2017 AFFILIATES
LOUISVILLE BATS - AAA
401 East Main St., Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 212-2287 * www.batsbaseball.com
DAYTONA TORTUGAS - A
Class / League / Season............... Double-A / Southern / 6th
Stadium.................................... Pensacola Bayfront Stadium
President.........................................................Bruce Baldwin
Manager...................................................................Pat Kelly
Pitching Coach................................................ Danny Darwin
Hitting Coach................................................Gookie Dawkins
Bench Coach................................................... Dick Schofield
Athletic Trainer..................................................... Tyler Moos
Strength & Conditioning Coach.......................Nate Tamargo
DAYTON DRAGONS - A
105 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(386) 257-3172 * www.DaytonaTortugas.com
P.O. Box 2107, Dayton, OH 45401
(937) 228-2287 * www.daytondragons.com
Class / League / Season........... Single-A / Florida State / 3rd
Stadium.......................................... Jackie Robinson Ballpark
President................................................................Ryan Keur
Manager................................................................ Eli Marrero
Pitching Coach..................................................... Tom Brown
Hitting Coach........................................................Alex Pelaez
Bench Coach.................................................. Ricky Gutierrez
Athletic Trainer............................................... Andrew Cleves
Strength & Conditioning Coach...........................Joe Bossard
Class / League / Season.................. Single-A / Midwest / 18th
Stadium...........................................................Fifth Third Field
President & General Manager.......................... Robert Murphy
Manager................................................................ Luis Bolivar
Pitching Coach......................................................Derrin Ebert
Hitting Coach........................................................Daryle Ward
Bench Coach........................................................Kevin Mahar
Athletic Trainer......................................................... Kyle Utne
Strength & Conditioning Coach........................Trey Strickland
BILLINGS MUSTANGS - ROOKIE
P.O. Box 1553, Billings, MT 59103
(406) 252-1241 * www.billingsmustangs.com
Class / League / Season.................... Rookie / Pioneer / 44th
Stadium................................................................Dehler Park
General Manager.................................................. Gary Roller
Manager............................................................ Ray Martinez
Pitching Coach..................................................Seth Etherton
Bullpen Coach.................................................. Chad Cordero
Hitting Coach.................................................Orlando Merced
Athletic Trainer...................................................Jesse Guffey
Athletic Trainer...................................................... Ryan Ross
Strength & Conditioning Coach.......................Alex Puskarich
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Class / League / Season.............Triple-A / International / 18th
Stadium...............................................Louisville Slugger Field
President / CEO......................................................Gary Ulmer
Manager....................................................... Delino DeShields
Pitching Coach..................................................... Jeff Fassero
Hitting Coach.......................................................... Jody Davis
Bench Coach.....................................................Darryl Brinkley
Athletic Trainer.....................................................Steve Gober
Strength & Conditioning Coach...........................Cole Durham
PENSACOLA BLUE WAHOOS - AA
41 N. Jefferson St., #300, Pensacola, FL 32502
(850) 934-8444 * www.bluewahoos.com
ARIZONA LEAGUE REDS - ROOKIE
3125 S. Wood Blvd., Goodyear, AZ 85338
(623) 932-6590
Class / League / Season..........Rookie / Arizona League / 8th
Manager.............................................................. Jose Nieves
Pitching Coach................................................Elmer Dessens
Hitting Coach................................................. Todd Takayoshi
Bench Coach.......................................................Lenny Harris
Rehab Coach...................................................James Baldwin
Athletic Trainer...................................................Clete Sigwart
Strength & Conditioning Coach...........................Justin Bucko
Strength & Conditioning Coordinator..............Zach Gjestvang
Director of Physical Therapy/Rehab................... Brad Epstein
Director of Athletic Training...............................Patrick Serbus
DOMINICAN SUMMER LEAGUE REDS - ROOKIE
Baseball City, Boca Chica, Dominican Republic
Class / League............................ Rookie / Dominican Summer
Stadium.............................................Reds Baseball Academy
DSL Academy Director.........................................Juan Peralta
Manager...............................................................Luis Saturria
Manager................................................... Cristobal Rodriguez
Pitching Coach.....................................................Luis Andujar
Pitching Coach................................................... Luis Montano
Infield Coach..........................................................Jose Castro
Hitting Coach.....................................................................TBD
Video Coordinator / Instructor.................................Jefry Sierra
Athletic Trainer....................................................Josh Hobson
Athletic Trainer................................................... Wade Hebrink
Strength & Conditioning Coach.......................Eduardo Garcia
Strength & Conditioning Coach...................Rafael Hernandez
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MANAGERS, COACHES & TRAINING STAFFS
Louisville (AAA)
DELINO DeSHIELDS - Manager
Delino DeShields enters his ninth season in the Reds organization, his eighth as a manager at the professional
level and his third at Class AAA Louisville. In 2010, he was the skipper at Rookie Billings, where he served as
the hitting coach in 2009, and in 2011 and 2012 was manager at Class A Dayton. In 2013 and 2014, he managed
Class AA Pensacola in the Southern League. DeShields enjoyed a 13-year big league career with the Expos,
Dodgers, Cardinals, Orioles and Cubs. He was the first-round draft pick for the Expos in 1987 and made his
Major League debut with Montreal in 1990. That year he finished second in the National League Rookie of the
Year voting. DeShields finished his big league career with a .268 batting average. His 463 career stolen bases
still rank him in MLB’s top 50 all-time.
JEFF FASSERO - Pitching Coach
Jeff Fassero is in his fourth season in the organization, his first full season as the pitching coach at Louisville.
Last season he served as roving pitching instructor. Jeff spent his first 2 seasons in the organization as pitching
coach at Class AA Pensacola. Prior to joining the Reds, he spent the previous 4 years coaching in the Cubs’
system. In 2012 and 2013, Fassero was the pitching coach at Class AA Tennessee and in 2011 held the same
post for Class A Peoria. Jeff began his coaching career in 2010 as the pitching coach at Class A Boise. In his
16-year Major League career, he went 121-124 with a 4.11 ERA with Montreal (1991-96), Seattle (1997-99),
Texas (1999), Boston (2000), Cubs (2001-02), St. Louis (2002-03), Colorado (2004), Arizona (2004) and San
Francisco (2005-06). Fassero attended Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois and the University
of Mississippi. Jeff and wife Cathy live in Scottsdale, AZ with their 3 children.
JODY DAVIS - Hitting Coach
Jody Davis is in his second season in the organization after spending 2 years as a hitting coach in the Padres’
system at Class AAA El Paso (2014-2015) and Class A Lake Elsinore (2014). He previously spent time in the
Cubs’ organization as manager at Class A Boise (2010), Class A Daytona (2007-2008) and Class A Peoria (2006)
and as minor league catching coordinator (2009). Davis enjoyed a 10-year Major League career with the Cubs
(1981-1988), where he was an All-Star in 1984 and 1986, and the Atlanta Braves (1988-1990). In 1986, he won
a Rawlings Gold Glove Award and threw out a modern record 89 attempted base stealers. He recorded a .245
career average with 127 home runs and 490 RBI. Davis, 60, resides in Chandler, AZ.
DARRYL BRINKLEY - Bench Coach
Darryl Brinkley is in his second season in the organization, his first as bench coach for Louisville. He joined the
Reds’ player development system in 2016 as hitting coach for the Dominican Summer League team following a
stint as hitting coach for the Dodgers’ Pioneer League affiliate Ogden Raptors. Brinkley began his coaching career
in 2010 as the manager of the Yuma Scorpions of the Golden Baseball League. He also has served as a hitting
coach for 4 years in the Mexican League and for 5 seasons in the Mexican Winter League. Darryl signed with the
Padres in 1995 after graduating from Sacred Heart University. He played 16 seasons professionally, including
6 minor league seasons with the Padres, Pirates and Orioles and 9 seasons in the independent leagues, where
he was named by Baseball America the Independent League Player of the Year in 2007 after becoming the first
player to ever bat .400 in the Northern League. Darryl resides in Norwalk, CT with wife Gail and son Darryl Jr..
STEVE GOBER - Athletic Trainer, ATC, CSCS
Steve Gober is in his second season in the organization, his second with the Bats. For 3 seasons from 20132015 he was an assistant athletic trainer on the Washington Nationals’ Major League staff after serving the
previous 7 seasons (2006-2012) as that organization’s minor league medical and rehabilitation coordinator.
Gober also has been involved in the development and implementation of rehab programs for Major League
players. His tenure with Washington included stints with the Brevard Country Manatees (2002-2004) and
Potomac Nationals (2005). Steve entered professional baseball in 1999 as strength and conditioning intern for
the Class A Capital City Bombers in the Mets organization, then served as New York’s minor league strength
and conditioning coordinator from 2000-2001. He served as a CSCS and athletic training consultant for the
SK Wyverns of Korean Baseball after the 2000 season and as athletic trainer for Peoria of the Arizona Fall
League in 2004. During the 2000-2004 off-seasons, he worked in physical therapy clinics and served as an
athletic trainer for several high schools in the Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia areas. Steve was on
an educational board as an industry advisory council member for American Public University and spoke at
several youth and collegiate sports organizations. He presented at the 2013 Injury Prevention Workshop
in Washington, D.C.. Gober played golf and baseball at Shenandoah University while earning a degree in
kinesiology/sports medicine in 1998. He enjoys archery hunting, gardening and is a collector of fine wines.
Steve resides in Pennsylvania with his wife, Michelle, and 3 daughters.
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COLE DURHAM - Strength & Conditioning Coach, CSCS
Cole Durham is in his first season in the organization. He spent the previous 4 seasons (2013-2016) as an
assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates organization working in Bradenton, FL
with their Gulf Coast League and Florida State League teams along with rehabilitating players. He also worked
Major League spring training camp. Prior to his baseball career, Durham was a strength and conditioning
intern for Texas Tech University (2006-2007), a strength and conditioning specialist for Central Texas Tennis
Academy (2007-2011) and a strength and conditioning graduate assistant at Texas State University (20112013). He graduated from Texas Tech in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science with a
minor in health and from Texas State in 2013 with a master’s degree in physical education with specialization
in exercise and sports science. Cole resides in Lockhart, TX.
Pensacola (AA)
PAT KELLY - Manager
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Pat Kelly enters his third year as the skipper at Class AA Pensacola. He joined the Blue Wahoos following
stints as manager at Class A Bakersfield in 2014 and at Rookie Billings from 2011-2013, where he was 2012
Pioneer League Manager of the Year. In 2010, Kelly was the manager at Class A Lynchburg and prior to that,
he spent the majority of 3 seasons as manager of the Rookie GCL Reds as well as director of Florida on-field
operations and as a roving catching instructor. He began those duties in 2007 but left the post on July 3 of that
season when Reds interim manager Pete Mackanin hired him as a bench coach. Kelly returned to his operations
duties full-time in 2008. In both 2010 and 2016, Pat was named Puerto Rican Winter League Manager of the
Year. Kelly has spent 25 seasons managing in the minor leagues for 15 teams, including Richmond (200305), Syracuse (1999-2000), Ottawa (1997-98), Harrisburg (1995-96), Chattanooga (1993-94), Indianapolis
(1991-92), Rockford (1991), Las Vegas (1990), Wichita (1988-89), Reno (1987) and Charleston (1986). He
also served as pitching coach with Glens Falls (1985), the GCL White Sox (‘84) and Niagara Falls (‘83). Kelly
was a catcher in the Angels, Blue Jays, Braves and White Sox systems and reached the majors in 1980 with
Toronto. Pat, 61, resides in Sarasota, FL.
DANNY DARWIN - Pitching Coach
Danny Darwin returns for his second season as the pitching coach at Class AA Pensacola. Last year, his first in
the Reds organization, his Blue Wahoos staff posted a 3.20 ERA that ranked second in the Southern League.
He previously served as pitching coach for the Jacksonville Suns (2006-07) and Chattanooga Lookouts (2010)
and coached for the Great Lakes Loons from 2008-2009. Darwin pitched for 21 years in the Major Leagues
and went 171-182 with a 3.84 ERA for 8 teams.
TRAVIS “GOOKIE” DAWKINS - Hitting Coach
“Gookie” Dawkins is in his third season in the organization, his first with the Blue Wahoos. He previously served as
hitting coach for the Class A Daytona Tortugas (2016) and the AZL Reds (2015). Following a 15-year professional
playing career, Dawkins in 2015 returned to the organization that selected him in the second round of the 1997
First-Year Player Draft. He spent time playing in the minor league systems of the Reds, Dodgers, Royals, Cubs,
Tigers, Pirates Mariners, Phillies, White Sox and Marlins. He also played in parts of 4 Major League seasons
with Cincinnati (1999, 2000, 2002) and Kansas City (2003). Travis, 37, resides in Newberry, SC.
DICK SCHOFIELD - Bench Coach
Dick Schofield is in his fifth season in the organization, returning to Pensacola in 2017 as the team’s bench
coach. He served as the Blue Wahoos’ hitting coach in 2013. In 2016, Schofield managed the Class A Dayton
Dragons, a position he also held at Rookie Billings from 2014-2015. Before joining the Reds, Schofield worked
in the Angels’ minor league system as a roving infield coordinator (2012) and hitting coach for Class A Inland
Empire (2011). The former shortstop played 14 Major League seasons with the Angels, Mets, Blue Jays and
Dodgers and led the American League in fielding percentage 4 times. Schofield played on the Angels’ 1986
Western Division championship club, hitting an even .300 in that year’s ALCS against the Red Sox, and was
a member of Toronto’s 1993 World Series championship team. In Game 3 of that ‘86 ALCS, he belted a home
run off Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd. A native of Springfield, Illinois, Schofield was selected by the Angels in the first
round (third overall) of the 1981 draft. He resides in St. Louis and has 4 children.
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PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
TYLER MOOS - Athletic Trainer, ATC
Tyler Moos is in his second season in the organization, his second with the Blue Wahoos. He joined the Reds
following 3 seasons in the Mariners organization as athletic trainer at Class A High Desert (2013-2014) and
Class AAA Tacoma (2015). Prior to joining the Seattle organization, he completed summer internships with
the Rays and Diamondbacks and a year-long internship with Villanova University as an athletic trainer for
the baseball and football teams. He graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree from Hastings College and
in 2011 with a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Tyler and his wife, Katie, reside
in Fort Montgomery, NY.
NATE TAMARGO - Strength & Conditioning Coach, M.S., RSCC
Nate Tamargo is in his ninth season in professional baseball, his fourth with the organization and his second
as strength and conditioning coach at Class AA Pensacola. His previous stops with the Reds include Rookie
Billings (2014) and Class A Dayton (2015) after working in the Dodgers and Rockies organizations. He
received his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Georgia Southwestern University in 2006 and his
master’s in sports medicine from Armstrong Atlantic University in 2013. He is a Registered Strength and
Conditioning Coach (RSCC) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Nate
resides in Goodyear, AZ.
Daytona (A)
ELI MARRERO - Manager
Eli Marrero is in his seventh season in the organization and his third as the manager at Class A Daytona. He
spent the 2013 and 2014 seasons as the skipper of the AZL Reds. In 2011, the former big league catcher/
outfielder/first baseman served as the hitting coach at Rookie Billings. In 2012, he was the hitting coach at
Class A Bakersfield. Marrero played parts of 10 seasons with the Cardinals, Braves, Royals, Orioles, Rockies
and Mets. He appeared in 16 Major League Postseason games. While with the Cardinals on September 3,
2001, Marrero caught Bud Smith’s no-hitter at San Diego.
TOM BROWN - Pitching Coach
Tom Brown enters his 11th season in the organization, his second as pitching coach at Class A Daytona. He
spent the 2014 and 2015 seasons as pitching coach for the players rehabbing in Goodyear, the 2007-2009
seasons as pitching coach for the Reds’ advanced Class A team and the 2010-2013 seasons as Class AA
pitching coach. Prior to joining the organization, he served as a pitching coach in Class AAA for Albuquerque
(2006), Fresno (2005), Portland (2003-2004), Las Vegas (1999) and Oklahoma (1995-98). Brown began his
professional coaching career in the Baltimore Orioles organization as pitching coach for Class AA Hagerstown
(1988-90) and for the GCL Orioles (1981). He was a pitching coordinator in the Orioles’ minor league organization
for 5 years and a pitching coordinator in the Padres’ system for 4 years. During his playing days, Brown pitched
in both the Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners chains, appearing in 6 Major League games with Seattle
in 1978. He attended Northeast Louisiana University - now University of Louisiana at Monroe, where in 1972
he led the nation with a 0.51 ERA. In 2014 ULM retired Brown’s jersey number 8. Tom and his wife of 47
years, Sandy, reside in Venice, FL.
ALEX PELAEZ - Hitting Coach
Alex Pelaez is in his ninth season in the organization, his first as the hitting coach at high Class A Daytona.
He spent the previous 3 seasons as the hitting coach at Class AA Pensacola. From 2011-2013, Alex served
as the hitting coach at Class A Dayton and in 2010 performed the same duties for Delino DeShields’ Billings
Mustangs. In 2009, his first season as a professional coach, he was the hitting instructor for the Rookie GCL
Reds. Alex served as hitting coach for Team Mexico for the 2017 World Baseball Classic. A 1998 draft pick for
San Diego, Pelaez went on to play 8 minor league seasons for the Padres, Angels and Reds. He made his
Major League debut in 2002, appearing in 3 games for San Diego. The former infielder collected his first Major
League hit on May 16, 2002 off the Mets’ Al Leiter. Alex, 40, resides in Chula Vista, CA.
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RICKY GUTIERREZ - Bench Coach
Ricky Gutierrez is in his first season in the organization. The former Orioles first-round draft pick was a career
.266 hitter during 12 big league seasons with the Padres, Astros, Cubs, Indians, Mets and Red Sox. His first
Major League hit came off the Pirates’ Randy Tomlin on 4/14/93 in San Diego. Ricky connected off the Dodgers’ Ramon Martinez for his first Major League home run on 6/10/93, also at Jack Murphy Stadium. Gutierrez’
first Major League manager was current Reds bench coach Jim Riggleman. In a 6/26/1998 plate appearance
against Cleveland’s Bartolo Colon, Gutierrez, then with the Astros, struck out on the 20th pitch of the at-bat.
ANDREW CLEVES - Athletic Trainer, ATC
JOE BOSSARD - Strength & Conditioning Coach, CSCS, RSCC, USAW, SFMA
Joe Bossard is in his first season in the organization after 2 years with the Houston Astros as their strength
and conditioning coach for Class A Quad Cities and Rookie Greeneville. He worked as interim head strength
and conditioning coach for St. Edward High School in Lakewood, OH and as part of his field work toward
completing his master’s degree served as an assistant strength coach at Archbishop Hoban High School in
Akron, OH. Bossard also worked as a strength and conditioning coach at Premier Sport Conditioning and as
an intern at John Carroll University. He is a 2012 graduate of John Carroll University, where he received his
bachelor’s degree in exercise science and pitched 4 years for the baseball team. In 2015, he received his
master’s degree in exercise physiology from the University of Akron. Joe lives in Cleveland, OH.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Andrew Cleves is in his fifth season with the organization, his first as athletic trainer for Daytona. He also
has been an athletic trainer for Reds affiliates at Class A Dayton (2015-2016), Rookie Billings (2014) and
the Dominican Summer League (2013). In 2011, Andrew interned with the Major League club in Cincinnati.
A graduate of Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy High School, in 2012 Cleves earned a bachelor’s degree in
athletic training from Xavier University. He lives in Cincinnati with wife Amy and son Jacob.
Dayton (A)
LUIS BOLIVAR - Manager
Luis Bolivar is in his fifth season on the player development coaching staff, his first as a manager at the professional
level. He spent the previous 3 seasons as Dayton’s hitting coach. In 2013, he served as the hitting coach for
the Rookie AZL Reds. Bolivar played 11 professional seasons in the Padres, Reds and Braves systems. From
2002-2009, he appeared at every level in the Reds’ minor league chain. On April 7, 2008 while with Chattanooga
at Montgomery, Bolivar became only the 11th player in Southern League history to produce 6 hits in a game. He
also played in the Venezuelan League. Bolivar finished his playing career in 2010 and currently lives in Vandalia,
OH with wife Kelly, daughters Kamryn, Luisa and Zoey and son Enzo.
DERRIN EBERT - Pitching Coach
Derrin Ebert is in his sixth season as a professional coach, his second at Class A Dayton. He spent the 20122013 campaigns in Goodyear as the pitching coach for the Rookie AZL Reds and the 2014-2015 seasons
as pitching coach at Rookie Billings. Selected by Atlanta in the 18th round of the 1994 free-agent draft, he
made all 5 of his Major League appearances for the Braves in 1999 at the age of 22. Ebert also pitched in the
Royals, Diamondbacks, Cubs, Brewers and Red Sox minor league systems. He retired as a player following
the 2005 season. Derrin received his associate of arts degree from Estrella Mountain College in 2008 and a
bachelor’s in secondary education (history) from Arizona State University in December 2009. Ebert, 40, lives
in Litchfield Park, AZ.
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PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
DARYLE WARD - Hitting Coach
Daryle Ward is in his second season as a professional coach and his first at Class A Dayton. Last year, he served as
the hitting coach for the Rookie level AZL Reds. The son of Major League All-Star Gary Ward, Daryle is a career .263
batter over 11 big league seasons with the Astros, Dodgers, Pirates, Nationals, Braves and Cubs. He belted a career
high 20 home runs for Houston in 2000. Daryle, 41, was born in Los Angeles and currently resides in Riverside, CA.
KEVIN MAHAR - Bench Coach
Kevin Mahar is in his fourth season in the Reds organization, his first since he was the hitting coach at Class A
Daytona in 2015. He spent the 2013 and 2014 seasons as the hitting coach at Billings and the 2016 campaign
working in private business. The former outfielder in the Texas and Philadelphia organizations played in parts of 6
professional seasons, including 7 games for the Major League Rangers in 2007. He collected his first big league hit
on May 17, 2007 off Tampa Bay’s Scott Kazmir. Mahar is a graduate of Indiana University and earned second-team
All-Big Ten honors in 2004. He resides in Jasper, Indiana with wife Atalie and children Stella and Nash.
KYLE UTNE - Athletic Trainer, M.A., ATC
Kyle Utne is in his seventh season with the organization, his first at Class A Dayton. He also worked as an athletic
trainer for the AZL Reds (2011-2012), Rookie Billings (2013), Class A Bakersfield (2014) and Class A Daytona
(2015-2016). In 2016, Utne represented the Reds as the athletic trainer for Peoria in the prestigious Arizona Fall
League. He began his professional career after completing an internship with the Tennessee Smokies in 2009.
Kyle received his bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Illinois State University and his master’s degree in sport
management from East Tennessee State University. In 2015, Kyle was honored with the Florida State Athletic
Trainer of the Year Award. Following the 2015 baseball season, he also worked as the head athletic trainer for the
Junior National USA Luge team traveling in Europe. Kyle is a graduate of Hoffman Estates High School in Illinois
and currently resides in Frisco, TX, with his fiance, Nicole.
TREY STRICKLAND - Strength & Conditioning Coach, M.S., CSCS
Trey Strickland is in his third season with the organization, his first as strength and conditioning coach for Class
A Dayton. He was the strength and conditioning assistant for the Major League club in 2016 and strength and
conditioning coach for Rookie Billings in 2016. Prior to working in professional baseball, Strickland coached
baseball and strength and conditioning for the Darton State College Cavaliers in Albany, GA. Trey received his
bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science from the University of Georgia in 2013 and his master’s degree in
sport and fitness management from Troy University in 2015. He lives in Carrollton, GA.
Billings (Rookie)
RAY MARTINEZ - Manager
Ray Martinez is in his seventh season in the organization, his third as a manager and his second as manager at
Rookie Billings. His previous positions in the system include stints as hitting coach at Rookie AZL Reds (2011),
Billings (2012) and Class A Bakersfield (2013-2014) and as manager at AZL Reds (2015). Martinez, who came
up in the California Angels organization, played in parts of 18 professional seasons with the Florida, Cleveland,
Montreal, New York Mets, Pittsburgh and San Diego organizations. A veteran of more than 1,500 minor league
games, Martinez, 48, resides in Irvine, CA.
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SETH ETHERTON - Pitching Coach
Seth Etherton is in his second season as the pitching coach at Rookie Billings, a position he took over in 2016
in his first year as a coach at the professional level. Etherton was the Angels’ first-round draft pick in 1998 (18th
overall) and went on to play in parts of 4 big league seasons with the Angels, Reds, A’s and Royals. He also
pitched in Korea and Venezuela before retiring in 2012. Etherton, 40, pitched at the University of Southern
California. He lives in the Orange County, CA city of Dana Point.
CHAD CORDERO - Bullpen Coach
Chad Cordero is in his first season in the organization. The 2005 Rolaids Relief Man of the Year pitched in 7
big league seasons for the Expos, Nationals and Mariners. He was Montreal’s first-round pick in the June 2003
draft and collected 128 career saves. Cordero led the Majors with 47 saves in 2005, the same year he made his
only All-Star appearance. Chad pitched for Team USA in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in March 2006.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
ORLANDO MERCED - Hitting Coach
Orlando Merced is in his first season in the organization. He’s served in the same hitting coach role at the minor
league level for the Pirates and Rockies. Orlando managed La Romana in the Dominican Winter League during
the 2013-2014 offseason and helped coach the Puerto Rican national team. He’s also coached/managed in
the Mexican League. Merced played in parts of 13 big league seasons with the Pirates, Blue Jays, Twins, Red
Sox, Cubs, Expos and Astros. He made his Major League debut on 6/27/90 vs Philadelphia and doubled as a
pinch hitter off Ken Howell. His first Major League home run came off Houston’s Pete Harnisch at Three Rivers
Stadium on 5/3/91, the only run scored in a game that lasted just 1 hour, 45 minutes. Merced finished second
to Jeff Bagwell in the voting for National League Rookie of the Year in 1991. He appeared in the 1991 and 1992
NLCS and homered off John Smoltz in Game 3 of the 1991 series.
JESSE GUFFEY - Athletic Trainer, M.S., ATC
Jesse Guffey is in his fourth year with the Reds, his third as the athletic trainer at Rookie Billings. In 2016, he was
selected by his peers as Pioneer League Athletic Trainer of the Year and spent that off-season as head athletic
trainer for Tigres del Licey of the Dominican Winter League. He joined the organization in 2014, when he was named
the Dominican Summer League’s Athletic Trainer of the Year. He is a clinical instructor for the Graston Technique
and holds a certification in Impact Testing for Athletic Trainers. Jesse graduated from Indiana State University in
2012 with a bachelor’s degree in athletic training and from the University of Kentucky in 2013 with a master’s degree
in coaching. In 2012 he was an intern with the Chicago Cubs’ minor league affiliate in Peoria. He is a native of
Scranton, PA.
RYAN ROSS - Athletic Trainer, M.S., ATC
Ryan Ross is in his first season with the organization, his second year in professional baseball. He spent the 2016
season working in the Los Angeles Angels’ player development system. Before working in professional baseball,
Ross served as the primary athletic trainer for the baseball and women’s soccer programs at St. John’s University
and in 2013 worked for the NFL’s New York Jets as a season-long intern. Ross earned his bachelor and master’s
degrees from Seton Hall University. He is a native and resident of Brick, NJ.
ALEX PUSKARICH - Strength & Conditioning Coach, CSCS, USAW
Alex Puskarich is in his first season in the organization. He is a graduate of Arizona State University, a Certified
Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and
a Sports Performance Coach (USAW) through USA Weightlifting. Prior to joining the Reds, Alex worked was
the strength and conditioning coordinator at Prospect Training Academy in Oak Creek, WI. He also worked as
a performance coach at Foothills Acceleration and Sports Training in Peoria, AZ, where he conducted small
group training for youth athletes. During his last semester at ASU, Alex completed an internship at Cressey
Sports Performance in Hudson, MA, where he trained more than 100 athletes affiliated with Major League
Baseball, colleges and high schools. Alex grew up in Madison, WI, and attended La Follette High School,
where he played baseball and hockey. He joined the U.S. Navy after high school and settled in Phoenix after
his enlistment was completed.
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AZL Reds (Rookie)
JOSE MIGUEL NIEVES - Manager
Jose Nieves is in his ninth season in the organization, and his fourth as the manager at Goodyear for the Rookie
AZL Reds. His managerial stints included stops at the Venezuelan Summer League (2009-2010), AZL Reds
(2011-2012, 2016) and Class A Dayton (2013-2015). In addition to his managing duties in Venezuela, he also
served in 2009 as the scouting supervisor there and in 2010 as field coordinator for the Reds Academy in that
country. From 1998-2002, Nieves appeared in 212 Major League games as an infielder with the Cubs and
Angels. Nieves, 41, resides in Buckeye, AZ.
ELMER DESSENS - Pitching Coach
Elmer Dessens is in his fifth season as the pitching coach for the Rookie AZL Reds. His 2016 staff ranked second
in the Arizona League with a 3.46 ERA. Elmer pitched in parts of 14 Major League seasons with the Pirates,
Reds, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Royals, Brewers, Rockies, Braves and Mets. He signed with the Pirates as
an amateur free agent in 1993. In his Major League debut on June 24, 1996, he started against Hall of Famer
Pedro Martinez in Montreal. Dessens went 28-27, 3.94 in 3 seasons as a member of the Reds’ staff, including
an 11-5 season in 2000, a 200-innings season in 2001 and a year in which he posted an impressive 3.03 ERA
in 178 innings in 2002. He appeared in 1 game for the Dodgers in the 2004 NLDS against the Cardinals. Elmer
pitched in the Mexican League and Japanese League and appeared in the 2006 World Baseball Classic as a
member of Team Mexico. He finished his playing career in 2010 and currently resides in Hermosillo, Mexico.
TODD TAKAYOSHI - Hitting coach
Todd Takayoshi is in his second season in the organization and his first as the hitting coach at Goodyear. Last
season he served as the hitting coach at Rookie Billings after spending the previous 3 years as the assistant
hitting coordinator for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Prior to his tenure with the Dodgers, Takayoshi spent 11 years
as a coach in the Angels’ organization, where he was the club’s roving hitting coordinator from 2007-2012 while
serving in a dual role in 2011 as the Angels’ field coordinator. A 2-time minor league batting champion, Takayoshi
was a left-handed hitting catcher who spent 4 years in the Angels’ minor league system from 1993-96 and 2
more seasons with Reno in the independent Western League from 1997-98. Todd, 46, lives in Spanaway, WA.
LENNY HARRIS - Bench Coach
Lenny Harris returns to the organization in 2017. He played for the Reds from 1988-1989 and again from 19941998. He was selected by the Reds in the fifth round of the June 1983 draft. Before joining the Reds’ player
development staff, Lenny spent the previous 5 seasons in the Marlins organization, working as third base coach
in 2016 and parts of 2015. He also worked as the Marlins’ assistant Major League hitting coach and coached on
their Gulf Coast League team. Before joining the Marlins, Lenny spent 3 seasons in the Dodgers organization
as a hitting coach at the minor league level. He began his Major League coaching career in 2008 as hitting
coach for the Nationals after serving parts of 2 seasons as Washington’s minor league field coordinator. Lenny
played 18 Major League seasons with the Reds, Dodgers, Mets, Rockies, Diamondbacks, Brewers, Cubs and
Marlins. He ended his career as Major League Baseball’s all-time pinch-hits leader with 212.
JAMES BALDWIN - Rehabilitation coach
James Baldwin is in his second season in the organization, both as rehabilitation coach at the Goodyear, AZ
facility. He pitched in the Major Leagues for 11 seasons from 1995-2005 for the White Sox, Dodgers, Mariners,
Twins, Mets, Orioles and Rangers. Baldwin was an American League All-Star in 2000 and finished that season
with a 14-7 record. He also made his lone postseason appearance that year, when for Chicago he started
Game 3 of the AL Division Series and pitched 6.0 strong innings in the 2-1 loss at Seattle (3h, 1r, 3bb, 2k).
Baldwin, 45, lives in Pinehurst, NC.
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CLETE SIGWART - Athletic Trainer, ATC
Clete Sigwart is in his eighth season in the organization, his sixth with the Arizona League Reds. He previously
worked in Goodyear (2010, 2013), Class A Bakersfield (2011) and Rookie Billings (2012). He was voted by
his peers the Athletic Trainer of the Year in 1997 in the Florida State League, in 2011 in the California League
and in 2013 both the Arizona League and Minor League Athletic Trainer of the Year. In September 2012, Clete
worked with Team Germany during the 2013 World Baseball Classic’s qualifying round and was assigned
to work with Team Venezuela in the March 2017 WBC. In 2014, Clete served on the medical staff for the
U.S. team at the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game in Minneapolis and for the second straight year worked for
Bravos de Margarita in the Venezuelan Winter League. Before joining the Reds, Sigwart spent 10 seasons in
the Phillies’ minor league system and in 1999 worked for Aguilas in the Venezuelan Winter League. In 1992,
he also worked for the Sacramento Attack of the Arena Football League. A graduate of Ponderosa High
School in Shingle Springs, CA, Sigwart earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from California State
University, Sacramento. Clete lives in Litchfield Park, AZ with his wife, Tacie, and daughter, Haley. Their son,
Blake, is serving our country in the U.S. Air Force.
JUSTIN BUCKO - S&C Coach, SCCC, CSCS, USAW 1, FMS 2, PES
Dominican Summer League (Rookie)
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Justin Bucko is in his first season in the organization following an internship in the Olympic sports department
at the University of Maryland. He played 4 years of football at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where
he completed his bachelor of science degree in physical education-health promotion, then became the head
strength and conditioning coach of Milwaukee Lutheran High School before taking an internship with the
University of Wisconsin. Following that internship with the Badgers, he began a 2-year stint volunteering at
Georgetown University while he obtained his master of science degree in exercise science-sports performance
training from Concordia of Chicago.
JUAN PERALTA - Dominican Academy Director
Juan Peralta is in his 14th season as director of the Reds’ academy in the Dominican Republic, which under
his supervision produced Major Leaguers Johnny Cueto and Juan Francisco. Juan is responsible for the
day-to-day administration of the complex, but he also has served roles as a scouting supervisor and in player
development. He is on the board of directors of the Jose Bautista Foundation, which helps young Dominican
baseball players earn sport scholarships to American universities. A graduate of Troy State University USA,
where he received a baseball scholarship, Juan lives in Santo Domingo, DR with wife Veronica and children
Sebastian, 9, and Miranda, 4.
LUIS SATURRIA - Manager
Luis Saturrio is in his ninth season in the organization, his fourth as manager of one of the Reds’ Dominican
Summer League teams. The former outfielder was signed by the Cardinals in 1994 and played in the Major
Leagues in 2001 and 2002. He also played 1 year in an independent league in Long Island. He lives in the
Dominican Republic with wife Cristina and children Luis Arturo Jr., 18, Luis Michael, 14, and Luis Exevier, 9.
CRISTOBAL RODRIGUEZ - Manager
Cristobal Rodriguez is in his sixth season on the coach staff, his second as a manager of one of the Reds’
Dominican Summer League teams. Signed by the Reds in 2007, he advanced to Class A and played 2 seasons
in the independent league. Crostobal is single and lives in the Dominican Republic.
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PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
LUIS ANDUJAR - Pitching coach
Luis Andujar is in his sixth season as a pitching coach in the organization, his second season as a coordinator.
The righthanded pitcher played in the Major Leagues for the White Sox in 1995 and for the Blue Jays in 1997.
Luis lives in the Dominican Republic with wife Fiordaliza and children Lorenna, 17, Larissa, 14, and Luis Jr., 12 .
LUIS MONTANO - Pitching Coach
Luis Montano is in his sixth season as a pitching coach of one of the Reds’ Dominican Summer League teams. He
was signed by the Reds in 2003 and advanced to Class AA. He has 3 children, Laisha, 17, Nayeli, 15 and Joshua, 8.
JOSE CASTRO - Infield Coach
Jose Castro returns for his fourth season at the Reds’ Dominican Republic Academy, his first as infield coach. He
spent his first 3 seasons as a manager in the Dominican Summer League. Castro was drafted by the Blue Jays in
the 16th round of the June 2004 amateur draft and then was drafted again the next year in the 32nd round by the
Mets. He spent 3 professional seasons in New York’s system before he was traded to the Reds for Jeff Conine in
2007 and from 2007-2011 played for parts of 5 seasons in Cincinnati’s organization. He spent his last professional
season, in 2012, playing for the White Sox’ Class AAA Charlotte affiliate. Overall, in 8 professional seasons Castro
hit .258 in 707 games. Jose, 30, is from Caguas, PR.
JOSH HOBSON - Athletic Trainer, ATC
Josh Hobson is in his first season as a full-time athletic trainer in the organization. In 2015, he completed an
internship at Rookie Billings and in 2016 held a seasonal position at the Reds’ Dominican Republic training
complex. Josh graduated in 2015 from the University of Evansville with a bachelor’s degree in athletic training and
in 2016 from the University of Akron with a master’s degree in sports administration. He resides in Springfield, IL.
WADE HEBRINK - Athletic Trainer, ATC
Wade Hebrink is in his first season in the organization. From August to December 2016, he worked in Clear Lake,
IA for Athletico Physical Therapy as an athletic trainer for Clear Lake High School and the Mason City Mohawk
Hockey Club. The Lake Mills, IA native earned his bachelor’s degree in athletic training from the University of
Northern Iowa in 2014. While at UNI, he completed a summer internship with the Cleveland Indians in Goodyear,
working primarily with the Arizona League Indians. After graduating from UNI, Hebrink served as a graduate
assistant athletic trainer at Syracuse University and primarily served the football and men’s lacrosse teams.
In May 2016, he earned his master’s degree in exercise science from Syracuse University. Hebrink also holds
certifications in CPR/AED and SASTM method of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization.
EDUARDO GARCIA - Strength & Conditioning Coach
Eduardo Garcia is in his third season as a strength and conditioning coach in the organization. He is a personal
trainer certified through the NCSF with athletic training certification from the University Federico Henriquez
Carvajal. Eduardo currently is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in the studies of modern language. He resides in
Santo Domingo, DR with his wife, Kirsy Sencion, and 2-year-old son Erick David.
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RAFAEL HERNANDEZ - Strength & Conditioning Coach, USAW
Rafael Hernandez is in his fifth season in the organization, all as a strength and conditioning coach in the
Dominican Republic for the organization’s baseball academy and Rookie Dominican Summer League teams. In
2015, he earned his degree in physiotherapy from UFHC University of Santo Domingo. Rafael holds CrossFit L1
certification as well as Level 1 Sports Performance certification through the USAW. He resides in Santo Domingo,
DR.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORS & INSTRUCTORS
BILL DORAN - Field Coordinator
TONY FOSSAS - Pitching Coordinator
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Bill Doran is in his fourth season as the organization’s player development field coordinator after spending the
previous 5 seasons as the assistant field coordinator. In 2008, he served as the infield/baserunning coordinator.
During the 2006 and 2007 seasons he was manager Buddy Bell’s bench coach with the Kansas City Royals.
After a brief stint as the hitting coach at Class A Tampa (Yankees), Doran joined the Royals’ Major League staff
in June 2005 as first base coach/infielders coach. From 1995-2001, the former second baseman spent time in
the Reds organization working as a minor league instructor (1995-99), minor league field coordinator (1999),
director of player development (1999-2000) and special assistant to the general manager (2000). He served as
the Reds’ first base coach during the 2001 season. Doran hit .266 during his 12-year big league career with the
Astros (1982-1990), Reds (1990-92) and Brewers (1993) and was a member of the Reds’ 1990 World Series
championship team. In 1991 he was selected as the first recipient of the Good Guy Award by the local chapter
of the BBWAA. Bill is a graduate of Cincinnati’s Mt. Healthy High School and played baseball at the esteemed
Miami University in Oxford. He resides in Cincinnati.
Tony Fossas begins his ninth season in the organization and his second as minor league pitching coordinator.
He spent the 2015 season as pitching coach at Class A Daytona and the 5 years before that as the pitching
coach at Class A Dayton. He served in that capacity for the Dragons from 2009-2011 before spending the 2012
campaign as the pitching coach at Rookie Billings. Prior to joining the Reds organization, Fossas spent 5 seasons
as the pitching coach at Florida Atlantic University. The former southpaw hurler enjoyed a 21-year professional
career, including 10 seasons at the big league level with the Rangers, Brewers, Red Sox, Cardinals, Mariners,
Cubs and Yankees. In his Major League debut on May 15, 1988, he coaxed George Brett into a bases-loaded
inning-ending double play with his first big league pitch. Known as “The Mechanic,” Fossas appeared in the
1996 NLCS as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. Tony, 59, resides in Plantation, FL.
MILT THOMPSON - Hitting Coordinator
Milt Thompson is in his first season in the Reds organization after spending the previous 4 years working in the
Kansas City system. From 2013-2016, he served as the Royals’ outfield, bunting and baserunning coordinator
while also holding down the hitting coach duties in 2014 at Class A Wilmington. Thompson was the Astros’
minor league outfield and baserunning instructor from 2011-2012. From 2005-2010, Milt was on the Major
League staff in Philadelphia and while there won a World Series with the Phillies in 2008. Thompson served as
a coach for the Phillies’ Class AA affiliate in Reading from 1998-1999 and as the organization’s minor league
outfield/baserunning coordinator from 2001-2003. Thompson played 18 professional seasons, including parts
of 11 years in the big leagues. He was Atlanta’s second-round pick in the June 1979 draft. Milt hit .313 for the
Phillies in the 1993 World Series and set a franchise record with 5 RBI in Game 4.
JOEL NOBOA - Latin America Field/Hitting Coordinator
Joel Noboa is in his 12th season in the organization. He began his coaching career with the Reds as Dominican
Republic field coordinator and also managed for 2 seasons in the Dominican Summer League. In 2011, he was
named Latin America field coordinator/Latin liaison, overseeing the Dominican Republic and Venezuelan player
development operations. Joel also travels to our minor league affiliates and works with the Latin players in the
hitting and mental aspects of the game. He has been the hitting coach for Tigres Del Licey in the Dominican
Winter League. Noboa spent 4 seasons in the Diamondbacks’ organization after signing in 1997 but also played
in the Red Sox and Expos’ systems. He lives in Santo Domingo with wife Sorange, daughters Nashla, 9, and
Ashley, 5, and son Joel Isaac, 1.
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PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
DARREN BRAGG - Roving Outfield / Baserunning Instructor
Darren Bragg is in his 11th season in the organization, his ninth as outfield/baserunning coordinator. In 2007
and 2008 he served as the hitting coach at Class A Dayton. A Connecticut native, Bragg enjoyed a 14-year
professional playing career that included parts of 11 seasons in the Major Leagues with Seattle (1994-96),
Boston (1996-98), St. Louis (1999), Colorado (2000), New York Mets (2001), New York Yankees (2001), Atlanta
(2003), San Diego (2004) and Cincinnati (2004). He attended Georgia Tech and in 2002 was inducted into that
university’s Hall of Fame. In 1989 he set an NCAA record with 73 walks and in both 1990 and 1991 earned
All-ACC honors. He also played for Team USA in the 1990 Goodwill Games. Darren, 47, resides in Southbury,
CT with wife Kathleen and daughters Riley, Reese and Regan.
CORKY MILLER - Roving Catching Instructor
After a 17-year professional playing career, Corky Miller is in his third season as a roving catching instructor in
the Reds’ minor league system. The previous 2 seasons, in addition to his roving duties he worked as Class
A Dayton’s catching coach. Miller played in parts of 11 Major League seasons with the Reds, Twins, Red Sox,
Braves and White Sox. He also played in 10 seasons for Class AAA Louisville, a franchise record. Miller is
Louisville’s all-time leader with 548 games played and 99 doubles. Following the 2000 season he was voted
the “player you want most in your clubhouse” and the “player who will make the best future manager” in a USA
Today Baseball Weekly poll of his Southern League peers. In a 2003 poll of International League managers,
Miller was named the league’s best defensive catcher. In 2013, at age 37, Corky became the oldest Reds player
to start a game at catcher since 37-year-old Bob Scheffing in 1951. On August 31, 2014 at Louisville Slugger
Field, the Bats retired #8, the first uniform number retired by the Louisville franchise.
MEDICAL, STRENGTH & CONDITIONING AND PHYSICAL THERAPY STAFF
RICHARD STARK - Director of Minor League Medical Administration, MA, ATC
Richard Stark is in his 25th season in professional baseball, his 12th in the organization and his first as Director of Minor
League Medical Administration. After working for the Milwaukee Brewers and San Francisco Giants, he joined the Reds in
2006 as medical coordinator. Stark was voted by his peers the California League Athletic Trainer of the Year in 1995 and
the Minor League Coordinator of the Year in 2010 and 2011. In March 2013, Stark worked in the World Baseball Classic
as head athletic trainer for tournament champion Dominican Republic and in 2015 served as an athletic trainer for the
SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Great American Ball Park. A 1982 graduate of Lincoln High School in Stockton, CA,
he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and athletic training from California State University, Sacramento
(1987) and a master’s degree in biomechanics and athletic training from the University of the Pacific (1997). Richard
lives in Gilbert, AZ with his wife Allison, daughter Savanna and son Jax.
PATRICK SERBUS - Director of Athletic Training, M.Ed., ATC, CSCS
Patrick Serbus is in his 17th season in professional baseball, his eighth with the Reds and his first as Director of Athletic
Training. He spent the previous 4 seasons as the player development athletic trainer coordinator, and from 2010-2012
he was the organization’s medical administrator. Serbus also worked for the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Francisco
Giants and Detroit Tigers, with experience at every level of minor league baseball. Serbus maintains a dual credential as
a Certified Athletic Trainer (1998) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (2000). He holds a master’s degree
in exercise physiology from Texas State University (2000) and a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Illinois State
University (1998). A graduate of Rich East High School in Park Forest, IL, Patrick lives in Peoria, AZ with wife Sara and
sons Mason, Nolan and Colson.
BRAD EPSTEIN - Director of Physical Therapy/Rehab, DPT, PT, ATC
Brad Epstein is in his eighth season in the organization, his first as Director Physical Therapy/Rehab. He spent the
2010-2016 seasons as physical therapist/rehabilitation coordinator. Before joining the Reds, in 2009 Brad worked as
a physical therapist at New York SportsMed and at Physical Therapy in New York City. He also completed internships
with the New York Jets, Cleveland Indians and Toronto Blue Jays. A 2001 graduate of Watkins Mill High School in
Gaithersburg, Maryland, in 2005 Epstein received a bachelor’s degree in athletic training and pre-physical therapy from
Baldwin-Wallace University and in 2009 he earned a doctorate of physical therapy from Columbia University. Brad and
his wife, Randi, live in Buckeye, AZ with their 4-year-old son, Parker Reid.
ZACH GJESTVANG - Strength & Conditioning Coordinator, M.S., CSCS, RSCC
Zach Gjestvang is in his 13th season in the organization, his fourth as strength and conditioning coordinator. He spent
his first 9 seasons as minor league strength and conditioning coach. Gjestvang has worked for rookie affiliates Billings
(2005, 2011), AZL Goodyear (2010, 2012-2013) and GCL Sarasota (2008-2009) in addition to Class A Sarasota (2007)
and Class AAA Louisville (2006). He was named 2011 Pioneer League Strength Coach of the Year 2012 Arizona
League Strength Coach of the Year. A 1999 graduate of Moorhead (MN) Senior High School, Gjestvang received his
bachelor’s degree in exercise science in 2003 from Minnesota State University, Moorhead and his master’s in exercise
science and health promotion/performance enhancement and injury prevention in 2008 from California University of
Pennsylvania. He lives in Goodyear, AZ with wife Andrea, son Rohn and daughter Ayla.
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MORGAN GREGORY - Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coordinator, M.S., RSCC, PES
Morgan Gregory is in his fifth season in the organization, his second as assistant strength and conditioning coordinator.
He spent his first 3 seasons as strength and conditioning coach at Class A Dayton (2013-2014) and at Class A Daytona
(2015). In 2014, Morgan earned his master’s degree in performance enhancement and injury prevention from California
University of Pennsylvania and in 2011 graduated from Carson-Newman College with a bachelor’s degree in exercise
science. He resides in Goodyear, AZ.
MARCUS AHRENS - Physical Therapist, DPT, PT, CSCS
Marcus Ahrens is in his first full-time season with the organization, following an internship in which he worked with Reds
players on injury rehabilitation. Prior to joining the Reds he worked as a physical therapist at PHLEX NYC in New York
City, where as clinical director he treated professional athletes. Ahrens earned his doctorate in physical therapy in 2013
from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in integrative physiology with a minor in psychology in 2009 from the
University of Iowa. Marcus was born and raised in Iowa City, IA and lives in Phoenix, AZ with his wife, Erin.
Josh Bickel is in his first season in the organization after working in the Phoenix area as a physical therapist. In 2014,
he completed the Proaxis Therapy Sports Residency in Greenville, SC and became licensed as a Sports Certified
Specialist (SCS). Following residency, Josh completed the ATI Physical Therapy Upper Extremity Athlete Fellowship
program and spent the 2016 season with the Kansas City Royals at their spring training facility in Surprise. A graduate
of La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, NM, in 2008 he received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Concordia
University-Irvine and in 2013 his doctorate in physical therapy from Midwestern University. Josh and his wife, Cathleen,
live in Surprise, AZ.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
JOSH BICKEL - Physical Therapist, DPT, PT, SCS
CHARLES LEDDON - Director of Sports Science Initiatives, PhD, ATC, CSCS
Charles Leddon is in his 11th season with the Reds, his second as the Director of Sports Science Initiatives. He was
the athletic trainer at Rookie Billings from 2007-2010, at Class AA Carolina in 2011 and at Class AA Pensacola from
2012-2015. Prior to taking his current position, he served as the Sports Medicine Research Director at the prestigious
Andrews Research and Education Foundation. Before joining the Reds, Charles worked in the New York Mets, Boston
Red Sox and Kansas City Royals minor league systems. Leddon was voted the Athletic Trainer of the Year 4 times
(Southern League 2013, Pioneer League 2009 & 2010, Texas League 2003) and served as the athletic trainer for the
1992 NCAA College World Series champion Pepperdine Waves, 1996 Florida State League champion Port St. Lucie
Mets and 2004 Arizona Fall League champion Phoenix Desert Dogs. A graduate of Rancho High School in Las Vegas,
Leddon graduated from Pepperdine with a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine and received a master’s degree in
biomechanics as well as a doctorate in sports medicine from Oregon State University. He lives in Phoenix, AZ with wife
Kimberlee and sons Jonah and Sawyer.
FRANK PFISTER - Mental Skills Coach
Frank Pfister was hired in November 2015 for the newly-created position of mental skills coach. An infielder and catcher,
he played 5 seasons in the Reds’ minor league system from 2008-2012, followed by 2 more years in the independent
Frontier League. After his team won the Frontier League championship in 2013, Pfister retired as a player and accepted
a position with the Reds as an intern in baseball operations, where he worked in the front office and at Rookie Billings
in 2014. He then worked part-time as a consultant assisting Reds minor league players with the development of mental
skills. Before being drafted by the Reds in 2008, Pfister earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy with a minor in music
at Emory University. He earned Emory’s Award for outstanding athletic performance in a team-based sport in 2008, was
named MVP of the 2007 South Regional tournament, was a 3-time All-Conference third baseman and conference MVP
in 2008 and still holds Emory’s all-time record for most hits in a season. Pfister lives in Los Angeles.
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