NYPL Brooklyn Cyclones

Brooklyn Cyclones coaching staff named

Published on February 23, 2004 under New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Brooklyn Cyclones News Release


Brooklyn, NY February 23, 2004 - The Cyclones' 2004 Coaching Staff has been finalized, with Leon Lee in place for his first season as Brooklyn's manager. Pitching coach Hector Berrios will return for the second straight season, and hitting coach Donovan Mitchell also returns, having held the same position in 2002.

Leon Lee brings more than 20 years of experience in professional baseball, as a player, coach, manager, and scout. He spent six years (1971-1977) as a player in the St. Louis Cardinals' farm system, before becoming an icon in Japanese baseball. At just 25 years old, he signed with the Lotte Orions in 1978, and soon became one of the country's top sluggers. In 10 years with Lotte, the Yokohama Taiyo Whales, and the Yakult Swallows, Leon compiled a .308 batting average with 268 home runs and 884 RBI. In 1980, his best all-around season, he hit .340 with 41 home runs and 116 RBI for Lotte.

"We are thrilled to have someone with Leon's experience in the organization," said Mets GM Jim Duquette. "It is an added benefit to have him working with some of our younger players in Brooklyn, in a high-intensity atmosphere. "

After retiring in 1987, Lee was an independent baseball instructor, authored a bi-lingual hitting journal in Japan, and served as Technical Director for the film "Mr. Baseball," in which Tom Selleck portrays an American baseball player who signs on to play in Japan. Lee then joined the Chicago Cubs organization in 1997, and spent time as both a Triple-A hitting coach and a Pacific Rim scout. Last season he managed Japan's Orix Blue Wave.

Lee, who lives in Sacramento, CA, also has strong family ties to the major leagues. His son, Derrek, was a Gold Glover and World Champion for the Florida Marlins in 2003, before being traded this offseason to the Cubs. His brother, Leron, played in the majors from 1969-1976 for St. Louis, San Diego, Cleveland, and Los Angeles. The brothers were also teammates in Lotte. 2004 is Leon Lee's first season with the Mets organization.

Hector Berrios and Donovan Mitchell are both New Yorkers. Berrios grew up in the Bronx, where he was an All-City pitcher and outfielder for James Monroe HS in 1979. The 2004 season will be Hector's 20th as a player or coach in professional baseball. He now resides in New Jersey.

Mitchell played and coached at Alexander Hamilton HS in Elmsford, NY, before becoming an All-Conference player for The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He played for seven years in the Houston Astros farm system, and has been a coach or front office executive with the Mets since 1999. He now resides in Dobbs Ferry.

The Brooklyn Cyclones are the Class-A affiliate of the New York Mets. The Cyclones play at KeySpan Park, the 7,500-seat stadium in Coney Island, recently named "Best Short-Season Ballpark in the Country" by Baseball America. In 2003, the Brooklyn Cyclones completed an exciting season by playing in the league championship series. Season Tickets and Mini Plans for the 2004 campaign are available now. Fans can call 718-449-8497 or visit www.brooklyncyclones.com for more information.

Check out the Brooklyn Cyclones Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



New York-Penn League Stories from February 23, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central