CarL1 Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Braves Announce 2010 Pelicans Coaching Staff

Published on December 4, 2009 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release


MYRTLE BEACH, SC- The Atlanta Braves today announced the Myrtle Beach Pelicans' 2010 coaching staff, which once again will be led by veteran manager Rocket Wheeler, who will return for his fifth season. Hitting coach Rick Albert will also rejoin the team along with newcomer Kent Willis, who will serve as pitching coach after two years as the Minor League Pitching Coordinator for the Braves. Returning as Athletic Trainer will be Chas Miller who was honored as the Carolina League's 2009 Trainer of the Year.

Wheeler's overall record over the course of four seasons with the Pelicans stands at 273-283 (.491). His tenure in Myrtle Beach is headlined by the 2008 campaign, when he guided the club to a franchise-record 89 wins and a spot in the Carolina League Championship Series. Rocket was named Baseball America's 2008 Minor League Manager of the Year in recognition of his outstanding work. 2008 also marked Wheeler's 1,000th career win as a manager, achieving that distinction with the help of future Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Glavine who earned the victory on a rehab assignment in Myrtle Beach.

"Rocket's return to guide the Pelicans in 2010 is great news not only for the young Braves' prospects who will be fortunate enough to continue their development under his watch, but it's also great news to have a manager who is so in tune with and supportive of our organization's mission to provide our fans with an unparalleled ballpark experience and a strong community outreach," said Pelicans' General Manager North Johnson.

Prior to his role with the Pelicans, Wheeler spent three seasons as the manager of the Rome Braves (2003-05), Atlanta's affiliate in the Class-A South Atlantic League. Rocket's Rome club claimed at least 70 wins in each of his three seasons, and won the SAL title in 2003. Following his final season in Rome in 2005, Wheeler was added to the Braves Major League coaching staff, where he served as a bench coach throughout the post-season. Before joining the Atlanta system, Rocket spent 26 years as either a player, coach, or manager with the Toronto Blue Jays organization.

Throughout his tenure with the Pelicans, Rocket has helped nurture the young talent in such players as Braves' pitcher Tommy Hanson, Chicago White Sox's catcher Tyler Flowers, Texas Rangers' short stop Elvis Andrus and 2009 stand out prospects Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman. Residing in Pawley's Island, SC, Rocket has also become a pillar in the community engaging in many charitable organizations and making himself available for various speaking engagements.

Rick Albert will enter his fourth season with the Pelicans in 2010. Coming off a record-setting year with a.260 team batting average in 2008, Albert's hitters finished second in the Carolina League with a total of 114 home runs during the 2009 campaign, including 32 from star prospect Cody Johnson.

Albert spent four seasons as the hitting coach for the Richmond Braves (AAA) before his tenure in Myrtle Beach. Prior to that, Rick served as the manager for the Gulf Coast League Braves for five years. In 2000, Albert was named the GCL's Manager of the Year. The 55-year-old, who hails from West Seneca, NY, has been a player, coach, and/or manager within the Braves system since 1972.

Kent Willis arrives in Myrtle Beach after serving as the Minor League Pitching Coordinator since 2006. Prior to his tenure as the pitching coordinator, Willis had been the pitching coach for the Double-A Mississippi Braves. As Pitching Coordinator, Kent was charged with working with the other pitching coaches at all Braves' affiliates to help in the development of the players.

2010 will be Willis' 15th season as a coach in the Braves' organization. He pitched in the minor leagues for four years with the Reds, Royals, and Expos before joining the Braves as a coach in 1996. Willis coached at the rookie level for three seasons from 1996 to 1999 spending time in both the Gulf Coast League and Danville (A). Kent was in Macon for four seasons from 1999 to 2002 before the Braves moved the franchise to Rome, where Willis would help the club win the 2003 SAL championship.

Chas Miller returns to the Pelicans for a second year after coming to Myrtle Beach in 2009. His career with the Braves began in 2005 with the team in Danville where he served for two years before being promoted to Rome. Prior to his work with the Braves organization, Chas worked as an intern for the Pittsburgh Pirates through the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society as well as a seasonal athletic trainer with the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars.

2010 will be an exciting year for the Pelicans as they welcome back team's skipper and veteran coaching staff, as well as the California vs. Carolina League All Star Game. Myrtle Beach was selected as the host for the second time in three years. Tickets for the June 21st game are currently on sale as well as All Star Game merchandise in the Pelicans Pro Shop. Pelicans Season Tickets, Mini Plans, and Flexbooks are also available and make great gifts for the holidays. For more information, call (843) 918-6000 or visit us online at www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

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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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