Mark Parent, who guided the Reading Phillies to the playoffs in 2011 as their first-year manager, has been named as the Chicago White Sox bench coach, as announced earlier today by the White Sox.

Parent, 50, spent two seasons in the Philadelphia Phillies organization – leading Single-A Lakewood to a championship in 2010, and the R-Phils to the playoffs in 2011. A former catcher, Parent spent 13 seasons in the Majors for the Padres, Orioles, Phillies, Cubs, Pirates, and Tigers.

A native of Ashland, Oregon, Parent led Reading to a 74-68 record in the regular season. His club won the Eastern League Eastern Division’s wild card, and went on to face defending-champion New Hampshire in the first round. Reading lost in four games to New Hampshire, who went on to win the Eastern League championship for the second-straight season.

The R-Phils would like to congratulate Mark and wish him much luck in his new position. It was a pleasure to have him lead the team in 2011. He was a fine manager, and fine person, and we all wish him much success in Chicago. We know he will do well in the Windy City!