Saltdogs Name Coaching Staff
Former Major Leaguer Bobby Randall Joins Saltdogs Staff; Allen and Workman Return
LINCOLN, Neb. * The Lincoln Saltdogs announced today that former major league player and college/professional coach Bobby Randall will join the team as hitting/third base coach, and that pitching coach Jim Allen and first base coach Mike Workman will return this season.
Randall has spent the past few seasons as a coach in the Milwaukee Brewers organization. Last season, Randall served as hitting coach for the Helena Brewers (Rookie) and in 2004 he coached third base and served a hitting coach for the Indianapolis Indians (AAA).
A former Kansas State University shortstop, the Norton, KS native was drafted in the second round of the 1969 draft (32nd pick overall) by the Los Angeles Dodgers and played 12 seasons of professional baseball, including five seasons with the Minnesota Twins. Prior to his coaching role with the Brewers organization, he served as head coach at the Univeristy of Kansas for seven seasons (1995-2002) after spending 14 seasons as a coach at Iowa State University, the last 11 as head coach.
"Bobby has an exceptional baseball mind," said Saltdogs Manager Tim Johnson. "He has the ability to make us a better hitting ballclub," added Johnson.
Randall replaces Ira Smith, who was hired by the Joliet Jackhammers last December, as hitting coach. In 2005, the Saltdogs led the Northern League in hitting with a .302. batting average.
***Items of Interest***
Drafted three times by the Los Angeles Dodgers organization
Replaced Hall of Fame Player Rod Carew at Second Base
Set a Minnesota Twins second basemen record with a .985 fielding % in 1977.
Coached former Saltdogs Coach, and current Calgary Vipers Manager, Mike Busch at Iowa State University
Randall and his wife, Libby, reside in Lawrence, KS.
Pitching Coach Jim Allen will return to Lincoln to begin his second year with the Saltdogs. Last season, the Saltdogs had a team ERA of 4.62.
Allen, a Phoenix, AZ native, spent 30 years with the San Diego Padres organization pitching batting practice. Signed out of Cal Western by the Padres as a player, Allen also spent seven years in the Los Angeles Dodger's organization. During the 1972 season, he played with Saltdogs Manager Tim Johnson in El Paso and has also been a teammate of Bobby Randall in the Dodgers organization.
Allen is excited about returning to Lincoln. "Last year was a great learning experience for me, personally. Having Bobby (Randall) on the staff and working again with TJ brings back some great memories," said Allen. "I hope we can create some new memories for Lincoln this season."
Rounding out the 2006 Saltdogs coaching staff is Mike Workman, who will begin his third season on the coaching staff.
"I'm thankful for the opportunity the Saltdogs have, again, given to me," said Workman. "My goal is to become a manager and everyday is a learning experience for me."
"Mike is willing to do anything we ask him to do, in order to help the team win. That's why I wanted him back this season," said Saltdogs Manager Tim Johnson. "He has a good heart and can relate well to the players.'
Workman will be the first base coach for the Saltdogs. The Funk, NE native is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Kearney and played baseball for the Lopers.
The Lincoln Saltdogs, members of the American Association of Independent League Professional Baseball, will begin their sixth season of professional baseball on May 11, 2006 in Pensacola with the first pitch scheduled at 6:35 pm. The first home game at Haymarket Park is scheduled for Tuesday, May 23rd against the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 pm.
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