EL1 Trenton Thunder

Thunder to have new coaching staff in 2005

Published on October 6, 2004 under Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release


(Trenton, NJ) - The Trenton Thunder, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, have announced that none of their coaches from the 2004 season will return for 2005. Manager Stump Merrill, Hitting Coach Steve Braun, Pitching Coach Gary Lavelle and Coach Dan Radison will be reassigned within the Yankees organization.

No timetable has been set to announce the coaching staff for the 2005 season or announcement regarding the assignments of last season's coaches. Thunder Trainer Greg Spratt left at the end of last season to be the Head Trainer with the NBA's Toronto Raptors.

"The Thunder family is sorry to see our professional relationship with these gentlemen end," said Thunder General Manager Rick Brenner. "They were great individuals to work with both on and off the field and we certainly wish them well in the future."

Merrill, 60, just completed his 28th season with the Yankees organization and 21st year as a Manager in their organization. He has a 1571- 1306 career record with the Yankees organization. The Thunder posted a 64-78 record last season and had a 134-149 record in the last two years with Merrill as the manager. Trenton had a 70-71 record last season and was in the hunt for a playoff spot until the last week of the campaign. He has led Yankees Minor League teams at all levels of their system, including a season and a half as the skipper of the New York Yankees ('90 & '91). Merrill collected his 1500th career win on August 15, 2003 in a 5-4 Thunder win over the Erie SeaWolves.

The 2004 season was the seventh for Merrill with a Yankees' affiliate in the Eastern League. Merrill spent 2001 and parts of 2002 with the Norwich Navigators in the Eastern League and helped them to the Eastern League Northern Division Championship Series in 2001. His coaching career started with West Haven in the Eastern League in 1978 and 1979.

Also not returning is Mercer County native Steve Braun who has spent five seasons as Hitting Coach in the Red Sox and Yankees systems. Braun is a 15-year Major League veteran, spending time with the Cardinals, Minnesota Twins, Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays. He played in 1,425 Major League games and had a .271 batting average with 52 home runs and 388 RBI. His career also included 113 career pinch-hits, which is 10th on the all-time Major League list.

Check out the Trenton Thunder Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Eastern League Stories from October 6, 2004


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