SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Kannapolis Intimidators Announce 2009 Field Staff

Published on November 20, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


Kannapolis, NC - The Chicago White Sox have announced the 2009 coaching staffs for their minor league affiliates. The Kannapolis Intimidators will be led by first year manager Ernie Young. Young comes to Kannapolis after spending the 2008 season as the hitting coach of the Rookie League Great Falls Voyagers. During his career Young played for the Oakland A's (1994-1997), Kansas City Royals (1998), Arizona Diamondbacks (1999), Detroit Tigers (2003) and Cleveland Indians (2004). Young also was a member of the 2000 Gold Medal Olympic Baseball Team in Sydney, Australia. When Young retired at the end of the 2007 season he was the active minor league leader in homeruns (319), RBI's (1,136) and Runs Scored.

Joining Young in the dugout in 2009 is Hitting Coach Greg Briley. Briley was born in Greenville, NC and attended Louisburg College and North Carolina State University. Briley played for both the Seattle Mariners (1988-1992) and the Florida Marlins (1993) in his major league career. This is his first season in the White Sox organization after spending nine seasons in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.

The Intimidators also welcome back some familiar faces to Kannapolis. Pitching Coach Larry Owens and Strength & Conditioning Coach Tim Rodmaker rejoin the field staff along with Athletic Trainer Kevin Pillifant. This will be Owens' third season in Kannapolis and Rodmaker's second. Owens began his coaching career in collegiate baseball before working for the San Diego Surf Dawgs in 2005 and as an amateur scout for the Boston Red Sox in 2006. Owens joined the Intimidators in 2007. Rodmaker began working in baseball in 2006 with Rookie League Bristol. Pillifant was the Head Trainer in Kannapolis from 2001-2003 and spent 2004-2008 with the White Sox Rookie League Great Falls Voyagers.

"We're very excited to welcome a new coaching staff to the Kannapolis for the 2009 Intimidators season. Fans should continue to see a fun and exciting team on the field under Ernie's guidance. The Chicago White Sox continue their commitment to develop great baseball talent right here in Kannapolis," said Intimidators General Manager Randy Long.

The Intimidators open the 2009 South Atlantic League season Thursday April 9th at home against the Asheville Tourists. Single game and season tickets are available by calling (704) 932-FANS or logging on to www.intimidatorsbaseball.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from November 20, 2008


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