RedHawks DeFrancesco Heads to Houston, Lawless Named Manager
Published on August 19, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Oklahoma City Comets News Release
OKLAHOMA CITY - RedHawks manager Tony DeFrancesco has been named interim manager of the Houston Astros for the remainder of the 2012 season. Astros Roving Infield Coordinator Tom Lawless will assume managerial duties for the RedHawks.
In two seasons with the RedHawks, DeFrancesco led the team to a 135-135 record. After finishing last season 68-75, the RedHawks have improved to 67-60 this season. His career record in the PCL 713-564, and he guided the Sacramento River Cats to three PCL Championships (2003, 2004, 2007).
"We are extremely happy for Tony and his family for this wonderful opportunity," RedHawks President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. "Although we are sad to see him go, we've been proud to have him lead the RedHawks the past two seasons."
Lawless will join the RedHawks in Round Rock, Tex. on Monday. Earlier this season, he served as acting manager for the RedHawks during three games in May.
Prior to becoming a roving instructor this season, Lawless managed each of the past three seasons in the Astros system with Lexington (2009), Lancaster (2010) and Corpus Christi (2011). He has nine years of managerial experience and his career record stands at 617-763.
Lawless spent eight seasons in the Major Leagues playing for Cincinnati, Montreal, St. Louis, and Toronto.
The RedHawks are in the middle of a nine-game road trip and will return home Monday, August 27 when they face the Albuquerque Istotopes . Tickets for the final homestand of the season are available through the RedHawks ticket office at (405) 218-1000 or by visiting okcredhawks.com.
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