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Diablos Name New Field Manager

June 8, 2012 - American Association (AA)
El Paso Diablos News Release


EL PASO, TX - The El Paso Diablos have announced that veteran and former Major League Field Manager, Tim Johnson, will replace Jorge Alvarez effective immediately.

This next step with the Diablos is a continuation of a long, varied career. Johnson, a Grand Forks, ND native, was signed as an undrafted free agent in 1967 by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Johnson spent 7 seasons in the major leagues with the Milwaukee Brewers (1973-1978) and the Toronto Blue Jays (1978-1979).

After he hung up his cleats, Johnson moved on to managerial positions in the Pioneer League (Great Falls, RK), California League (Bakersfield, A+), and American Association (Indianapolis, AAA) between 1987-1990. He was awarded with the Manager of the Year in 1987 and 1988 with the Pioneer League. Following these positions in the minors, Johnson made his major league coaching debut as the Montreal Expos' Bench Coach in 1993, where he stayed until 1994. He then took the same position with the Boston Red Sox (1995-1996). After one year managing in Iowa (American Association, AAA), Johnson moved back to Major League Baseball as the Toronto Blue Jays Manager in 1998. In his single season with the Blue Jays, the team experienced their first winning season since their World Series win in 1993. They finished in 3rd place in the AL East with an 88-74 record.

In 2003, the Lincoln Saltdogs came calling (Northern League/American Association, IND). Johnson took over as Manager, a position he held until 2008. While with the Saltdogs, Johnson's career record was 314-252, and was once again awarded with Manager of the Year in 2006. In his six seasons with Lincoln, the Saltdogs made the playoffs 3 straight years winning the North Division each of those years. After leaving Lincoln, Johnson managed the Tucson Toros (Golden Baseball League) in 2008, and the Lake County Fielders in 2010 (North American League).

Matt LaBranche, Diablos Managing Partner, said, "The ownership of the Diablos is dedicated to turning this, thus far, very disappointing season around, and we're confident that turning the reigns of the team over to Field Manager Tim Johnson, will get us going in the right direction. We are very lucky that he was available, and look forward to bigger and better things with him in the dugout."

The Diablos are in town this week (June 8 - June 13). Don't miss the opportunity to see El Paso's team play at Cohen before the team hits the road for Laredo, TX and Kansas City, KS until June 22nd. For promotions and game info, call 915-755-2000 or visit diablosl.com. For anyone who wants to follow the team on the road, tune into Fox Sports Radio 1380 AM or log on to diablos.com for the same webcast.

Discounted Season Ticket, Weekend Ticket, and Flex Pack Ticket Specials are on sale now for the 2012 season. For more information on these or on our upcoming season, please visit diablos.com or call (915)755-2000.

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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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