Former Dragons Manager Joins Reds Coaching Staff

Dayton, Ohio-Freddie Benavides, the manager of the inaugural Dayton Dragons in 2000, has been named to the coaching staff of the Cincinnati Reds. Benavides will focus on infield instruction in his new assignment.

The Reds coaching staff under new manager Bryan Price will be as follows: 

Jay Bell, bench coach

Don Long, hitting coach

Jeff Pico, pitching coach

Steve Smith, third base coach

Billy Hatcher, first base coach

Mack Jenkins, bullpen coach

Mike Stefanski, catching coach

Freddie Benavides, coach

Benavides has worked in player development for the Reds for the last 15 seasons. For the last six years, he has served as Reds Minor League Field Coordinator, a role in which he has overseen on-field instruction in the Reds farm system. Benavides was drafted and signed by the Reds in 1987 out of Texas Christian University. He played in the Major Leagues for the Reds in 1991-'92, with Colorado in 1993, and for Montreal in 1994.

In 2000, Benavides served as the manager of the Dragons and led the team into the Midwest League playoffs. The 2000 Dragons featured Adam Dunn and Austin Kearns.

Benavides has been a frequent visitor to Fifth Third Field as Reds Minor League Field Coordinator. In this role, he has supervised Reds Minor League managers, coaches, and instructors and worked in a hands-on instructional capacity with Reds minor league players. He has become known for his tremendous work ethic and instructional skills with a great attention to detail.

Click here for the full story on the coaching staff from Reds.com.

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