Phillip Wellman named manager of the 2023 El Paso Chihuahuas
Phillip Wellman has been named the new manager of the El Paso Chihuahuas for the 2023 season, the Chihuahuas and the San Diego Padres announced Wednesday.
Wellman becomes the seventh manager in Chihuahuas history; he replaces Jared Sandberg.
The Chihuahuas’ 2023 staff also includes pitching coach Scott Mitchell, assistant pitching coach Jimmy Jones, hitting coach Raul Padron and bench coach Brian Esposito.
“I’m extremely excited about the coming season. The Padres have blessed me with a tremendous staff and I’m sure we’ll have very talented players as well. Going to work in a top notch facility with a loyal fan base is something I look forward to being a part of,” Wellman said.
MountainStar Sports Group President Alan Ledford said: “Throughout our history, and thanks to our Major League affiliate the San Diego Padres, the Chihuahuas have been fortunate to be led by talented and experienced coaching staffs and managers, many with a long-term background in professional baseball. No doubt that our extraordinary on-field success has been a result of the leadership of these individuals.”
Wellman is entering his eighth season in the Padres organization and his 35th as a manager or coach in Minor League Baseball. Prior to joining the Padres, Wellman worked in the Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Angels organizations. He was the manager for Double-A championship teams in the Southern League (2008 with the Mississippi Braves) and the Texas League (2019 with the Amarillo Sod Poodles). Wellman played professionally in the Braves, Minnesota Twins and Pittsburgh Pirates organizations from 1984-1987.
Mitchell is entering his first season in the Padres organization. He was previously a pitching coach in the Florida Marlins organization from 2002-10, including two seasons in the Pacific Coast League with New Orleans. He was most recently a pitching coordinator for the Pirates from 2011-20 and will resume his coaching career with the Chihuahuas. He pitched in the Montreal Expos organization from 1995-2001, reaching Triple-A Ottawa.
Jones is entering his 15th season in the Padres organization and was High-A Fort Wayne’s pitching coach in 2022. He was Double-A San Antonio’s pitching coach from 2009-19. Jones was the third overall pick in the 1982 June Amateur Draft and pitched in the major leagues with the Padres, New York Yankees, Houston Astros and Montreal Expos from 1986-93.
Padron is entering his eighth season in the Padres organization and was Double-A San Antonio’s hitting coach for the past five years. He played from 2004-13 and reached Triple-A Sacramento in the PCL in the Oakland Athletics organization in 2008 and 2009.
Esposito is entering his second season in the Padres organization after managing High-A Fort Wayne in 2022. He managed in the Pirates organization from 2014-21, including three seasons at Triple-A Indianapolis. As a player, he reached the major leagues with the Cardinals in 2007 and the Astros in 2010.
The Chihuahuas’ 2023 regular season starts on Friday, March 31, at home against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Houston Astros affiliate). Tickets for opening day will go on sale at a later date.
Season Seat Memberships are on sale now. Payment plans are available with flexible ticket package options. Deposits also are being taken for Groups and Premium Areas. For more information, call 915-533-BASE (2273), text 915-666-2005 or visit epchihuahuas.com.
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This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Phillip Wellman new manager of 2023 El Paso Chihuahuas baseball team
