It may seem hard to believe but Spring is coming and we will soon hear the sounds of homeruns and fireworks at Arm & Hammer Park. While the Trenton Thunder’s parent club, the New York Yankees, do not report to Spring Training until February 14th, the Yankees are getting started by assigning the coaching staffs of their minor league affiliates.
The Yankees named Patrick Osborn as the 12th manager in the Thunder’s history succeeding previous manager Jay Bell who moved up to the Yankees Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Railriders after leading the Thunder to a division title in 2018. Osborn joins the team after serving as the manager for the Tampa Tarpons (High-A affiliate) in 2018. Osborn has managed in the Yankees organization for the past five seasons in the lower levels. Osborn previously played in the Cleveland Indians and Houston Astros minor league organizations from 2002 to 2007.
The Trenton coaching staff will be rounded out with returning members of last year’s staff including Pitching Coach Tim Norton (2nd season), Hitting Coach Ty Hawkins (3rd season), Defensive Coach Raul Dominguez (2nd season), Athletic Trainer Jimmy Downam (3rd season), and Strength and Conditioning Coach Anthony Velasquez (3rd season). Last season, Norton and the Thunder pitching staff led the Eastern League in ERA (3.25), fewest hits allowed (1,030), fewest home runs allowed (86), strikeouts (1,221), and lowest WHIP (1.213).
New members of the coaching staff include Bullpen Coach Jason Phillips, Clubhouse Manager Harris Seletsky, and Video Manager Mike Triller. Thunder Batboy and TrentonDaily Writer Patrick Jones is also expected to return for his sixth season with the organization.
The Trenton Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, open their season April 5th, on the road before opening up in Trenton on Friday, April 12th. To purchase tickets or to check out the 2019 schedule, visit www.trentonthunder.com.
