Former Teammates Return to Diamond as Managers
July 7, 2015 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Salem-Keizer Volcanoes News Release
As the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes began the five-game series with the Tri-City Dust Devils, both managers, Kyle Haines and Anthony Contreras, met at home plate to exchange lineups and discuss ground rules, but that was certainly not their first meeting.
Haines and Contreras have a history together as they both played inside the San Francisco Giants system with the Augusta GreenJackets in 2006 and San Jose Giants in 2007. This is Haines' first year as the Volcanoes manager after making his managerial debut with the Frontier Greys in 2014. It is also Contreras first full year coaching in the Padres organization after managing the Arizona League Padres for half of the 2014 season.
"There's definitely a strange element looking across the field and seeing him as someone we play against now," Haines said. "It's great to see him out here chasing his dream and sharing his baseball knowledge with his guys. To be in the same league and compete against each other, it adds a new dynamic to it."
On the other hand, Contreras didn't find it strange to have a change in roles; instead, he expected it.
"It's nice to see him in this role," Contreras said. "I was teammates with him, and he had kind of the makings of a coach and knew the game really well, so it's not a surprise that he's here today."
Because they were both infielders, they spent a large amount of time together, partaking in the same daily preparations. Together, they constantly tried new positions and learned about multiple elements.
"We were always in communication each and every day," Haines said. "It was a great time-a lot of good memories."
Not only did Haines and Contreras play together, but they also received the Nettie Rappe Good Guys Award in 2007 from the San Jose Giants. The two were co-recipients of the award for their contributions and work in the community, honoring their off-the-field work as well as on-field work.
As the Volcanoes and Dust Devils faced each other for the series in Salem-Keizer, the managers saw familiar coaching styles from the past. According to Contreras, there are more similarities than differences in their styles.
"It's interesting to see his coaching tactics," Contreras said. "We both played for a manager, named Lenn Sakata, in 2007 for the San Jose Giants whom we won the championship with. We were expressing how both of us take things that he taught and how he managed us then into our managing roles now."
Although Haines and Contreras are former teammates, Haines noted that he hasn't added a competitive edge in his coaching methods when facing Tri-City.
"I want to prepare my team the best I can, playing with the cards we've been dealt with that day regardless of who the manager is," Haines said.
Contreras didn't think that the two of them would ever end up coaching in the same league, but he said, "Baseball's a small world, and things come full circle all the time. You never know when you're going to see faces that you played with or played against."
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Northwest League Stories from July 7, 2015
- Former Teammates Return to Diamond as Managers - Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
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- AquaSox Lose Pitchers' Duel, 2-1 - Everett AquaSox
- Volcanoes Homer Twice, Win Fourth Straight - Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
- Canadians Canâ??t Hold Late Lead; Fall 6-5 In Eugene - Vancouver Canadians
- Emeralds Take Advantage of Error in Walk-Off Win - Eugene Emeralds
- Indians Put Halt on Hawks Hitters - Boise Hawks
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