Beavers manager Craig Colbert named Padres bench coach

Published on November 21, 2006 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Portland Beavers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Beavers manager Craig Colbert today was named the new bench coach of the San Diego Padres, it was announced by Padres executive vice president/general manager Kevin Towers.

"I am pleased that (Padres manager) Bud Black has recognized Craig's talent and is promoting him to the major league level," Towers said. "Craig has been a valuable member of the Padres organization for many years. He's very familiar with our younger players, including many who are now playing at the big league level."

It is the first major league coaching position for Colbert, who was slated to return to the Beavers for a fourth season prior to his appointment to Black's 2007 coaching staff in San Diego.

"While I'm obviously excited about going to San Diego, I very much enjoyed my three years with the Beavers," said Colbert, who will continue to reside in Portland. "From the fans, to the players, to the staff, Portland treated me very well."

Colbert, who marks his 10th season as a coach/manager in the Padres system in 2007, was a teammate of Black's while playing with the San Francisco Giants in 1992 and 1993.

"Craig provides further continuity with his vast knowledge of the Padres organization, having been a manager in the system," Black said. "I'm excited about the staff we have in place for the upcoming season."

In three seasons at the helm of the Beavers (2004-06), Colbert, 41, compiled a 222-209 (.515) record. In 2004, he led the Beavers to a division title, a playoff berth and the best record in Triple-A Baseball at 84-60.

"This is a great opportunity for Craig," said John Cunningham, president and general manager of the Beavers. "He became part of the family in his three years with us, and we couldn't be happier for him as he begins his major league coaching career with the Padres."

Colbert concluded a 13-year playing career in 1998 as a player/coach with the Padres' former Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas. Colbert played in the Giants, Cleveland Indians and Padres organizations from 1986-98, including 72 games in the major leagues with San Francisco over the 1992 and 1993 campaigns. Colbert was drafted by the Giants in the 20th round of the 1986 draft out of Oral Roberts University.

A native of Iowa City, Iowa, Colbert was a back-to-back recipient (2000-01) of the Jack Krol Award for excellence in player development in the Padres system. After beginning his managerial career in 2000 with San Diego's Class A Fort Wayne affiliate, the former catcher posted a 522-463 (.530) record over seven seasons, leading his team to the postseason three times. Colbert, who posted his 500th career victory on July 19, 2006, was named the Pacific Coast League's "Best Manager Prospect" in Baseball America's annual "Best Tools" survey at the end of the 2006 season.

Colbert also managed one season at Class A Lake Elsinore (2001) and two seasons at Class AA Mobile (2002-03).

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Pacific Coast League Stories from November 21, 2006


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