MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Joe DePastino Named New 'Caps Manager

Published on November 16, 2007 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps, in conjunction with the Detroit Tigers, announced today that Joe DePastino will be the Whitecaps manager for the 2008 season. Tom Brookens, who was originally scheduled to return for another season, was promoted to Double-A Erie following the loss of Matt Walbeck to the Texas Rangers organization.

DePastino, a Philadelphia, Pa., native, will be the eighth manager in Whitecaps history after enjoying a 13-year career in the minor leagues, including seven seasons at the Triple-A level. The right-handed catcher was drafted in the seventh round of the 1992 draft by the Boston Red Sox and had a .265 batting average with 87 home runs, 468 RBIs, 401 runs scored in 944 games throughout his career. The minor league veteran reached the Major Leagues in 2003, appearing in two games with the New York Mets. Looking to stay involved in the game, DePastino coached high school baseball in Sarasota, Fla. while pursuing opportunities with organizations.

"We are very pleased to add someone of Joe DePastino's caliber to our managerial ranks," said Tigers Director of Minor League Operations Dan Lunetta. "We feel that Joe brings to the Tigers organization all of the abilities we look for to manage a critical part of the organization."

DePastino spent seven seasons at the Triple-A level and spent time with six organizations, the Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, Red Sox and Mets. In 2003, DePastino won the Norfolk Tides Most Inspirational Player Award, which recognized the clubhouse leader and was voted on by the players.

"I'm very excited for the opportunity the Tigers have given me in the organization," said DePastino. "I've heard nothing but great things about West Michigan and the Whitecaps organization, and I'm looking forward to Opening Day."

After leading West Michigan to the 2007 Midwest League Championship in his first year as Whitecaps manager, Brookens took the opportunity to move up to Double-A Erie after the SeaWolves lost their manager when Walbeck was hired as the Texas Rangers third base coach on November 7. Brookens owns a 171-118 record in three seasons in the Tigers organization.

"This was a bittersweet decision to take the Erie position," said Brookens. "Last year was a special season with the Whitecaps. West Michigan is one of the best organizations to play and manage at in all of professional baseball."

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