TL1 Tulsa Drillers

Former Major League Manager to Lead Drillers

Published on January 20, 2004 under Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release


The Tulsa Drillers and the Colorado Rockies announced today that former Montreal Expos manager Tom Runnells would be the Drillers manager this season. It is the first time in the 28-year history of the Drillers franchise that a former Major League manager will lead the club.

"We are excited to have Tom Runnells with his Major League managing experience to lead our team," said Drillers Executive Vice President Chuck Lamson. "I played against Tom and he was always a fierce competitor, and I know that quality will serve him well as our manager."

Runnells will bring an abundance of experience to the Drillers dugout. He managed the Expos during parts of two seasons (1991 & 1992), compiling a 68-81 overall Major League record. In addition, he has seven years of managing experience in the minor leagues. His managerial resume includes two league championships.

"Being a Colorado native, I am excited to join the Rockies organization," said Runnells. "Even though I had an interesting time with the Tigers, I am looking forward to getting back to managing."

"I have great memories of my time in the Texas League and I always enjoyed playing in Tulsa," Runnells added. "I know Tulsa has some great baseball fans."

Runnells began his managerial career in the Cincinnati Reds system in 1987 with Double A Vermont, losing in the championship round of the Eastern League playoffs. In 1988, he managed Double A Chattanooga to an 81-62 mark and won the Southern League Championship.

The following year, he moved to the Expos organization to manage the club's Triple A affiliate in Indianapolis. He led the Indians to the American Association Championship to claim his second league crown in as many seasons.

In 1990, Runnells joined Montreal's big league staff as the team's third base coach. On June 3, 1991, he became a Major League manager when he was named by the Expos to replace Buck Rodgers. He managed the Expos for the remainder of the 1991 season and the first part of the 1992 campaign recording a 51-61 record the first year and a 17-20 mark the second year.

In 1993, he joined the Detroit system, staying with the Tigers for 11 seasons. He managed the club's Double A team the first two years, before leading the Triple A Toledo Mud Hens in 1995 and 1996. During the past five seasons, he has been the organization's roving minor league hitting instructor.

Runnells enjoyed a 10-year professional playing career, reaching the Major Leagues with the Reds in the 1985 and 1986 seasons.

He is a native of Greeley, Colorado and currently resides in Toledo.

Runnells will make his Drillers regular season debut when Tulsa hosts Frisco on Thursday, April 8 to begin the 2004 Texas League season.

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