Dusty Wathan Named Eastern League Manager of the Year
Published on August 29, 2015 under Eastern League (EL1) News Release
Portland, ME -- The Eastern League of Professional Baseball is pleased to announce that Reading Fightin Phils manager Dusty Wathan has been selected as the 2015 Eastern League Manager of the Year. Wathan has led the Fightin Phils to a record of 76-55 this season, which is currently the best record in the Eastern League. They currently hold a four game lead over the Binghamton Mets for first place in the Eastern Division standings. If Reading holds on to win the division it will be the first division title for the franchise since the 2000 season. Dusty is joined on his coaching staff in Reading this season by hitting coach Frank Cacciatore, pitching coach Dave Lundquist, coach Mickey Morandini, athletic trainer Aaron Scott and strength and conditioning coach Justin Miloszewski.
The 2015 season is Wathan's fourth as the manager in Reading, making him one of only two managers in the 49 year history of the Reading franchise to lead the team in four consecutive seasons. In those four seasons Wathan has compiled a record of 280-277, leading the team to a postseason berth in 2012. Dusty began his managerial career in 2008 with the Williamsport Crosscutters of the New York-Penn League. He went on to lead the Lakewood Blue Claws to the South Atlantic League Championship in 2009 and was the skipper of the Clearwater Threshers of the Florida State League from 2010-11. In his eight seasons as a manager Wathan has compiled a career record of 538-507 (.515).
Prior to his managerial career Dusty had a 14 year playing career, reaching the Major Leagues with the Kansas City Royals in 2002. He played six different organizations during his career, including appearing in one game for Reading during the 2007 season.
Bowie manager Gary Kendall finished second in the voting for the Manager of the Year Award and Akron's David Wallace finished in third place in the voting. This award was voted on by Eastern League managers and coaches and members of the media.
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