Perezchica named Smokies Manager

Team announces the entire coaching staff

The Arizona Diamondbacks and Tennessee Smokies announced the Smokies’ 2005 coaching staff, led by manager Tony Perezchica.Perezchica guided the Class A South Bend Silver Hawks to a first half championship in the Midwest League and a berth in the league’s championship series in 2004.  A veteran of 13 seasons as a player, Perezchica will enter his third season as a manager, all in the Diamondbacks organization.Perezchica also spent six seasons as a coach in the Yankees chain as a hitting coach; at Triple A Columbus (1998), Double A Norwich (1997, 2002), and Class A Greensboro (1999-2001).  He worked the infield during his 13 years of pro ball from 1984-1996, appearing in the majors with the Giants (1988, ‘90, ‘91) and Indians (1991-92).Don Carlson (pitching coach) and Eric Fox (hitting coach) make for a trifecta of coaches with major league experience.  They will join the Smokies after serving in the same roles last year at Class A Lancaster.Carlson, a native of Portland, Oregon, will be in his fourth season with the D-Backs.  He has coached at Lancaster, South Bend, and Missoula (rookie).As a player, Carlson appeared in 23 major league games and compiled a 105-69 records in 311 minor league contests.  He pitched for Arizona, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, and in Japan.Fox is in his second season with the Diamondbacks after serving as the hitting coach at Lancaster in 2004.  He had a 14-year playing career in the Oakland, Texas, Los Angeles, Baltimore, and Philadelphia organizations. Fox made his major league debut with Oakland on July 7, 1992, and appeared in 4 games of the A.L.C.S. against Toronto that season.  An All-America in 1983 at Fresno State, Fox also played football for the Bulldogs for two seasons.Fox has also coached at Triple A Ottawa (2000) and Harrisburg (‘01) of the Expos chain, and coached for Indians affiliates at Class A Columbus in 1998 and Double A Akron in 1999.
Award winning trainer Rodger Fleming will join the staff as head trainer. Fleming, the 2004 Minor League Trainer of the Year, has been with Arizona’s Double A affiliate for the last 3 seasons.Ed Yong, in his second season in the D-Backs organization, will serve as strength coach.The Smokies open the 2004 season, their first as an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, at Mobile (Ala.) on Thursday, April 7.  The 2004 home opener at Smokies Park is Thursday, April 15, also against Mobile. Ticket packages are now on sale by calling the Smokies office at (865) 286-2300.