DeFrancesco Named PCL's Manager of the Year

August 28, 2003 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Pacific Coast League today named Sacramento River Cats manager Tony DeFrancesco its "Manager of the Year" for the 2003 season. The award, presented annually, is voted upon by the managers and media of the 16 PCL clubs.

"Tony has done a great job this year, as you can see from our record," said River Cats Senior Vice President & General Manager Gary Arthur. "The players on the field are as talented as any players in Triple-A, but it takes a special manager to pull everything together."

DeFrancesco has led the River Cats to a 90-49 record during his first season as Sacramento's manager. This year's team has matched the club record for wins in a season (2000: 90-54) with five games left to be played. The River Cats lead the league with 828 R -- 110 R more than any other club -- and lead all of Minor League Baseball with 148 HR. Sacramento's pitching staff has a 3.82 ERA, second-best in the PCL.

This season marks DeFrancesco's 10th as a manager in the Oakland A's organization. Prior to joining the River Cats, he managed the Midland Rockhounds (Double-A) to a 290-268 record in four seasons from 1999-2002. DeFrancesco began his managerial career with Oakland's Arizona League (Rookie) club in 1994. He managed two season in Southern Oregon (Short-A) in 1995-96 and two seasons at Visalia (Single-A) in 1997-98. In 10 seasons as a manager, he is 612-573 (.516) in 1,185 games.

The River Cats swept the PCL's postseason awards this year. Today, the PCL named River Cats first baseman Graham Koonce its 2003 "Most Valuable Player." Earlier this week, the league named River Cats shortstop Bobby Crosby its 2003 "Rookie of the Year" and River Cats right-handed pitcher Justin Duchscherer its 2003 "Pitcher of the Year."

Last week, the River Cats clinched the PCL's South Division for the third time in four seasons, securing a playoff spot. Sacramento will begin the postseason Sept. 3-4 on the road -- returning home Sept. 5-7 to complete the best-of-five series. Tickets for all River Cats postseason home games are available at the Raley Field Ticket Office, on the internet at www.rivercats.com and at all Tickets.com outlets (select Raley's & Bel Air stores). Fans can also purchase tickets by phone at 916-371-HITS.

Pacific Coast League Stories from August 28, 2003

• Memphis Redbirds Unveil 2004 Home Schedule - Memphis Redbirds
• Missions finally get to Qualls, Express - Round Rock Express
• Williams Puts Up More Zeros In 5-0 Victory - Nashville Sounds
• Koonce Named River Cats' 2003 MVP - Sacramento River Cats
• DeFrancesco Named PCL's Manager of the Year - Sacramento River Cats
• Final 2003 Rainiers Homestand, Fireworks and Food Drive - Tacoma Rainiers
• Koonce Named PCL's Most Valuable Player - Sacramento River Cats
• Express closing in on attendance record - again - Round Rock Express
• Sox Bats Come Alive in 12-11 Win in Iowa - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
• Expos purchase LHP Vic Darensbourg, option LHP Eric Knott to Edmonton - Edmonton Trappers
• Graham Koonce Named PCL MVP - PCL1
• RedHawks bidding for .500 or better finish - Oklahoma City Comets
• RedHawks close 2003 season with more giveaways - Oklahoma City Comets
• Gettis does in Express - Round Rock Express
• Never Say Die Trappers Win Fourth Straight - Edmonton Trappers
• Time Running Out on Beavers - Portland Beavers
• River Cats match club record with 90th win - Sacramento River Cats
• No-Hit Bid Ends with Three Sacramento Homers - Tucson Sidewinders

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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