D-Braves announce 2013 field staff

DANVILLE, Va. -- The Danville Braves announced Wednesday the on-field staff for the 2012 season will return for 2013. Jonathan Schuerholz will return for his second year managing the Danville Braves. Hitting coach Rick Albert will return for his second year in a row and third year overall with the D-Braves (manager, 1997). Returning to the Danville staff for his third season will be pitching coach Gabe Luckert.

Schuerholz will be in his fifth year overall in the Braves organization as a coach or instructor. Prior to his first year in Danville, he was the GCL Braves manager (2011) and a Braves roving instructor (2009-10). The former infielder was an eighth-round selection of the Braves in 2002 and played for the Danville Braves that summer. The Auburn University graduate continued to play in the Braves Minor League system through the 2007 season before retiring.

Joining Schuerholz in the dugout will be hitting coach Rick Albert. A staple in the Braves organization since 1972, Rick will continue his long working relationship with the Braves with his second year in a row with Danville. Prior to coming to Danville he spent the 2010 and 2011 seasons with the GCL Braves. The New York native has nine seasons of experience managing in the organization, as well as coaching at various levels in the Braves organization. Rick's son Luke was a first baseman on the 2002 Danville Braves squad.

Returning for a third year as pitching coach in Danville is Gabe Luckert. Prior to coming to Danville, he was the pitching coach for three seasons with the GCL Braves. As a player, Luckert spent parts of three seasons in the Cubs and Giants organizations, retiring after the 1999 season. He has been with the Braves since 2001 and has also served as a manager with the DSL Braves in previous seasons.

Rounding out the staff will be new athletic trainer Joe Luat. The Oakland, Calif. native received his Master of Science degree in Athletic Training at California Baptist University in 2010. This will be Joe's third season with the Braves having been an assistant athletic trainer with the GCL Braves the past two seasons.

The 2013 Danville Braves begin their 20th Anniversary season at home on June 20 versus the Princeton Rays. For further information on the schedule, season tickets, promotional nights and/or partnership opportunities, please contact the Danville Braves office at (434) 797-3792, email at [email protected], or log on to www.dbraves.com.