BrinkleyAthletic Trainer ....................................................Steve GoberStrength & Conditioning Coach ..........................Cole Durham

LOUISVILLE BATS - AAA401 East Main St., Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 212-2287 * www.batsbaseball.com

2017 AFFILIATES

Class / League / Season .............. Double-A / Southern / 6thStadium ................................... Pensacola Bayfront StadiumPresident ........................................................Bruce BaldwinManager ..................................................................Pat KellyPitching Coach ............................................... Danny DarwinHitting Coach ...............................................Gookie DawkinsBench Coach .................................................. Dick SchofieldAthletic Trainer .................................................... Tyler MoosStrength & Conditioning Coach ......................Nate Tamargo

PENSACOLA BLUE WAHOOS - AA41 N. Jefferson St., #300, Pensacola, FL 32502

(850) 934-8444 * www.bluewahoos.com

Class / League / Season .......... Single-A / Florida State / 3rdStadium ......................................... Jackie Robinson BallparkPresident ...............................................................Ryan KeurManager ...............................................................Eli MarreroPitching Coach .................................................... Tom BrownHitting Coach .......................................................Alex PelaezBench Coach .................................................Ricky GutierrezAthletic Trainer .............................................. Andrew ClevesStrength & Conditioning Coach ..........................Joe Bossard

DAYTONA TORTUGAS - A105 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (386) 257-3172 * www.DaytonaTortugas.com

Class / League / Season ................. Single-A / Midwest / 18thStadium ..........................................................Fifth Third FieldPresident & General Manager ......................... Robert MurphyManager ............................................................... Luis BolivarPitching Coach .....................................................Derrin EbertHitting Coach .......................................................Daryle WardBench Coach .......................................................Kevin MaharAthletic Trainer ........................................................ Kyle UtneStrength & Conditioning Coach .......................Trey Strickland

DAYTON DRAGONS - AP.O. Box 2107, Dayton, OH 45401

(937) 228-2287 * www.daytondragons.com

Class / League / Season ...................Rookie / Pioneer / 44thStadium ...............................................................Dehler ParkGeneral Manager ................................................. Gary RollerManager ........................................................... Ray MartinezPitching Coach .................................................Seth EthertonBullpen Coach .................................................Chad CorderoHitting Coach ................................................Orlando MercedAthletic Trainer ..................................................Jesse GuffeyAthletic Trainer .....................................................Ryan RossStrength & Conditioning Coach ......................Alex Puskarich

BILLINGS MUSTANGS - ROOKIEP.O. Box 1553, Billings, MT 59103

(406) 252-1241 * www.billingsmustangs.com

Class / League / Season .........Rookie / Arizona League / 8thManager ............................................................. Jose NievesPitching Coach ...............................................Elmer DessensHitting Coach ................................................ Todd TakayoshiBench Coach ......................................................Lenny HarrisRehab Coach ..................................................James BaldwinAthletic Trainer ..................................................Clete SigwartStrength & Conditioning Coach ..........................Justin BuckoStrength & Conditioning Coordinator .............Zach GjestvangDirector of Physical Therapy/Rehab .................. Brad EpsteinDirector of Athletic Training ..............................Patrick Serbus

ARIZONA LEAGUE REDS - ROOKIE3125 S. Wood Blvd., Goodyear, AZ 85338

(623) 932-6590

Class / League ........................... Rookie / Dominican SummerStadium ............................................Reds Baseball AcademyDSL Academy Director ........................................Juan PeraltaManager ..............................................................Luis SaturriaManager .................................................. Cristobal RodriguezPitching Coach ....................................................Luis AndujarPitching Coach .................................................. Luis Montano

DOMINICAN SUMMER LEAGUE REDS - ROOKIEBaseball City, Boca Chica, Dominican Republic

Infield Coach .........................................................Jose CastroHitting Coach ....................................................................TBDVideo Coordinator / Instructor ................................Jefry SierraAthletic Trainer ...................................................Josh HobsonAthletic Trainer .................................................. Wade HebrinkStrength & Conditioning Coach ......................Eduardo GarciaStrength & Conditioning Coach ..................Rafael Hernandez

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DARRYL BRINKLEY - Bench CoachDarryl Brinkley is in his second season in the organization, his first as bench coach for Louisville. He joined the Reds’ player development system in 2016 as hitting coach for the Dominican Summer League team following a stint as hitting coach for the Dodgers’ Pioneer League affiliate Ogden Raptors. Brinkley began his coaching career in 2010 as the manager of the Yuma Scorpions of the Golden Baseball League. He also has served as a hitting coach for 4 years in the Mexican League and for 5 seasons in the Mexican Winter League. Darryl signed with the Padres in 1995 after graduating from Sacred Heart University. He played 16 seasons professionally, including 6 minor league seasons with the Padres, Pirates and Orioles and 9 seasons in the independent leagues, where he was named by Baseball America the Independent League Player of the Year in 2007 after becoming the first player to ever bat .400 in the Northern League. Darryl resides in Norwalk, CT with wife Gail and son Darryl Jr..

DELINO DeSHIELDS - ManagerDelino DeShields enters his ninth season in the Reds organization, his eighth as a manager at the professional level and his third at Class AAA Louisville. In 2010, he was the skipper at Rookie Billings, where he served as the hitting coach in 2009, and in 2011 and 2012 was manager at Class A Dayton. In 2013 and 2014, he managed Class AA Pensacola in the Southern League. DeShields enjoyed a 13-year big league career with the Expos, Dodgers, Cardinals, Orioles and Cubs. He was the first-round draft pick for the Expos in 1987 and made his Major League debut with Montreal in 1990. That year he finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting. DeShields finished his big league career with a .268 batting average. His 463 career stolen bases still rank him in MLB’s top 50 all-time.

JODY DAVIS - Hitting CoachJody Davis is in his second season in the organization after spending 2 years as a hitting coach in the Padres’ system at Class AAA El Paso (2014-2015) and Class A Lake Elsinore (2014). He previously spent time in the Cubs’ organization as manager at Class A Boise (2010), Class A Daytona (2007-2008) and Class A Peoria (2006) and as minor league catching coordinator (2009). Davis enjoyed a 10-year Major League career with the Cubs (1981-1988), where he was an All-Star in 1984 and 1986, and the Atlanta Braves (1988-1990). In 1986, he won a Rawlings Gold Glove Award and threw out a modern record 89 attempted base stealers. He recorded a .245 career average with 127 home runs and 490 RBI. Davis, 60, resides in Chandler, AZ.

MANAGERS, COACHES & TRAINING STAFFS

Louisville (AAA)

JEFF FASSERO - Pitching CoachJeff Fassero is in his fourth season in the organization, his first full season as the pitching coach at Louisville. Last season he served as roving pitching instructor. Jeff spent his first 2 seasons in the organization as pitching coach at Class AA Pensacola. Prior to joining the Reds, he spent the previous 4 years coaching in the Cubs’ system. In 2012 and 2013, Fassero was the pitching coach at Class AA Tennessee and in 2011 held the same post for Class A Peoria. Jeff began his coaching career in 2010 as the pitching coach at Class A Boise. In his 16-year Major League career, he went 121-124 with a 4.11 ERA with Montreal (1991-96), Seattle (1997-99), Texas (1999), Boston (2000), Cubs (2001-02), St. Louis (2002-03), Colorado (2004), Arizona (2004) and San Francisco (2005-06). Fassero attended Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois and the University of Mississippi. Jeff and wife Cathy live in Scottsdale, AZ with their 3 children.

STEVE GOBER - Athletic Trainer, ATC, CSCSSteve Gober is in his second season in the organization, his second with the Bats. For 3 seasons from 2013-2015 he was an assistant athletic trainer on the Washington Nationals’ Major League staff after serving the previous 7 seasons (2006-2012) as that organization’s minor league medical and rehabilitation coordinator. Gober also has been involved in the development and implementation of rehab programs for Major League players. His tenure with Washington included stints with the Brevard Country Manatees (2002-2004) and Potomac Nationals (2005). Steve entered professional baseball in 1999 as strength and conditioning intern for the Class A Capital City Bombers in the Mets organization, then served as New York’s minor league strength and conditioning coordinator from 2000-2001. He served as a CSCS and athletic training consultant for the SK Wyverns of Korean Baseball after the 2000 season and as athletic trainer for Peoria of the Arizona Fall League in 2004. During the 2000-2004 off-seasons, he worked in physical therapy clinics and served as an athletic trainer for several high schools in the Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia areas. Steve was on an educational board as an industry advisory council member for American Public University and spoke at several youth and collegiate sports organizations. He presented at the 2013 Injury Prevention Workshop in Washington, D.C.. Gober played golf and baseball at Shenandoah University while earning a degree in kinesiology/sports medicine in 1998. He enjoys archery hunting, gardening and is a collector of fine wines. Steve resides in Pennsylvania with his wife, Michelle, and 3 daughters.

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DANNY DARWIN - Pitching CoachDanny Darwin returns for his second season as the pitching coach at Class AA Pensacola. Last year, his first in the Reds organization, his Blue Wahoos staff posted a 3.20 ERA that ranked second in the Southern League. He previously served as pitching coach for the Jacksonville Suns (2006-07) and Chattanooga Lookouts (2010) and coached for the Great Lakes Loons from 2008-2009. Darwin pitched for 21 years in the Major Leagues and went 171-182 with a 3.84 ERA for 8 teams.

PAT KELLY - ManagerPat Kelly enters his third year as the skipper at Class AA Pensacola. He joined the Blue Wahoos following stints as manager at Class A Bakersfield in 2014 and at Rookie Billings from 2011-2013, where he was 2012 Pioneer League Manager of the Year. In 2010, Kelly was the manager at Class A Lynchburg and prior to that, he spent the majority of 3 seasons as manager of the Rookie GCL Reds as well as director of Florida on-field operations and as a roving catching instructor. He began those duties in 2007 but left the post on July 3 of that season when Reds interim manager Pete Mackanin hired him as a bench coach. Kelly returned to his operations duties full-time in 2008. In both 2010 and 2016, Pat was named Puerto Rican Winter League Manager of the Year. Kelly has spent 25 seasons managing in the minor leagues for 15 teams, including Richmond (2003-05), Syracuse (1999-2000), Ottawa (1997-98), Harrisburg (1995-96), Chattanooga (1993-94), Indianapolis (1991-92), Rockford (1991), Las Vegas (1990), Wichita (1988-89), Reno (1987) and Charleston (1986). He also served as pitching coach with Glens Falls (1985), the GCL White Sox (‘84) and Niagara Falls (‘83). Kelly was a catcher in the Angels, Blue Jays, Braves and White Sox systems and reached the majors in 1980 with Toronto. Pat, 61, resides in Sarasota, FL.

Pensacola (AA)

TRAVIS “GOOKIE” DAWKINS - Hitting Coach“Gookie” Dawkins is in his third season in the organization, his first with the Blue Wahoos. He previously served as hitting coach for the Class A Daytona Tortugas (2016) and the AZL Reds (2015). Following a 15-year professional playing career, Dawkins in 2015 returned to the organization that selected him in the second round of the 1997 First-Year Player Draft. He spent time playing in the minor league systems of the Reds, Dodgers, Royals, Cubs, Tigers, Pirates Mariners, Phillies, White Sox and Marlins. He also played in parts of 4 Major League seasons with Cincinnati (1999, 2000, 2002) and Kansas City (2003). Travis, 37, resides in Newberry, SC.

DICK SCHOFIELD - Bench CoachDick Schofield is in his fifth season in the organization, returning to Pensacola in 2017 as the team’s bench coach. He served as the Blue Wahoos’ hitting coach in 2013. In 2016, Schofield managed the Class A Dayton Dragons, a position he also held at Rookie Billings from 2014-2015. Before joining the Reds, Schofield worked in the Angels’ minor league system as a roving infield coordinator (2012) and hitting coach for Class A Inland Empire (2011). The former shortstop played 14 Major League seasons with the Angels, Mets, Blue Jays and Dodgers and led the American League in fielding percentage 4 times. Schofield played on the Angels’ 1986 Western Division championship club, hitting an even .300 in that year’s ALCS against the Red Sox, and was a member of Toronto’s 1993 World Series championship team. In Game 3 of that ‘86 ALCS, he belted a home run off Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd. A native of Springfield, Illinois, Schofield was selected by the Angels in the first round (third overall) of the 1981 draft. He resides in St. Louis and has 4 children.

COLE DURHAM - Strength & Conditioning Coach, CSCSCole Durham is in his first season in the organization. He spent the previous 4 seasons (2013-2016) as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates organization working in Bradenton, FL with their Gulf Coast League and Florida State League teams along with rehabilitating players. He also worked Major League spring training camp. Prior to his baseball career, Durham was a strength and conditioning intern for Texas Tech University (2006-2007), a strength and conditioning specialist for Central Texas Tennis Academy (2007-2011) and a strength and conditioning graduate assistant at Texas State University (2011-2013). He graduated from Texas Tech in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science with a minor in health and from Texas State in 2013 with a master’s degree in physical education with specialization in exercise and sports science. Cole resides in Lockhart, TX.

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TYLER MOOS - Athletic Trainer, ATCTyler Moos is in his second season in the organization, his second with the Blue Wahoos. He joined the Reds following 3 seasons in the Mariners organization as athletic trainer at Class A High Desert (2013-2014) and Class AAA Tacoma (2015). Prior to joining the Seattle organization, he completed summer internships with the Rays and Diamondbacks and a year-long internship with Villanova University as an athletic trainer for the baseball and football teams. He graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree from Hastings College and in 2011 with a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Tyler and his wife, Katie, reside in Fort Montgomery, NY.

NATE TAMARGO - Strength & Conditioning Coach, M.S., RSCCNate Tamargo is in his ninth season in professional baseball, his fourth with the organization and his second as strength and conditioning coach at Class AA Pensacola. His previous stops with the Reds include Rookie Billings (2014) and Class A Dayton (2015) after working in the Dodgers and Rockies organizations. He received his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Georgia Southwestern University in 2006 and his master’s in sports medicine from Armstrong Atlantic University in 2013. He is a Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (RSCC) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Nate resides in Goodyear, AZ.

ELI MARRERO - ManagerEli Marrero is in his seventh season in the organization and his third as the manager at Class A Daytona. He spent the 2013 and 2014 seasons as the skipper of the AZL Reds. In 2011, the former big league catcher/outfielder/first baseman served as the hitting coach at Rookie Billings. In 2012, he was the hitting coach at Class A Bakersfield. Marrero played parts of 10 seasons with the Cardinals, Braves, Royals, Orioles, Rockies and Mets. He appeared in 16 Major League Postseason games. While with the Cardinals on September 3, 2001, Marrero caught Bud Smith’s no-hitter at San Diego.

ALEX PELAEZ - Hitting CoachAlex Pelaez is in his ninth season in the organization, his first as the hitting coach at high Class A Daytona. He spent the previous 3 seasons as the hitting coach at Class AA Pensacola. From 2011-2013, Alex served as the hitting coach at Class A Dayton and in 2010 performed the same duties for Delino DeShields’ Billings Mustangs. In 2009, his first season as a professional coach, he was the hitting instructor for the Rookie GCL Reds. Alex served as hitting coach for Team Mexico for the 2017 World Baseball Classic. A 1998 draft pick for San Diego, Pelaez went on to play 8 minor league seasons for the Padres, Angels and Reds. He made his Major League debut in 2002, appearing in 3 games for San Diego. The former infielder collected his first Major League hit on May 16, 2002 off the Mets’ Al Leiter. Alex, 40, resides in Chula Vista, CA.

Daytona (A)

TOM BROWN - Pitching CoachTom Brown enters his 11th season in the organization, his second as pitching coach at Class A Daytona. He spent the 2014 and 2015 seasons as pitching coach for the players rehabbing in Goodyear, the 2007-2009 seasons as pitching coach for the Reds’ advanced Class A team and the 2010-2013 seasons as Class AA pitching coach. Prior to joining the organization, he served as a pitching coach in Class AAA for Albuquerque (2006), Fresno (2005), Portland (2003-2004), Las Vegas (1999) and Oklahoma (1995-98). Brown began his professional coaching career in the Baltimore Orioles organization as pitching coach for Class AA Hagerstown (1988-90) and for the GCL Orioles (1981). He was a pitching coordinator in the Orioles’ minor league organization for 5 years and a pitching coordinator in the Padres’ system for 4 years. During his playing days, Brown pitched in both the Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners chains, appearing in 6 Major League games with Seattle in 1978. He attended Northeast Louisiana University - now University of Louisiana at Monroe, where in 1972 he led the nation with a 0.51 ERA. In 2014 ULM retired Brown’s jersey number 8. Tom and his wife of 47 years, Sandy, reside in Venice, FL.

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RICKY GUTIERREZ - Bench CoachRicky Gutierrez is in his first season in the organization. The former Orioles first-round draft pick was a career .266 hitter during 12 big league seasons with the Padres, Astros, Cubs, Indians, Mets and Red Sox. His first Major League hit came off the Pirates’ Randy Tomlin on 4/14/93 in San Diego. Ricky connected off the Dodg-ers’ Ramon Martinez for his first Major League home run on 6/10/93, also at Jack Murphy Stadium. Gutierrez’ first Major League manager was current Reds bench coach Jim Riggleman. In a 6/26/1998 plate appearance against Cleveland’s Bartolo Colon, Gutierrez, then with the Astros, struck out on the 20th pitch of the at-bat.

LUIS BOLIVAR - ManagerLuis Bolivar is in his fifth season on the player development coaching staff, his first as a manager at the professional level. He spent the previous 3 seasons as Dayton’s hitting coach. In 2013, he served as the hitting coach for the Rookie AZL Reds. Bolivar played 11 professional seasons in the Padres, Reds and Braves systems. From 2002-2009, he appeared at every level in the Reds’ minor league chain. On April 7, 2008 while with Chattanooga at Montgomery, Bolivar became only the 11th player in Southern League history to produce 6 hits in a game. He also played in the Venezuelan League. Bolivar finished his playing career in 2010 and currently lives in Vandalia, OH with wife Kelly, daughters Kamryn, Luisa and Zoey and son Enzo.

DERRIN EBERT - Pitching CoachDerrin Ebert is in his sixth season as a professional coach, his second at Class A Dayton. He spent the 2012-2013 campaigns in Goodyear as the pitching coach for the Rookie AZL Reds and the 2014-2015 seasons as pitching coach at Rookie Billings. Selected by Atlanta in the 18th round of the 1994 free-agent draft, he made all 5 of his Major League appearances for the Braves in 1999 at the age of 22. Ebert also pitched in the Royals, Diamondbacks, Cubs, Brewers and Red Sox minor league systems. He retired as a player following the 2005 season. Derrin received his associate of arts degree from Estrella Mountain College in 2008 and a bachelor’s in secondary education (history) from Arizona State University in December 2009. Ebert, 40, lives in Litchfield Park, AZ.

ANDREW CLEVES - Athletic Trainer, ATCAndrew Cleves is in his fifth season with the organization, his first as athletic trainer for Daytona. He also has been an athletic trainer for Reds affiliates at Class A Dayton (2015-2016), Rookie Billings (2014) and the Dominican Summer League (2013). In 2011, Andrew interned with the Major League club in Cincinnati. A graduate of Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy High School, in 2012 Cleves earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Xavier University. He lives in Cincinnati with wife Amy and son Jacob.

JOE BOSSARD - Strength & Conditioning Coach, CSCS, RSCC, USAW, SFMAJoe Bossard is in his first season in the organization after 2 years with the Houston Astros as their strength and conditioning coach for Class A Quad Cities and Rookie Greeneville. He worked as interim head strength and conditioning coach for St. Edward High School in Lakewood, OH and as part of his field work toward completing his master’s degree served as an assistant strength coach at Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, OH. Bossard also worked as a strength and conditioning coach at Premier Sport Conditioning and as an intern at John Carroll University. He is a 2012 graduate of John Carroll University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in exercise science and pitched 4 years for the baseball team. In 2015, he received his master’s degree in exercise physiology from the University of Akron. Joe lives in Cleveland, OH.

Dayton (A)

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DARYLE WARD - Hitting CoachDaryle Ward is in his second season as a professional coach and his first at Class A Dayton. Last year, he served as the hitting coach for the Rookie level AZL Reds. The son of Major League All-Star Gary Ward, Daryle is a career .263 batter over 11 big league seasons with the Astros, Dodgers, Pirates, Nationals, Braves and Cubs. He belted a career high 20 home runs for Houston in 2000. Daryle, 41, was born in Los Angeles and currently resides in Riverside, CA.

KEVIN MAHAR - Bench CoachKevin Mahar is in his fourth season in the Reds organization, his first since he was the hitting coach at Class A Daytona in 2015. He spent the 2013 and 2014 seasons as the hitting coach at Billings and the 2016 campaign working in private business. The former outfielder in the Texas and Philadelphia organizations played in parts of 6 professional seasons, including 7 games for the Major League Rangers in 2007. He collected his first big league hit on May 17, 2007 off Tampa Bay’s Scott Kazmir. Mahar is a graduate of Indiana University and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2004. He resides in Jasper, Indiana with wife Atalie and children Stella and Nash.

KYLE UTNE - Athletic Trainer, M.A., ATCKyle Utne is in his seventh season with the organization, his first at Class A Dayton. He also worked as an athletic trainer for the AZL Reds (2011-2012), Rookie Billings (2013), Class A Bakersfield (2014) and Class A Daytona (2015-2016). In 2016, Utne represented the Reds as the athletic trainer for Peoria in the prestigious Arizona Fall League. He began his professional career after completing an internship with the Tennessee Smokies in 2009. Kyle received his bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Illinois State University and his master’s degree in sport management from East Tennessee State University. In 2015, Kyle was honored with the Florida State Athletic Trainer of the Year Award. Following the 2015 baseball season, he also worked as the head athletic trainer for the Junior National USA Luge team traveling in Europe. Kyle is a graduate of Hoffman Estates High School in Illinois and currently resides in Frisco, TX, with his fiance, Nicole.

TREY STRICKLAND - Strength & Conditioning Coach, M.S., CSCSTrey Strickland is in his third season with the organization, his first as strength and conditioning coach for Class A Dayton. He was the strength and conditioning assistant for the Major League club in 2016 and strength and conditioning coach for Rookie Billings in 2016. Prior to working in professional baseball, Strickland coached baseball and strength and conditioning for the Darton State College Cavaliers in Albany, GA. Trey received his bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science from the University of Georgia in 2013 and his master’s degree in sport and fitness management from Troy University in 2015. He lives in Carrollton, GA.

RAY MARTINEZ - ManagerRay Martinez is in his seventh season in the organization, his third as a manager and his second as manager at Rookie Billings. His previous positions in the system include stints as hitting coach at Rookie AZL Reds (2011), Billings (2012) and Class A Bakersfield (2013-2014) and as manager at AZL Reds (2015). Martinez, who came up in the California Angels organization, played in parts of 18 professional seasons with the Florida, Cleveland, Montreal, New York Mets, Pittsburgh and San Diego organizations. A veteran of more than 1,500 minor league games, Martinez, 48, resides in Irvine, CA.

Billings (Rookie)

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SETH ETHERTON - Pitching CoachSeth Etherton is in his second season as the pitching coach at Rookie Billings, a position he took over in 2016 in his first year as a coach at the professional level. Etherton was the Angels’ first-round draft pick in 1998 (18th overall) and went on to play in parts of 4 big league seasons with the Angels, Reds, A’s and Royals. He also pitched in Korea and Venezuela before retiring in 2012. Etherton, 40, pitched at the University of Southern California. He lives in the Orange County, CA city of Dana Point.

CHAD CORDERO - Bullpen CoachChad Cordero is in his first season in the organization. The 2005 Rolaids Relief Man of the Year pitched in 7 big league seasons for the Expos, Nationals and Mariners. He was Montreal’s first-round pick in the June 2003 draft and collected 128 career saves. Cordero led the Majors with 47 saves in 2005, the same year he made his only All-Star appearance. Chad pitched for Team USA in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in March 2006.

ORLANDO MERCED - Hitting CoachOrlando Merced is in his first season in the organization. He’s served in the same hitting coach role at the minor league level for the Pirates and Rockies. Orlando managed La Romana in the Dominican Winter League during the 2013-2014 offseason and helped coach the Puerto Rican national team. He’s also coached/managed in the Mexican League. Merced played in parts of 13 big league seasons with the Pirates, Blue Jays, Twins, Red Sox, Cubs, Expos and Astros. He made his Major League debut on 6/27/90 vs Philadelphia and doubled as a pinch hitter off Ken Howell. His first Major League home run came off Houston’s Pete Harnisch at Three Rivers Stadium on 5/3/91, the only run scored in a game that lasted just 1 hour, 45 minutes. Merced finished second to Jeff Bagwell in the voting for National League Rookie of the Year in 1991. He appeared in the 1991 and 1992 NLCS and homered off John Smoltz in Game 3 of the 1991 series.

JESSE GUFFEY - Athletic Trainer, M.S., ATCJesse Guffey is in his fourth year with the Reds, his third as the athletic trainer at Rookie Billings. In 2016, he was selected by his peers as Pioneer League Athletic Trainer of the Year and spent that off-season as head athletic trainer for Tigres del Licey of the Dominican Winter League. He joined the organization in 2014, when he was named the Dominican Summer League’s Athletic Trainer of the Year. He is a clinical instructor for the Graston Technique and holds a certification in Impact Testing for Athletic Trainers. Jesse graduated from Indiana State University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in athletic training and from the University of Kentucky in 2013 with a master’s degree in coaching. In 2012 he was an intern with the Chicago Cubs’ minor league affiliate in Peoria. He is a native of Scranton, PA.

RYAN ROSS - Athletic Trainer, M.S., ATCRyan Ross is in his first season with the organization, his second year in professional baseball. He spent the 2016 season working in the Los Angeles Angels’ player development system. Before working in professional baseball, Ross served as the primary athletic trainer for the baseball and women’s soccer programs at St. John’s University and in 2013 worked for the NFL’s New York Jets as a season-long intern. Ross earned his bachelor and master’s degrees from Seton Hall University. He is a native and resident of Brick, NJ.

ALEX PUSKARICH - Strength & Conditioning Coach, CSCS, USAWAlex Puskarich is in his first season in the organization. He is a graduate of Arizona State University, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and a Sports Performance Coach (USAW) through USA Weightlifting. Prior to joining the Reds, Alex worked was the strength and conditioning coordinator at Prospect Training Academy in Oak Creek, WI. He also worked as a performance coach at Foothills Acceleration and Sports Training in Peoria, AZ, where he conducted small group training for youth athletes. During his last semester at ASU, Alex completed an internship at Cressey Sports Performance in Hudson, MA, where he trained more than 100 athletes affiliated with Major League Baseball, colleges and high schools. Alex grew up in Madison, WI, and attended La Follette High School, where he played baseball and hockey. He joined the U.S. Navy after high school and settled in Phoenix after his enlistment was completed.

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ELMER DESSENS - Pitching CoachElmer Dessens is in his fifth season as the pitching coach for the Rookie AZL Reds. His 2016 staff ranked second in the Arizona League with a 3.46 ERA. Elmer pitched in parts of 14 Major League seasons with the Pirates, Reds, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Royals, Brewers, Rockies, Braves and Mets. He signed with the Pirates as an amateur free agent in 1993. In his Major League debut on June 24, 1996, he started against Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez in Montreal. Dessens went 28-27, 3.94 in 3 seasons as a member of the Reds’ staff, including an 11-5 season in 2000, a 200-innings season in 2001 and a year in which he posted an impressive 3.03 ERA in 178 innings in 2002. He appeared in 1 game for the Dodgers in the 2004 NLDS against the Cardinals. Elmer pitched in the Mexican League and Japanese League and appeared in the 2006 World Baseball Classic as a member of Team Mexico. He finished his playing career in 2010 and currently resides in Hermosillo, Mexico.

AZL Reds (Rookie)

JOSE MIGUEL NIEVES - ManagerJose Nieves is in his ninth season in the organization, and his fourth as the manager at Goodyear for the Rookie AZL Reds. His managerial stints included stops at the Venezuelan Summer League (2009-2010), AZL Reds (2011-2012, 2016) and Class A Dayton (2013-2015). In addition to his managing duties in Venezuela, he also served in 2009 as the scouting supervisor there and in 2010 as field coordinator for the Reds Academy in that country. From 1998-2002, Nieves appeared in 212 Major League games as an infielder with the Cubs and Angels. Nieves, 41, resides in Buckeye, AZ.

TODD TAKAYOSHI - Hitting coachTodd Takayoshi is in his second season in the organization and his first as the hitting coach at Goodyear. Last season he served as the hitting coach at Rookie Billings after spending the previous 3 years as the assistant hitting coordinator for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Prior to his tenure with the Dodgers, Takayoshi spent 11 years as a coach in the Angels’ organization, where he was the club’s roving hitting coordinator from 2007-2012 while serving in a dual role in 2011 as the Angels’ field coordinator. A 2-time minor league batting champion, Takayoshi was a left-handed hitting catcher who spent 4 years in the Angels’ minor league system from 1993-96 and 2 more seasons with Reno in the independent Western League from 1997-98. Todd, 46, lives in Spanaway, WA.

LENNY HARRIS - Bench CoachLenny Harris returns to the organization in 2017. He played for the Reds from 1988-1989 and again from 1994-1998. He was selected by the Reds in the fifth round of the June 1983 draft. Before joining the Reds’ player development staff, Lenny spent the previous 5 seasons in the Marlins organization, working as third base coach in 2016 and parts of 2015. He also worked as the Marlins’ assistant Major League hitting coach and coached on their Gulf Coast League team. Before joining the Marlins, Lenny spent 3 seasons in the Dodgers organization as a hitting coach at the minor league level. He began his Major League coaching career in 2008 as hitting coach for the Nationals after serving parts of 2 seasons as Washington’s minor league field coordinator. Lenny played 18 Major League seasons with the Reds, Dodgers, Mets, Rockies, Diamondbacks, Brewers, Cubs and Marlins. He ended his career as Major League Baseball’s all-time pinch-hits leader with 212.

JAMES BALDWIN - Rehabilitation coachJames Baldwin is in his second season in the organization, both as rehabilitation coach at the Goodyear, AZ facility. He pitched in the Major Leagues for 11 seasons from 1995-2005 for the White Sox, Dodgers, Mariners, Twins, Mets, Orioles and Rangers. Baldwin was an American League All-Star in 2000 and finished that season with a 14-7 record. He also made his lone postseason appearance that year, when for Chicago he started Game 3 of the AL Division Series and pitched 6.0 strong innings in the 2-1 loss at Seattle (3h, 1r, 3bb, 2k). Baldwin, 45, lives in Pinehurst, NC.

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CLETE SIGWART - Athletic Trainer, ATCClete Sigwart is in his eighth season in the organization, his sixth with the Arizona League Reds. He previously worked in Goodyear (2010, 2013), Class A Bakersfield (2011) and Rookie Billings (2012). He was voted by his peers the Athletic Trainer of the Year in 1997 in the Florida State League, in 2011 in the California League and in 2013 both the Arizona League and Minor League Athletic Trainer of the Year. In September 2012, Clete worked with Team Germany during the 2013 World Baseball Classic’s qualifying round and was assigned to work with Team Venezuela in the March 2017 WBC. In 2014, Clete served on the medical staff for the U.S. team at the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game in Minneapolis and for the second straight year worked for Bravos de Margarita in the Venezuelan Winter League. Before joining the Reds, Sigwart spent 10 seasons in the Phillies’ minor league system and in 1999 worked for Aguilas in the Venezuelan Winter League. In 1992, he also worked for the Sacramento Attack of the Arena Football League. A graduate of Ponderosa High School in Shingle Springs, CA, Sigwart earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from California State University, Sacramento. Clete lives in Litchfield Park, AZ with his wife, Tacie, and daughter, Haley. Their son, Blake, is serving our country in the U.S. Air Force.

CRISTOBAL RODRIGUEZ - ManagerCristobal Rodriguez is in his sixth season on the coach staff, his second as a manager of one of the Reds’ Dominican Summer League teams. Signed by the Reds in 2007, he advanced to Class A and played 2 seasons in the independent league. Crostobal is single and lives in the Dominican Republic.

Dominican Summer League (Rookie)

LUIS SATURRIA - ManagerLuis Saturrio is in his ninth season in the organization, his fourth as manager of one of the Reds’ Dominican Summer League teams. The former outfielder was signed by the Cardinals in 1994 and played in the Major Leagues in 2001 and 2002. He also played 1 year in an independent league in Long Island. He lives in the Dominican Republic with wife Cristina and children Luis Arturo Jr., 18, Luis Michael, 14, and Luis Exevier, 9.

JUAN PERALTA - Dominican Academy DirectorJuan Peralta is in his 14th season as director of the Reds’ academy in the Dominican Republic, which under his supervision produced Major Leaguers Johnny Cueto and Juan Francisco. Juan is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the complex, but he also has served roles as a scouting supervisor and in player development. He is on the board of directors of the Jose Bautista Foundation, which helps young Dominican baseball players earn sport scholarships to American universities. A graduate of Troy State University USA, where he received a baseball scholarship, Juan lives in Santo Domingo, DR with wife Veronica and children Sebastian, 9, and Miranda, 4.

JUSTIN BUCKO - S&C Coach, SCCC, CSCS, USAW 1, FMS 2, PESJustin Bucko is in his first season in the organization following an internship in the Olympic sports department at the University of Maryland. He played 4 years of football at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where he completed his bachelor of science degree in physical education-health promotion, then became the head strength and conditioning coach of Milwaukee Lutheran High School before taking an internship with the University of Wisconsin. Following that internship with the Badgers, he began a 2-year stint volunteering at Georgetown University while he obtained his master of science degree in exercise science-sports performance training from Concordia of Chicago.

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JOSE CASTRO - Infield CoachJose Castro returns for his fourth season at the Reds’ Dominican Republic Academy, his first as infield coach. He spent his first 3 seasons as a manager in the Dominican Summer League. Castro was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 16th round of the June 2004 amateur draft and then was drafted again the next year in the 32nd round by the Mets. He spent 3 professional seasons in New York’s system before he was traded to the Reds for Jeff Conine in 2007 and from 2007-2011 played for parts of 5 seasons in Cincinnati’s organization. He spent his last professional season, in 2012, playing for the White Sox’ Class AAA Charlotte affiliate. Overall, in 8 professional seasons Castro hit .258 in 707 games. Jose, 30, is from Caguas, PR.

JOSH HOBSON - Athletic Trainer, ATCJosh Hobson is in his first season as a full-time athletic trainer in the organization. In 2015, he completed an internship at Rookie Billings and in 2016 held a seasonal position at the Reds’ Dominican Republic training complex. Josh graduated in 2015 from the University of Evansville with a bachelor’s degree in athletic training and in 2016 from the University of Akron with a master’s degree in sports administration. He resides in Springfield, IL.

WADE HEBRINK - Athletic Trainer, ATCWade Hebrink is in his first season in the organization. From August to December 2016, he worked in Clear Lake, IA for Athletico Physical Therapy as an athletic trainer for Clear Lake High School and the Mason City Mohawk Hockey Club. The Lake Mills, IA native earned his bachelor’s degree in athletic training from the University of Northern Iowa in 2014. While at UNI, he completed a summer internship with the Cleveland Indians in Goodyear, working primarily with the Arizona League Indians. After graduating from UNI, Hebrink served as a graduate assistant athletic trainer at Syracuse University and primarily served the football and men’s lacrosse teams. In May 2016, he earned his master’s degree in exercise science from Syracuse University. Hebrink also holds certifications in CPR/AED and SASTM method of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization.

EDUARDO GARCIA - Strength & Conditioning CoachEduardo Garcia is in his third season as a strength and conditioning coach in the organization. He is a personal trainer certified through the NCSF with athletic training certification from the University Federico Henriquez Carvajal. Eduardo currently is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in the studies of modern language. He resides in Santo Domingo, DR with his wife, Kirsy Sencion, and 2-year-old son Erick David.

LUIS MONTANO - Pitching CoachLuis Montano is in his sixth season as a pitching coach of one of the Reds’ Dominican Summer League teams. He was signed by the Reds in 2003 and advanced to Class AA. He has 3 children, Laisha, 17, Nayeli, 15 and Joshua, 8.

LUIS ANDUJAR - Pitching coachLuis Andujar is in his sixth season as a pitching coach in the organization, his second season as a coordinator. The righthanded pitcher played in the Major Leagues for the White Sox in 1995 and for the Blue Jays in 1997. Luis lives in the Dominican Republic with wife Fiordaliza and children Lorenna, 17, Larissa, 14, and Luis Jr., 12 .

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MILT THOMPSON - Hitting CoordinatorMilt Thompson is in his first season in the Reds organization after spending the previous 4 years working in the Kansas City system. From 2013-2016, he served as the Royals’ outfield, bunting and baserunning coordinator while also holding down the hitting coach duties in 2014 at Class A Wilmington. Thompson was the Astros’ minor league outfield and baserunning instructor from 2011-2012. From 2005-2010, Milt was on the Major League staff in Philadelphia and while there won a World Series with the Phillies in 2008. Thompson served as a coach for the Phillies’ Class AA affiliate in Reading from 1998-1999 and as the organization’s minor league outfield/baserunning coordinator from 2001-2003. Thompson played 18 professional seasons, including parts of 11 years in the big leagues. He was Atlanta’s second-round pick in the June 1979 draft. Milt hit .313 for the Phillies in the 1993 World Series and set a franchise record with 5 RBI in Game 4.

BILL DORAN - Field CoordinatorBill Doran is in his fourth season as the organization’s player development field coordinator after spending the previous 5 seasons as the assistant field coordinator. In 2008, he served as the infield/baserunning coordinator. During the 2006 and 2007 seasons he was manager Buddy Bell’s bench coach with the Kansas City Royals. After a brief stint as the hitting coach at Class A Tampa (Yankees), Doran joined the Royals’ Major League staff in June 2005 as first base coach/infielders coach. From 1995-2001, the former second baseman spent time in the Reds organization working as a minor league instructor (1995-99), minor league field coordinator (1999), director of player development (1999-2000) and special assistant to the general manager (2000). He served as the Reds’ first base coach during the 2001 season. Doran hit .266 during his 12-year big league career with the Astros (1982-1990), Reds (1990-92) and Brewers (1993) and was a member of the Reds’ 1990 World Series championship team. In 1991 he was selected as the first recipient of the Good Guy Award by the local chapter of the BBWAA. Bill is a graduate of Cincinnati’s Mt. Healthy High School and played baseball at the esteemed Miami University in Oxford. He resides in Cincinnati.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORS & INSTRUCTORS

JOEL NOBOA - Latin America Field/Hitting CoordinatorJoel Noboa is in his 12th season in the organization. He began his coaching career with the Reds as Dominican Republic field coordinator and also managed for 2 seasons in the Dominican Summer League. In 2011, he was named Latin America field coordinator/Latin liaison, overseeing the Dominican Republic and Venezuelan player development operations. Joel also travels to our minor league affiliates and works with the Latin players in the hitting and mental aspects of the game. He has been the hitting coach for Tigres Del Licey in the Dominican Winter League. Noboa spent 4 seasons in the Diamondbacks’ organization after signing in 1997 but also played in the Red Sox and Expos’ systems. He lives in Santo Domingo with wife Sorange, daughters Nashla, 9, and Ashley, 5, and son Joel Isaac, 1.

RAFAEL HERNANDEZ - Strength & Conditioning Coach, USAWRafael Hernandez is in his fifth season in the organization, all as a strength and conditioning coach in the Dominican Republic for the organization’s baseball academy and Rookie Dominican Summer League teams. In 2015, he earned his degree in physiotherapy from UFHC University of Santo Domingo. Rafael holds CrossFit L1 certification as well as Level 1 Sports Performance certification through the USAW. He resides in Santo Domingo, DR.

TONY FOSSAS - Pitching CoordinatorTony Fossas begins his ninth season in the organization and his second as minor league pitching coordinator. He spent the 2015 season as pitching coach at Class A Daytona and the 5 years before that as the pitching coach at Class A Dayton. He served in that capacity for the Dragons from 2009-2011 before spending the 2012 campaign as the pitching coach at Rookie Billings. Prior to joining the Reds organization, Fossas spent 5 seasons as the pitching coach at Florida Atlantic University. The former southpaw hurler enjoyed a 21-year professional career, including 10 seasons at the big league level with the Rangers, Brewers, Red Sox, Cardinals, Mariners, Cubs and Yankees. In his Major League debut on May 15, 1988, he coaxed George Brett into a bases-loaded inning-ending double play with his first big league pitch. Known as “The Mechanic,” Fossas appeared in the 1996 NLCS as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. Tony, 59, resides in Plantation, FL.

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ZACH GJESTVANG - Strength & Conditioning Coordinator, M.S., CSCS, RSCCZach Gjestvang is in his 13th season in the organization, his fourth as strength and conditioning coordinator. He spent his first 9 seasons as minor league strength and conditioning coach. Gjestvang has worked for rookie affiliates Billings (2005, 2011), AZL Goodyear (2010, 2012-2013) and GCL Sarasota (2008-2009) in addition to Class A Sarasota (2007) and Class AAA Louisville (2006). He was named 2011 Pioneer League Strength Coach of the Year 2012 Arizona League Strength Coach of the Year. A 1999 graduate of Moorhead (MN) Senior High School, Gjestvang received his bachelor’s degree in exercise science in 2003 from Minnesota State University, Moorhead and his master’s in exercise science and health promotion/performance enhancement and injury prevention in 2008 from California University of Pennsylvania. He lives in Goodyear, AZ with wife Andrea, son Rohn and daughter Ayla.

CORKY MILLER - Roving Catching InstructorAfter a 17-year professional playing career, Corky Miller is in his third season as a roving catching instructor in the Reds’ minor league system. The previous 2 seasons, in addition to his roving duties he worked as Class A Dayton’s catching coach. Miller played in parts of 11 Major League seasons with the Reds, Twins, Red Sox, Braves and White Sox. He also played in 10 seasons for Class AAA Louisville, a franchise record. Miller is Louisville’s all-time leader with 548 games played and 99 doubles. Following the 2000 season he was voted the “player you want most in your clubhouse” and the “player who will make the best future manager” in a USA Today Baseball Weekly poll of his Southern League peers. In a 2003 poll of International League managers, Miller was named the league’s best defensive catcher. In 2013, at age 37, Corky became the oldest Reds player to start a game at catcher since 37-year-old Bob Scheffing in 1951. On August 31, 2014 at Louisville Slugger Field, the Bats retired #8, the first uniform number retired by the Louisville franchise.

RICHARD STARK - Director of Minor League Medical Administration, MA, ATCRichard Stark is in his 25th season in professional baseball, his 12th in the organization and his first as Director of Minor League Medical Administration. After working for the Milwaukee Brewers and San Francisco Giants, he joined the Reds in 2006 as medical coordinator. Stark was voted by his peers the California League Athletic Trainer of the Year in 1995 and the Minor League Coordinator of the Year in 2010 and 2011. In March 2013, Stark worked in the World Baseball Classic as head athletic trainer for tournament champion Dominican Republic and in 2015 served as an athletic trainer for the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Great American Ball Park. A 1982 graduate of Lincoln High School in Stockton, CA, he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and athletic training from California State University, Sacramento (1987) and a master’s degree in biomechanics and athletic training from the University of the Pacific (1997). Richard lives in Gilbert, AZ with his wife Allison, daughter Savanna and son Jax.

PATRICK SERBUS - Director of Athletic Training, M.Ed., ATC, CSCSPatrick Serbus is in his 17th season in professional baseball, his eighth with the Reds and his first as Director of Athletic Training. He spent the previous 4 seasons as the player development athletic trainer coordinator, and from 2010-2012 he was the organization’s medical administrator. Serbus also worked for the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers, with experience at every level of minor league baseball. Serbus maintains a dual credential as a Certified Athletic Trainer (1998) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (2000). He holds a master’s degree in exercise physiology from Texas State University (2000) and a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Illinois State University (1998). A graduate of Rich East High School in Park Forest, IL, Patrick lives in Peoria, AZ with wife Sara and sons Mason, Nolan and Colson.

BRAD EPSTEIN - Director of Physical Therapy/Rehab, DPT, PT, ATCBrad Epstein is in his eighth season in the organization, his first as Director Physical Therapy/Rehab. He spent the 2010-2016 seasons as physical therapist/rehabilitation coordinator. Before joining the Reds, in 2009 Brad worked as a physical therapist at New York SportsMed and at Physical Therapy in New York City. He also completed internships with the New York Jets, Cleveland Indians and Toronto Blue Jays. A 2001 graduate of Watkins Mill High School in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in 2005 Epstein received a bachelor’s degree in athletic training and pre-physical therapy from Baldwin-Wallace University and in 2009 he earned a doctorate of physical therapy from Columbia University. Brad and his wife, Randi, live in Buckeye, AZ with their 4-year-old son, Parker Reid.

MEDICAL, STRENGTH & CONDITIONING AND PHYSICAL THERAPY STAFF

DARREN BRAGG - Roving Outfield / Baserunning InstructorDarren Bragg is in his 11th season in the organization, his ninth as outfield/baserunning coordinator. In 2007 and 2008 he served as the hitting coach at Class A Dayton. A Connecticut native, Bragg enjoyed a 14-year professional playing career that included parts of 11 seasons in the Major Leagues with Seattle (1994-96), Boston (1996-98), St. Louis (1999), Colorado (2000), New York Mets (2001), New York Yankees (2001), Atlanta (2003), San Diego (2004) and Cincinnati (2004). He attended Georgia Tech and in 2002 was inducted into that university’s Hall of Fame. In 1989 he set an NCAA record with 73 walks and in both 1990 and 1991 earned All-ACC honors. He also played for Team USA in the 1990 Goodwill Games. Darren, 47, resides in Southbury, CT with wife Kathleen and daughters Riley, Reese and Regan.

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MORGAN GREGORY - Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coordinator, M.S., RSCC, PESMorgan Gregory is in his fifth season in the organization, his second as assistant strength and conditioning coordinator. He spent his first 3 seasons as strength and conditioning coach at Class A Dayton (2013-2014) and at Class A Daytona (2015). In 2014, Morgan earned his master’s degree in performance enhancement and injury prevention from California University of Pennsylvania and in 2011 graduated from Carson-Newman College with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. He resides in Goodyear, AZ.

CHARLES LEDDON - Director of Sports Science Initiatives, PhD, ATC, CSCSCharles Leddon is in his 11th season with the Reds, his second as the Director of Sports Science Initiatives. He was the athletic trainer at Rookie Billings from 2007-2010, at Class AA Carolina in 2011 and at Class AA Pensacola from 2012-2015. Prior to taking his current position, he served as the Sports Medicine Research Director at the prestigious Andrews Research and Education Foundation. Before joining the Reds, Charles worked in the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox and Kansas City Royals minor league systems. Leddon was voted the Athletic Trainer of the Year 4 times (Southern League 2013, Pioneer League 2009 & 2010, Texas League 2003) and served as the athletic trainer for the 1992 NCAA College World Series champion Pepperdine Waves, 1996 Florida State League champion Port St. Lucie Mets and 2004 Arizona Fall League champion Phoenix Desert Dogs. A graduate of Rancho High School in Las Vegas, Leddon graduated from Pepperdine with a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine and received a master’s degree in biomechanics as well as a doctorate in sports medicine from Oregon State University. He lives in Phoenix, AZ with wife Kimberlee and sons Jonah and Sawyer.

FRANK PFISTER - Mental Skills CoachFrank Pfister was hired in November 2015 for the newly-created position of mental skills coach. An infielder and catcher, he played 5 seasons in the Reds’ minor league system from 2008-2012, followed by 2 more years in the independent Frontier League. After his team won the Frontier League championship in 2013, Pfister retired as a player and accepted a position with the Reds as an intern in baseball operations, where he worked in the front office and at Rookie Billings in 2014. He then worked part-time as a consultant assisting Reds minor league players with the development of mental skills. Before being drafted by the Reds in 2008, Pfister earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy with a minor in music at Emory University. He earned Emory’s Award for outstanding athletic performance in a team-based sport in 2008, was named MVP of the 2007 South Regional tournament, was a 3-time All-Conference third baseman and conference MVP in 2008 and still holds Emory’s all-time record for most hits in a season. Pfister lives in Los Angeles.

JOSH BICKEL - Physical Therapist, DPT, PT, SCSJosh Bickel is in his first season in the organization after working in the Phoenix area as a physical therapist. In 2014, he completed the Proaxis Therapy Sports Residency in Greenville, SC and became licensed as a Sports Certified Specialist (SCS). Following residency, Josh completed the ATI Physical Therapy Upper Extremity Athlete Fellowship program and spent the 2016 season with the Kansas City Royals at their spring training facility in Surprise. A graduate of La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, NM, in 2008 he received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Concordia University-Irvine and in 2013 his doctorate in physical therapy from Midwestern University. Josh and his wife, Cathleen, live in Surprise, AZ.

MARCUS AHRENS - Physical Therapist, DPT, PT, CSCSMarcus Ahrens is in his first full-time season with the organization, following an internship in which he worked with Reds players on injury rehabilitation. Prior to joining the Reds he worked as a physical therapist at PHLEX NYC in New York City, where as clinical director he treated professional athletes. Ahrens earned his doctorate in physical therapy in 2013 from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in integrative physiology with a minor in psychology in 2009 from the University of Iowa. Marcus was born and raised in Iowa City, IA and lives in Phoenix, AZ with his wife, Erin.