Milwaukee Brewers Name Coaching Staff for Helena
Helena, Montana November 28, 2011- The Milwaukee Brewers have announced their Player Development staff for the 2012 season. Jeff Isom will manage the Helena Brewers in 2012. It will be his second stint in Helena and sixth season with the Milwaukee Brewers organization.
Isom managed at Brevard County in 2011, leading the team to a 62-76 record, including a 35-33 mark in the second half. Prior to managing the Manatees, Isom spent two seasons as the manager of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the Brewers Class-A Midwest League affiliate. He also managed Class-A West Virginia (2008) and Helena in 2007. In Helena, Isom managed the Brewers to a 48-28 mark while capturing the first-half title in the Pioneer League's Northern Division. Before joining the Brewers, Isom spent seven years managing in the independent leagues. During his playing career, Isom spent three seasons as a pitcher in the Pittsburgh Pirates (1993-94) and San Diego Padres (1994-95) organizations.
"In the past, Jeff Isom has requested returning to Helena because of his experience with the community and league. Don Money, the veteran Brewer ex-player and manager will assist Isom introducing our young players to professional baseball. We feel that this a great fit for both clubs bringing experience and the Brewer way on the field." Reid Nichols, Director of Player Development for the Milwaukee Brewers, said.
Money spent the previous 14 seasons managing in the Brewers organization between Class-A and Triple-A, five times leading his teams to the playoffs. Money was named Southern League Manager of the Year in 2007. He enjoyed a 16-year Major League playing career with Philadelphia (1968-72) and Milwaukee (1973-83). A four-time all-star with Milwaukee, Money was the first player in the Brewers organization to start an All-Star game. He was named team MVP in 1974 and 1977 as well as a member of the 1982 American League Champion squad. In 2005, Money was inducted as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers "Walk of Fame."
Pitching Coach Elvin Nina will be returning to Helena for his fourth season. In 2011, Nina led the Helena pitching staff that recorded the second-lowest ERA in the Pioneer League. Jimmy Gentry will return as athletic trainer in his fourth season in Helena.
Joe Ayrault and Ned Yost IV have been assigned to Class-A Brevard County in the roles of Manager and Hitting Coach, respectively. Nichols said: "We are pleased to announce that we have been able to promote and maintain high quality leadership from within the organization. Joe Ayrault with Ned Yost is taking over the helm, allowing both to be closer to home."