Figueroa to manage Defenders in 2008
Published on January 10, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
NORWICH, CT-The Connecticut Defenders will start fresh this season as Bienvenido (Bien) Figueroa has been named the new manager, announced the San Francisco Giants today. Figueroa will be joined by fifth year pitching coach Bob Stanley, new hitting coach Victor Torres and new trainer Dustin Luepker.
"We're very pleased to have such a seasoned guy with a proven track record at the helm" said Defenders GM Charlie Dowd. "The organization is excited to welcome him to Norwich".
Figueroa spent the past eleven years in the Baltimore Orioles organization most recently with the Class AA affiliate, Bowie Baysox in 2007 as the team's bench coach. He is no stranger to the managerial role as he was a skipper in the Oriole's farm system from 2002-06. He led the Class A Fredrick Keys to the Carolina League's Mills Cup Championship with a franchise best record of 79-61. Originally selected in the 5th round of the 1986 draft by St. Louis, Figueroa played shortstop for ten seasons in professional ball, eight of which were with the Cardinals organization. He appeared in twelve games for the Cardinals in 1992.
"I'm excited the Giants have given me this opportunity and I'm anxious to get the season started," Figueroa said. "I heard it's a great organization which has some great talent who's moving up".
The clock strikes twelve for Bob Stanley and marks the number of years he's been a pitching coach. This will be Stanley's fifth with the Defenders. He guided his staff to a 3.58 ERA which was second best in the Eastern League along with having three pitchers finish in the top ten in ERA. Selected in the 1st round of the 1974 draft by Boston, Stanley played thirteen years in the majors with the Red Sox, finishing his career with a 3.64 ERA.
Torres spent this past season with the Rookie Class, Arizona Giants as their hitting coach in his inaugural year with the Giants organization. He made a short appearance this past season in Norwich while filling in for the injured Gary Davenport. Prior to joining the Giants system, Torres spent five years in the Independent Atlantic League mainly with the Camden River Sharks. Torres brings over sixteen years of experience to the Defenders.
Dustin Luepker is in his third season in the Giants farm system as a trainer and most recently with the Class A affiliate, Augusta Greenjackets. A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, Luepker carries a master's in kinesiology and resides in Houston, TX.
The Defenders kick-off the 2008 season at Thomas J. Dodd Stadium on Thursday, April 3rd against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at 6:35 p.m. For tickets or more information call the Defenders front office at (860) 887-7962 or at www.ctdefenders.com.
Eastern League Stories from January 10, 2008
- Curve Announce 5-Tool Baseball Clinic On January 26 - Altoona Curve
- Figueroa to manage Defenders in 2008 - Connecticut Defenders
- Boomer Part Of Cell Phones For Soldiers Event - Trenton Thunder
- Service Electric, affiliates to televise 23 games - Reading Fightin Phils
- Curve Announce Charitable Beneficiaries For Hot Stove Dinner & Auction - Altoona Curve
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