Alter H.S. graduation 2012
Warrior Soccer Classic 2012
Franklin graduation 2012
Former Red Benzinger named Dragons manager
He takes over position after departure of Dismuke for job with Braves' AAA team.
- COMMENT: Is this a good hire for the Dragons?
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
DAYTON — Todd Benzinger — best known for recording the final out of the 1990 World Series for the victorious Cincinnati Reds — today, Dec. 31, will be named the fifth different manager of the Dayton Dragons.
Benzinger, a first baseman during his nine-year major-league career with Boston, the Reds, Kansas City, L.A. Dodgers and San Francisco from 1987-95, was originally hired by the Reds to be the hitting coach for the Class A Midwest League Dragons. However, early last week, Jamie Dismuke, who was supposed to manage the Dragons next season, accepted a job as hitting coach for the Class AAA team of the Atlanta Braves.
"We had a pool of 3-4 names," said Reds director of development Terry Reynolds, "and Todd was on top of that list.
"I've had dealings with him in the past and had him to spring training as a guest instructor. He has a great personality to teach and instruct."
Reynolds also promoted hitting instructor Tony Jaramillo from rookie Billings to be the hitting coach at Dayton. Rigo Beltran remains the Dayton pitching coach.
Reynolds said he has yet to fill the Billings hitting position.
Dismuke had been with the Reds organization nine years, the last five with Class AA Chattanooga. He was asked to replace Donnie Scott as manager of the Dragons after Scott was not retained following 19 years in the organization.
Scott completed two terms as manager of the Dragons, covering five years.
Freddie Benavides, Alonzo Powell and Billy Gardner also managed the Dragons.
Benzinger, who also coaches the girls basketball team at Lakota East High School, was born in Dayton, Ky., and will be 46 in February. He was a fourth-round draft pick by the Red Sox in 1981, making it to Boston during the 1987 season.
Comments
By John
January 1, 2009 6:12 AM | Link to this
This is the best the Reds can do bring back all the old guys that won here so fans can remember the good ole days! Cause they will never be able to compete with the big money clubs!
By Rowdy
December 31, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
I say switch Baker and Benzinger. Make Baker the Dragons manager, and send Benzinger to Cincinnati.
By ?????
December 31, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
The question not addressed here is whether he’s going to finish the season with the girls basketball team. Their season doesn’t end until February, when Benzinger will need to be in Florida for Spring Training. Does he bolt on the girls right at tournament time? Or does he show up late for the Dragons?
By Yippee
December 31, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Why not ask Hal Morris to be hitting coach?? Haha, I’d like to see him try to teach his hitting approach to young players…
Benzinger is a good hire, seriously.
By Carl
December 31, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Watching him manage will be much better than watching Baker manage the Reds, Baker is a waste.
By CAREY, U.S. ARMY
December 31, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Seems to be a fine hire. Mr. Benzinger was a good player who complimented the Reds well. He never seemed to think too much of himself, either.
I wish him well - with his attitude, Mr. Benzinger could be a coach or even Manager of the Reds down the road. Happened with a man by the name of Sparky Anderson…
By CAREY, U.S. ARMY
December 31, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Todd Benzinger a good hire - Why not? I always liked the man’s attitude, as he never seemed to be to full of himself.
Good history with Reds baseball, too. I wish the man the best. Who knows? He could be managing the Reds one day…