BILLINGS, MT (11.16.2009) - The Cincinnati Reds have formally announced Delino DeShields as the new field manager for the Billings Mustangs in 2010. DeShields, Billings' hitting coach in 2009, replaces Julio Garcia who guided the Mustangs in 2008 and 2009. Garcia has been named to manage the Reds Arizona League team in Goodyear, Arizona."While we never want to lose a manager with the qualities and abilities of Julio Garcia, we're looking forward to Delino returning to Billings for his second season with the Mustangs and his first as field manager. His confidence, positive attitude and enthusiasm for the game of baseball are infectious throughout the clubhouse," said Mustangs General Manager Gary Roller. "We're confident that Delino and the coaching staff as a whole will represent the Mustangs and Cincinnati Reds in the most professional manner, and provide the younger players in the organization with the kind of leadership and approach to the game that they need both on and off the field."
Joining DeShields in Billings are Bob Forsch and Alex Pelaez. Forsch returns to the Mustangs for his second season as pitching coach and Pelaez arrives in Billings for his first season as the Mustangs hitting coach. Palaez served as the hitting coach for the Reds Gulf Coast League entry in 2009. The Reds also announced that athletic trainer Charles Leddon will return for his fourth season in Billings. Leddon was selected as the Pioneer League Trainer of the Year in 2009.
"The Reds are proud to announce the 2010 Billings Mustangs field staff. Delino DeShields, Bob Forsch, Alex Peleaz and Charles Leddon will provide a great blend of experience and enthusiasm," said Terry Reynolds, the Reds director of player development. "All but Alex are veterans of the Pioneer League and all know how important this level of play is to the Reds Player Development department. We are expecting an exciting year in Billings."
DeShields, 40, enjoyed a 13-year Major League career with the Montreal Expos, Dodgers, Cardinals, Orioles and Cubs. In 1987, DeShields was the first-round selection of the Expos. DeShields, who also was offered a scholarship to play basketball for Villanova University, made his debut with Montreal in 1990. That year, he finished second in National League Rookie of the Year honors.
"I am excited about the opportunity to manage the club," commented DeShields. "My family and I really enjoyed our experience in Billings this past summer and are looking forward to returning for the 2010 season."
In his Major League career, DeShields batted .268 with 80 home runs and 561 RBI. His 463 career stolen bases rank him in the top 50 all-time for Major League Baseball. DeShields finished his career with the Cubs, playing his final season in 2002.
Forsch, 59, spent most of his 16-year Major League career with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he pitched a pair of no-hitters in 1978 and 1983. He and his brother Ken Forsch are the only set of brothers to both pitch official no-hitters. Ken, who pitched for the Houston Astros, threw one in 1979.
In all, Bob Forsch pitched in the big leagues from 1974 to 1989 and owns a record of 168-136 with a career 3.76 ERA. His best year came in 1977, when he won 20 games against just seven losses. He was a member of the Cardinals 1982 World Series Champions and also pitched in the 1985 and 1987 World Series with St. Louis.
Pelaez, 33, was drafted in 1998 by the San Diego Padres. He went on to play eight minor league seasons with the Padres, Angels and Reds. He made his Major League debut in 2002 with the Padres. Pelaez played his final professional season with the Reds Triple-A affiliate in Louisville in 2005.
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