Tony DeFrancesco will not return to Houston Astros/Fresno Grizzlies in 2018
FRESNO, Calif. - It's been announced 2017 Fresno Grizzlies Manager Tony DeFrancesco will not return to the Houston Astros organization for the 2018 season. DeFrancesco led Fresno to a winning record in each of his three seasons at the helm, his clubs compiling a record of 234-194 (.547) from 2015-2017.
FRESNO, Calif. - It's been announced 2017 Fresno Grizzlies Manager Tony DeFrancesco will not return to the Houston Astros organization for the 2018 season. DeFrancesco led Fresno to a winning record in each of his three seasons at the helm, his clubs compiling a record of 234-194 (.547) from 2015-2017. The run marked the first time in franchise history (since 1998) the Grizzlies completed three consecutive winning seasons.
On April 9 of the most recent season, DeFrancesco reached the 1,000 win plateau as a Triple-A manager, with a 5-3 win over Reno at Fresno's Chukchansi Park. The organization has released the following statement:
We are forever grateful to Tony DeFrancesco for his contributions to the latest chapter of professional baseball in Fresno. "Tony D" helped deliver the Grizzlies' elusive first championship during the thrilling 2015 postseason. No matter what the front office requested from the clubhouse, he was always tremendous to work with. We thank him for presiding over three winning clubs in Fresno, and wish him the best wherever baseball takes him next. We look forward to another successful season with the Houston Astros in 2018 under new leadership on the field.
#Growlifornia
ABOUT THE FRESNO GRIZZLIES
The Fresno Grizzlies, Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, are a member of the 16-team Pacific Coast League and are one of 30 teams in the world playing the highest level of Minor League Baseball. The team plays at 12,500-seat Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno, which is also a year-round community gathering place, hosting myriad other special events beyond Grizzlies' games, such as concerts, professional soccer and high school sporting events. The Grizzlies will enter the 2018 season - their 20th in Fresno - on the momentum of three consecutive winning seasons, including a PCL and National Championship in 2015. For information on 2017 Fresno Grizzlies season ticket and mini-plans, fans should call the Grizzlies' ticket office at 559.320.TIXS between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Fitzer's Walk-Off Completes Comeback
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Mena, Bullpen Shutout Rawhide Wednesday Night
BOX SCORE A stifling pitching performance equated to the first home shutout of the season as Bryan Mena led the Fresno Grizzlies (20-27) to 3-0 victory over the Visalia Rawhide (22-25) Wednesday night at Chukchansi Park. Mena kept the Rawhide silent for 5.2 innings using great efficiency through the first
Despite Homers to Force Extras, Grizzlies Fall
BOX SCORE Despite battling back to force extra-innings with a pair of home runs, the Fresno Grizzlies (19-27) fell 4-3 in 11 innings to the Visalia Rawhide (22-24) Tuesday evening at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. The Rawhide opened the game with a pair of hits that produced a run
Fresno Tacos 10-Year Anniversary, Celebrity Appearance, and Candy Craze Highlight Exciting Series
Fresno, CA – The Fresno Grizzlies are set for another unforgettable series at Chukchansi Park, hosting the Visalia Rawhide from Tuesday, May 27 through Sunday, June 1. Fans will enjoy iconic celebrations, special celebrity appearances, and family-friendly fun all week long. Series Highlights: Friday, May 30 – 10-Year Fresno Tacos
Offensive Explosion Backs Johnson Jr.
BOX SCORE An offensive outburst helped the Fresno Grizzlies (19-25) breakthrough and back a strong start from Lebarron Johnson Jr. on their way to a 10-4 win over the San Jose Giants (24-20) Saturday night at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. Johnson Jr. worked through traffic in each of the
Missed Chances Cost Grizzlies Friday Night
BOX SCORE The chances piled up late, but the Fresno Grizzlies (18-25) couldn’t break through in a 2-0 loss to the San Jose Giants (24-19) Friday night at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. The Grizzlies left eight runners on, including the tying and winning runs in the bottom of the
Early Deficit Turns into Thursday Defeat
BOX SCORE A 7-run first inning put the Fresno Grizzlies (18-24) behind the eight ball on their way to a 16-2 defeat at the hands of the San Jose Giants (23-19) Thursday night at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. San Jose took the lead just two batters into the game
Bullpen Battle Tilts Against Fresno
BOX SCORE One day after the Fresno Grizzlies (18-23) flipped the game against the bullpen, they failed to replicate the effort in a 4-3 loss to the San Jose Giants (22-19) Wednesday night at Chukchansi Park. San Jose scored on a run on the first three pitches of the game
Key Defensive Plays Help Grizzlies Take Opener
BOX SCORE Pitching and defense swung the series opener in favor of the Fresno Grizzlies (18-22) pulled out a 3-2 victory against the San Jose Giants (21-19) Tuesday afternoon at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. Errors put the Grizzlies in an early hole but strong pitching throughout and some key
Growers Night, Grizzlies’ First Drone Show, and Parker’s Birthday Highlight Late May Series
Fresno, CA – The Fresno Grizzlies welcome fans to Chukchansi Park for another thrilling homestand from Tuesday, May 20 through Sunday, May 25 against the San Jose Giants. Fans can anticipate a week filled with special tributes, groundbreaking entertainment, and festive celebrations. Series Highlights: Friday, May 23 – Growers Night
Grizzlies Drop Series Finale
BOX SCORE With the series in hand, the Fresno Grizzlies (17-22) showed flashes of the offensive punch they delivered throughout the series but ultimately fell 12-3 in the series finale against the Lake Elsinore Storm (17-22) Sunday afternoon at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore. The Grizzlies got off to a
Grizzlies Erase Five Run Deficit in Win
BOX SCORE Down to the final strike, the Fresno Grizzlies (17-21) overcame a five-run deficit to win 6-5 and earn a series victory over the Lake Elsinore Storm (16-22) Saturday night at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore. Robert Calaz came up with the big hit in the clutch, one night
Five-Run First, Stingy Bullpen Quiet Storm
BOX SCORE Robert Calaz belted a three-run homer in the first and four Fresno Grizzlies (16-21) pitchers combined to hold onto the 6-3 win over the Lake Elsinore Storm (16-21) Friday night at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore. Calaz’s fourth homer of the year sparked a big first inning for
Unearned Run Costs Grizzlies Thursday Night Loss
BOX SCORE An unearned run in the first inning was the sole blemish in the Fresno Grizzlies (15-21) 1-0 loss to the Lake Elsinore Storm (16-20) Thursday night at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore. Both teams had chances to score throughout but were a combined 1-13 with runners in scoring
Herrera, Grizzlies Shutout Storm
BOX SCORE One night after the offense carried the game away, the first shutout in ten months propelled the Fresno Grizzlies (15-20) to a 3-0 victory over the Lake Elsinore Storm (15-20) Wednesday afternoon at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore. Marcos Herrera dazzled in his first start for the Fresno
Grizzlies Turn Around Slow Start, Cruise to 12-3 Win
BOX SCORE Down early, the Fresno Grizzlies (14-20) completely turned things around on their hosts on the way to a 12-3 series opening win over the Lake Elsinore Storm (15-19) Tuesday night at Diamond Stadium in Lake Elsinore. It was a long first inning for the Grizzlies and Lebarron Johnson
Tequila Fest Returns This Saturday with Ludacris, Juvenile, Ying Yang Twins, and Nina Sky
Fresno, CA – Tequila Fest is back at Chukchansi Park this Saturday, May 17, and promises to deliver its biggest lineup yet. Presented by Deleón Tequila, the star-studded festival is headlined by legendary performers Ludacris, Juvenile, Ying Yang Twins, and Nina Sky, alongside local DJs and other exciting acts. Hosted
Missed Chances Pile Up in Extra-Innings Loss
BOX SCORE A messy finish spilled into extra-innings as a 6-5 decision slipped away from the Fresno Grizzlies (13-20) in 11 innings in the series finale against the Modesto Nuts (20-13) Sunday afternoon at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. The Grizzlies had their chances despite trailing most of the day,
Catlett, Bullpen Buoy Grizzlies to Series Victory
BOX SCORE After leaning on the offense for big numbers through the first four games of the series, the Fresno Grizzlies (13-19) relied heavily on the bullpen for a 2-1 win over the Modesto Nuts (19-13) Saturday night at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. Forced into action before even the
Clutch Hitting Propels Grizzlies to Victory
BOX SCORE Two-out hitting thrilled the largest home crowd in Minor League Baseball on Friday night as the Fresno Grizzlies (12-19) scored their first five runs with clutch hits before cruising to an 8-1 victory over the Modesto Nuts (19-12) Saturday Night in front of 10,175 fans at Chukchansi Park
Grizzlies Slug, Shutdown Modesto in 12-2 Route
BOX SCORE A complete performance, carried by a trio of explosive offensive innings, carried the Fresno Grizzlies (11-19) their largest victory of the season, a 12-2 route over the California League North leading Modesto Nuts (19-11) Thursday night at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. The Grizzlies posted their highest scoring
Clifford Keys Comeback, Grizzlies Fall in 10
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Calaz, Mena Power Grizzlies in Series Opener
BOX SCORE A lengthy start was backed by several key hits and a four-run inning as the Fresno Grizzlies (10-18) dropped the division leading Modesto Nuts (18-10) Tuesday afternoon at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. The Grizzlies scored first for the 5th time in the last six games as Tommy
Star Wars, Dino Nuggets, and Mother’s Day Highlight Grizzlies’ First May Homestand
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