LaFrancois joins Tornadoes coaching staff

Published on April 25, 2008 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Worcester Tornadoes News Release


Worcester, MA - The Worcester Tornadoes announced that former Boston Red Sox Catcher Roger LaFrancois will join Manager Rich Gedman's coaching staff for the 2008 season. In addition, Bobby Ojeda will step down as the team's Pitching Coach and assume the role of Special Advisor to the General Manager and Roving Pitching Instructor.

LaFrancois has extensive experience in professional baseball, as both a player and coach. He was in the same 1977 Boston Red Sox draft class as Tornadoes Manager Rich Gedman, and the two came up through the system together. LaFrancois reached the Major Leagues in 1982, and hit .400 (4-10, 1 Double, 1 RBI) as Gedman's backup that year. LaFrancois began his coaching career in 1988 as the manager of the Jamestown Expos (Montreal Expos - Rookie). His team finished in first place that season (47-29) and LaFrancois was named the New York-Penn League Manager of the Year. He went on to manage the Bangor Blue Ox of the independent Northern League in 1997 and the Pittsfield Mets (Rookie) in 1998. LaFrancois has also served as the hitting coach for the Chicago White Sox Triple-A affiliates in Vancouver and Nashville (1990-1992), the Port St. Lucie Mets (New York Mets - A) in 2000, the Binghamton Mets (New York Mets - AA) in 1999 and 2001-2002, the Brooklyn Cyclones (New York Mets - Rookie) in 2003, the Norwich Navigators (San Francisco Giants - AA) in 2004-2005 and most recently the New Haven County Cutters in 2007.

"It's great to be back in professional baseball and reunited with so many old friends," said LaFrancois. "Of course Rich (Gedman) and I go way back, I know Bobby (Ojeda) from our days with the Red Sox as well and (Tornadoes President and General Manager) R.C. (Reuteman) and I have been friends since our days with the Mets in Brooklyn and Binghamton. I look forward to helping out the Tornadoes any way I can in order to bring a championship back to Worcester."

Ojeda's new role will include additional involvement behind the scenes as opposed to on the field. He will be more instrumental in selecting player personnel and setting up workout routines and schedules for the Tornadoes pitchers. Ojeda will also be in uniform with the team for all games played in New Jersey, at the Jackals, Skyhawks and Surf. Ojeda had been the team's full-time pitching coach since the club's inception in 2005.

"Geddy is more than competent to work with the pitchers on a daily basis," said Ojeda. "This new setup allows me to still help out the ball club while having more time to tend to other obligations. Adding Roger to the coaching staff is a terrific hire. He really understands pitching and will fit in well with the rest of the coaching staff. It's the perfect fit."

Both Ojeda and LaFrancois will be on hand for Spring Training with the rest of the 2008 Tornadoes coaches and players. Players are scheduled to report for physicals on Sunday, May 11, with workouts beginning on Monday, May 12. Opening Day is Thursday, May 22 at 7:05pm at Sussex. The Home Opener is Thursday, May 29 also vs. the Skyhawks at 6:05pm.



Canadian American League Stories from April 25, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central