SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Coaching Staff Remains Intact for 2009

Published on January 8, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - The Boston Red Sox have announced that the Drive's coaching staff from a year ago, in which they led the franchise to their best record, as well as the best road record in all of Minor League Baseball for the first half of the season, will remain intact for the 2009 season. Kevin Boles retakes his post as the Drive's field manager, while Billy McMillon and Bob Kipper return to their respective positions as hitting coach and pitching coach.

With the 2009 Drive coaching staff set, the Red Sox have insured that their highly acclaimed player development system is set to continue its winning ways as many of the organization's top prospects have the opportunity to play at Fluor Field at the West End. The 2008 season marked the first time in which all of the Boston affiliates finished with above .500 records.

Drive General Manager, Mike deMaine noted, "The Red Sox are among the best in the game at scouting, drafting and developing fresh major league talent, like Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester, Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, Jonathan Papelbon, and Kevin Youkilis." deMaine added, "We look forward to welcoming back Kevin, Bob, and Billy as they play an integral role in the development of Boston's top prospects!"

Entering his eighth year as a minor league manager, Kevin Boles returns for his second year at the helm of the Drive and in the Red Sox organization, after having stints with the Twins, Royals, and Marlins organizations. In addition, Kevin enters the 2009 season just 44 victories shy of his 500th career win as a manager. The son of former Florida Marlins manager John Boles, highlighted his 2008 season by being one of five members of the Greenville Drive selected to the South Atlantic League All-Star Game.

Boles has an impressive ability to develop young players and see them move to the next level. During his time in Minnesota's organization, Boles played an integral part in the development of a number of major leaguers, including Matt Garza and Nick Punto, as well as the 2008 MLB Futures Game MVP, Che-Hsuan Lin, and 2008 Red Sox Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Daniel Bard.

In addition, Boles boasts an overall winning record as he has guided three of his teams to the playoffs over recent seasons, including the 2000 GCL Marlins, the 2005 Beloit Snappers and the 2006 Fort Myers Miracle. Boles' 2006 Miracle posted the best record in the Florida State League en route to capturing the first and second half Western Division titles.

"Our staff is very excited to return to Greenville as we had a great experience last year," commented Boles. "We feel very fortunate coming back to such a tremendous situation. We are honored to be back."

Billy McMillon will also be entering his second season as the Drive's hitting coach after guiding the Drive's batters to a .275 batting average in 2008, eighth best in the South Atlantic League. McMillon was also instrumental in the development of South Atlantic League All-Star first baseman Mike Jones, who put together the league's third longest hitting streak in the last three decades with a 28-game clip.

From 1991-1993 the 37-year-old enjoyed a solid playing career for the Clemson University Tigers, where he earned First-Team NCBWA All-American honors in 1993.

A six-year Major League veteran, McMillon broke into the big leagues with the Florida Marlins in 1998. A lifetime .248 batter, he also made stops in Philadelphia, Detroit, and finally in Oakland, where an injury in 2004 forced him to retire. McMillon attempted a comeback with the Red Sox in 2005, but was unable to bounce back. McMillon's enjoyed his best season as a pro in 2000, when he batted .301 with four home runs and 24 RBI in 46 games with the Tigers.

No stranger to the Upstate, Greer resident Bob Kipper will once again be the Drive's pitching coach after spending the 2005, 2006, and 2008 seasons in Greenville. Under the guidance of Kipper, relief pitcher Daniel Bard began the 2008 by not allowing a run in his first 22 innings, while garnering Red Sox Minor League Pitcher of the Year Honors. In addition, Kipper played an integral role in the development of pitchers Clay Buchholz, who was named the Red Sox Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2006 and 2007, and Michael Bowden, who made his professional debut last season.

Prior to making his coaching debut in 1995, Kipper spent more than 10 seasons as a pitcher in professional baseball. Originally drafted eighth overall in 1982 by the California Angels, Kipper also spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Minnesota Twins, and New York Mets.

Drive President and Co-owner, Craig Brown, commented on the announcement, noting, "The continued success at the Major League level, as well as all of their affiliates, says a lot about the quality of the coaching staff and the talent the Red Sox have built into their player development system." Brown continued, "Kevin Boles, Bob Kipper, and Billy McMillon have proven track records of molding young prospects into Major Leaguers. 2009 promises to be another great year for our baseball fans at Fluor Field."

The only new addition to the Drive field staff for 2009 will be Brandon Henry, who assumes the duties as head trainer after serving in the same role the past two seasons for the Lowell Spinners. Henry, who has a bachelor's degree from Xavier University and a master's degree from West Virginia University, takes over for Paul Buchheit, who after three seasons with the Drive has moved on to the Salem Red Sox.

There are still plenty of great seats available for the 2009 season through the Drive's variety of ticket plans which are designed to meet every budget. Call (864) 240-4500 to speak with a representative or log onto to www.GreenvilleDrive.com for more information.

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South Atlantic League Stories from January 8, 2009


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.

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